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Black Cobra | Chronomega | Southern Lord Records
Vitals:
Rafa Martinez & Jason Landrian
With respect to Chronomega, all you need to know that 2 equals the power of many! One slab-maker plus one slab-shaper and you have Black Cobra. One man forms the slab with heavy swaying guitar strings whereas the other gentlemen pounds the percussion out of it to round out each track.
For fans of heavy groove,lead footed stomp boxes, desert rock ala Kyuss, and the intensity of the genre pavers - High ON Fire... you will love this band.
Black Cobra may fit into the genre of the two bands aforementioned, yet they bring it - their own way on their own terms. When was the last time you saw or heard a steel studded riff band lay tracks with only two members - dare I say never! This is the only doom sludge band of its kind the world over, or at least mentioning in this capacity.
Just looking at the cover art for Chronomega, brings to mind old time Barq's Rootbear, sitting on the porch and boaring new sonic holes in the atmosphere with heavy laden drums and downtuned 6 strings. There is a certain imagery this band produces with song structures - old school Levis, combat boots, unshaven, t-shirt wearin' kind of folks. One being me!
Here's the listing of tracks you'll soon swoon over:
Negative Reversal, Machine, Catalyst, Chronosphere, Zero Point Field, Lightning In His Hand, Storm Shadow, Glacies En Spiritu, and Nefarian Triangle.
http://www.southernlord.com/store.php
>>>>SPECIAL TOUR QUESTIONS INTERVIEW>>>>
Editor, What is your live set up - in terms of gear, each instrument, mic placement, etc?
BlackCobra, Guitar runs into 2 heads, 3 cabinets:
Marshall JCM 900 100W head going to a full stack with two 4x12 Cabinets (Top is a Peavey w/85W Celestion speakers, Bottom is a Marshall 1960B w/75W Celestion speakers). Next is a GK 700RB head going to a 6x10 Ampeg enclosure with Tone Tubby speakers with cones made from hemp. These things are virtually indestructible. The cabs are always placed stage right, and drums are placed stage left at a 45 degree angle. The vocal mic is somewhere in the middle to stage right area close to my Furman pedal board.
Editor, Has black cobra considered using running two lines out of the guitar - one through distortion channel for the guitar, and one through another channel fed through an octave pedal in clean tone? Reason I ask is because this could add a ghost-like bass guitar for more bottom end punch.
BlackCobra, We don't want to use an Octave pedal because we've never really heard one that doesn't sound like you're using an octave pedal. We tune to A and split the signal to a bass amp as well as a guitar full stack to cover the full spectrum.
Editor, How many pieces are used in the drums when recording live?
BlackCobra, We use a 2005 original issue Gretsch Catalina Club black sparkle 4-piece kit. 26"x16" kick, 14"x9" rack tom, 18"x16" floor tom and 14"x6" snare. 2 cymbals - 20" medium Zildjian ride and 24" medium Zildjian ride. Tama hardware, Vic Firth 2B wood tip sticks.
Editor,How many pieces in drums are used for recordings?
BlackCobra, Same exact kit.
Editor,Has black cobra considered reaching out to Motorhead for a tour or some kind? I can see Lemmy doing guest vocals and guest distorted bass guitar!
BlackCobra,We haven't yet, but we would love to tour with the legendary Motothead! Lemmy is the only bass player we would ever consider playing with. He is one of our heroes!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animals As Leaders | Self-titled | Prosthetic Records
If Satriani had stayed with a metallic edge in his music, he might be up to speed with Animals As Leaders. The current term for such instrumental music is progressive, almost progressive metal if you will. You might consider the roots of this music being found in such bands as ELO, Kansas, Styx, and Rush. Tosin Abasi is the mad scientist behind this instrumental Frankenstein.
Shall we venture say this would be the younger musical genius brother of Rush (yes all three, Geddy, Alex and Neil), plus a few additional guys. From what we know this is the first release offering of Animals As Leaders and they do a fine spanking job at showcasing talent and many splintered sounds.
Many groups attempt to master the sound of being vocal-less, but few near the pinnacle of success. Prostethic Records have found a pinnacle band, who can sway the musical balance any way they please, and for the better.
It takes a few listens to hear all the activity of this group of musicians. First you hear it and it sounds tight and clear. The second time you plug into the music you get a better picture by discovering a plethora of hidden notes, bass lines and one off drumming patterns.
Our opinion is that there is an influence of modern jazz, tinges of metal, basic rock counts and experimental guitars. If you are not familiar with Alex Masi- you may hear some semblance or remnants of his stylings (yet in a tighter sense), then now is the time to lengthen the halls of your musical library with Animals As Leaders. So here are the best tracks as registered by our million dollar ears, Tempting Time, Soraya, Thoroughly At Home, On Impulse, Behaving Badly, The Price of Everything and the Value of Nothing, Point To Point, Modern Meat, Song of Solomon.
Make note that if you are or even are not a fan of modern jazz music structures, you'll soon enjoy the complexity delivered by simple non-verbal means.
As far as the namesake Tosin explains,"We have a niche on the planet and we have a role in sustainable sort of ecology, but we’ve gone against our natural calling. The name is acknowledging that we do have more of a natural role on the planet, but it’s also like, who would follow an animal to do anything? I think of the name as being both nonsensical and really literal."
Really only two drawbacks to this disc, the mixing level was a little low and more chugga chugga distortion would be icing on the cake. Other than these two minute details, Animals As Leaders is here to stay and shred in a town near you!
Imagine, if we had Animals As Leaders, as opposed to these stagnant politicians, we might not be in this flipping mess. Our appreciation goes out to Prostetic Records. Carry on and buy your copy here! http://store.prostheticrecords.com/
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Cottonbomb | Sidman | Whirlwind Records
Crap-omatic! Where did these characters come from? In a generation of recycled music, sounds, samples, and music rip-offs - ascend the new champions of blues rock! And the Champions are Cottonbomb. Cottonbomb is a band of be-boppin' hooks, hip-shaking swivels, knee-slapping good time rhythm and blues.
The "Sidman" disc is a long needed breath of fresh air, real oxygen in a music polluted world. Think of it this way, it's an improvement to your psyche, breath in the sounds of Fats Domino on keys, Chuck Berry on guitar, James Brown on the dance floor singing "ouww!", Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton exchanging rocking blues runs/leads~ and you'll have somewhat of a semblance of what Cottonbomb is about. Here you are among the greats of rock and blues, shrouded in the outskirts of where cactus and tumbleweed roll. Picture yourself in Arizona on the set of a Clint Eastwood western movie; six shooter in hand, dry-desterted grimace, toothpick between the teeth kind of sound. "Sidman" a disc brimming with blue tinted testosterone. You'll have keys, horns, slides, thumps, and bumps and man you just can't get enough.
Analytically speaking, there is no rival to the slide guitar sounds, the thick juicy bass, boogie woogie on the drums, and raspy European blues vocals. Drive yourself into the sunset. The absolute best tracks: Damned to Boogie; Dialog of a Drunk; Calm Down; Cruel World; and The Patter of His Horse. Invest your money here, where it will not go to waste: http://www.whirlwind-records.com/
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Hatebreed | For the Lions | E1 Entertainment
Not many hardcore bands do cover tracks, much less a CD filled with covers, but here we have one of those bands,Hatebreed. The great thing about Hatebreed is that they overdeliver, they excel beyond musical expectation while maintaining a heavy groove that is unbeatable.
You have 18 groups "covered" on this disc. To name a few of these bands, we have Slayer, Misfits, Badbrains, Cro-Mags, Merauder, Judge and Subzero. Hatebreed take the original sound, infuse their own flavor into the track and make it current, enjoyable and unforgettable. Two of the groups I would have expected to see covered were Minor Threat and The Exploited, their influence can still be mined and heard, mirrored in today's hardcore and metal bands. What happened here?
Overall the disc is great for listening enjoyment, other than the parental advisory for explicit content... this was a disappointment for me personally. I believe Hatebreed definitely have what it takes to revamp any song and inject an incremental amount of adrenaline in any cover and make it better, at least a rival for the original. They have a knack similar to Slayer and Metallica, take a cover and make it sound that much better, heavier and more aggressive.
The best tracks to plug into: Ghosts of War (Slayer), Hatebreeders (Misfits), All I Had I Gave (Crowbar), Obiturary (I'm In Pain), It's The Limit (Cro-Mags), and Shut Me Out (Sick Of It All).
Our thanks to E1 Entertainment. You rock! \M/ http://itunes.com/hatebreed
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Kreator | Hordes Of Chaos | SPV Records
Vital Signs:
SPV.DE, SPVUSA.COM
Mille Petrozza - guitars & vocals | Jurgen Reil - drums | Christian Giesler - bass | Sami Yli Sirnio - guitars
http://www.kreator-terrorzone.de/
The early 1990s I heard Kreator for the first time on a community radion station, KNON 89.3 (which still pumps out the metal a few times a week), the song I think was "Coma of Souls." The delivery was amazing to me, weighty, technically captivating, and non-stop blizzard of speed. So that is how I first was instroduced to Kreator. And now on to the reason for this writing, Hordes Of Chaos.
For over 2 decades Kreator have been delivering the most fierce and untouchable thrash scores resounding from Europe. Each song since Kreator's inception has been a raw emotional outburst controlled by the tight confines of the bands musicianship, not an easy feat. In the continuation of such fine tradition, Mille and team have crafted Hordes Of Chaos.
A departure from their previous recordings, in that the sound produced was more of a live feel, a less manufactured feel to the tracks on the disc. Kreator worked with Moses Schneider of Beatsteaks and Tocotronic fame. As Mille states, "...This album is a 100% realistic reflection of Kreator's live qualities."
As with other Kreator albums the lyrics are bluntly stated with poetic justice, whilst discussing topics of propoganda, war, and reliance on self. This said, the most favored tracks are: Hordes Of Chaos, Warcurse, Destroy What Destroys You, To The Afterborn, and Demon Prince. Over and above this listing of tracks, you will be more than satisfied and blown away by your purchase of this Kreator disc. Ther are no duds on this disc, only uppercuts and hooks! Prepare for the whippin'.
Purchase your copy here! http://www.spv.de/scripts/artistlight_e.asp?Eingabe=Kreator
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Pesticides | Emptiness | Self-Release
Awaken to the sound of Emptiness as recorded/produced by Pesticides. Pesticides have grown leaps and bounds from their initial Demo, and have proven themselves to be contenders for the new Princes of Death Metal. Although a relatively young band, the force by which the songs hit remind me of only one band from long ago that blew the doors wide open, Metallica (with their initial appearance on Metalblade compilation). Pesticides don't really sound like Metallica, but have the forthright "metal up yours" attitude that all too many bands lack.
Five pummeling tracks that lay waste your desired media player. I would venture to say, this is the best overall release in the deathmetal/grind cross over genre in 2009. From ultra-hyperspeed blastbeats to the tempo change mentality in each track, you'll for sure be moshing. Did I forget to mention there are hints of southern style metal string bendings, and searing Scandinavian-esque black metal solos that make sense and fit? A more fitting comparison, would be to NILE's initial demo release. We all knew that was a looming sign of things to come, well Pesticides have that same effect from across The Pond (in Germany).
Folks listen up, you have four guys that rip it up. Gag on vocals, Tom on teRIFFic guitars, Theo on bass, and Eli on skins. Heck, you can't find a better death metal kick below the belt as with Pesticides. Vocal-wise Gag has a deep grindcore throat roaring style. In terms of the strings sections, both bass and guitar are thick, chunky, chugga chugga style and tight as a drum ready to burst. Speaking of drums... Eli does a fantastic job of pinpointing the hits and double/triple time kicks that makes this EP worth continous,perpetual play in your disc player.
All tracks come with a strong recommendation, in fact an unyielding demand to plug into: Emptiness, Nightmare, Crossfire, Lost, Crusade. Don't let'em see ya' where the good LORD split ya!
Thanks Pesticides for getting us this hot off the presses EP. Well worth any price, buys yours here... www.myspace.com/
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Ravage | The End of Tomorrow | Metalblade Records
Vitals: www.ravagetheearth.com, www.myspace.com/swwr
Al Ravage - Vocals | Eli Joe - Lead and Rhythm Guitar | Nick Izzo - Lead and Rhythm Guitar | Howie 'The Mosh Pig' Snow - Bass | GTB - Drums
Just when we thought metal had lost its passion, flare for original imagery, arrives this long-awaited outburst of pure oxygen! Ravage. True roots for the metalhead mind.
Ravage, metal synergy at its peak. Vocal wise, you hear a melodious fusion of Michael Graves (ex Misfits), Rob Rock, Mark Osugueda, with a hint of Blaze Baley. But the best thing is Al Ravage's vocals are well executed and all his own, he has a unique voice, he's the one you hear, whereas others just sound like a bunch of noise.
Speaking of guitars, you actually have real solos in this disc. Reminsicing days of old with tones similar to English Dogs, structure ala Accept, and intensity of Krokus. Moreover, for fans of Merciful Fate, you'll hear some digging thrash palm mutes that will rock your world. Eli and Nick do outstanding work as the guitarists. Contrary to popular believe bass guitar is not a stringed instrument only, but a percussion/rhythm instrument which Howie uses to the full extent.
So you ask about how the drumming is - well, nothing short of phenomenal. There do not exist 999 beats per second blast beats, finally, a drummer that can play other than fast, with rhythm, pace, and grace (reminds me of Marco Minnemann). Take the best pulse-inducing elements of the following drummers playing: Robo, Herman Rarebell, and Vinnie Appice - and you have just a smidgen of the GTB.
Oh did we mention, that if you enjoy Iron Maiden in any form of fashion, you will love RAVAGE!!!!????!!!
So here are the tunes I think best fit your stereo mind: Reign Fall, Freedom Fighter, Damn Nation, Into The Shackles, In Shattered Dreams, The Nightmare's Hold: Part 1, The Nightmare's Hold: Part 2; Grapes Of Wrath, The End Of Tomorrow.
Thanks Metalblade.
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The Famine | The Raven and The Reaping | Solidstate Records
Vitals: Andrew Godwin - guitars | Nick Nowell - bass | Mark Garza - drums | Chris McCaddon www.myspace.com/thefaminedestroys
Up from the ashes of old Embodyment, arises a new morning star ready to pummel the crap out of you or anyone else. Imagine old school Carcass string pinches, "far beyond driven" Pantera overdrive, Peart-like cymbal and footwork, and vocal terrors that only Lamb of God would dream of... and you'll have a snippit of what this metal band has up its sleeves for you.
Andrew's guitar work is uncanny, incalculable all the meanwhile digging the perfect metal groove, or trench rather. Mark's drumkit is louder than ever and full of all the hits that once pounded Omaha Beach, full beastly controlled percussive hostility. Certainly not least in the subject matter of metal, Chris hammers down like Thor, untainted gravelly and throaty vocals pierce the speaker domes.
The Famine takes off where Pantera (RIP) rested their souls, a launching pad of fine tuned hook in groove song structures, intemperate chorus singing, bleeding edge rapid-fire drums, and zombie-inducing bass.
Not enough positive things can be said about this disc, it's creative, emblematic, peculiar albeit a bolster up for those who thought metal was repeating itself. History does not repeat itself with The Famine because of stunning tracks as these: Behemoth, Consume Devour Repeat, Killing For Sport, Ascend, Unending Silence and Stitched In Plastic.
Lyrically the subject matter address personal conditions, the state of this failing union, faddish consumerism, among other things.
Don't waste your time searching for the next best thing, it has found you and you are not it! The Famine is... Pick Up Your Copy Here... http://www.zambooie.com/solidstate/
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Woe of Tyrants | Kingdom of Might | Metalblade Records
Vitals:
Chris Catanzaro - Vocals | Nick Dozer - Guitar | Matt Kincaid - Guitar | Shaun Gunter - Bass | Johnny Roberts – Drums
Just as Metal Blade have managed to define themselves with distinct waves of heaviness in the likes of Behemoth, Job For A Cowboy, and Hate Eternal among many - they do just the same thing with Woe of Tyrants. Woe of Tyrants lay it all on the line with 11 tracks of fierce musical attacks of guitar shredding, bass thumping and double bass in yer face. For fans of Wintersun, Ensiferum, and Eluvietie - Woe of Tyrants impress with heavy melodic metal shavings will delivering the heaviness of chunky chugging.
In equal importance, each band member delivers the awe-inspiring drive to perfection. Chris Catanzaro's vocal manipulation is outstanding and well placed in each track, just the right amounts. It is as if Chris is sandblasting the air waves with his voice, sheer energy. Shaun Gunter’s bass and Johnny Roberts' drum kit construct one massive skeletal system for which to attach metal of all sorts. The bass guitar lines emphasize the heart beat of the music, the soul, the life of Woe of Tyrants - where Johnny's kit is in open space, Shaun is there to compliment. All the while, Johnny prepares for a sonic boom.
To flesh out this metal machine, part man, part machine - the appendages take form in the shape of two guitarists, who maintain and thrive in superior musicianship and enticing hooks, these men we know as Nick Dozer and Matt Kincaid. Highly hypnotic rhythm guitar sections, authoritative and carefully crafted guitar solo runs, make this metal giant roar. Composition wise, the notes are all nailed to the cross. We never knew speed could numb the listener.
Woe of Tyrants have determined to leave an indelible print on you the listener, they will stick their songs in your head and you won't be able to get them out. Each of the 11 tracks will furiously shred the speakers and leave them smoking. Five guys from Ohio pummel the metal scene with their fiery brand of untainted metal, in pure form.
Woe of Tyrants have managed to produce probably one of the most well sought after and liked metal discs of 2009. We are talking full metal to the hilt. Built for speed and ready to rumble. You can't help but boogy to the flippin teRIFFIC mess of guitar layers and perpetuating drum rolls and blast beats. Not dance music by a long shot, but it's that dang good.
With Jesu Juva, you are introduced to the astonishing introduction for structure, regiment, and the oncoming power of Kingdom of Might. Marching, keys, and
horns announce the leviathan of metal. Who knows but God, what kind of metal fortitude these guys can produce when in the studio and on the road. The first encounter with this band was on youtube, not the best place for introductions, but it was just a taste of what to expect on this disc - teeth sharpening metal, razor sharp and leading the edge.
Soli Deo Gloria, the second track pushes all sorts of unheard of changes up in the rhythm guitars and bass, as well as drums. Vocally, the surge of energy peaks and maintains throughout the disc. You know what's sort of funny, or at least interesting, the solo work is reminiscent of April Wine whilst maintaining a flavor of Scott Gorham. Melodies and bullet splitting riffmastery lunge forth into the storm of awe numbing drumwork and thorough bass drivers.
Pearls Before Swine, aptly name abruptly shakes your world with unhumanly possible speed and 80s inspired riffs, amidst the rarely seen twin guitar locking melodies, made famous by Boston and Scorpions. A little past the halfway mark in this track you hear semblances that death metal kings, Necrophagist are known for - intellectual string skipping/muting combinations. NO copycat crime, just a taste of ultra technical death metal. Surely you can appreciate this track!
Kingdom of Might (The Eclipse) dearly remind me of the beloved Chuck S/Death. Fast riff strikes with thick juicy palm mutes and mirrored in the background by pound drum pounds. Not to mention, vocally the sandpaper tones continue to scratch your musical itch. Speed doesn't stop with the drums, but continues through into the bass guitar tone. Dawn in the Darkness, proves this band means business. Thrash has never been so quick to deliver quick handed guitar runs, gallops and Skolnick-esque leads.
Sounding Jerusalem - speaks volumes of the genius of this band. Deep, profound, heaviness factor prevails on this track. Head banging is a dangerous side effect, the slight reverb/echo on vocals just nails this track as a favorite among the elite. Try splicing in some unheard of runs, southern FRIED style strutting, and a dash of habaneros - and you might just have the picture of this song.
The Seven Braids of Samson serves beyond a shadow of a doubt this quintet is ready the flex their musical muscle to pulverize the radio waves, whether it is the Gaza city gate, a lion being put away with bare hands, or slappin the crap out of a 1000 men, these guys can do it. Make no mistake, your investment will pay off.
Golgotha, the heaviest of all emotions, the place of the skull, the place where this death metal comes to life. Flat out semblance of metal engineering, speedy, intricate shrewdness, and where the ship comes in. Bring in the heavy artillery, this is going to require a heavy weight to stop the continuous reply on this track. You want heavy, you got it. We're talking gravity on the moon, lead in your shoes, and Popeye and his spinach. Let 'er rip!
Unlike most of their counter parts in the metal world, where the focus is on negative aspects/viewpoints of life, horror, crimes, and failing relationships - Woe of Tyrants brings you Kingdom of Might. Kingdom of Might cranks the heck out negative anything and soars that sucker out of the ball park in the other direction. Nicely done, finally, a positive band.
Echoes from the past resound in various points of various tracks, at times you can hear influences from Pantera, Judas Priest, Brutal Truth and Nuclear Assault. No plagiarism, just snippits of genius. Here you have it, taste and see it is good. Many thanks to Metalblade for sharing this release.
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ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR?
Sunset Knoll, the best rock band from the Northeastern United States has a new release.
This release is self-titled EP and available through Amazon.com Click here to purchase.
Sunset Knoll have been around for a few years and have grown leaps in bounds since their first, early demo days. Mike and team have solidified into a strong rock musical unit, bound for success. Sunset Knoll focus on musicianship, craft, and just spilling the truth. Whatever that truth maybe, it comes out in a raw, unique form. Sunset Knoll is what rock music has been dying for the past several years. Ever since the breakup of Texas' own Embodyment, hard rock with alternative overtones went away and became a cliche'. Today Sunset Knoll prove rock is up and ready. Prepare to blow your speakers.
Archive of previous review, visit our archive by clicking here
The Psyke Project | Dead Storm | Lifeforce Records
Vitals:
www.myspace.com/thepsykeproject
Martin Nielskov: vocals | Jeppe Skouv: bass | Mikkel Vadstrup Schmidt: guitar | Christian Bono Bonnesen: guitar | Rasmus Gajhede Sejersen: drums
The Psyke Project is for fans of thick, slab formed metal, with low end bass lines, straight up distorted guitar tones, punishing vocal arrays and punchy drum tracks. That is to say if you are a fan of Saphena (Germany), Zao (USA), Benea Reach (Sw/No), Godflesh (UK), Mastodon (USA), and Kashee Opeiah (Germany) then you will plug into The Psyke Project.
With nearly an hour of hard driven music, various flavors of songs and strong production presence, The Psyke Project from Copenhagen, Denmark is ready to leave their imprint on you. Their music has a live recorded feel; crisp sounds without any air noise - hands down, a metal contender for the years to come.
Not only does this band deliver the heaviness without the sway bars, but also takes a minimalist approach on various instrumental interludes. This music is just enough to convey a leit motif, while brewing suspense for the listener.
As a modern day metalized St. Vitus, The Psyke Project bring heaviness in it’s chaotic, yet straight forward song arrangements. Martin shadows the listener with ominous raspy vocal intonations, while Mikkel and Christian pummel you with low end slight string bends that blow the crap out of you, all this mind you while Jeppe and Rasmus mentally subdue the senses with a drone that lacks descriptors - so much...
Among our favorite tracks: Fire Blizzards, Dead People Never Lie, Stockholm bloodbath, Mile High Pillars, Cursed with Care, and Utopia Is Not an Option. This is not to say the others not great, these just surpass the other tunes for a more intense metal radar signal.
Hear ye, hear ye, and bring your round of applause for Lifeforce, another great band, another stunning unique release. Thanks for sharing!
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Behemoth | Evangelion | Metalblade Records
Vitals:
Nergal - vocals/guitars | Inferno - drums | Seth - guitars | Orion - bass
http://www.behemoth.pl |http://www.myspace.com/behemoth
Producer - Daniel Bergstrand (Meshuggah, In Flames, Dark Funeral)
Mixer - Colin Richardson (Carcass, Slipknot, Napalm Death)
Ne fronti crede. Evangelion is auricular evidence that blasting dosage for the
strongest of nephilim is here and now. With intricate metal shavings from left to
right, right to left each song is well crafted in the culmination of metal leadership, id
est Ne Plus Ultra!
Consider this, modern times of Roman Legionaires pummel the auditory senses
with fierce pack, animal-like instinct. Furious instrumentation, each member
positioning themselves for battle against anyone who stands in their way. Yet
individually exceptional in their recorded performance, their position in time, each
cooperates and compliments each others duties - the songs resound in their own
light, whether by singularity or collectively.
Nearly two decades after inception, the Behemoth rears its blue flamed head in
spite of opposition, whether political or otherwise, to drop what may be metal
release of the year.
Nergal and Seth have an interesting way of playing seven string guitars. The tone
is almost old-school from early 1980s, yet when a song develops into the
processional stanza by stanza, verse by verse wherein the riff kicks in the tone is
bizarre in that the thick wall of sound becomes prominent. Orion's bass work is
delightful in that you can clearly hear all the notes of his playing, high or low or ultra
heavy low and fast, it's nasty, it's mean and hear-able. Mind you Inferno's drum
work unveils itself as dicrotic, more ballistic in nature than previous recordings, and
more clearly heard/recorded - every single hit or splash is documented for your
musical enjoyment.
The black clouds of metal dust have gathered and leave no questions for the
suspecting, nor unsuspecting, that Behemoth is dark metal.
An intriguing perspective of this album is the lyrical content. From what we
understand, subject matters concern themselves with individual freedoms to do as
one wishes, free moral agents - if you will. You have to wonder what makes these
lyrics come about - was it the wolves dressed in sheeps clothing, liars who made
claims to God? Was it the lack of a response of 'the church' in WorldWar II when so
many innocents were slain? Was it Manifest Destiny? or could it have been the
Conquests of the pre-middle ages? or Televangelists? Yes we are all free moral
agents, we chose as we will. From what we gather from Nergal's commentary,
these are metaphors - deep in nature obviously. This is quite interesting because
religion has plagued humanity since it's words were whispered. They do not
describe The Almighty we know... So what are the metaphors about?
Whether you are diametrically opposed to what may seem as sacrilege or open to
other viewpoints, Behemoth will throw you smack dab in the middle of their feelings
and emotions. Not only do the words land you in the pit, but the instruments speak
as well.
Behemoth, a perplexing mammoth of emotion and speed. This band is technically,
superior to any musical rivals, and overthrowing would-be peers. Evangelion's
exquisite production and fine tuned mixing by the aforementioned gentlemen shall
observe an addiction to metal that yields miles of smiles. Some diamonds for your
stereo include: Shemaforash, He Who Breeds Pestilence, Alas Lord Is Upon Me,
and Defiling Morality Ov Black God.
Signed,
Perplexed & Curious. \M/
Too Pure To Die | Confess | Trustkill Records
Vitals:
http://www.trustkill.com/artist/Too+Pure+To+Die
Hear ye, hear ye, thick slabs of metal concrete beaming through your earbuds. Too Pure To Die ("TPTD") debut on Trustkill is quite the treat. Each track is comprised of multi-faceted and unheard of breakdowns and guitar tone that alludes to Soulfly. These fine young gentlemen have the same precision tuned voracity as Fear Factory.
Their music arrangements are current and present a refreshing attitude towards metal and hardcore, bringing to mind Lamb of God (via the Prosthetic Records days). There seems to be
some digital sampling or sound bytes that resound the genius of the UK's Pitchshifter. If you are a fan of Rammstein's short outbursts of groove tinted riffs, you will love the blizzard of
heart rendering guitar work, cadence driven drums tracking, and solid semi-truck-weighted bass lines.
TPTD deliver a gargantuan assault of the audible senses, yet have no worries, nor fear, for there is no deprivation. Besides the hammering down hardcore vocals, we hear what seems
to be a baritone vocalist that drives your experience farther into the realm of new heavy music possibilities.
Clocking in at over 30 minutes you get your money's worth. This is so, because each track is enjoyable, heavy and gets you moving. You won't want to stop listening. Here are the tracks you can expect to peel your ears back: Confess, My Vow, Gotham City, Can I Live, Saving Grace, One True Thing, Define Irony, Rock Bottom, Omerta, Trial, Find My Way. The only drawback I see is the language that surpasses the PG rating.
Let us affirm for you that you will hear influences, that can only be linked and/or ties to Corrosion of Conformity. Uncanny string bends and funky tight drum breaks present the Southern style flare of fracas -- if you like Pantera in any sort of way, you will love TPTD. All together they are different than any aforementioned bands, yet at the same time is is an eye-opening and ear-deafening experience for those new to hearing TPTD. Full up, pedal to the metal heavy music. Thanks to Trustkill Records for sharing this. Pick up your copy today!
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A Plea For Purging| Depravity | Facedown Records
Vitals:
Andy Atkins | Blake Martin | Tyler Wilson | John Wand | Aaron Eckermann
www.myspace.com/apleaforpurging
A Plea For Purging have cooked up a savory palate of metal flavors and colors never seen or heard before this time. Currently with this Depravity, there are no peers for A Plea... They
are in a league all their own. Only one expectation met - that of receipt of hardcore/metal in your face. All other expectations - surpassed!
A Plea For Purging is blazing a new path of metal and hardcore sounds that has become their new-found niche. Each track is well orchestrated with adept and personal profoundness
and depth, lyrically as well as musically.
This contains an precipitous volumes of unprecedented breakdowns and scores not heard in a few hundred years. For instance, the masterful forefathers of the pinnacle of music -
Bach, Beethoven, Vivaldi are now beaming with pride.
The various players in this band personify the musical themes in various forms and fashions. Vocally, the grit leading each song is just enough to roughen up the listener without turning
them off. With regards to the drums, we receive a pummeling that is a welcome to a "copy cat" hardcore/metal scene. Not this band. Next to the drums is the bass guitar that profoundly
outlines the songs core and intentional movements. Lastly, the guitarists are addressing the future state of metal with their riffs and runs that are comparable to Texas' own Eric Johnson,
and the well-loved guitar giants of Boston.
Certain tracks feature descending perscussive breaks in the motion that resound the artillery of Howitzers. There is an eery and palatable mistique to this disc, a la/id est the fine work of
"Master of Puppets". Prepare to be enveloped in the audible and subconscious states of mind with lingering string drones made famous in gothic music landscapes; not to mention gated
reverse reverb spoken words. We will end the elipsis here and let you figure out the rest. There is much to be had, the harvest is hear.
Each track comes highly recommended to you. There is not just one song better than the others, but all songs are solid enough to stand on their own merit. Relevance for anyone and
everyone. Buy your copies today! Hand them to a friend, they will thank you sooner than later.
Facedown Records - thanks for your support in sharing this release with us. Buy yours now! Click here.
36 Crazy Fists |The Tide And Its Takers | Ferret Style
Vitals:
Brock Lindow - Vocals | Thomas Noonan - Drums | Steve Holt - Guitar | Mick Whitney - Bass
36 Crazy Fists take 11 tracks of highly emotional and profound statements and transforms them into varying rates of heart beats. Each track as each beat has its own time and pulse. What's great about this release is that all the songs are different; not so different that they sound like they were recorded by a different band or time, but do not all sound the same (id est tempo, breakdowns, vocals, gang vocals, etc.). These fine gentlemen carefully have crafted 11 hook driven songs that continuously find themselves on auto-repeat via your media player or disc changer.
If you happen to like any of the following bands, you'll have a hankering for this disc: hammer heavy drums in the vein of Deftones, guitar voltage in the likes of ZAO, bass guitar frets like unto The Juliana Theory, and vocal authority in league with the likeable Corey Taylor (Slipknot).
Should you dare to be noticed, pick up this disc, your mom will thank you and I will too. You'll share in no disappointment because it won't exist on this disc. Click here to purchase.
We appreciate Ferret for sharing this selection with us.
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Johnny Truant | No Tears For The Creatures | Ferret Music
Vitals:
Olly - Vocals | Stuart - Guitars | Reuben - Guitars | Alan - Bass | Paul - Drums
A British flare for chaos and unrestrained outburst make you feel at home with Johnny Truant. Interesting name, not to mention an interesting disc. Perhaps this is the UK response to the recent upsurge in metal sludge bands popping up like prairie dogs in the country side. Yet these puppies ain't immature nor unwilling to speak what's on their minds.
A highly complicated composite material interlaced with quirky kicks, punches and lunges comes forth this UK rarity. In fact, you may hear influences as Opeth, Pantera in terms of guitar tone, Killing Joke and Prong for bass guitar rafter shaking blips, drum patterns likened unto The Chariot or Norma Jean - but what is best is that Johnny doesn't copy, just takes the best elements from these bands and brands them on the disc as another UK band with which to be reckoned.
Now class, Johnny Truant has something to say and we shall all listen. Explosive emotion and exasperation stream out of the lyrical content. You can hear it in the vocalist and feel it in the instruments pummeling the heavy music fan, feeling each string muted, each drum kick - hit, each bass lick thumping, and each vocal scream become part of them.
Johnny makes the music an experience, not just a tasty buffet of chunky guitars of all shapes, blistery drums and pan searing singing. You will be captivated by the double bass effects played with an "up yerz" attitude, an aggressive catharsis. Throughout the disc you get the refrain or thought, "where is heaven?" It is haunting and a relevant question for today's listeners. The answer to this refrain is that earth is just a taste of hell, and heaven is a place that is reachable by anyone, by all who chose the straight and narrow path. Interspersed through the disc are gang style vocals as made famous by their label-mates ZAO.
In regards to the best tracks, well all but two meet this criteria. You will figure it out by the lyrics of the song - unfortunate choices to have this on the disc. But do not let this stop you if you want real sludge-mud-slingin-metal. The rest of the tracks preserve enough merit to counter-balance any shortcomings and place this on pedestal with High On Fire, Killing Joke, and Mastodon. Selective tracks are: The Grotesque, Death Rides, Last Arms Of The Apocalypse, Crush And Devour, Dead Ships Sinking, Sunshine Diver, Fog Lights, The Weeping, Wailing, And Gnashing Of Teeth.
Johnny Truant have produced a perplexing, thought-inducing collection of musical scars and tears. Should you be up for the raw dosage of reality and music abrasiveness, topped with
genius, then buy your copy today.
Ferret Music made this review possible - thank you for your kind support.
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Vader | And Blood Was Shed in Warsaw | Metal Mind Productions (POLAND)
Vitals:
Peter (vocal, guitar) | Daray (drums) | Novy (bass) | Mauser (guitar)
Sites:
Vader. A thrash metal band on the cusp of metal greatness. From Poland with an "in yer face" attitude and everything to show for it. "And Blood Was Shed in Warsaw" DVD ("DVD") is perhaps one of the most phenomenal metal DVDs ever.
The Production & Technical Teams. This group of talented visionairies have designed a brilliant DVD with multiple filming angles, overhead shots, crystal clear coloration, and multifaceted content menus. With respect to the song menu selections, you have 20 live tracks of unalloyed, untainted thrash metal. Moreover, metal Mind have provided a prize with a photo stills gallery from this now legendary show. Interestingly enough an exhaustive discography is provided for your reading pleasure for old and new fans. Likewise a couple of full length videos and logo images are packaged for your viewing.
Perspectives. The band plays as a hybrid thrash and death metal outfit, that are always in tune and on time. The sound mix aligns directly with the cohesiveness of the playability of each of the individuals. Perhaps one thing that US audiences are used to seeing is a live interaction amongst band members during live sets... but in this DVD the members do not appear to interact much with each other. They definitely put on a great show and communication to and for the fans, but not much with each other. Maybe it's just the group's persona. Either way, poses an interesting viewpoint while watching.
A couple of things that could have enhanced the already wonderful viewing experience, would have been some live pre-show footage of fans, sound check, equipment loading/ unloading... this would have impressed upon us more, a more intense appreciation for the sacrifices Vader has made to keep the band going for fans and themselves alike. Tracks. Count them, there are 20 of those masterpieces. Many are classics and never grow old and continue to grow into the listeners ears. The introduction flashes in with blue rays of light (reminiscing Celtic Frost "Into Crypts of Rays" song depiction). Yes, the tone is ominous yet highly anticipated and just waiting to erupt hot molten metal. The energy pours forth as seen in the style of the all-famous Sepultura, (Beneath The Remains era). Vader have transformed themselves from a hard working metal outfit into a monumental granite icon in the thrash/death metal music world. Scattered throughout you pick up hints of the Eastern German thrash scene a la Kreator-esque riffage; while maintaining the velocity of Coroner. Each song is played to unique perfection, with flawless execution and precise delivery.
A partial listing of tracks: ShadowFear, Sothis, Warlords, Silent Empire, Out of the Deep, Dark Age, Black to the Blind, This Is the War, Lead Us, Epitaph, Predator, Wings, and Wyrocznia (feat. Orion of Behemoth on vocals!!!)
Interview. The jewel of this disc is the interview with Piotr. Obviously it is in Polish, their native tongue but accompanied with well scripted and timed English language subtitles. In this interview we get to see and hear the talking voice of Vader's heart, Piotr. Piotr's diction and non-verbal queues display the intelligence of one of metal music's most underrated bands. The interviewer discusses some historical topics and general give and take questions, while doing a good job at letting Piotr speak his mind. It is like having the opportunity to see an
interview with Tchaikovsky in his time, a well known and respected musician and mastermind, but not enough of the world knows about either Piotr. Well now it is your turn to get your hands on metal history. A million thanks to Metal Mind Poland for sharing this DVD with us. It is a treasure! Purchase your copy here
Thanks to Metal Mind Productions!
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In Flames | Come Clarifty | Ferret Music
Vitals:
Bjorn - Guitars | Daniel - Drums | Peter - Bass guitar | Jesper - Guitars | Anders - Vocals
Sites:
Arguably one of the finest melodic death-metal bands in the world - is In Flames. Perhaps the originators of the Gothenburg metal sound, again is In Flames. Continuous innovation and solid musical scores - In Flames.
Come Clarity is a departure from the normal stream of In Flames releases, while demonstrating a comprehendible maturation process; collectively and individually as members of the band. With this release you will notice much improved clean style vocal approach. As for the metal shavings in your ears, yes this is just the disc to put the metal back in your head. A disc full of pinpointed accuracy.
The foundation of all the songs is a tightly knit charging bass and drum team. Peter delivers bass guitar lines that are more pronounced than prior discs, a thick dense aura of captivating bass licks. In terms of the drums, Daniel peels back layers of sound that identify his drumming as the skeleton and heartbeat of In Flames. He's atypical in that his style pivots between death metal, old school punk, and classic rock a la John Bonham. The guitars are unmistakably the finest and most recognizable guitar duo relationship of excellence since Boston or the Scorpions. Jesper and Bjorn take turns in slicing, dicing melodic hook inpsired riffs that can only be crafted by these swedes.
Included in this package is a bonus DVD, that was eye-opening in that you get to see each of the guys in action, fingerprinting their fretboards, dashing the drums and screaming sounds whilst twisting, churning and twirling about.
This release contains 13 tracks of which 12 have become the staple of this disc; that said, tracks 1-12 make the charts in our minds. Each song uniquely bound to it's characteristics of various emotions and heartfelt honesty. Perhaps the very best track on the disc is the title track itself, "Come Clarity". The acoustic interludes lull you into a peaceful valley with melodic vocal twists and response provoking lyrical content. A masterpiece we say: Take This Life, Leeches, Reflect The Storm, Dead End, Scream, Come Clarity, Vacuum, Pacing Death's Trail, Crawl Through Knives, Versus Terminus, Our Infinite Struggle.
You may be telling yourself this release is not the most recent, so what. It's worth your time and your money. It's a bit of a departure from the great original formula of In Flames albums, yet while maintaining the full burst of energy and captivation aura. Here's how to order the disc, just click here!
Thanks to Ferret Music for being a great support.
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Henri “T.S.K.” Sattler – vocals & lead guitars
Susan Gerl – lead guitars
Henk “Henke” Zinger – bass
Roel Sanders – drums
www.goddethroned.com
Just over 38 minutes of full blast flesh ripping war. God Dethroned have managed to produce a turbulent work of art called Passiondale. True to the core, this 10 song epic lashing tells various stories of the infamous and most bloody spot in World War I, Passiondale.
Having just finished a lengthy historical account of The Battle on the Ypres Salient (which includes Passiondale), we knew this had to be every bit right or all wrong. From track one of the introduction of prayers to the raging and menacing battle tracks that follow, we knew it was dead right! As far as profanities, some descriptors in one of the tracks, other than that - flawless lyrics.
Guitar work and bass lines infuse the listening experience with perplexing realities of war, not to forget the drumwork that pillages with onslaughts of hits, beats, and rolls that resound hostile firings of bullets. Vocally the lyrics are understandable - yet thick and raspy enough to grab you by the shirt. It's time for war,listen up, because you only have one life to live. At least on earth you do, after all you only live twice...
The mix down is well done, not too much production where edges get lost in the polishing, but plenty is left to feel like shrapnel penetrating your eardrums rending your heart. It is as if the band lived it themselves. Lyrically speaking each track tells a story of a battle or a feeling of lost or no hope. World War I was unfortunately the worst war documented in human kind - to date, at least that has been publicly exposed. WWI a later generation of the infamous torture instrument Iron Maiden, produced the ever-reaching flame thrower, the caustic and unrelenting pursuit of mustard gas, unmatched heavy artillery including the water-masked tank... all to be tossed and burned in "No Man's Land."
Is this comprehensible? Not really, detailed accounts can only scratch the surface of a neck high bloody pit. Many soldiers across both sides referred to Passiondale as the literal Hell. Inescapable - a death sentence, few see the light of day.
Many attacks of Passiondale took cover "Under A Darkening Sky". The attacks took place in the air, in the mud, trench tunnel warfare, and face to face - in the light of night. One warmaster's theory was that attacking at night created chaos and breakdown of communications, from the higher ups to the ground-pounders on the front lines.
A number of attacks came via a "Poison Fog." From personal accounts many described the onset and delivery of an ugly putrid fog that suffocates and settles on the warriors of the opposition. Due the extremely high levels of humidity what was a gas became a thickened almost droplet forming fog.
To add to all this bloody mess was the unheard of phenomenon of "Drowning In Mud". Mud became so much like quagmires from all the blood-spilling, rain and refuse from decomposing humans the pits from bombardments of shells and cannons created quick-sand like cavities. Oh the horror!
"No Survivors" seemed the apparent theme. Once one team of soldiers from one side attacked another opposing group would engage and essentially kill off each other, until there were no survivors. Many were shell shocked and maintained what many refer to as the "100 yard stare", an unpalatable reality that left its viewers and participants quaking in their boots. The politics in opinion, could have prolonged the agony - whereas a swift stronghold of relentless pursuit could have ended the depletion of human life. The waste of human life, never seemed more apparent.
So Passiondale takes you "Behind Enemy Lines" in an intro similar to the Bolt Thrower kings of metal. One tactic each utilized was to surround the enemies by taking large detours circling back. More surprising was the digging of trenches that transformed into yards deep tunnels into enemy territory. The tunnelers would dig continuously until the spot was marked to set the place afire - erupt the son of a gun sky high. Send them all the hell in one burst.
"Fallen Empires" was one result of the perpetual bloodshed of Passiondale. It is thought that 9 million people died - from this pursuit of expanding personal King empires. Unusual alliances amongst royalty from various countries and/or kingdoms became the perfect storm and led "the architects of war" into the swirling throng of a war - of never seen before proportions - world wide scale.
In summation the "Artifacts" of this war seem to be lost memories, yearning souls that cry out for peace, lost loved ones, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, soldiers, citizens, ruined cities, towns, soul depletion... all for greed. Is it really worth it for a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?
Thanks to Metal Blade.
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Artwork:
Vital info:
Andreas Gerden - vocal
Marcus Bertilsson - guitar
Emil Westerdahl - bass
Joakim Malmborg - drums
www.Inevitable-End.com
Kicking ice and taking all your names is Sweden's own, Inevitable End. A metal concoction of hybrid post-hardcore and punk influences, with the right dashes of death metal poundings make this disc momentous.
Rarely do dissonant chords work for a death metal outfit, but in the case of the Inevitable End, these gents know how to and where to infuse these rapid-fire change ups and deep chunky riffs.
First heard of this band while checking out Crimson Moonlight, and was I totally surprised. After hearing those tracks back then and with this release today, you will be left dry heaving from an adrenaline exhilaration. Full blast volume out the wazzoo.
Relapse have done themselves a huge favor in signing an exceptional and talented band, especially from the prolific Swedish metal scene. Inevitable End have no where to go but up the metal ranks of Swedish metal kings and will dare rival any who stand in the way or sound-waves.
Here we have 4 talented musicians. Vocals are succinct and tinted with a Swedish accent in English. Drums are quickly bashed and continually pounded like in the early days of punk; yet with much more style and chops. Speaking of the string section, the bass is sickly volatile and intoxicating whilst the guitars are pouring liquid grit into the airwaves with their own form of distortion.
So which tracks outshine the others? None, a well mixed and hand-picked song selection that has the nerve to stand on its own and proclaim to the metal world that Sweden is coming to get you! There are no single best tracks, for they are all exemplary and remarkable. Hear it for yourself. Go buy today.
Relapse Records rocks — thank you.
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Obscura
Cosmogenesis
Relapse Records
Verbal Depictions as generated by Thinkmap,Inc./Visual Thesaurus
Musicians:
Steffen Kummerer - vocals, guitar
Hannes Grossman - drumkit
Jeroen Paul Thesseling - bass
Christian Muenzer - guitar
Obscura take the scholarly high-tech approach to extreme metal, a new found
niche in the ever-expanding universe of technical diversity. Light years ahead of
the tron-trance-like vocal space-makers, as if satellites are beaming voices made of
0s and 1s gently infiltrating your mind. This band has not only crafted a music into
a science, but a far reaching art form that is designed for the willing listener.
Occasionally you will hear genius semblances as found in Metallica's "Ride The
Lightning," the persistent thrashy drive of the drums and guitars. Follow us on this,
if you will the occipital digits become mandibles for prestidigitation on the fretboard,
fretless bass, and percussive impacts.
The musical arrangements of the instruments are precision tuned that create a high
velocity, intricate, delicate and deliberate metal factory of sound. Vocally the lyrics
are listenable and intense and likable. The guitar attack moves with a swift crosshatching
of dueling and twin leads and rhythms. Speaking of the backbone and
exoskeleton of this furious machine, reside the awe-stricking bass slides and
riffage accented and thrust forward by well thought-out drum beats and
flabbergasting drummer skill. Not to worry or fret, for these musical masters are
well tempered in the art of blending their instruments together where - not one -
overplays or oversimplifies the meaning of each track.
Obscura is beautifully perplexing and awe-striking. There are tinges of electronic
musical streams a la Eiffel 65. Vocal attributes once made famous by Chuck S.
(Death) - are heard all over this disc. Gothic metal guitar stylings similar to Merciful
Fate and the innovative guys from Paradise Lost. Not to mention, the artillery style
drum-work, full audio assault.
Prepare for the lunar landing, for you shall arrive in one fell swoop from the onset of
track one through the end of this disc. Obscura equals the Wizard of Oz of metal,
dynamic, untouchable, yet attainable.
Among the highly favored tracks are: (all tracks): Anticosmic Overload; Choir Of Spirits; Universe Momentum; Incarnated; Orbital Elements; Desolate Spheres; Infinite Rotation; 8Noosphere; Cosmogenesis; Centric Flow.
We appreciate Relapse Records for sharing this with us. Buy your copy here!
Here is a sign of things coming to a town near you!
