DESTRUCTION - The Curse Of The Antichrist - Live In Agony

Destruction is a band that needs no introduction, since every Thrash fan that respects himself, is well aware of the history and the music of this band. This release is a double live album, that showcases the 25 year history of the band. Through this 22 song revision, you will hear enough of the band classic anthems like Curse The Gods, but also some newer tunes from their latest release D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N. What has remained the same all these years is the way that the band manages to create songs with this edgy riff work, and the unique vocals of Schmier. Through the listening of this album, I had the pleasure to listen to old time favorites through a more modern perspective, and this was a very interesting experience. Along with me, the audience is participating, screaming and shouting in every given chance, putting some of the energy in this album. The production is very good, clear and as dirty as it should be, leaving space for the screams of the crowd, but without making the music sound buried. Highly recommended for all Thrash Metal fans.

9/10

SAVAGE MESSIAH - Insurrection Rising

The band comes from England, and this is their second album, after their highly successful "Spitting Venom" which was released back in 2007. Right from the first note, the band shows that their success and positive reaction from the press was not a coincidence. Talented enough, the band managed to create a Thrash album, with all the trademarks and things that one should expect from such an album. Thrashy riffs, clear vocals, groovy headbanging parts, and songs manage to keep the listener interested until the end. But, as if those weren't enough, they also blended enough modern Metal elements into their music, giving it a more diverse touch, which, along with the excellent guitar melodies, makes this album unique, and not just another Thrash Metal album. There are enough ideas here, and enough things that the band successfully explored and blended into their songs. The production completes the album in the best possible way, and was done by no one else than Chris Tsangarides. After a very good debut album, the band releases an equally good second one. Check them out, cause they really deserve it.

9/10

GWAR - Lust In Space

The history of GWAR starts back over 25 years ago, and this latest release is their 11th, if I am not mistaken, album so far. What started as a project, continued as a Thrash Metal outfit, with the outrageous costumes being their trademark. But, besides the unique and distinguished outfit, the band is playing music that has stayed true and above the average all those years. Not exactly a Thrash Metal album, but very close to it, blended with enough Classic Metal elements as well, and some slower and groovier tunes, this album manages to draw the attention of the listener from the first to the last minute. Groovy and catchy, with excellent guitar riffs, melodies that make the songs even more powerful and diverse, the majority of the songs of this album is moving on high quality levels. Despite the fact we didn't have access to the lyrics, it's not hard to figure out what they are talking about. Just take a look at the song titles and you get the point. The same, kinda perverted, but always welcome, sense of humor, must be the main thing that characterizes them. All in all, this album is fun, listening to it, and, most probably reading the lyrics as well.

8/10

U.D.O. - Dominator

One couldn't find a more fitting title for a singer that somehow dominates the Metal scene for about 3 decades now, and hopefully will continue to do so, for the years to come. Right from the first note, even the younger metalhead will identify the unique vocals of Udo Dirkschneider, and this continues to this album as well. Not moving away from what he has used us over the years, but presenting it with a more modern approach, Udo manages to create an album that will touch the fans, either being your ones, or guys that were young when Breaker was released. There are songs straight in your face, with guitar works by the charismatic former Accept guitarist, Stefan Kaufmann, and rhythm section that simply kicks asses, but there are also songs moving into more traditional Metal forms, more close to Accept style, but presented in a modern way. The production of the album is simply excellent, clear and heavy enough, and completes the album in the best possible way. Listening to works of Udo is like taking a journey to the past. After a while the same feeling is also here, and maybe this the the bigger advantage of this album. An album one can't afford to miss.

10/10

DANGER DANGER - Revolve

Danger Danger is one of the bands that made a bing bang in the 80's with the so called "Hair Metal" style, and has later followed the fate of similar bands after the coming of Grunge. But talent never fades away, and the band found a way to come back, with the help of their fans who kept the flame alive. This is the latest release of the band, with original singer Ted Poley behind the mics, something that will please the fans of the band. Right from the first song, the band shows that there was no better way to celebrate 20 years since they started the band, than to release an album. An what an album it is. You want fast and groovy tunes, to sing along, and listening while driving? They have. Acoustic ballads with piano and strings? Sure. Songs talking about easy girls, about partying all night, about money and what one can do with them? There are also. The music that the band is playing is the what they have used us in the 80's, presented in a more mature way, but with the same fun and good mood. If you are a fan of the band, and you lived the mid 80's, or discover the band later, this is a release for you. It will wake memories, but also create new ones. Check it out.

9/10

AXXIS - Utopia

The new album of Axxis is out to serve a double purpose, to provide fans with a new album, and to celebrate 20 years of existence as a band. Fans of the music of Axxis will find many things to like on this one as well, while newcomers won't get disappointed as well. The band is playing Melodic Power Metal, performed the German way, with catchy tunes, many melodies, keyboards to enrich the songs, and noteworthy vocals. But that's not all, since the addition of backing female vocals on some songs, adds diversity to the whole album. The majority of the songs, are moving to the well known Axxis way, with "in you face" rhythm section, catchy choirs, and parts to sing along. There are also songs out of the ordinary, with more complex arrangements and backing female vocals, that are making the album even more fun to listen to. After cautious listening, the listener can't find something that could have been done in a better way, and this is something that works for an album. The guest appearance of artists like Andi Deris, Doro Pesch, and David Readman on an exclusive Digipak song, called, "20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SONG", is also a nice addition. With a shiny clear production, and songs moving highly above the average, this album will become a favorite amongst Axxis fans, an album that friends of German Melodic Power should check out.

9/10

INSOMNIUM - Across The Dark

The story of the Finnish band starts back in 1997, but the first album was released only 4 years later. This band has slowly but effectively created a personal style, and with this new release, their fourth so far, it's further explored and established, but without go too far from their roots. Melodic Death Metal, performed the Swedish way, with excellent and well worked melodies, with catchy moments, mid tempo parts and with the addition of clear vocals here and there, are the key parts here. Aggression when needed, with a dark and oppressive atmosphere, huge melodies, and great vocals, this album has no weak points, from the first to the last minute. Another thing that's impressing is the rhythm section, either on the mid tempo parts, or when things gear up, it's always solid and strong, and is a big plus for the album. One the other hand, there are enough well worked melodies in the songs and this leads to an album with the songs being on the same high quality, with no moments that could have done in a different way. It's really difficult not to like this album, either you are a fan of the genre, or a fan of extreme music in general. I would love to see them performing live this material though. Check this out.

9/10

CONSTRUCDEAD - Endless Echo

This is a fourth album of the Swedish band. The band continues to play the same mixture of Death and Thrash, we enjoyed on their previous works, only now is more polished, and enriched, without sacrificing on energy and aggression. The band manages to create an album that is close where their previous releases were, but contains enough ideas and explores the style even more. Melodies and aggression go hand in hand here, and catchy tunes go along with sharp guitar riff work. The album is catchy from the first to the last minute, with very few weak points, that don't spoil the fun in any way. What's also impressive is the vocal capabilities of the singer, who manages to sing with clear and brutal vocals, with the same quality. Another strong point, is the very strong rhythm section, something that helps the album very much. The good and clear production completes the album in the best possible way. If you are into Swedish Thrash or Death, then this album has a lot to offer. Listen and decide.

9/10

DIVINE HERESY - Bringer Of Plagues

Now, this is definitely one of the pleasant surprises a reviewer gets. It's really hard to describe what I felt right from the first song, a feeling that didn't leave me till the last minute. It's like a kick in the face, a gun blast in the stomach. Right from the first minute, this band from Los Angeles, attacks the listener with the most extreme, machine gun-like drumming you can imagine. An if you add an equally capable band, and a singer that fits perfectly with the music, you have the result. Metalcore it says on the newsletter says, but their music also contains tons of Thrash, Death, to make things even more spicy and interesting. The songs are all moving to the same fast tempo, with some mid tempo bridges here and there, with Thrashy riffing, a very solid rhythm section, clear and brutal backing vocals, all blended into a very interesting and definitely aggressive outfit. Impressive work has also been done from the vocalist, who manages to sing in various styles, from clear to high pitched screams and growls, with the same ease and quality. One can't help but wonder how this act would perform live. If you are into extreme stuff, then this is an album you should listen to.

9/10