PRIMAL FEAR - Unbreakable

The new brainchild of the German Power Metal will find it's way to the stores the 20th of January next year, and I am sure this is a release that all fans of the band are waiting with anxiety. The new album is moving on the same musical path the band has chosen to follow, and if you ask me, this is a good thing. The first thing to notice is the way Scheepers sings, and there no way not to like it. He manages to transform his vocal style to fit perfectly the music. There's diversity in the album, with songs that are closer to classic Heavy Metal, and others closer to more modern but always straightforward Power Metal, and singing is always fitting. The music has a power of it's own, and manages to creep into your brain, from the first minute of album, till the last note. What's more, the songs are not exactly moving on the same style, although their basic forms are very close, and have a way to travel you back in time, without sounding retro. The production is shinny and clear enough, but doesn't make the music sound fake or less powerful. With absolutely no weak points, lots of catchy moments, plenty of choruses and parts to sing along, superb vocals, and a variety that will please everyone, I think the new album of Primal Fear sets new standards in their work. Fans will enjoy this album, but also open-minded metalheads will recognize the ability of the band to create music that exceeds the limits they set.

10/10    

NIGHTWISH - Imaginaerum

The announcement of a new release from Nightwish is always a great event. Especially now, because this is the second effort of the group without Tarja behind the microphone and they have to prove that they remain a pioneer band. The first thing I've noticed is the team working of the members. It's like a football team. When you lose your star player, you have to fill the gap with the other players and Nightwish do it successfully.  Tuomas and Marco's talent is absolutely undisputed and they give space for participation to the final result to all band members. Musically you will find everything in this album. An ideal mixture of Power Metal with theatrical and folk(specially Celtic)themes, add some choral elements and you have a sample of great music. I'm warning you! This is not an easy listening release! Listen it several times if you want to discover the greatness of Nightwish music. Try it without fear!!!

Review done by Nikos

10/10

JACK STARR'S BURNING STARR - Land Of The Dead

Jack Starr needs no particular recommendations as an artist. This is the seventh record attempt with the Burning Starr band and it has the smell of an old perfume. The years maybe pass by but the war feeling of the veteran warrior still burns! With the ex-Manowar drummer, Rhino by his side, Starr provide us an excellent sample of pure Epic Metal music. The atmosphere drive us back to the glorious 80’s epic years. The guitar work is amazing, sharp and melodic and the rhythm section is tough and steady because of the distinguished drum skills of Rhino. In these elements add the catchy and memorable refrains ideal for live concerts and that's it! Pure, simple, macho, epic! The old warrior still cries out for war! Can you hear the call?

Review done by Nikos

9/10

SOULDRAINER - Heavens Gate

This is the second album of the band, following their debut which was released back in 2007. The music of the band is a pleasant surprise, since they are based on Death Metal, but they incorporate enough elements to make their sound unique and interesting. Basically the band is playing Melodic Death Metal, borrowing enough elements from Amon Amarth, Hypocrisy and the likes, but along with that, there are enough keyboard, and background vocals, something that gives their sound a more eerie feeling. The music is well performed, with killer melodies, a solid rhythm section, and brutal singing, and is catchy enough to make you move your head along with the rhythm. Ideas are plenty and well explored, and sometimes the combination of all those ingredients is creating songs that stand high above the average Death Metal stuff. The use of atmospheric keyboards, background vocals, and melodic parts here and there gives an extra depth to their music, and makes it sound even more intriguing. There's enough talent in the band, both in the composing and the performing area, and is obvious through the whole album, with no fillers or less good moments. The production is excellent, heavy and distorted enough, and preserves the details of the music. Heavy guitars and groovy riffs co-exist with melodic keyboards and haunting vocals blend with growls, to create a result that sometimes is amazing. If you like the genre, and you won't mind the experiment, check them out.

9/10  

CORNERSTONE - Somewhere In America

This band comes from Austria and this is their latest full length release. Existing since the late 90's and surviving through numerous line up changes, the band has managed to create music, but never had the chance to release a full length until 2008. The band is a pleasant surprise, maybe not for strict Metal fans, but for sure for people who like good music in general. Blending a good dose of Rock and AOR, with touches from POP here and there, they manage to create an album that might not be the next opus in the music industry, but has it's good moments, and these are quite enough. While the music is well performed, melodic and touching at times, what really dominates the album is the female vocals of Patricia. She manages to sing in a way that is absolutely fitting with the music, enhancing the result, and making the songs even more interesting. The whole album is moving on the mellow side of Rock, ballads are super soft, still kinda interesting, but when the band decides to harden their sound, the result is also welcome, and shows that there's potential. The songs are quite good, with nice ideas, and perfect musicianship, and the clear production of the album helps them out in the best possible way. No matter if it's a style Metalheads don't like, you can't overlook the fact that the band puts their soul in their music, and this somehow reflects to the listener as well. So, open your mind, and give it a try. You might discover things you wouldn't imagine.

8/10 

LVCIFYRE - The Calling Depths

This band comes from London, and they are playing a kind of Brutal Death Metal that will please all fans of the genre. This is the debut album of the band that exists since 2007, but they are all experienced musicians, and this is obvious from the way the band performs their songs. Despite the style of their music, the melodies are plenty, but not making the sound weaker, instead they give an extra dimension to it. Influences of Thrash exist here and there, and the distorted Possessed-like guitar solos and riffs will make fans grin a bit more. One of the most important thing in their music is the atmosphere, and there is a connection between the cover art, and the sick feeling that the band creates here. Narrations enrich the whole result, and give a more unholy touch to the music. The songs are top class, with enough style changes and perfect musicianship, killer melodies, growls that fit perfectly with the title of the album, and enough ideas that are well explored through the whole album. A clear production helps the music very much, but doesn't destroy the atmosphere of the music, or the brutality of the album. Talented and experienced, the band, managed to create music that combines both the brutality of Death Metal, with enough Black and Thrash influences here and there. Add to all these, the unholy atmosphere that is spread through the album, slowly poisoning the minds, and you get the whole idea. Sick, brutal, suffocating but we liked it. Check it out.

9/10 

METALIAN - Rock Solid

As a huge Canadian Metal scene fan, I often find myself amazed by the quality and the unique sound of the bands that come from this part of the US Continent. Metalian is a trio from Quebec, and are playing Classic Heavy Metal, as close to classic as you can imagine, so you wouldn't tag their sound as "unique" but they surely have quality. Their sound is well worked and interesting, and although reminds a lot of the early 80's, has some personal elements as well. The album contains six songs, and all are moving to the same 80's feeling, with their influences of early Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, but also enough influences from NWOBHM being audible here and there. The band is quite talented, and the melodies are plenty yet old-fashioned, since no keyboards are used. The arrangements are good enough, and there are a couple of nice ideas explored, but the style of the music leaves little room for innovation. The production is quite good, also moving on the same feeling as the atmosphere of the music, as heavy as should be, and gives the final touch to the songs. Distorted guitars, screaming vocals, a solid rhythm section, Heavy Metal as it was played in the 80's, and obviously as it continues to be admired by millions of fans and bands worldwide. That's what you will find here, no less no more. If you liked that era of music, or you want to share the vision of the band, check them out. Only harry, since this album is out on a limited print.

7/10 

IRON MASK - Black As Death

The mastermind behind Iron Mask is guitar virtuoso Dushan Petrossi and this is the newest release of the Belgian band, and their fourth in general. Iron Mask are playing Power Metal, enriched with enough symphonic elements, and some Epic stuff. The guitar melodies are taking the leading role on this album, with Dushan giving an excellent performance, slightly dominating the songs, but without becoming tiring or repetitive. Keyboards are also a vital part, and creating a perfect sonic carpet, for the rest of the instruments to evolve, and adding an extra dimension in music. What's more important here though, is the variety of the music, with songs having more Epic elements, others moving on more Classic forms, Hard Rock songs, and a ballad to finish the album. Vocals are also done by no less than Mark Boals, who needs no introduction, and manages with his skills to lift the whole album one level up. The arrangements are good, with enough variety in styles, plenty of nice ideas, that the talent of the band helps to explore to the maximum. Might be an album that aims for fans of Melodic Metal, Neoclassical, or Power Metal, but still, it's an album well composed, well performed, with killer melodies, and superb vocals, and with so few moments that could have been done in a different way, that no one will mind. If you are a fan of the band, or you like Melodic Metal in general, check this band.

8/10       

ROYAL HUNT - Show Me How To Live

The new album of Royal Hunt brings everything back to it's natural position. This is the eleventh release of the Danish band, and this one brings back D.C. Cooper on vocals, something that will please all fans of the band. Royal Hunt are playing a music that is a mixture of Melodic stuff, Progressive, and Heavy Metal but also has a lot of Symphonic elements, something that gives an extra depth to the music. Right from the first minute, the long time fan, and even the occasional listener, will notice that this is an album that will stand the test of time. The songs are very good, varying on styles and tempos, with others moving closer to AOR forms, others being more catchy, with choruses and parts to sing along, but all bearing the excellent vocals of DC Cooper, who dominates the songs with his distinctive voice. The band is in a very creative period, and this is obvious from the compositions, which are all very good, with enough interesting ideas, and top class musicianship. Huge keyboard melodies, vocals that bring chills to your spine, melodic guitars and changes from AOR to Heavy Metal, with vocal choirs and catchy parts are the main characteristics of this album. One small objection about the length of the album, but I also prefer that, from endless intros and fillers here and there. Either being a devoted fan, or a newcomer to their music, this album is a must.

9/10

Primal Fear - Bad Guys Wear Black (Official video)

Taken from the album "Unbreakable". Release date: EU: January 20th 2012 / NA: January 24th 2012

ILLNATH - Third Act In The Theatre Of Madness

Illnath is a band from Denmark, and this is their third album so far. The band exists since 1999 and started as a Symphonic Black band, but their sound evolved into more Death Metal forms. This was accomplished by the almost complete line up change, and by the replacement of the singer with a female vocalist. So, what we basically have here is a female fronted Death Metal band, and let me assure you that they are good at what they are playing. First of all the singer is very good, either on the growling part, or in the clear vocals that exist here and there and enhance the atmosphere of the album. The music is both melodic and groovy enough, and fits perfectly with the vocals, with enough keybords and plenty of twists. The majority of the songs are very good, with no moments where things are not interesting or less powerful. Although the few similarities of their sound with bands like Arch Enemy, the band has managed to create a more personal style, and those moments are not enough to spoil the good result. The arrangements are good, varying in style, with reminding their their early days, to more Melodic Death moments, and everything in between, and the band shows that doesn't afraid to explore their sound even more. The production is good enough, as raw and brutal as an album like this needs, but gives enough space for all the details of the music to come to surface. Not the most innovative release ever, but an honest album, with more than enough variety.

8/10

MIDNIGHT CHASER - Rough And Tough

I knew nothing about this band from Bay Area, and thought to give this album a spin, partially inspired by the old-school cover. But nothing prepared me for what was waiting, and this is something that I enjoyed most. The band is playing a mixture of Hard Rock and classic Heavy Metal, and their sound is so solid and well worked that sticks into your mind and makes you wanna bang along with the rhythm. The musicians are quite talented, and this is obvious not only from their performing but from their composing skills as well. A tight rhythm section, an excellent guitarist and a singer that has a quite distinctive but fitting voice, are all that it takes for them to create some killer tunes. Their influences vary, and include even New Wave of British Heavy Metal moments, but all are blended into their own style. The songs are very good, with enough interesting ideas, although they move on classic forms and their influences are sometimes more than obvious. Their music is ideal for performing live, listening with friends over a beer or two, and while driving. With songs that are catchy, with no weak points, well performed, and fun to listen to, this album is destined for success. With the cover, the feeling, and everything else screaming 80's, there are no modern elements into their music. For lovers of the era, for fans of good Metal music in general.

9/10 

RAIN - XXX

Rain is a band that exists since the early 80's and this is their latest release, which celebrates 30 years of activity. This is not exactly a new release though, since it contains songs from previous albums, but re-arranged and re-recorded, so the result is closer to what Rain sound today. Along with that, is the album opener, which is a brand new song. Rain are playing a melodic Hard Rock, in the vein of the 80's, with all the characteristics of the music of that era. The music of the band is catchy enough, and has a dirty feeling, with distorted guitars, harsh vocals, and a street attitude. The songs have been recorded live in the studio, with all the instruments, and this gives an extra credit for the band, and some extra heaviness to their sound. The production is very good, heavy and distorted enough, and the arrangements are quite good, and well worked. Catchy tunes, full of energy, with a rhythm that sometimes sticks into your mind and makes you head and feet move along with it, interesting vocals that fitting perfectly with the style of the music, and with a few weak points, this album is an interesting view to some of their old works. But gives also a good idea of their new material as well. Give it a spin and decide.

7/10 

FERGIE FREDERIKSEN - Happiness Is The Road

Dennis "Fergie" Frederiksen is well know for his vocals on TOTO but also for the participation in various albums and projects. The release of this album, his second solo, is finishing a very difficult period of time for the artist, who also found the strength to overcome his personal health problems. The music here is a guitar driven Melodic AOR, with songs that are full of emotions and excellent musicianship. The songs are well written, with the vocals dominating everything else, but with all the instruments doing a perfect job. Melodies are plenty and well used, either from the keyboards or the guitars, and are creating the perfect sonic carpet for the vocals to evolve. Frederiksen sounds at top shape, consider what he has been through, and gives a great performance through the whole album, coloring the songs with his distinctive voice. There's a very positive atmosphere, and this works very well for the listener too. The production is clear enough and was done by Dennis Ward who also has done the bass lines on this release. Great AOR melodies, excellent atmosphere, parts to sing along, nice catchy tunes, and a well known singer, are the key parts of this album. If you are into such stuff don't forget to check this album.

9/10

Lizzy Borden - Lady Gaga - Edge of Glory (Acoustic)

Lizzy and Dario having fun with performing Lady Gaga's "Edge of Glory" on acoustic guitar. See Lizzy Borden's heavy version at the end of the video.

Fergie Frederiksen - Follow Your Heart

Written by Jim Peterik. Taken from the album "Happiness Is The Road" Fergie’s son Koty plays the son in the video, and Jim Peterik is there. Bill Wilkins, drummer of Trillion is seen in the coffee shop. Here is the great video...