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From The Inside - Visions
(Blistering Records)
By: Joe Florez |
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I know most people won’t know this band, so a short history
lesson is in order. The main man here is Danny Vaughn. He was
in a glam rock/metal back in the late 80’s called Tyketto.
They’re from England. After that band broke up, he has done
solo work and this band as well. He had a debut disc under
this moniker a while back that I reviewed. This was actually a
project that was concocted by Frontiers Records and Dan back
in 2004. It was ok, but lacked that certain something. Now, he
comes back and I was quite hesitant about it cause the last
one just didn’t grab me, but what the hell. What a difference
some time off makes. I was astounded by what I heard from top
to bottom. “Light Years” is a |
fantastic way to begin the show. This is AOR at its finest. First off, the man’s voice is
rather smooth and the music is just filled with life. It’s upbeat and infectious. Nice keyboard work accompanies “Making
Waves.” Again, this is a solid track that never loses steam,
but at the same time doesn’t go overboard either. No cheese or
clichés here. As for the ballads, there are three of them and
they all knock the ball out of the ball park. I have always
said that a good ballad is hard to write and perform and few
can do it with success and Mr. Vaughn sold his soul to the
devil because these are fantastic.
I tried my damnedest to
find fault with this record and really couldn’t find any. This
is just a perfect record containing the right amount of up tempo songs and soft ballads. Fans of Journey, Frankie And The
Knockouts, Harlan Cage and such should seek this one out. I
know this band and brand of melodic rock will have many of you
scratching your heads as to what this genre is, but it’s damn
fine music with fine musicianship and song writing. Hunt this
one down.
www.blisteringrecords.se
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Grave Digger - Pray (Napalm
Records) Review by Steve Green |
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The new Grave Digger album, Ballad Of A Hangman, will be out in January.
So to whet your appetite for this release, Napalm have released an EP with
one album track, Pray, and 3 non album tracks, including a cover of
Motorhead's classic Overkill.
Considering it's the track they've picked to promote their forthcoming
album, Pray is quite an understated song. As you'd expect, it sounds very
much like Grave Digger!!!! With Chris Boltendahl's distinctly ragged voice
leading the way for a Metal friendly gang shout of "Pray" on the chorus. I
expected a bit more of a rockier number, but Pray does grow on you after a
few listens and it's a definite winner as far as I'm concerned. |
Next up is a storming cover of Motorhead's Overkill. Arguably my 2nd
favourite 'Head tune. (After Killed By Death of course) It stays faithful
to the original, but even modern technology cannot beat Philthy Phil's
original drum sound.
I'm guessing that the other two tracks on this EP didn't quite make the
cut for the new album. If this is the case, then the new album is going to
slay. My Blood Will Live For Ever is a rousing Metal anthem and When The
Sun Goes Down is a mighty fine slice of mid-paced 80s Metal.
I have to admit that I wouldn't have bought this if we hadn't been sent it
as I would have waited for the new album instead. Well, my advice to you
is to buy this the second it's released, especially for the three tracks
that wouldn't be available on the new album. An essential release for all
lovers of traditional Metal.
www.napalmrecords.com |
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Hell Hath No Fury - Uprise
(Bitchslap Productions)
By: Joe Florez |
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This is a California three piece that have been fighting their
way to exposure for a while now and this is my second attempt
to review this E.P. The first time I got this in the mail, it
came to me broken and I waited patiently to hear this thing.
Just by the name alone, I was expecting scorching riffs with
venomous drumming which would all lead to five tracks of
adrenalin. Instead, I get a shake up, but for the better.
Don’t get me wrong, these cool cats can throw down, but it’s
methodically placed. The title track “Uprise” blows the
hatches open. I would consider this more or less groove
thrash. While the finger work isn’t lightning quick, the goods
are delivered with more of a melodic feel. Lead singer and |
guitarist Leah proves that girls can play metal too. She has a
scathing voice that is scratchy and evil, but is worlds apart
from Angela Gossow or Rachel from Sinister, but still delivers
that almighty one…two blow. The rhythm section is in synch and
tight and in the end this is more of an upper mid tempo jam
that remains in control. I get to the mid point and “Refuse”
throws in a monkey wrench. I am hearing Leah sing cleanly and
you know what? She has a pretty damn decent set of pipes. You
can call this a pumped up ballad of sorts as this is anything
but cheesy. It still has muscle behind it and that’s what I
like. As we wind down, it seems like the pace is picked up a
bit with “Saving Face” and “Choice.” The melodies are retained
as they manage to add some meat to the guitars and skin
bashing. While this definitely doesn’t come from the San
Francisco area, HHNF proves that they can play with the best
of them. All they need is a contract. The best part is that
they have a sound all their own and can’t be necessarily
compared to the current batch of thrashers or those from the
days of yore. Instead of labels looking for the next big
thing, give someone that has originality a shot. You may be
surprised by what you hear.
www.myspace.com/hellhathnofurylikethewrat |
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Koldbrann
- Stigma: Pa Kant Med Livet (Twilight Distribution)
Review by Crin |
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Now this mcd is crammed with quality music, not the expected
filler fodder such interim releases normally offer. This is
one fantastic mcd.
Koldbrann are without doubt one of the finest Norwegian Black
Metal bands of the current era. This is a spirited collection
of finely tuned, rhythmic galloping ferocity channelled
through subtle arrangements. The first track “Opium Fields
Forever” is worthy of any big name act of this genre. It has a
infectious groove sewn into the abrasive mid- tempo guitar
strums. Now this should technically be the prime mover here,
the rest [as EP’s generally attest to] being out takes and
half hearted outings, WRONG… the |
following two tracks are
equally memorable, one being a punk like melee of simple riffs
and Taake like addictiveness, the other an absorbing post
Black Metal fireball that rips along at warp speed, always
retaining a melodic edge and a pure metal soul.
The 4th track “Atmaktens Isolat” is a re-recording of a song
that shared a split 2004, with fellow Norwegians LJA. The
original was face shredding Black Metal at its finest, and
here we are greeted with an even more hellish rendition. This
track gives you butterflies in the stomach, its so feverishly
additive. The final offering is a fine cover of Bathory’s,
“Beastial Lust”, and it ends the brief but astounding set of
songs nicely. Behold the ascension of Koldbrann, for this band
will conquer if allowed to walk beyond the reclusive realms of
the underground whence so many fine acts are condemned to
wander unknown. |
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Liquid Graveyard - Criministers (Lugga Music)
Review by Steve Green |
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Featuring, amongst others, John Walker, ex Cancer and ex Mourning Beloveth
bassist Adrian de Buitlear, this is a band that you need to hear with a
completely open mind. Our resident Cancer fan, Chris Davison, didn't want
to cover this demo as it has a female vocalist, Raquel Walker, so
obviously that gives Liquid Graveyard a completely different sound that
what you'd initially expect. Raquel's voice shifts between stunning
soprano highs and semi-spoken tones, and a full of menace growl that
reminds me of Cadaveria, with the music spanning from Progressive
territories, through Avant-garde and Far Eastern nuances, to a much darker
place that I haven't quite pinned down yet. Needless to say, this |
four track is extremely varied in texture and feel. And
despite the number of different styles, Liquid Graveyard have
definitely got themselves a good, distinct groove going on
(perhaps a name change to Liquid Grooveyard is
called for) The production isn't amazing, this is still a demo after all,
but you can still hear drummer Mark O'Connell (who is no longer in the
band) holding down a fantastic groove, which seems to propel the rest of
the sound forward. I think to call Liquid Graveyard a darker, less
technical, version of To-Mera would be a fair comparison.
So in the end, I'm very glad that our Mr Davison turned up his nose at
this one as it's been a good introduction to a band who hopefully, will
treat us to some new material very soon indeed. Liquid Graveyard are
definitely a band to keep an eye on.
www.myspace.com/liquidgraveyard
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Overloaded - Regeneration
(Self released) Review by Maya Ahuja |
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Overloaded have already made a substantial stir on the other
side of the Pond making appearances and recording for various
TV networks such as PBS and metal magazines including Classic
Rock. These boys hail from the East Coast, the City of Detroit
to be exact. The joy of Myspace exposed Overloaded to me; I
had been waiting for something as exciting as not only
‘Regeneration’ as an album, but a band like this to get me
musically excited again. They are Chris Gillen (Banshee Vocals
and also front man of NWOBHM band Tokyo Blade), Erik Kluiber
(Lead Guitar) and former rhythm section John Sullens (Rhythm
Guitar), Michael Massie (Bass), Lorenzo Gonzalez (Drums). |
Kicking literally off with the brain beater ‘What’s in There’
you instantly know that this is going to be one hell of a
journey. The pounding almost punk-driven Crue-esque chorus has
Gillen barking out accusingly at the victim dictating that
nothing less than frenzied head-banging will do.
‘Obviously Envious’ is a road trip that descends through hell
and beyond stopping momentarily to cast a nod to ‘’Maiden’s
Eddie’; this track brings Gillen’s vocals into the fore and
here a comparison to likes of Vince Neil or Seb Bach is in
order (and not for the first time I’m sure), this boy proves
he can scream like crazed banshee on speed which is a dose of
just what’s needed here.
‘Feeling Overloaded’ is a personal favourite on the album as
it stomps all over you like a two ton man in a mosh pit. It
has the groove of Stoner/Doom and the aggression of punk
wrapped up so neatly it’s like a birthday present. Kluiber
impresses with a speedy solo that descends effortlessly to
towards eastern terrain. If there’s a track on the album that
gets the crowd raising their horns heaven-ward it’s this one
without a doubt.
Stepping up to the proverbial metal plate its ‘President’s
Day’. It’s heavier, harder and not afraid to get in the face
of the Devil himself. This one grooves away like a beast in
hell’s disco with its antagonistic chorus barked at you like a
rabid dog. Kluiber steps into the lime light interrupting the
traffic with his aggressive, stomping blues ridden solo – that
takes control of this beast by subtly changing the key and
adding that one extra ingredient of diversity to make this
anything but an ordinary metal track.
‘Ride That Feeling’ is a pure and not so simple thrash baby
that appeals right down deep with me. Dare I say it’s
something Mustaine could have written himself in his 90’s
albums albeit buried in the undertones of it’s’ abyss in the
rhythm guitars (and that’s not something I would easily say!)
This is one for the rhythm guys as they plug away at the back
dictating where this one goes right from the start.
The grand opening to ‘Why Don’t You Love Me Anymore’ is enough
to make any strays leave their pints at the bar and join the
pit. With its full frontal accusations and deep, growly
groove-ridden guitars there is sufficient here to get even any
residential care home jumping. It’s a nasty, dirty mover of a
track that harks to its Stoner contempories such as Corrosion
of Conformity and Clutch et al and shows that Overloaded are a
capable of being a diverse writing team.
Moving through the high maintenance ‘Don’t Leave This Way’,
‘Flashy Girl’ hollers at all things Glam and perhaps more
specifically ‘Crue and there are definite hints of old skool R
n’ R.
Leading finally into the darker, aggravated and angsty ‘Try
This On For Size’; this is the closing track on the album. A
sure contender for second place in my favourites here because
it comfortably changes direction in more ways than a deranged SatNav…which takes some clever musical engineering! Elements
of stone cold thrash mixed in amongst a medley of Glam and
Punk this one possesses you like the Dark Angel himself and at
once you’re smitten.
Overloaded have proved relentlessly not only with their debut album ‘Regeneration’ that they are well worthy of
professional status, but that they’d be sure to be well
received on these shores too (going on the reception that our
boys Crowning Glory have been rewarded with). It is a surprise
to me that the US have not whipped them up for their
signatures as yet and that the album was purely self-released
which awards them with yet another commendation. Overall this is an intelligent, super
charged, dangerously high-voltage hard rock/metal album; and I
know from the press pack that genre-boxing them is a bone of
contention! I can only wait with baited breath for them to hit
European territory with rockin’ vengeance as these guys
deserve to be aired as much as possible.
www.myspace.com/overloaded |
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Psycroptic - Ob(Servant) (Nuclear Blast)
Review by Steve Green |
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We all have different pain thresholds and this album is on the limit of
mine. Whilst I've been discovering many exciting forms of Death Metal over
the past few years (I'm a late starter as I hated Death Metal for many a
year) I'm still not a fan of the more technical variety. Admittedly that
argument is valid for most times of music as I hate anything that's too
sterile or clinical, so at least I'm consistent.
Tasmanian's Psycroptic are just inside the level of technical wizardry
that I can cope with. Numbers such as, quite ironically, A Calculated
Effort are much easier on the ear because of the freer flow and the more
subtle changes in pace and intensity. This song actually has a |
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wonderfully atmospheric feel to it, and in turn, it helps
temper the more volatile numbers, which is good as I
definitely couldn't cope with an album that consisted of all
out blasting. That form of torture is dealt to me on a regular
basis, mainly as the missus loves blasting out Death Metal
early in the morning, or while I'm trying to work. Psycroptic, on the other
hand, are a much more palatable prospect, with the individual band members
skill with their instrument of choice, being the main order of the day
here. The
only problem I have with an album like this, is discovering the hooks as
they tend to be overpowered by the progressive nature of the musicianship.
I'm sure fans of the genre will lap it up.
www.myspace.com/psycroptic
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SSS - The Dividing Line (Earache)
Review by Steve Green |
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Was I a Thrasher in the 80s? I guess I was. I enjoyed Metallica, Slayer,
Anthrax, Nuclear Assault and offshoot styles that spawned the likes of
Suicidal Tendencies and Adrenalin OD etc... But Thrash was never the
centre of my world. So when the Thrash revival happened, I completely
ignored it. It was a part of my youth that didn't need reliving.
I know Earache have released a lot of new Thrash, but my only
participation has been owning the first Municipal Waste album. So when I
received the new SSS album, I have to confess that I knew absolutely
bugger all about them, not even the fact that they hail from Liverpool.
Nor did I know that they'd tear it up in such an old school style. This is |
absolutely fantastic old school, skater Thrash. I guess I can
only compare it to such luminaries as Suicidal Tendencies,
Anthrax and S.O.D. I've not
lived with the album long enough to say if it's as good as the bands I've
just mentioned, (ask me again in 20 years time) but my first impressions
are very favourable.
This isn't a band jumping on a bandwagon, you can really feel how these
guys play and how much they live and breathe what they are doing. And you
never know, they might even have tempted me to investigate this Thrash
revival a little closer.
www.myspace.com/shortsharpshockuk
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