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Dark Creations
play some excellent and gloriously sick, obscure sounding death
metal that will stay with you unto the grave. Slaughtering solos and
vocals that mix dm growls with black metal rasps and are so killer
it makes me proud to be a metal head! This is limited to 333 copies
so act fast!! Write to Iron Bonehead Productions for more
information on this release. - Dale
Iron Bonehead
Records, Brunnenweg 9a, 36160 Dipperz,
GERMANY Band Email = pranuss@gmx.de
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I am just going
to jump right into it, no lead up, no preamble, with this review. I
wish this band would take the heavy route and turn it up and get
grittier. But instead, at every turn, you hear a heavy part or
ripping riff inevitably veer off into lighter, cleaner and more
florid softness. This tendency is seemingly irresistible for the
band, the urge of letting a heavy riff or headbangable sequence play
out and build without trying to tame it. The dampening of these
sequences with an omnipresent, melodramatic blanket to wrap it all
within, like they are concerned any rough edges will damage or scuff
up anyone listening. When it comes to metal, I want the audio
listening equivalent experience of taking a brutal beating, not
someone looking tough, then wrapping a pair of brass knuckles in
bubble wrap and gently tossing it at me. The band does list a number
of influences like Megadeth, Testament, Arch Enemy, Iron Maiden etc…
I can hear those influences or least most of them, but never in a
strong way, never are those influences, in my opinion, allowed to
run and play. Those influences are all too often pushed into the
background in favour a safer, more saccharine version of what makes
those bands great. Now, that is not to say there is no talent here,
these guys handle their instruments well and have some skills. They
just apply them in a way I am definitely not a fan of, even to the
point, they kind of dance the line of not even keeping it within the
metal sphere at times. I guess that is just what they are into, not
sure, but it is not for me. I like my metal to have more balls, and
they choose to cut them off every time the music starts growing a
pair and begins getting good. I would like to see the band go more
in the direction of the song “Thrashgasm”, this is the only song the
band really let’s the horse break into a gallop for a minute or two.
If you are into metal that is on the softer, gentler end of the
spectrum, then you will like this a lot more than I did. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/darkhoundband
https://www.dark-hound.com/
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As soon as the
first song starts "Dark Mass Medium", I know what this band is
about. You have a guitarist that has probably been wood shedding for
years in his bedroom - practicing until his fingers bled. He then
gets all his finger tapping and arpeggio sweeps down and decides its
time to form a band to showcase his talent. Said backup band is
anywhere from average to decent but the "star" is Mr. Wood Shed.
Dark Mass is basically an excuse for a competent guitar player to
release his music. By the way Mr. Wood Shed - tune your guitar or
work on the intonation - it's out of tune on several tunes,
particularly when you're using the clean sound. I like the drum set
in the music video from one of their live gigs. A lovely glitter 5
piece that is reminiscent of my junior high school jazz band's kit.
Hey, if that's all ya got, that's all ya got. It certainly is pretty
but probably too pretty for a band called Dark Mass. That would also
explain the mashy 80's snare drum sound I suspect, though. I was
half expecting Crockett and Tubbs to come driving down the road in
the video. If I had to pick between hearing a crushing E chord or a
flight of too many bumblebees kind of playing (like this recording)
- I'd pick that E chord - every damn time. Sometimes musicians need
to know when not to play so much. Guitar masturbation central is
this dead mass. - Mark
http://www.myspace.com/darkmassdark |
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This is a
perfect example of why I hate keyboards! The tape is filled with
promising dark music but smothered unmercifully with keys. The band
is apparently currently recording their debut album. If you like
your music mid-tempo with obscure feel and tons of keyboreds then
this is the band for you. - Dale
Send $4 US to: Dark Vision, c/o
Giannis Konstantakos, 5/Akti Kountouriotou, 18534 Piraeus, GREECE
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This band has
been around a long time, having released their debut demo way back
in 2001, since then they have been releasing music for nearly twenty
years now. The “Circles Of Failure” marks the Swiss bands sixth full
length album. You can tell a lot of thought and skillful planning
went into constructing the songs on this release. The music is a
tasteful mixing of technicality, melody and brutality in one package
that balances all three of those elements in quite equal measures.
This for me is not that common, as usually bands go all technical,
all brutal or they incorporate so much pure melody it drowns out and
neuters the other elements, but thankfully not so with Darkrise.
They do keep the melody and memorability factor high while never
losing sight of the brutality that makes the heart of death metal
what it is. Somewhere in the middle of all of that is a fairly high
level of technicality with layers woven throughout the tapestry with
some really tasty guitar fills, mini-solos and masterfully
constructed and performed drum work giving it all a great foundation
to work off of. The bass is even noticeable and adds it’s own
touches to the musical whole. I really enjoyed the vocals too. The
growling has that really brutal edge yet there is just enough
diction to make them accessible as they adeptly mimic and compliment
the instrumentation they are mixing into. Darkrise’s age is showing
in a good way, their experience and skill have continued to grow
while not losing sight of their brutal Floridian death metal roots
and they have turned it into something of their own that is very
notable and worth your attention ASAP. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/darkriseband
http://www.punishingrecords.com/
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So this is becoming a thing I guess haha. Not
sure what the odds are, but this is now two back to back bands from
western Canada and you guessed it, another melodic death metal band
too. Though the difference between the two bands is Dead Asylum
incorporate little tendrils of thrash in their sound as well. I have
to admit, at the time of my second listen I was not too impressed or
into this, but with a number of additional listens it has grown on
me a little. It struck me, initially, that it was maybe too melodic
for my tastes and I still feel that way at points in this album. But
the thrash elements have risen to the surface more for me, with
repeated listens and helped bring me around a little bit. Also, the
vocals are probably the most aggressive thing about the band, they
are varied growls (alongside some very sparsely used nasal snarling
and old Cradle of Filth style screeching) with some pretty decent
range and emotion, adding that extra level of viciousness this music
needs and needs even more of. I also liked the drumming of Samantha
Landa, whose performance has a nice flow and precision to it. There
are a ton of catchy melodies, at times a little too many to be
honest, and too flowery in spots that really could have used a
stronger measure of brutality and cruelty to balance things out.
Which is something the lyrical content almost begs for, and also
would better reflect what their cool thought provoking cover artwork
displays. Having said that, some of those melodic guitar sections
are very well done, appealing and memorable. It is really nice when
a thrashy sequence pops up pushing along the flow forward and
ripping things up. I think one last thing I am not sure about with
album is the production, it feels a little too passive, probably
purposely done to highlight the melodies, but for me it could have
used more bite and punch. Overall this is a solid album, which I
could see bigger fans of the melodo death thing digging, as well,
thrash fans might want to check this one out too. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/deadasylum https://deadasylum.bandcamp.com/
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I knew this Salt
Lake City, Utah band was going to be a fun listen, just from their
band name, song titles and band pic (they all look metal as fuck
plus the guitarist is named Smeltron!). Deathblow play old school
thrash metal, they do so in style, on this three song disc. The
playing on here is great, some catchy as hell and heavy riffs with a
dark moody edge to them, backed up by some really great solos and
tasty guitar fills. Danzer really is a commanding presence on the
drum kit, some really strong work here, I like it when he really
lets loose and punishes his kit on the fast aggressive sections. The
vocalist Holger, has those mid to late ‘80s style gruff screamed
vocals down pat, he accents and rounds out the mainstay vocal well
with changes in register from mean and gritty spoken word style
bits, to high pitched screams, which take me right back to those old
days of my youth. Some influences I hear on here are bands like
Death Angel, Destruction, Atrophy, Vio-lence etc… But the two
biggest, clearest influences I hear are Kreator and Slayer, not just
Slayer in general, but “Seasons In The Abyss” comes through strong
by my ear which I liked as I fucking love that album. This review
mainly covers the two original songs on here, there is also a cover
of Motorhead’s “Mean Machine”, which is hard to mess up and they do
a good job musically, vocally they went for a different vocal style
and it is decent, but honestly could be better. Sticking to the
original music, it is great old style mid to late ‘80s thrash
classic thrash metal, which is a pretty great infectious listen. I
only wish there was more, I can not wait to hear their next release,
hopefully something longer next time as this left me wanting more
from killer band! - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/deathblowofficial/
https://deathblow1.bandcamp.com/music |
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I have heard the
name of this band for a while, all good things, so I am happy to get
a chance to judge for myself. There are only four tracks on here,
from this Los Angeles band, but do not let that fool you as the run
time on thing is over 60 minutes! So prepare yourself for a couple
nearly twenty minute epic songs. The Deathkings play moody,
strikingly melancholic doom, with a real sense of elegance and flow
in the song writing. Some of the music style on here, reminds me a
little of the best Paradise Lost albums (ala “Shades Of God” and
“Gothic” era), even a little in some of the vocals too, which is all
a very good thing in my books. Speaking of the vocals, much like the
guitar playing, and the song structuring, there is a diverse array
of vocal approaches. There are the mainstays, which are the somewhat
obscured sounding hoarse shouts, as well as decipherable but deep
and great dm growls, all backed by accents of clean sung parts and
chants, shadowy whispered spoken word etc… “All That Is Beautiful”
is a really good doom metal record, I think it is diverse enough
that fans of other sub-genres of metal, who are not die hard doom
fans like me, will also be able to get into this and enjoy it.
Highly recommended. - Dale
http://deathkings.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DeathkingsMusic
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This preamble
could take a while, so stick with me here, if you want some
background information on the band. First off, the band is formerly
known as Sargatanas Reign, who was around for quite some time
releasing albums on I Hate Records and Regain Records. Also, on this
album you interestingly, or strangely, upon your view get two songs,
from full time vocalist Petter Hauckland, then they have a roster of
guest vocalists, who also get two songs each on the album. Both
strange and interesting to me, and I can only guess, the full time
vocalist was okay with this arrangement? The roster, of guest
vocalists, include Tompa Lindberg (At The Gates, Disfear, Lock Up),
Roberth Karlsson (Edge Of Sanity, Scar Symmetry), Mathias Vreth
Lillmans (Fintroll, Magneta Harvest), Joakim gothberg (Marduk,
Dimension Zero). This variety will surely interest some, while
frustrating others who wish their favourite, had done the whole
album. Once again, I found myself feeling both emotions, the variety
was welcome at times, other times I wish for less of it and a
concentration on the best suited vocalist. So anyway, we have that
out of the way, on to the music. Deathquintet play mainly mid-paced
death metal, which is solid and at times really good. It is pretty
simple and straight ahead material, fairly heavy, with maybe a touch
of thrash aesthetic mixed in for good measure. Even though, they do
not overall sound exactly like that, I can not shake the often
reoccurring undercurrent, of a more brutal “Heartwork” Carcass
influence. Not quite as intricate as that influence, or as catchy,
yet all instruments are expertly handled and performed. The straight
forward nature of the material could be seen as a plus, no million
miles a second pro-tool to death, with the needed accompanied math
sheet, to try to follow along with it. No this has more of an old
school vibe. There is something about Deathquintet’s overall sound,
that just does not do it for me, I am sorry to say, often times when
I think they have a good idea or section going, it seems to promptly
die, they repeat themselves, things just never seem to progress to
anything that held my interest for long and I am a pretty patient
listener. There is so much here, that is honestly top notch quality,
from the playing to large portions of the material, that I can see
this band working out the bugs and creating something really special
in the future. But this not it. - Dale
http://www.reverbnation.com/deathquintet
http://www.deathquintet.com/
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I was not sure
what to expect from this Brit band after just looking at the cover.
You have the old school sci-fi font with an accompanying picture
that reminds of something from old British science fiction TV
mini-series The Prisoner or some such. Now that I think about it
another UK band used that same / similar font on their album, a certain Live
At Last from Black Sabbath in fact. So now you are expecting some
spacey, floating mellow space rock right? No wrong, really the only
place where the elements of sci-fi are prominent on this three
track, twenty-three minute outing are in between the songs. Where
you get some spoken word passages about black holes and the like,
with a few 70s sci-fi movie bleeps in the background. No I would
probably describe their music as progressive, sometimes technical
death metal with epic, flowing sensibilities and more aggression
than that description makes it sound. As you can imagine from that
description the skill level of the musicians is high as this sort of
style simply demands for it to be, lest it fall to pieces. Their
performance on this adventurous piece of atmospheric brutality is
damn impressive. It is a clinic of emotive playing that is
technical, expertly timed, progressive and somehow in the middle of
all of that harsh sounding. The production on here is superb as well
and those deep growling adaptable vocals just add the cherry on top.
I can not help thinking while listening to this that record labels
must be falling all over themselves like their shoe laces are tied
together to sign this talented band. - Dale
http://www.reverbnation.com/deconstructingsequence
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I am glad I was
able stream the two lengthy tracks on this disc. Because I put the
disc I received, in my computer drive, it asked if I wanted to burn
something to the disc, as it is empty haha. Oh well, shit happens
and I was glad in a rare case (I generally prefer to review physical
copies of releases) like this, to be able to still make the review
happen without another disc being posted across the globe. As you
already know, if you read my prior review, I am fan of this young
and exciting band. Deconstructing Sequence once again weave a
cosmic, sci-fi theme through their release, but this time the
accompanying sound samples, spoken words and sounds have not just
been relegated to in between the songs. They are wonderfully,
expertly made part of the music itself and add an extra dimension to
the sound, which I found quite exhilarating and interesting. The
concept feels more like a human exploratory mission, rather than
just a space-y, flowery journey along the Milky Way, it feels a
little more gritty and grounded than that. As I mentioned the last
time out, these two musicians are highly skilled, but what is more
exciting for me, is they are not just highly skilled on their
instruments, they are also extremely talented song writers, and
construct songs that are emotional works of death metal art. This is
an audio version of Hierronymus Bosh or Pieter Bruegel The Elder.
What I love about this, again it speaks to their song composing
talents, even though there are many progressive elements, very
technical elements, somehow they make the songs flow like a river.
It is all very accessible, for someone, who is not necessarily into
those beautiful intricacies, to just pick up and enjoy straight
away. That is talent and vision at work. The dimension about DS,
which may not be coming across yet in my review, is just how fucking
brutal and aggressive this band is. The harsh moments, are violent
and destructive, the brief quieter moments are very contemplative
and emotionally atmospheric, and the cosmic elements only help to
propel you on a superb mental journey. I am not sure, if the band
prefers putting out just eps, but that seems to be their modus
operandi, maybe it suits their concepts better? Maybe they are
waiting for the right record deal? Record labels should be climbing
over each other in order to sign this young British band. Not sure
what the story is there, but I am very hungry now for a full length
album! Someone make this happen please. Beyond recommended, for
anyone who complains the scene is stagnant or everything sounds the
same, Deconstructing Sequence has heard your pleas and responded
with “Access Code”. - Dale
http://www.reverbnation.com/deconstructingsequence
https://myspace.com/dsprogart |
Decrepit Throne
are a two man band featuring Gregory, who takes care of writing and
playing the instruments, plus Ron K. who handles the vocal duties
for the band. Traitor’s Grave is the bands debut full-length, which
is a digital release (the cd version is now out as well I believe -
Dale) featuring seven tracks of blackened death metal. The music is
very well written and performed mainly staying in the mid paced
black death metal style. The guitars are played in the mid tempo
range with some heavier and faster patterns used in a few of the
songs. Ron does a great job with the vocals switching from death
growls and to some harsher black screams. If you are a fan of well
crafted blackened death metal be sure to check out the debut release
from Decrepit Throne today. - Patrick
https://decrepitthrone.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DecrepitThrone/
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Slovak
progressive heavy metal that I found enjoyable. They could be a bit
tighter though and some of the vocals were pretty poor. I was sent
this on a dub and I don’t know if I got a bad dub or this release
just sucks but my copy cuts out from time to time. The talent and
potential is there but I need a better sounding product to truly
judge. Management contact:
Marek Faltan,
Cinobana 295, 985 22 Cinobana, SLOVAKIA |
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I guess this
must be some sort of a popular cult release or it is treated as such
with it’s limited releases. This album was released on CDR in 2010
through the Kvlt666 label in a limit of only 66 copies. Now Salute
Records re-releases this album again on CDR, with new cover artwork,
this time limited to 100 hand numbered copies. Apparently my copy is
#3 in the run. They label themselves experimental Pagan Black Metal.
That seems like a fairly apt description. They also add in some
extreme death touches here and there, not too often, more like an
accent to their main sound. This is pretty interesting stuff,
definitely different, the experimental parts come in with a odd
sound on their production and incorporating strange, at times
psychedelic sound effects, that adds a trippy, off-kilter vibe to
their staple dark atmospheric sound. It is hard to explain, but the
sound effects are things like eccentric, weird popping sounds,
almost like something sampled from an old sci-fi movie or tv show
and re-purposed and presented in a musical way, other times it
sounds like sampled middle eastern Sitar type music and just various
random sound effects. They go to this middle eastern well a bit too
often for my liking though. Sometimes these experiments are really
effective, they create not only something different but something
resembling an original sound. Then other times the experimental
elements come off as clunky, out of place and that particular song
or section kind of falls on its face. But hey I guess you have to
give the band credit for attempting something different, while not
just being ridiculous simply to stand out. The traditional elements
are pretty simple, stripped down music, minimal beats, lightly
strummed guitar played at a pedestrian speed to create a dark, moody
atmosphere. This main theme you get is the pagan or viking metal
influence, slow and meandering as it is much of the time, lightly
sprinkled with some full on metal touches here and there. The vocals
are the obscure whispered style, which adds a little of that bold I
am a mighty pagan warrior vibe. The vocals like the music tends to
vary and be layered. I am not sure whether to recommend this or not.
If you are adventurous and appreciate bands trying new, different
things you might dig this. If not you will probably not get into
this, as mentioned at times it really clicks, other times it comes
off like a clunky, amateurish mess. Caveat Emptor my friends. -
Dale
http://www.reverbnation.com/demorian
https://www.facebook.com/SaluteRecords
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Only 3 tracks on
here (“War Whores”, “It Feeds On Children”, and “Warhammer”) and
apparently all 3 are going to be on comps coming out. I remember
tape trading for two demos of this band in like ’96 or so. Then they
were industrial death metal which is something I dislike but they
were quite brutal so I didn’t mind it so much. It is still slow
industrial sounding but the death and brutality has been replaced by
hardcore/crust elements both musically and lyrically. The tape only
runs about 3-4 minutes but it only costs $2 US so it is your call. -
Dale
Depressor, P.O.
Box 472007, S.F., CA. 94147, USA
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Technical,
tight, teeth-rattlin’ and adrenaline pumping death metal! There is
only two songs on here but that is enough for one intense juggernaut
of a disharmonic extremity that should not be missed! -
Dale
Send only $2 US
to: Descend, P.O.
Box 770376, Cleveland, OH. 44107, USA |
This is the new
band of Henrik Engkjaer, a member from the great Danish bands
Exekrator and Victimizer. I am a big fan of both of those bands (I
interviewed both for Canadian Assault to prove it haha). So
naturally I am extremely excited to receive this demo release.
Henrik is helped out here with some vocal abuse courtesy of Anders
Bo Rasumussen and Les Groth of Crucifix on the skins. This is right
in my wheel house, it is dark, it is brutal, but it is also quite
rhythmic and catchy and memorable with a very Euro flair to it. The
vocals are heavy death metal growls but well-done and the inflection
in the voice often mimics the melodies in the music and the result
is very satisfying. They are also not above throwing in a ripping
smoker of a fast guitar solo or two which sits well with me too. Mr.
Groth does not disappoint with blasting, but tasteful drumming and
lightning double bass. There are 4 tracks on here for interested
parties and the production is very solid in my opinion for a demo. I
think maniacs who appreciate bands Necrophobic, Edge Of Sanity,
Autopsy, Dissection, Death mixed with the attitude and imagery of
bands like Nunslaughter and Goatlord. Well worth checking out by
both fans and prospective record labels. I hear they might have a
new demo in the works. I am already looking forward to that shit
cumming down the pike. – Dale
http://www.deus-otiosus.com
www.myspace.com/deusotiosus
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You will
remember my favourable review of their “Death Lives Again” 2007
demo. Well these Danish purveyors of dark and dirty death metal have
hit me up again with this release. Which I think could be considered
a taster, for the upcoming “Murderer” album that was scheduled for
release sometime in late 2010. There are only 2 live songs on here,
those being “Wall of Violence” and “I Seen Him Slay”. The band is
loose and raw on this recording, but powerful and it adds an
atmosphere to their sound in a live setting that really works. I
enjoyed this, but it is short and only leaves me wanting for a copy
of their album now. Hail Denmark! – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/deusotiosus
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Here is some
filthy blackened death metal from my old stomping grounds of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There are five songs on this EP, the
band name seems an apt one for their sound, it is heavy and dirty
metal. The vocals are dark yelled screams with a death metal
growling edge to them, quite decipherable, so you can follow the
lyrical content, yeah I like the vocals. The music is sinister and
grave, but also seems to also have some emotional, introspective
elements also, which I quite enjoyed. Those elements give the music
some extra depth making it more memorable. Their sound is a nice mix
of speed, barbarism, slower maudlin moody passes and the odd quirky
bits to keep you guessing. I also like some of the subtle, classy
guitar work going on here. There are five songs on here, the band
lists this release as an EP, Deicide would probably call this length
an album, I would say it is plenty long enough to at least consider
it a mini-albums worth of material. So you get plenty of material
here, go check out their band camp site, download it and apparently
you name your price on the download, so it is hard to beat that with
a stick. Check these guys out, good to see the Philly scene showing
some strong signs of life. - Dale
http://dirtworshipper1.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DirtWorshippermetal |
The Texan’s
album starts off with a classy instrumental tribute to Chuck
Shuldiner from Death. The guitar work on this song is fantastic and
it is pretty clear throughout that Mr. Shuldiner is a key influence.
I have a long standing interest in Discern going all the way back to
1998. When I reviewed and praised their only other release until
now. That is a long time with nothing new released but they (as in
the one man of the band Billy Fraser) are alive and definitely
kicking. If you like and are looking for meat and potatoes metal
then that is what you will get. Just some really hearty brutal
American death metal with good heavy riffing backed with a solid
wall of straight forward & driving drum pounding. You get a little
of everything as this is fairly equal parts of blazing speed and
brooding ominous transitions. It is all topped off with classic
death metal growling and barrage of guitar solos/fills that surely
has Chuck smiling from the beyond. I think this was recorded at a
studio that King Diamond has done some of his albums at and it
sounds very good. I can recommend you pick this up and you will
headbang to it. Good work Bill.
– Dale
http://www.discerndeathmetal.com/
http://www.myspace.com/discerndeathmetal |
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A 3 song disc
that features Craig Pillard (vocals/guitar) and Jim Roe (drums) who
were of course in Incantation for the first couple albums. The
sounds a bit rough as it was done live in the studio but still very
decent. The music sounds like a slowed down doomier early
Incantation with an own twist. I think most loved Craig’s vocals in
the past and none should be disappointed with his deep bestial roar
on here. This is cult death/doom in it’s truest form. Expect a
crushing debut album from D.O.M. soon! -
Dale
Disciples Of
Mockery, 153 Oaktree Ave., So. Plainfield, NJ. 07080, USA |
You would think
from reading the song titles to this album that you were about to
here another early Carcass clone (General Surgery, Putrefaction,
etc.). This is not the case however. The lyrics definitely consist
of medical terms rarely used outside the field of medicine but the
music is excellent brutal death metal that will crush you just as
much as the first Suffocation LP's did. If that doesn't sound
appealing enough to you then you probably don't like death metal and
should go and buy the new Twin Obscenity album instead. Here is a
small taste of lyrical content: "Stygmatodermuropyanephrosism on
Imppetiginose Urogenism". You figure it out. – Jeffrey
Kusbel
Disgorge c/o
Edgar Garcia Alvarez - P.O. Box 1-310 - Queretaro, QRO 76001 |
They call
themselves “prog-core” which seems like a ridiculous term. But after
listening to this CD of rhythmic progressive metal-core it fits. I
appreciate that this is well done but it is surely not my thing.
Send $6 US/$7 World (M.O.’s and checks payable to Patrick Mullen).
Dissent, P.O.
Box 567, Rockland, MA. 02370, USA Web = http://spyjurenet.com/dissent
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This band
Emailed me and said they are a traditional heavy metal band. So I of
course said yes send your stuff and was looking forward to it. They
lied!! They wouldn’t know heavy metal from a loaf of bread! What
they do play is trend ‘jump’ music mixed with even trendier
alternative/grunge music. Not very well played or written either,
this band is a waste of space in a mag that supports real metal!! -
Dale
Sandra Bee Mgmnt.,
16310 St. Louis Ave., Markum, IL. 60426, USA |
Some solid heavy
and pounding death metal from Pennsylvania. There is room for
improvement, but not much is needed to put this excellent band over
the top. Keep an eye on Divination. -
Dale
Well worth the
asking price, 5 songs for $6 US/$7 World to:
Divination, c/o
John Scherrer, 413 South 14th St., Reading, PA. 19602,
USA |
Well this is
poorly constructed juxtaposed death metal. The material, which is
mish mashed together is pretty sub-par to start with. There are 6
songs in their original version and then 5 out of 6 of those same
songs are repeated in their “primal versions”. Primal huh…it is just
the same songs played in reverse and the sad thing is they sound
better backwards. Maybe whenever these guys write a song when they
are finished they should play it backwards because it makes more
sense. They say on their flyers, the songs are thoughtful symphonies
and not any of that “mindless gore-laden grind”. Those gore bands
are not mindless and know how to make better music than this. On top
of this the band sent in a copy for review and then wanted it mailed
back to them – cheapos
J.
You think I don’t drop $1,000 + postage on this mag each issue!?
Well I do and I don’t have 4 other band members to split costs with
either! Any other band writing in that wants to do this I am not
santa claus so don’t bother sending it if you want it back! There is
a promo-video on here that isn’t bad for those of you w/ a computer.
Otherwise average in my personal opinion but the cost is $10 US if
want to get a copy. These guys live on the outskirts of Philly
apparently so I guess they will hate me if I see them at shows -
such is life. -
Dale
Divine Rapture,
P.O. Box 159, Chester Heights, PA. 19017, USA Web = http://welcome.to/divinerapture
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This seems to be
a brand new record label, so new it was very hard to find any kind
of an online presence for the label. The same, to a lesser extent
with the three bands they are kicking off the label with, all of
whom are apparently brand new bands as well. Those three bands are
Relentless, Nocturne, and Deathcult, with the exception of Deathcult
who previously had a demo out, none of the other bands have released
anything. Now I do not know if this is the label of one of the
bands. But two of the bands Relentless & Deathcult are one man bands
and both are the same man (Tim Pearons) doing everything for both
bands. Nocturne is also a one man band, but a different guy than the
other two one man bands, you got all of that straight haha? I think
I do now. This release is basically a three song sampler, with one
song form each band and one song is obviously not a lot to go on,
but I will try my best. Relentless, as soon as I read the name I
wondered if it was a Pentagram influenced band and named themselves
after that bands classic album. That is the case they are very
Pentagram influenced, a really cool song, entitled “United By
Darkness”, replete with Bobby Liebling copy vocals. I like
Relentless and want more, I am sucker for this stuff! Noturne hit us
up with the song “Pain of Purity”, hard to take away a lot from one
song, but I would say it is some interesting melodic flowing catchy
death metal, not bad stuff. Finishing things off, we have Deathcult,
who brandish a flaming sword of bitter, early 90s black metal
destruction with a fuzzy, otherworldly fuzzy guitar sound, some cool
riffing, a bit too stop and start in the middle for my liking, but
it does add some dynamic to the song. The production is clear enough
but pretty low-fi stuff which can be a positive with this style of
bm. With this band I feel I need more material to make any kind of
judgment, some stuff I really liked and some stuff I was so-so on
with this track. One thing is for sure apparently Do Or Die Records
plans to burst into 2013 like a blaze across the northern sky, as
all three bands will be releasing full length records in first few
months of the year. On a final note, love the artwork on the front
and the killer fanzine style page borders on the inside of the
booklet. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/DoOrDieRecords
DoOrDieProductions@gmail.com
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“Children
Fear The Name Of God” is a demo tape originally recorded and
released in 2005. It chronicles the embryonic stages of label owner
Paul Sanchez, it is his first band prior to Crucified Society and
NOCO (Nihilistic Outlaw : Criminal Order whose releases I reviewed
last month). It is a nice looking pro pressed tape with black
printing on a white cassette shell. I am sure the extremely low-fi
recording sound, basically the equivalent to a rehearsal demo,
something bands used to release in the early to mid ‘90s, may turn
some people off. It does make it a little harder to review, but
enough of their primitive death metal shines through that I found
fairly enjoyable. There are some cool riffs and catchy song
structuring in a few parts, but you can hear they needed some work
and were just starting out. But as mentioned I still enjoyed it and
the brutish shouted growls with a slight hardcore edge display the
bands passion and that counts for me. I could see real die hards of
old school lately ‘80s / early ‘90s dm getting into this.
“Code Line
Termination Live 2015” is Paul’s, I guess third band after
Doomsday above and NOCO, but I believe this band was formed quite
early in NOCO’s history during a hiatus for NOCO. Apparently, this
was the bands only release, despite twice recording an albums worth
of material they never released. It is also interesting that
apparently all 40 minutes of music on here was mostly improvised on
the spot. It sounds it too, to be honest, but that does not
necessarily make it bad. Because, if you get into the vibe of it it
does rock in it’s own metallic riffed meandering way, but if you are
looking for thought out songs and structuring then forget it. The
vocalist Paul, maybe due to the fact this recording done while
opening up for the post El Duce era of The Mentors, but it sort of
sounds like half shouted, partially obscure gruff spoken word El
Duce style vox to me. He even has stand off-ish, we don’t give a
shit banter, he is just missing all of the wonderfully depraved
sexual references of the headliners haha. This is probably not for
everyone, not the band cares either way, but if you like fucked up
audio recordings of live gigs you might want to add this crazy beast
to your collection. Okay, so if you want order this or any releases
from Doomsday Today Records either get it online from the physical
shop of Ralph’s Records in Lubbock, Texas (dougstapp@gmail.com +
site link below) or Eternal Darkness Creations at c/o Keith Dempe,
P.O. Box 268, Coraopolis, PA. 15108, USA. - Dale
http://ralphsrecordstx.com/
Label / Band Contact: pauldoomsday@hotmail.com
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Canada’s Empress
have released their debut EP (listed it as an EP despite a near 30
minute run time), featuring five songs of sludgy and progressive
extreme music. The music on this disc is a very interesting, and
somewhat original blend of progressive rock with a healthy dose of
sludge with some traditional doom elements sucked into their musical
melting pot. I am not a huge fan of these genres, but Empress does
do a good job of combining these sub-genres, within the bands solid
writing abilities. The vocals are a mix of screams and hollering
along with a smattering of clean vocal styling. As I mentioned, I am
honestly not a huge fan of these genres, but the band does a good
job of writing and playing a fairly creative musical style. -
Patrick
https://thisisempress.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/EmpressBC/ |
Five hymns on
here (“Shrine Of Souls”, “Dormant Impurities”, “Eden Burns”, “Reign
Of Ill-Supremacy” and the title track). Brutal death metal steeped
with early ‘90s Floridian influence. I like this tape quite a lot
and the drumming in particular is of note. With a little more work
this band will be an unstoppable force for years to come. - Dale
Send $4 US to: Encabulos, P.O.
Box 1648, Geelong City 3220, AUSTRALIA
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This is the debut e.p from the Texas based Enormicon I guess the
best way to describe this band would be is a mix of stoner rock,
traditional doom, and older prog music. It's not really my styles of
music so this review is going to suck as I don't too much about
these particular genres. So I will say if you are a Sabbath or High
On Fire fan or just old-school doom in general then you might enjoy
Enormicon.
- Patrick
http://www.myspace.com/enormiconmetal
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Very much in the
Swedish melodic, death style with maybe a bit more, vicious edge.
Mostly mid-paced with some fast breaks and short brooding moments.
E.M.S. are talented and professional, so if the scene is not tired of
another melodic death band then you should get this. - Dale
Send $7 US to: Magenta Nails
Distro., c/o Teemu Lampinen, Lehdokkipolku 6, 42100 Jamsa, FINLAND |
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South Carolina’s
Enthean bring us 8 songs of technical black/death metal. I find the
same thoughts creeping, as I had recently reviewing Illusions Dead’s
disc, which is this bands sounds awfully mature and proficient for a
band with only one demo under their belts. I am not sure I could say
I loved this release as much as the one mentioned above. But that
has nothing to do with the playing as it is top notch and
impressive. It is more the music itself, which at times, for me
lacks enough flow in some sections. So, in other words, many of
these impressive sections of music do not feel like they fit
together and the transition from one section to the next, often
feels forced and not smooth enough from a construction point of
view. I hate to sound like I am just bagging on this, because these
guys are talented and write some good raw material, but the actual
song writing needs some time to mature by my ear. Also I am not sure
if it is the production or mix, which seems okay, but I find the
emotion the band tries to imbibe into the songs, are not allowed for
lack of a better term to explode like it should, it feels like there
is an invisible wet blanket dampening things. I think it needs be
more raw and forceful to highlight the material. It is weird to say,
and hard to put into words, but I get this weird feeling that this
album is a technical symphonic black metal record being played by a
band that is more of a melodic death metal band by nature, almost
subconsciously suppressing that tendency. At the end of the day, the
final result, in my opinion, is just not as good as it should have
been. I guess the old saying fits of having all the tools, but have
yet to find the toolbox to put them all together in. - Dale
https://enthean.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Enthean
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New Jersey's
Entrenched have launched their debut cd “Preemptive Strike” up on
the underground. But listening to the cd it is hard to believe this
is a debut. The band play a mix of brutal old school death metal
with a huge influence of violent war/thrash metal intertwined within
the violent speeding guitars and machine gun like drum patterns. The
vocals are shared by the duo and fit perfectly with a more deeper,
angry growl, grunt and intense shrieks of hate. While the band takes
no prisoners and refuses to compromise its sound. Entrenched have a
lot of good musical ideas and even some catchy memorable guitar
patterns throughout. If you enjoy straight forward death/thrash with
a touch of war metal insanity then entrenched is a band you must
hear! - Patrick
http://www.myspace.com/entrenchedusa
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This is Eternal
Armageddon's second demo, to see the light of day. The band
originally started out playing a melodic black metal style, but with
this new demo “Black Thrash Bastards”, they have gone for a more
thrashy blackened sound. They pull it off extremely well with some
good drum patterns and guitars on display. The drums start out at a
mid paced range before speeding up to faster beats. The guitars
follow in the vein, beginning with lightning speed intense riffs,
but are not over the top, and they do when to slow down to a heavy
metal guitar speed. This is a great demo, from this band coming to
us out of Bangladesh, hopefully they will stick with this style and
put out some more good music in the coming years. - Patrick
http://www.eternalarmageddon.bandcamp.com
http://www.facebook.com/Eternalarmageddon
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It is always
great to get a release from Gab of the great UG record label
Nihilistic Holocaust (zine too by the way!). We have been in touch
since, well fuck let me think, it was probably around the same time
we both started our fanzines in 1998! Anyway, Nihilistic is a big
supporter of dirty cult old school death metal from the early days,
so it should come as no surprise Excoriate follow in those hallowed
footsteps. This tape is filled with obscured sounding doom tinged
death metal, which brings to mind the great old days from the very
end of the ‘80s and early ‘90s. Back when you had great bands like
Grave, Asphyx, Morgoth, Incantation, Dismember, Sinister, Deteriorot,
Goatlord, Nunslaughter, Immolation, Nihilist, Cianide, Immortal
Fate, Winter plus many, many more releasing amazing demos and eps
that would fit nicely next to this demo a few decades later. Sorry I
worship this stuff so I could list bands for days haha. This does
fit with those cult releases musically like a glove, even the
recording / production on here while good, it does sound like it
could have been recorded back then. There is some great riffing
which creates a nice suffocating atmosphere with the odd short
frantic guitar solo. The vocals are these killer cackling growls
that sound like a rough beast or demon pursuing you through the fog
filled forest, while yelling out the blood curdling horrors it will
do to you once it captures you. This demo is a stark reminder, for
me of the way death fucking metal should be, it should be dangerous
and filthy and menacing! - Dale
https://nihilisticholocaustrecs.bandcamp.com/music http://nihilistic.shost.ca/ |
 
You know when it
comes to death metal, well all extreme metal, I am kind of a purest at
heart. So, it is with a little trepidation that I enter into
listening to a band that describes themselves as experimental death
metal. As said, I am a purist at heart, but I have been known once
in a blue moon to be won over by this sort of thing, so let’s see
how Exocytosis fair shall we? Honestly, I went into this review as a
skeptic, and upon first listen I was not feeling it, it was not
clicking for me at all. However, I am about a dozen listens into
this 22 minute EP and it is growing one me, it is fusing more and
more with my tastes with each successive listen. For me, it took
those extra listens feel and figure out what the band was going for,
my initial impressions of clunky transitions between seemingly
clashing styles, started to feel more smooth and natural. Which made
all the difference, because the talent is obviously there, it just
felt to me early on like the songwriting craftsmanship was a little
off the mark, but as I said that revealed itself as definitively
untrue the more I studied the music. The music features traditional
rock / metal instrumentation, for the most part, save for the heavy
Saxophone usage, which is woven in and out of the kinda trippy
atmospheric metal sections, and counterpoint death metal brutality
segments. Speaking of the brutality, I do have to admit I do still
find myself, at times, wanting a little more forcefulness to the dm
parts and production bite as well in that area. The metal portion of
the secretions into the extracellular environment, consist of slow,
measured emotive metal guitar trappings mixed with often fairly
average mid-western US style death metal, which is spiced up with
the odd tasty doomy bit influenced from the mighty Autopsy (the
fourth track “Spoiled Meat” comes to mind here) I’ve no doubt. Some
other influences that clearly come to mind, for me are first and
foremost Naked City, but also stuff like Atheist (jazz structuring),
Pan-Thy-Monium, Vuvr and Guilty As Sin. Just in case you were
wondering, the vocals are standard, quite decipherable growling
which gets the job done just fine. “Endogenuous Organism” can be a
challenging listen for the average extreme metal fan, it may take a
dash of open mindedness and healthy dose of patience, but if you
come armed with both I have confidence you will feel like you were
well rewarded for the extra effort. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/EXOCYTOSIS/ https://exocytosis1.bandcamp.com/ |
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Eye of Horus
hail from Edmonton, Alberta which is the area I was born and raised
(central Alberta), so it is always cool to hear bands from my old
stomping grounds, where I attended many live gigs in the early to
late ‘90s. Anyways, we are presented with four songs on this ep,
stretching nearly 20 minutes in length and sporting some pretty
killer cover art. The band play melodic death metal, now this
sub-genre is not one of my favoured ones, and I tend to only enjoy a
small-ish cream of the crop group of bands in this style. I will say
this in the positive column for Eye Of Horus, they mix just enough
traditional brutal and dark death metal in amongst the florid
melodies, to give the sound some balls and some bite, not letting
the harmonious quality succeed too often in bringing down too much
of the brutality. This balance and edge is what kept me interested.
You can hear some influences on here from things like the Carcass
“Heartwork” album, In Flames, early Children of Bodom, Arch Enemy,
At The Gates, Black Dahlia Murder etc… The music on here is not as
intricate as some of those bands, but still there is some tasty
guitar work and writing going on with some classy, often brief and
effective guitar fills and leads. The vocals I liked quite a bit,
they are deep, yet largely decipherable death growls and in some
sections adding a black metal sounding undertone to the vocal
arsenal. I have to say, as melodic death metal bands out there go
these days, as mentioned I am not the biggest fan melodo dm, but Eye
of Horus are one of the more enjoyable ones I have heard in a
while. - Dale
https://eyeofhorusofficial.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/EyeofHorusOfficial
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Heavy and
memorable pure thrash metal from the land of the rising sun. Yeah
bitch! Nice riffing. The vocals are completely amazing! I have never
heard vocals done like this before! They are some of the most
extreme, original, and vicious vocals ever!! This is a demo tape
that any thrash maniac that is also into the more extreme side of
metal must own! - Dale
Send $5 US to:
Fastkill, c/o Jiro, Village 2-1A, 1-21-15 Matsugaoka Nakano,
165-0024 Tokyo, JAPAN
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“Re-Animated” is this Pennsylvania band Fatal Agent’s newest demo
(this is their 4th demo since 2017!) featuring four songs
of re-recorded and re-written from previous releases. I have never
heard the original versions, so I can not comment on the new
versions and how they match up or differ from the originals. But the
music is very rooted in the ‘80s thrash metal vein presented in a
package of very aggressive and raw sounding music. The guitars are
mainly played with extremely fast and frenzied riffing and picking.
As mentioned, the guitars are mostly heavy fast riffs, but the
guitarist can write some slightly slower, memorable passages even
adding some well played solos into the musical mix. The vocals are
classic sounding gruff thrashy hostile screams. If you are a fan of
aggressive thrash metal then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy
of this release today. - Patrick
https://fatalagent.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/FatalAgent
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Eight tracks and
40 + minutes of christian death metal. I get a bit ill trying to
stomach their lyrics but they are not as preachy as most xtian
bands. In fact 99% of all christian bands hold their propaganda in
much higher priority then the music! Feast Eternal is an exception
to that. They play heavy and at times crushing traditional American
death metal. No grinding, just straight ahead death with caustic
growls. - Dale
Send $12 US / $14 World (payable to Matt Skrzypczak) at:
F.E., P.O. Box
88, Grawn, MI. 49637, USA |
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I do not often get to review bands from
Israel, so in that sense, this was a bit of a novelty for me. I wish
I could say I loved it, I wish I could say I even kind of liked it.
But, that would not be the truth; this is to my ears a very generic
blending of death metal and metal core, or I suppose the deathcore
tag may apply. A style I am not very fond of, so to impress me you
had better do it really well, something that Ferium does not do, in
my view. This is just awfully pedestrian stuff, the playing is okay,
the songs rather uninteresting and pretty interchangeable with very
little standing out. I mean it probably does not help Ferium out
that I have been lucky lately by reviewing a lot of high quality
releases, from the material to the performances. It only serves to
make things like “Behind The Black Eyes”, when they come along, to
stick out like a sore thumb by contrast. A strong influence within
the deathcore sound is Pantera, I can hear that in the music, but
really strong in the vocalist as well, as he does a more growled,
more shouted lesser quality imitation of Phil Anselmo. Yeah, sorry
guys but this was just not for me, and in my opinion, just not that
good either. - Dale
http://ferium.bandcamp.com/
http://www.feriumband.com/
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Coming out of
the U.S. black metal scene is Kentucky’s Fornicus. The music is a
blend of vicious, evil black metal, with some death metal influence,
thrown in for good measure. The guitars are played with a lot of
speed and the riffs are aggressive, but also have some really well
played patterns within the music. The vocals, are a mix of black
metal shrieks, mixed with some death metal growls. I would say
Fornicus, has done, a very good job of creating an excellent
blackened death metal hybrid album. Check this one out. -
Partick
http://www.fornicus.com/
http://fornicus.bandcamp.com/
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Frosthelm are one of the newer bands that I've heard in recent years
that can mix the intensity of early eighties thrash/speed metal and
early nineties black metal to create a truly violent, intense sound.
The musicians in Frosthelm know how to play their instruments and
mix it nicely into their metal roots, guitars playing hyperspeed
riffs that are semi-raw for a black metal feel but have a very
thrashy/speed metal sound and feel. There are some real
whirlwind riffs and solo's. There are even a few melodic guitar
patterns but they are few and far between and only for short times
in the songs to give the songs a little more originality without
loosing their blackened thrashing sound. Not a whole lot can be said
except that if you enjoy blackened thrash metal then be sure to pick
up Frosthelm's debut mcd as this is definitely some quality metal
music played with both passion and precision.
- Patrick
http://www.reverbnation.com/frosthelm
https://www.facebook.com/frosthelm |
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There is only one track, on here, entitled
“Hail To The Legions That Rise From Flesh and Darkness”. So not all
that much to go on for a review, the song is just under seven
minutes, and that includes an intro and outro, so about 4 minutes or
so of actual song. But what I can get out of it is some ferocious,
and brutal, darkened death metal sickness. The riff in this song is
heavy as fuck, the growling vocals sound like they are emitted from
some blood thirty beast, come to life straight out of an HP
Lovecraft story. I would tell you more, but there is not a lot to go
on here, I see they have just released a full twenty minute demo
now. Here is to hoping I get a chance to hear it, because this one
track promo did it’s job in wetting my appetite for Gravered, and
has me looking forward to hearing more. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/gravered.deathmetal
http://gravered-deathmetal.bandcamp.com/releases |
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I promised to
keep an eye on Guilty As Sin, and here once again they return to
Canadian Assault with a new release. I see on their myspace page
that they label themselves as Biker / Viking Metal. All I can say to
that is thankfully they are much better musicians than catch phrase
/ tag line creators. Nothing on here screams viking or biker in the
least. Musically GAS really are starting to hit their stride. There
is a great mix of heavy, memorable riffs you can headbang with and
build up a touch of adrenaline. Then there are long stretches where
they are more introspective and use their riffing and song structure
to create some wonderful atmospheric brooding. I am really impressed
with the fluidity on III and these guys know when they have
something good and milk it for all it is worth. This band is coming
a long way and fast, the guitar work on here is nothing short of
amazing in its ability to evoke emotion in the listener. I know that
is selling the drumming short a little bit here and I do not mean to
do that. The drummer Zak Ovaian turns in a subtle yet crafty
performance. But the guitars steal the show here. It is really hard
to pin this band down however. There are elements of everything from
classic hard rock to heavy metal to thrash and onward through death
metal. I know that sounds like it would be a train wreck, yet
nothing could be further from the truth, and it is all combined with
a dexterous touch and rich imagination. They manage to be very
consistent throughout. You even get a spacey feel that is loosely
akin to an Orchid / Solitude Sabbath vibe and it really works for
this album. Perhaps the most amazing thing about Guilty As Sin is
they have no singer and they make you both forget and not give a
shit about the lack of vocals. I am not sure I can give them a
bigger compliment than that. Consider me impressed. With the one
exception of the track Blood Groove which should have stayed on the
cutting room floor – at least it is at the end of the album. – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/guiltymusic2008
ovoianrocks@yahoo.com
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The
fascinatingly cool and enigmatic, Guilty As Sin, once again grace
the pages of Canadian Assault. Guilty As Sin, has always been a
bitch to nail down with a style to classify them. They are simply
all over the place and it is quite amazing their albums manage
retain a coherent lucid flow to them. I mean you can hear damn near
everything out of these guys, from Scifi / space rock to thrash and
hardcore metal, to death metal to punk, jazz bits, to pure
atmospheric wandering ambient music! Hell every now and then they
throw in belly dancing music, I shit you not. Also I should convey,
a lot of the time they do not do all of these styles in the confines
of one song, rather there can be a hardcore song, an ambient song
follows that, a thrash song and then a middle eastern belly dance
song. They keep you guessing and you just do not know what is around
the next corner as one song ends and the other begins. Future
History is no exception you get some ripping, heavy headbang tunes,
you get some really epic; at times almost awe inspiring guitar
ambient songs that will set your mind off wandering into the cosmos.
Then abruptly you jolted with some blast beating grind death metal
madness to slap you back awake. The vocals, which is another thing
whole sections of GAS albums have none, but when they are there with
this album on the more aggressive metal tracks. I hear a real Master
influence in those vox, they sound like they could have almost come
right off of the “On The Seventh Day God Created…Master” album, love
those vocals. No matter what you get with this band, it usually has
a sense of purpose, and vision, generally all pulled off with an
uncanny sense of emotive feel and care. I am not sure these guys are
for everyone, but they are for me, I think they are pretty fantastic
and you should at least give them a try. You might just be
surprised. - Dale
http://www.myspace.com/guiltymusic2008
ovoianrocks@yahoo.com
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Well then, it has been a while since I have
heard from Guilty As Sin, but the enigmatic and talented metal
merchants return once again to the pages of Canadian Assault (dig
around for my past reviews of GAS). The band has sent in releases
for nearly a decade probably, during which time I have become a fan,
as you never know quite what to expect from this diverse band.
Having said that this may well be one of their more straight forward
albums. It is a display of driving extreme metal, which is well
crafted, part cerebral grace, part unbridled aggression and
destruction, but all enjoyable. At times in the past, the band has
been fairly instrumental oriented, but this time around I think this
may well be the most vocals I can remember on a GAS release. The
vocals are gruff hardcore style shouting mixed with slight dm growl.
There are moments of more ambient, mind journey atmosphere which
give you a moment to breathe, a moment to reflect, a moment to enjoy
the well rounded musicianship and vision behind the band, before
launching back into the fire once again. Guilty As Sin is never run
of the mill, it is always an experience, always an expansive mental
ride, a ride that is always worth taking so hop aboard. - Dale
ovoianrocks@yahoo.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/GuiltyAsSin |
I love it when a
demo just jumps up and kicks you in the teeth! First off this is the
best demo soundwise I have heard in a long time courtesy of these
Portuguese metallers. Quality black/death metal with distinctively
fresh and memorable emotive riffs. The structuring and musical
‘feel’ is quite impressive. Shouldn’t take these guya too long to
secure a record contract. If you want to make your ears bleed get
this totally pro packaged demo now. - Dale
$6 US to: Golden Pyre, c/o
Ricardo Veiga, Rua Frei Custodio 259, 4905 Barroselas, PORTUGAL
Email = goldenpyre@hotmail.com |
This 3 track
cassette is just a taste of what is to be offered by Gutchugger on
their upcoming full-length LP “Amputee”. Two of three songs are
originals and one is a cover of Slayer classic “Anitchrist”. The
cover is true to the original so of course it rules! The 2 originals
didn’t blow me, away or anything as they were just run-of-the-mill
death metal with a touch of the ever-so-popular groove thrown in.
Not total shite in my book and I am sure that fans of groove
oriented metal will pick up on this. – Jeffrey Kusbel |
We see the
return of H-George to the pages of Canadian Assault. The mainman
H-George himself is not messing around. He has recruited infamous
Canadian thrasher Jeff Waters of Annihilator to mix and master this
record and it sounds great. It must have been a great honour to have
him mix the album, as listening to the music it is quite clear that
Annihilator are a huge influence on the band. There are “Alcoholic
Thrash Metal” 13 songs of on offer here, and they weigh in just
under 48 minutes of chugging metal. The band still propel a hundred
catchy, heavy riffs that tumble at you one after the other and are
well supported with some smoking guitar fills / leads. The
musicianship on here is top notch, quite tight and precise; these
boys clearly know what they are doing. The band knows how to craft
some interesting and catchy songs. Even though at times I find
things to be almost too tightly controlled and the emotional side of
the music can be a little stifled now and then. I just want them to
loosen up a little and let it all hang out. That is the only thing
that is missing for me as Slave Of Society is a superbly crafted,
well played and entertaining record. The vocals sound even better
than their first release, more range and feeling and a smoother
delivery. In fact, the vocals are a highlight of the album and fit
the music wonderfully. I get the feeling that these guys would
really kill in a more raw and stripped down live show environment. I
can recommend this record quite highly for disciples of late 80s
thrash metal. The band spared no expense with the booklet and disc
presentation here. – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/hgeorgemetalbeer
http://www.h-george.com/
|
|
|
This is
interesting and different. I remember another band some years back
with the same name and I wondered if this was them, but apparently
not, it is a new entity. Hammer Fight play raunchy, really heavy
hard rock / metal with balls and I can hear some punk / hardcore
influence and maybe a little Motorhead in there somewhere, but they
are heavier than that. Another band that just popped into my mind as
possibly being a real influence and a starting point for the reader
to gauge their sound and that band is Antiseen (whom I like). I
could see these guys appealing to both death metal fans with the
brutality edge and to the hardcore fans that like some metal in
their music. This disc definitely caught my attention and I will be
interested to see where this band goes from here. These bar
brawling, vodka drenched, tattoo’d motherfuckers even finish off
this ep with an AC/DC cover of “If You Want Blood (You Got It)” for
fucksakes. I need not saying anything more. –
Dale
https://www.facebook.com/HammerFight
|
Nice to have a
band, from the area where I was born and grew up in, in Canada send
in a promo. This release is the bands first outing, though I can see
a couple of the members are fairly experienced in other bands, one
member, apparently is a transplant from overseas was in bands for
years over in the UK. Hammerdrone play hypnotic, melodic death metal
that really does a solid job of still maintaining that brutal metal
edge throughout as the underlying backbone. That is what helps put
it over the top for me. There is something there for the brutal
death fan, something for the melododeath file and it has, to use the
term again, a hypnotic flow to the music that some doom fans might
grab on to. In some ways it reminds me to Edge of Sanity from their
classic period, ala Purgatory Afterglow / Crimson. I am not trying
to say Hammerdrone are at that level yet, but those EOS albums are
some of my all time faves of any genre, so… It goes without saying
if I make that comparison these guys know a thing or two about
harmonies, song writing and there is some really nice emotive guitar
work on here. The vocals from Graham Harris are a nice compliment to
the music, they are very thick, brutish growls but much like the
music, there is some so emotional range present and they play off
the music, rather than just vomited over top, whether they fit or
step on the toes of the music itself as a lot of bands are prone to
do. I am impressed here, there are a couple of experienced members
in this group, but all the same A Demon Rising showcases a band that
has room to grow yes, but also a band that shows a lot of maturity,
vision and talent. I eagerly await more from Hammerdrone and boys
you are doing Albertan scene proud. This four song disc is well
worth your time / money.
- Dale
http://www.hammerdrone.com/
http://www.reverbnation.com/hammerdrone
|
|
HOD unfolds
before us an aural landscape of dark and raw death metal with
mordant vocals which fluctuate from a raspy black metal style to an
obscure traditional death metal growl (the lyrics can be
understood). The music itself has a foot in death metal but also a
foot firmly planted in old school metal in general (speed metal &
thrash feel). It is no surprise as these sickos are from the old
school days and features members formerly of bands such as Necrovore,
Thornspawn, Exulcerate, Shit, Pillcrusher etc... There are 3 night
terrors on here by the names of “Nine Days”, “Demoralizer” and “God
of Darkness and Winter”. A lot of the material is mid paced and
slower stuff on here with some solid musicality and the odd short
but great guitar fill / solo. It reminds me of a lot of old school
stuff because it is coherent with room to breathe in the pacing and
song construction. Not to mention it is dark yet decipherable, evil
yet you can head bang to it. This is a solid demo and with a little
more seasoning to the material I look forward to see where this band
is going to take their brand of horror to next. Addition –
Just an added note since writing this review a little birdie told me
they have signed to Ibex Moon Records and are recording their debut
album in Isotopia studios starting in the late Summer 2008. I will
be looking forward to that one.
– Dale
www.myspace.com/Hodtheband
Thornspawn@satx.rr.com
|
|
This may come on
a limited edition CD-R, but the packaging is a nice professional
looking slipcase, rather than the usual CD-R and cut out piece of
paper with the album cover/info. We are treated to 9 songs of black
metal; the material is written and performed in the ancient way, a
surprising approach coming from this intriguing young band from the
United Kingdom. Hokedun play really old school black metal, many
think of early to mid 90s Scandinavian scene with that term, but I
am reaching back even a little further than that. Yes, the roots I
hear in the bands music are from things of the very late 80s and
early 90s variety, such as the early works by Greek bands like
Rotting Christ, Necromantia, Varathron, Zemial etc… Plus also they
bring to mind a similar style to the first days of Ancient Rites and
Mortuary Drape. I am a huge fan of that era, and that time period
for those bands, so this is welcome choice for me made by the band.
The music and riffing is very stripped down, simplistic, moody and
vaguely hypnotic like an audio soundtrack to an occult ritual
performed in some dark cave. The vocals are evil raspy, partially
sung screams that really fit the music very well and are in a
classic style. But do not get too attached to them because I think
only about half of the songs have vocals and the rest are
instrumental. I could have used a little more of the vocals
personally, yet I do concede, in some parts of the songs lacking
them they may not have fit as well with those songs. I think for a
lot of more modern black metal fans, they may not like this; it
would be too simple for them, not over produced enough and not
filled with a hundred riffs and time changes. But guess what?
Hokedun did not make this for those people. No, the band choose to
keep things straightforward, they let the songs breath, placing
importance on feeling and atmosphere, sometimes the old saying is
true that less is more. I quite enjoyed this release, it is for
diehards like me, who long for the great early days of black metal
that had a very distinct and interesting sound. “Succumbing To
Decay” has also been released in a cassette version, through
Hexenreich Records, so keep an eye out for that as well if
interested. But do not hesitate or procrastinate as I believe both
formats, CD-R and cassette are limited to just 100 copies. -
Dale
https://www.facebook.com/hokedun
http://hexe.pimeduse.org/
|
|
 
I am pleased to
have Hokedun return to the to the pages of Canadian Assault. They
have wasted no time in doing so; I’ve only just reviewed their
previous disc less than six months ago. The main man in this two
person band Eren continues his work in earnest. They are based out
of the United Kingdom, but Eren is not from there, the man gets
around as his last band was based in Turkey, but Eren himself
originates from the Bosnia and Herzegovina region. I am assuming due
to this he in turn infuses a morsel inner eastern European metal
flavour into the music. As I talked about last time around, the
roots of the Hokedun sprout out of the very late ‘80s / early ‘90s
non-Scandinavian black metal scene. I still hear hints of the early
works of bands such as Varathron, Necromantia, Rotting Christ,
Ancient Rites, Zemail, Mortuary Drape and maybe even a touch of
Morningstar from their “Inside The Circle…” demo tape. Hokedun are
sticking to their pure undergroud ethics, again making this a very
limited release, last time was only 100 copies and this time around
it is limited to only 50! Needless to say, I am honoured to have
received a copy. There are basically three full songs here, but they
are interwoven between short (ranging from 35 seconds to minute and
45 seconds) instrumental interludes, which do a wonderful job of
setting a satisfying ambient moody tone to the release as a whole.
The song structure and riffing, much like the last release are
stripped down with a slower to middling pace which helps create a
very dark, introspective and slightly hypnotic aura to the music.
This aspect is something I enjoy very much, it is much more about
tapping into more than just driving hatred and high speed
technicality. I mean the hate is there, but there is deeper range of
emotional tenor flowing throughout this “Bleak And Harrowing
Journey”, which is actually a pretty spot description of the musical
experience on here. The vocals seem like they are slightly more
prominent and widely used this time around which is good by me. I
enjoy the vocals very much as they are drawn out traditional black
metal rasps, but with a little more inflection and feeling than most
and are quite decipherable to average ear than bm band vocals tend
to be. Yeah I like those vocals a lot. I can sincerely recommend
this to old school black metal loving goats like me, if you enjoy
the early works by the bands I listed and time period I mentioned
above then you love this bleak and evil work of art. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/hokedun hokedun@yahoo.co.uk |
|
|
Horfixion are
young but good. They remind me a tad of a more simplistic straight
ahead Death or something Similar. I dug some of the riffs but
overall the song structures need a bit of work. As far as putting
their best foot forward on packaging. They surely have done that on
this disc. It is a multimedia disc with pics, bio, video of a live
show (!) & more. Nice! A band to keep an eye on in future. - Dale
c/o Samuel
Landry, 871 Trudel Ouest, ST.-Boniface, Quebec, G0X 2LO CANADA Web
= http://metalmusic.net/horfixion/
|
Horrible Earth
waste no time jumping right into it, it is almost like the opening
track starts mid-song, no easing into this shit but nothing wrong
with that. These boys are from Boston, Mass and regular Canadian
Assault readers will recognize the name Zak Ovoian, the mastermind
from the band Guilty As Sin, as I have reviewed I think at least
four or five of his releases on here. They call themselves Grindpunk,
now I definitely hear the grind end of things, the punk well maybe a
hint of that, more of hardcore sound mixed in with the grind and
death metal influence than punk. But that is just my take on it,
mainly Euro influences but I would think it might be fair to throw a
bit of Brutal Truth in the mix too. I hear more of a Swedish death
metal and grind sound than the usual American grind you would
naturally hear over here. Think of bands like Entombed, Dismember
mixed with Nasum, Rotten Sound and then throw a healthy dose of
American hardcore in that mix. I like it though it is fast, brutal
and hard hitting, there are enough death metal slow down breaks to
really keep things interesting adding a nice level of dynamic to
their sound. The pacing of the songs in the faster parts remind me a
lot of hardcore riffing pace and structure, of course backed up with
grinding drums. The vocals also have a growling undertone with the
primary hardcore coarse throat rip yelling. The songs are short and
steeped in adrenaline, that must be great live. The mix of all of
these things rather than being a jumbled mess actually for me the
death metal sections only serve punctuate the high hardcore speed
then it is sped up even more with some pit inducing grind and back
down again producing a very intriguing, attention holding listen.
Which can be a weakness of grind that it gets all same-y sounding,
thankfully Horrible Earth do not suffer from this problem. Honestly
I think this album is fantastic! I really hope this gets some
attention as Horrible Earth should get a similar level of
recognition to say a Nasum or a similar level band. If you love the
genres I mentioned above this is a must buy. My only complaint is it
is too short, I want more now, until then I just have this set to
repeat and am listening to it over and over. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/HorribleEarth
http://www.reverbnation.com/horribleearth
|
Just in case you
are curious about the “Part 1” in the title, the band apparently has
planned a three or four part series of EP’s, to follow this original
world concept. I find everything about this young Nashville band
interesting, from their conception of this series, vibe of the band
pics, to the artwork and finally the music. Speaking of which,
Howling Giant draw from a fairly diverse sub-genre pallet, but I
would have to say the more prominent one is a stoner doom sound yet
you will also find hints of traditional doom, progressive rock, 70s
psychedelic hard rock (ie – the organ accents), space rock etc…
Despite that description they do not sound overly retro and have a
more updated and fresh feel to sound. I do like to liberally apply
the doom tag to the band, but the third tune on this four tracker is
pretty fast, displaying an upbeat energy you can headbang along
with. Somehow, that change up does not interrupt the flow of the
other three songs, and serves as a vibrant bridge to the overall
doom foundation “Black Hole Space Wizard”. The main vocals are
interesting they are sung quite clean and clear, yet sound they are
bouncing off the walls of a wide open empty building, with a slight
echo effect. That is until the final track “Clouds Of Smoke”, which
features a more straight forward almost slightly commercial clean
sung vocal, which may not be for some extreme metallers, but it fits
the music here very perfectly. All in all, I have to say this is a
pretty polished and mature effort from a young band, with only one
previous ep to their history. If they continue to progress it could
result in something special. I can definitely recommend this (in
particular to stoner doom and seventies psy rock fans) and will be
pulling it out from time to time for sure. Hopefully I get a chance
to hear the other forthcoming parts in this series. - Dale
https://howlinggiant.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.facebook.com/howlinggiant
|
The first song,
or rather the first few minutes of the opening song, burst out of my
headphones like a blitzkrieg attack wall of noise trampling
everything in its path. I have to admit, as impressive and ferocious
as that first volley was, I thought to myself I am not sure I am up
for an entire album of nothing but that right now. Thankfully, for
my sake, that first track is akin to being slapped aside the head to
make sure you have someone’s full attention. Like start paying
closer attention, because here comes something special. Humut Tabal
have my attention now, and it is focused on the rest of the album,
which proves the band is a whole lot more than just a single-minded
bull, raging ahead headlong into a red cape. The bombast is always
lurking below the surface waiting to re-emerge for brief, but deadly
attacks, which you never really know when they are coming. The
spaces, in between those attacks, shows a lot of variation,
creativity and even catchy elements, which will have your head
grimly nodding, as you mentally wander through the black ink audio
that is “The Dark Emperor Ov The Shad”. Just reading their bio, they
name Emperor and Dissection as influences, I can definitely hear
both of those in there, but there is much more to it than that. It
seems to me, listening to some of the playing and elements they mix
into their song structures, these guys transcend just black metal
and metal in general with their influences. But, I am happy to
report, that despite letting those unconventional inspirations seep
in, the band never lets it interfere or poison the roots of its base
black metal hatred and sonic bloodshed, which inspired them to play
within the genre to begin with. That is something I can respect,
expand your boundaries, but always keep a firm grasp on your
identity, which in this case is cold, sadistic black metal. This is
the bands second full length and they are clearly hitting their
stride. If you like dynamic black metal, played with hostility and
imagination, then let me introduce you to this great band from Texas
I heard just recently. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/humuttabal
http://www.reverbnation.com/humuttabal
|
Italian death
metal brutality, the production is pretty rough and muddy, but fuck
this is a demo people. The production still gets across what the
band were going for. Which is some brutal, unrelenting death metal
backed up with some pounding drum work. The vocals of Klaudia are
probably a bit of an acquired taste, I mostly quite liked them,
though at times were a touch grating. Nothing groundbreaking here or
that you have not heard before, but there is some talent there and
you can see with a little more time to simmer they might come up
with something special. This was another disc sent to me by Paul
Caravasi of Aquelarre zine, and like the other band Killing The
Reason, I will be interested to hear what this band does next, could
be something devastating. This release in the meantime is worth a
listen, as long as you are not one of those super picky assholes
with production, you might dig this one. - Dale
http://www.reverbnation.com/iwillkillyou666
https://www.facebook.com/1IWKY
|
Most fans here in
North America might not know the Malaysian band Brain Dead, but I
certainly do! They were a fucking excellent dark deathrash band! I
tape traded for their stuff some years back and was taken by their
music. This is a compilation of bands paying tribute to them on
here. Some of the bands are: Logam, Tandus (This rusty deathrash
cult band also fucking rule!!), As Sahar, Kharabanazak (say that 3
times really fast haha), Necrotic Chaos, Vociferation Eternity +
more. Get this beautifully packaged tape immediately! - Dale
Music Trax Records, Jalan 1/119, Taman Bukit Hijau, 56000 Cheras,
Kuala Lampur, MALAYSIA
|
This is an
impressive one man band. Very European sound musically and in
general song structure. Icefall’s brand of metal is a flowing
mid-tempo concoction with an extremely epic feel. Normally I would
not care for that but this just works for me. This pro-packaged demo
costs $3 US & Canada / $4 Western Europe / Eastern Europeans get it
for free!! - Dale
ICEFALL, Box
441, Rochdale, MA. 01542, USA
|
Illusions Dead are Finnish band who play
extreme melodic (I know those terms rarely belong together) death
metal. The first thoughts that came to me, upon my initial listen,
these guys sound really polished and mature; when taking into
account they had only released one demo previously. Now, before you
get the wrong idea, yes they do play melodic death metal, but not
the lighter, sweeter sounding stuff ala In Flames, Dark Tranquility,
Shadows Fall etc… No, they have more in common with the catchy,
while still being very brutal and mean bands such as Dissection,
Kataklysm, At The Gates, early Arch Enemy and the like. There is one
exception to those bands, and that is, in some sections of the
material I.D. display a doom metal side which is skillfully done,
adding a nice moody contrast. When they pick up the pace, which is
most of the time, you are treated wonderfully constructed and
performed barbarity, overlaid on top of some great melodies. They
really scratch an itch, if you like violent music, which is mixed
with finesse and musical subtlety. The recording, on this self
financed effort, sounds great. I have to think, record labels will
be knocking on this bands door, as should you be. - Dale
http://illusionsdead.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/illusionsdeadofficial
|
This may be this
bands first release, but the members are anything but new to the
band experience and the UG scene. As members of this band are or
were in Witch Tomb (IT seems like it is a continuation from the
ashes of Witch Tomb), Embryonic Cryptopathia, December Wolves,
Blessed Offal, Hirudinea etc… Good thing Christ is nailed in place,
because he would be swept away by the utter bestial filthy bombast,
which is belching wonderfully out of my speakers. It is a total
cacophony of grating, grinding, scourging metal sickness, in the
vein of Profanatica, early Beherit, early Bathory, old Impaled
Nazerene, Archgoat and the like. The vocals are like an exhilarating
cheese grater to the brain, they will remind you much of Profanatica,
as does the music of course. Both are intense and great, keeping up
the tradition and great legacy of that legendary band. Definitely a
must have for fans of the above mentioned bands and time periods.
This is unrelenting! - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/impenitentgestas
http://novisiblescars.bandcamp.com/
|
After doing a
little digging, to find out more about this Chicago band, I almost
want to call say, the band formerly known as the great Corpsevomit.
I say that, because this as Imperial Savagery contains three of the
four members that were previously mainstay members of Corpsevomit.
But having said that, the members were or are also in bands like
Lividity, Evil Incarnate and a little known band, whose demo I liked
back in the day (ala mid to late 90s) called Pederasty. But enough
of that, let’s talk some Imperial Savagery, who as you can see are
no rookies to the underground scene. The band play vicious,
exceptionally brutish and barbarous death metal, that immediately
transports me back to the great death metal scene of the mid to late
90s. They do the sound proud of keeping this sound and tradition
alive. The band play nearly everything at break neck speed, I mean
they do slow it down briefly now and then, then again their ‘slowed
down’ is a lot of other bands top speed gear. Damn I miss dm played
this way, I mean if you are searching for that plastic Pro Tool’d to
death production, or some more slam death metal or Mallcore, then
move along bitch! No, this is pure old school death metal that gives
me tingles, at how ferocious and sadistic it is played. The growled
vocals on here are great to, deep, semi-decipherable and they match
the savagery and unrelenting emotion created by the music. This is a
death metal purist’s wet dream! - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/imperialsavagery
http://www.reverbnation.com/imperialsavagery
|
Insania.11 is a
two man Italian band who play technical thrash metal, plus throw in
healthy doses of death metal, weaving it in and out of the techno
thrash mainstay. What are the chances, I get two technical thrash
releases back to back in my mailbox, to review, especially in this
day and age of the scene? Maybe it is making a comeback or maybe
just a big coincidence? Anyway, onward with this five song release,
entitled ”Di Sangue Di Luce”, which I believe translates to
something like “Of Blood And Light”. The band plays very tight and
precise, intricate thrash bringing to mind a bit bands like Coroner,
Mekong Delta, later day Anacrusis or even a bit of Atheist maybe.
The vocals (more on that later) and the guitars are the driver for
the band, front and center, some of the guitar work and riffing on
here fantastic and succeeded in creating both a dark atmosphere and
making my head nod and break out into a full headbang at times. The
other instruments, born out of necessity I am sure, speaking of the
bass and drums, they are both programmed and are my least favourite
part of the release. Okay, so back to the vocals, they may be an
acquired taste for some, but for me I fucking love them! The deep
introspective lyrics are sung in the bands mother tongue, the style
of the vocals are commanding and terrifyingly mean sounding, being
sung in Italian only makes them seem more menacing to me. The vocals
themselves are reminiscent of the deeper, lower end vocals of Big
Boss from Root (who is a vocal god for me) on their earlier
releases, mixed with a slight hint of the unique vocals of the old
band Righteous Pigs (sung of course by a pre-Napalm Death Mitch
Harris). The band close the release with their most varied epic song
(just under 9 minutes long), which is a kind of slow and moody,
somewhat subdued song lacking in the intricacy and speed of the rest
of material, but turns up the atmosphere and is not a bad way to
come back down from the bludgeoning intensity of the first four
tracks. This is some good stuff from this Italian band and I hope to
get a chance to hear what they do next. But, in the meantime if the
above interests you, I can also tell you the presentation of the
booklet and packaging on this release is superb. - Dale
https://insania11.bandcamp.com/releases http://www.insania11.com/
|
 
I see in recent
years, some extreme metal bands claiming the industrial tag yet when
you listen to the album, there is nothing more than a hint of said
sound on a song or two. Now, I would say Invertia show nothing but
truth, with their claim in using that industrial tag on the
“Biddings of Tyrants”. They do incorporate heavy industrial
trademarks and trappings within their hyper speeding death metal
foundation (seen them listed as Industrial black metal but they
sound more like a dm band to me). The lyrical concept of the album,
as you probably guessed is about those that abuse their powers in
one form or another, each song of the album is about a different
tyrant. Some of their targets are the NSA invading American citizens
privacy, Scientology through their twisted dogma suppress and abuse
their power over their followers and so on. As I mentioned earlier,
the bands main gear is full speed ahead, only slowing slightly in
order to deftly avoid being tossed on the rocks in their path or the
odd rogue wave. Their brand of death metal, reminds me very much of
the mid to late 90s death metal scene that mixed of course
industrial influences like early ‘90s Pitchshifter, early Scorn,
early Godflesh, Ministry and the like. I know this will be a pretty
obscure reference for many, but the music on this album reminds me
slightly musically, but a lot vocally to the criminally unheralded
and largely forgotten mighty Disciples of Power (mainly active in
the late ‘80s to mid ‘90s), from Canada mostly on their later album
“Mechanikill”, where the band incorporated industrial into their
amazing trademark technical death metal sound. The vocals on “The
Biddings…” sounds so close to that album, which is a big plus for me
and adds a hint of nostalgia, even though I am sure this
Massachussets band has never heard even heard of Disciples Of Power.
This is a really solid enjoyable album, nothing utterly mindblowing,
but still some really good shit going on and they play a style that
is not overdone, in this day and age, which only makes them stand
out further. Check this out. - Dale
Update - I was sent a nice
looking professionally released cassette version of this album
released on this on the new & very dedicated record label Doomsday's
Today Records.
There are two
main distributors to order this labels releases from and those are
online from the physical shop of Ralph’s Records in Lubbock, Texas (dougstapp@gmail.com
+ site link below) or Eternal Darkness Creations at c/o Keith Dempe,
P.O. Box 268, Coraopolis, PA. 15108, USA.
http://invertia.bandcamp.com/
https://inv3rtia.com
http://ralphsrecordstx.com/
|
Oh man! Fucking
amazing pure ‘80s power/heavy metal. That will have you punching
the air with your fingers out in goat horns and headbanging in
unison. The guitar riffs sound so classic as they backdrop some
unforgettable choruses. Ironsword bring to mind bands like Manowar,
Warlock, Iron Maiden, Saxon, Grim Reaper and more. It is hard not to
list a lot of influences as almost every song on these promo tapes
sounds different but always representing pure heavy metal. Did I
mention this is a one man band and that one man is Tann (Who was in
Moonspell for their MCD and debut album). He is one talented
individual and his vocals pull off high piercing screams (something
almost no retro bands are even attempting!) and smoking smooth
solos. I bow to the might and magic of Ironsword. Metal brothers
unite!! * Check the interviews section for an interview
I did with Ironsword. - Dale..
Ironsword, P.O.
Box 4, 2780-Oreiras, PORTUGAL |
Istina is an
interesting band from Russia, consisting of two members, with this
being their sophomore full-length release. I would say their music
is somewhat minimalist, for large portions of this album there is
sparse guitars and a myriad of accents (clips, effects, keyboards
etc…) combining together to create a very moody and melancholy sort
of atmosphere. I guess you would call them avant-garde black metal?
Yet, you or at least I do, think of intricate high level playing and
the playing is good solid enough, but it is not that. They even
employ a drum machine, and while it is fairly competently executed,
it is surely not one of those cases where you say I could not even
tell it was a drum machine, no it clearly sounded like a drum
machine to me before I even checked to confirm. I am not a fan of
drum machines / programming, but if it is done decently enough on
here that it is not a distraction, well most of the time at least.
The songs range in duration from short 3-5 minute numbers, which
feel like interlude pieces connecting and transitioning to the
longer songs, which range from 8-10 minutes in length. The overall
run time clocks in at a robust one hour and ten minutes! As
mentioned, the album overall is minimalist and stripped down (ie –
just guitars lightly played with elongated flowing notes / tones)
which lends itself well to the morose atmospheric vibe the band is
going for. Then there are other times, like seven minute track
“Losing Control”, where the band creates some great, freezing early
‘90s Scandinavian black metal. Yet even this song has creepy, brief
chanting vocal sounds / obscure far screams, winds, accents of synth
and even some piano at the end of a song that at it’s core is harsh,
violent black metal – this is very well done! Revelation Of Unknown
is an interesting album for me, at times I enjoyed it very much, the
members of this band have a talent for creating epic moody songs,
the sort which can really take you on a sinuous flowing journey.
Having said that, there are times when it feels maybe a tad aimless,
where certain sections of the album feel slightly excessive, and
could benefit from some editing down, maybe say ten to fifteen
minutes worth probably should have hit the cutting room floor. At
the same time, the rest of the album is an interesting emotive
journey to zone out with, but the band do not leave you hanging
there entirely, as they there are those passages of cold and harsh
black metal to bring back down into your physical body to viscerally
enjoy as well (a little more of this next time would be cool). I
found this a bit of hard album to review, it is not an essential
purchase necessarily. But, it is definitely worth a listen, actually
a few long listens, it will take that many to really sink in and
enjoy / realize the musical vision these Russian wizards have
conjured up for you. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/IstinaBM
https://istina-bm.bandcamp.com/
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If you are
looking for a serious project then totally ignore this piece of
shit. Sure this guy is full of hatred but who the fuck isn't these
days? One of the only actual riffs to show up on here sounds like it
was recorded on a shitty little 12" amplifier through a boom box or
something. This sucks! Who gives a fuck if you hate women and want
to kill yourself Jeremy? Do it already and quit wasting my time!
– Jeffrey Kusbel
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