Thursday, September 30, 2010

RAUNCHY - A Discord Electric


This is the fifth album of the band from Denmark, and their music is an interesting mixture of various Metal styles, enriched with some non Metal and Pop influences. Surprisingly enough, the music is very interesting, despite the constant experimenting, and the moments where the band explores forms not so close to Metal. All this because the songs are very melodic, and the members are quite talented to deliver what they promise. Synths are important here, and give a special feeling to the songs, while the rhythm section is solid enough to create a very nice contradiction. Vocals that move from clear to almost Deathlike, are also a big plus on this album. Really hard to categorize, the band has managed to create songs, that stand out of the ordinary, with influences that sometimes sound really hard to combine, but always with a very solid and heavy base. Not an easy album, although the songs are quite catchy, with a lot of experimenting, and tons of things to discover with a more cautious listening. The production is clear enough, suitable for this kind of music, and helps the listener discover all the hidden details of the album. An album full of nice music, that aims to the open minded Metal fan. Check them out.

9/10

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

A free MP3 from CHICKENHAWK

Ahead of the release date of Monday 1st November 2010 'Modern Bodies', Chickenhawk have released the opening track Scorpieau as a free download to co-inside with their preorder options.

Black Sabbath - When I Came Down

taken From the rare 1969 demo...
Sabbath historian Rob Dwyer explains the history of the music:

New Jersey/New York’s ILL NIÑO iannounce the release of their VICTORY RECORDS debut, Dead New World, on October 26th, 2010. The album is self produced with co-production coming from Clint Lowery (Sevendust) and Sahaj Ticotin (RA) and mixed by Eddie Wohl (36 Crazyfists, Anthrax, Smile Empty Soul). 

NELSON twins are back!

NELSON celebrate the 20th Anniversary of "(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection” hitting n.1 in Billboard announcing the release of their new album “Lightning Strikes Twice”

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

ALLEN / LANDE's third album“The Showdown” is coming this autumn

With two world renowned singers, Jorn Lande (of Jorn and Masterplan) and Russell Allen (of Symphony X) sharing lead vocals, this project has become a staple among the fans of Hard Rock and Melodic Heavy Metal music.

Monday, September 13, 2010

ATHORN - Phobia


The journey of the band is like a modern Cinderella story, because after their debut EP release in 2009, they caught the attention of AFM Records, and here's their first full length album. Musically, the band is really hard to categorize, the newsletter says something about a modern version of old Sanctuary, but I get the feeling that it's somehow unfair for the band. First of all, the music is Power Metal, but, the band adds much more influences into their music, to make it really hard to comprehend, but still fun to listen to. So, there are Thrashy moments here and there, vocals that don't afraid to move into the Death area, complex arrangements, and plenty of times where the style reminds of Nevermore. What is certain here, is that the listener won't get bored, simply because you don't know what to expect, and the many suprises keep the interest high until the end. Smart arrangements, full of nice melodies, excellent musicianship and perfromance, show why this band caught the attention so fast. The production is very good, clear and powerful enough, and completes the album in the best possible way. Not an easy album, as one might think from the first time, but for sure an album that will reward the cautious listener. Check them out.

9/10

Friday, September 10, 2010

MICHAEL KISKE/AMANDA SOMERVILLE - Kiske - Somerville


Little or less introduction is needed when it comes to Michael Kiske and his work all these years. Amanda Somerville on the other hand is also known for her personal work, but has also participate on the MIRO/PAETH Rock Opera, AINA, and has toured with EPICA replacing Simone Simons on vocals, amongst other appearances. Having performed a duet with Indigo Dying, Kiske was offered an all duet album, an offer he could refuse.

Thursday, September 09, 2010

The Trophy - The Gift of Life (2009)

Weak production but very good and catchy music.
Rating: 5/5

Thursday, September 02, 2010

WAX MANIAX VINYL DEMO SERIES


Vinyl maniacs rejoice! Heavy Artillery Records announced the launch of the new WAX MANIAX VINYL DEMO SERIES. Limited to only 200 numbered 12" MLPs and 200 CDs, the series will feature demos and live tracks from the best up and coming metal bands and will be available exclusively at http://store.heavyartillery.us

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

MALEVOLENT CREATION - Invidious Dominion


Malevolent Creation complete over 23 years of existence and this is their latest release, their eleventh so far. Eleven albums are quite a lot, and considering their style, this is really a huge achievement. The new album contains 11 tracks, one of them being an intro, and will certainly please all fans of the band.

Christians could learn a lot about life from heavy metal, says cleric

Christians could learn a lot about life from listening to heavy metal, according to a Church of England cleric.
The Rev Rachel Mann claims that the much-maligned form of music demonstrates the “liberative theology of darkness”, allowing its tattooed and pierced fans to be more “relaxed and fun” by acknowledging the worst in human nature.