Beef Conspiracy ‘Hung, Drawn and Quarter Poundered’

Beef Conspiracy have been shredding up the underground since late ‘98. This is one brutal fucking album. It is sort of a tough one to pinpoint. There is a medley of extremities thrown in the blender here. At first I was going to peg them for a grind core band. Upon closer inspection and a few track in, this was some sick-ass death metal. I now can hear certain technical venturing that reminds me of Neurosis, At All Cost, Fear Before the March Of Flames, Disgorged. They also add the humor to the grotesque nature of their songs. Sort of like Macabre. Here is the track list. “ Cerebral Minge, Jam Or Butter Not Both, Nothing Says I Love You Like A Chainsaw Injury To The Head, Spunky Beefcake, Beneath My Skin, Rover Does The Splits, The Sweet Caress Of A Nailgun, Beef Denied”. So with Beef Conspiracy, don’t be afraid of the grind and embrace the death. This is the reason underground music will remain underground. Not for the weak hearted. Cool shit. www.grindethic.co.uk

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No matter what genre of rock, metal and beyond you may be into, it’s one thing for sure, everybody knows who Yngwie is. Well they should. I mean, how can you not know one of the greatest guitarists to ever grace the recording world. Whatever differences on a personal level or musical, Yngwie is by far one of the greatest. All you have to do is listen to him play and that’s the seller. On this DVD he is playing with The New Japan Philharmonic. He completely composed this concerto specifically for an orchestra with his guitar as the lead instrument. He has only performed this with the orchestra seven times. The 18 compositions on the DVD were filmed over two shows in Japan. What’s cool is how well the performances blend together as one. Musically it is heard as it was recorded. Amazing. Stunning. Magnificent. This is an outstanding night out at the Symphony. The tracks are: “Black Star Overture, Trilogy Suite Op.5, Brothers, Icarus Dream Fanfare, Cavallino Rampante, Fugue, Prelude To April, Toccata, Andante, Sarabande, Allegro, Adagio, Vivace, Presto Vivance, Finale, Blitzkrieg, Far Beyond The Sun and Evil Eye”. The New Japan Philharmonic did a superb job. Any musicians out there that have any doubts to how this is suppose to be done, this is your instruction book. www.yngwie.org www.eaglerockent.com

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Well, another incorporation of talented, seasoned rockers getting together to just rock out. The results are amazing. This is a hard rockers heavenly slice of pie. Think of where Sound Garden left off with some Velvet Revolver/AudioSlave added. Even maybe a touch of C.O.C. They have set out to make the music that came naturally, without any rules or corporate influence. They being Scott Rockenfield (Queensryche), Damon Johnson (Brother Cane), Kelly Gray (Queensryche), Roman Glick (Brother Cane) and Scott Heard. Between the excellent musicianship and vocal delivery, Slave To The System is set to rival any of today’s Top 40 radio rock bands. A hard and heavy rock sound with just the right blend of melodies. Be prepared to being in awe. STTS’s sound is one you won’t be ready for. Yeah, you can’t go into this one with any preconceptions. STTS are primed and ready to take over the rock radio airwaves. I think this one may do it. Check them out today. www.spitfirerecords.com www.rockenfieldmusic.com/slavetothesystem.htm

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“Norway’s Dimmu Borgir have managed to become the most prominent and vital Melodic Black Metal act around the globe.” Yes they have. An amazing outing at 2004’s Ozzfest performance. Which on the release, you’ll get a bonus disk with a full performance at Ozzfest. Well on this one, Dimmu have taken one the most essential albums in Black Metal history and have rerecorded all tracks. Plus a couple of never before stuff. By doing so they have set the bar a little high already this year. This may be the best black metal release this year. Yes again. Just as it was in ’96. So what else is there? If you’ve never listened to “Storm blast ’96”, then you’ve missed out. Peter Tagtgren (Hypocrisy) is back at the helm as producer. And together they have unraveled a masterpiece. Worthy and vital listen for any fan. www.dimmu-borgir.com www.nuclearblastusa.com

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Sweden’s Nocturnal Rites crown their ten years together with their latest release, ‘Grand Illusion’. And what I need to add is how astonishing Nocturnal Rites sound on this one. A delectable blend of melodic metal and powerful hard rock with a progressive edge to it. From start to finish , you the listener, are subject to another dimension. A dimension of pounding, heavy metal state of mind. This one is full of fist-pumping, chorus chanting, arena rock-like metal sound. After seven releases, I would hope that you may have heard Nocturnal Rites somewhere. If by chance you have not, you need to. Iced Earth, Evergrey, Pyramaze to Nevermore, Helloween and Hammerfall fans. You’re going to dig this one. “Deliverance, Our Wasted Days and Something Undefined” are just of a couple standout tracks from an all standout track list. www.nocturnalrites.com www.centurymedia.com

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I’m not much of a gamer, but I do realize to correlation between kick-ass games and kick-ass soundtracks. One could just as well bury the other if not done properly. The Rainbow Six:Lockdown soundtrack is really kick-ass. It is produced by Fear Factory drummer Raymond Herrera and partner Laddie Ervin (3Volution Productions). So if you do play this game, you already know what I’m talking about. If you don’t play it, you’re still going to want to go out and get this one. Track listing is as follows: All My Life - Killing Zone, Lockdown - Fear Factory, Unstable - Kush, Never Forget - Not Forgotten, Game Over - Last Amanda, Waiting - Not Forgotten, Rainbow Six Lockdown Theme - Fear Factory, Stabbing The Drama - Soilwork, Like Light To The Flies - Trivium, Door 2:12 - Mnemic, The Color Of Money - Bury Your Dead, Love? - Strapping Young Lad, The Heart And Shape - 36 Crazyfist, Eyes Of A Criminal - Chimaira, I Could Care Less - Devil Driver, Rainbow Six Theme - Bill Brown. www.calvinrecords.com www.3volution.us

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Finland’s Lullacry have come a long way since their 1998 debut “Sweet Desire”. And since then, they have been winning fans over all around the globe. The bands latest, ‘Vol. 4’ is sure to please the fans they’ve already won over sticking to the sound they flawlessly mastered. With some more exposure, and the tell two friends strategy , there will surely be many more wanting to listen to Lullacry. Tanja’s beautifully hypnotic vocals put you in a state of trance while the rest of the band belts out some of the catchiest, hook laden riffs in the business. Her vocal style, to these ears are in very, very close comparison to that of Gwen Stefani. Their heavy goth rock style is mixed with almost a light pop sound. A hard edged rock sound with more modern, pop style vocals. And while we’re one the subject of catchy, some of the choruses roll on as if they were an old friend. Very memorable. A great listen over and over. Electrifying. High energy. Seductively passionate rock. What I want to know is why the hell great music like this is not being played on stations throughout the states. I’m mean, well, how long were we forced to listen to Amy Lee and Evanescence. Dreadful it was. Not to be bad talking or anything. It was just a jam down your throat band that was played every hour or so. But that’s over now. Fans of Evanescence, HIM, Beyond Glory, Beesech and Nightwish will love what Lullacry have to offer. All tracks on the disk are standout material and will be played over and over once you get it for yourself. This is not my “favorite” genre style. But after several listens, and this review. I’m sure it’s going to be one I frequent often. www.lullacry.com www.centurymedia.com

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Well I’m not going to try and bullshit my way through this one. And for those familiar with OMC, you’ll already know how great this album really is. I’ve been wanting to get a hold of some earlier OMC releases for a long time now. I still can’t figure out why I hadn’t. For those who are unfamiliar with Old Man’s Child, as I am, here’s a little rundown of things. OMC is the brainchild of mastermind Galder. Galder is maybe more popularly known for his involvement in Dimmu Borgir. And it is said by some that these two band are pretty much one in the same. I’m going to have to disagree on that one. ‘Vermin’ is the 6^th release by Galder under the band name Old Man’s Child. There have been several guest musicians on all the earlier releases. On ‘Vermin’, it is Galder on vocals and all instruments and Reno Killerich (ex-Dimmu, Vile, Exmortem) on the drums. Excellent job to these two guys. This is a magnificent album. The music is a blend of dark epic black metal. At times almost majestic in sound. There are many tones of thrash and death metal here as well. All tracks are both very heavy and melodic to a certain degree. All the while not losing grip of his black metal roots. Now I can go on and on about this and that or what not. By doing so it would probably just bore most of you. And for those who know the band well, I might just piss you guys off by putting something wrong down here. So in brief I have only two things left to say. One is to separate your thoughts that this is going to be just another Dimmu Borgir sounding album. (Not that that’s bad) And two, this is a great fucking record. And that’s all I’ve got to say about that. Go and listen for yourself. ’Vermin’ is the must have album of the year. Yes , this year too. www.oldmanschild.net www.centurymedia.com

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Cryptopsy are recognized worldwide for infusing extreme music with awe-inspiring precision and rabidly dynamic rhythms. It has been five years since their last release. From what I’m hearing here, for the fans it sure was worth the wait. Cryptopsy take what they’ve been doing from the start, mash it all together and give you ‘Once Was Not’. A pulverizing blend of some of the sickest, brutal death metal known to man. There are several off-time beats throughout the disk that remind me of some of the newer stuff out there today by bands like At All Cost, Fear Before The March Of Flames and maybe even Primus. Yet not straying from the elements they have stuck by for so many years. Intense, vicious and technical death metal. A rhythmical onslaught. This release only shows why they are one of today’s defining metal acts. You’ll be impressed by the sheer concentration of authority that is spewed forth with each listen. www.cryptopsy.net www.centurymedia.com

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So I’ve given this a few/several spins in the player. I must say, or have to say, this is a first-class release and a wonderful way to start out the New Year. I’m not familiar with the bands first release, so I can’t compare it to that. But after hearing what I have from the band, Wow. These guys rock. Now I must be completely honest. Their sound has many similarities to what is popular in today’s hard rock radio scene. Fans of Shinedown, Crossfade, Seether, Allele to Nonpoint to Godsmack to even Nickleback will freak over this latest release. I only have the new tunes, (disc 1) and it’s all of those groups and more. All rolled up into an extreme molten ball of hard rock fury. There are way to many catchy tracks on here to say which one is standout. (Like Suicide, I’m Falling, Drowning, Empty Promises) There are plenty of thunderous beats and driving guitars to please the heaviest of rockers while the great melodies and memorable vocal parts fill in the rest of what should be dubbed “the hard rock release of the year”. Could it be too early to say that. Hmmm. Multi-platinum? Maybe. If all the other bands mentioned above could do it, Switched are a shoe in for it. Great album. I’m glad I was introduced. And you will be too. For more info and to listen in for yourself, check out one of the sites below. www.myspace.com/switched www.switched.tv www.corporatepunishment.com

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Well here we have the debut album from Aggro-hard rock act Lies. What the hell is aggro-rock? Another one on me. Am I just totally out of it that once a week I learn of a new genre? I know I bitch about that often. Onward to the aggro-rock. I don’t know any aggro-rock bands to compare Lies to. I know this, they’re all over the typical genre map. Sort of a fusion of metal, mild-hardcore to rock. Hell it’s a tough one. The vocals are described as melodic, abrasive and emotionally unstable. Okay, I’ll agree. But it would help if the guy could sing. Well he can, but not throughout the whole disk. There is a very long bio attached with the disk that tells of some tragedy that happened to Travis Bain early on which led him to music. It is very touching, but does not help the sound of the music on this release. Congrats to them for what they are doing, just not a disk I can enjoy. They are doing something that no other band is really trying and I respect that. Sort of the Mentors meets U2 with some aggression mixed in. Slow sludgey punk? At least that’s what I get out of it. I don’t know. Go to www.myspace.com/liesonline and listen for yourself. Sorry, for some reason I can’t even give good constructive criticism to it. Not one for me. www.lies1.com www.myspace.com/liesonline

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 From what I can tell this is a self released, very professionally packaged and recorded album. There is no record label on the inserts or the promo sheet. This I find very hard to believe. These guys are pure fucking thrash. “ Modern Oldschool-thrash”. Formed in 2000 this is the second release from the band. The first being a MCD titled “Fractured”, in which I have not heard. No need. This album says it all. Pure and true thrashing frenzy. With so many bands out there using the name Hatred, please don’t confuse this German band from any of the others. In fact that is how I stumbled upon their website. I was looking for another Hatred from an old demo I had laying around. Much in the vein of Destruction, Forbiddon, Kreator, Kaos, Wartorn, Exodus. Very Bay Area like thrash with a lot of depth to it. Very heavy sounding. Hatred are Matthias Mauer - vocals, Fredrick Melott - guitars, Daniel Buld - drums, Stefan Hofman - bass and Steffen Lindner. Hatred bring some fresh blood to the table playing some of the most relentless thrash to date. Yet you can here the influences of the classic old-school of thrash. A must have for any fan of thrash/death or metal in general. www.hatredmetal.de

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Well I’ve had this for a short while as the 14 track full length release of “Beyond The Shadows” is out and is receiving rave reviews. So I will not go into too much detail on this one as I may be receiving the full length to review as well. Who knows. For anyone who may know the band or not, they started out in 1982 in Sweden. From what I’ve gathered, they played around for a couple of years before disbanding. Each member going this way or that but staying in the metal scene. Well they’re back. And from the sound of the two tracks I’ve got here, they mean business this time around. The first track if a high fueled power metal onslaught titled “Night Knight”. the second track is a muck mellower track titled “Weeper Deeper”. these both are newly recorded, yet I believe they are originals from back in the day. I’d like to hear some more of this. Two songs are too much of a tease. Music much in the vein of Hammerfall, Thunderstone, Pyramaze, Engage. Check out the website for more details on this amazing band. www.darkillusion.se

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Wow!! That’s the best way to start this here review. From Richmond, VA come Engage. The average age of the band members is 19. Don’t let that fool you though. The sounds that rip through the speakers sounds as if were from any well seasoned power metal band. Engage are James Beard II - guitar/backing vocals, Doug Trammell - drums/backing vocals, Chad Brown - bass/lead vocals and Chris Rudolph - guitar/backing vocals. The music is fast and precise with touches of some melodic influences from European power metal and other style of metal. What can I say. This seven song demo kicks some serious ass. They have only been doing this since ‘04. I can’t say from the time I got this demo till now whether or not the band has been signed, but if any label had any sense at all they’d swoop on these guys. Great musicianship from such a young group of musicians. Listening to this demo, it’s very easy to mistake it for Helloween in many cases. So for any one into the likes of Helloween, Nocturnal Rites, Fifth Angel, Brimstone, Iced Earth ect., ect…. You’re going to think Engage are the next big thing. I think they just may be. Excellent self release guys. Great production. Hope to hear much more from Engage for years to come. www.engagetheband.com

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Phoenix Reign are forging their way through the ranks of this “U.S. True Metal” scene. Or so they call it. Every time you turn around there’s a new genre popping up. Their music slips right into the melodic/power metal category. There are nice sounding vocals fronted by Teresa Gaffney. Think of Pat Benatar trying to sing metal. There are some cool dueling guitar parts mixed into the fold of some crunchy rhythms. The three tracks on this demo are fairly well crafted tunes. A sound that fuses the sounds of Maiden, Lullacry and Nocturnal Rites. I would like to hear these songs after a producer got a hold of them. Not that I have the greatest ears on the planet, but while giving this several listens over the course of having it, it just seems there are parts of each song that could be slightly tweeked and made a bit more commanding. As with the mixing. Overall this is a band to keep your ears out for in the near future. And this demo is a great addition to any metalheads collection. With the proper recording, Phoenix Reign could go very far. www.phoenixreign.com

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You know I get a lot of music from all over. And there are so many times when I wonder why there is a band like Sectas, who play such a high caliber blend of rock that they’re just sending demos around. Upon further research on the bands website, one can read that Sectas was quite the rock band down in Mexico. I suppose that can only go so far though. Sectas are now ready to take on the rest of the world. To fill the void of originality with their rhythmic journey of guitar-driven hard rock with melodic changes, searing solos, and driving energy. They bring to the table many influences of a multitude of heavy metal, jazz and blues musicians. On the bio sheet it states ,“They look forward to becoming pioneers of the new hard rock sound of the 21^st Century.” Well we’re going to have to tell the radio mongrels to stop playing the same shit over and over and slip in some real talent. That being Sectas. This is the sound of the future of hard rock. At least I hope it is. Sectas bring a fresh new sound to mundane world of hard rock radio. www.sectasmusic.com

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Stonecreep were formed in 2001 in the Midwest. North Dakota to be exact. The band left their Midwestern hometown and settled themselves in the outskirts of Portland, Oregon. In 2003 they released the full length debut ‘Keep The Hammer Down’. (like to get my hands on that) With plenty of touring and some line-up changes, Stonecreep headed back into the studio to record this EP, ‘Tonight We Ride’. The bio says it best. “ At its core is a guitar style that features intricate dual harmonies and heavy, chunky riffs. Driving yet complex drumming and a diverse blend of vocal styles augment the overall sound, which is rounded out by solid and creative bass work.” Yes, that does about sum things up for this 5 song release. Stonecreep are Matt Litton - guitars/vocals, Aaron Mullaney - lead guitar, Andy Mercil - bass and Mike Townsend - drums. This my friends is a kick ass set of tunes. And so, I’m surprised they have not been swept up by a label yet. Must be due to deaf ears on the part of those A&R guys. If your into the likes of Shadow’s Fall, Trivium, The Black Dahlia Murder or Lyzanxia, you’re really going to want to check these guys out. Sounds to me there’s a promising future for these guys. See for yourself why they’re the hottest thing in the Pacific-Northwest underground scene. www.stonecreep.com www.myspace.com/stonecreep

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Well here’s another one of those chaotic, hard/metal core bands. I hear these guys call their sound “Nintendo core”. And once again, that’s pretty fucking stupid. I am writing this review just after one by the band Look What I Did. And, well, it’s pretty much the same. It’s the hey let’s be as aggressive, brutal, weird and obnoxious as anyone can be. Add a little lyrical comedy in the fold and you’ve got Horse the band. Not to be mistaken for horse the animal, or horse the dick. Horse the band are pretty damn intense musically. And for an old slug as myself, I did not realize this was a growing popularity with today’s youth in the underground. Not much different than the early punk scene, just better recordings than back then. There are a few really cool tracks on the disk. And even though their music is pure mayhem from start to finish, all the songs do not sound the same. In fact towards the end of the disk, some of the tracks seem to loose their luster. Maybe it’s due to the fact the they are trying to out do the oddity of the earlier tracks. All in all a good, schizophrenic listen. You might want to be up and moving for this one as it may hurt.  www.horsetheband.com www.combatrecords.com

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This is one for those into the likes of Dillinger Escape Plan, The Blood Brothers, Blessing The Hogs. Not really my style of pleasurable listening. These guys are balls out chaos. Violent most of the time with some melodies in the chorus. These guys are all over the place. Many different styles thrown in the blender and set on high. I guess some of you out there call this math core? That’s just fucking stupid. Anyways, I can’t really say that this is a terrible album. I mean there are parts where I’m like, ”hey that was cool”, and then there are parts of the disk that, well I suppose with any extreme music genre, you as the listener are just left confused. Hypersonic fury and mayhem. So if you’re into the chaotic sounds of extreme music filled with an off-beat humor in the lyrics, check out Look What I Did. If you’re looking for some nice tunes to sing along to in the car on your way to work, you can forget this one. They need to put an additional warning next to the explicit lyrical content sticker. One that states: “This music may cause one to have seizures, even if never experienced before.” This is some wild shit. Check them out at the sites below. www.ihatelookwhatidid.com www.combatrecords.net

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Well the gods of vomit metal are back. This time with a vengeance. After a long 10 year contract deal with Mourning Star Records, Skitzo are free agents and are shopping for a label to officially release this gem. I only wish at this point Metal Warrants were in a position to do this for Lance and Co. These underground legends are not fucking around with this collection of some of the best ‘80’s era metal known to man. Crushing. Pure and nothing short of powerful. This disk has a ton of amazing guest musicians who contribute in many ways. Jeff Beccera from Possessed sings lead on the track “Metallic Tyrants” , as well as John Marshall from Metal Church, Blind Illusion sherds it up on this track. Machine Head/ Voi-lence Phil Demmel plays lead on “We Are Not Dead”. Sickie from The Mentors plays lead on “Catacombs”. Plus many more throughout. Skitzo held nothing back from this recording and it should be in the hands of anyone who is remotely into metal. Skitzo@sonic.net Joe@attitudemanagement.com www.skitzo.biz www.myspace.com/skitzo667

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Norway’s rising masters of modern black metal release their 4^th album on Golden Lake Productions. The black metal duo consists of Mithrin (instruments and electronics) and Gorbag (main vocals). They get some help from Helstein with the clean vocal parts. Emancer continue to forge their path in the cold, dark genre of black metal with this latest effort. Depending what style of black metal you are into will determine how you’ll enjoy this album. All the tracks are very good musically. In an overall view of it. Emancer are making their own brand of black metal. Maturing with every release. The lyrics have much more to them than the all out satanic imagery that encompasses most black metal releases. The songs within are dark and aggressive. There is a certain mystique to their sound that I can’t quite pinpoint. But I highly recommend ’The Menace Within’. Emancer just may be what the genre needs to attract a broader fan base. An all around excellent release. A couple standout tracks are ,” Claustrophobium, Reclamation Of Merciless January, Disfigured Divinity”.  www.emanceronline.com www.goldenlakeprods.co.uk

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Danish death metal band, Usipian, belt out some pretty vicious and brutal death metal on this release. Usipian formed in 2000 from the ashes of Gothic Domain. This is pure death metal. Nothing other to report than that. Violent, aggressive and intense. Both lyrically and musically. This is fucking great! Not sloppy sound like a lot of death metal can sound. These guys are high up on the heap of great death metal bands. Their sound can be reminded to that of other acts such as Immolation, Dismember, Suffocation and Cannibal Corpse. Anyone remotely into the extreme metal scene will want to get their hands on this one. www.usipian.dk www.metalfortress.com

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Power metal fans beware. You better make sure you have a towel handy when you put this one in the player. It’s like a wet dream come true. Extremely riff heavy with plenty of melodies throughout. Quite possibly the perfect melodic/power metal album. Now for me, I am not all that familiar with the previous works of the band. This I believe is their seventh release. Maybe that has something to do with the title? Very powerful songs here. Right from the opening track “ Demons And Angels” , on through to the ending ballad “In Memory”. Though the song writing and musicianship standout through each track, be it the thundering drums or the Maiden-like riffing and dual soloing, Ralf Scheepers vocals are amazing. For as many times as I’ve listened to this, and I bet a lot of people with beg to differ, but he sounds very close to Ripper Owens (Iced Earth). Not on all the tracks, but most. He does utilized many different vocal styles on the disk. A powerful release from one of the top of their genre. This is metal. This is how it is. Check it out. www.primalfear.de www.nuclearblastusa.com

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This is one of those releases that any fan goes nuts over. The rare b-sides and unreleased material to date in one package. This one being a two disk set with 27 tracks. It covers the past five years under Century Media. It contains alternate versions of songs, live recordings, demo versions of songs and three cover songs of Dead Can Dance, Talk Talk and Slowdrive. ‘Accessories’ also comes with exclusive artwork and extensive liner notes by The Gatherings own Hans Rutten and Eroc (Woodhouse Studios). For those not real familiar with The Gathering, this is an excellent and diverse collection of material to keep you captivated from song one all the way through disk two. And for the fans, this is a collection of The Gathering’s music that you have been waiting for. Very cool release. www.centurymedia.com www.gathering.nl

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How does a band get a record deal in the same year they were formed? Some find this a puzzling question. One listen to this disk, and there should be no question of this nature to ask. Before I realized the line-up, I just couldn’t take it out of my player. Scar Symmetry consists of Jonas Kjellgren (Carnal Forge, Centinex, World Below), Henrik Ohlsson (Theory In Practice, Mutant, Altered Aeon), Per Nilsson (Altered Aeon), Christian Alvestam (Unmoored, Incapacity, Torchbearer) and Kenneth Seil. An exceptional gathering of talents. Although the genre of music here is starting to hit the saturation point in the business, there are still plenty of fresh sounding ideas that slightly separate themselves from one band to the next. Scar Symmetry dish up one of the most intoxicating blends of melody and brutality together that it should not be taken in large doses. This release showcases the incredible musicianship and songwriting skills that in many cases are over looked in order to appeal to the masses. Impressive drumming that compliments the exquisite guitar work throughout the disk. And at the forefront, the vocals are superb. From the memorable harmonies of the chorus that intertwine with more deep, growling style vocals. Fans of Arch Enemy, Soilwork, In Flames and Children Of Bodom will love Scar Symmetry. All songs on this disk are standout. I believe I have found the perfect metal release of 2005. I am confidant you will be hearing a lot more from Scar Symmetry in the near future. Definitely the band to look out for in the coming year. www.nuclearblastusa.com www.scarsymmetry.com

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As dynamic and immense as any band in rock/metal, Mushroomhead has always shined through being an entity all their own. Be it the make up and costumes, or the vibrant performances on stage, Mushroomhead are definitely a force to be reckoned with. Artistic both visually and musically. In their latest offering, ‘Volume 1’, you get to see a side of the guys behind the get ups. Their stage personas set aside, you are introduced to a band/bunch of guys that are even more crazy off stage as they are on. This DVD was done completely by the band. It has a few of the professionally done videos as well as ones they have done themselves. The off show antics, mainly on the tour bus are hysterical. And you get to see them with out the costumes too. There are not a lot, or actually any interviews on this. It is not a documentary or history of the band. Just a lot of outtakes of a band out on the road living the rock-n-roll lifestyle and dream. Many, many live sequences on this DVD. Some very cool perspectives of the day to day life on the road antics by none other than the guys who are living it. Some tracks included are ,” Before I Die, Kill Tomorrow, Becoming Cold(216), Sum Doesn’t Rise”. all footage is fairly recent and includes JMann and not their new front man Waylon. All is good though. A pretty cool DVD from the band that everybody loves to hate. Check out ‘Volume 1’ today. www.mushroomhead.com

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Yes, you’re seeing that label correctly. And yes it is the same Combat that gave birth to the likes of Exodus, Venom, Dark Angel and Megadeth. The newly resurrected label is proud to present the debut full-length for both band and label, ’It’s Time To Decide’. At All Cost have a sound that fuses the intensity of metal and the energy of rock-n-roll, while pushing the boundaries of the metal/hardcore scene . At All Cost want to put the dance back in hardcore. There is a definite mix among to songs here. From classical guitars to violins to vocoder and synth effects, At All Cost are bringing a new sound to the hardcore fans of today, while covering the bases of what of is already out on the market. It does take a couple listens to fully appreciate what At All Cost are creating. So give them a listen, and give them a chance. At All Cost just may be what this genre has been looking for. In terms of reviving it.  www.atallfuckingcost.com www.kochrecords.com www.combatrecords.net

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Sometimes I wonder why everyone, or most everyone has a greatest hits album. As a fan, honestly, do they ever put the greatest hits that you want to hear on there? Not usually. ‘Kings Of Damnation’ is more of a collection of works from Zakk Wylde & Co. from ‘98 thru ‘04. In addition, you do get two new and previously unreleased tracks. This is the seller for those fans who have all the other albums and need to have these two other songs. It works and the record companies know this. As do I. I’m a sucker for these types of things. The two new tracks are typical BLS in sound. Raw and heavy. This CD is a good buy for those who do not own very much BLS, as the tracks on this disk are off of several releases by the band. So if there was ever any interest in some of the earlier works by BLS, go get this album. It’s pretty diverse, in that it covers the wide range of music that can only come from the bad ass of metal himself. And in case you are wondering, the track listing is as follows : ‘ Losing Your Mind, Horse Called War, Between Heaven And Hell, Sold My Soul, Bleed For Me, Taz, Counterfeit God, Stronger Than Death, Speedball, Demise Of Sanity, We Live No More, Stillborn, The Blessed Hellride, Crazy Or High, House Of Doom, Takillya, Doomsday Inc., SDMF.’ www.spitfirerecords.com www.blacklabelsociety.com

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Blot Mine are a Swedish black metal band that formed from the ashes of Sorhin, Setherial and Midvinter in the later part of 1995. In 1999, they recorded “Porphyrogenesis” under the direction of King Diamond guitarist Andy Laroque and was released thru Near Dark Productions. Blot Mine have a very serious concept angle to their lyrics. More can be read, and should be read at the bands website under the “matters of matter” section. In short the concept deals with the thought provoking lyrics of the searh for terrestrial intelligence. Not your typical black metal band topic. Which in itself is a welcomed change of pace. The music on the other hand is what it is. Swedish black metal. Very well done to the point that it does not sound like total noise as some black metal bands can. There are some cold and eerie parts of the disk as well as some slightly melodic portions that blend in well, not straying from the powerful black metal sound that makes up Blot Mine’s identity. ‘Ashcloud’ was done at The Abyss by Tommy Tagtgren, which is always a good selling point. But the music here is the selling point for me. I am picky when it comes to black metal, as anyone familiar with this site may have figured out by now. Or the fact that I state it whenever a good black metal band catches my ear. Blot Mine need to be checked out. They’re not your typical black metal band. Blot Mine are Steril Vwreede - vocals, Thunaraz - guitars, Athel W. - guitars, Thorn - bass and Nathaniel - drums. Their sound is in the likeness of old Setherial, Marduk and Dark Funeral. And will be enjoyed by all black metal fans. www.blotmine.com www.metalfortress.com

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Mistweaver is a band from Burgos, which is in the north of Spain. The line-up consists of Raul Weaver - guitar/vocals, Eduardo Alonzo - guitar, Eduardo Navazo - keyboards, David De Pedro - bass and Guillermo Blanco - drums. With guest vocals by Aroa Martin. We are going to start off by putting them in the melodic/progressive death metal category. But I tell you this, there is more than on genre being laid down here. It ranges from death, thrash, pagan, black, a little doom and some folkish parts as well. Either Mistweaver is a band confused, undecided or just talented enough to put this mixture all together and pore out some of the freshest, yet familiar sounding jams in a long while. A very good effort indeed. “Age Of Darkness” is the bands fourth (third full length) release. I can’t say for sure, as I do not know their earlier releases, what direction the band has gone with this one. I can say that I have enjoyed it for the past couple weeks. And with all the over saturation within the other genres, this album has been a nice change of pace. You never know where it is headed or where it will end up. That’s what I really dig about this album. I mean, sure there are some holes throughout the disk, that when picked apart may bother some. Like the female guest vocals that sound great with Raul’s at some points and at others don’t. or the placement of some of the keyboard compositions that should have been either left out in certain points of the song, or just toned down a bit. I’m no producer, but after you listen to as many disks as I, or any other reviewer, you just know where things fit and don’t. These things on this disk are going to be looked over be me anyway due to the fact that I’ve enjoyed the change of pace. With roughly 7 listens, ‘Age Of Darkness’ is just as interesting as the first. Mistweaver’s music will not bore. Guaranteed. So if you into the likes of Unshrouded Bitterness, Royal Anguish, Neglected Fields or any of the aforementioned genres, give Mistweaver a listen. They’re sure to please most metal heads appetite for freshness and brutality. www.mistweaver.org  www.goldenlakeprods.co.uk

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God Forbid come at you with a punishing, thought provoking, political concept album. Not being totally familiar with God Forbids discography, I’m not going to give the usual comparison rundown from one album to the next. And with the metal-core genre being pretty much saturated to the limits as with most other genres, I can’t even say how this release will stack up to the rest of the years releases. This is God Forbid. They rock. A brutal blend of many styles closely related in the metal world, God Forbid deliver with a vicious intent. An intent to make their mark in the pages of metal history. Intellectual lyrics, searing dual guitars and growling to clear vocals are the make up here. Not familiar with them yourself? Killswitch Engage, In Flames, The Agony Scene, The Haunted ect., ect., fans will enjoy. All tracks are pretty good, just don’t hear anything that is so stadoutish that it needs mentioned. ‘IV: Constitution Of Treason’, is a great addition to today’s catalog of metal, and should be checked out by all. God Forbid are making their mark in today’s metal scene with a devout following. Only time will tell how much of an impact they will make. www.godforbid1.com www.centurymedia.com

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The Great Kat. Wow. Have you ever listened to the music of The Great Kat? You know you’ve seen the adds over the years in many of the well known magazines. So why have you not listened? I don’t know why I haven’t either. Maybe it’s the crazy blood dripping, dominatrix look that she dons. Maybe. Well if you did not know, the music played on this release and that of others is metal/shred/classical. With plenty of gore. She uses this to catch your attention. She by far has to be one of the fastest guitar shredders I’ve heard in a long time. Maybe the fastest ever. Now I do like some fast music, but this is about a half of step under grind/crust music. A genre I do own some of, but just some. And I don’t know why except to put on the radio page for the fans out there. Now Kat is a graduate of violin from the Juilliard School of Music who had toured several countries before realizing classical music was about dead and wanted to do something to introduce the masses to the likes of Wagner, Liszt, Vivaldi, Bazzini and Sarasate. What better way that high-speed shred guitar/violin. Which are both on this release as well as some vocals. Some explicit lyrics. A couple cuss words and some body maiming about sums up the lyrical content of the album. I’m thinking maybe The Great Kat is more of a live performer than on album. Kind of like Gwar for me. I can see them a 100 times a week and love it every time, but throw in most of their cds and they just bore me to death. “Wagner’s War” sort fits into that category for me. High speed intensity. I think it would be great if the songs were slowed down a bit. Just because they seem a little chaotic to me. If you’re into this type of crust/shred, then this is an album for you. The songs are all short and sweet, all under 2 minutes. So in brief, if you want to hear the fastest shredding violinist on the planet, The Great Kat is who you want to get hooked up with. As for her guitar skills, they’re off the fucking hook. Finger-blistering fret work that is like no other. The Great Kat is at the top of her genre when it comes to guitar greatness, and should be recognized a bit more for what she is trying to achieve. A women’s place in the world of great guitar hero’s. Sorry Kat that I’m not a very big fan of this mixture of music you play, but I am a fan of great musicians. And you’re up there. Keep shreddin’. www.greatkat.com

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Formed from the ashes of Cryptal Darkness, a well known Australian doom band, come The Eternal. I was not real sure what to expect from this disk. I do not know much about the Australian underground scene, and sorry to the Australian’s, did not think that there was much of one over there. Once again, little do I know. There certainly are many selling points to this album. How about the cover artwork by Travis Smith (Opeth, Katatonia, Anathema), or that it was recorded and produced by Endal Rivers (Black Majesty, Vanishing Point), or that it was mastered by Mika Jussila (Amorphis, Nightwish, Therion). Yes, if these types of things are what one as a listener looks for so be it. Some great effort went into the making of this release. Me, and no offense to the great behind the scenes guys, don’t really need to know all that. If the music is good, well written and to my taste, that is what I look for. The Eternal do seem to catch my attention. Whether it’s the dark melodies, the somber moods on a symphonic scale which are filled with plenty of atmosphere and emotion, or the use of interesting tempo changes. it’s all here. This is a very captivating gothic, doom album. Every song, no matter how sad to upbeat they make it, just sounds good. Some are very epic in sound as well. I know that you’ll be able to say what I keep saying after the 10 or 15 times I’ve listened to this disk. Very impressive. If you’re into the likes of Insomnium, Swallow The Sun, Opeth to Lestat. You’re going to love these guys. This is truly a masterpiece down the road of gothic/doom metal. Definitely a genre of music I want to listen to more of, thanks to the sounds of The Eternal.  www.the-eternal.com  www.firebox.fi

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Here it is. I was wondering if I would be able to get a chance to review Swallow The Sun’s sophomore release. I had received the highly acclaimed, “The Morning Never Came” well over a year after it’s release and I might say, it was really good. I know I talked it up myself. Many critics had been dubbing it as the doom metal release of the year. I myself was a little confused on the subject as I recognized it as being more of a melodic death metal album. Since then, I have delved into what today’s doom acts are releasing, and I’m going to still stick to my guns on that first one. “Ghosts Of Loss”, on the other hand fits easily into the doom category for me. Like I always say, “there are too many genres that bands can fall into”. “Ghosts Of Loss”, like their first is very, very good. One thing that I notice is that it seems that a lot went into the writing and production of the songs on this disk. Where as the songs off of “TMNC” seemed to be more spontaneously done. Which resulted in an incredible mixture of music capable of making the hairs on the back of your neck stand straight out. Now I’m not in any way saying that this effort is no good, just that when I had interviewed them this spring , they laughed and said that they were not worried about topping the music released on “TMNC”. I myself enjoy the first release much than this one. Sorry Juha and Aleksi. But with all things said, I am going rank this one up there as what could quite possibly be the doom metal release of this year. Melancholic, dark and heavy as shit. And as before, these are one of the most talented bunch of musicians to grace my cd player in a long time. “Ghosts Of Loss” has eight tracks and weighs in at just about 66 minutes. If you haven’t had a chance to check out one of Finland’s finest, you really must do so. Now my only other problem I’m dealing with is which track to put on the radio page. Doom has a new name, and that name is Swallow The Sun. www.swallowthesun.net www.firebox.fi

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Well let me try this again. Lost it twice already, and with my memory….never mind that one. Watch Them Die are yet another great offering from one of the, if not the greatest birth place for thrash metal . Yep, The Bay Area. I may have mentioned elsewhere that I am privy to it because I grew up it that area myself. There is nowhere else like it that I have found yet. Delivering a multi-layered exploration of anger, loss, pain and redemption, Watch Them Die are an exceptionally talented bunch of musicians. They give forth pure, in-your-face brutality. A soundtrack of violence. I love this shit. Ira Harris - drums, Pat Mello - bass, Pat Vigil - vocals, Sonny Reinhardt - guitars and Greg Valencia - guitars/vocals are Watch Them Die. Who are quite possibly the heart and soul of the next generation of extreme music. Definitely one to watch out for in the coming years. Intense technical skills rank this one right up there with any of the other great Bay Area thrashers. “Bastard Son” is not an album that needs to be sold to you as a consumer, but passed on as a devote metal head. From one to another, check out Watch Them Die today. www.watchthemdie.com www.centurymedia.com

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Peter Tagtgren & Co. are back , and the ‘Virus’ is starting to spread. Fueled by the aggression of the more classic Hypocrisy sounds. The first two tracks, “Warpath and Scrutinized” are just full speed ahead extreme metal. Hypocrisy style. By the third track, “Fearless” they slip into the more melodic style, chorus style that filled their last release ‘The Arrival’ . “Craving For Another Killing, Blooddrenched and Compulsive Psychosis” find the sheer beauty in brutality that keep Hypocrisy at the top of the extreme metal scene. Where as “Let The Knife Do The Talking, A Thousand Lies, Incised Before I’ve Ceased and Living To Die” are more on the melodic death side of the spectrum. All are very standout worthy. A very well produced album where each track flows into the next with the precision only “The Godfather of Gothenburg” and his cohorts can accomplish. If in the past couple albums you’ve been disillusioned by Hypocrisy, fear no more. ’Virus’ will indeed infect your metal soul. www.hypocrisy.tv  www.nuclearblastusa.com

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I have been listening to this release, ‘8 Deadly Sins’ for sometime now. And I agree with other critics in that Manticora, have got to be Denmark’s finest power metal band. ‘8 Deadly Sins’ is a concept album. A superbly done concept album I might add. Roughly, the storyline is about a man who is on his death bed and is reflecting on his past. It’s not some lamely written story line that just goes from thought to thought. This is, in fact, a very thought-provoking plot. Power metal at it’s finest. Manticora are Lars F Larsen - vocals, Kristian Larsen - guitars, Mads Volf - drums and Kasper Gram - bass. Another release from Nightmare Records that is just absolutely astonishing. A delectable blend of powerful drums and quick riffing blended with just the right amount of melody, with vocals that soar to the heavens. And despite the fact that this album has a countless number of standout out tracks on it, I could only narrow it down to the top four in my mind. “Playing God, It Feels Like The End, Enigma and Help Me Like No One Can”. Truly a terrific masterpiece of some of the best epic power metal ,with a symphonic/progressive edge, out there today. I really look forward to hearing more from Manticora in the near future. www.manticora.dk www.nightmare-records.com

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Moonlight Agony are Chitral Somapala - vocals, Kalle Landin - guitars, Rikard Petersson - guitars, Martin Mellstrom - keyboards, Christofer Starnefalk - bass and Robert Millstadt -drums. I am myself hearing this band for the first time. Moonlight Agony are a Swedish dark/symphonic power/progressive metal band. Yes, all of the above. And very good I must add. There are so damn many bands of this genre these days, that in a round about way, can not be pigeon-holed into their own category. One good thing for us as the listeners is that they are not shit bands. This is not like one of those ‘80’s metal fads. Most are incredibly talented and are writing great material. Moonlight Agony are one of those bands that, in my book are ranked right up there with the top of their genre. ‘Echoes Of A Nightmare’ was co-produced by Tom S. Englund (Evergrey) and features his guitar work on the track “Equilibrium”. Also appearing on the album doing vocals on the track “Icy Plains” is his wife Carina Englund. With that, you already know that is an outstanding track. Great guitars throughout and Chitral’s soaring vocals are a perfect match in every song. Moonlight Agony should be busting through the seems with this release. And might I add, there are many places you can go to get yourself a copy of this disk. So go get it. If your into the likes of Evergrey, Brainstorm, Thunderstone, Helloween and Blind Guardian, you’re going to really dig Moonlight Agony. www.moonlightagony.com www.nightmare-records.com

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This is the third disk out for this brutal, Italian two-piece death metal band. Not quite sure how they pull off touring, if they do, I’m sure they would. Any how, Carmine covers the drums/backing clear and electronic voice sample and Angelo takes care of the guitars/bass/vocals on this release. Now they do have a new one out after this, but you need to give one a listen as well. The new disk is entitled, ’They Are As Us’. Rising Moon have been spewing out some very technical and melodically brutal death metal in the vien of Hyprocrisy. They follow the whole alien theme in their lyrics as well. Abductions, experiments and invasions. It’s all here. Some very fine music here. A must have for any tech/death head out there. Very good production as well. The twelve tracks on this disk run about 56 minutes. For fans of Hyprocrisy, Dimension Zero and December.  www.risingmoon.it www.metalfortress.com

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This three-piece consists of Martin Karlsson - bass, Matti Almsenius - guitars/vocals and Daniel Erladsson - drums. This Swedish evil metal is very reminiscent to that of some of the eighties old school style of thrash/sludge. The vocals are that of the Lemmy persuasion. At least pretty damn close in comparison. The lyrical topics rage from day to day life to death and destruction. All the tracks remain fairly heavy and driving throughout the disk. There are a few melodic parts as well. If you are into the likes of old Metal Church, BLS, Motorhead, Superchrist and Omegalord. Then you’re going to have to check these guys out. Some stand out track, “Revengia, Matricide and Halloween.” A very good listen throughout. Some real head-banging shit from Revengia. From the double-bass drums to the crunchy guitar sound, Revengia bring some serious ass-kickin’ metal to your ears. Definitely a band to keep you eye on in the coming year. www.revengia.se www.metalfortress.com

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Non Opus Dei were formed in 1997 in Poland. Thus being a Polish black metal band. Their sound is that of a unique blend. A “Slavic-style approach to black metal best described as a mixture of the epic era of Bathory, mixed with some touches of Czech legends Root.” They also take a dark and sinister path down Satanic alley with their lyrics. Hail Satan and the Satanic philosophy of thinking is the main topic of each track. All that is dark. All that is true. Hail Satan. Honour, Darkness, Might, Victory. Most of the songs are, I believe sang in Polish. At least that is what it looks like to me. Over all, each track is delivered pretty well for being black (satanic) metal. The disk is not chalked full off ripping, hundred mile an hour guitars and machine gun blast beats. Which, alone in itself is very refreshing. I can’t think of any other band that I’ve heard for quite sometime that remotely reminds me of what I’m hearing here. If you’re a metal head slightly interested in the darker side of metal, that being of true Satanic origin, Non Opus Dei is one to introduce you. I also believe some of those into doom will enjoy what this disk has to offer.  www.metalfortress.com

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“Fueled by the scarred soundscapes of the Scandinavian scene, Overthrone have taken a decidedly blackened approach to song craft.” That what it says. And so holds true. Overthrone are Toby Nickels (drums, vocals, synth) and Nathan Nickels (guitars, bass). These two guys, I’m assuming brothers, do a fantastic job on this latest demo. The demo consists of three new tracks being, “One Of The Missing, Rot and A Desolated Creation”. You Also get three remixed songs titled “Trivial Demise, Departure and Terres Astraea Reliquit”. each track is very well written and recorded. This is black metal with some talent. Not what you would expect from a two piece band. I’d like to see some additional musicians for some live shows. In most cases, the addition of outsiders, tends to change a groups style and sound. This is something we do not want here. This is probably one of the best black metal demos released this year. I have not received too many, so I’m gonna rank it up high. Very well done. Overthrone’s music is very much in the vein of Cradle Of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, Dissection and Unshrouded Bitterness. A must have for any black metal junkie. Check them out on Metal Warrants Radio. Or head over to their site for more information.overthrone@hotmail.com www.geocities.com/overthroneband

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Slip on over to the prog side if you will. Sandalinas is a prog/power metal outfit formed around Spanish guitar virtuoso, Jordi Sandalinas. And with that in mind, I will introduce the rest of the extraordinary musicians that make up the players on this release. Apollo Papathanasio - vocals, Victor Casado - guitars, Xavier Monfort - bass, Xavier Perez - drums and Marcus Palsson - keyboards. Liking what he heard from some demo tapes, King Diamond’s Andy La Rocque jumped on board to produce this venture. I believe he also plays some guitar on the second track “All Along The Everglades”. Right from the start you get some driving metal. Something that reminds me of Badlands. Maybe a touch heavier though. Mixed into the fold is plenty of melody as well. The first track “Living On The Edge” has a very catchy groove to it with one of those choruses that your singing along to after a couple lines. Same goes for the next track. Apollo’s vocals are out of this world. The music throughout seems to compliment him very well. Some of the guitar riffing has a very infectious sound to it. Each of the ten tracks here a very well done. Some being a bit mellower than the next, but all have that prog vibe to them. “Follow Me, If It Wasn’t For You and Die hard” are very mainstream radio worthy. While songs like “The Conqueror, Back In Time and The Ritual Of Truth” are more for the heavy shows. And but of course, a couple of power ballads in “The Day The Earth Stood Still and Heaven In You”. So what type of metal are you into? If it ranges from Iron Maiden, Queensryche, Rainbow to Hollow or Brimstone, you’ll indeed enjoy this album. For the rest of you, Sandalinas is an incredible metal band. A touch on the lighter side, but once you hear what comes from your speakers, you’ll be hooked. When the thought of great prog metal bands, or just metal bands in general, an unfamiliar name needs to be slipped into the stack. The name is Sandalinas. Remember it. This is a band that will do well.  www.sandalinas.com www.nightmare-records.com

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Who said only the U.S. knew how to do hardcore? Well, probably someone from the U.S. Behold Europe’s most respected, controversial and hard-edged, hardcore bands. Denmark’s very own Barcode. This seems to be Barcode’s 6^th release. This is pure NY style hardcore. Their sound, on this release reminds me of some early Sick Of It All and Full Blown Chaos. Like any abrasively vocal hardcore act, Barcode tells it like they see it. If you have feelings that you do not want hurt, be forewarned. Nothing is held back within the lyrics. The music is very catchy and groove-laden hardcore. One listen makes you want to get up and smash something. This is freestyle hardcore, superbly done. A must addition to any hardcore fans collection. Having ‘Showdown’ out on Nuclear Blast has opened a great opportunity to spread their music to a wider audience of potential hardcore fans. I’m telling you, Barcode can throw down with the best of ‘em. Check them out for yourself. 16 tracks of aggressive, no-holds barred, pure hard-fuckin-core music. No joke. www.nuclearblastusa.com www.barcodehardcore.dk

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Germany’s Disbelief return to the masses with their 6^th full length release “66sick”. Sick indeed. Disbelief bestow onto you a dramatic spectrum of melodic, yet aggressive music for the senses. A wide range of influences from the band are to blame here. With their early beginnings in the death and grind scene, maturing into something a bit more technical and thought-provoking. Whatever direction Disbelief are heading in their music careers, the stop at “66sick” is a stop in the right direction for this reviewer. Doom-laden grooves full of strength an intensity. I can never truly pick a certain genre to say, “hey that’s my favorite”, and with bands like Disbelief, you don’t have to. Tight rhythm sections, distinctive guitar riffing and unworldly screams. From sludgy, to thrash, it’s all here. Disbelief deliver an album for the new millennium. Some stand out tracks ,’ Sick, Rewind It All (Death Or Glory), Lost In Time and To Atone For All’. Disbelief show how to get it done without compromising the integrity of what their music stands for. Their fans will be ecstatic. The rest of you will thoroughly enjoy this one. www.nuclearblast.de www.disbelief.de

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The guys of Malice420 are back with some serious death metal for the masses. This follow-up to the colossal sounds of “Hateful Preachings…For A Mindless People”, takes a bit of a turn. “Hateful Preachings..” , with many death metal elements, leaned more towards a hardcore/trash sound. Mainly thrash. On this five track Ep, they seem to have torn down the thrash barrier a bit. They seem more death influenced on this go around. Not any melodic stuff, nor bumbling blast beats of annoyance. Straight up extreme metal the way it is intended. Honest, heavy and to the point. There are no glorious overdubs or keyboards. I’m not sure if this is a step back to there roots, or a step forward in the maturity of their sound. I do know that it is a step in the right direction. Very well done. And if you have ever seen these guys live, (which is a must), the four original tracks on this disk will blend nicely into their set. A great show they do put on. Track titles are, ‘The Opportunist, Clown Shoes, Purified By Pain, Sickness and Death Or Glory”. “Death Or Glory” being a cover of the Six Feet Under song. It kills. So you need to check out Malice420. If you’re into the likes of Six Feet Under, Pissing Razors, Funeral Age or Blot Mine, Malice420 will be your next favorite band. Any additional information on Malice420 can be sought after at the bands website, or e-mail us here and we’ll make sure you get in contact.  www.malice420.com

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www.thelanfear.com www.nightmare-records.com

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Wow, what more do you need to know here besides doomsday is here. Out less than a month now, if you haven’t gotten your copy yet, you suck. Arch Enemy do not disappoint on the follow-up to the highly successful “Anthems Of Rebellion”. Do you need to be reminded how amazing Angela Gossgow is on vocals? Accompanied by the intricate, astonishing guitar playing of the Amott brothers with Sharlee D’Angelo on bass and Daniel Erlandson on drums. This is a thrash heads wet dream come true for a line-up. One listen and that goes for this latest release as well. If I graded on a 10 scale, this would be a 10 plus. But I don’t so I’ll just have to come up with one word to sum it all up. Perfect . Not a fancy word, but simply put, the truth. Arch Enemy are one of those bands that have an incredible knack for blending melody and aggression with death metal overtones using such a technical execution that one often wonders are they real or not. If you got a chance to catch them this summer on Ozzfest, they proved that they are very real. My vote gives them the best act on that whole second stage line-up. Well now I could run through all the songs and give a low down, but I’d just be repeating myself on all eleven tracks. All of them standout. All of them are superb, and all of them are done as only Arch Enemy can do. You can catch a sample of the single “Nemisis” on the bands website. If you don’t go there, head to the Century Media website and just order your copy NOW!!!! I put my personal guarantee on it. I guarantee that if you do not like this release, you have no taste in music. www.archenemy.net www.centurymedia.com

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In an age where a ton of bands say they have a sound of their own and don’t, where they say they don’t abide by the trends of the day and do, and just for the rest who are just fucking lame while rolling through the gears trying to make a buck or just to say they’re in a band, here comes Omegalord. Now I don’t say this to downplay Omegalord, but they are a band that will probably never make it bit. Why you ask? Because they are good. That’s why. And that’s all you really need to know. Their sound is not exactly all their own. It touches a bit towards Alabama Thunderpussy, C.O.C., Clutch and BLS. Heavy , southern style, stoner metal. That is about what I would call it. And there is no letting up throughout the disk. All ten tracks rock some serious ass. Some real heavy, groove laden shit. This is a metal band playing metal old school style. As lame as saying old-school sounds. Omegalord’s ‘Hammer Down’, is a must own for any hard rocking, metal fan out there. There’s no make-up, silly masks or gimmicks to this band. Just pure, straight, in your face metal. Omegalord style. Definitely head over to their website for a listen, and more info.  www.omegalord.com

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And yet another Norwegian prog-metal band, and another great find for Nuclear Blast Records. Any more if someone says a metal band is from Norway, and no matter the genre, you can almost bet the farm on the fact that their going to be good. Communic are just that. Good. Now I can’t say that just the most incredible I’ve heard, but ever song on this disk is done very well, with as much technicality and passion any prog band could possibly give. Communic have that familiar power/prog sound as many do. With some parts melodic and some others on a bit more thrashy side. Symphony X, Time Requiem or Nevermore come to mind. As do Evergrey , Brainstorm or Forsaken. This is a three-piece with a massive sound. Communic are Oddleif Stensland - guitars/vocals, Tor Atle Andersen - drums and Erik Mortensen - bass. Oddleif and Tor are both former bandmates of the group Scariot. And Erik is Oddleif’s former Ingermanland bandmate. Peter Jensen( ex-Sinphonia) provided the session keyboards which provide the album with a more atmospheric feel and gives the tracks a fuller sound. Wonder if they’ll have a touring keyboard player? Even with the shortest track on the disk being 6:44 and the longest being 10:54, don’t let this be a deterrent as there are no long drawn out sections to any of the songs on the disk. Great song structuring and powerful compositions. The vocals, guitars, bass, drums and keys all fall together and flow extremely well throughout. So I’d tend to disagree with some others out there. But this is just my opinion. Be aware. Communic “deliver quality, variety and innovation” for any metal fan out there. www.communic.org www.nuclearblast.de

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This is the third release from this amazingly talented Finnish quintet. From beginning to end, every portion of this disk leaves you in a state of awe. Each track has catchy choruses, shredding guitars and some of the most unbelievably passionate sounding vocals I’ve heard in quite some time. This is power metal Thunderstone style. Great melodies throughout that all but showcase the true genius that can be called one of today’s premier metal bands. Thunderstone are : Pasi Rantanen - vocals, Nino Laurenne - guitars/vocals, Kari Tornack - keyboards, Titus Hjelm - bass/vocals, Mirka Rantanen - drums. This is a must release for any metal head who is even remotely into some of the lighter, melodic types of power metal. Anyone into Dream Theater, Evergrey, Pyramaze, Seven Witches, Amorphis or Queensryche. Guess what? Your new favorite band is unleashing their ‘ Tools Of Destruction’ upon the world. Don’t hesitate on this one. You’ll be sorry. Standout tracks on the disk, all of them. www.thunderstone.org www.nuclearblast.de

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www.darkane.com www.nuclearblast.de

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German thrashers, Dew Scented are back with a vengeance with their fifth and latest release, ’Issue VI’. Dew Scented may possibly be the future of thrash metal. There’s no “ new breed “ of thrash here, but very intense, old school brutality with some fierce technicality. Death-like vocals seer their way through the super heavy drum beats accompanied by some of the most horrific leads just this side of a Kerry King solo. For any who has not been acquainted with Dew Scented as of yet, that is the only way to closely describe their sound. Strong, Slayer type thrash. Not one track on this disk ever lets up for a second. That’s one thing that seems so overdone anymore these days. The mixture of melodic melodies with death or thrash metal. Not that I’m putting that down or anything, but ’Issue VI’ , believe it or not, is very refreshing in this aspect. Pure thrash adrenaline on all twelve tracks. If I were to list some stand out tracks on ’Issue VI’, I would have to list them all. So we’ll just leave it at that. Alexander Pahl - bass, Leif Jensen - vocals, Hendrek Bache - guitars and Uwe Werning - drums are Dew Scented. And they are absolutely remarkable. For all fans of metal. Neck-breaking thrash, served up ferociously. So be prepared for an ass- kickin’. Highly recommended. And highly anticipating their U.S. tour fall/winter of ’05. Check out one of the sites below for more info on one of the most dynamic metal bands today. www.dew-scented.de www.nuclearblast.de

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Conceived back in ‘97 by founding members Michael DeGrena - vocals and Michael Chiccitt - guitars ,under the moniker ‘Templar’, the band has since been through a few other players and some critically acclaimed releases. As well as several compilation/tribute albums. 2001 came and the guys decided to change their name. For whatever reason I don’t know. Maybe Order Of Nine sounds better? I think so. Anyways, ‘Season Of Reign’ is the bands second release under this title. Now with a worldwide distribution deal, nothings going to stop them now. ‘Order Of Nine’ are Class A , U.S. power metal . From the U.S. even. Now there’s one you don’t hear very often. I believe Pennsylvania is where they call home. DeGrena’s vocals are hauntingly amazing. Very hard to pin a comparison for me. Think of Geoff Tate trying to bellow like Barry White. Well maybe not that low. Let’s just say there is a unique vocal sound, with wide range here that fits in very well with the craftsmanship of each tract. Crunchy/doom laden riffs abound. For those who have said true metal in the States has died, has not caught wind of ‘Order Of Nine’. They have been compared to older Queensryche, Sanctuary and Jag Panzer. Fans of early Iced Earth, Black Destiny, Brainstorm and Screaming Shadows will thoroughly enjoy. As well as any into the power/prog genres. Track Listing is as follows “ Learn The Way, Some Sort Of God, Bloodline, The End, Moment Of Weakness, Vow Of Silence, Bull Run, A Matter Of Pride, Somnia Requiem, Betrayal and Nameless”. U.S. power metal the way it was intended to be. Check out ‘Order Of Nine’ today. www.orderofnine.com www.nightmare-records.com

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Deadly Sin is a superb progressive/power metal band from Paderborn, Germany. Formed in’98 , the group currently consists of Ross Thompson - vocals, Nikko Schaffranek - guitars/keys, Markus Nulle - drums and Stefan Schwenger - bass. After releasing three pretty successful demos from ‘98 to ‘01, and a few line-up changes, Deadly Sin were ready for their debut full length. Deadly Sin’s mission from the beginning was to form a band that is reminiscent to the 80’s power metal sound. Well they do just that. ‘Sunborn’, from start to finish, has a colossal sound to it. Excellent musicianship throughout each track. From “ The Awakening to The Raven And The Mirror to Into Dementia”, Deadly Sin will leave you only wanting more. There are many elements familiar in their music. There seems to be a lot of Iron Maiden and Metallica style riffing going on. They have what it takes to merge these two styles into their own. This is a fantastic release. So if you’re into the 80’s style power metal, welcome to the 21^st century and Deadly Sin. They will fulfill all your head banging needs. Highly recommended. Check out Metal Warrants Radio to hear the track “Into Dementia”. www.deadly-sin.de www.nightmare-records.com

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The debut release by this Danish/American outfit is pretty damn good. Pyramaze are a melodic speed metal band with ever so memorable progressive tendencies. Melodic speed metal. That sounds kind of funny if you think about it. I use it to describe bands all the time, as well as others do, so there you have it. Pyramaze are backed the amazing vocal talent Lance King( Gemini / King’s Machine / Balance of Power / Defiance / Empire / Mattsson), Michael Kammeyer - guitars, Johan Weingarten - keyboards, Niels Kvist - bass and Morten Gade on drums. This band is set to impress with nine tracks of elegant intensity. Excellent musicianship and song writing throughout. If you’re into Amorphis, Destiny’s End, Helloween, Therion or Evergrey to name a few, trust me on this one, you’re gonna totally be into Pyramaze. I’ve received a lot of great disks lately, especially of this genre. But I must say, this is one that’s been in the car cd player the longest. They sound so familiar yet they bring forth a sound all their own. Make sense? Well not to me either. Just check them out. Pyramaze do not disappoint. www.nightmare-records.com www.intromental.com/pyramaze pyramaze@intromental.com

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Sometimes I find myself in deep thought. And when in this deep thought, I sometimes wonder what the hell some people are thinking when they hit the record button. And why someone could listen to more than a couple songs from Key Dragon and not tell them how badly they sound. Don’t these guys have any friends? I know my writings crap, but man. Maybe this was put out as a joke? Either way, it is definitely not anything a can stand for more then a few minutes at a time. I did honestly give it two full listens. And boy was it painful. From a huge list of influences from Devo to Dimmu Borgir to Type O Negative, to having musicians whose backgrounds include speed, death, classical, blues and the good ole rock-n-roll. Saxophones, cheesy kiddy type keyboards. Drum machine sounding beats. The lyrics are a whole other story. I tell you it’s all here. It all starts out with a butchering of Type O’s “Christian Woman” with their own lyrics titled ,’Fire Red Perception’, and the song ’The Licking Flame’ where founder and main instrumentalist Ron Langford once again shows that Key Dragon needs to stay away from other peoples music as they stumble through the notes to , “Black No. 1 “. I swear it’ll make you want to cry. My advice, whether anyone should listen, is that before you go and call yourself a gothic/power/doom metal band, at least learn how to play one of the genres. There is a track, ‘Twisted Hearts/Broken Minds’ on Metal Warrants Radio. Have a listen for yourself. Or check them out at the address below. Sorry Ron and Co. You guys should have waited till you were better before sending this out. www.keydragon.com

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If there was ever a band that can stand out, above all else with their own sound, style and attitude, who would you say? Okay. Slayer was probably your first answer. Second on that list would have to be Soulfly. The great Max Cavalera is on the top of the heap. Well as far as I could tell up till now Soulfly were on their own in the sound they have created. In comes the Hungarian band, Ektomorf. The band was founded in ‘94. Just over 10 years ago by the Farkas brothers Zoltan (vocals/guitars) and Csaba (bass). Now normally I can give the usual constructive criticism of a band that closely copies another band and say “hey you’ve got some talent, go write your own music” and have a nice day. Ektomorf are so close to sounding like Soulfly it’s sickening. Well maybe more creepy. Well Soulfly fucking kills so guess what? So does Ektomorf. I don’t think Max will ever have anything to worry about. With the legendary status he possess, no one can come close to touching him. I can’t say what their earlier stuff sounds like, although I’m very curious to hear some, but this is pure Soulfly influenced, stomping aggression fueled hate of a kick ass album. It’s tough to list a couple of favorite tracks off the disk as the whole thing rocks. “Set Me Free, Show Your Fist and Instinct” are the first three and are just as to look out for as the rest. Sepultura, Fear Factory, Soulfly fans take notice. Ektomorf are coming to “Fuck You All” up by “Instinct” for you to all “Show Your Fist” and make you “Burn” with “The Holy Noise” in this great “Land Of Pain”, “Until The End”, “I Will” “Set Me Free” as “ I Break You” as if “You Get What You Give” in a so called “United Nation”. There’s a play on the song titles for you all. Sorry about that. Check out Ektomorf. They’re fucking cool.  www.ektomorf.com  www.nuclearblast.de

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