ICED EARTH - Dystopia (OFFICIAL VIDEO 2011)

Taken from the new album "Dystopia".(2011)

DRAGONLAND - Under The Grey Banner

This is the third release of the band, following their "Astronomy" album which was released about five years ago. The band from Sweden continued on the saga of Dragonland, a fantastic place that was realized in their first two albums. The first impression is that the band is playing Melodic Power Metal, fast and groovy, pompous and well written, the kind that fans love to sing along, since it's both catchy and easy to get into. But, under this skin, the band has created an album that borrows enough items from Symphonic music, from the roles that the vocals create, to the atmosphere of the whole music, and the theatrical parts that are spread around the album. According to the mastermind Olof Morck, the band wanted to create an album that would be inspired by every fantasy movie around, every RPG soundtrack, instead of creating another Power Metal cliche release. So, the album has this fantasy atmosphere, and sounds like a soundtrack to a perfect Epic movie. It takes you to places, it reminds you of movies you've seen, games you've played, and has such a marvelous atmosphere until the end. Technically, the band is perfect, and they are capable to support their musical vision, while the well worked vocals color the songs with various moods, and help in the creation of the Epic atmosphere. Melodies are plenty, created from both the keyboards and guitars, and are well worked and interesting. Even the intros here are important and welcome. An album amazing at it's entirety, with no weak points, a truly superb journey to the a fantastic land.

10/10            

IRON SAVIOR - The Savior (2011)

The song "The Savior" is taken from IRON SAVIOR´s new album "The Landing", which will be released on November 18.

Trillium Complete EPK (Official)

Release date: Europe - November 4th 2011 North America -- November 1st 2011

ABOMINATION - Abomination/Tragedy Strikes

Abomination was formed back in the 80's by Paul Speckmann, of Master and Krabathor fame. This release is not a new album, but their first two full length, one EP which was released in 1999, and some rare demos, all packed together into a very interesting offer. The band is playing a mixture of Death and Thrash, and bears all the trademarks of this style. The songs are quite good, all moving to the same speedy tempos, and the semi-brutal vocals are fitting perfectly with the music. What is intriguing though, is the variety that exists in some of the songs. But there's also a more groovy, less fast, but equally brutal sound, reaching the surface in more than just a couple of times. That somehow can be explained from the time spanning between the full length albums and the much later EP stuff.  With distorted guitars, double base drums, fast solos, often reminding of the style of Possessed, tons of energy and an early Slayer feeling in the music, this album will please all fans of 80's Thrash, while their primitive Death Metal will also appeal to fans as well. If you are one of those that lived that era, or you want to have a package with all the stuff Abomination had released, then check this out. Some less good moments , might prevent it from being a perfect release, but the overall is very good. So, get a copy, put it on your favorite playing media, and get ready for some serious headbanging.

8/10    

SIR REG - A Sign Of The Times

First of all I have to say that this is not a Metal album, although it contains enough distorted guitars. If you are a die hard Metal fan, then this might not appeal to you. But if you are openminded, then let's start. I am not sure why, but Folk music has a strange affection on me, and often enough I find myself turning back to Folk tunes that I like. Sir Reg is a band that comes from Sweden, with a singer that is Irish, and are playing a Rock music dominated by Celtic Folk. The result is a music that is both fun to listen to, and catchy enough. The most important thing here is the nature of the music. It's catchy and groovy, there's enough harder times, where the guitars are more heavy, enough parts to sing along, and you will often find yourself tapping the floor and moving your head along with the rhythm. Flutes, bouzouki, and violins, enhance the Folk feeling, and raise the fun to heavens. This is their second album so far, but the band exists and performs live since 2001. The production is great, heavy and powerful enough and preserves the pub atmosphere that the music creates. What I like on this one, is that the music has a way to transfer you to the nearest Irish pub, put you on the bar and serve you some beer for a start. Pure fun and up-tempo in every single minute, with excellent musicianship, and a distinctive Irish feeling, this album is a favorite. For Irish people around the globe, and for people who can appreciate good music. Cheers.

9/10

SICK OF IT ALL - Nonstop

This is not the latest album of the legendary Hardcore band, but a release aiming to celebrate their 25 years of existing. This is an album containing all the classics of the band, spanning through their entire history, recorded in the old fashioned way, only in four days. So it's more like a best of album, or, if you prefer, how classics of the past can sound in 2011. No matter if you are fan of the band or not, it's really hard not to be affected by the rhythm and the energy of their music, which is one of the strong points of their music. Right from the first song, the groove takes the leading role, and you find yourself banging your head along with it. The new version of the songs, if we can call it like this, is very close to the originals, keeping the same feeling but giving a more modern approach. According to Armand Majidi, there's a tempo change in most of them, some arrangements were remade, but they tried to keep them as close to the originals as possible. Working again under the direction of Tue Madsen, the production is powerful and clear enough, and completes the album in the way it deserves. No matter if you are an old fan of SOIA, or a new one that just now starts to explore their music, this album is a powerful addition to your collection. It's full of energy, groovy parts, tons of headbanging, a solid rhythm section, and vocals full of anger. What more could anyone ask from a band?

9/10 

AS THEY BURN - Aeon's War

This band is coming from France and this is their second, if I am not mistaken, album so far, after a release of an EP. Their music is a weird mixture of various influences, all wrapped up into a very peculiar and intriguing style. They are playing a kind of Metal, full of melodies and groovy guitars, brutal vocals and tons of headbanging parts, very close to what Deathcore sounds like. Brutality and aggression are existing here in huge amounts, and this is the first impression of the listener. But if you read between the lines, there are various other influences from Black Metal to progressive and psychedelic twisting and trying to get to the surface. The music is moving on well known paths, but doesn't afraid to take advantage of every single opportunity to explore various territories, while the vocals are also moving from screaming and growling to clear ones, creating or enhancing the atmosphere the music creates. The guitars are great, some of the riffs here are super catchy and groovy, and so good is the rhythm section in general. I am not sure if I would be able to describe this music to someone, but what I know is that this album contains enough fresh ideas, and shows a band that doesn't know any borders. Add to this, their ability to support their vision technically, and you get the whole picture. Not an easy album, although it might sound like that from the first listening. It takes it's time to reveal it's secrets, and worth every minute of it.

8/10

BOGUSLAW BALCERAK'S CRYLORD - Blood Of The Prophets

The band here comes from Poland is the brainchild of Boguslaw Balcerak, a talented guitarist and this is their first release on Lion Music. The band is playing Neoclassical Metal, with all the trademarks of the genre, and are doing it with quite a style. The first concern for such a release, is that if the guitarist can implement some feeling and melodies along with the guitar shredding, thus making songs not only perfectly performed but also catchy and interesting for the listener. Such a question doesn't exist here, since all the things of this album are carefully chosen for the best result. First we have to say that Boguslaw can play, and can play good. Inspired by Malmsteen obviously, but also from Classic music, he tries to create a personal sound, adding all those influences into his own style. The material of this album was recorded from 2008 to 2009, and the vocals were done by Mark Boals, Goran Edman and Carsten Schulz adding to the whole quality. So, along with the excellent guitar works and melodies expect top class vocals, memorable parts to sing along, and a touch of Epic atmosphere. The vocals are balancing the domination of the guitars, something that is very good, and make the music a bit more interesting. The mastering was done by no else than Andy LaRocque, to assure that top quality has also achieved in this section as well. If you are a fan of this style, then check them out.

8/10   

IRON SAVIOR - The Landing

Four years have passed since the release of Megatropolis, and the Germans are back with a release that will once again please all their fans. I have been a huge fan of the band since their early steps, and enjoyed the atmosphere their music had back then, so I was a bit curious of this album as well. It seems that Piet Sielck has not lost the touch of creating music that is catchy and powerful enough. The music is Power Metal, perfectly performed, full of nice melodies, a battering rhythm section, amazing drum works by Thomas Nack, great guitars, and the distinguished vocals of Piet Sielck. The songs are very good, blending Power Metal, with enough traditional Metal stuff, making this album a bit more heavy than their first works, but still containing the same trademarks of their music. The production, clear and heavy enough, is as shinny as should be, but also preserves the atmosphere of the music as well. What we liked more is the fact that the music is catchy from the first minute, and the band seems to have a good time while performing, something that you can feel while listening to this album. Based on well known materials, with enough new ideas, great musicianship, and equally good performance, this album will also become a favorite for the fans of the band, but also for those seeking a good Power Metal album.

9/10

BOBBY KIMBALL JIMI JAMISON - Kimball Jamison

These guys here need no introduction, since everyone is aware of who they are, and, most important, what they are capable of. This is the first time, these two join their skills into an album, and the result meets the expectations of the most demanding fan. The music is Melodic Rock, with crunchy guitars, nice ideas, perfect parts to sing along, and is definitely dominated by the superb vocals of the two singers. There is no single less good moment here, from the ballads, to the more groovy moments, and both Bobby and Jimi are giving a perfect performance, coloring the songs with their vocal melodies. But since two singers alone are not a guarantee for a good album, the song writing has been arranged by experts of the genre, and the production was done by Mat Sinner, who is also responsible for the bass guitar. Aiming for a more adult audience, where memories from the big hits of Toto and Survivor are still alive, but also for fans who can admire and appreciate well arranged and performed Melodic Rock, this album is destined for success. It has all the trademarks of both singers, fine and catchy music, crystal clear production, and a good variety of songs and styles for everyone. So if Melodic stuff is you favorite, get ready to be amazed.

10/10    

NINE COVENS - On The Coming Of Darkness

Nine Covens is band that hails from UK, and the newsletter says that consists on former and current members of some of the most important extreme bands of the past decade. This shed no light to the origin or the capabilities of the members, but this album has nothing to do with light in general. The band is playing Black Metal, and does it in a very oldfashioned and bleak way. Vocals that come from deep under, sharp guitar riffs that create a bleak atmosphere, the necessary blastbeating and a sense of melody that bring shivers to the spine. To spice things up, there's enough Thrash and old school Death elements, well spread here and there, and this gives an extra variety to the whole album. Being anonymous or not, the talent is obvious, and the band has managed to create some very good songs, with enough melodic parts, clear vocals, interesting ideas, although they didn't avoid some repetitive moments that don't spoil the whole fun though. The production is as dark and ominous as this album, fitting perfectly with the mood and the atmosphere of the music. Black Metal with an attitude, from a band that doesn't hesitate to explore musical paths, although not far away from the main road. A promising debut.

7/10 

LUCKY THIR13N - March Of The Young

This is the debut album of the Greek band that comes from Thessaloniki, and to be honest, I didn't expect to have such a great time listening to it, while driving at work, or while writing this review. The band is playing Hard Rock mostly, but with enough guts, and some very interesting and intriguing ideas. With influences starting from the 80's Metal scene but the cautious listener with also find some 90's stuff, the band has managed to marry all those into an extremely catchy, quite aggressive, and groovy music. Right from the first song, you can't help but tapping your feet along with the rhythm, sing along the choruses, and participate in any way possible. Well written music has a way to do that, and Lucky Thir13n compose and perform like veterans. And if you thing that they have found a motive and stick to it, think again, cause the band doesn't afraid to experiment with guest brutal vocals in one song, but also with a song that is Rap meets Hard Rock, with both male and female vocals. The production is excellent, crystal clear and completes the album in the best possible way. With great performance and songwriting, this is a killer debut album. So, open your mind, and prepare for a nostalgic trip to 80's and 90's with some surprises in between.

8/10      

DARKEST HOUR - European Tour

DARKEST HOUR will be soon back in Europe - make sure to catch them live on the Eigth Plague tour with Machine Head, Bring Me The Horizon & Devildriver:

"The Eighth Plague Tour"
Machine Head
w/ Bring Me The Horizon, Devildriver, DARKEST HOUR
Nov. 01 - Oslo, Norway @ Sentrum Scene
Nov. 03 - Stockholm, Sweden @ Arenan
Nov. 05 - Tampere, Finland @ Sorsapuistosali
Nov. 06 - Helsinki, Finland @ The Circus
Nov. 08 - Fredriksberg, Denmark @ KB Hallen
Nov. 09 - Hamburg, Germany @ Grosse Freiheit 36
Nov. 10 - Dresden, Germany @ Alter Schlachthof
Nov. 12 - Vienna, Austria @ Gasometer
Nov. 13 - Milan, Italy @ Alcatraz
Nov. 17 - Lisbon, Portugal @ Coliseum
Nov. 18 - Oporto, Portugal @Coliseum
Nov. 21 - Zurich, Switzerland @ Volkshaus
Nov. 23 - Paris, France @ Zenith
Nov. 24 - Neu-Isenburg, Germany @ Hugenottenhalle
Nov. 25 - Munich, Germany @ Kesselhaus
Nov. 26 - Ludwigsburg, Germany @ Arena
Nov. 28 - Eindhoven, Holland @ Klokgebouw
Nov. 29 - Brussels, Belgium @ Vorst Nationaal
Nov. 30 - Oberhausen, Germany @ Turbinenhalle
Dec. 03 - London, UK @ Wembley Arena
Dec. 04 - Birmingham, UK @ National Indoor Arena
Dec. 05 - Glasgow, UK @ Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC)
Dec. 06 - Manchester, UK @ Central

DARKEST HOUR live:
Nov 11 -- Hungary, Budapest @ Durer
Nov 27 - Germany, Trier @ Exhaus
Dec 1 -- UK, Cardiff @ Clwb Ifor Bach

THREAT SIGNAL - Threat Signal

The band exists since 2003 and this is their third album so far. While starting to listen to it, the term Modern Death Metal caught my eye, and I was quite curious of what would follow. Hailing from Canada, is a plus for this band, as some of my favorite and most intriguing bands are from this country. So, the band is playing Death Metal, only they do it in a very unique and personal way, that leaves a good feeling at the end. Blending Thrash with brutality, growls and a very technical style of playing, the band creates music that is both unique and fun to listen to. With no less good moments, very interesting riffs, melodies that enrich the songs without sacrificing aggression, and vocals that vary from growling to clear ones, the music is catchy and addictive from the first minute. But, as the listening progresses, more and more of the hidden details come to surface, and this makes this album even better. The production is crystal clear but doesn't destroy the feeling of the music in any way. The variety in music is also a plus, with excellent musicianship and all their influences so well combined, that will leave satisfied even the most demanding fan. If you are out for Death Metal that has an attitude and an unique approach to music, then Threat Signal might be what you are looking for.

9/10  

CIPHER SYSTEM - Communicate The Storms

The new release of the Swedish Death Metal act, comes almost seven years after their previous one, and finds the band progressed in every possible way. One might thing what more has the Swedish Death Metal scene has to offer, but this is a question put in the wrong direction. This album shows that innovation and fresh ideas do exist, and shows that a band with the skills to write good music, and realize their ideas, has a chance to create something truly amazing. Cipher System are no newcomers, and this is obvious from the first minute. Managing to create an album that dwells between brutality and melodies, with both being a vital part but not dominating each other, the listening of each song is pure fun. The combination of clear and brutal vocals, the excellent music carpet that the keyboards create, the drums that also great and the guitar melodies and riffs, all blend together in a wise way, creating songs that are not repetitive or boring. The production is perfect, shinny and clear enough, and the cover art was done by Seth Siro Anton. With parts to bang along with the rhythm, enough complexity into each song, no weak points or things that could have been done better, things seem promising for the band. And the fact that took them so long to release an album, shows that every aspect of it is worked to the slightest detail. Enjoy it loud!    

9/10

LIVARKAHIL - Signs Of Decay

This is the second full length album from the French Death Metal quintet that exists since 2007. The band is playing Death Metal, brutal and in your face, with enough twists though, something that gives an extra potential to their music. The first thing we noticed is that their music combines various other influences, and this leaves a good feeling in the end. Being skilled musicians, they manage to incorporate influences from Black Metal, enough industrial elements here and there, enough melodies and a groovy feeling that creates catchy rhythms from the first to the last minute. The vocals are brutal and powerful enough, with a distinguished sound, the guitars are very good, and the rhythm section is simply perfect. The album is a concept talking about religion autocracy. The songs are well written, with enough interesting ideas, enough variety in their forms, and enough surprises to make this album very interesting. Not an average Death Metal release, it's well arranged from every aspect, carefully prepared from the band, doesn't follow any specific rules or paths, and will make all their fans happy. So, if you want to hear something brutal, aggressive and technical, complex but well performed and innovative enough, then give this a spin and you won't regret.

9/10   

SINNER - One Bullet Left

With every Sinner album you know exactly what to expect, and this is nothing less that top class Metal. Starting from the first minute, the band shows that this album will become another milestone in their long career. With a distinguished sound, the listener knows what lies ahead, but the band still holds a couple of surprises carefully spread here and there. The music is a mixture of Power Metal with enough Classic stuff, and the addition of a third guitarist makes their sound more solid than before. The songs have enough melodies, parts to sing along, catchy choruses and are well worked and perfectly arranged. What's more enjoyable is the fact that there's some variety in the songs, some being closer to the Teutonic school, and others closer to more classic forms, but everything is well written, with nice ideas and even better musicianship. Add to all these, the clear and powerful production that was done by Mat Sinner, and you get the whole picture. The album smells fun from the beginning, shows that the band really enjoyed every minute of it, and this is also the feeling you get while listening to it. No matter how big or well known the band is, this album is honest, as much as their previous releases were, and this the big plus. So, sit back, get a couple of cold beers, some friends, and enjoy it really loud.

9/10