LEGION OF THE DAMNED - Descent Into Chaos

The new album of the Dutch band comes as no surprise to those familiar with their sound. The band is playing 80's Thrash given through a more modern perspective, but always keeping the trademarks of the style to the maximum. First of all, the guitars are excellent, creating some of the most sharp and sticky riffs you will hear, blending wisely both old-school and modern. With a rhythm section that sounds like a perfectly oiled machine, and vocals that remind of the glorious 80's days of Thrash, this band has all what it takes to add another success to their career. Influenced by bands like early Kreator or Destruction, but also giving their personal perspective to their music, the band creates a very powerful mixture, and a distinguished sound. There are no weak points here, only music that will make you move your head along with the rhythm, either fast, or slower, from the very first to the last minute. The production is excellent, crystal clear and heavy enough, and was done by no less than Peter Tagtgren himself. What we liked on this album is that is plain and pure Thrash, with no extra stuff, the way we loved it back in the 80's, a bit more modern and refined, but without losing neither the aggression nor that raw feeling. We liked the riffs, we liked the singing and the way that the rhythm sticks into your mind. If you are into Thrash, then this album will blow you away as a good Thrash album should.

9/10

HAVOK - Time Is Up

It took only two years for the Denver based Thrash band, Havok, to release two albums that will establish their name to the minds of all those who are into Thrash Metal. Burn was a blowout for everyone, and Time Is Up comes to continue the good work that has been done. This time, the band has added some melodic touches here and there to spice things up a bit, but still the music sound like it was written back in the mid 80's. The musicianship is astonishing, either it's the rhythm section, the drum works, or the guitar riffs. A good work has also been done in the vocals, which are raw, a bit harsh and fit perfectly with the music. Influences from various bands can be found here, but the band has managed to include them into their own style, which is a good thing. The songs are very good, as aggressive and raw as they should be, and the clear production doesn't destroy the "old school" feeling of the music. This album is a big fun, from the first to the last minute, and I am sure that watching them live will also be fun. Their music is a journey back in time, and we loved every single minute of it. As the promo said, it's one of the bands that makes Thrash seem relevant again.

9/10

ONSLAUGHT - Sounds Of Violence

It's hard not to feel nostalgic when you get your hands to material from bands like Onslaught. I was only 16 when I heard "Let There Be Death", and the same feeling came back to me, altered a bit, now 24 years later. This is their new release, their fifth, their second after their mighty comeback in 2005, and shows that the band was not here just for a few shows and beers, but was back for good. Crunchy riffs, music that will make your heads move with the rhythm, fast tempo songs, excellent vocals from Sy Keeler, all assuring that the result will be more than excellent. The songs are fast, with occasional slower parts here and there, 80's Thrash with a more modern touch, that I found pretty interesting. There are no weak moments here, or indifferent songs, each one is carefully worked for maximum performance, and this makes this record one of those that become favorites. The production is clear and solid enough, and brings out all the details of the music. Thrash Metal at it's best, a perfect blend of both Old School and modern styles, aggressive, catchy and well performed. If you are a Thrash fan, then this album is something you should check out.

9/10

OMNIUM GATHERUM - New World Shadows

This is the fifth album so far of the Finnish band, and their first in LifeForce Records. Omnium Gatherum are playing a form of Death Metal, enriched with enough melodies, and based on rather complex song structures, something that makes their music even more interesting and mind intriguing. The band manages to create music that combines the brutality and aggression of the genre, with enough very catchy melodies. Add to this mixture a dark and depressing atmosphere, and you get the whole picture, or at least a big part of it. The songs are quite complex, representing all the influences of the band into a perfect mixture, and while moving on the same base, they have a variety that won't let anyone down. The first impression is like the band is trying to decide which path to follow, but this is not the case. The band is trying to explore many paths at the same time, and is doing it with ease. It doesn't matter if they play melodic, slow or faster, growling or singing with more clear vocals, they always have a way to surprise the listener, and to change moods and emotions in their music. All this wouldn't be possible without a good and clear production, to show the little details of their work. If you are a fan of the Finnish band, or you are into Melodic Death Metal, these talented guys, might be exactly what you are looking for.

9/10

Jimmy Jameson, Bobby Kimball work with Matt Sinner and more..

Jimi Jamison (ex SURVIVOR singer) and Bobby Kimball (ex TOTO lead singer) are joining forces together in a duet album produced by Mat Sinner from the German Heavy Metal band Primal Fear. Jimi and Bobby are currently putting their finishing touches on the recording of the lead vocals in Los Angeles, while the musical tracks have been recorded in Germany.