ABIGAIL WILLIAMS

ABORTED

Reviewer: Karma

ALL SHALL PERISH

Nuclear Blast Records, 2008

Reviewer: Kate

All Shall Perish has significant abilities including their songwriting skills. Even though it’s not much of a departure from what they usually do, the boys manage to throw some curve balls and pull it off very nicely. First of Hernan Hermida’s vocals are cleaner and he even pulls off a Halford-esque scream halfway through the album. There is also more texture and atmosphere that’s mixed in with the brutality and aggression. The title track shows off some the band's newer sound with dueling guitar melodies and extended solos, bringing back traditional metal.

“Memories of a Glass Sanctuary” is a gothic ballad with clean, melodic vocals that are more in the vein of bands like Opeth, which might raise a few eyebrows but it's very well done. “When Life Meant More” goes back to their roots and is probably more of a familiar style to the listeners. “Black gold Reign” is where Hermida let’s loose his power metal falsetto scream and may throw you off again but it's worth a listen.

“Stabbing to Purge Dissimulation”, “Gagged, Bound, Shelved and Forgotten” and “Until the End” are more back to basic numbers that show off monstrous breakdowns. “From So Far Away” demonstrates the numerous talents of guitarists Chris Storey and Ben Orum, a great piece that doesn’t overstay it's welcome.

So there it is, old fans might not like the band trying out a newer sound and pushing the boundaries but it’s a diverse album that is memorable and should make your way into your collection!

Prosthetic Records, 2008

Reviewer: Karma

All the rage Bostonian heroes, All That Remains, are back with another release to their expanding collection with the appropriately titled CD Overcome. Since the band’s last successful album, The Fall of Ideals, the band suffered yet another member loss, drummer Shannon Lucas however ATR gained ex-Diecast drummer extraordinaire Jason Costa to plug the hole. The entirely cohesive unit managed to crank out one helluva sparkling “hit” with their latest. Many consider it the band’s most commercial release to date while there is truth to that but for the sake of argument let’s use another word shall we? Let’s use accessible! The high technical standards by which All That Remains have been held to still apply here folks: nose-breaking riffs, blazing drums, harmonious melodies vs. harsh vocals of one Mr. Phil Labonte… it’s just toned down and perhaps done in efforts to pursue or to reach a larger market. What the fuck is so wrong about that? It is EVERY band’s dream to “make it” is it not? To have the name of their band emblazoned on the backs of every metalhead, to be next household name and lastly seeing their names appear on mile high marquees, right. Otherwise, why even bother?

The biggest complaint that once could launch is the clinical or sterility of the vast majority of the songs on the CD. Songs like “Days Without” would have registered as a 10.0 a major catastrophe on the Richter Scale if created in years past. Not to say the band has lost its fervor or passion because that is ever-present on tracks like “Chiron” and “Relinquish” which are shades of the ATR that diehards have grown to love. Studio wise there’s just something missing. The thing of it is Overcome translates well live, again just not sure why it did not do the same in recorded format. The band even did a classic Nevermore cover “Believe In Nothing,” musically speaking it was masterfully executed (as in sounding better than the original) shockingly enough the vocal performance is little off. It’s like the CD itself is divvied into two halves, the hard-hitting section and the “easily reached” portion. 

Two bonus tracks appear on the Japanese version, “Frozen” and the radio version of “Two Weeks.” Bright spots on the CD include Jeanne Segan’s performance on the bass is exceptional along with blistering foot and handwork of Jason Costa on drums. It goes without saying that the superb riffs supplied by lead guitarist Oli Herbert and rhythm guitarist Mike Martin have only become more amazing with every release. “Relinquish,” “Two Weeks” and “Chiron” are exceptional. Overall, the easy on the ears Overcome will undoubtedly be the fancy of the Warped Tour going high school populous; here’s to hoping the band will move hordes of units with their current formula.

AMON AMARTH

Twilight of the Thunder Gods is a crushing follow up to With Oden on Our Side features some stars this go round asides from cello masters Apocalyptica, a guitar solo on the title track, "Twilight of the Thunder Gods" by Children of Bodom's Roope Latavala and vocal performance by fellow countrymen L.G. Petrov, lead screamer for cult band Entombed on a personal favourite "Guardians of Asgaard" Amon Amarth will definitely be immortalised in the halls of Valhalla with this amazing effort! Raise the mjölner high!!!!!!!! -- Karma

The Healing

Napalm Records, 2008

Reviewer: Karma

Reviewer: Kate

Hailing from Texas, Averse Sefira has conquered the American black metal scene with their complex songwriting and ambient pieces, courtesy of the Lady of the Evening Faces. Sounding more like Immolation than anything this album comes across with densely layered riffs, technical blast beats that drives each track forward and a bass line that’s not only audible but often rises above the massive wall of guitar. The songs are structured with complexity that’s broken up by pieces of dark ambience provided on occasion by Lady of the Evening Faces.

Advent Parallax is an album that you’ll have to listen to more than once because aside from a few melodic riffs there a no hooks to speak of or catchiness, it’s not a bad thing at all; it’s extremely brutal and might throw the listener off at first. The production is clear and aggressive while staying audible and modern. Each phrase has a different meaning to it but they are all tied together perfectly.

The opener, “Decension,” blazes through and is followed up by the second track; “Séance in a Warrior’s Memory” presents itself with a more modern Darkthrone influence with its punk-like riffs and fast tempo. “Viral Kinesis” follows with more tempo changes and brutal riffs. “Cognition of Rebirth” follows with a slower opening but still contains a good mix of death and black metal.

Nothing bad can be said about Advent Parallax and if you have an appreciation for the work that goes into a true black metal album then you will go out and pick up a copy!

Reviewer: Kate

The mastermind behind is Arjen Anthony Lucassen and he has put together an epic of an ensemble with Tom S. Englund (Evergrey), Jorn Lande and Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian), Steve Lee (Gotthard), Jonas Renske (Katatonia), Simone Simons (Epica), and Ty Tabor (Kings X). An impressive ensemble of instrumentalists were also assembled, including guitarist Michael Romeo (Symphony X), keyboardist Derek Shirinian (Planet X), and drummer Ed Warby (Gorefest). The concept of this album is about a race of people and the struggle for emotional survival in the generation of technology and their unfortunate dependence on it. Not enjoying this too much, they hop on a comet and fly to earth. But things don't go to smoothly, crashing into the planet and killing all the dinosaurs, creating mankind. This is the fourth of Ayreon’s concept albums.

Ayreon has always combined progressive with metal but with this album he’s added on electronics and a hint of folk metal as well. “Age of Shadows” opens with an almost Rammstein-esque stomping riff. “Unnatural Selection” has some great 80's hard rock choruses and “River of Time” is more folk metal influenced than anything. The new album is widely diverse but still maintains an epic mood. Renske delivers his trademark vocals throughout the album and is a nice contrast to the music. Lande also offers his vocal talents and is first rate on here.

But does 0101101 deliver without sounding boring or pretentious? I would say so, there are a few tracks that go on for a little too long and could be cut a little shorter but this is a great progressive album that offers a little more for the listener! Is it a great album? Well, it won’t win any one who hates this style but it's something worthwhile to check out!

Canadian death metal band Beneath the Massacre is one of the bright spots in metal; all puns intended! Their latest release Dystopia is not for the faint of heart. The demonic growls of Elliot Desgagnés, fast paced drums by Justin Rousselle and frenzied guitar work by Christopher Bradley make for an almost perfect death metal disc. Clearly, the bands influences would include Suffocation, Carcass, and Origin but these youngsters are holding their own on this release.

Even though the disc is hard to follow in some spots, tracks like “No Future” and the first track “Condemned” are promising. I am a fan of some death metal, the aforementioned Suffocation being one of my favorites. However, I also realize that the noisiness of bands like this one can make one lose focus. Even though the tracks are short, the album is too long. Maybe a seven or eight track album would have been better. Nevertheless, Beneath the Massacre delivers with Dystopia and if you are a bigger death metal head than me, you will enjoy this!

BIOMECHANICAL

UK metallers Biomechanical have released the follow-up to Empires of the World, called Cannibalised. The minute you put this disc in the player your eyes will probably bulge out of your head and you’ll scream, "HOLY FUCK!" The opening track “Fallen in Fear” is a maniacal track that has you wondering whether it's coming or going. Singer, John K’s screams and yells remind me a lot of music I used to despise back in the day before becoming a huge metal head. These songs my classmates, that were metal detractors, used to make fun of; constant noise and not knowing what the hell they are saying. However, since I started liking this music at the tender age of seventeen, I have come to appreciate that noise. This album would be no exception.

THRASH YOUR ASS OFF! You can't dance to it, it’s not very melodic even though at certain points like the track “Breathing Silence”, there are some classical overtones. However, throughout the piece, John K and company release some of that frantic energy that stems from a falling out the band had last year. I particularly can hear, the Geoff Tate/Bruce Dickenson like vocals that John K displays, which seems to fit along with the chaotic pace of the record.

Cannibalised, seems to be the perfect title for this album. You feel like you've been eaten and spit back out or you feel like chewing on someone for pure enjoyment. The ferocity of it might be hard to match. If anyone can, then they should get a fuckin medal.

BISON B.C.1/2

Bison B.C. is a nice call-back to the hazy days of early Sabbath and the furious thrash days of 80’s Metallica with a little stoner rock thrown in. There’s nothing fancy or eccentric on this album. Just straightforward, thick guitar riffs accompanied by James Farwell’s low growls and wails that have a sense of punk influence to them and just grinds through the tracks in 45 minutes.

“Primal Emptiness of Outer Space” leads off with a nice build with chugging guitars and drums and goes into Farwell’s more punk vocals before going back into a guitar riff that is classic Sabbath. “Dark Towers” is a thrashier track with some punk undertone to it that makes the song even more hectic but still has kind of a groove to it that catches you by surprise.

“These Are My Dress Clothes” doesn’t seem to be the most impressive track in the beginning but halfway through Farwell lets out a blood curdling yell that has the hairs stand up on the back of your neck before a chanting chorus of “These are my dress clothes!” that makes you want to pump your fist in the air and chant along with the band.

Though a little repetitious at times, Quiet Earth is a solid release from Bison B.C. which will probably have you wanting to throw on one of your old concert shirts and acid-washed jeans! Seriously though, these guys are worth checking out!

For a younger band Black Tide is heavily influence by 80’s style hair metal and thrash which is not the only thing that makes this band unique. The fact that the lead singer and guitarist, Gabriel Garcia is only fifteen years old is another unique characteristic. Yeah, I’m not gonna say what I was doing at fifteen but it wasn’t going on tour with the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, that’s for damn sure. They are full of enthusiasm and hunger which has been missing from some bands out there and has been for awhile.

These kids know how to play and they prove that on the opener, “Shockwave”, its influences being of the Metallica Kill ’Em All era. “Enterprise” is in vein of old Iron Maiden while “Live Fast and Die Young” could probably be found somewhere on a Mötley Crüe album. The Metallica cover of “Hit the Lights” was a good effort but didn’t quite make it, old school fans will probably be turned off by this. Some of the songwriting would be considered somewhat weak but nothing that a little more experience couldn’t fix.

Thrash fans should give these guys a chance there is ton of talent and potential here. I see a lot of big things in store for these guys and should be proud of what they’ve accomplished so far. Black Tide has made a damn good debut album here and I can’t what to see what we’ll hear in the future!

THE CAST PATTERN

Nuclear Blast Records, 2008

Demo, 2008

Darkness before Dawn is a one person act that is solely instrumental, no vocals at all, and combines a mix of dark ambiance with experimental keyboards. The artwork is intriguing, showing a picture of a lonely vampire traipsing through the dark woods under a full moon, that echoes feelings of isolation.

The opening track “No Escape” seeps in with with a doom-like progression, and though the artist claims to be black metal it is mostly gothic and experimental, with some haunting key notes and overtones that would be appropriate for a gothic vampire film score.

Though a little repetitive, the tracks do carry eerie melodies that are dark and hauntingly beautiful, the artist carries much talent in this field and is worth giving a listen to. If you are into the gothic ambiance then I would definitely give this album a try.

Season of Mist, 2008

DEATH ANGEL

Killing Season

Nuclear Blast Records, 2008

Reviewer: Sharita

California thrashers Death Angel return with their first release since the Art of Dying, Killing Season. Being a big fan of theirs, I knew that the album would be a hard hitting, in your face piece with melodic riffs. From the opening track, “Lord of Hate” to the last track “Resurrection Machine”, Death Angel shows that they have not lost a beat. The album is produced by Nick Raskulinecz who also produced Foo Fighters.

As per usual, vocalist Mark Osegueda delivers the thought provoking vocals that fans have come accustomed to throughout every song. Not to mention guitarists Rob Cavestany and Ted Aguilar provide the complex riffs that mesmerize even the most astute guitar players. Dennis Pepa and Andy Galeon hold it together on bass and drums respectively.

On every track, you can hear the trademarks that have made Death Angel famous and damn near legendary. “Dethroned” is by far my favorite track. It reminds me a lot of what Metallica used to be, strong vocals with musical arrangements that everyone would be trying to play. Other tracks that kick ass include, “Soulless”, “When Worlds Collide” and “Sonic Beatdown”.

This album is not for the faint of heart. In fact, it's for those fans who are still into old school thrash that made you want to kick somebody in the face and mosh ‘til morning. If that is you, then you'll enjoy this album. Hail to the one of the original kings of thrash!

Til Death Do Us Apart

Reviewer: Sharita

When a band releases their first album, most of the time it sounds very raw and choppy; sometimes even demo-like. Not in the case of Degradead, whose first full-length album Til Death Do Us Part just blew me away. The album sounds very polished and nearly flawless! Of course, these Swedes have the benefit of being produced by H.O.R.D.E. who are the musicians from In Flames minus the vocalist, Anders Fridén. When you have that going for you, it has to be fabulous.

However, don’t get me wrong. They are by no means In Flames copycats; they’re a band who can hold its own and judging by the way the latest In Flames album sound, these guys are ready to take over where they left off. Obviously by listening, you can hear the influences of the aforementioned, but you can also hear a bit of Soilwork and At The Gates. This quintet shows its talent throughout the record.

The guitar riffs and rhythm section are damn near exceptional and the Mikael Sehlin shows his range with howls and growls that are comparable to the previously mentioned Fridén as well as Satyr from Satyricon. This album is hard, melodic and even downright catchy. Can death metal be catchy? Well, I guess the answer would be a resounding yes. The album starts out with “Genetic Waste” which kicks ass right from the beginning. The bludgeoning continues through the whole record with other tracks like, “Take Control”, “Burned”, “Revelations through Humanity”, as well as “Reborn.”

Degradead’s first release is an album that you must hear. These guys have a lot to live up to and if they continue to put out material like this they will be a force to be reckoned with.

DEMAINS

InsideOut Records, 2008

Ultra Beatdown

Reviewer: Kate

With the musicians that Engel contains in their lineup, you really can't go wrong. The band was originated in 2005 by Niclas Engelin, former guitarist for Guardian and In Flames. Along with Marcus Sunesson, former guitarist of The Crown, drummer Mojjo, formerly of Lord Belial, bassist Michael Håkansson, formerly of Evergrey and vocalist Mangan Klavborn. Not only that but you have In Flames vocalist Anders Fridén producing the album, with a crew like this I would be expecting some top-notch material.

I'm not disappointed, this album is bad-ass. It’s not your typical death metal album at all, in fact I wouldn't really even call it death metal. It’s melodic metal with the class Swedish style but still contains a good amount of anger and brutality. For example, “Trial and Error”, great track that's in your face with aggression. “Casket Closing” is another song that stands out with a catchy chorus, I would say that is one of the album's strongest tracks by far.

“Seven Ends” is a great closer that also contains a phenomenal yet sad chorus that will have you singing along with it for days. The opening riff to “Hurricane Season” is awesome and it also stands out with lots of atmosphere and a thickness to the chorus. “Propaganda” has a fierce guitar playing from Niclas and some great lyrics from Mangan. The only tracks I'm not too fond of are “Descend” and “Next Closed Door” they're not bad at all but I’m not really too fond of the laid back vibe on either one. It just takes away a little from the force of the other tracks. “The Paraclete” is yet another fine track with some great harmonies on it. I’ve heard critics say that they have a problem with Mangan’s vocals but it really flows well with the music and runs very smoothly throughout the whole album.

Overall this a fantastic album, if you’re expecting straight ahead death metal then this is not for you. This a combination of brute force with clean melody and Engel does a fine job putting both together.

ENSLAVED(5.666 Pentagrams)

Vertebrae

Indie Recordings / Nuclear Blast Records USA, 2008

Reviewer: Karma

EYES SET TO KILL

Reach

Breaksilence Records, 2008

Reviewer: Matt Nadbrzuch

This is an album which I’m almost embarrassed to like as much as I do. The male members’ floppy haircuts and ironic T-shirts betray the band’s screamo status, a sub-genre I generally revile. This Phoenix, AZ quintet brings a lot more to the table however. Eyes Set to Kill was founded by twins Alexia and Anissa Rodriguez who share guitar, bass, and vocal duties with Brandon Anderson. The band’s most striking component is the juxtaposition of the ladies’ silky-smooth singing with Anderson’s tortured (or is it whiney?) yelp. This constant change of tone keeps the listener on their toes and leads to some of the album’s catchiest moments. The vocals are also accompanied by several honest-to-goodness guitar solos as well as the occasional keyboard run. Lyrically the album centers on relationships and their pitfalls disguised within flowery, gothic poetry (thumbs down on the requisite vampire references).

Fury and The Fallen Ones

Century Media Records/Mediaskare, 2008

I mainly am reviewing this CD because I've come to admire The Ghost Inside and as they are an indie hardcore band from the West coast I'm hoping a review will help boost their popularity if just a little. I must admit first that their style and sound is not necessarily original if that's what you're looking for, but as far as hardcore or similar genres go they definitely stand as a solid example of the classification. Fury & The Fallen Ones begins with "Provoke", a fast-paced song with a short package of lyrics and references to serpents (I think of Oh, Sleeper automatically). Upon purchasing the CD and listening to it the first time through, the line in this track that stuck out the must was at the very end, where vocalist John Vigil growls, "It's in my head/On my mind/It's in my fucking head" over some nice choppy riffs. F&TFO is absolutely chock-a-block full of polished breakdowns, by the way - to the point where you listen to the entire CD on a high volume unconsciously. "Destined" is the second track, which until recently was my most favorite. The lyrics speak of making a serious decision that determines a situation for the rest of your life, and (as with their other songs) the lyrics are short and to the point. Destiny and dreams are common themes on the album; it's also mentioned in "Siren's Song"; a relatively heavy song that also happens to have beautiful lyrical and melody structures. In "Destined" I find the chorus-like break, "Give me a chance/I'll make you proud of me/Give me a chance/I promise to succeed" touching. I'm not even a parent and thinking of my son requesting such while trying to thrive in a hardcore band is something that just might make my eyes tear, haha. The breakdown at the end is incredible; everything stops and Vigil screams, "A line was drawn and then my choice was made" before you get your face pummeled by some serious riffs. The third track, "Faith Or Forgiveness" can be considered the 'single' off of this record. The band recorded a simple video for it which can be found on YouTube. This song is infamous among listeners due to another brutal breakdown at the end; "I'll see you when the sun sets".

Vigil has a really great voice that I always see people compare to the vocalist of Parkway Drive. I don't listen to Parkway Drive much, but if he does sound like their vocalist that's just too bad; he really can't help how his vocal cords are designed. His voice is really grungy, yet you can understand him well and that's what I'm digging (and with that being said, as much as I love Norma Jean, Cory Brandan's lyrics are extremely hard to decipher by just listening). "Disintegrator" is a good track, but "The Brave" is one of my favorites. If you pay attention to Vigil's lyrics you start to realize how beautiful TGI's music actually is (if hardcore boys will go that far). In "The Brave", my absolute favorite line is during a break where Vigil says, "Today cowardice comes so easily/And my friend, failure comes naturally to me/I've been knocked down before/Time to get the fuck up". It's brutal, but at the same time consists of a concept so easily grasped by any human who's been through anything. Between this song and "Siren's Song" there's a short instrumental clip that is absolutely gorgeous. The chorus of "Siren's Song" is also beautiful: "Destiny sure had a plan for me/It's nothing new for some of you/A Siren's song to get you through". All is delivered through Vigil's heavy vocals - there is no singing on this record - but it manages to be gorgeous in its own way and that is one reason why I'm impressed. Plus the excess of breakdowns; that makes anyone happy.  

On to "Shiner"! What sticks out most in this track is a very melodic break in the middle that reminds me so much of a song by the Tennessee hardcore group Sophia. Besides that, this isn't my favorite track. "Revolutionary (Bang the Drum)" has an awesome example of just how powerful Vigil's vocals are; there's a nice breakdown in the middle over which John gurgles, "Like pigs to the slaughter/You drop dead in a pool of you own filth". I get chills listening to that part. It's a good track to two-step too. "Inherent Youth" is my favorite track off this album, not only lyrically but musically as well. Vigil talks about cherishing life, but also talks of making something of himself and being proud, especially in the "chorus": "Maybe someday I'll be something more/Something bigger than this/Maybe someday I'll be someone/Someone important". The song is fast-paced with lots of double bass and trademark breakdowns (which I am a sucker for). The best comes with a break similar to that in "Destined" where Vigil screams, "Why won't the world just see there is nothing wrong with me?/Why can't the world just see there is nothing wrong with us?". It may sound emo, but you can't really deny you've felt that way at one time or another. Having it delivered in a song in such a bold way - along with many other lines on this CD - is what I love about this genre. "Smoke and Signal Fires" is a short instrumental track (just guitars) which is nice chill music. "The Lion War" is right back into the normal pace, with vocals that sound nothing like Vigil for quite a while. The lyrical theme is confusion and inner confinement from what I can make of it. This song has at least two wonderful breakdowns with the usual choppy riffs, but they're still excellent. The key lyric in this song that stuck out was at the beginning of the second breakdown: "This is one part of me that I will never be able to set free". At 02:25 minutes it is short and oh so sweet. The very last track on TGI's debut album is "Blue & Gold". These just happen to be my school colors - "woohoo".. Despite this, it is the perfect way to end a pristine hardcore album. It speaks outright on a dislike of conformity, made clear by the lyric "Become a black sheep with me". This is an overused topic in any genre, but put over the musical structure it becomes unavoidably catchy.

Summary: Fury & The Fallen Ones is a really fast-paced album with original and unoriginal parts, which is to be expected with most hardcore albums released in this generation. The lyrics are real, short, and without the excess of metaphors and figurative language. The tracks are bloated with strong breakdowns and riffs, both simple and technical. No matter what anyone says, this is an epic album if you're looking for something to dance to.

GOJIRA(3.666 Pentagrams)

The Way of All Flesh

Since the issue of Gojira’s 2006 From Mars To Sirius, enough can’t be said of the band’s follow through. Encouraging feedback by respected musicians to devoted fans from around the world. Not to mention the overall positive mojo the band, themselves, possess. You expect nothing less than a stellar follow-up album. This stimulatingly moody album is reminiscent of Goth industrial classics in its arrangements with a hint of light doom metal. Between the whale singing guitars, complex riffs, didgeridoos and Randy Blythe offering guest vocals on “All The Tears” (which is by far the best song on the album), this album has many faces, with each face a effigy of each musical influence learned along the way thus far. And they let us know about it. Each song is just as important as the next, unwrapping an intricate package. Case in point: “The Silver Cord”. An instrumental airy trip invoking a false state of comfort because before you know it you’re thrust into the indigenous sounds of “The Art Of Dying”. Vocalist Joe Duplantier’s involvement in Cavalera Conspiracy is present on the album. Other noteworthy soon-to-be concert gems include “Vacuity” and “Oroborus,” which are a much-welcomed departure from pervious releases. You can honestly say that with each release Gojira outdo themselves. Old fans will need to give this one a few listens before making an opinion however newcomers will be impressed by the hype surrounding this band and what tasty new subgenres of progressive death metal can produce.

GWEN STACEY

Reviewer: Maggie

Before I begin, avid listeners are aware that Cole Wallace is no longer the vocalist of Gwen Stacy, and he has been replaced by former guitarist Bobby Oakley. So in this review I will be referring to Cole's performance on the album unless otherwise stated.

The Life I Know begins with "The Path To Certainty", a powerful, heavy track that makes for a very strong intro. Cole's vocals are loud, clear, and clean. Brent Schindler sings back up vocals for many of the tracks, and because of his melodic breaks the band has one of a large amount of female fans. I personally prefer Cole's screams. "Crawl in humility before you walk in honor" is one of the best lines from this album, not just because of how it's delivered but the gist of the words themselves. "I Was Born With Two First Names" is equally heavy with some spot-on riffing and more deep vocals, though it takes on a more gloomy tone. The best characteristic of Gwen Stacy (besides amazing lyrics) is how they structure their songs, how the vocals fit in with the music. The break where Wallace screams, "Let me out of this mess/No one has a reason to act this way" always comes to mind when I think of this track because of how weird the structure is under the vocals; it's awesome. The repeated lyric, "This is family/This is pure" is also featured on one of their hoodies. "Challenger Pt. 2" is interesting because there's a part near the middle where several lines from different verses are chopped together with random, jumpy guitar riffs and it almost makes you feel anxious. There is also an absolutely brutal breakdown (reprised at the end of the track) where there are huge gaps between guitar riffs and tons of washes and Wallace is screaming, "The selfish receive their own", which when played live is one of the most memorable parts of the experience. And interesting thing I will bring up/explain later is how some lyrics from songs are related. In "Challenger Pt. 2" there is the line "I've got some lines for you to hear/Hear them from the bottom of my heart". This is unimportant now, but remember it later.

"If We Live Right, We Can't Die Wrong" is track number 4 and for a change has a relatively slow intro. This soon lets loose into the normal Gwen Stacy brutality. The lyrics of this song makes it my favorite off the album, the chorus is: "Still I know if I close my eyes and silence my heart/I can hear a voice quietly calling my name". This may just be me, but I love subtle relations to spirituality, haha. The next line is "I see now that grace is but an illusion of safety", which I find somewhat disturbing and hopefully I can ask Schindler about it at some point. There's so much riffing in this song it's hard to not kill things when you listen to this song. And the title of the album is directly stated in the line, "What am I expect when I don't understand? Here is the life I know". This is a beautiful and brutal track. "What Will Happen If I Hit Enter" is equally as magical, and it mentions another common topic in hardcore (or any music) - failure. "Every time I feel as though I've tried/I fail/And no one wants to be a failure" Wallace screams with his wonderful, gritty vocals. "Here is the life I know" is repeated directly in the song again, and that goes back to my point about relating to other tracks (like if you have The Agony Scene's The Darkest Red, words and phrases are repeated often in different tracks). It may be insignificant, but it starts to bother you with curiosity after a while. "The Fear In Your Eyes" is the 'single' off this CD for which they have a music video. When first listening to The Life I Know, the line "I may not make it back/But I'll make sure someone never forgets me" over those.. juicy (haha) guitar riffs stuck in my head forever. Schindler's back up vocals make this song very catchy and creates a weird, brutal, dancey beat. The vocal delivery during the bridge "I decide who will live and who will die" will make you drool if the breakdowns haven't already. "Playing God Is Playing For Keeps" is my least favorite track off the CD, but I love the break with the line, "Tonight we rest free men" because it reminds me of 300 for some reason.

"Falling From the Fence" begins immediately with Wallace's strong vocals and metaphorical lyrics, "We run in circles/Chasing our shadows/On a track that leads to nowhere". The most memorable part of this song is a vocal break where everything is quiet except for TJ on the drums, Brent's bass and Wallace's gargles, "I've made my choice/I'll take a chance/Don't wait for me/No slowing down/No turning back/Don't wait for me". Track ten is instrumental for 3 whole minutes, a beautiful mesh of a technical beat and guitar work which grows to include all the other elements as well. The song is dark and seems to describe Hell and Satan in an abstract way. "Gone Fishing. See You In A Year" is the song everyone knows! A wonderful piece of work from Gwen Stacy, "Gone Fishing" begins with a heavy (yet unoriginal) riff that explodes into some of Cole's loudest vocals. I swear on this track he gets louder. The part I could listen to over and over is "I'll take a step/I'll take a step/I'll take a step for truth/I'll take a step for my life" - the hair on the back of your neck stands straight up. The heaviest song from the CD suddenly becomes more peaceful when it fizzles down to just Brent belting out his warm harmonies. This is one of the best songs to hear live. Track eleven, "Paved Gold With Good Intentions" is often overlooked, but this is where I can relate back to "Challenger Pt. 2". In "Paved Gold", the very first thing Wallace sings is, "I pray that these words reach deep enough to find your heart" and in "What Will Happen If I Hit Enter" he sings, "So talk with me as I move my mouth/I'm pouring my heart out enough for you to see". Much of this album is about being heard and comfort. Who knew such "angry music" could be about comfort? Anyway, "Paved Gold" reflects weakness and apprehension up until a brutal breakdown with the vocals, "I am the one/The only one that you're afraid of". On to the finishing touch! "I'll Splatter You Like Jackson Pollock" is the very last track, and it does deliver. It has a nice combination of Wallace and Schindler's vocals, creating a harmony of dirty and clean that gets stuck in your head easily. All I have to say is the very last lyric of the entire CD is, "Make an effort to change your ways or your ways will change you". And if that isn't a Mr. Roger's life moral made sick I don't know what is.

Summary: Awesome, powerful hardcore with meaningful lyrics and life lessons etched in. There are more breakdowns than you could ask for in one bite and roaring vocals that challenge the big cats. Midwest hardcore seems to be catching up to the West and the East.

THE HAUNTED

This is probably one of the most experimental and progressive albums for the death metallers, In Flames. Anders Friden's vocals are definitely in the forefront and has changed his style from the shrill scream he usually doles out to something with more of a modern edge to it. It's still there but seems to have more of a punch to it. “The Mirror's Truth” is one of the catchiest tunes on here with great hooks and chorus. “Disconnected” is another great track with an epic chorus in the middle some killer guitar riffs.

Anders' vocals take a much more melodic turn on “Sleepless Again” as well as “Alias” which also has some great keyboard work that lends a good amount of depth to the track. “Move Through Me” is probably one of the most experimental tracks and ventures away from In Flames usual style. Well, more I would say it's a combination of old and new In Flames. Very impressive track. “Sober and Irrelevant” erupts with more Anders force and anger while the “Chosen Pessimist” stays at a very somber level. While some may not like it, I actually do because it breaks up the album a little bit and offers even more ambiance to the listener. “Condemned” and “Drenched in Fear” show fans that they are still as heavy as ever. “Eraser” is probably one of the best and also one of my favorite tracks on A Sense of Purpose with some great riffs and classic shrieks from Anders.

A Sense of Purpose still remains brutal but will probably throw listeners for a loop. It's experimental and unpredictable but it's worth your time to listen before you dismiss it. There's no real complaints to give and I don't hear any weaknesses to report. I'm glad to see that In Flames is willing to take yet another step forward with their music and hope fans out there will support that!

JAM PAIN SOCIETY

Black Light Society

Locomotive Records, 2008

Reviewer: Karma 

Jam Pain Society is a female fronted North Carolina based band and offers an exciting twist to rock infused metal. The hard-hitting Black Light Society will pummel your ass into next week. This band is not overly flashy or complex but the smashing guitars of composer/guitarist Chris Hill and the bass of Matt Frederick & Greg Putnam (6-String Bass) is always in your face and pouncing on top of you like a panther in the night! So if you were paying attention two bassists were cited and that is something else that makes the sound of this band appear larger than life, two bassists! The vocals of Leah Kirby are phenomenal, as she possesses power and beauty in her aggressive yet rhythmic style. The sound effects used throughout the album really take you back to the earlier part of this decade…you remember, when electronics were used in songs and it was still relatively fresh. Well we have Jam Pain Society to thank for opening up that time capsule!

As far as how the individual tracks stack up, “So Here It Is” is a (excuse me for this reference) mix between Sevendust, Janet Jackson’s “Control” and Black Label Society! On “Wasted” Kirby truly shows her amazing vocal talents as she mixes it up between the ways she screams, not to mention the notes she hits truly warms the cuckolds of the heart! Drummer Nick Campbell crashing cymbals are hardcore along with the guitars/basses but the guitar solo on this song is matchless!

“You Made Me” is a hell of a humdinger; the slow sludgy disco-esque groove is just down right funky. Kirby’s vocals layer over the song like hot butter on a griddle, in which they sound rather Aretha Franklinish! I shit you not…or some other soul singer from the 70’s. The bassists are definitely a factor in the success of this song. A sparkling addition to Black Light Society is the appearance of KISS guitarist Ace Frehley; he plays lead guitar on “The Ride.” This particular song is an über BLSesque guitar blazing wonder! As for the rest 0f the album, it is just plain appetizing!

It’s not hard to discern the major influences contained in Jam Pain Society music as it serves as the ultimate homage to bands like KISS, Parliament/Funkadelic, Motown, Ronnie James Dio, Rush… For many of you, Black Light Messiah may be a bit of a stretch but it’s good damn music; step out of your comfort zone for a bit and give this baby a chance!

KATAKLYSM

Prevail is an album that proves this band has evolved over the years, going from a relatively unknown death metal band in the nineties to a powerful force that’s meant to be reckoned with today. With their previous release, In the Arms of Devastation Kataklysm retained their trademark of their groove-oriented metal style and with Prevail they’ve managed to take that even a step further. They know how to expand their diversity and ability to bring in more diversity and a balance of death metal and melody.

A perfect example is the opening title track, “Prevail”, that shows that although melodies maybe creeping their way in to the music, it’s still capable of banging your head at neck-breaking speed with brutality and force. “Breathe to Dominate” and “Vultures are Watching” are on the same front as the great Amon Amarth with combined power and melody. Vocalist Maurizio Iacono alternates between his deathly growls and high pitched screams. Guitarist JF Dagenais throws down vicious riffs and doubles the melodic output. “The Last Effort” is a great instrumental track that contains a blazing solo. The only track that tripped me up is “Taking the World by Storm” where they made of taken the whole melodic effort a little too far but does not take anything away from the album as a whole.

Kataklysm are back and are on the right track with this album. Containing crushing power, Prevail will not disappoint metal fans and should not be overlooked by any means!!

KEEP OF KALESSIN

Kolossus

Nuclear Blast Records, 2008

Reviewer: Karma

Billed as “the next big thing” Norwegian four-piece powerhouse Keep of Kalessin puts their money where the hype is with Kolossus their fourth release as this CD more than lives up to the flurry of the pre-release media blitz and definitely will put them on the map! Without a doubt, this band will no longer dwell in the underground! Kolossus offers something new to the burnt out ear while searing your flesh with sheer supremacy! From the very beginning, you are instantly drawn into the enthralling darkened dreamscape Keep of Kalessin so eloquently paints. With opening track “Origin,” the onslaught of asskickery continues until the dragon’s claw has released you some fifty-one minutes later closing with “Ascendant,” which slices through your senses like a white-hot knife.  

Rising above their previous releases, the refined Keep of Kalessin boldly stands ahead of their “contemporaries” against the barrage of this years’ (or any other for that matter) characterless releases. It’s refreshing to hear an album like Kolossus battle the all too familiar mundane release which is done solely for the sake of being brutal. This CD however, is infused with the perfect meld of gritty “passion and aggression” containing some pretty original arrangements with beautiful piano work and orchestral parts in “Rising Sign” offering a brief break from sweet brutality, not to mention the crushing guitar solos contained within. The lushly blackened opus “Origin” perfectly sets the tone for the entire CD. The anthemic “Against the Gods” contains some infectious and uncompromising hooks; it comes close to sensory overload! There are other surprises like the track “Warmonger” sounding VERY Gothenburg Sound-like…dare I say In Flames-eque (nej, nej, nej...the good era) but with a darkened, diabolical twist making it their own! Title track “Kolossus” is a wickedly funk-infused testament to this band’s immense talent. 

The most impressive part is that the band is able to capture their mind numbing live sound into studio form, as it is understood not everyone has the capability of doing such. Throughout the CD frontman Torbjørn Schei, excuse me, Thebon’s infectious vocals remain strapping and discernable! Speaking of brawn, Obsidian C. (Arnt Gronbech) flexes his musical muscle on guitar as well as the keys. Bassist Wizziac unbending performance adds to the oratory landscape as well as the unabashed and uncompromising drums of Vyl (Vegard Larsen). Kolossus shows the immense depth of Keep of Kalessin’s musicianship as they have released one helluva complex yet simplistic opus! And here I thought Armada was the shit! Inarguably Kolossus remains one of my favourite albums of the year. Once you have a listen, you will have the same opinion! You too will be rendered defenseless unable to disengage yourself from Keep of Kalessin’s blackened magick!

MINISTRY & Co-Conspirators(3.666 Pentagrams)

Cover Up

13th Planet/Megaforce, 2008

Remember what lured you into industrial music in the first place? Well, those points are documented on Ministry’s last hurrah, Cover Up. Yes, this is in part a cover album (boo, hiss) but there are some of thee BEST renditions you’ll ever hear and what better way to hear them than in an industrial interpretation.

Cover Up is the party to end all parties. Example: “Roadhouse Blues. Just Got Paid.  Space Truckin’’. You will be involved in a few libations and a circle pit or two in the near future after listening to Cover Up! You have been warned. “Under My Thumb” has Fear Factory’s Burton C. Bell behind the wheel with an awesome Gary Numan influenced rendition. Prong’s Tommy Victor is in the driver’s seat for a couple of ditties, “Mississippi Queen” being in a faster tempo than other recordings I’ve heard to date, are a delight. And not to be under minded, Dr. Al delivers a few seductively seedy spins on some old classics in rock history. “Lay Lady Lay” at the top of the list. Don’t you love how Al brings people together? And as an extra treat, a clean well-mastered version of “Supernaut” performed by 1000 Homo DJ’s makes an appearance. All of these classics were mastered at Al’s 13^th Planet Studios with a warm, sweaty undertone made to make you feel, well, nasty. Good times indeed! With the politically charged release of The Last Sucker, being the last legitimate studio album being released, Cover Up is unquestionably a great closer to an influential reign in music history.

By far, the perfect ending to this album is the strategic placement of a gritty performance of “What A Wonderful World” that leaves you a little misty-eyed. What better way to end their industrial tenure by inviting some other established entertainers to the finale. Cover Up is being released to coincide with Ministry’s C U LaTour this spring. Ministry has been kicking ass & taking names for about as long as most of us have been alive! Laying the pavement for other aspiring industrial wannabes from across the globe. Thanks for the ride. Paul Raven, this one’s for you, bro. R.I.P.

Reviewer: Kate

Night Eternal Moonspell’s latest release is a combination of gothic romanticism and black/death metal and displays the band’s maturity willingness to progress over the years, it’s beauty blends very well with it’s brutality. Fans who have loved the classic Wolfheart may be a little hesitant about the latest release but fear not, Moonspell have always been honest with their music and maintained a higher standard throughout their career.

The feel of the album is very dark and moody which should come as no surprise with hauntingly gothic undertones and the lyrical themes are quite powerful and intelligent. “Dreamless (Lucifer and Lilith) about Lucifer and his love Lilith a very tragic love.” Shadow Sun” appears to be; at least it seemed to me, about the end of the world. The opener, “At Tragic Heights”, also touches on the subject of destruction and the end of times. “Scorpion Flower” is a beautiful that includes female operatic vocals from Anneke van Giersbergen, from The Gathering, that give the song a very dark and eerie quality to it when combined with Fernando Ribeiro, giving shivers up and down your spine.

Fernando’s vocals are grander and almost majestic on “Night Eternal”, simply delivering ferocious death metal vocals when he is not speaking. The production on this album is excellent, everything is clear and precise. Tue Madsen always know how to deliver quality and it’s no different hear.

You will not be disappointed with Moonspell’s Night Eternal; it’s dark and brutal with lyrical content that some bands would kill to possess. It’s ferocious and is possessed with gothic atmosphere that makes it sadly romantic. Do toss this aside just because you’re used to their previous albums, they are many unique parts that will capture your attention!

(Quote from the movie, “Airheads”)

Chazz: Who'd win in a wrestling match, Lemmy or God?
Chris Moore: Lemmy.
Chris Moore: ... God?
Rex: Wrong, dickhead, trick question. Lemmy *IS* God.

Seriously, Lemmy IS God, I mean c'mon who else out there can release twenty-four albums, tour relentlessly and still deliver kick-ass metal at 62? Before you give me the “Oh, Judas Priest has been doing it just as long as those guys...” argument, let me tell you, I've got mad respect for those men as well. But Lemmy IS God, there's no going around it, sorry.

Songs like “Eat the Rich” and “Ace of Spades” are classics that wills be in the hearts of metalheads everywhere but now they've come out with new tunes like “Runaround Man” that come out with Lemmy's dry growl and kick-ass riffs that's jam-packed with hooks from Phil Campbell. “When the Eagle Screams” comes at you with a great line “When the eagle screams, you die!” and a chunky groove that's hard and furious.

“Rock Out” is in classic Motörhead style, a fun and fast track that tells you to “Rock out with your cock out, impress your lady friends! Rock out til your life is at an end!” Dude, that's fuckin awesome, sheer poetry and classic Lemmy. “Buried Alive” is another great track that shows off the talents of legendary drummer Mikkey Dee. “Back on the Chain” starts off a little choppy but they bring it in tight and is a great homage to Motörhead's roots. “Heroes” is a dark and brooding track that thunders along with Campbell's guitar work. Another great line “Stand and do your best, stand and face your test. Until you fall you must obey the call, for we are the last.” Beautiful, just beautiful.

There's nothing in life that is for certain except this:

Lemmy is God!

Motörhead will always deliver the finest form of metal there is as long as Lemmy's heart is still beating.

There ain't no sign that they'll be slowing down anytime soon.

These are the three things I know and let me go to sleep at the end of the day with the feeling that at least there's a few things that are right with the world.

I really didn't know what to expect going into review this demo because if you look at the guys on their MySpace page, they don't look over 16 or 17 (sorry guys), not that that has anything to do with your ability to play any instrument but my point being is that you just don't know. What I heard though was talent, a tremendous amount of talent.

The opener, “Ethereal Lights” is wonderfully orchestrated piece that sets the precedent of what's to come. “Frigid Ice” is the second track that has a nice guitar build-up and goes straight into Simon Keng's aggressive vocals, a little clean maybe, but that's nothing time can't take care of. “Echoes of Existence” starts off with a mellow keyboard intro and follows through into a thick guitar riff and Simon's vocals with a nice group vocal chant in the background. The guitar from Simon and Taylor Jolin and keyboards Cole Schropp show a lot of potential adding more of an atmospheric quality

and stand out especially on this track, The drums on “Northern Dawn” are a little choppy in the beginning but Alex Melehy manage to bring them in tight after a few minutes and there is a great chorus chant on this track as well.

These guys carry a lot of potential and with more time and experience under their belt I can see then making their mark in the metal world in a huge way. Go check them out at: www.myspace.com/mordiummetal!

Reviewer: Kate

TED NUGENT
Sweden Rocks DVD
Eagle Vision, 2008
Reviewer: Kate

Band Members: Ted Nugent - Guitar, vocals; Barry Sparks - Bass, vocals; Mick Brown - Drums, vocals

Tracks: Stormtroopin, Wango Tango, Snakeskin Cowboys, Free for All, Wang Dang Sweet Poontang, Klstrphnky, Raw Dogs and War Hogs, Soul Man, Hey Baby, Dog Eat Dog, Still Raising Hell, Motor City Madhouse, Cat Scratch Fever, Stranglehold, Great White Buffalo.

Ok, before I even say anything about this DVD, I need to get this off my chest. Ted Nugent is a GIGANTIC DOUCHE. I mean seriously, he’s a right-winged, womanizing, condescending, close-minded, red-necked, FUCKING DOUCHE. I feel a little better...a little.

So even if you don’t agree with me, I don't see how you couldn't, but even if you don't agree and are a fan of Nugent, you probably sit and reminisce about his early loin-cloth sporting days (at least some of the women out there do). But, you won't see it on here. Nope, Mr. Nugent is looking a little worse for wear these days, and sounding just as bad. So first, there is the typical Indian headdress that he sports while playing “Great White Buffalo” and then there’s the odd decision of playing in front of the American flag while doing a show in Sweden. Yeahhhh.....not sure about the thinking behind that dude. Beat on your chest a little more why don’t you. “Cat Scratch Fever” and “Stranglehold”, while maybe classics to some, did not go over that well live. They pretty much sound like a man getting on his years who is desperately trying to hold on to his youth. Mick Jones and Barry Sparks were not at all at the top of their game either.

Then there is the bonus features. Where Ted makes sexual innuendos to his wife about his “big gun” (whatever) out on the shooting range and showing his son how “cool” guns are. Then the bow hunting range clip shows that Ted really loves to hear himself talk, I mean he really, really does. There is also some live footage from 2007 that includes footage of him playing “Journey to the Center of the Mind,” “Weekend Warriors” and “Love Grenade.”

Alright, when I was given this to review I wasn’t sure what to do. They’re Poison; they’re the party band of all party bands. They’re the band that you never really took too seriously but in secret kind of did like their songs. Hell, I listened to them in high school and even though my tastes have ummmmm…how do I put this…matured? I still rock out when I hear “Nothing but a Good Time” or even “Look What the Cat Dragged In” even though the lyrics are so ridiculously cheesy it’s not even funny.

Ok with that said, this a fairly decent live album. Mostly because it’s from 1993 and that’s when Native Tongue was released and Ritchie Kotzen was part of the band. Native Tongue was probably their most least successful album even though it had a more bluesy tone to and went in a more, yes I’ll say it again, mature direction, which I applauded Poison for doing. It’s a fuck of a lot better than “Hollyweird” What was that? Anyway, Kotzen rips on this album and even though he didn’t match note for not, he kicked C.C.’s ass in the solo department. Brett Michaels vocals also sound tight and pretty solid.

All in all, doesn’t matter if you like them or hate them. This is a well done live album that gives not only old classics new life but gives people a chance to get more familiar with their lesser known work! If you're in the mood to hear some fun party music then I would recommend that you pick this up!
 

POISONBLACK1/2

Poisonblack prove that are not meant to be stereotyped as just a gothic band with their new release A Dead Heavy Day, showing that they can step out of that genre with a heavier, catchier sound and more driving hooks than they did with their 2006 release Lust Stained Despair. Vocalist Ville Laihiala has a very throaty croon that’s filled with angst and melody. His lyrics are very autobiographical, deeply reflective, and pretty angry.

The guitar work offers plenty of crunchy riffs on this album and the goth-inspired keyboards a nice atmospheric sound to it as well. The opener “Diane” starts out with an almost hard-rock groove to it and only gets heavier from with Laihiala’s gritty vocals accompanying it. There are a few repetitive moments on tracks such as “Lowlife” where the melodies might leave the listener a little bored but it’s not so much where you’d want to give up on this album all together. The eight minute closer “Only You Can Tear me Apart” carries a nice 70’s hard rock guitar riff that starts out with a gradual slow burning intensity that only builds up from there, then finds itself flowing between that and a mellower more gothic section.

Poisonblack’s A Dead Heavy Day is all about chunky grooves and melody. If you’re a fan of metal with a gothic groove to it then you’d definitely enjoy this album!!

PORCUPINE TREE

After twenty-one years, England’s progressive rock outfit Porcupine Tree is still thriving and with Nil Recurring, it is the pièce de résistance or the final piece of the puzzle to last years’ release Fear of a Blank Planet. This EP of sorts offers four very diverse tracks (coming in at approximately 28:00) offer something to everyone with its trippy, imaginative and tuneful songs. It’s easy to heard Steve Wilson’s (founder/brainchild of PT’s) obsession with Pink Floyd throughout the CD. Nil Recurring features some very rich tunes especially “What Happens Now,” just as you are all enthralled, it’s over but again it completes the already laid groundwork from FOABP. The only complaint is how low the EP was recorded so in essence if this is the only gripe, you can get around this by turning it up; a practice ANY fan of the harder side of rock/metal is used to! Not only will these four songs tide you over but also so will the beautifully designed gatefold…that is until the next release! Pick this baby up; you will not be disappointed in the least!

PSYKUP

Reviewer: Kate

Psykup is a French band that's obviously influenced by bands such as Primus, System of a Down, and Alice and Chains. I'm not sure what genre to put them in because they're really all over the place. Their songs range anywhere from eight to eleven minutes long which explains they only have six songs on the album. It's hard to say that I don't like “We Love You All” because you can tell that this band holds a lot of talent but the music is so scattered that it hurts my head. You know I love variety in music but this is almost going overboard! “My Toy, My Satan” is one of the tracks that did hold my attention not just because of the diversity but also with the excerpts from the movie “Dogma” which is one of my favorite movies so I will give them props for that.

Some of it's metal, some parts are not, some are specifically atmospheric, some are are experimental. Some parts of the tracks have clean melodic vocals, some are delivered with brutal death metal vocals. There's no real structure to any one of these songs or any rhyme or reason for that matter, which is fine but if there are no real hooks or riffs to hold you there's nothing you can really do.

I see what Psykup is trying to do here and I respect it. The music is chaotic and diverse but unfortunately for the listener that's trying to grab on to the concept of what they are about, it might be frustrating enough to give up on. So a little advice for the band, keep doing what you're doing but maybe make it a little more accessible for those of us who are trying to give you a chance?

PYRAMAZE(4.666 Pentagrams)

Immortal

Locomotive Records, 2008

Reviewer: Karma 

Denmark’s Pyramaze is back with their third album, Immortal. With the departure of ex-vocalist Lance King, guitarist and primary songwriter Michael Kammeyer persuaded the then retired extraordinaire Iced Earth ex-vocalist Matt Barlow to not only join the band but also to return to his roots, metal! Thank God, Kammeyer did so however, Barlow did rejoin Iced Earth months later after the recording of the album…nonetheless Mr. Barlow definitely left his classic vocal imprint on Immortal. Not to negate Lance King’s fine vocal performances on the band’s previous albums Melancholy Beast and Legend of the Bone Carver however, Barlow’s performance is so natural, soulful and versatile. It’s sad to think he will no longer carry on with Pyramaze but rest assured, the band now has ex-Tad Morose vocalist Urban Breed at the helm; no doubt he too will do a more than credible job. 

Enough of the short history lesson let us delve into this fine CD shall we? Immortal fills your metal heart with joy. It offers an updated spin to hair metal…you know when it was good; it’s just real “feel good” music sans cheese! If you’re having a bad day, pop this CD in and guaranteed it will elevate your mood, as you’ll find yourself singing the infectious lyrics and bopping your head along. As far as lyrical content goes, it deals with fantasy, sacrifice, pain, unity in battles and brotherhood. Sounds like a classic album in the making, right well it is! 

Immortal features some blazing guitar work and leads by Kammeyer and Toke Skjønnemand, Barlow’s vocals reign supreme, the production is amazing enough to clearly hear the kickass job Niels Kvist does with his bass and it goes without saying that Morten Gade Sørensen is godlike on the drums. Ex-Lillitu Jonah Weingarten adds so much to this outfit with his masterful keywork but his other accomplishment lies with him co-writing the music that’s contained in the beautiful ballad “Legend in a Rhyme.” “The Highlander” is a great addition to the album as you feel like you’re standing amid the Speyside with hair and kilts a flying!   

You know an album is amazing when it’s hard to pick the best tracks as the entire album is superb but: “A Beautiful Death”, “Year of the Phoenix”, “Ghost Light”, “Legacy in a Rhyme”… The digipak edition contains two extra live tracks (both were recorded in Denmark in 2006) “The Birth” and “What Lies Beyond.”

 The epic Immortal is a legacy in the making as this recording will stand the test of time living forever in the hearts and minds of metal fans everywhere. Pick up this shredders delight ASAP!

RAUNCHY(3.666 Pentagrams)

Wasteland Discotheque

Lifeforce Records, 2008

Hailing from Denmark, Raunchy is a metal act that contains some really catchy songwriting, great guitar hooks, harsh vocals and clean, melodic choruses. Though it's familiar and sounds like a lot of bands that are already out there. It's one of the catchiest metal albums out there today. “The Bash” has one of the greatest choruses and completely grabs your attention. “Welcome the Storm” has a very aggressive opening with brutal guitar work and extreme vocals. The chorus is completely epic and makes you want to stand up and sing along with it.

The use of keyboards lends a atmospheric and industrial feel to the album as well as can be heard on the title track and on the interesting cover of Rockwell's “Somebody's Watching Me”. It took a couple of listens to get into it but after awhile I really enjoyed it, very melodic but lyrics have a subtle Rammstein influence to it as well. The album leans more to the mainstream side after that and tends to get a little repetitive but all in all it's a very solid album. “A Heavy Burden” is another catchy track with good hooks and melodic chorus. The final track, “The Comfort in Leaving,” is probably one of the most brutal tracks on Wasteland Discotheque.

Raunchy is not pushing too many boundaries but they are a very talented band with a lot of potential. If you like metal acts such as In Flames and Dark Tranquility, then you will definitely enjoy this album. I would say that Wasteland Discotheque is definitely worthy of having in your metal catalog!

REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA

Original Soundtrack

Lionsgate, 2008

Reviewer: Karma

Creepy, rich, different…and just when you thought Johnny Depp’s version of Sweeny Todd was crazy! In short the story highlights the good and evil of humanity through a dying millionaire father and owner (Paul Sorvino) of the GeneCo company vs. a seventeen-year-old girl named Shilo who was born with a very rare blood disease, “enprisoned” in her home by an over protective father, the girl gains the attention/favor of the children (Paris Hilton) of the owner of the evil corporation and decide to help her out. Now the classic fight between the two sides commence… This star studded soundtrack has some pretty well known associations such as Sarah Brightman (who also has a role in the movie) Tommy Cleftus (Rob Zombie), Melora Creger (Rasputina), Blasko (Ozzy Osbourne), Richard Patrick (Filter), Clown (Slipknot), Daniel Ash and David J (Love and Rockets)…just to name a few. In addition to male vocals on the album, you would not believe the list of instruments Darren Smith plays: accordion, alto recorder, backwards bass, banjo, bass, bass synthesizer, bass trumpet, bowed guitar, cellos, clarinet, drum programming, drums, e-bow banjo, E-Bow guitar, electric piano, fretless guitar, fuzz mandolin, fuzz synth, glockenspiel, guitar loops, guitars, harpsichord, kazoo solo, keyboards, mandolin, mellotron, optigan, organ, percussion, piano, pizzicato cello, programming, sitar, steel drum, synths, throat singing vocals, trumpet! Is your head hurting yet? How old is this man? When did he find the time to learn to do all of this? Good god damn, he is the movieworld's Prince! Can you say immense talent!!

Setting the stage is “At The Opera Tonight,” a bombastic production combining an operatic twist on Rocky Horror music vs. the Muppets! “Crucifixus” is a great song up until you reach the crescendo where it will cause the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Speaking of being scared to death, “Things You See In A Graveyard” is fun being a horror version of Murray Head’s “One Night in Bangkok” with the male speech in the background underneath the female vocals of Sarah Brightman. “Infected” is interesting little number as the would-be angered Rasputina-esque shouts pipe through the speakers, “I’m infected by your genetics and I don’t know if I can be fixed…how much of this is from the choices that we’ve made.” Such a chilling thought that is!

“Legal Assasins” is a deadly song in it’s own right as it starts out with a blast to the gut with its bass intro. Smith’s vocals sound very Pete Townsendish… “Bravi” is just downright strange with it’s futuristic outlay. “21^st Century Cure” continues on with the “ahead of its time” theme as it allows your imagination to run rampant as the dramatic song drums up its own demand for the wonder drug “zydrate”. “It can change your life, rest assured!” The raunchy “Mark It Out” is quite amusing through the expressive usage of expletives. This song best serves the listener as a sneak peek into the movie. More hilarity ensues with the well put together “Can’t Get It Up If the Girl’s Breathing.” “Zydrate Anatomy” is a great rocking dance tune with the familiar Filteresque sound as well as the vocals being extremely complimentary. The song is as exhilarating as the drug of which they speak. “Thankless Job” will strike a chord in all, as everyone is able to relate to this one!!

“Chase the Morning” is a clever rock song with excellent vocals and cymbal work. “Night Surgeon” returns to creepy time/nightmare music. “Seventeen” continues the weirdtastic trippy road the creators forced us to go down. “Gold” is solid with the smooth male vocals lulling you into a dreamstate. The characters then testify with the erotic rap thriller “We Started This Op’ra Shit!” “Needle Through a Bug” offers much for the listener with the electronic programming and raw underlying rhythms. “Chromaggio” is a classic operatic number by Sarah Brightman which is quite beautiful! One can't help but wonder what otherworld-like characters the cast conjures up with “Let the Monster Rise!” The shocker here is the catchy “I Didn’t Know I’d Love You So Much,” imagine my surprise, I didn't know I could love a song like this so much! “Genetic Emancipation” is a heartwarming tune; the music is amazing with the guitars, wish it were a lot longer. Just as you really get into it, the song abruptly ends. Now we have reached the proverbial end of the road with the dramatic finale “Genetic Repo Man,” in which it tells a great tale of the character himself.

Sharing co-producing duties are Joe Bishara and Yoshiki Haysahi (Japanese musician and composer best known for being in the band X-Japan). If you haven’t viewed the movie before listening to this well orchestrated twisted production, it is no big deal, the soundtrack is pretty self-explanatory but you’ll definitely want to check the movie out! Luckily, it opens nationwide via Lionsgate soon in January 2009 (yes, yes...not soon enough). In the meantime, pick this diverse work up, it is coming up to Halloween after all! Find out more about the movie at www.repo-opera.com. Repo! Genetic Opera is frightfully good!

New Era

Blistering Records, 2008

Founder of Stratovarius, Timo Tolkki, started his new project the progressive metal band Revolution Renaissance. Which consists of three different vocalists, Tobias Sammet (Edguy), Michael Kiske (Helloween), and Pasi Rantanen (Thunderstone). Timo decided to do this after this split of Stratovarius. This a very interesting and catchy album that is accessible to fans of progressive metal. Michael Kiske shines through on tracks such as “I Did it My Way” that has some great melody in it and while “Angel” was a little too sappy for my personal taste, his vocal certainly did the song justice.

Tobias did a great job with tracks “Heroes” and “Glorious and Divine”, both also containing some great guitar riffs. The keyboards on one of the more aggressive tracks, “Eden is Burning”, also lend a good deal of ambiance. I love the lyrical content on “Born Upon the Cross” which deals with Jesus being a teacher and a healer but explains that he was just a man and not the son of God like most believe. “Keep the Flame Alive” has a beautiful Celtic opening and to me, is one of the better ballads on this album. Pasi has a nice raspy quality to his vocals and fits very well on tracks such as “We are Magic”.

“Last Night on Earth” is a classic eighties track which remind me of Yngwie Malmsteen's “Rising Force” in a way. “The title track is very epic and a perfect closer for the album. “New Era” is a very straightforward album that has some great hard tracks that any fan of this genre could appreciate. I recommend that you go out and give this a listen!

Bergen, Norway may be better known as the Mecca of black metal of the world, but when the corpse paint comes off, many of bands decide to exercise their creative license through other outlets, such as this stoner rock/doom metal (or homage to Black Sabbath known) as Sahg. This project is comprised of members of Gorgoroth/Audrey Horne (Tom Cato Visnes or King Ov Hell and guitarist Thomas Tofthagen) as well as vocalist Olav Iversen being in Manngard. The simply titled CD II is the second installment is a solid effort through and through. Iversen’s vocals are great along with the excellent guitar work of Tofthagen and drummer Tor Bjarne Bjelland. It goes without saying that Visnes comes with the thunder with his essence on bass! 

The instrumental psychedelic orchestral anomaly “From Conscious Sleep” truly shows the band’s progression as a unit overall denoting fine musicianship. “Star-Crossed” is definitely one of those Sabbathesque songs with Iversen doing his best Ozzyish vocal performance. Just when you thought II was about the 70’s, hark, is that Alice In Chains I hear on “Wicked Temptress?” Jerry Cantrell ought to be very proud of Iversen and co as they rock the hell out of this number. “By the Toll of the Bell” this clever tune was also co-written by King bridges the gap between II and the band’s previous album, that’s right folks, you guessed it, I! Not to be confused with the band (the letter) “I,” you know the other band King’s in with Abbath and Arve “Ice Dale” Isdal. Hope you’ve been following all of this, there will be a quiz later! The psychedelic excursion ends at the 10:58 “Monomania,” where you expect to see lava lamps and billowing clouds of smoke from multi-colored bongs, however the noteworthy performance of drummer Tor Bjarne Bjelland is stellar. The lyrics are just as surreal “Onward the moonlit trail they roam. Where the trees are tall and whispering their moan. Leaves coloured pale blue by the moon. When the wind relents, you hear them chant, "Time is coming soon" … 

A worth mentioning fact is the eye-catching album cover which was done by Martin Knamme. The imported version (the one issued by Phantom Sound & Vision) features the faces of the band where as the US version (one issued by Regain Records) depicts an ornate flourish of the band's logo. II may be a voyage back to another place and time but it is an expedition worth taking! Grab a copy of II, you will definitely be engaged!

SCAR SYMMETRY (3.666 Pentagrams)

Holographic Universe

Nuclear Blast Records, 2008

Reviewer: Karma

When you pop in the third installment to the fast growing anthology of Umeå, Sveriges Scar Symmetry, Holographic Universe, there’s no denying who it is! Their sound is honed and recognizable with the soothing clean yet brutal vocals of Christian Älvestam coupled with the slick and sleek music emanating from the rest of the band. Holographic Universe definitely sticks with the on-going theme of cosmic mysticism, inner turmoil and strife; topics the band is well versed in and has covered since their inception. This album is not as dark as their last release, Pitch Black Progress but can hold it’s on in the realm of obscurity.

The CD flows very well, almost too much as a vast majority of the songs go unnoticed until you arrive at “Quantumleaper” (surely will be one of the band’s singles) then the fiendishly evil track “The Missing Coordinates” (a personal favourite) to the complexly arranged “Fear Catalyst”. This CD possesses passion, force, melody and rich choruses yet lacks something…it could be that the one common link every song has, riddled with the classic formula, the Gothenburg Sound.

In regards to the progression of Scar Symmetry’s music, they are definitely becoming more crisp, more refined thereby losing the grit from their first release, Symmetric In Design. Of course, with the aforementioned album, the band was new and much more experimental; it just seems the concept of colouring outside the lines have long since been abandoned as the band takes shelter in the safe and sickeningly precise confines of the perfect mix between beauty and brutality. It’s just too meticulous and careful…you can hear a pin drop! Without the shadow of a doubt, this recording will translate well live as Scar Symmetry can bring it on stage! 

In closing, Holographic Universe is a more than credible effort however; it would have been nice to hear more grit on this pristine offering and not obsess over perfection.

SCARS OF DISPARAGEMENT 1/2

Scars of Disparagement

Founded in January of 2008 and hailing from Austria, Scars of Disparagement’s style can be described as death metal/hardcore with some more modern elements thrown in. With Cristoph Hunter on vocals, Benjamin Theuermann on guitar, Hermann Angerer on guitar, Christian Raneg on bass, and Siegfried Strauss on drums, this group of guys manage to bring in their outside influences and make it their own.

“Learn to Believe” explodes with blasting drum beats and death metal growls and dueling guitar work, carrying great energy and presence in the track. The song slows down to a nice plodding pace that any headbanger would enjoy before going into a nice rhythmic guitar solo. “Extinguish the Aboulic Ones” erupts with more shredding guitar riffs and blast beats and carries a nice instrumental intro that leads into the brutality of Christoph’s vocals. “Beauty Fades” is a great track that shows a little bit more diversity from the band. A little more rhythmic guitar playing from Benjamin and Hermann and Christoph is able to show of his vocals talents more here as well.

This band has a lot of passion behind their music. They carry a lot of potential with this demo. I would have liked a little more change in the songs but this band makes up with a lot of energy and presence. Scars of Disparagement have a lot of talent and are definitely worth checking out!

SHADAR LOGOTH

Curse

Shadar Logoth originally formed in 2003 and hailing from Maine, this band is very passionate about their music and metal in particular. Curse is a good indication of their talent to combine melodic metal with brutal black metal vocals. The contrast between clean vocals, black metal shrieks and death metal growls are very present and make for a dark and atmospheric album.

The guitar and drum work are impressive with tracks such as the first one, “Footsteps in the Snow”. The song starts out with brutal force and black metal growls, then taking it down a step before taking it back to the neck-breaking speed. It then goes into to a plodding rhythm with more contrasting melodic vocals and a great guitar solo. It offers a lot of diversity and opens the door for a lot of different metal fans out there.

“Planet Earth” starts off with almost a military drumbeat and chanting vocals before leading a rhythmic guitar solo and more black metal shrieks. The synths in the background again give it a more atmospheric vibe to their sound. “Spitting his Curse with Venom” and I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite track but it shows the band’s creativity by going back and forth between straight and more folk-like black metal. “The Path to the End” is probably my favorite just because I love the vocals on here and plus the intro is just classic old school metal here and again it really shows a real creative side to the band. “Gallows Sill” starts out with a doom-metal intro with sludge-like guitar playing and drum work before going to neck-breaking speed again with more dark synthesizers in the background. “The Dread Lord” is another one of my favorites with more creepy synthesizers and a black metal shriek that gives you shivers up and down your spine, with nothing but blast beats and killer guitar work, this track is 100% black metal!

This band is has taken on a difficult challenge with their diversity, their may not be too many dedicated black metal fans that would appreciate Shadar Logoth but this band shows true talent by showing that they can produce more than one genre of metal on this album and they do it very well. They have a memorable sound and Curse is definitely worth checking out!!

Roadrunner Records, 2008

Reviewer: Kate

To most Slipknot is an acquired taste and I will be the first to admit that I did not understand what the appeal was when they first came on the scene. But I can’t ignore the fact there is a certain amount of anger in their music that draws you in after awhile.

This record, unlike the others, was recorded and written in their native Iowa and maybe that’s one of the reasons why it contains the same rawness as their 1999 self-titled debut album. There are ferocious, politically and socially charged lyrics such as the opener “Execute” where Corey Taylor screams “some have fought and died. Others have allowed the strong to be butchered for a price they themselves don’t care about and will never understand”. You don’t need to understand him, and usually don’t 75% of the time, to know he’s pissed. But there also some more melodic vocals that cascade through the tracks that might have been inspired by his side band Stone Sour.

This might be something 30 years from now that our kids might make fun of us for listening to like we did to our parents. Some might just consider this mish-mashed noise and some might not even consider it. Like I said before, I didn’t consider Slipknot at all at first but I have to give them credit and I would say it’s at least worth giving it one listen.

SOTHIS

De Opresso Liber

Candlelight Records, 2008

Reviewer: Kate

TESTAMENT

The Formation of Damnation

Nuclear Blast Records, 2008

Reviewer: Kate

Testament’s The Formation of Damnation has been highly anticipated by the masses for two reasons. One, because lead guitarist Alex Skolnick has made his return which resets the original lineup of the group, and two, because it’s been a long, long time since their release of The Gathering from 1999. I know, I know, they’ve been busy with other things, Eric Peterson had his band Dragonlord and Alex had his jazz trio but regardless of all that we, as fans, have been chomping at the bit to hear some new Testament.

Listening to this album for the first time was like listening to an old favorite. You know, like when you put on some old Exodus or Slayer or old testament by that standard, and you feel your heart start to race and your blood starts pumping. That’s what it was for me and it gave me warm fuzzies (yep, fuckin warm fuzzies) all over because I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first downloaded it onto my iPod. It’s got a classic feel that will please older fans but it’s modern enough to also draw in younger fans.

What also struck me about this album is how subdued and uncomplicated it is. I’m not saying it’s lazy or lethargic, not by any means, but it seems like some bands feel the need to reclaim their status when they’ve been away for awhile but this seems like a reconnection with old fans. Just kind of saying “Yeah, we’ve been gone for awhile but we’re back and hey, thanks for sticking for around for return”. What also struck me is how personal the lyrics are and how they are a reflection of matters that are going on today such as on the third track, “The Evil Has Landed”, “The Persecuted Won’t Forget” the thundering “Henchmen Ride” and the anti-war anthem “Killing Season.”

Testament’s sound is timeless as well is Chuck Billy’s vocals and they have never strayed far from their core sound or tried to be something their not. It’s all good with this album, welcome back fellas! We all hope that you stay awhile this time around!
 

THIS IS HELL

Misfortunes

Trustkill Records, 2008

Reviewer: Kate

This is Hell’s second hardcore album Misfortunes sets itself aside from the typical New York hardcore that is out there. The album is made up of aggressive songs and fast hardcore tempos but still is able to remain melodic, which you can definitely hear in tracks “Disciples” and “Without Closure”. There is a new metal influence which might bother some true hardcore fans who are expecting something more along the lines of Sick of it All but I would not dismiss Misfortunes altogether.

The second track on this album, “Infected” comes at you fast, brutal and pretty pissed off but then you have track seven, “Remnants” that shows off more of the melodic talents of this band. When I say Misfortunes is not your typical hardcore band, it’s true; these guys know how to think outside of the box. They bring I a fresh new sound; they give you some heavier chunks, some faster riffs and some interesting lyrics. For example in “You are the Antithesis” Travis Reilly says: “Your turn of phrase rings hollow, I can’t trust a word you say, what are we to do when the last great poet has thrown down his pen?” Pretty damn impressive if you ask me!

Misfortunes is a solid release and I think that true hardcore fans out there will still be able to enjoy it regardless of its lack of violence or brutality. They’ve risen to a new level on this album and you’d miss out if you didn’t give it a chance!

Delusions

Candlelight Records, 2008

Reviewer: Kate

To-mera is a group of musicians that are so incredibly versatile and complex that are not easy to take in all at once or to follow. You might not be sure if you like them or not at first, you might not be sure if To-mera is something you can handle. Hell, I wasn’t sure at first but I stuck with it. “Delusions” is a complete mind exercise. It’s like hearing Albert Einstein and Leonardo Da Vinci speaking at the same time. It’s like going into warp speed and it’s like…it’s like nothing I really heard in a long time. To-mera is a progressive band that makes their sound as rich and as thick as possible with full riffs, heavy bass and overtone of symphonic sounding keyboards.

I have to say that Julie Kiss is an extraordinary vocalist. She is so versatile and does not really follow the traditional singing style of melody and rhythm. That’s not saying it’s a bad thing, not at all. It more takes you on an adventure with every track and she is a terrific balance to the music and brings a little bit of order to what seems to be a chaotic nature to the songs.

The songwriting is absolutely something different; it is constantly changing and flowing back and forth from one extremity to another. One being a forceful wall of sound full of aggressive brutality, the other being a calm breather with jazzy interludes and gentle vocals. It can be a bit much to take in at one time. I felt like I was two steps behind when I was listening to the songs only because everything kept changing so quickly but it is a worthwhile effort and a fantastic listen!

Travel Now Journey Infinitely

Season of Mist / Indie Recordings, 2008

Reviewer: Karma 

Regain Records, 2008

Reviewer: Kate

After 25 years of domination would you feel it necessary to release a greatest hits package or collection? Yeah, neither would I and neither do Vader. They are legends, beasts in the metal world; there is nothing they can’t do with their music. So, if they want to re-record tracks from their past albums, throw in a few new tracks (including a symphonic introduction) and sell it on a brand new album then they can fuckin well do so. This is the band that recorded the master “Impressions in Blood”, (well one of their masters), they can do whatever they want.

After the symphonic introduction, “Invaders”, the first five tracks are probably the most well know in the larger audience and are from the debut album “The Ultimate Incantation” and are played a little faster than the originals but aren’t too much different than their predecessors. You can hear Peter’s signature vocals everywhere as well as classic Vader guitar style. The next five tracks are from “De Profundis” and the band uses the conservative way of reproducing their sound here as well. True fans might scream when they hear keyboards on classic on such classics as “Silent Empire” and “Sothis” but it really doesn’t take away from the heaviness of these flawless songs. Towards the end you get a Terrorizer cover “Fear of Napalm,” a song from the Polish metal legend, Kat and a re-recording of the demo song “Tyrani Piekel” which shows you how much they kicked ass back in the 80’s.

This a top notch release from a group of guys that just dominate the metal scene. I have to say that drummer Daray is an extremely talented drummer and his performance was spotless on this album. Do you need to have it? Probably not, pure Vader fans might pass this up but for new ones out there, this is a great place to start.

VOLBEAT (4.666 Pentagrams)

Guitar Gangsters and Cadillac Blood

WARBRINGER

War Without End

Century Media Records, 2008

Reviewer: Matt Nadbrzuch

There’s no sweeter sound for a metal head than vintage ‘80s thrash. Long thought a thing of the past due to the rise of black and death metal, this hallowed sub genre is making a comeback in a big way in the form of bands like Warbringer. Its members have replicated the thrash sound and look to a T. Each track on their debut, War Without End, gallops along at the standard up-tempo pace, which admittedly can become wearisome over the course of the album. Lighting fast riffing and chaotic soloing courtesy of guitarists John Laux and Adam Carroll is complemented by the singing / growling of vocalist John Kevill. Lyrical themes concentrate almost exclusively on one subject: war. Do not expect any in depth analysis of violent conflict, however, as the lyrics never delve deeper than what amounts to an über-violent episode of G.I. Joe.

Skeletons

Reviewer: Kate

Wednesday 13 is a horror punk band that is fronted by the vocalist of the same name and created the former band, The Murderdolls. They begin the album with the darkened heaviness that any Wednesday 13 fan would expect. Utilizing such lyrics as “she ain’t gonna stop, until I’m in the ground and started to rot”; Wednesday knows how to give his fans what they want. “Put Your Death Mask On” resembles heavily to Alice Cooper’s “Wicked Young Man” and “Brutal Planet”, with heavy drums and thick guitar riffs.

“Gimme Gimme Bloodshed” reveals more of a darker emotion than some of Wednesday’s previous releases, exposing blood-drenched guitar notes and screams that seep into your veins. “All American Massacre” deliver blast beats that make your blood pressure rise while you listen and makes you want to bang the shit out of your steering wheel, that is if your driving in your car like I was.

Skeletons stays true to their previous releases but contains a darker side that listeners will enjoy. It’s a strong enough album that will leave old fans loving it and new fans give it at least one try.

WHITECHAPEL

Bottom line This Is Exile is darker, blacker and way more original than the previous release and perhaps the scene kids should remove their girl pants as the lack of oxygen is obviously affecting their judgment, especially if they cannot see just how kick ass this album truly is. Here’s to hoping the band keeps doing what they are doing and won’t look back leaving the scenesters to do what they do best, talking shit at home on their computers but in the meantime, Whitechapel will be around for decades to come! Perhaps you would have moved out of your mommy’s basement by then! Having said all of this, This Is Exile receives a well earned five stars, the coveted upside down pentagram! Horns High Whitechapel! HORNS HIGH!!

Reviewer: Karma

Sweden seems to be bursting at the seams with supergroups and X-World/5 is no exception to the rule. Co-founded by ex-Hammerfall bassist Magnus Rosén and (drummer programmer/engineer) Big Swede, other members include Reeves Gabrelsâ (David Bowie), Andy LaRocque (King Diamond/Death) and Nils K. Rue (Pagan’s Mind/Eidolon). Without a doubt, collaborations such as this will raise an eyebrow of the metal community leaving one to ponder if the band could pull something like this off. Now the question is did they meet, exceed or disappoint. The answer to this burning question, they far exceeded expectations…leaving the door wide open to expound on the foundation they have lain, if you can believe that! Erected in the year twenty o five (2005), a millennia prior to their futuristic lyrical content “metal in 3005,” in which the band’s debut album New Universal Order (released on AFM Records) is deeply rooted.

Going with the theme futuristic subject matter contained on New Universal Order, you will need to prepare yourself and brace yourself for the g-force you will feel. The sound of the album is cut with laser-like precision. Sometimes bands tend to micromanage their sound, paying finite detail to it, thereby losing the core of human aspects making it sound clinical or sterile. Well there's nothing android-esque about this CD, it pops with life! You can feel the passion oozing out of every note played on this CD as you get a cyberblast kick in helmet with the opening song “CyberChrist.” “Warning, Warning...” that song is like an act of subliminal warfare as it plants itself in your cranium without regard! Ironically the bands' focus may be in the next century and agreed space exploration is needed when cranking this CD, but it's in the opposite direction...the music makes you crave the “big voice” bands from the days of yore, as in the 80's like the Mark Boals (Yngwie) of the world, Geoff Tate (Queensrÿche) or even Ray Adler (Fates Warning). You know, when metal was metal and didn't have all of those stupid genres or sub-divisions? [Sigh] The best tracks are “Alien March,” “Cryptic Message,” “Argonaut” and “Lunar Voyage.” It’s just great that the unit have explored the far-reaching caverns of their imagination on this CD.

Rue is one helluva vocalist as he is able to hit some ridiculous highs. With his distinctive vocal patterns, the closest he comes to resembling another, vocally speaking, is Communic’s Oddleif Stensland. The way Nils' vocals layer over the space aged metallic music is ever so perfect. Mr. Rosén definitely shines, as it is always a pleasure to hear him play; with the crisp production you can hear his every nuance. It is always a heart warmer to hear LaRocque perform, any reason to get him in front of the glass is much appreciated. Also with Gabrelsâ on guitar, it makes the wall of sound denser lending more depth, which is best heard on songs like “Cyberchrist” and on the galactic anthem “Man Machine” (my personal favourites). Big Swede's assault and battery on drums is masterful as he puts all his might into it.

With the release of New Universal Order it proves X-World/5 is in a galaxy all unto themselves. Due to hit the American shelves on 4 November, it is highly suggested you take a voyage to your local market and purchase a copy, the exploration would do you some good! You will get a real kick out of it as X-World/5 takes you for the ride of your life travelling in the “wayback machine” from the future! On a side note, you even wonder what they'll use for music in the year 3005? Sure CDs will be a practice of the ancients...anyway... Until next time, “be well” my fellow metalheads!!