Live 4 Metal - Reviews

Andras - Iron Way (Einheit Produktionen) Review by Steve Green
	This one of 2 releases which the postal service decided to lose when they were originally sent to me back in the summer. So better late than never and such nonsense... Originally a Black Metal band, East Germans Andras, these days, fit in with the epic Pagan brigade, yet they still embrace their roots, albeit in a more symphonic manner that will no doubt find favour with fans of Dimmu Borgir. In fact, Dimmu Borgir meets Vintersorg just about sums this album up, particularly with Ecthelion's clean vocals, which are a dead ringer for Vintersorgs. I know this is probably a bit different from what everyone else thinks, but apart from the blindingly obvious Vintersorg comparison, I'm also reminded of
Amorphis' Tomi Joutsen, although I'm not sure why. Maybe they have a similar tone, although I maybe barking up the wrong tree completely. For the most part, this is a smooth, sonically pleasing listen, but occasionally, Andras like to play dirty. Infested is a 2 minute assault of blasting Black Metal which breaks up the cleaner sound quite nicely. And songs like that really help to keep this album interesting. With the bands mentioned, it would be quite easy to label Andras clones of said bands, but they do just enough to avoid any calls of plagiarism, although personally, I'd tone down the clean vocals as they do sail a little close to the wind. At the end of the day, I don't think Andras are adding anything new to what is quite a well worn path, but this is still a decent listen all the same. www.einheit-produktionen.de

Asva - What You Don’t Know Is Frontier (Southern Records) By: Dave Schalek
	Stuart Dahlquist, an alum from such notables as Sunn O))), Burning Witch, and Goatsnake, releases his second full-length, entitled “What You Don’t Know Is Frontier”, with his latest project, Asva, on Southern Records. Hot on the heels of the absolutely crushing debut “Ample Fire Within” from Ascend, another band filled with alumni from the same progenitors as Asva, “What You Don’t Know Is Frontier” continues a string of great releases from projects that sprang forth from the fertile ground of the aforementioned giants. “What You Don’t Know Is Frontier” is homage to Dahlquist’s late brother Michael, and
consists of bludgeoning soundscapes that provide yet another unique twist to the drone genre. The crushing bass and heavily distorted, glacially slow riffs are present in the music of Asva as with Sunn O))), Burning Witch, and so on, but other elements such as an Earth-like droning keyboard presence, some muted, female vocalizations, and even a few moments of melody all intertwine with a truly gigantic sound to produce an album that all drone fanatics are sure to eat up with gusto. Weirdly enough, there’s even a quickened pace present towards the end of the third track, “A Game In Hell, Hard Work In Heaven”, that borders on traditional heavy metal. This moment is only a one time occurrence, however, as the remainder of this four-song opus is filled with gigantic spaces that seem to swallow you whole, resulting in an album that comes across as a collision between Sunn O))) (with a bit more structure) and Earth. In short, “What You Don’t Know Is Frontier” is an essential addition to your drone collection, and if you’ve busily tracking down everything to come out of the progenitor giants of drone, you’ve no excuse not to add Asva to your list of must-haves. Excellent. www.myspace.com/asvaband \| www.southern.net

August Burns Red - Messengers (Solid State) Review by Robert Cheesewright
	Okay, I admit it. I cheated on this one. I have been listening to large sections of Messengers since it's been out a while, making this review somewhat easy. August Burns Red are a Christian Metalcore band from Pennsylvania. I insert the Christian part as it clearly influences the lyrics on Messengers, which are some of the more sophisticated found in a metal album. The opening track ‘Truth of a Liar’ instantly exposes the band’s style- an achingly heavy fusion of metal and hardcore, rammed full of complex and interesting riffs and numerous bone crunching breakdowns. The second track is almost identical to the opener. In fact,
most of the songs are similar. Whilst one may see the similarity as repetition and a weakness it could just as easily be described as a positive aspect of the album- when all's said and done, it is a good style, well delivered by high quality songs. Not only that, but the band’s style manages to sound unique despite being part of a saturated Metalcore genre. The third track, ‘Back Burner’, is the instant classic of the album. It is notable for three – yes three - unique breakdowns that can not fail to make people move. In fact, it has been impossible to stay in my chair as I listen to the track whilst writing about it - it’s that good. The fifth track, ‘Composure’, was the first single released off of the album, also stands above the others as one of the albums killer tracks and is also notable for its complex riffs, thoughtful vocals and forceful breakdowns. A number of the tracks are relatively long, a rare trait for a Metalcore album. None more so than the more melodic final track, which is mind-blowing for a wonderful six minutes. August Burns Red are currently touring Europe, including the UK, and are due to release their third album in 2009- I, for one, can not wait! www.myspace.com/augustburnsred

Cowboy Prostitutes - Swingin’ At The Fences (Nicotine) Review by Metal Mark
	Oh, look it’s a glam band with a raunchy name from where else? Yeah, Sweden of course where most of the glam bands seem to be pouring out in droves these days. Yet it took about a minute or so into the opening track “Rock ‘n roll jail” for me to realize that this band were not content to just be part of the pack, but they were going to move to the front and help lead the charge. This band obviously puts much more of an emphasis on their music then on their image and I mean that as the highest compliment. They give a good kick in the face with the energy of the Skid Row, follow it up with some sleazy Faster Pussycat style vocals and top it off with cocky swagger of early 70’s Rolling Stones. That
is where they are coming from and that is exactly what they bring to this wild ride. It’s not entirely original yet it’s so easy to get sucked in by their spirit. You can easily put a finger on what the Cowboy Prostitutes are doing yet it’s so addictive that you instantly want more. Fortunately they keep feeding it to you with catchy, head bobbers like “Dancing on my grave” and “Mr. Two Timing”. It could have done with a little less piano because it did cut down on the edge that some of their songs could have had. Now I really expected 2008 to be a banner year for glam, but I was wrong because there have not been enough good albums. However the Cowboy Prostitutes can take pride in the fact that along with Leaded Fuel they have released one of the two great glam albums of 2008. www.myspace.com/cowboyprostitutes

Harmony - Chapter II: Aftermath (Ulterium Records) Review by Nathan Ward
	Harmony is a 4 piece Melodic Metal band hailing from Sweden. ‘Chapter II’ is 11 tracks of fantastic melodies and great musicianship. The sound of the album is similar to Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius and some of the symphonic bands out there like After Forever or early Within Temptation (Mother Earth era). As I mentioned there is a lot of melody on this album, from both the music and the vocals. The songs display a great level of musicianship, all the songs flow neatly and everything is clear. The instruments fit together really well, none of the instruments are over-shadowed by each other and the vocals fit nicely over the top of them. I think the vocals are one of
the key features in helping the melodies stick in your mind; Henrik Båths voice is similar to Timo Kotipelto of Stratovarius. This isn’t to say that the other instruments don’t do their job; the keyboards add atmosphere to the songs, without over-complicating everything. The guitar solos are technical, which is to be expected in melodic metal and power metal, but they still have feeling in them. A good example of all this in motion is the song ‘Don’t Turn Away’, the melody in the chorus is fantastic and the ending guitar and keyboard solos add more to the melodic feeling of the song. So, ‘Chapter II: Aftermath’ is, in my opinion a truly fantastic melodic metal album. Everything on it works really well. It’s been difficult to recommend songs, since they are all great, but I’d have to suggest ‘Don’t Walk Away’, ‘Silently We Fade’ and ‘Prevail’. If you like Melodic Metal keep an eye out for this album. www.myspace.com/harmonyofficial

Helix - Heavy Mental Christmas (Self Release) Review by Metal Mark
	Wow, Christmas music already? Here I am just getting my Halloween decorations out. I wonder if two years ago that Twisted Sister knew the impact that their Christmas album would have? I mean it hasn’t exactly been an outpouring, but hard rock and Christmas songs have been coming together on albums with a great frequency over the last few years. This is the band’s 12th full length studio release and it features Helix versions of nine Christmas songs plus one new song. Essentially I approached this album as I would any cover album because despite the holiday motif it is still a covers album. My rule of thumb on cover albums and cover songs is that a band should remain somewhat loyal to the
original, but they need to put some of their own sound into it as well or else it is not worth doing. Now if this album was some kind of school assignment then it might get a fine grade because vocalist Brian Vollmer still has a strong voice and he sounds comfortable on most of the songs. The music is tight, clear and concise plus they benefit from some considerably decent production values. The problem is that rock ‘n roll isn’t about hitting every note correctly. While Helix have all their ducks in a row as far as doing note by note translations they forgot about adding in personality and making any attempt to really make these songs their own versions. I never questioned the playing on this album yet almost every song sounds like some band who was hired to play “Rudolph the red nosed reindeer”, “Jingle Bell Rock”, “A wonderful Christmas time” and others for some tv Christmas special where they are essentially background music. That’s how these versions come across to me, they didn’t put enough of their own style into it and the songs just become rather mundane backdrops. Now the one new song they wrote “Christmas time is here again” closes the album and finally the band sounds very excited and motivated. You can tell they enjoyed this one and they loosened up and dove into it. Helix diehards will likely run after this album, but for everyone else you are better off pulling out one of their past albums or just wait for the next studio effort. www.myspace.com/helixonmyspace

House Of Lords - Come To My Kingdom (Blistering Records) By: Joe Florez
	Jesus Christ! I think these guys had as many line up changes as Deep Purple or more over the course of twenty years. First off, I had no idea James Christian was the lead vocalist in this hair metal band cause in the early 2000’s I reviewed one of his solo record which wasn’t bad. Those that need a refresher course, H.O.L. popped out onto the glam/metal/rock scene with puffy hair and spandex in 1988 and had a big hit all over radio and MTV with “I Just Wanna Be Loved.” The band also featured former Angel keyboardist Greg Giuffria. Fast forward to 2008 and the band has forged ahead with another new slab of tunes after pumping out a disc in 2006. I must admit that I was never a
fan of the band back in the day, but times have changed. I am now about to be schooled in this band. As I have come to suspect, I am going to enjoy this release just based off of the first single which is the title track. This is modern pop rock with a killer production and easy to swallow melodies. The one thing that takes front and center stage is the drumming. The drums are rich, thick and the skins are pounded to death. A little over the top, but good. James’ voice is in good shape. There is a bit of gruff to the cords, but they go down with ease. The music is upbeat and contains some nice solos with some fancy finger work. “I Need To Fly” would be a commercial hit if it was 1987. However, it would have some wings to fly if it could get played on satellite radio. This is arena rock at its peak. The choruses are huge with big time background singing and the tempo is just right. It’s mid paced with nice crescendos at the right moments. Solid musicianship is displayed all over here. As expected, you get a pair of ballads that are actually pretty decent. Unlike the 80’s period when their material was a bit fluffier from what I heard, this stuff is pretty meaty. The guitars have bite, the rhythm section will rock the foundation and the vocals are strong. Whether it’s upbeat, mid tempo or gentle you win if you like AOR. If stadium rock strikes again these guys could well lead the way. Amazingly good solid rock. www.blisteringrecords.se \| www.jameschristianmusic.com \| www.myspace.com/fanofhouseoflords

Mournful Gust - The Frankness Eve (Bad Mood Man) Review by Chris Davison
	I sympathise with the band name, chaps. Many is the time that my dog has been a bit too eager to chew on his denta-stix (tm), and let rip with a gust that has made me feel extremely mournful. Albeit I think that it is very unlikely that this Ukrainian outfit has named themselves over bouts of unheralded canine flatulence, the clue to the band is in the name – yes, it's time for more ex-soviet bloc doom/death readers. Luckily, of course, what seems to fly westwards from the exotic east always seems to be of high quality, and this release is no exception. In keeping with some of their peers, I again have to congratulate them for the quality of their presentation, as the CD and inlay are
absolutely exquisite in both material and design. This care for the final product is mercifully also replicated in the music itself. While this may not ever stray too far from the beaten path worn by the likes of classic Anathema, early Paradise Lost and (especially) My Dying Bride, there are enough innovations here to elevate them from the main hum-drum of their rivals. Firstly, there are frequent quiet, almost acoustic passages which serve to provide some much-needed respite from the unbridled melancholy. There are also some passages of almost hysterically overwrought emotional male vocals alongside the usual Darren White-isms on display, but with such carefully structured atmosphere and gravity in the sound, it never seems to stray too much into the realms of comedy. The keyboards are really well done, and there are some sections that tentatively explore some almost folk-like feelings. If I were to be frank (Castle, rather than Spencer), I would say that this isn't ever going to set the world aflame with its staggering contribution to musical novelty, but then again being the first to do something isn't always the goal now, is it? So sure, they retread some of the ground already well worn by their British forebears, but they do it with aplomb. I'll say it again for you all; I would rather hear something well played and earnest than something contrived and novel. Mournful Gust know what they like, and perhaps more importantly they know what you will like: emotional, depressing doom played with taste and care. Let yourself go: sniff the gust. http://solitude-prod.com

Oakenshield - Gylfaginning (Einheit Produktionen) Review by Steve Green
	I first heard Oakenshield on last years Metal Message Volume 1V compilation and while I liked the music, I wasn't over keen on the hoarser vocal style of Ben Corkhill. Hearing the vocals over a whole album though, they sit more comfortably with the music and the superior cleaner vocal style more than makes up for any negative thoughts I may have had in the past. Anyway, after going completely off the rails in the first paragraph, I'd better go back to the beginning. Oakenshield is a one band from the UK and the music of choice, is melodic, epic Pagan/Viking Metal. As you may have already noticed, Oakenshield employ 2
different vocal styles. One of the growling variety and one clean. The clean style varies from the almost Syd Barrett/ Pink Floyd mellowness which can be found on The Sons Of Boyd and The Aesir, to a choir like style which is used, to great effect, it has to be said, throughout the album. The music shifts from long mellow passages to more upbeat, folk influenced pieces. The styles fit together very well, with the more rousing aspects of Oakenshield being the preferred listening of this reviewer. The only complaint I can honestly think of is a common one with projects such as this, and that's the inclusion of programmed drums over the use of a real drummer. But apart from that, this one is well worth a punt. www.oakenshield.org \| www.einheit-produktionen.de