Reviews
ANY BANDS/LABELS that want their releases reviewed can send me a
promo kit at the following address. Anything sent will be reviewed and posted
within 30 days.
METAL CORE ZINE c/o CHRIS FORBES PO BOX622 MARLTON, NJ 08053 USA
New Reviews - 07/31/07
THE SEVENTH SEASON/Liquid Water (Independent Records) This was a decent rock
n roll band that mixes in some metal and a bit of progressive metal too. The
band have been around since 1972! That is insane when you think about it. Anyway
this band delivers the goods and don't follow trends and just play honest to
goodness rock n roll with no groove and no grunge no nothing. The tunes are
solid rock tunes with good playing and singing. A band that deserves pat on
the back. Info:
www.theseventhseason.net
DESTROYER DESTROYER/Littered With Arrows (Goodfellow Records) I didn't like
this much due to the screamed vocals, which got on my nerves big time. The music
is blasting grind that is no different from the 100s of other grind bands I
have heard and the screams and yells are useless and stupid. I can just scream
and yell in the mic too. The production isn't bad, but this release didn't do
a thing for me. Info:
www.goodfellowrecords.com
RECOIL/Subhuman (Mute Records) The guy behind this used to be in Depeche Mode
and after a few tunes I can see why. This is some weird, warpy, fucked up shit.
It is not for the close minded and after a few spins I began to dig this. Musically
I have no clue what to call this. It is out there let me tell you. It is very
moody and atmospheric and you better prepare for a long journey down a long
dark tunnel my friends. Some of hit on the industrial side of things and I think
any fan of Depeche Mode would love this release. I have to be in the right frame
of my to dig this and what I am it hits my right between the eyes. Info:
www.mute.com
WINTERS/Black Clouds In Twin Galaxies (Candlelight Records) Some wicked doom
metal here that was like a mix of early Black Sabbath meeting Kyuss. The vocals
are unlike anything I have ever heard. They are almost spiritual in nature.
The band don't just play slow neither. The vocals and the music will have you
in a sad mood in no time, which I guess is the goal for this band. This is just
a ball rolling of heavy doom that any fan of heavy music will want. Info:
www.candlelightrecordsusa.com
LITMUS/Planetfall (Candlelight Records) I really tried to get into this, but
I think the band was a little too far out there for me. I will say this, this
band is very original and they play a weird, but original alternative style
of metal. This is the kind of band you either love or hate. I thought this was
ok, I can see some people going nuts over them and I wouldn't disagree with
why. They play an almost industrial alternative heavy loaded style with warped
riffs, and vocals. For the open minded fan no doubt. Info:
www.candlelightrecordsusa.com
LILLIAN AXE/Waters Rising (Locomotive Records) I remember this band for their
great cover of a Badfinger tune and here they are back years later. The band
lost all their melodic rock style and now are a more dark and angry band, almost
in a seattle grunge state of mind. The music I didn't think was all that as
the tunes just kinda plodded along and if the band was going to go for a more
dark and heavy style, they should have changed their name. I was expecting some
well played rock n roll with a bit on the hair metal side and I got a lost Seattle
band from the 90's. Info:
www.locomotiverecords.com
SUBJECT TO THOUGHTS/From Sunrise To Sunset (Self Released) This was a very
haunting type of release. This one bounces around quite a bit mind you. This
dark moody rock/metal that is almost doomy in spots too. This is a two man project
and thes guys can really suck you into a mood and style and nail you with it.
This is only $ 2 damn dollars so email them and buy this dammit. This new CD
features new member Brandon Strader. Info:
www.myspace.com/subjecttothoughts
DARKEST HOUR/Deliver US (Victory Records) More groove thrash metal is what
you will find here. This isn't half as band as most of the crap that comes out
today. The band can write some nice riffs and the vocals are more in the thrash
vein and not in the boring tough guy style. The production is right on the money
and the band have a nice mix of melody and speed. Not a bad release. Info:
www.victoryrecords.com
HALLWAYS OF THE ALWAYS/AMAFTEV (Self Released) Typical groove death metal with
the low and fast parts and the tough guy vocals. There is too many of these
bands and this is just another that sounds like the 100s before them. Production
is good, but this is another case of the same ole same ole. Info:
www.myspace.com/hallwaysofthealways
THE CURSED/Room Full Of Sinners (Screaming Ferret Wreckords) This band features
Dan from Hades and Bobby Blitz from Overkill on vocals. Is it a good release?
Does a bear shit in the woods? It is a beyond heavy release of some prime metal.
This is pure heavy metal with some touches of thrash metal. The riffs are thick,
chunky and heavy as hell and Blitz sounds great singing. The production is heavy
as fuck and this will just blow you over like a 2 ton train. This is not Hades
or Overkill Jr, but just a pure heavy metal delight. Get the spikes of metal
ready. Info:
www.screamingferret.com
SOCIAL DISEASE/Decades Of Disease (Self Released) I thought this was going
to be some generic gore/grind band, but I was wrong. This band play low tuned
down chainsaw pounding death metal that I really enjoyed. The band mix it up
from the chainsaw like riffs, to the fast blazing parts. The production is not
overly produced and the band can write some killer riffs. The vocals are pissed
off, but not the tough guy crap and he sings with some passion and fury. A really
good find here and wouldn't surprise me to see these guys get picked up. 24
tracks of mayhem. Info:
www.myspace.com/socialdisease1
GOMORRAH/Same (Self Released) This originally came out on Elegy Records in
1992 and now the band is re-releasing it. This is a needle in a haystack. This
band crushes. Total heavy as fuck doom metal that will have you weeping in no
time. The vocals will haunt you as this plays on prepare to cry. This is some
of the heaviest doom I have ever heard and the band also speed it up so this
isn't just some 100% slow band. How this band I missed the 1st time around is
a mystery to me. Don't miss your 2nd chance and get this godly piece of underground
metal at all costs. Info:
www.gomorrah.us
GREG LAKE/Welcome Backstage DVD (MVD Visual) This was a cool DVD as you get
a peek at how a band gets ready for a tour as you get to sit on some rehearsals
and some interviews before a tour. Most people don't realize that a lot of stuff
goes on before a band hits the road and after seeing this, this will give you
an idea. You get some full rehearsal songs and some backstage interviews, etc.
It is almost like your a roadie with a video camera he he. If your a fan of
progressive rock music you'll want this as well. A very cool and interesting
DVD. Info:
www.mvdvisual.com
DEATH MENTAL/From The Archives Of The Asylum (Self Released) 3 tunes of some
good old fashion death metal is the ticket here. This is a one man project and
a pretty damn good one at that. The vocals are the old school death metal growl
style and non of that cup the mic or sing as low as possible shit. The music
reminded me of older Pestilence in spots and the guitar crunch he gets is pretty
damn fine in my book. The 3 tunes are all speedy death metal numbers with some
slower parts mixed in. Looking forward to hearing more from this guy as he has
the right idea as far as how to play death metal. Info:
www.myspace.com/deathmentalband
CYPHER SEER/Awakening Day (Sentinel Steel) Power metal is the ticket here.
This band also throw in some speed and progressive style music into the mix.
The riffs will have the neck moving and the speed and the power of the band
will win you over in no time. The singer has a clean aggressive style that fit
the music and his powerful vocals are a highlight of this. The production is
nice and thick and there is not a damn thing wrong with this band or release.
A power metal fan's delight. Info:
www.sentinelsteel.com
AFGRUND/RELEVANT FEW Split CD (Lifestage Productions) Afgrund open up things
with 9 vicious death metal tunes that dulled my mind. Just a pure death metal
delight. The guitar is tuned down like old Entombed and the fast and furious
pace the band set gave my neck and body a serious workout. The production destroys
and lays waste to everything and the vocals are a pure death metal delight.
This band is one of the best death metal bands making the rounds today in my
opinion. Relevant Few offer up more death metal, but with more of a grind sound
to them. The music is just as intense, but a bit more faster and the vocals
are more chaotic and out of control. The production is thick and heavy and not
noisy and generic. This is one of the better split Cd's I have heard s both
bands crush. Info:
www.lifestageprod.prv.pl
A PERFECT MURDER/War Of Agression (Victory Records) This is a modern thrash
metal band that plays thrash metal sort of like Pantera. I love Pantera and
this band picks up right where they left off and they can really write some
crunchy riffs and the vocals are pure Phil. The music is a thrash fans delight
too. The production is about as perfect as you can get and I don't like a lot
of the Pantera clone bands and groove metal bands, but this is just one of those
bands that won me over and I liked this a lot and that is my opinion and I bet
they crush live. Info:
www.victoryrecords.com
DAMNATION AD/Is This The Life Or The Next (Victory Records) This band I didn't
like it. This band plays groove death metal like a million other bands with
the same breakdown riffs and tough guy vocals. They are not like the above band,
who write some killer songs and stuff. This band sound like the million other
bands doing this style. Info:
www.victoryrecords.com
WARREN APPLEBY/Iron Forged In Fire (Madkar Records) Warren is back with another
does of rock n roll mixed in with some heavy metal. This would be like if Thin
Lizzy injected some metal to their sound. The music is very moody at times and
really sucks you in at times. Warren evens brings back Blacktask and does a
tune from their "Long After Midnight" release as well, which was a
cool surprise to this Blacktask fan. 11 tunes here and these are really rockin
tunes that not a lot of bands are doing nowadays and this is like a breath of
fresh air on a warm summer's day. Info:
www.warrenappleby.com
SACRED OATH/Darkness Visible (Sentinel Steel) I am in heaven. This is simply
godly power metal of the highest order. The tunes just totally blew me away
and knocked me off my seat. Combine Agent Steel and Iron Maiden and throw in
some power metal and you have these guys. Every song is a A plus winner in my
book. Perfect production and the guitar sound is perfect. Vocals that soar and
fit the music like a thong bikini. This is easily a 10 top record of the year
for me and if your into power metal, heavy metal or metal at all, then I order
you to order this baby now and you will not be disappointed. Info:
www.sentinelsteel.com
MOCKING JEHOVAH/Self Titled (Bestial Onslaught Productions) Raw as fuck death
black metal. The raw sound only adds to this bands sound and I am sure they
wouldn't want it any other way. This stuff hits fast and hard and with a fury.
Vocals sung in a way that satan would be proud. The band mix up their fast black
metal with some slow doomy like parts that will remind you of Autopsy and Disembowelment.
The fast will tear you to shreds. This is none release not for the weak and
it crushes. Info:
www.bestialonslaught.com
CWAF/NOOSEBOMB/Spilt CD (Bestial Onslaught Productions) 2 pretty decent death/grind
bands are ticket here. Both bands play some fast death/grind, but it is not
just a bunch of noise mind you. The production is raw and the old man dying
vocals work for these 2 bands. They both play the same style, but both are different
in that band # 2 plays a bit more slow in parts and then goes into hyper speed.
Info:
www.bestialonslaught.com
POISON/Poison'd (EMI) This a collection of cover tunes with the first 8 tunes
being new and the others which have previously been released. The cover tunes
are all done really well and are there is a mix of 70's and 80's tunes. Sweet,
Marshall Tucker Band, The Who, The Cars and Kiss are just a few of the bands
on here. The "Mama Don't Dance' which was released back in 2006 as bonus
track is here and the band don't just re do each tune, they sort of take them
and make them their own. This band might have been a cheezy poser glam band
back in the day, but this time around they put out a really good release and
I think they did justice to each and every tune on here.
THE DESTRO/As The Coil Unwinds (Ironclad Recordings) This band plays metal with
a groove style, but it is better than most of the other bands doing this style.
The band, which is based in Texas have a bit of the Pantera sound and vocal
style. The band are a bit more faster than Pantera were and I guess you could
say pick up where they left off. The production is mint and the guitar sound
is perfect and the band can write some riffs that will have that neck moving
in no time. Worth checking out. Info:
www.thedestro1.com
THE SAMMUS THEORY/See (it) Through (Mia Mind Music) I reviewed this bands 1st
disc and I liked it and here they are back with another original release of
weird metal ha ha. The band are spacey in a way and have a sort of alternative
edge to them. The music is heavy and spacey alternative version of Voivod minus
all the fast and thrashy stuff. The production is nice and clear and the singer
has a very unique voice that fits the style of music this band is playing. I
feel this band has put a better release than their debut and if you want something
different and a bit on the weird side, here ya go. Well worth checking out.
Info:
www.miamindmusic.com
SUPERCHRIST/Back & Black (Bestial Onslaught Productions) This is down and
dirty metal in the vein of Motorhead. The music and the vocals even sound like
Lemmy, not that is a bad thing. The music is metal with an attitude. If you
like Motorhead you will go nuts over this and it is a solid release of molten
metal. Info:
www.bestialonslaught.com
HIRUDINEA/Watchmaker/Split CD (Bestial Onslaught Productions) Hirudinea offer
up blasting death metal with those snare blast beats I am not a big fan of.
Thank god the vocals aren't the tough guy style and are decent to really good.
The music is mostly fast newer style death metal, but for some reason I dug
it. Probably being the vocals were good and there is no groove. Watchmaker to
me was a wall of noise. It was a blast of just noise with just screaming and
the production was so awful it wasn't funny. Not a band I liked very much, but
Hirudinea was pretty good. Info:
www.bestialonslaught.com
EMBRYONIC CRYPTOPATHIA/Uterine Excretor Of Carcinovomit (Bestial Onslaught Prodctions)
Sick grind in the vein of Carcass, General Surgery, etc. I am not a big fan
of this style of vocals, but if you like this sort of thing, this is very good
for what it is. The production is bottom end heavy and the guitar sound is thick
and meaty. Plenty of tunes and there is like almost a dozen bonus tracks too.
For the serious grind fan and very good for what it is. Info:
www.bestialonslaught.com
COLDWAR/Bloodfire Sunset (Self Released) Awesome death metal in the vein of
Pestilence and Obituary. The vocals are total death and the riffs are heavy
as fuck and the music is brutal as hell. The production totally crushes and
the guitar sound doesn't get much heavier than this. A crime that this band
isn't signed. Info:
www.thisiscoldwar.com
PERVERTED SON/To The Abstract (Self Released) 4 tunes of old school thrash metal.
The riffs are speedy thrash metal tunes with some shouted thrash vocals. The
band sort of reminded me of Death Angel a bit. The band is rooted in the 80's
style of thrash and that is fine by me. No tough guy vocals and no groove, just
pure thrash all the way. The 4 tunes just wetted my appetite for more. The production
is nice and thick and I love the guitar sound too. Any thrash fan would eat
this up. Info:
insanre592@hotmail.com
BIRDFLESH/Mondo Musicale (Candlelight Records) This was some wicked death/grind.
The music is both fast and slow, but never boring. I think I like this due to
the band not blasting every second and mixing it up and also the production
is top notch and I love the vocals. Pure grind style. The music is chaotic and
out of this world. If your into grind this is a must. One of the best bands
I have ever heard doing this style. Info:
www.candlelightrecordsusa.com
ROSE FUNERAL/Crucify Kill Rot (Candlelight Records) Typical Long Island death
metal with all the groove and blast beats you would expect from a band doing
this style. This sounds like a million other bands doing this style and the
blast beats are awful with that tin can sound. Not for me. Info:
www.candlelightrecordsusa.com
MEMFIS/The Wind up (Candlelight Records) Decent death metal. The riffs are thick
and heavy and the vocals aren't bad as they are low, but not that cup the mic
crap. The production is nice and thick and lets everything shine. The tunes
sound better with repeated listens and this is just a pure death metal release
with no groove and no tough guy vocals, just plain ole death metal. Info:
www.candlelightrecordsusa.com
FOGHAT/Live II (Metro City Records) I have always like Foghat since their release
of "Live' many moons ago and I have had a chance to see the band shine
live onstage on a few occasions too. Their blues based style of rock n roll
always brought a smile to my face. Even though 2 of the members are no longer
with us this double disc set rocks. How can you wrong with such songs as Night
Shift, Take To The River, Stone Blue, Drivin Wheel and of course Fool For The
City and Slow Ride. The new singer sounds really good and he does the old songs
justice. The band sound tight and the recording sounds really good too. Their
is also a few studio rehearsal tracks as well. This is a must for any fan of
Foghat or if your into classic blues based rock n roll let this take you on
a Slow Ride. An instant classic live release in my book. Info:
www.metrocityrecords.com
ALMAH/Edu Falaschi (Candlelight Records) This is like a supergroup of sorts
as you have members from Angra, Nightwish, Kamelot and Stratovarius. This was
like Iron Maiden playing power metal as the singing reminded me of Bruce. By
the 3rd song I was really digging this as the band write some really catchy
power metal tunes. This to me didn't seem like fly by night project and the
production is on the money and the singer sings with a ton of passion and feeling
as he belts out the lyrics. Any fan of power metal would eat this up. Info:
www.candlelightrecordsusa.com
SUSPERIA/Cut From Stone (Candlelight Records) While this was playing it reminded
me a lot of the 1st Machine Head release, which I found to be one hell of a
release. This band play thrash metal with a style of the new and not the old,
but it works. The singer has a nice thick voice and he sings the songs with
intensity. The production is nice and thick and the guitar sound is thick too.
The riffs will have the neck moving in no time and this doesn't let up from
the 1st note till the disc ended. Really good find for this label. Info:
www.candlelightrecordsusa.com
HOT BUTTERED ANAL/Please Kill Me (Self Released) I was figuring this would be
a little like SOD and I was wrong. This band is made of 3 guys who have been
in various bands, but it doesn't say who. You will find stuff on here from old
school thrash to old school punk and some death metal and even an acoustic part
here and there thrown in for good measure. The production isn't too polished
and for a band like this, I wouldn't want some polished production. The singer
has a really cool voice for this style of music. I would call this old school
crossover metal-core, but not that nu metal shit, the really crossover stuff
from back in the mid to late 80's. This if fast, enjoyable and entertaining
to say the least. Info:
www.hotbutterdanal.com
THE FIRE THE FLOOD/Truth Seekers (No Sleep) This is just another faceless groove
metal band with all those jump dance metal riffs and the tough guy vocals. The
band has those ever so generic breakdown parts and then the speed parts down
pat. This sounds like every other band that does this and all these modern metal
fans probably would eat this shit up, but for me it is just another faceless
band playing the same ole music I have heard a thousand times before. Info:
www.nosleeprecs.com
SILVERSTEIN/Arrivals & Depatures (Victory Records) I usually like the stuff
on Victory Records, but this band I wasn't too keen on. The band play melodic
groove metal and the music isn't bad, but it the tough guy vocals that are totally
out of place and ruined this for me. If the band is going to play some melodic
metal even with a groove style, you don't need the tough guy vocals. The band
use some more melodic vocals they totally work and then comes in the generic
tough guy vocals to ruin any chance of me liking this. Some of you make like
this, but to my ears, the tough guy vocals need to go as musically it isn't
too bad. Production is fine. Info:
www.victoryrecords.com
Y3K/Retribution (Battle Hymn Records) This took a couple listens to get into,
but once I really got it, I was hooked. This band combine a ton of different
styles and influences. There is black metal, goth, thrash, death metal and even
power metal. I could do without the female vocals, but there isn't too much
of that. The production is thick and heavy and the band just destroy tune after
tune. Some of the blast parts will have you quivering. The vocals are mostly
in the black metal style, but are good and not generic. I really cool releases
that needs to be listened too a few times before you really feel it. Info:
www.battlehymnrecords.com
TRASHLIGHT VISION/Alibis & Amunition (Rock Ridge Music) Just nasty down
n dirty punk rock from this band. The band sound like early AC/DC in spots which
was fine by me considering that is my favorite band. The singer has a great
for the style of music this band plays. If you mix in early AC/DC, Motorhead,
Sex Pistols and The Dead Boys you might get this band. The production is not
over polished and still retains that street feel, which for a band like this,
is a must. A pleasant surprise and one of the best new bands making the scene
these days and with some much generic crap, these guys are a breath of fresh
air. Info:
www.rockridgemusic.com
PAT TRAVERS/Boom Boom Out Go The Lights (MVD Audio) I have always had a special
place in my heart for this man has his live album, 'Go For What You Know"
is one of the greatest live albums ever. I also like a few others and when I
got this I popped it right in and was smiling from note one to the last guitar
lick. Pat redoes some of his classics including the album title and "Snortin
Wiskey" and "Crash and Burn". There is also a bunch of covers
does that he does and in his own way and some surprised me as he tackles songs
by Aerosmith, "Last Child" and "Lights Out" by UFO. There
are 13 songs total and not a bad one in the bunch and Pat sounds good as ever
on vocals and on guitar his fingerwork is beyond godly and makes these cover
tunes shine with his own blend of Travers music. A must have for any fan of
the man or rock n roll. Info:
www.mvdb2b.com
SYMPHONY X/Paradise Lost (Inside Out Music) I have heard of this band many
times, but never actually heard their music until now and after a few tunes
I am upset that I had not checked these guys out before. This is pure power
metal fans dream. The music is progressive in spots, but carrier enough melody
to appeal to the masses. God the riffs just crush and will force the head to
want to bang. Each track comes up with a godly riff and some of the tunes even
fall into the speed metal style, which was fine by these ears. The bio says
of an experimental track, "Serpent's Kiss", which had a little bit
of an orchestra part in it, which worked for me and the singer really sang this
one with passion and feeling, not that he doesn't on all the tracks. This is
easily a top 5 of the year so far for me and your a fool if you don't buy this.
Info:
www.insideoutmusic.com
SPHERIC UNIVERSE EXPERIENCE/Anima (Sensory Records) This was some nifty progressive
metal with some parts of power metal thrown in the mix. The band mix things
up quite nicely as one moment they are whipping you into a break neck speed
part and then go off into a progressive metal direction. This is the album Dream
Theater should have made after 'Images and Words' my friends. The production
is flawless and perfect and the guitar sound is as good as it gets. The singer
sings with a passion and really can belt out the words when need be and he fits
the band perfect. This is one of the best releases of 2007 so far and well worth
your money. Simply godly. Info:
www.lasercd.com
CANVAS/Solaris (Sensory Records) This was more progressive metal with touches
of power metal thrown in for good measure. Even with the lack of vocals, which
usually turns me off after a couple tunes, this kept my attention throughout
the disc. The musicianship is top notch and each tune will have you on a rollercoaster
ride that you don't want to get off. The tunes, while in a progressive nature,
never went over my head and were quite catchy. The tunes are all heavy and speedy
at times too. This isn't some generic wanna be progressive band that copies
Dream Theater neither. Very solid release from these guys and they should be
proud of this puppy. Info:
www.lasersedgroup.com
EVIL ARMY/Edge Of Destruction (Get Revenge Records) Here is some killer old
school speed metal with some thrash and hardcore in the mix too. This shit is
fast, nasty, raw and just plains crushes. The singer has a neat and powerful
voice singing in a nasty hardcore/thrash metal style and the riffs will have
you in a slamming mosh pit in no time. The production isn't polished, but it
is not bad, it is perfect for a band of this style. Think Municipal Waste if
I have to name a band. This is Metal Core the way it should be played and not
that nu metal shit. This band is a 3 piece and they came up with an outstanding
release that totally blew me away and made me proud to be a metal fan. This
is a must have at any costs and if I had a label these guys would be on it no
doubt. Info:
www.getrevengerecords.com
INGRAVED/Promo CD 2007 (Self Released) This release contained an album the
band released in 2006 on Deadsun Records, 2 demos and some live stuff. This
some decent death metal with some really crushing riffs and heavy guitar sound.
The band remind of me Pestilence and Immolation in spots and the 1st band more
in the vocals and the 2nd band more in the music. Thank god there is no jump
metal riffs and the music is just plain brutal death metal and no cup the mic
shit neither. The 2 demos I got were also well played and the live stuff was
the icing on the cake. A very good release and it is good to hear some straight
forward no bullshit death metal for a change. Info:
www.ingraved.com
SHRINE OF SCARS/The Knife (Mindfire Records) 5 tracks of speed/death metal.
This isn't too bad and reminds me of some of those death metal demos I used
to get in the early 90's. The singer goes all out and really delivers the vocals
with intensity and fury and no tough guy crap neither. The music is chaotic
and out of control metal core. The band play speed metal with the energy and
style of old hardcore. The band I am sure have tunes you can hear on their page
so you can be the judge, but for me this is a pretty damn good band. Info:
www.myspace.com/shrineofscars
BEFORE THEIR EYES/Self Released (Rise Records) This is a Christian hardcore
band. That is what the band's bio says, but I would say they are more of a nu
metal band. The band isn't bad for what they are doing as they don't write all
those happy jump metal riffs and most of the riffs are actually quite catchy
and I was into this for the most part. At times they do throw in a generic jump
metal riff and sometimes the vocals go off into that annoying tough guy vocal
style, but for the most part this was really good. The music is fast at times
and the riffs are quite catchy too. The production is right where it needs to
be and for this style of music this is one of the better bands making the rounds
in my book. Info:
www.riserecords.com
MICK HARVEY/Two Of Diamonds (Mute Records) This is some very mellow music that
would work when I am reading a book or relaxing and reading a newspaper or surfing
the web. The 12 tunes on here feature Mick singing and a guitar and some keyboards
mostly. He has a decent voice and I can hear the passion in what he sings. Not
my cup of tea, but I can get into it when I am in the right mood. Info:
www.mute.com
RAT SKATES/Born In The Basement DVD (Kundrat Productions) This is one awesome
DVD that will take you back to the mid 80's and you can hear and see all about
how Rat joined a few bands before forming Overkill and then you can hear all
about Overkill's early days and how they got their deal, early live shows, etc.
I grew up around this time and being from NJ I was fascinated as Rat told his
tale of getting Overkill off the ground and seeing old pictures from Rock N
Roll Heaven and Vintage Vinyl and I also saw Overkill more than a few times
and they did have a killer stage show and after watching this and a few milk
crates I learned why. This DVD will take old school fans back to the mid 80's
when tape trading, Metal Forces, Kick Ass Monthly and t-shirts and jeans ruled
the time. Seeing some of the old pics and video clips made me feel like a kid
again. An absolute must for any fan of old school or anybody that wants to get
a feel for the old days. Info:
www.ratskates.com
JESUS CHRIST/Serial Rapist DVD (Bill Zebub Productions) This is one weird release
and I have no idea what was going on in Bill's head with this release. You get
a bunch of naked woman and somebody who is thinking he is Jesus doing lots of
nutty stuff. Some of the fire scenes are quite eerie and this is the most warped,
crazy shit out of the 4 DVD's I have seen that Bill sent me. I know I could
never come up with something like this. Weird and very different I must say.
The bonus footage is some of the most shocking stuff I ever seen and view it
is you dare. Info:
www.billzebub.com
ALAN VEGA/Station (Mute Records) I had no idea what to expect when I popped
this in and this is an industrial metal band. Alan does everything on this disc
except for some singing now and then. The drums are a machine naturally and
this is something that wouldn't be out of place on a Ministry album except this
isn't as thrashy. This stuff is warped and out of control at times. It didn't
bore me, but I have to be in the mood to listen to this type of stuff. If your
into weirder and open minded music then this would be of interest to you. Info:
www.mute.com
QUEEN/DVD Collector's Box (MVD) This is a 2 DVD set of the story of Queen.
The one DVD "Magic Moments" features mostly interviews from the England
press and radio stations talking about the impact the band had on the music
scene. Dics # 2 called "Queen Under Review' is absolutely brilliant and
runs almost 2 hours and traces the early roots of the band all the way up to
1980. Here you get interviews, concert footage and much more and it is very
detailed and all the interviews I found very interesting and I even learned
some new stuff about the band and it focuses on the band in their heyday, which
I am a fan of as well. Any fan of the band will want to add this double DVD
package to their collection. Info:
www.mvdb2b.com
PROJECT FAILING FLESH/The Conjoined (Burning Star Records) This is modern death
metal with a touch of groove to it. The vocals are those 'At The Gates style,
which to me is overdone. The music is mixed with some faster and slower parts.
The riffs aren't badly played and the songs are pretty good. The production
is nice and thick and the band get a good guitar sound. If they can work on
their songs and maybe lose a bit on the vocals they could go from being a good
band to a really great one. Info:
www.projectfailingflesh.com
FALL OF EDEN/Dawn Of A New Age (Sonic Wave) This too much was just an ok band.
The band play death metal with a melodic edge, but the songs were kinda just
there and the vocals are just screamed and just lacked that killer intensity.
The music is ok, the band don't go for the throat all the time and that is ok,
but the melodic parts kinda bored me and didn't suck me in. The production isn't
bad, but this just didn't it for me. Info:
www.fallofedenrock.com
GOLLUM/Lesser Traveled Waters (Self Released) I thought this was going to be
some gore/grind band, but I was way off base. This is band has some of the modern
death metal tones to their music, but they are much more than that. The band
add some atmosphere and industrial overtones to their brand of music and it
may not seem like it would work, but it does. The production is thick and heavy
and the tunes crush. There are no vocals, but little hints of some voices here
and there. This is for the open minded fan and even with the lack of vocals
I liked this. Info:
www.myspace.com/gollum
DAEMOS/Surface (Self Produced) This was death metal with a bit of industrial
thrown in to boot. The music just didn't floor me and the vocals were just average,
as the guy just screamed and lacked the passion and emotion. I just didn't feel
it from him. The music is just average death metal and the songs just fell flat
to me and just didn't do a thing for me. The songs just plodded along with the
gruff vocals. Not for me. Info:
www.daemos.com
CRIMSON ORCHID/Chapter XIII (Self Released) This was a bit different from what
I was expecting. This band plays some melodic death metal and unlike the other
band, this style works for them. The music is quite good and even though it
is melodic at times, it is still heavy and brutal. The vocals are more clean
in some parts and I could do without some of the tough guy vocals, but the music
won me over. Nice production too and this band is headed down the right path
so to speak. Info:
www.myspace.com/crimsonorchidband
THRONEUM/Deathmass Of The Gravedancer (Displeased Records) Raw death/black metal
is the ticket here. This is old school and is raw to the bone. Satan would be
proud of this band. Riffs that just crush and rip the flesh off your skin. The
vocals are screamed sound of death and the music is mixed with some slower,
almost doom parts, with some fast old school blasts of death/black metal. The
production only adds to this not takes it away if you get my drift. Fans of
Necrovore will love this as did I. Info:
www.displeasedrecords.com
ENTOMBED/Serpent Saints (Candlelight Records) This band is back with a really
good new release. The band have gone back to their old style, but don't expect
"Left Hand Path". The band mix in their new style with some style
of their old classic "swedish death metal" sound. It took me a few
spins to get into this, but I liked what I heard. The riffs had my neck moving
and the music was a mixture of mid paced and faster stuff. The production is
right on the money and vocals are pure Entombed. Some may not like this, but
I thought this crushed. Info:
www.candlelightrecordsusa.com
CRIONICS/Neu Throne (Candlelight Records) I thought this was ok as it sounded
too much like Decide, Morbid Angel and Krisiun. It if fast and heavy and the
vocals aren't bad, but it just lacked that killer punch. It is better than a
bunch of other bands doing this, but it just was too much like Vader, Krisiun
for my tastes. Info:
www.candlelightrecordsusa.com
SEIZURE CRYPT/Hello My Name Is Madness (316 Productions) This band is back
with another collection of real hardcore, not that groove metal shit. This is
true 100% NY hardcore the way it should be played. Pissed off, shouted vocals,
but not in a forced tough guy way. Fast metal core like riffs along with a not
so polished production make this a hardcore fan's delight. Each song I am sure
will have mosh pits going nuts for the right reasons and not the wrong ones.
Why this band isn't on a big indie label is beyond me. Info:
www.316productions.com
GREG LAKE/Same (MVD Audio) Greg Lake is one of the members of the Emerson,
Lake and Palmer and this is a live CD that he did. Yes, he does the classic
"Lucky Man" and does it quite well. He does a couple other ELP tunes
and well as some King Crimson stuff, which I myself wasn't familiar with, but
they sounded pretty good to these ears. The production for a live releases sounds
good as the hall is playing in sounded quite good. He has a 7 piece band that
helps him bang out the tunes and if your a fan of older progressive rock or
a King Crimson or ELP fan, you will want this in your collection. Info:
www.mvdaudio.com
DAVID T CHASTAIN/Countdown To Infinity (Leviathan Records) This is an all instrumental
release from David and it isn't too bad. I am not a big fan of this kind of
stuff unless it is jazz or something like that. David can play the guitar for
sure and unlike some of these "guitar gods", David knows a thing about
riffs and melody. The songs even without vocals, still sounded good to my ears
and were easy to get into. The tunes are rockin heavy metal tunes that will
satisfy any fan of metal. For those into the guitar thing, there is plenty of
solos and his backing 2 piece sound tight and clean. Production is good too.
Info:
www.leviathanrecords.com