PRETTY MAIDS - Pandemonium

Every Metal fan that respects himself is familiar with this Danish act, so no need for introduction is needed. After 4 years, this is their latest release, through Frontiers Records, and surely an album that will please the fans of their early days. Right from the opening song, the music leaves an old school feeling, something I found very good. The listener will also recognize the unique combo of crunchy guitar riffs and killer keyboards introduced to their early years, specially on Future World. On the other hand, there are some more modern tunes, ideal for radio stations and listening while driving. The songwriting is very good, with no less good or indifferent moments, and the band has managed to explore their ideas as far as possible. The production is close to perfection, crystal clear, as heavy as it should be and helps the music very much. What I liked on this album is the diversity, and the old school feeling it left me. The way keyboards supported the rhythm section, and the ease that the band moved from slow and melodic to harder songs. This album is a travel in time, back and forth, and for this I suggest it to everyone.

10/10

ALKONOST - On The Wings Of The Call

Alkonost is a band that comes from Russia, and, according to the newsletter, are playing Pagan Metal. The reality is that the band is much more interesting than that, and this is rather obvious from the first couple of minutes. Mixing brutal male with operatic female vocals is the first intriguing thing that one might notice. This mixture works well throughout the whole album, and fits perfectly with the atmosphere of the music. The band sings in Russian, another thing that gives a rather unique taste to the listener, and adds points to the whole result. The music is Folk Pagan Metal, although the use of keyboards gives a more "modern" touch, but without sacrificing the feeling. The songwriting is a bit complex, aggressive but also groovy and very melodic. Definitely not an easy album, since there are various elements and inspirations into the music, and you need more than just a simple listening to explore it to the maximum. It's dark and ominous. Epic and Folk. Has killer melodies, and equally killer vocals, specially the female ones. It's full of groovy songs, and a very good musicianship. So, all sum up to an album that will please both the fans of the band, but also those enjoying this kind of music.

8/10

BIFROST - Heidenmetal

The band came to life in 2005 in Austria when two musicians, obviously inspired by the Norse Mythology, decided to create a group that would perform Pagan Metal. A lot of things have happened since, and here we are with their latest release, from Einheit Produktionen. Right from the first riff, the band shows that they are not kidding and know exactly what they want to play. Slow and sometimes close to ritualistic music transforms to mid tempo and high speed moments, while the band manages to create exactly the atmosphere that characterizes the whole album. The songs are well written, with nice ideas, which the band explores in a very interesting way. The addition of some strings other than guitars and bass to the music, gives a more old fashioned feeling which is very pleasant. On the other hand the songs are very catchy, and you will find yourself banging with the rhythm in no time. Another interesting thing are the vocals, harsh and close to Black sometimes, but fit perfectly with the music. A few less good moments do exist but don't spoil the fun in any way. The production is as clear and as powerful as it should be, and is another big plus for the whole album. An album with an excellent Pagan atmosphere, but on the other hand, as I can imagine, a band that would be fun to watch live, and drink a couple of (or much more) beers with friends. If you are into such music, or want to get to know it better, check them out.

8/10

RAINTIME - Psychromatic

This Italian band is very interesting, something that became obvious from reading the newsletter. This is their third album so far, if I am not mistaken, and their second in Lifeforce Records. According to the info we got with the album, the band is combining the Melodic Death Metal, along with some progressive elements. So, I was expecting a more complex approach to the music that comes from the Swedish scene, but that was not all. The music here is much more melodic and catchy, although the band gears up and hardens their sound whenever they want. The vocals are mostly clear but there is a very interesting addition of some semi-brutal moments here and there, which, surprisingly enough, makes the songs even more catchy and fun to listen to. Another strong point of the album is the excellent guitar melodies, either on the solos or in the basic riffs, and the keyboards which create the perfect atmosphere. The band is quite skilled and technical enough, something that can be heard in the complexity of the songs, and the songwriting as well. Fun and melodic, aggressive at times, full of energy, but also catchy and with no less good moments, this album is a pleasant surprise. Do check them out.

9/10

Pretty Maids - Little Drops Of Heaven

Taken from the album "Pandemonium" out on Frontiers Records on May the 14th 2010.
The single "Little Drops Of Heaven" will be released on digital stores only from April the 16th 2010.

New HEAVEN SHALL BURN album

DEADLOCK´s female vocalist Sabine Weniger and guitar wizard Sebastian Reichl will be featured on the highly emotional duet “Given In Death” on the new HEAVEN SHALL BURN album “Invictus” !

HSB guitarist Maik Weichert on “Given In Death”: “The topic this song is about is a very sensitive one (mercy killing) and Sabine’s voice just goes along so well with the feeling we tried to create for this piece. It was a pleasure working together with such a talented band as Deadlock.”

“Invictus“ (the full title of which is “Invictus” (Iconoclast III)) was recorded at Tue Madsen’s Antfarm Studio in Aarhus, Denmark. Again, the album was produced by the two guitarists Alexander Dietz and Weichert.

“Invictus” will be out on the following dates:

GERMANY / AUSTRIA / SWITZERLAND: Friday, May 21, 2010.

UK / BENELUX / FRANCE / GREECE / DENMARK / NORWAY / PORTUGAL / REST OF EUROPE: Monday, May 24, 2010.

SPAIN / ITALY : Tuesday, May 25, 2010.

SWEDEN / FINLAND / HUNGARY: Wednesday, May 26, 2010.

NORTH AMERICA: Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

www.deadlock-official.com

www.myspace.com/deadlock

The brand new HEAVEN SHALL BURN track "The Omen" taken from the upcoming album is now to find at the following location:

www.myspace.com/officialheavenshallburn

CRAZY LIXX - New Religion

This band comes from Malmo, Sweden, and exists for about 8 years now. Right from the first moment, the band shows that 80's was a very important music period for them and has influenced their music very much. So, about two decades after the original thing, here we are again, with a band that really loves what they do, and gives their hearts and energy into it. To perform this kind of Hard Rock, you have to create catchy songs, with memorable parts and melodies, songs that stick into your mind and make you whisper their tune over and over. Of course, add a certain amount of talent and musical skills, and here you go. Crazy Lixx have all that, and their album, their debut in Frontiers Records - a warm shelter of melodic bands, and second in general, is a reality. It would be unfair for them to be compared with the bands of the 80's, mostly because they are not mere copycats, but try to create something more personal. What they do copy though, is the feeling of the music, some of the atmosphere of this era, and this is a big plus of this album. All in all, there's great musicianship here, a couple of more melodic and touchy ballads, some harder but also sticky tunes, nice ideas, and "party" feeling widespread in the music. Name it Hair Metal, Sleaze, 80's Hard Rock, or whatever you like. But do check them out if you like this kind of music. They are good.

9/10

CRASHDIET - Generation Wild

Crashdiet is a band that comes from Sweden, and exists for about a decade now. Generation Wild is their third album, and although I am not familiar with their previous two, I can say that this one is a highly enjoyable piece of Hard Rock. The band is playing a version of 80's Glam (or Hair if you like) Metal, with a more modern approach, but with the same kind of atmosphere and feeling, which is a big plus. The songs are well written, with tons of nice melodies, excellent vocals - one of the stronger points of the album, and parts that you can't help but move your head with the rhythm, or tap your feet with the groove. Of course as with every Glam album, a couple of slower moments do exist here, only to point out the vocal skills of Simon Cruz, or the nice guitar lines of Martin Sweet. The production is very good, clear and powerful and helps their music very much. If you are into this kind of music, and want to remember some of the old magic, with some headbanging, air guitaring, and singing along, then this album has what it takes. Well performed, well arranged, well produced. What more could anyone ask?

9/10

New Masterplan album and cover

New MASTERPLAN album cover unveiled!

On April 16th MASTERPLAN will release their new single "Far From The End Of The World", which marks the return of the band´s original singer Jorn Lande. The new album, "Time To Be King", will be released on May 21st.

Disbelief new album cover

DISBELIEF published the cover of their upcoming album "HEAL" that will be released on May, 21st.

Catamenia video clip

Hey folks! Check out the new CATAMENIA videoclip here

Ratt's Official Video For "Best of Me"

LA's legendary rockers Ratt have returned with their first offering in ten years, Infestation, set for an April 20th release.

In anticipation of the album, we've got the official video for their smash single "Best of Me" right here.

Do you live in the LA area? Then don't miss the band's triumphant return to the Sunset Strip for their album release party on 4/20! Go HERE for all the details!