Hackneyed ‘Death Prevails’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

Well, you will be amazed with this debut offering on Nuclear Blast Records by German death metal band Hackneyed. Not only is it a stunningly exceptional extreme/death metal album, the average age of this band is only 16. Yes 16. The youngest member being just 14.

Having only formed just over a year ago, Hackneyed were already gigging in mid-2007. This is a brand of death metal that will be embraced by many extreme metal fans. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think that these guys have been ripping it up for decades.

Musically, ‘Death Prevails’ is just as good as modern death metal gets. With more of a tribute to the legends of old, Hackneyed are prepared to take on the world with their machine-gun like precision and plenty doses of serious groove accompanied by some of the most vicious dual guitar attacks I’ve heard in a long time. The growling vocals are deep, convincing and understandable.

Ken Snyder ‘Progressive By Nature’ (Sore Throat Productions) By John Haseltine

Here is yet another guitar great putting out an all instrumental album. ‘Progressive By Nature’ feature 12 tracks of incredible guitar work by Ken Snyder. All the tracks are very catchy and very well written. An extremely well rounded mixture of hard rock, blues and heavy metal.

Just a brief list of Ken’s influences may shed a bit of light on this CD’s sound. They include Ritchie Blackmore, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen.

Ken has been around for some time now. Picking up his first axe at the age of 13, he was hooked from there on out making his destiny of being ranked up there with the music industries best. I think he has accomplished that.

Gary Schutt ‘Loss 4 Words’

(Palisade Records/Shut Up Productions) By john Haseltine

Best known as touring bassist/guitarist for Jeff Scott Soto, master multi-instrumentalist Gary Schutt offers up his latest creation ‘Loss 4 Words’.

This being Gary’s seventh studio release, he decided to show off his talents on the guitar by writing guitar-based instrumental tunes. This compilation of 17 tracks really shows the extraordinary musicianship of Gary Schutt. Musically the disc is a great listen. It varies through several aspects of rock, hard rock to metal. Nothing really flashy or overbearing as you find with a lot of guitar-based instrumental albums. There is plenty of experimentation through out the disc that really highlights Gary’s influences and writing abilities.

‘Loss 4 Words’ also features some of Gary’s close friends as guest musicians which include Neal Schon (Journey), Oz Fox (Stryper), Bryan Beller (Steve Via, Dethklok), Jim Casey (Hartke’s greatest unsigned bassist) and Jeff Thal (Bumblefoot).

Also included here is a DVD which contains alternate versions of a couple tracks, some unreleased material, music videos and access to exclusive web content. I’ve checked out the web content, and you’ll be surprised. Can’t tell though.

Chrome Division ‘Booze, Broads, And Beelzebub’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

After the smashing success of their debut release ‘Doomsday Rock -N- Roll’, Norway’s latest sensation in the world of music comes firing with all guns blazing on this fabulous sophomore release.

There’s really nothing to pick apart here. This 13 track release is filled full of what it’s title describes. ‘Booze, Broads, And Beelzebub’. An intense ride! Norwegian style.

Sure there are slight resemblances to another great rock-n-roll outfit (Motorhead), but the Chrome Division sound is all on it’s own. Very catchy riffs and memorable choruses that have you singing along by second listen. And there biker metal influenced cover of ZZ Top’s ’Sharp Dressed Man’ is simply awesome.

Chrome Division consists of Shagrath - rhythm guitars, Eddie Guz - vocals, Ricky Black - lead guitars, Luna - bass & Tony White on drums.

Metal Church ‘This Present Wasteland’ (SPV/Steamhammer) By John Haseltine

To be honest, I really have lost touch with the band after the release of 1989’s ‘Blessing In Disguise’. I still own the first three releases and regard them very highly on the list of all time great metal albums. Especially their debut. No real reason why I stopped following the band except for the fact of too many bands, too little time. Yes I know, shitty excuse. Sorry.

Well 2008 sees the release of their latest metal opus, ‘The Present Wasteland’. And I must say, wow!!! Critics have been hailing this as some of their strongest material to date. I can’t agree with that, but in the same sense, can’t disagree. This is a superb offering by these metal legends.

Metal Church are : Ronny Munroe - vocals, Kurdt Vander hoof - guitars, Rick van Zant - guitars, Steve Unger - bass and Jeff Plate - drums.

Like I said before, I really can not go back and compare this to the past releases I’ve missed out on over the past 18 years, but I can say if there is only one album this fall to recommend, it will be this one.

Holy Moses ‘Agony Of Death’ (Wacken Records/SPV) By John Haseltine

Holy Moses? More like holy crap! Wait, crap is in NO WAY to be taken as a bad thing. The new album by these German thrash legends is note for note, “red-hot thrash metal” that is hands down, one of the best releases I’ve heard all year. No crap.

With ‘Agony Of Death’ being the bands 12^th release over the past 20 plus years in existence, it’s a hard one to swallow the fact that they are not more of a household name here in the states. Their sound/style has not changed too much over the years. Only matured. They still possess their trademark aggression, expression, power, technique, complexity and diversity that has let them survive the ever changing landscapes of metal over past two decades.

With one listen of this album, you too will wonder why they are not spoken in the same context as Arch Enemy. Holy Moses are equally as great as Arch Enemy. Or should I say it the other way around?

Sabina Classen’s vocals are in top-notch form on this one. Classen & Co. have put out yet another, truly remarkable thrash album that any metal head would be proud to own. They also retouch on a few classics such as “Finished With The Dogs (1987)“ and “The New Machine Of Liechtenstein (1989)“. There is a lot of feeling behind the music here. Holy Moses are thrash metal. True to the genre, true to themselves, true to the fans.

Iced Earth ‘The Crucible Of Man (Something Wicked Pt.2)’

(SPV/Steamhammer) By John Haseltine

Whereas in the first part of the story Iced Earth explored a period spanning 10,000 years using gripping flashbacks, everything now focuses on the last 2000 years right up to the present.

And what a great present day it is for Iced Earth fans. The next chapter in the Something Wicked story line comes at you with 15 spectacular tracks that basically pick up where the last album left off. States Schaffer, “All the material for the two albums was created at the same time giving the sound it’s strong continuity.” In ‘The Crucible Of Man’ the songs get an even darker, almost harder edge.

And unless you’re a mushroom (no offense to the mushrooms out there) or just have no contact with the outside world, you all know that Matt Barlow is back in the fold. I was able to catch a show earlier this year, and Matt sounded great. Almost a newly rekindled spirit to the band. Welcome back Matt.

I want to put this in for a bit of explanation for you all. This excerpt is from the press release. “ The main character in this modern legend, Set Abominae, savior to the Setian culture and Anti-Christ to mankind, has come to take revenge on the horrors of the past and to protect everything sacred, and finally to restore Setian life on Earth. “Basically humanity has not really changed”, say Jon Schaffer. “In some cases we have become a bit more clever, for example we have managed to set up the internet and have extended our knowledge of physics, chemistry and biology. But one thing has remained static: We continue to deceive ourselves while manipulating and dominating others.” Is there a moral to this story then, a message, a lesson to be learned? “Yes there is:, says Schaffer, “It is all about individual honesty. In my view this alone is the key to the true evolution of mankind, and within the ‘Something Wicked’ storyline it is the only thing that will save mankind from extinction on Earth.”

Hope that puts a little bit of light on things if you have not been following real close. Musically, it’s Iced Earth where they left off last. Strong, powerful melodies, catchy riffs and Barlow. Need I saw more?

Dark Fortress ‘Eidolon’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

Since their dark beginnings in 1994, German black metal outfit Dark Fortress have steadily been establishing themselves throughout Europe and the rest of the world with their sophisticated brand of darkened, black metal.

This release sees the band doing a conceptual piece. Within the nine tracks, the album describes the initiation, dehumanization and unearthly rebirth of a transcending soul by mirror magic and astral projection. An Eidolon is a Greek concept of an astral double of a living being or a “mirror”. The concept describes a magic mirror ritual as while a person is in a trance, the surface of the mirror is used as a gate to enter a new dimension. Three songs each make up the albums three chapters.

Musically, Dark Fortress are very heavy. They do lean towards a slightly melodic side of black metal. Not chaotic. Excellent musicianship here. And no keyboards. They can be compared to Dimmu Borgir, some Celtic Frost to 1349, Sethral, Summon, Shemhamphorash and Paragon Belial.

Mongrel  ‘Fear, Lies & Propaganda’

(Screaming Ferret Wreckords/Immolation Records)  By John Haseltine

Okay, these guys rock!

Mongrel are a punk/metal band with an influence list too long to mention. Some do include the likes of The Misfits and Black Flag to Guns & Roses to old-school Metallica. Their sound is a hard rockin’ mix of punk and metal with bits and pieces of the late ‘90’s Seattle sound. Just the right amounts of each that will leave you flabbergasted.

‘Fear, Lies & Propaganda’ was originally released by Immolation Records in late ‘06 and re-released by Screaming Ferret Records earlier this year.

Having opened for bands like Prong, The Misfits, Otep, The Exploited, GWAR and MushroomHead to name a few, Mongrel are fast on their way to success. With relentless touring and dozens upon dozens of radio stations playing their music, Mongrel are ready to take on the world with their pulverizing brand of music.

Each and every track is very infectious in it’s own way while never sounding just like the last one. All the way refreshing yet familiar at the same time. A very well rounded album that is sure to please many music fans of several genre preferences.

Mongrel is in a class of their own and coming to a theater near you. Keep an eye out and check out their music today.

Krisiun ‘Southern Storm’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

What is it that has kept this Brazilian three-piece going for more than 15 years? You’ve got it! Integrity, brutality and an undying fervor for the uncompromising and unrelenting art of pure fucking death metal.

Krisiun are one of the very few bands in any genre of music that can claim consistency from one release to the next. They have also successfully ignored any trends or fad of the day that many bands try to copy for success.

‘Southern Storm’ sees Krisiun’s legendary style of death metal moving not back, not forward, but right where it is meant to be with it’s “ferocious high-speed blasting, infectious double bass-driven grooves, razor sharp ripping, devasting leads and a unique feel for combining catchiness with deceivingly technical riffs.”

Hats off to Krisiun for yet another devastating album. ‘Southern Storm’ will do nothing but please the true fans of the genre and for keeping the independent spirit of death metal alive.

Hammerfall ‘Masterpieces’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

The mighty Hammerfall are back with a spectacular collection of tracks that have inspired Hammerfall as well as many others throughout the years. Yes, a full fledged cover song album. There really is no need to explain the stunning musicianship that is Hammerfall.

If you have not heard them by now, maybe their music is not quite in the genre you listen to (which is okay) or you are just too narrow-minded to really grasp what a great band they really are. This is Hammerfall from fuckin’ Sweden!!! Ha, ha.

Enough said on that. Okay, here is a list of the cover songs Hammerfall have put onto this great new release on Nuclear Blast Records. Also listed is the band who originally recorded it.

Child Of The Damned - Warlord, Ravenlord - Stormwitch, Eternal Dark - Picture, Bavk to Back - Pretty Maids, I Want Out - Helloween, Man On The Silver Mountian - Rainbow, Head Over Heals - Accept, Run With The Devil - Heavy Load, We’re Gonna Make It - Twisted Sister, Breaking The Law - Judas Priest, Angel Of Mercy - Chastain, Rising Force - Yngwie J. Malmsteen’s Rising Force, Detroit Rock City - Kiss, Crazy Nights - Loudness, Nar Vindarna Viskar Mitt Namn - Roger Pontare, Flight Of The Warrior - Riot, Youth Gone Wild - Skid Row, Aphasia - Europe

Hell of a list eh? Well, it’s a hell of an album as well.

Equilibrium ‘Sagas’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

So with the folk & pagan metal growing ever so vastly in popularity, it’s only obvious that there will be a flood of new bands putting out music in these genres. A couple years ago when I first heard it, I really didn’t think too much about it. It was cool and different.

Over the past couple of years, and several more bands, it is a genre that has really grown on me. It is still fresh and different and I’ve not heard a band yet that I have not liked.

Equilibrium are the latest newcomers to the scene. Formed to play only one show back in 2001, the response they received was so great that it wasn’t long after that they shopped a short demo and landed a record deal.

Their debut on Nuclear Blast is an outstanding array of black metal infused with the folk/pagan/polka styles. An excellent mix of music. Believe it or not. This is a style of music that is not just seeing a rise in popularity in Europe, but here in the States as well. This years Paganfest tour proved that with a great turn out every night.

No stone is left unturned on this superb album. Clocking in at the full 79 minutes one disc will allow, ‘Sagas’ is a non-stop charge of symphonic, black-tinged pagan/folk metal. Lyrically touching on the landscapes and history of their heritage. Extreme metal has a new face, and Equilibrium are smack dab in the middle of it.

Scar Symmetry ‘Holographic Universe’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

Well all the praises are true. If you have seen any of them, everyone is in arms about the latest Scar Symmetry release. And you will be too.

From the first track off their debut release in ‘05 I was hooked. Scar Symmetry are the newest masters of their genre. I’m not real sure if they can write a bad song. After three stunning releases, I’d have to say no.

This one pretty much follows the same recipe which has garnered them world-wide success. Melodic death metal has never sounded so good. They have really fine-tuned the melodic aspect of their music on this release. For no other reason than this is just the direction of the bands progression. They may have eased up a touch, but this is an awesome release.

They have their sights set and minds made up. This is Scar Symmetry music. Like it or not. (And you will, trust me!)

Judas Priest ‘Nostradamus’ (Epic/Sony BMG Music) By John Haseltine

With the hype that has been following an incredible journey by “The Metal Gods” in the making of this album, what is one suppose to think? How is one to prepare for what is said to be the most incredible metal release of the decade? Or century?

I was like a giddy school girl since I first heard the title track teaser that was released online. Anticipating the day or release. To my amazement, a promo copy was sent a week early. Yes, yes, yes….

So for any of you mushrooms out there who may not know yet, Judas Priest has been painstakingly at work for the past two years on a concept album about the life and predictions of Nostradamus. Hence the title. And as a huge Priest fan, I’ve talked about it with many other metal heads for the past two years.

The time has come boys and girls, ‘Nostradamus’ is here!!! And which ever copy you purchase, (the $85 vinyl set is the shit! Got it the day it came out!) there are three different formats for you to choose from. You may or may not be disappointed. With several weeks of listening to the title track, (which sounds like it came from the Painkiller era Priest) I was all but geared up for a slamming new album. At first spin I was just a bit confused. I know that is not hard to do, but really, this was nothing I had expected.

The title track is by far the heaviest track on the two-disc set. And if you old-school Priest fans are expecting hard-driving classic Priest, it is not here. There are several melodic tracks wedged between some of the more hard rock/metal fueled tracks. What is here is an awesome spectacle, a stretching of the heavy metal that this band has been producing for the past three decades. It’s pretty much all here. As well as a sound that is fresh and new to the band.

What is great about the story is that it’s not just about predictions. Something that others have done when writing a song about Nostradamus. But this is more mixed-up than that. This, from track to track reflects on the personal feelings and thoughts of the man. Imagine what he must have gone through back in those days. This album helps to let you the listener in on that aspect. As well as some of the writings/predictions.

This is by far the most remarkable of all concept/rock opera albums out there to date. Classic Priest fans may need a couple more listens to appreciate the awe-inspiring music Priest has made. This is a story that once again needs to be heard. Judas Priest are probably one of the only bands who could have pulled this one off the way they did.

Track number one through track number 23 is like a roller coaster ride of metal frenzie and fury that only Priest can deliver. So some stand out tracks are : ‘Nostradamus, Revelations, Death, Persecution, Visions, Exiled, and Alone’.

Judas Priest do not disappoint on this one. The Metal Gods are back!!!

Vomit Trough ‘It’s Grind’ (Self-Release) By John Haseltine

‘It’s Grind’. Yes it is. Well not as grind as I was expecting. I must say, the lyrics/subject matter definitely is. Some sick shit going on in these tunes. Everything from shit-tadpoles, roast beef hatchet wounds to gen-jowling and legburn.

Musically, Vomit Trough are inspired by the likes of Carcass, Autopsy, Terrorizer and Exhumed. Like I said before, the music was sort of a shock. It really leans a bit more towards the death metal side of things. Fairly well done too.

There’s no genre defying material on this release. Nothing that can really stand out and say look at me, look at me, but a nice solid bit of sickened death metal that is played good.

Curimus  ‘Under My Skin’ (Self-Release) By John Haseltine

The band Curimus is from the city of Loimaa in south-western Finland. The band founded in late 2004 and played their first gig in early 2007.

I was pleasantly surprised upon first listen. Being a metal band from Finland, I automatically assumed I knew what to expect from them. I must say, I was totally wrong. What I found was a heavily American metal influenced set of tunes.

‘Under My Skin’ is the second promo/demo release for the band. Their music can found somewhere in the vicinity of thrash/death metal. The band has an unquestionable strength to their writing and playing. Curimus are sure to start creating a buzz real soon in the industry.

The four tracks contained on this disc are very close in the neighborhood of Lamb Of God, (The Gathering-era) of Testament, with touches of (Arise-era) of Sepultura. Okay so Sepultura are not an American metal band, but it has it’s moments. Very, very reminiscent to Lamb Of God. And very well done I might add.

286 ‘The View Inside’ (Self-Release) By John Haseltine

It’s always a pleasure seeing an envelope in the box when it’s from Southern California’s hard rocker 286. I know for a fact that whatever is on the disc is going to kick some serious-ass.

So true is the case here. Once again. Great job guys! Anyways, ‘The View Inside’ is an EP, or would you call it a single? It’s two tracks and a video of the title track.

Well whatever you want to call it, 286 have outdone themselves again. Two tracks of some of the most ferocious hard rockin’ guitar licks in the industry. 286 has influences ranging from AC/DC and Pantera to BLS and Lynyrd Skynyrd and all the talent and musicianship to back it up.

Scott Ian (Anthrax) states : “I pretty much hate all bands, but I actually really like 286’.

Why even listen to me? The mighty Scott Ian has spoken……

Eluveitie ‘Slania’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

This folk metal band from Switzerland is amongst a growing number of bands in the genre starting to make a wave in the metal community. I can’t speak for any other metal heads, but the thought of this concoction when we were first introduced to it seemed a bit strange. I guess no more than any other mix of genres.

Well, Eluveitie truly take it to the next level. That’s one cool thing with this style of metal. It’s still fresh and new enough that there can be many more releases by many more groups before the ever dreaded sounds like “ “ will come in play.

Their music is very well done. A Celtic folk metal with melodic death metal influences in just the right amount of each to bring forth a really unique sounding brand of music. Sure you can put them up there with other acts like Finntroll, Korpiklaani or Cruachan, but Eluveitie’s music is in a league of it’s own. Touching more so on the melodic death sound that has more grooves than an old 78 record.

So if you’re into the like of the above mentioned bands or Amon Amarth, Unleashed, Insomnium or Swallow the Sun even, this is the disc for you. It really is not only a kick-ass melodic death metal album, but also a kick-ass Celtic folk metal album.

Heaven Shall Burn

‘Iconoclast (Part 1: The Final Resistance)’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

German metal titans Heaven Shall Burn have returned with a devastating new album, ‘Iconoclast (Part 1: The Final Resistance)’. And what a treat it is.

Heaven Shall Burn are no strangers when it comes to laying down some punishing riffs. They have put out several, pretty intense albums since their inception. ‘Iconoclast….’ is no different. Well maybe a touch.

There are so many bands out there in every genre that puts out good music. Some more unique and original than others. Some not so. Heaven Shall Burn are an exception to that rule. Their brand of melodic death metal fueled by a bounty of metal-core in second to none. Not many bands can actually deliver this style of music with such conviction and passion to really make it believable. Heaven Shall Burn do just that.

Warrel Dane ‘Praises To The War Machine’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

Well now, here’s one that you all will be pleasantly surprised with. I was wondering when I received this what it would sound like. A lot of times when a member of an accomplished band puts out a solo effort, it seems to fall short of it’s expectations. I will not any, but most of you may know what I mean.

Teaming up with Peter Wichers (ex-Soilwork), Dirk Verbeuren (Soilwork), and Matt Wick land (ex-Himsa), this new release by Warrel Dane is a must for all.

“The material is more straightforward than Nevermore,” states Warrel, “but I don’t know what to call it.” There’s no need to really call it anything but a great record.

All the tracks, musically, are pretty diverse rolling through much of the metal spectrum. Lyrically, Dane ‘unleashes a barrage of introspective and personal lyrics that are heartfelt and extremely powerful.’ ‘Truly a melodic assault that quickly hooks you in.’

This is definilty a must for all Nevermore fans as there are a few reminiscences of their music. But ultimately, this is Warrel Dane. An effort that sounds even better than the 110% these guys put into it.

Embrace The End ‘Ley Lines’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

This Sacramento-based quintet are blasting their way through the underground scene with a concoction of some technical brutality and groove-laden melody. Yep, and another stating their unmatched brutality is like no other. Sonically, death-core to scream-core metal.

Well, sorry guys. Most of the sophomore release here is just like many other acts in the same type genre. Not saying that they are not good, because that’s not the case. Just that throughout the disc there are so many areas that just remind me of what so many other bands have been doing over the past couple years.

Scathing blast beats accompanied by some fairly intense breakdowns and the ever so popular dual vocalist bombardment. The musicianship flows well here. These guys do have some talent.

With a fresh line-up in place, Embrace The End are ready to take on the world as we know it. Maybe so. An over all descent extreme metal release that is worthy of a listen.

Stereoside ‘So Long’ (Bieler Bros. Records) By John Haseltine

So the date was June 16^th, 2006. I’m at a show to see Drowning Pool & Silent Civilian. Stereoside was the opening act before the above mentioned and Twin Method. Right away I was taken in by their high-energy performance and catchy, heavy-riff filled brand of hard rock.

So after their set, they were at their merch table, and I went over to shake the hand of vocalist Eddie Sweeney and tell him how much I liked their set. His reply, “Thanks. But if you really like us, you’ll buy a CD.” Okay Eddie, you’ve got a point. So I did. I bought a copy of their debut release, “Wake-Up”. I ended up getting hooked on it for a few weeks. Not too often I get caught up into listening to a new straight-up rock band. But I did. It’s a worthy effort that you should really try to track down.

That was then, and this is now. Eddie has since been replaced by Jeff Shields. He seems to fill the shoes well. He seems to have about the same commanding vocals as the previous singer. As for the debut release on Bieler Bros. Records, not quite as strong as “Wake-Up”. It is however a lot more commercial/radio friendly.

The tracks are all fairly hard rockin’ never edging too far past the hard point. They rank right up there with all you Shinedown, Nonpoint, Fuel, Crossfade & Smile Empty Souls out there. There’s no denying the talent and knack Stereoside has for writing fairly familiar, yet memorable radio style hard rock.

Music With Impact (DVD) ‘Various Artists' (Regain Records) By John Haseltine

Regain Records has issued this DVD with a stellar line-up of bands. All the videos are the bands professional studio videos. 23 full-length videos by some of today’s hottest acts. There’s a little bit of something on here for every metal head and is an awesome DVD that is a must for any fans collection. Very nice layout.

Bands and tracks include: Sahg - ‘Godless Faith’, Behemoth - ‘Conquer All / Slaves Shall Serve’, Dimension Zero - ‘Immaculate’, Arch Enemy - ‘Bury Me An Angel’, Embraced - ‘Princess Of Twilight’, Deranged - ‘Eroti(kill)’, Defleshed - ‘Grind & Rewind’, Bronx Casket Co. - ‘Little Dead Girl’, Samael - ‘Telepath’, Vader - ‘This Is The War / Helleluyah!!!(God Is Dead)’, Marduk - ‘Throne Of Rats’, Tenebre - ‘Mistress Of The Dark’, Totalt Javla Morker - ‘Kall Varld’, Nightmare - ‘A Taste Of Armageddon’, Death SS - ‘Give Em Hell’, Dark Funeral - ‘Atrum Regina’, Dismember - ‘Trail Of The Dead’, Ragnarok - ‘Blackdoor Miracle’, Necrophobic - ‘Blinded By Light’ , Mustasch - ‘Parasite’, Sargatanas Reign - ‘Come Greet Me Crawler’.

Ayreon ‘01011001’ (Insideout Music/SPV USA) By John Haseltine

Legendary multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and vocalist Arjen Anthony Lucassen is back with his latest opus in the rock opera genre, ‘01011001’. This is the seventh release under the Ayreon project.

It’s almost nauseating to listen to this in a way. But only in the way that, in this genre of music, this is absolute perfection. In every way. Hard to believe? No not really. Every now and again it happens in every genre. A band puts out such a flawless album that it’s almost sickening.

And so Lucassen does it again. But did you have any doubts? He’s a master of his craft. And with an all-star cast to help out in the story-telling of planet Y (which is the album title in binary computer code) and the struggle for emotional survival in an age of increased technological dependence .

Guest vocalists and musicians include Ty Tabor (King’s X), Michael Romeo (Symphony X), Thomas Bodin (The Flower Kings, Derek Sherinian (Planet X), Ed Warby (Gorefest), Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian, Tom Englund (Evergrey) and Anneke von Giersbergen (The Gathering). Also starring, Jonas Renske, Floor Jensen, Jorn Lande, Magali Luyten, Bob Catley, Steve Lee, Daniel Gildenlow, Simone Simons, Phideaux Xavier, Liselotte Hegt, Wudstik, Marjan Welman.

This 2-disc release clocks in at 102 minutes and you can get it in three different editions. ‘01011001’ comes complete with Ayreon’s trademark musical styles. Progressive space metal, electronic, folk and symphonic rock which combines soaring, power vocals with softer melodic passages. Higher operatic voices with ominous death growls. Truly a unique listening experience that will leave the listener only wanting more.

Devian ‘Ninewinged Serpent’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

Not wanting to be pigeonholed by their previous band moniker, (Marduk), vocalist Legion and Emil-drums set out to bridge the gap between the extreme modern metal of today and the melodic side from days of old.

Well there’s something to be said for that. Same plan everyone else seems to have. Well I’m not real clear on how Devian seem to think they are doing anything really new. I don’t seem to hear the ‘80’s style brand of harmonies and melodies that the band seem to say they portray in their music.

One thing is for sure, Devian do a fantastic job on their debut album. I would call it more of a melodic death metal. It’s an extremely powerful release with sort of an old school vibe built on a “catchy combination of melody and aggression”. Not so much of the melody, but still a solid effort.

All in all, Legion and Co. do a superb job at what they do here. Devian are definilty a band that will be and need to be noticed. And though they are really not doing anything too new to add to the scene, ’Ninewinged Serpent’ is what it is. A potent brand of Scandinavian death metal with plenty of groove to please to masses. Very well done.

Winds Of Plague ‘Decimate The Weak’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

Wow! Holy shit! This is like no other. One thing even weirder, this is a Southern California band. No offense So.Cal. This is just the style that we always hear from Scandinavian/European bands. Incredible.

Well if none of that makes any sense to you, you really just need to sit back and give this latest release by Winds Of Plague a listen. ‘Decimate The Weak’ is the bands sophomore release, first on Century Media.

From the first time I heard this, I have been in sheer awe of the intense brutality the band spews forth. I’ve heard similar attempts at blackened/death-core, but none really have had much of an effect on these ears. Winds Of Plague unleash a furious non-stop attack on the senses in a broad spectrum of metal. Most easily described as death-core, Winds Of Plague blend some helacious Atmospheric Scandinavian black metal with some classier American metal while staying close to there hardcore roots. There’s even keyboards.

I haven’t been able to get enough of this since I received it in the mail a couple weeks ago. It’s hard to describe. Maybe it’s just that I can’t seem to know of any other act out there that is playing this blend of extreme metal. And if they are, I’m not quite sure they could top the sounds of Winds Of Plague.

For fans of Hatebreed, Sick of It All, Dimmu Borgir, Dark Funeral, Lamb Of God, Pantera. Well, after they were all blended up and thrown together. There are subtle elements of each and many more in their intoxicating brand of metal.

Polkadot Cadaver ‘Purgatory Dance Party’ (Rotten Records) By John Haseltine

What do you get when you add equal parts of polka, jazz, metal, rock, acoustical melodies, and techno-goth? A lot of you may say a bunch of crap. The rest of you will probably say Dog Fashion Disco. And like many, I too learned about DFD with the incredible release of ‘Adultery’ in 2006. A little too late now huh? Shortly after it’s release they disbanded. Well sort of.

2007 sees three members of DFD (Todd Smith, Jasan Steep, John Ensminger) picking up where DFD left off. Picking up with a new band Polkadot Cadaver and a slew of new material. Not real sure why they would disband DFD and put out a new album under a different moniker that is essentially the same music and style of their previous band. Chalk it up to frustration? Maybe. I’ve considered the same myself.

Well this new album by avante-garde / experimental metal masters Polkadot Cadaver is just what it is. A display of what very, very few band can achieve. The melding of so many different genres of music into a molting pot of mayhem that is nothing short of extraordinary. Call it mid-boggling, mind-blowing, incredible or whatever. It’s all the same. A kick-ass fusion of music that is now known as Polkadot Cadaver.

Many have put this latest release right up there with the styling of Faith No More, Mr. Bungle to Slayer and their previous band DFD. Really it’s just a new DFD album to me. I’m sure doing it this way means something to the members that myself am unaware of. One thing I can say, this is in a class of it’s own. Sure you can say that this tracks resembles Slayer here or Bungle there, ect., ect., ect. But the real truth is, is that this is DFD at it’s best with a different name. Maybe after another disc or two, most reviewers, myself included will not be referencing DFD in every other line of a review. Same with the fans that DFD has acquired over their 10 year career. Who along with myself were a bit upset with the initial announcement that DFD were no more. No need to worry about that anymore.

So for all you DFD fans out there who have not yet had the pleasure to check this disc out, you’re in for quite a treat. All the creepy, dark-disturbing and perverse lyrics are still intact. Sexual perversion, Anti-religious sentiment, murderous concepts, it’s all here people. Fucking beautiful if you ask me.

Pagan Fire ‘Various Artists’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

In this day and age, we all know too well that there seems to be a separate genre for every damn band out there today. No one ever really wants to be pigeon-holed into a specific category. Or do they?

Well here Nuclear Blast has a wonderful collection of the best classic and up-and-coming Folk, Pagan and Viking Metal acts around. Genres which are usually bundled together in just the Viking category, but as with any and all genres, yes, they do at times need to be separated.

I’m always one to push CDS like these on people. One is because they usually always have a great selection of bands/music. Two, this is a great way for any fan to be able to hear a track by a band to decide whether they want to pursue any of their catalog for future purchases.

‘Pagan Fire’ is a monumental, war-obsessed collection of some of the aforementioned genre greats. Old and new. Bands include: Bathory, Enslaved, Unleased, Amon Amarth, Wintersun, Finntroll, Equilibrium, Moonsorrow, Bal-Sagoth, Eluveitie, Korpiklaani, Ensiferum, Falkenbach, Thyrfing and Turisas. There is also a DVD which comes with your copy that features most of the bands listed.

Sworn Enemy ‘Maniacal’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

It seemed to be for the past several years, most of the shows I have been able to get to here in the mid-west had Sworn Enemy as an opening act. Seriously, I’ve seen them more times in the past four or five years than I’ve seen my immediate family members (only due to living so far apart).

So when I first caught them, I thought they were just another mediocre metal-core band. Good at what they did, but myself not really being that too big of a fan of it. It was like the industry was bombarded with it at the time and it was more of a lack of interest by then.

But through the years and many shows I’ve been able to catch them at, they really seemed to grow on me. Their sound has definilty evolved quite a bit over the past several outings. And added to the high-energy performances they put on, one can’t help to respect such a hard working act.

I was totally blown away by their latest release, ’Maniacal’, out on Century Media. It still has the hints of metal-core here and there, but their new material has a lot more of a thrash edge to it. More now than ever before. Could it be part of the “thrash revival”? Who knows. What I can say though, is that Sworn Enemy have now garnered a spot on the keepers shelf here in the office.

Avantasia ‘The Scarecrow’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

After five years of silence, Tobias Sammet and his highly praised side project Avantasia are back with a magnificent follow-up to his ‘Metal Opera’.

Most of you may know just from the name, but for the rest of you, Tobias is the mastermind behind the hugely successful EDGUY. Avantasia was just a side project when it was first started. More of a man fulfilling one of his dreams. Well it was a hit. And now after a long, long break, Tobias has put together not only a stellar list of guest musicians, but an ensemble of some of the catchiest/most diverse collection of hard rock to symphonic speed metal I have ever heard on one album.

Avantasia are Tobias Sammet (Edguy) - vocals, bass Sascha Paeth (Luca Turilli, Aina, Heaven’s Gate) - guitars and Eric Singer (Kiss) - drums. The guest list includes a few of the following: some guest vocals by Amanda Somerville (Aina), Jorn Lande (Masterplan), Alice Cooper, Roy, Khan, Oliver Hartman (Aina), Michael Kiske (Helloween), Bob Catley and more. A few guitar parts by the one and only Rudolf Schenker (Scorpions).

Highlights of the disc, besides the superb production job by Sascha Paeth (Angra, Rhapsody, Kamelot) uh, well….the whole thing!

Death Angel ‘Killing Season’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

Now this is more like it! The follow up the their 2004 release ‘The Art Of Dying’, on Nuclear Blast Records could quite possibly be “the release” of 2008.

With the reunion album, ‘TAOD’, being a little too inconsistent for my taste, I was wondering what this one would give. To me it seemed the last release was more of a  push to write and get out like many reunion albums. Well, the reaction throughout the world of metal music inspired/rejuvenated the band. Or so it seems.

‘Killing Season’ could have easily followed ‘Act III’. The signature Death Angel sound is here. This is the shit that launched the band into early stardom back in the day. If any one of you out there have your doubts because maybe ‘TAOD’ was not up to par for your taste, you really need to head over to your local music store and pick this one up. It’s just about as flawless of an album if I’ve ever heard one.

Sure Death Angel’s sound has matured over the years. This happens with any band. The thing with ‘Killing Season’ is that, yes it has a more mature, somewhat polished sound while sticking to the roots of their style. There’s no doubt that anybody can recognized that this is Death Angel with only listening to a tidbit of any of the relentless 11 tracks that fill the album.

Pink Steel  ‘Out At The Devil’ (Fistful Of Love Productions) By John Haseltine

“No girls, no girls. Just boys, just boys. Gonna throw a sausage party that the men will enjoy”.

These are the first lines of the opening track by New York-based, Bremen, Germany- bred gay heavy metal band Pink Steel. Yes, you are reading this right. A gay heavy metal band.

I’m sure that there are a lot more gay heavy metal musicians out there then not. With Pink Steel, these guys/gays are more of a parody/cabaret comedy act. I think.

The two responsible are vocalist Hanson Jobb and guitarist Udo Von DuYu. Rounding out the band on bass is Klaus Schave and Helmut Bang on drums.

Musically, the band is right on with talent and musicianship of any of the ‘80s top glam/hair metal bands. Very memorable songs throughout. Lyrically, it’s another story. The lyrics are close to very funny to somewhat disturbing. At least for me. But I guess it’s not any different in the gay culture to chant about “cock” than in the hetro world chanting about “tits and vaginas”. Both have similarities in the metal world when talking about ass. Just depends which side of the fence you’re on. There are some hilarious out takes with Hanson and Udo between tracks.

Apparently they are making quite a stir on the east coast playing sold out shows and receiving praise in many magazines all over the country. Whether you take them seriously or not is up to you. The gay community seems to enjoy them. I can’t see how. Well I can, but I’m sure there are a lot who are upset with their music. You can’t please everyone. They have to be offending someone.

Are Pink Steel really gay? That’s a question I have not seen asked in any of the press material. Or openly admitted by the band. If so, kudos to you guys for this band. If not, well, kudos to you for this band. Either way it’s a good sounding disc both on the comedic and musical side of things.

Soilwork  ‘Sworn To A Great Divide’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

One of Sweden’s finest are back with a truly fantastic new offering titled, ‘Sworn To A Great Divide’.

I’ve always liked Soilwork. Even not being “totally” into them, they are a very talented group of musicians who have an uncanny knack for writing some of the catchiest choruses in the business. Add that to the very memorable array of melodies inner-twined with the properly melded aggressiveness of thrash makes Soilwork one of the leaders of their genre.

They do it pretty much the same here on this one. 12 stunning tracks ala Soilwork fashion. This is a very good new album from these guys that will not upset any of their current fans. They seem to be moving forward very well. As for those who are not real familiar with Soilwork yet, Give this one a try. And When you decide that yes, you really do like them, you’ll be in the need to pick up their back catalog as well.

This limited edition disc also come with a bonus DVD that has a cool bootleg live performance from a show in Switzerland, a video for the track ‘Exile’, and a studio report with the one and only Devin Townsend who tracked the vocals for the album.

Warbringer ‘War Without End’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

So when someone like me who is an actual thrash fanatic hears that there’s a “thrash revival” going on, sure I get excited. Then you get promos of bands that are said to be the next big thing or that they are keeping the thrash flame held high like the old-school and they sound nothing like any thrash I remember or have in my collection. This happen to you to?

Well the same info came accompanied with this promo. So on the shelf it went for a few days. Then one day I felt like listening to some of this “new classic thrash” album by Los Angeles based Warbringer. Two words people, HOLY SHIT!!!

This just about knocked me on my ass with perfection. This is, in my opinion, what true thrash really is. No shit. This disc sounds as if it were pulled off a record store shelf from 1986. Only way to describe it is, a perfect display of ’80’s style thrash. The Bay Area bands of yesteryear need be thankful these dudes were not around back then. They probably would have dominated the scene. But it’s because of the legends that Warbringer is who they are today. With their ages ranging from 17-22, these guys have got a lot going for them and a long career ahead of them if they keep this up.

One thing that really impresses me on this album, besides all 10 tracks being magnificently written and performed, is the raw edginess that the album has. Produced by legendary thrash master Bill Metoyer (Slayer, DRI, Dark Angel, Ect.), Bill has not given the band a polished, technically perfect studio sound. The feel is more of a live recording sense. You can hear it throughout. It’s awesome.

Type O Negative ‘Dead Again’ (Special Edition CD/DVD

(SPV/Steamhammer) By John Haseltine

By now, surely all of you have gotten your copy of the latest Type O Negative album, ‘Dead Again’. What? Haven’t had time to pick it up? Wow, you don’t know what you’re missing.

Well SPV/Steamhammer have got a treat for you. Two special limited-edition CD/DVDs of ‘Dead Again’.

“The deluxe CD version will contain a bonus DVD (enclosed) with exclusive live performances from Wacken Open Air 2007, interviews and studio videos. The discs will be repackaged in a special red cover. A limited-edition triple red vinyl box set will also be released and features, ‘Dead Again’ on high-quality 180-gram vinyl. The vinyl box set will contain the bonus DVD, along with an exclusive t-shirt and mp3 file of the album.”

The promo disc I received contains the tracks “Anesthesia / Christian Woman / Love You To Death / Kill You Tonight”. All captured live at Wacken. Awesome sound and video quality will make this a must for any and all fans.

The studio videos are of “The Profits Of Doom / September Sun”. Both of which are from the latest album.

There is also some interview footage of the whole band that is very cool. The whole DVD is very cool. Even if you already own a copy, you really need to get this limited-edition just for the DVD that comes along with it. You will not be disappointed. And if you have not, what the hell are you waiting for? It’s out as of today!

Annihilator ‘Metal’ (SPV U.S.A./Steamhammer) By John Haseltine

Jeff Waters and Annihilator have done it again. Another crushing metal album by a band that will never compromise what they started out doing in the mid-80’s. And that is to deliver honest, guitar-fueled heavy metal they way they want to play it.

This formula has seemed to work over the past 12 albums providing Waters and Co. with an honest career in the music industry. And with SPV U.S.A. picking up ’Metal’ here in the states, it’s great to see the band getting a proper release here. One that has not happened in some time.

‘Metal’ is what it is. “Annihilator-Metal” at it’s best. The album consists of 10, heavily guitar laden metal tracks sure to assault the senses. One after another.

Jeff states, “Metal is going to be known as of the coolest guitar albums out there but this is also one of the best written albums of my career ; something that you can never achieve if you try…it just happens!”

‘Metal’ is chalked full of guests too. Something Jeff was both excited and unsure about at the same time. But keeping with the times, and inviting a few close friends along, ‘Metal’ not only has a star-studded cast involved, but will definitely go down as a classic, must have metal album.

I could probably go on and on about this album as it has been close to the player for a couple weeks now finding it’s way to get a listen every other day or so. I love it! But I will only state this, check it out today. You will not be disappointed.

Congrats Jeff, another amazing chapter added to the world of metal.

Bullet For My Valentine ‘Scream Aim Fire’ (20-20/Jive/Song BMG) By John Haseltine

Bullet For My Valentine have made quite a name for themselves over the past couple years. The huge success of their debut ‘The Poison’ sold them over a million albums. With the release of their latest ‘Scream Aim Fire’, they’re sure to continue on just the same.

The new album opens with the title track and is a fury of heavy, thrash fueled riffs sure to please any one who calls themselves a metal head. It just continues on from there. One heavy riff-filled track after another.

Call them what you will. Many have put them into several different genres. They really are a hard on to pin down. An all out metal band to please all is what I would say.

They have been penned as “the future of metal”. I don’t know if I would go that far as there really is nothing that is added to the overall genre of metal that has not already been done. But the thing about B4MV that is pretty amazing is the diversity that their music has to it. One track will be a full on thrash sounding track where another is a more pop influenced track. There are a couple really radio friendly tracks here. But for the most part a much heavier album then their last.

According to the band, this is not a way to just sell albums, but the way that they write. They have just as many influences as they do fans these days and with one listen to ‘Scream Aim Fire’ you too will be hooked.

This is a brilliantly written and played album that will surely surpass everyone’s expectations of whether or not they can live up to the success of the debut. Because it will.

Helloween ‘Gambling With The Devil’ (SPV USA) By John Haseltine

Helloween have been a driving force in the progressive metal world since it’s inception. I can’t see how anyone could ever keep track of the hundreds of bands they have influenced over the years.

As with many of die hard fans and myself, popping a new Helloween album into the player is somewhat like a box of chocolates. You really never know what you’re going to get. They’ve always been hit and miss for me over the years from album to album. Yet I will always regard them as one of the major players.

As with some of you once again, the past couple albums were again headed in a more melodic direction that just really didn’t cut it for me. And though ‘Keeper of the Seven Keys III’ was close to okay, it was almost a disappointment holding in all that excitement building up to the release.

Well boys and girls, ‘Gambling With The Devil’ is as about as old school Helloween as it gets. Wow! Am I impressed with this one. It heads more into the speed metal that they used to play so long ago. Hell, the first track, ’Kill It’ almost comes off like Judas Priest’s Painkiller. From there on it’s a full boar metal assault. Sure there are still the more modern, melodic Helloween songs on this one, but there’s a bit more crunch to them than just a cheesy ballad. There’s more structure to them.

On ‘Gambling With the Devil’, it sounds like the band really got into the writing process this time and put a lot more feeling and passion into it then some of their previous releases.

Ride The Sky ‘New Protection’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

When I hear the term “super group’ when a new band is formed, it usually means in this day and age, a bunch of big named musicians who get together and put out a crappy album that gets tons of airplay for a few months and then they disappear. Only to break up and do it all over again with other big named musicians.

Ride The Sky are the very definition of the term “super group”, and ‘New Protection’ proves it. Featuring members from such legendary acts as Helloween, Masterplan, Tears Of Anger, Beyond Twilight, XsavioR, Dionysus and Stormwind, you’re thoughts have got to be that same as mine. How can this be a bad album with such a seasoned and talented line-up? It can’t. and it’s not.

Ride The Sky’s newest offering is, if not by now, going to take on the metal/hard rock world by storm. I have listened to this one several time over the past couple weeks and have yet to be able to find a fault with it. In fact it keeps growing on me even more with each listen.

“With its multitude of landscapes and intelligent lyrical content, there is no denying ‘New Protection” is a masterwork for the progressive metal masses.” “It is a complex and challenging mix that never compromises its heaviness or intricacy.”

Mondo Generator ‘Dead Planet’ (Suburban Noize) By John Haseltine

Originally founded in 1997 by Queens Of The Stone Age bassist Nick Olveri as a side project, Mondo Generator has come full circle into a full time, serious band for Nick leaving all the others on the side.

Olveri states,” Mondo Generator is not a side project anymore. I used to do Mondo every now and then in my spare time and now it’s my first choice. All other bands I play in have become my side project, so in other words my mistress has now become my wife.”

Mondo has been racking up numerous positive reviews throughout the music industry over the years, and with their Suburban Noize Records debut, there’s no stopping them now.

Mondo’s sound is that of a raw modern to classic punk vibe with plenty of angst throughout. For some there may be hints of Queens sound here and there, but this is all Mondo Generator. Destined to be a classic among present day and future punk releases. ‘Dead Planet’ has the goods to stand the test of time in this days music world.

Ministry ‘The Last Sucker’ (13^th Planet Records) By John Haseltine

Due out Sept. 18^th, 2007 is the brand new and final studio album by Ministry.

“As you might expect, Al Jorgensen’s pretty opinionated on ‘The Last Sucker’, which is the third in the uber-critical CD trilogy (Houses Of The Mole/2004, Rio Grande Blood/2006) aimed at exposing the plethora of foils, failures and fabrications perpetrated by the George W. Bush Administration.”

I’ve always had sort of a fondness for the music that Jorgensen/Ministry has put out over the years. I own a couple. Three to be exact. ‘Psalm 69’ being my favorite. As with many others. Well, over the years with so many bands putting out albums and all the reviews one like myself must endure, I have really missed out on the past few Ministry releases.

I was not real sure what to expect upon first listen. I must say to my amazement, I was thoroughly impressed. After a couple more runs through the disc, it sets in as more of an awe. What an excellent offering. A full on sudo-industrial/thrash metal attack. This disc is, well to say in as few words as possible, brutal as shit.

Jorgensen & Co. deliver as never before. They have truly outdone themselves on this one. And for those of you metal heads who may doubt this, you’ve got to check this one out. It is heavy and catchy as hell. It really does lean a lot more towards thrash than anything. And just wait to you hear the cover of “Roadhouse Blues”.

Holy shit. This CD kills…..

An All Star Tribute To Lynyrd Skynyrd/Southern Outlaws : The Ultimate Southern Rock Collection (Deadline/Cleopatra Records) By John Haseltine

So this is just a split sampler/teaser of what’s now out. The first is a great tribute to an amazing band who shaped an entire genre/generation of musicians. The great Lynyrd Skynyrd. There are sic tracks on this sampler that include Free Bird featuring Molly Hatchet with Charlie Daniels, Sweet Home Alabama by The Outlaws, Gimmie Back My Bullets by Pat Travers, The Seasons by Blackfoot, Saturday Night Special by Great White and Calkl Me The Breeze by Alanta Rhythm Section with more performances by Mick Taylor, Canned Heat, Rick Derringer, Ronnie Montrose, Jim Dandy’s Black Oak Arkansas and many more.

Although no one can ever live up to the greatness that Lynyrd Skynyrd has achieved, all these musicians do a wonderful job paying homage to this great southern rock band.

Next on this sampler is a few tracks off a two disc set titled Southern Outlaws : The Ultimate Southern Rock Collection. This set features tracks from Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special, Johnny Van Zant Band, Rossington Collins Band, Steve Gaines, Artimus Pyle, Steve Earl, Merle Haggard, Drive By Truckeres, Wet Willie, The Kentucky Headhunters, Ozark Mountain Daredevils and many more.

Bishop ‘Steel Gods’ (Self-Release) By John Haseltine

I received this disc some time ago. I gave it a few listens and was really impressed with what I was hearing. And that was that. Too many Cds, projects and not enough time lead this one to get put in the wrong stack and I truly apologize to these three brothers from New York as they are very talented in the music they are putting out.

Bishop is a hard rock/metal band that leaves no corner unturned. They seem to have their music down to a science. As if they invented it themselves. There are plenty of hooks and memorable chorus with plenty of melodic parts that interlude each track at just the right moment.

It is very refreshing to hear such a great hard rock album these days. One that is more original sounding than 90% of what is being played daily on mainstream rock radio.

Bishop definitely have more of a sound of their own than anything else, yet have several ties to many classic acts such as Thin Lizzy, Sabbath, Zepplin, Crue and so on….

It is a tough one to pinpoint. What I can say is that you really need to give these guys a listen as they can only broaden your respect for rock music.

Himsa ‘Summon In Thunder’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

Himsa return with what could quite possibly be their most relentless release to date. The return of original guitarist Sammi Curr, collaborating with guitarist Kirby Johnson, brings Himsa’s sound to a new dynamic yet devastating level.

For those of you who may doubt this, one listen will leave you almost breathless. Himsa’s brand of thrash metal is second to none. Sure it has a couple melodic parts to it, but just touches here and there that make this an overall superb release. I’m surprised that they are not as big of a name as some of their genres likes.

Over the course of the past eight years, Himsa have only begun to solidify their place in the thrash metal world with one brutal release after another. ‘Summon In Thunder’ puts another notch in the belt of thrash metal greatness that will hold true for many years to come.

Fans of Shadows Fall, Killswitch Engage, God Forbid listen to this. You’ll have a new favorite band when you do. For a the rest of you thrash titans out there, trust me, these Seattle boys throw it down with unrelenting thrash speed mixed with old schooled influences that is undeniably a sound of their own, yet keeping it true to the genre.

Amorphis  ‘Silent Waters’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

There is a reason why Amorphis are hailed as “ kings of progressive metal” by many. And with their latest step up the evolutionary chain of metal, their latest effort ‘Silent Waters’ will cause a stir amongst the genre.

Amorphis are one of those bands that never cease to amaze me. Such talent and musicianship throughout the band. Be it musically or lyrically. Some me tend to disagree with me as that is fine. Since I started listening to these guys going back 8 to 10 years now, each of their releases becomes a bit more evolved and polished.

‘Silent Waters’ pretty much follows the formula of last years dynamic release, ‘Eclipse’. This is vocalist Tomi Joutsen’s second disc with the band. And another superb job by him and the band. This release is an emotional, death-tinged ride with plenty of catchy and ever so memorable choruses.

TME  ‘Worlds Collide’ (Aphotic Records) By John Haseltine

New label, new band, new album. I’ve always heard good things come in threes. Or is that the news of someone’s death? We’ll use the first one here.

TME are a new band from Sweden comprised of Mattias Marklund (Vintersorg), Benny Hagglund (Vintersorg, Fission), Johan Lindgren (Vintersorg) and introducing Andreas Stenlund on vocals.

They have released their debut album ‘Worlds Collide’ on a new label Aphotic Records from Washington, U.S.A. This is also the labels debut release. After hearing this debut, I must say both Aphotic and TME have a bright future.

Don’t let the fact that ¾ of the band are from Vintersorg steer you away. Vintersorg are an amazing band, but when lined up next to TME’s sound, the only thing in common are the players. Not the style.

‘Worlds Collide’ is a full on brutally aggressive thrash metal anthem with some death metal sounds in the fold. Harsh yet understandable vocals accompany the seering guitar riffs and Lombardo-esque drumming. At a quick listen, they almost remind me of an early Metallica/Slayer blend.

S.O.D. ‘Rise Of The Infidels’ (Megaforce Records) By John Haseltine

Whatever differences the four guys in S.O.D. may have with each other, S.O.D. will always remain one of the most influential metal/hardcore acts on the planet. They damn near created the genre. And though, once again this being the last release you’ll ever see by the band, I’m sure, just as before, there will be another chance to see the legends themselves up on a stage. But, for now they are no more. Again.

‘Rise of the Infidels’ is stated to be the longest EP in music history. 4 previously unreleased tracks which are accompanied by a 20 song live set that was recorded in 1999 in Seattle, Washington.

The 4 tracks that start out the EP of true S.O.D. fashion. Fast, brutal and satirical as all get out. Two originals and two cover tracks. (Agnostic Front/Negative Approach)

The live set is a pretty good set. Not the most polished recording I’ve ever heard, but I like ‘em that way. This is going to move well I’m sure. It is a nice addition to any metal heads collection. If it weren’t sent to me already, I would have gone out to get it.

Finntroll ‘Ur Jordens Djup’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

Blackened pagan folk metal. Yep, that’s right! Some of you may already know what I’m talking about and many of you will not. This is an ever growing genre as of late. More popularized by Opeth mixing a folky acoustic sound to black metal, these Finn’s take it to the next level.

Merging a melodic to an almost pummeling black metal style with their traditional Finnish “humppa” music. That translates to polka in English. At first you may be thinking of who knows what. But I swear, after a couple listens, you too will be hooked  on their ferocious style of metal.

If ever there were two styles of music that you would never think could be pulled of putting them in the same fold, Finntroll come along and make it seem as if were always meant to be.

Vital Remains ‘Icons Of Evil’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

If you have not had a chance yet to listen to the latest release here by extreme metal titans Vital Remains, you may or may not be lucky. It took awhile for my ears to stop from bleeding the first couple of listens. This is old school, extreme death metal at it’s best.

Epic extremities of pure evil are spewed forth on this soon to be classic death metal giant. The tracks range from 5 to just over 9 minutes each. 68 minutes of barbaric war metal fueled with enough hate, brutality and evil to make Satan himself quiver in fear.

The vocals are as grueling as Glen Benton can be. Pummeling, supersonic drumming and guitars by the one and only Dave Suzuki and Tony Lazaro are amazingly done.

Scarve ‘The Undercurrent’ (Listenable Records) By John Haseltine

French metallars Scarve are back with just as much of a vengeance as with any of their previous works. ‘The Undercurrent’ is one of those technical masterpieces that seem so out there, yet ever so familiar.

Although throughout this album there is an underlying dark and brutal brand of extreme metal, their sound never really seems to venture out of the norm for the genre. A genre that closely follows the likes of Strapping Young Lad, Meshggah, Raging Speed Horn and also the melodic parts of Fear Factory.

Now I’m not slamming this latest release by Scarve. It is really pretty good. Heavy as hell and technical as shit. I guess I’ve just got to get use to this direction of modern death metal.

Scarve are very worthy of checking out!

Kotipelto ‘Serenity’ (Candlelight Records) By John Haseltine

Most notably know for his work in Stratovarius, Timo Kotipelto ( “the man with the golden voice”) is back with his 3^rd solo effort. Kotipelto is back by an amazing cast of musicians from bands such as Children Of Bodom, Thunderstone, Warmen, Stratovarius and Tunnelvision.

Call it what you want. Whether it’s neo-classical power metal, Epic or symphonic metal, melodic power metal, trust me, all these elements are present.

Within this release are a couple speedier tracks but most are mainly on the slower/melodic side. Timo’s extraordinary vocals shine on ’Serenity’ like never before. Most of the songs seem to be on the safer side of the fence. Great guitar work with extremely catchy choruses. After a couple listens, you the listener will feel as if this music has been with you for years. Well to a point it has in previous works.

This is a must for fans of the above mentioned genres. Any of Timo’s fans will surely appreciate the great new music he and his band has released. As for anything stunningly new or groundbreaking? Sorry, but that is an element I can’t seem to find here.

Dark Tranquillity ‘Fiction’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

Swedish melodic death metal pioneers Dark Tranquillity are back with what could easily be dubbed their best effort to date. ‘Fiction’ sees the band fusing everything they’ve done to date fueled by a bit more aggression or intensity if you will.

The “Gothenburg Sound” of which they help create is all the more present here and has evolved into more of a masterpiece than ever before. Shredding chunky guitars are over seen by thought provoking lyrics, entrancing melodies and the perfect blend of keyboards. Stanne does a fantastic on vocals here. The mid-range growls are superb and understandable. He even pulls off the clean parts on this one to a tee. Truly mesmerizing to say the least.

Undoubtedly, Dark Tranquillity are masters of their craft. I’ve yet to hear a band come close in their genre. ’Fiction’ is yet just another notch in the DT belt of greatness. As well as in the world of melodic death metal.

One Man Army And The Undead Quartet  ‘Error In Evolution’

(Nuclear Blast)  By John Haseltine

OMA&TUQ are back with a vengeance with their latest death metal offering, ‘Error In Evolution.’ There’s no error musically in the evolution of this band. I could not get enough of their debut full length ‘21^st Century Killing Machine.’ Same goes true for this latest effort.

Punishing riffs and earth shattering drums that’ll knock you right out of your seat. This album has more grooves than the entire ‘70’s. Seriously! Lindstrand’s vocal duties once again are immaculate and have enough force to peel the paint right off a new car.

OMA&TUQ are quickly becoming one of the top groove laden death metal bands in the industry. And with one listen you too will agree. Outstanding musicianship from some of the top rated players in metal.

My only complaint is their haunting rendition of Alice Cooper’s ‘The Man Behind The Mask.’ Not the whole track, just the chorus. It just doesn’t seem to fit. I know they have their reasons for cover the song, and overall it is good, but it just sets wrong for me. Sorry guys.

Immolation ‘Shadows In The Light’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

How does a band like Immolation improve on the foundation of technical, neck-snapping death metal they helped build in the late ‘80’s? Yeah, I’m not sure either. But once again they prove they are a wrecking force in the death metal genre.

With 10 tracks clocking in at around 40 minutes, Immolation push the envelope once again with a more intense and angry approach to their music. Deafening riffs accompany the trademark hellish vocals of Ross Dolan with distinct grooves and some of the gloomiest atmospheres in the industry.

How does one of the most extreme bands of their genre kick it up from any of their previous releases? ‘Shadows In The Light’ is how. One listen and you’ll be convinced.

Paradise Lost ‘In Requiem’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

Gothic metal pioneers Paradise Lost are back with their latest and 11^th studio outing, ‘In Requiem.’ Laying down the blueprints with their first two releases, Paradise Lost are nothing less than exceptional with this latest release.

‘In Requiem’ merges some of the musical roads of various past albums. There’s no way a band can completely please every fan from album to album, but this one slices it right down middle. A superb blend of their earlier classic death/doom influences to a more mainstream metallic sound.

The result is an astonishing album full of dark and powerful melodies, crunchy guitars and memorable yet haunting choruses. It may be a bit more aggressive, but not by too much. And as many times as I’ve listened to this so far, it’s hard to believe that the band says they took a more “raw and unpolished approach” to it. Trust me, if this is what they do with a raw, less polished approach, there’s nothing that’s going to stop them from being one of the industries greatest metal bands on the planet.

This is an excellent outing for the band and for the metal world. Check it out. NOW!!!

Beatallica  ‘Sgt. Hetfield’s Motorbreath Pub Band’

 (Oglio Records)   By John Haseltine

Have the rest of you had the chance to listen to Beatallica yet? You really need to. I had missed a show last year in the area and a buddy had told me to check them out. I had headed to their website and thought that what they were doing was pretty cool. At the time I believe they only had some shotty live recordings up. I had a chuckle, thought okay and that was it.

With the huge internet phenomenon Beatallica has stirred over the past year with over a million hits to their site, headbangers all over the world are supporting these guys. And with the proper recording I’ve listened to here, there’s no reason why every metal head all over the globe shouldn’t have a copy of this CD.

Beatallica takes two of music biggest acts (The Beatles/Metallica) and fuses them together into molten pot of fun, hard rockin’ metal. With thracks like “ Blackened The U.S.S.R., Leper Madonna, Hey Dude, …And Justice For All My Loving) you can sort of get the hint of what they are doing here. In one breath they may come off as a Weird Al sort of knock off. Not true here. They take this mixture of metal very seriously. And they do a great job of it as well.

Mnemic ‘Passenger’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

Mnemic’s latest offering ‘Passenger’ is a pure sonic assault to the senses. Known for their own independent creative techniques, this titan Danish outfit do not stray to from the sound they’ve help create

This is for me the first time I’ve listened to a full length by the band. I have actually heard very little by them. Just a track or two here or there. Pretty kick ass! But for me, and those who have to judge and compare for the masses, there must be the comparisons.

As noted by many before, the best way to describe Mnemic’s sound and styling, one must mention the likes of such bands as Fear Factory, Meshuggah, Strapping Young Lad, Raging Speedhorn. As their latest is a blender full of all these greats with a bit of their own creativity in the fold.

Testament ‘The Spitfire Collection’ (Spitfire Records) By John Haseltine

What can be said for a best of or collection of works by quite possibly the greatest thrash band on the planet? Not much. Well, maybe…oh great, another best of.

And being Testament, there is no way you can go wrong by compiling any of their music onto a disc and selling it. And so here it is.

This is a collection of works from the Spitfire years. And one other selling point for the album, if you don’t want to lug around 4 or 5 discs with these tracks on them, this is a great alternative for you. A solid thrash outing containing 14 Testament classics.

Shameless ‘Now Playing” (909 Records) By John Haseltine

Ahhh, going back a bit for this one. Well for me anyway. I have not kept up on the gritty L.A. metal/hard rock scene for sometime. This genre though has produced several great new acts from all over the globe the past few years.

I’m talking the gritty, sleaze ridden sounds of ‘80’s glam/hair metal. L.A. Guns, Warrant, Poison, Junkyard, Faster Pussycat, Great White…… you get the picture.

This down home So. Cal. band are very good at what they are doing. Hard punching guitar riffs mixed in with poppier sounding melodies. A total “hair” sounding experience. It’s a nice change of pace for the most part and works very well at parties.

In This Moment ‘Beautiful Tragedy’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

There’s something a bit unique here. A new female fronted metal band? No, they are popping up all over the places these days. The fact that this one has there own sound could be tough to say. But in a way they do.

The vocals of Maria Brink are at times shrieking with fury. While at others sound as if the heavens are shining down upon it’s favorite angel. And accompanied by a talented band of metal musicians, Chris Haworth - guitars, Blake Bunzel - guitars, Jesse Landry - bass and Jeff Fabb - drums.

At times they sound reminiscent to the likes of 3 Inches Of Blood, Sworn Enemy, Diecast, Walls Of Jericho, 36 Crazyfists and Kittie. A funny note, they have also toured with all of these bands. A solid metal core sound with some pretty brutal, almost death metal sounding passages. This disc spews out a raunchy yet exhilarating brand of hard rockin’ metal.

SHW ‘Psychoteque’ (New LM Records) By John Haseltine

Here’s one that’s been on the pile for sometime now. I had a track on the station for a while, and it panned out there for a bit but lost it’s edge amongst the hard rockers on there.

Italy’s rock sensation SHW have produced a very nice album here. Opening the disc with a track so close to sounding like U2 that it’s scary, ‘Psychoteque’ takes you on a mediating journey into a more atmospheric, almost psychedelic brand of rock.

Their sound as said before runs along the lines of U2 as well as The Cure and The Psychedelic Furs or a 90’s alternative sound. It’s a bit hard to say whether it’s keyboard or guitar driven as both make a valid point in each track. All the tracks are very likeable. Each and every one of them. Nothing that’s going to make you jump out of your seats, but one of the most musically refreshing Cds I’ve heard in awhile. In the genre of rock that is.

Torok ‘Addiction Of Fools’ (SSR Recordings) By John Haseltine

Well I’ve listened to this one a few times now. And like many others, the bio sheet gives it away for the reviewer with not much else to think about but “ Torok blends elements of 70’s giants Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple with 80’s guitar rock bands like Van Halen and Whitesnake.”

9 tracks of catchy 80’s style hard rock/metal without all the glam that was involved. Musically a superb effort from the band. Their sound will refresh the senses while taking you on a trip down memory lane.

Soaring vocals and hard driving guitars are accompanied by a solid rhythm section and a mesmerizing keyboard influence. This one would have at the top of it’s game 20 years ago. It may not do that in today’s market but it’s a hell of an album in it’s own right.

Nexxt ‘Strength Of The Rooted One’ (Self-Release) By John Haseltine

The second and latest EP by another Italian hard rock act is here and is creating quite a stir in the underground. With their style that is a bit tough to categorize, Nexxt deliver these four tracks with a fury all their own.

The sound touches on good ‘ole hard rock with many elements of a metal-core influence to it. Heavy pounding drums, treacherous guitar riffing, perfect soloing and a set of powerful vocals gives these guys an edge over what is being shoveled down the throats of today’s youth by corporate radio. And believe me, these guys also deserve that same respect as gifted musicians should.

Hacride ‘Amoeba’ (Listenable Records) By John Haseltine

Here’s one that changes things up a bit. Not wanting to be pigeon holed into a genre is a major goal for any band. Some can do it. And some can not. I think Hacride are far from any one genre, but at the same time, are like so many.

These Frenchmen are an extreme out fit. And a very talented bunch of players. This is the first I’ve heard of them so I’ve nothing to really compare to. They say the want to be leaders and not followers. Hard to say if that comes across on this on.

Let’s run down the sound. Off the hook is a good start. The 10 tracks on this disc equal out to be one hell of a roller coaster ride. I mean, it’s all here. There’s death metal riffing, hardcore influences and progressive metal passages. A Flamenco cover of an Ojos De Brujo song ‘Zambra’. It’s thrashy, it’s technical and the vocals never seem to stray from the screaming howls of your typical metal core band. Did I mention the acoustic parts? Well they did not forget them either.

As fare a genres go, this is the best covered album in that aspect. Now don’t take me wrong here. It is quite a good piece of metal montage. Very busy. Maybe this is the bands meaning by being a leader? Or maybe they’re still seeking a niche? One never knows anymore.

Hell’s Eden ‘Church Of Defilement’ (Self-Release) By John Haseltine

It must be something in the water. Colorado Springs seems to be coming up in the scene, that I’ve noticed to have many extreme metal acts. All being fairly good too. Hell’s Eden are right up there.

I like how the bio sheet states that their town probably has more churches per capita than any other city in North America. Ever been to Ft. Wayne, Indiana? Yeah, they’re fucking everywhere. And one thing about this bands is the subject matter of their music. In a nut shell, they’re sickened with disgust from the hypocrisy and false statements of all the religions on earth who are suppose to love and accept all others yet at the same time have a deep down hatred for any other religion that may exist. Not many acts out there put that deep of an explanation on things. I like this as I feel the same way.

Musically their sound derives from influences of Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, Illdisposed, Dying Fetus and Hypocrisy. They pretty much touch each corner of the extreme side of metal. And pretty damn well too. Production wise, it seems a touch cloudy to me. But with the elements of blackened death metal portrayed here, it almost fits perfect. Gives sort of an eerie feel to the disc.

This is five tracks of hate and disgust that, to me, are most of our deep down thoughts of what these false religions are trying to show the world. But most people are too afraid to shout it out loud.

Mors Principium Est  ‘Liberation = Termination’

(Listenable Records)  By John Haseltine

Man!!! These guys can tear some shit up!!! The third installment by Mors Principium Est is said to be more potent and lethal than what they have released in the past. It’s got to be. This album is a full ahead sonic thrash attack to the senses.

Intricate riffing with furious solos and an almost robotic rhythm section fill out one of the most intense thrash efforts I’ve heard in a long while. I’ve just got to agree with the bio on the back of this promo. “Liberation = Termination is a showcase and nothing short of a future classic that will convert the masses,….”

I tend to like a lot of the albums I received by various bands and labels in some form or another. That’s my way of keeping it real. But rarely am I truly impressed at first listen. Mors Principium Est did just that for me. While holding a bit true to ‘80’s thrash, they have fused a mild touch of melodic death with a few other surprises that should please any fan of metal in general.

Antiquus ‘Eleutheria’ (Cruz Del Sur Music) By John Haseltine

This is on hell of a powerful metal outing!!! I myself am new to the likes of this Canadian band. In fact I got a bit flustered here as their website seems to be down and I’ve come up dry on finding any other information on them. I did find that they had released an album in 2005 titled ‘Ramayana’. But that’s about it.

With ‘Eleutheria’ you get some great North American progressive/power metal. Intricate dueling guitar solos, clean soaring vocals and thunderous grooves and galloping riffs abound. A sheer intense play on a genre of metal that has a lot of great bands but not so much the recognition it deserves.

Aborted  ‘Slaughtered & Apparatus: A Methodical Overture’

(Century Media) By John Haseltine

You know, when a band in any genre of metal sticks with the same formulas they started out with form album to album, fans tend to get a bit bored. And when said band changes things up a bit to please said fans and maybe pick up a few new fans over the course of things, reviewers tend to get all shaken up. On one hand you want them to do something different and on the other hand you don’t.

This latest album sees Aborted changing things up a bit more than their less regarded release ‘The Archaic Abattoir’. So, and if you’re a hardcore fan of the band, you may or may not be pleased by this latest offering. I myself am not. I have the last one and I think it was good, as is this latest release.

Sure there are some more groove laden parts to it, but the overall intensity of Aborted’s sound is there. It’s still some Melodically grinding death metal, just with a few melodies thrown in the mix. And some may say that this is a bad thing? If you’re that into brutal/grinding death metal I’m sorry. For those of us with a broader sense of music tastes, this album hits it right on the head. Not that there’s anything spectacular or new about it, but just that it’s a solid release sure to please many a new fan.

Fear My Thoughts ‘Vulcanus’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

I can’t remember whether or not I have the last album by Germany’s premier death/thrash metal band Fear My Thoughts. Now and again, they get garbled up in my little head and amongst the piles of Cds here, who knows.

What I do know is that this is one hell of a melodic death metal, thrash mixture to start off the new year with a bang. Things tend to change up a bit for the band on this album. Maybe a bit more diverse than recent efforts. Just listen to track 3, ’Culture of Fear’. Although most other reviews I’ve seen compare it to Opeth, I’d say it’s a bit more along the lines of a catchy and melodic Fear Factory song. None the less, the whole disc has many great songs to offer.

From the dynamic neck breakers of ‘Accompanied By Death’ and ‘Lost In Black’ to the more brutal, catchy hook filled tracks ‘Blackness’ and ‘Soul Consumer’.

Crescent Shield ‘The Last Of My Kind’ (Cruz Del Sur Music) By John Haseltine

Wow!!! I’m not real sure there’s a reviewer out there that describe the pure molten metal that I’m listening to right now. L.A.’s Crescent Shield are on the attack with a blast from the U.S. power metal vaults to refresh your ears to what metal is all about.

Galloping riffs, hard and heavy beats, powerful melodies, it’s all here. There are 11 pure metal tracks on this disc that are sure to please any metal fan. From the likes of Manowar to Maiden, from Lizzy Borden to Saxon and Liege Lord, you can hear influences from the days of old. Okay, I mean the eighties. I’m not that old yet!!

Really though. This is an almost perfect heavy metal album. One that has not been done in many years by any band. You just have to go and give it a listen to really grasp what I mean. And that’s all I have to say about that…

To-Mera ‘Transcendental’ (Candlelight USA) By John Haseltine

This is an excerpt taken right from the Candlelight Records website.

Mendeed ‘The Dead Live By Love’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

Wow!!! Again!!! Yes the insane Scots are back.. And with a vengeance. It seems like only a few months have passed since I praised their Nuclear Blast debut ‘This War Will Last Forever’ to no end. (I’m still listening to it) Well a few months have passed and now we need to embrace for the latest release by these guys.

It cracks me up the whole genre labeling thing. Apparently over in Europe Mendeed are a metal core band. By their last one I categorized them as a very talented thrash band with Maiden-esque solos and melodies. Shit, I still do. I mean is Silent Civilian or Trivium metal core? Please fill me in. I realize I’m a bit slow here but shit!!!.

This latest barrage of thrash infused metal by Mendeed is like J.J. Walker would say, DYNOMITE!!!! And with only about a year between releases, you can hear quite a bit of maturing from this one to the last. A maturing that I feel is only meant to capture a broader audience. So yes there are a few more melodies and some very catchy chorus lines that you’ll be singing along to in no time. But the over all thrashy/Maiden feel that hooked me on the last album is still there. From one track till the next, you won’t want it to end.

Wuthering Heights ‘The Shadow Cabinet’ (Sensory) By John Haseltine

Yeah, so I was not real sure how to take this band at first glance (listen), but after the next roll through, and another, and another, I was hooked!!! This was/is the first time for me hearing these guys. And thankful I got on this mailing list.

Wuthering Heights hail from Denmark. They formed in the mid-nineties and have been tearing it up ever since. Why have I not listened before you ask? Yeah, okay. Every now and then they just slip through the cracks. I’m talking this one up though. Over the years the band has had several line-up changes. the only original/founding member left is guitarist Erik Ravn. Morten Gade Sorensen (Aurora/Pyramaze) - drums, Nils Patrik Johansson - vocals, Martin Arendal (Manticora) - guitars, Andreas Lindahl (Loch Vostok) - keyboards and Teddy Moller (Loch Vostok/F.K.U.) - bass round out the rest of the current band members.

This is the first release featuring Nils vocals. They are perfect. What else? Well the music is pulled from several different genres and all blended in together. Really!!! Like they say on their website, “if you’re into the likes of Scandinavian symphonic-folk-speed-prog metal” than look no further. It’s all here. All within each track. Yeah, no shit!!! Really cool huh? Well it is. These guys are great!!!

Therion ‘Gothic Kabbalah’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

Many of you may still be relishing 2006’s box set ‘Celebrators of Becoming’, but you need to put the box down and back up a bit. Therion unleash their latest dual disc release ‘Gothic Kabbalah’.

Now to be honest, I’ve always thought Therion were pretty cool. I do have a couple earlier releases, (Deggial and Vovin) but must admit, they don’t get played very often at all. There just needs to be a certain mood for me. Absolutely stunning musically!!! As with all Therion’s music. And the same goes for this latest release.

Echoes Of Eternity ‘The Forgotten Goddess’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

Just when you thought, “not another” female fronted melodic metal band, you may want to rethink your thoughts when it comes to Echoes Of Eternity. Okay. Yes vocalist Francine Boucher has a stunning appearance (she’s a knockout!!!), but it’s her angelic multi layered vocals that will sell you on this band. Plus the amazingly talented musicians assembled here will make you stop and think about these types of bands in a different light.

Yes it is still pretty much melodic for the most part, but there is plenty of speed and aggression to the music as well. Not what you usually get within the genre.

Echoes of Eternity’s career has taken a very quick flight in the past year. Just last summer they were shopping around a three song demo. And now a new album on Nuclear Blast and a world tour to follow.

Killingsworth ‘Viking Steel’ (Rock Neck Records) By John Haseltine

Good ole Viking metal. From San Francisco!!! Oh well, I’ve heard of odder things. Killingworth started out back in ‘99 with vocalist/guitarist Shawn Killingsworth, drummer Andrew Falk and bassist Manny Lopez jamming under the moniker ‘Scarecrow’. These were the times where they figured on their sound being solidly rooted towards classic metal.

After several line-up changes, December ‘04 found Manny and Shawn hammering out the classic metal anthems of ‘Viking Steel’ which is deeply rooted in the N.W.O.B.H.M. style. Lyrically, these are epic tales of Vikings, tyrants and noble warriors taking to battle with a thirst for victory and blood.

With their galloping riffs, shredding solos, duel guitar harmonies and growling yet melodic vocals, this release will surly please the classic metal beast within. It took me a couple times to appreciate this one for what it is. Maybe I was hung up on the whole Viking theme by a Bay Area band. Sorry guys.

Zircon ‘2006 demo’ (Self-Release) By John Haseltine

Hailing from the Worcester, MA area , Zircon have a sound that one does not immediately associate with an American band. They’ve got more of a European/Norwegian style when it comes to the music. And an excellent style they have. This three song demo, I must say I’ve had for a while. And by the ratings on the station page you all seem to like it as well. For those who have not caught the track ’Equilibrium’ yet, go to the station and have a listen. You’ll be very amazed at what you are hearing from these guys who blend a concoction of the very best elements of death and black metal. Yes, both. And within one track.

This demo is just the start of what could prove to make Zircon an upcoming and unstoppable force in the American metal scene. Drawing their influences from bands like Immortal, Vital Remains, Gorgoroth, Old Man’s Child, and 1349 is just the start of a long list. And while pulling from the likes of these bands, Zircon put a bit of their own in there as not to make them sound just like any of the above.

Check ’em out!!!

Firewind ‘Allegiance’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

‘Allegiance’ marks the latest offering from this superstar line-up from Greece. Well the guitar extraordinaire Gus G. (ex-Dream Evil, Nightrage, Mystic Prophecy, Arch Enemy) is from there at least. Not real sure about the rest. But a fantastic array of players none the less which include new vocalist to the band Apollo Papathanasio (ex-Majestic, Time Requiem), Drummer Mark Cross (ex-Helloween, Metalium), Bob Katsionis - guitars/keyboards and bassist Petros Christo.

And with this latest release, you the heavy metal fan are going to get just that. This album contains some of the most note perfect, melodic yet traditional heavy metal on the planet. The band speeds things up a bit on this one but not by too much.

‘Allegiance’ is epic, bombastic, melodic and technical as hell. “The whole approach to the album differed from the ones in the past.” Gus G. states, “ We wrote a bunch of songs and kept the best ones, because we simply want no filler on our albums.” And it shows.

Unless you simply can’t stand this genre of metal or music, you won’t be able to deny the fact that this is simply a great album. From start to finish. You won’t find a track you don’t like. Trust me. The album has already peaked on the Greek album charts at #10 and has spent six weeks in the top 20.

Sentenced ‘Buried Alive’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

October 1^st, 2005. The same day their final studio album was certified gold in Finland, Sentenced were gearing up for what would be their final show of a stellar 16 year career in their hometown of Oulu, Finland.

Their last show ever was captured live as that is what this review is on. I myself was sent a copy of the CD. A two disc set that has the entire show that was/is just over two hours in length and consists of 26 tracks. As an added surprise, original vocalist Taneli Jarva sings on five tracks.

What can I say about this. It’s perfect!!! It is everything that one would come to expect from a band as brilliant as Sentenced. A truly mesmerizing live performance that is second to none. And fortunately for us, the show was filmed and recorded by Klaffi Productions. I can’t wait to get the DVD.

Unfortunately this is the bands swansong release. And what a way to go out. At the top of their game and with what could quite possibly be one of the best live albums I’ve ever had the opportunity to listen to. And I’ve listened to a lot of them.

Ektomorf ‘Outcast’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

Hailing from Hungary, Ektomorf are back with full force to unleash their latest compilation of in your face, bursting grooves, anger, hate and power.

Now I talked up Ektomorf in a lengthy review of 2005’s ‘Instinct’. Mainly due to the fact that they sounded like a Xerox copy of Soulyfly. Well the Hungarian Soulfly clones have done it again. Don’t get me wrong here, ‘Outcast’ is a great, powerful album. It really runs right along the same lines as ‘Instinct’ did and sounds almost identical to anything Soulfly has to offer.

Nuclear Assault 'Louder Harder Faster’ DVD

 (Screaming Ferret Wreckords) By John Haseltine

By now, all you die hard metal heads have heard that Nuclear Assault reunited and  have been touring and have a recent new studio album out. Yeah, that is pretty old   news. But there, you get to hear it again.

Since the first albums by Nuclear Assault, I have never really gotten into their music. I mean, I like most of it for the most part, but in a live sense. Not studio. But their brand of hooky East Coast thrash has made a permanent dent in the make up of today’s    metal scene. Even I’ve got to give ‘em that.

The main show here was recorded June 5, 2005 at a metal festival. The band kicked some ass up on the stage. Production wise, it is some good coverage of these legends.   It is only a ten song set, but it gives you a idea of what is to come from the band in the future as they do play several of their new tracks.

The rest of the DVD is chalked full of all kinds of goodies. Interviews, never before released audio, classic shows from all over the world, slide shows set to music and   much, much more. Over 3 hours worth.

I can not see any reason why this DVD shouldn’t be added to your music collection. Unless of course you’re a Taylor Hicks fan.

State Of Integrity ‘The Fourth Season Of Revelations’                                    (SelfRelease) By John Haseltine

State of Integrity from Brisbane, Australia unleash one of the most devastating underground thrash releases I’ve heard in sometime. The band formed in 2003 with the passion to make heavy music. Well they have done just that. And with many Australian tours and a stint in New Zealand, SOI have gathered up quite a loyal fan base.

Musically SOI have that all familiar death/thrash groove with an added old school   thrash flair that gives their sound just enough of a difference to not sound like all the others. We all know how that can be a bit bothersome for both the reviewer and the consumer.

What we need to hope for now is the proper promotion for the band so they can make their way across the globe. Rumor has it they put on one hell of a show.

Necrotize ‘Necrotize’ (Self-Release) By John Haseltine

From the UK we have here Necrotize. They play an unusual brand of death metal. It’s like old school death metal. No fancy chants or sound effects. No lighting speed notes running up and down the neck of the guitar at blazing speeds. And almost understandable vocals. Any more these days, a lot of death metal bands just grumble and roar and growl. I sometimes wonder why they even bother to print lyrics.

With Necrotize, you can actually understand a lot of the vocals. And the music is heavy, brutal and to the point. Just plain old-school style death metal. A genre that has seemed to have lost it’s way in the world of sub-genres.

Meliah Rage

‘The Deep And Dreamless Sleep’ (Screaming Ferret Records) By John Haseltine

Boston metal legends Meliah Rage are back with a full on classic/thrash metal album to assault the senses.

‘The Deep And Dreamless Sleep’ is a full on metal release for fans of old and new. And on this album they touch upon the many classic elements of metal which originally inspired the band, (Metallica, Riot, Judas Priest) while giving it an almost modern feel.

Originally formed back in 1985, the band was at the forefront off the exploding thrash scene. Which in turn had landed them a major label deal with their album ‘Kill To Survive’ that resulted in many tours with such bands as Slayer, Megadeth, Testament, Manowar, Morbid Angel, Metal Church and Nuclear Assault. At one time the band also included Sully from Godsmack as the drummer in the early ‘90’s.

Long time fans will be very pleased to know that four/fifths of the original line-up came together for ‘The Deep And Dreamless Sleep’. Meliah Rage features guitarists Anthony Nichols & Jim Koury, bassist Jesse Johnson and drummer Stuart Dowie. Paul Souza took over the vocal duties for Mike Munro.

This in a way is a great slip back into time. To a time where heavy metal was heavy metal. Head banging , fist pumping and powerful. Towering vocals accompany the crunchy guitars and hard-hitting drums on the disc. It also has a flare of modernism to it. So this album will not only be a delight for fans of old but for fans of new as well.

Pillar ‘The Reckoning’ (Flicker Records) By John Haseltine

With their fourth release here, this Oklahoma based quartet are ready to take on the world with a monumental new album.

Every track on this disc has radio hit single written all over it. Their sound is comparable to many bands yet at the same time has a nice fresh feel to it. A definite modern edge that should launch them directly into mainstream rock radio.

I was unaware until I did a little research on the band that they are quite big in the world of Christian rock. For those of you who may be turned off by this, don’t worry. The lyrical subjects have a bit of spirituality at times but are very vague overall as to not really be preaching about any one topic. They are really more day to day subjects of everyday life that all of us deal with from time to time.

Musically, and like I stated before, this is a outstanding offering by one of “the next big things” in the rock world. The songs are at times heavy to melodic with very memorable choruses. A great variety of styles are evident here. There is a little bit of everything offered here. Really a likeable sound for any one who listens to rock as there are influences that bleed through on some tracks by bands such as AC/DC, Tool, Rage Against The Machine and Jimmy Eat World.

Losing Sun ‘Inertia’ (Casket Records) By John Haseltine

Formed back in 2004, this Welsh based band are creating a bit of a buzz in the European music scene. They are currently working on their sophomore release, ‘Perspective’ for an early 2007 release.

This disc was released in late 2005 on Casket Records. There are certain bands that I come across which make me a bit angry. Losing Sun are one of them. Well, I guess it’s not the bands but the corporate bullshit American suits that never let great bands like this on the airwaves. Yes I say that now, but you watch. If ‘Perspective’ is even have as commanding as ‘Inertia’, these guys will have their day in the sun over here.

The music has everything to offer to mainstream rock listeners across the states. And the globe. Authoritative vocals, memorable choruses and captivating riffs are immanent. A very well refined piece of music here. Losing Sun have a thundering hard rock style that has just enough individuality to set them apart from the rest of today’s top acts.

Keenants ‘Let’s Start From The Beginning’ (Casket Records) By John Haseltine

Keenants are a band with several personalities. Hailing from Italy, these guys if nothing else are some really great players. Throughout the album though there are as I said several genres they touch upon. Straying away from their previous release which had a more Nu-Metal sound (thank goodness) and heading in more of a hard core direction. Well a metal core sound is what I can here now. And they do very well. You can still hear an influential piece of Linkin Park or Korn in a couple parts but for the most part that is all gone to these ears.

Keenants are almost in time for the metal core explosion here in the states. I’m not real sure what the rest of the globe holds for this genre but there are many bands still doing pretty damn good by it. And Keenants play it just as well as any.

Clobbering beats and intricate guitar work makes for an interesting listen. The hooks and beats are very appealing to the listener. There are varied choruses that you will catch yourself screaming along to almost immediately.

My Severance ‘2006 3-Song Demo’ (Self-Release) By John Haseltine

My Severance are a band highly influenced by the ‘90’s metal and goth rock genres. Hailing from France, the band is currently in the studio recording their first full length album.

Musically, the band is very tight in what they play. Style wise it is a more dark progressive rock with goth influences. All the players have the talent to go places. In hopes for them, and I feel there is a market for it, that a label swoops them up soon. Their music although on a slightly dark/goth scale is very passionate in nature. At times twinges of a new wave sound without straying from the progressiveness they seem to be going for.

Jack Frost ‘Out In The Cold’ (Screaming Ferret Records) By John Haseltine

Well Jack is back doing what he does best. Tearing the shit out of those strings. And on this, his sophomore solo album, it almost plays out like Dave Grohl’s Probot. Sure you get on the guitar, but with every track on the disc you get pretty much a different band of players. Same went for the writing too. Each vocalist is given credit for the songs they are singing. With the exception of the three cover songs.

Jack constructed a slew of excellent musicians to help out on this project. On vocals there is: Ted Poley, Alan Tecchio, Neil Turbin, Terry Ilous, Dale Toth, Jeff Martin, Paul Shortino and Jack Frost himself sings on a track. Bass guitars include: Dennis Hayes, Kevin Bolembach, Mike LePond, Mike Duda and Joey Vera. On the drums: Patrick Johansson, Jeff Curneton and Chuck White. (What? No Brian? Jack, Jack, Jack…) and on keyboards Eric Ragno.

Well musically, ‘Out In The Cold’ is pretty much what can be expected to come from Jack and a group of musicians of this caliber. It is heavy metal. Do not expect to hear Seven Witches here. Just some hard rock/lite heavy metal. Good listening. Plus there are a couple cool covers as well. They covered Foreigner’s ‘Cold As Ice’, .38 Special’s ‘Hold On Loosely’ and April Wine’s ‘Sign Of The Gypsy Queen.’

Niels Vejlyt ‘The Predator’ (Ronin Records) By John Haseltine

What your get here from Niels is 11 tracks of instrumental Neo-classical metal in the styles of Yngwie Malmsteen, George Bellas and Greg How. What you do not get here is a very well recorded disc full of music. Some of the tracks sound like they were recorded in a can. A bit fuzzy and not very clear to the ears. Which is pretty sad in this case. Besides what I consider the first song to be very drab and a bit boring, the other ten tracks sound like with the right production could really be something big.

Niels is a guitar instructor from I believe Denmark. On his website he has instructional DVDs ect. As a player on the disc, Niels is tremendous. All the scales and notes hit are right on the money. At times Yngwie speeds, at others melancholy.

I ‘Between Two Worlds’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

So what do you get when you mix the likes of Abbath (Immortal), Ice Dale (Enslaved), Tom Visnes (ex-Gorgoroth), Armagedda (ex-Immortal) and lyricist Demonaz? No not a bunch of guys with silly names. A super group of epic proportions.

I can’t believe the flood of great metal out there today. I’m having a real hard time finding shit that I really do not like. The same goes for I. The band that is.

These guys have taken there black metal roots and have fused it together with hard rock to create some of the most spine chilling jams you’ll ever lay your ears upon. Seriously. The disc for the most part is fairly straight forward and catchy as hell. There were times after several listens that I would just stop and think, Wow!!! This fucking rocks!!!

At times it almost sounds like Venom blaring through the speakers. I realize that the mighty Venom may not have the largest of followings anymore. So I will just say that what you’ll get when you listen to I is what would happen if you added equal parts Motorhead, Dissection, Immortal and Corrosion Of Conformity into a blender, whipped it all and poured it out into a Super Big Gulp cup.

‘Between Two Worlds’ is a masterpiece in it’s own right and should only be listened to at deafening levels. It will leave etching in you psyche that won’t go away.

St. Madness ‘Vampires In The Church’ (Nasty Prick Records) By John Haseltine

This is a fairly tough one for me to write out a detailed review for. There is so much to comment on with each and every track, I’m stumped.

You all know St. Madness don’t you? Well you really need to head over to their MySpace page and have a look for yourself.

St. Madness from Phoenix, Arizona have shared the stage with many great such as Six Feet Under, Van Halen, Destruction, King Diamond, Mercyful Fate, Fates Warning, Flotsam & Jetsam, Monster Magnet, Sacred Reich and the list goes on.

In a nut shell, St. Madness are a theatrical onslaught of the highest caliber. And musically? Well it really varies from track to track on this one. There is an overall old-school thrash metal vibe to simply put it to you. St. Madness have always been one to poke a bit of humor into their songs no matter what the subject may be. I was absolutely shocked by the powerful sounding power-ballad ‘Arizona’. A song which pays homage to, well, Arizona. It’s an incredible track!!!. You gotta also love the bluesy ZZ Top style on ‘Covered in Blood’. A little story about a vampire looking for a smorgasbord of humans to feast on. And there own version of The Divinyls - I Touch Myself re-worked to the lyrics ‘I Cut Myself”.

Heaven Shall Burn ‘Deaf To Our Prayers’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

‘Deaf To Our Prayers’, is the fifth full length by this German powerhouse. upon reading the bio I discover they are labeled a metal-core band. Another one eh? And that they were one of the first groups to shatter the boundaries between death metal and hardcore. Really? Hmmm, did not know that.

Well much to my amazement upon listening to this disc, I can’t hear too much core. It is definitely a lot more metal, death in fact, than anything else. I do have a bit of trouble with all the genres out there, but really, a crushing album indeed.

There are plenty of ultra heavy riffs with the dueling guitar mastery of Maik Weichert and Alexander Dietz. They combine just the right amount of melody usage in parts throughout each track that only heightens the song. Not strips away from it. The overall growling vocals are a perfect fit accompanied by an almost machine sound rhythm section that is second to none.

I don’t feel that there is much of anything on this disc that any fan of heavy and extreme music could not like. The more I listen to it, more I like it. It really packs a punch and has a lot more balls than your average popular/mainstream type metal-core bands.

Spider Rockets ‘Ever After’ (P-Dog Records) By John Haseltine

Hailing from the great state of New Jersey, may I introduce you to the Spider Rockets. Pretty cool name huh? Well along with that is some pretty cool music as well.

‘Ever After’ is the third release from the band. It sees the band gaining some momentum in an almost lost genre in the music industry. Well, at least in these parts. Spider Rockets are an edgy and slightly heavy alternative rock band. Fronted by the dynamic female vocals of one Helena Cos.

There are many different influences that bleed through on the disc. And yes, a lot of it has to do with what style of vocals are being used in a particular song. The music is good too. Catchy and filled with grooves and some metallic guitar overtones. Each track seems to drive itself in it’s own direction without losing the overall continuity of the album. That’s one thing I like. About any album.

Many of you may agree or disagree with me from time to time. I’m cool with that. And as an overall album, it probably is not one that I would listen too all the time. Not quite my first choice of styles. Plus, it’s almost a bit too radio worthy for me. That’s just me though. But I do have the ability to recognize good music whether it’s my favorite genre or not. Although I really like the track “Hate”. Yeah, go figure eh? It’s a hard and heavy one. Other notable tracks, ‘Reasons For Deceit, What I Want and Whispers’.

So we can’t pigeon-hole Spider Rockets as just another female fronted rock band. There are many that all sound alike. Not the case here. There’s so much that the band has to offer within each track to reach out to a broader audience than many others in the mainstream.

Glenn Danzig ‘Black Aria II’ (Evilive Records) By John Haseltine

Glenn Danzig returns with a follow up to his classical music chart busting ‘Black Aria’. I’ve seen already that this latest installment has made it into the classical music charts as well. That is great for Mr. Danzig. He is by far one of the most under-rated musicians of our time. He deserves the respect.

As for why this has already hit the classic music charts is beyond me. I really do not know what is on those charts. As for the music here? There really is not much to go on. It really doesn’t go anywhere. As a dark, ambient setting? Yeah. It sounds very cool. But musically it just doesn’t do it for me. Which I was a little bummed because I am for the most part a Danzig fan. And I really enjoy/ed ‘Black Aria’. This one just seems miles away from that one.

‘Black Aria II’ tells the story of Lilith. No, not from Cheers/Frasier. It is Lilith. Adam’s wife before Eve. “ In Earlier stories, Adam and Lilith were both made individually,” Danzig relates. “But Lilith was too head strong - she had her own opinions and thoughts.” So yeah she was banished. Go figure. Danzig continues, “she goes off, has sex with demons and becomes a demon herself. Because she can’t have children of here own, she goes into a murderous rage and strangles children in their sleep.”

So it’s a great story that needs to be told. Or shown while being accompanied by this soundtrack into darkness. Great packaging too.

Evolocity ‘Evolocity’ (Nuerra Records) By John Haseltine

This five piece from Phoenix, Arizona are creating quite a buzz along the college radio circuit. And for good reason. With their hit single ’Too Far’, it has so many touches of what hard rock radio America is shoveling out to the masses.

Now I must say that there are several different influences that dominate throughout this disc. From alt to hard rock to metal to jazz. It really has a bit of everything all mashed up into one. Not done properly could really be bad. Not here. These guys have about as much talent and passion for their music as any top name out there. And it shows in each track.

For all you hard rockers out there, here’s another new band that is worthy of checking out. It is only a matter of time before they graduate from the college circuit and find their spot amongst the top national acts. There are plenty of beefy hooks and catchy, soaring melodies that reel you in from the very first note.

Vampire Moose ‘Serenade The Samurai’ (Rotten Records) By John Haseltine

I can’t say what the debut release sounded like, but their sophomore release on Rotten Records ’Serenade The Samurai’ sounds like a freight train rolling full speed through a meat grinder. A full on death metal/hard core fusion that is somewhat of it’s own volition. Sure they have remnants here and there to other bands and genres, but mainly just influential.

Vampire Moose are a power house of violence and rage scrambled into a molten pot of fury. The ferocity of these St. Louis natives is second to none. In fact I have had a tough time trying to simplify what I wanted to put down here on this review. These guys are all over the map. So I did take it upon myself to plagiarize the bio sheet. I rarely do this. But when I do it’s only because I agree and that it’s true.

The Haunted ‘The Dead Eye’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

I’m probably not the best candidate to be reviewing The Haunted’s latest release on Century Media. Most in part because I have missed their last two releases, ’One Kill Wonder’ and highly acclaimed ’rEVOLVEr’.

I did catch them at the 2005 Ozzfest and thought they were superb up on stage. But going back to the album, I’m still stuck on the 2000 release,’ The Haunted Made Me Do It’. Now that’s an off the hook fucking metal onslaught.

‘The Dead Eye’ for the most part is yes, a great album. This is a band that is chalked full of talent that is just boiling out at the seams. But after several listens to this, I can’t get over the mainstream feel that there is to it. Did they have that going for them on the past couple I missed? If so, see? I’m lost on that one.

Seven Witches

‘Years Of The Witch DVD’ (Screaming Ferret Wreckords) By John Haseltine

If it’s one thing that any and all metal heads in the U.S. must do is bow your heads and salute the mighty Jack Frost. Seven Witches may not be the greatest metal band in the world (it’s always to each their own) and you may not really get into their style of metal. But, this band has been the most consistent metal band since their formation back in 1999. Bringing you heavy metal, American-style. And after five stellar albums and numerous world tours, bring you the first ever DVD titled, ‘Years Of The Witch’.

Like many of you, how can you not like the positive energy of Seven Witches music? It’s hard and heavy. It has solos in every song. And some of the best guitar work I might add, with James Rivera on vocals. To be honest? You really can’t go wrong here.

Or maybe we can. The show itself includes 16 tracks spanning the bands career thus far. The footage is pretty well done. But if I may complain, and I will, the sound is nothing but mediocre. Have you ever heard a sound board bootleg of a live show? That is what the sound is like on here. The vocals are very well heard and a bit of the drums are as well. But due to the poor recording, at times Jack’s guitars are drowned out by the double bass drumming. The bass guitars fades in from time to time as well.

Now for the die hard Witch legions, you really are going to love this DVD. Just beware that it was not produced on a high end budget. It contains all your favorite Witches tracks and a lot of bonus material as well. See, I watch the archived concert footage first so I could watch an old JR/SR high school friend Brian Craig (former drummer). And with them being mostly home shot videos, he was in most of the footage. It was/is really cool to watch. I had given Jack a rash of shit for letting him go from the band a couple years ago. And told him I would ever time I run into him. He’s okay with that.

There is also plenty of other items like the ‘Story Of The Witch’. A little bio of how the band came to be along with some interviews and much much more that you my friends are going to have to find out on your own.

Fentanyl ‘Feeble Existence’ (Self-Release) By John Haseltine

This disc is a kick back to the good ole ‘80’s thrash/speed metal styles. The production on this disc is raw and edgy. Fits perfect with Fentanyl’s brand of post-punk modern metal mixture. There are several catchy tunes on this one. What is cool to me is that they definitely have their own sound. Not much I can think of to compare to. Maybe a Slayer/FEAR mixture with some early Carcass influence.

Mendeed ‘This War Will Last Forever’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

This disc rules!!! I know I say shit like that a lot, but damn, I just keep getting great CDS to review. And this my friends is one of them.

Starting of with some of the most mesmerizing bagpipe orchestration ending with gunfire and mortars, ‘This War Will Last Forever’ starts of in blazing metal fury. A delicious blend of metal-core with twinges of my favorite, Maiden-esque solo/melody works.

Their fifth release is one that is sure to punch Mendeed into ears of a broader more worldwide audience. There’s nothing that can be found wrong on this disc. Mendeed is a violent blend of thrash with layers of harmonies to add just the right amount classiness that seems to be lacking in the scene today.

Catchy riffing and an almost nonstop passion to produce the most infectious sounds to slam by. Fast and hard hitting. Just how I like it.

Comparisons have been that to In Flames, Pantera, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Killswitch Engage and Trivium. Really folks there is no comparing to the likes of these great acts. Mendeed are everything that these bands are great for and much much more. You’ve gotta check these Scots out.

Belphegor ‘Pestapokalypse VI’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

Austria’s supreme death/black metal artists Belphegor are back. Spewed from the bowels of Hell. Fast and furious blast beats abound. As if the load was shot directly by the Dark Lord himself onto humanity, Belphegor’s blasphemous brand of blackened death metal is not for the faint of heart.

Helmuth - vocals, guitars, heretic grunts, chainsaw and Sigurd - guitars, six string flagellation hold nothing back with their latest release. Robin Eaglestone - session bassist and Nefastus - session drummer, blast machine join the legions of Hell to bring this work of utter chaos and evil to life.

‘Pestapokalypse VI’ is what it is. Pure mayhem and pandemonium from start to finish. And after a few listens over the past couple of weeks I’ve just got this to say. Fucking brutal!!!

Helmuth and Sigurd are keeping the blackened flag ablaze with their “unconventional harmonies, monumentally aggressive vocal work and accurately represent the infernal musical landscape in which Belphegor comfortably inhabits.”

Hammerfall ‘Threshold’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

What can one say about Sweden’s power metal gods Hammerfall? Either you like them or you don’t. I myself fall under the like category. Not that I am totally into all their music, but one thing is for sure, these guys have got it going on.

Incredibly catchy melodies and choruses that have you chanting and singing along just after a couple listens. ‘Threshold’ is actually the first time I have listened to a full length Hammerfall release. It is freakin’ incredible. And I must agree with those who have wrote before me and from the band themselves when they say that they play true heavy metal. How is true heavy metal suppose to sound? Something like each and every track on this latest release.

Now for some of you into the heavier side of metal you may not agree. But Hammerfall need no sub-genre to categorize their music. They are heavy metal. Plain and simple. Fast and powerful. Sure they have some cheesy sounding chants laden with some serious fist pumping action. But all that set aside, that’s how it was back in the days of Judas Priest, Helloween, Iron Maiden and many other greats of that era.

Hammerfall are one of the few bands around today that stay true to the ‘80’s power metal style while at the same time creating fresh and invigorating music. I think vocalist Joacim cans said it best in an interview I did with him a couple of weeks ago. “I think if you don’t like Hammerfall now, you don’t like Hammerfall at all.”

Downlord ‘Grind Trials - The Demos’ (Open Grave Records) By John Haseltine

Lyzanxia ‘Unsu’ (Listenable Records) By John Haseltine

“the possessors of quite possibly the best thrash riffs in the business” are back!!! That statement by Canadian mag BW&BK has been plastered everywhere Lyzanxia’s name has been since the release of 2004’s ’Mindcrimes’. Why might you ask? Because it is quite possibly the best way to describe their music.

See I was a slight bit disappointed upon the first listen of ’Mindcrimes’. I didn’t think it lived up to the outstanding live performance the night before. And if any of you here in the states had a chance to catch them on the Harsh Reality Tour in the fall of ’04 you’d agree. They put on one of the best, tightest live sets I’ve seen in some time. Very, very impressive.

As is with ’Unsu’, very impressive. The riffs are still there. Tough to say for sure or not that they’re the best in the business, but I will say this. Lyzanxia, are with each album thus far maturing to a level of excellence. The brothers David & Frank Potvin still spew forth their mesmerizing dueling vocals that are all over the map from clean to scream to guttural to growl. And back to the riffs, ‘Unsu’ does see the brothers stepping things up a notch. Aggressive yet melodic at the same sense with a intricacy that has shaped itself into something of beauty. Follow that with one of the most thundering rhythm sections in the business with Vincent Perdicaro and Clement Decrock and you have and international sensation on your hands.

So yeah, I like Lyzanxia. Very much so. And with as much confidence as I can muster within my little brain, you will too. As for the rest of the world for Lyzanxia, they are on the right track to become legends of their own making. Great things are in store for these guys who are not just incredibly talented musically, but very smart on the business and marketing end of things. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the newly inked deal with Listenable Records lands them a tour package in the states soon.

Textures ‘Drawing Circles’ (Listenable Records) By John Haseltine

Formed in 2001, this sextet from the Netherlands created such a stir with their 2003 release ‘Polars’ that it landed them shows with such names like Meshuggah, Machine Head, Morbid Angel, The Dillenger Escape Plan and Cult Of Luna to name a few. Their latest ‘Drawing Circle’ is sure to do just the same. A driving hardcore/metal blend that is almost in a league of it’s own. Not that there’s anything too out of the ordinary when it comes to this genre, just that it does not have all the same elements that so many bands of today have. It is a very layered brand of metal. Thunderous guitars and guttural type screams may remind you of so many others, but after you give this a listen, you will agree that there is so much more.

Many of today’s newer bands state how they are pushing the boundaries or the envelope when it comes to their sound. Textures are one of a very select few who should be allowed to actually say this. ‘Drawing Circles’ keeps you on the edge of your seat like a non-stop action thriller. Just when you think you know what’s around the bend, BAM!! Whoa, that’s not what you expected was it?

Textures breaths a freshness to the hardcore/metal genre. Yeah, yeah. I bet you’re saying otherwise. But really, the only way to be certain for sure is to go and check them out yourself. Fans of It Dies Today, Malicious Disorder, Lamb Of God, Norma Jean, Unearth, Meshuggah and Strapping Young Lad need to head over to the website right now. From calm to aggressive to serene, it’s all there. Why aren’t you?

Napalm Death ‘Smear Campaign’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

After over two decades of extreme, genre creating music, Napalm Death are back. With nothing to prove, but to show that their work is far from done. ‘Smear Campaign’ is once again “off the hook” Napalm. This latest release follows closely to the previous couple release. A ferocious concoction of mayhem and fury.

The traditional blast beats are all there. Not everywhere, but still there. And the guitars are everywhere. Vicious breaks and leads that really incorporate the “dissonant, angular guitar breaks featured on ‘Diatribes’. Barney also abandons his classic trademark titanic roar in favor of some cleaner vocal. Not many, but it’s still present. And lyrically, very socially conscience as usual. The premise here touches mainly around religion and the bands belief in atheism.

Deadstar Assembly ‘Unsaved’ (Pure Records) By John Haseltine

Well I was not sure how to take these guys by looking at the album. Their garb/appearance is made up of what closely resembles members of Marilyn Manson’s band. Or even the Murder Dolls. Funny thing about that is these guys are definitely for fans of both.

I am completely impressed by ‘Unsaved’. In terms of heaviness, it’s there. Very thunderous beats and heavy riffing with swirling synths and haunting melodies that reel you in with the very first listen. I myself have listened to this so many times, it’s hard to come up with the proper words to describe it. At least ones that will do it any justice. I’m pretty stumped.

‘Unsaved’ is a very infectious album. There is not one track on here that is not catchy as hell. And as for putting them into any one genre is not fair to the band. If “great heavy music” was a genre, they’d be right there on the top of the heap. Their music and passion ranks right there with so many of today’s top heavy hitters.

A must for fans of Marilyn Manson, Dope, Twin Method, The Murder Dolls, Mushroomhead and so many more. This is industrial/goth metal at it’s best. ‘Unsaved’ is the album that is going to make Deadstar Assembly an international phenomenon. I highly recommend this.

Rory Gallagher ‘Live At Montreux’ (Eagle Records) By John Haseltine

Eagle Records has compiled a great album here. An album of The Montreux festival favorite, and legendary blues/rock musician Rory Gallagher. The late Rory Gallagher had sold millions of albums, toured America more than 25 times and played and headlined at England’s Reading Festival more than any other band.

Rory had released his first album on Polydor in April of 1969 and became a headlining sensation throughout Europe and America both. Since then, Rory had compiled quite the extensive discography.

Sadly, Rory fell seriously ill and due to complications following a liver transplant, Rory died June 14^th, 1995.

This disc is comprised of live tracks which span the years 1975 through 1985. All live tracks were obviously recorded live at Montreux. Hence the title. The production for each track is superb and very well put together. This is a great album paying tribute to a great musician and should be in everyone’s collection. R.I.P. Rory.

Mercenary ‘The Hours That Remain’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

Well I’m not quite sure where to go with this one. Or what to say that has not already been said. I could start off by saying I have not been introduced to Mercenary until now. Therefore I have nothing to size this release up against. Which by what I’ve come across may be beneficial to the band. I can’t go and tell you it’s not as good as their last outing as so many are. What I can say , is that this is a monumental release for the metal community.

Mercenary, who hail from Denmark, do not pull out any stops when it comes to their diversely genre mixed style of music. File it under whatever metal bin you like, it should fit. Mercenary’s music is a heavy metal fans wet dream come true. They mix traditional heavy metal with melodic death, progressive and power metal that explodes out the speakers like nothing else. Musically, the band is very tight, very precise and talented. Great harmonies throughout with plenty of aggression added at just the right moments. The multi-layering of the vocals which is becoming a staple these days sounds absolutely amazing.

Ram ‘Forced Entry’ (Black Path Records) By John Haseltine

Well here’s one that fell through the cracks. I received these some time ago and added a couple tracks to the station and on the shelf it went. After listening to it several times, it was time to move on. Others to review, ect. I just now noticed that I actually never did a review for this album. Damn me!!! Sorry guys.

Before I even mention their sound, I could easily end this review with, these guys are a heavy metal band from Gothenburg, Sweden. And from there you should get the jest that these guys rock. Well I won’t. but really, they do.

Ram are a fist pumping, head banging, heavy metal machine set on high. There’s good reason RockHard Magazine voted them “Best Newcomer-2004”. They were. And with this, their first full length, Ram will be creating quite a buzz in the scene. At the same time being heavy and fast, they show how progressive and melodic they can be all at the same time without ever losing a step.

Dead Rabbits ‘sin-eater’ ( Overitrecords) By John Haseltine

Dead Rabbits came into existence back in 2000. At the time, it was to be a solo/side project of Mike Maney. Maney, a former member of the legendary Troy, NY based hardcore band Stigmata. Maney and Stigmata are very well known up and down the eastern seaboard and are responsible for such underground classics as, “ Pure And Immense, Question Existence, Troy Blood, Trench Mouth” and way too many more to list.

Maney had recorded the first demo which was comprised of several songs, playing all the instruments himself. The out come was obvious and very powerful.

Soon there after, Maney joined forces with long time friend and former Stigmata bandmate, Jason Sunkes (guitar). Also joining the ranks, Dan Dinsmore on drums and bassist Brendon Slater of The Clay People.

Dead Rabbits wasted no time in playing tons of live shows with several national acts and soon headed into the studio to record their debut, ‘sin-eater’.

So I bet you want to know about the music? Well,,,,,,,the outcome, I must say is sensational! Dead Rabbits music is sort of a doomy, blues filled southern/hard rock mixture. A spectacle of seasoned musicians giving their hearts and souls, in the name of rock -n- roll. A spectacle that is only to be matched by a select few within the genre. The overall production has a raw, gungey sound that fit perfectly with the songs. Maney & Co have taken this style of rock and have given it a sound of their own without being too complex or flashy.

There are a couple Hendrix covers and one from Credence, but the twelve originals here on this disc are just the beginning of something great. Although the whole disc is a great listen, some personal favs for me are, “ Trust, Once Upon A Cross and Sleep”.

OPM ‘California Poppy’ (Suburban Noize Records) By John Haseltine

I have to admit, the first time I put this into my stereo while driving and the deep bass and hip-hop style started to bellow out of the speakers I was like, “What?” Skip to the next track. Same. Next track kind of the same. Eject it went……..

Okay. So a couple weeks go by. And as the Cds to review pile up and my peanut sized head is filled with so much metal it’s oozing out of my ears, I grab OPM a head out for some errand running. I have to review it, therefore I have to listen to it.

I hope none of my devoted readers don’t take this review too wrong. But to my amazement, the songs playing are pretty damn good. OPM are not a hip hop band either. Yeah, I’m a dumbass. There are hip hop elements here, but what you may be thinking. ‘California Poppy’ is the third album by OPM and the second with Suburban Noize Records.

‘California Poppy’ is a very mellow listen. It is filled with plenty of grooves that, and yes I myself included, you catch yourself bobbing along to. Their music is a mixture of today’s popular alternative, reggae, hip hop beats and the punk rock attitude which defines their California attitude. Do I share in that attitude? Probably.

Anyways, highly influenced by Sublime, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jane’s Addiction, No Doubt and NWA, you will hear the similarities of these influences throughout. And though you can hear them throughout each track, OPM have an incredible quality of not really sound too much like any of them.

This is NOT metal by any means and I need to state that for this website. But hey, most of you here are a lot more well rounded than the average music fan. So if you want a soothing, groove laden sound in the back ground, this is a great album for it. I’m sure your girl friends and wives will appreciate as well. Very well done.

Blind Guardian ‘A Twist In The Myth’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

Well it’s been sometime since the last studio album, but you should be used to this by now. And as always, the long wait is more than worth it. ‘A Twist In The Myth’ sees Blind Guardian coming ten fold to grab the power metal world by the balls.

Hansi & Co. only seem to deliver the utmost in quality when it comes to their music. There’s no exception here. Lyrically this is a widely mixed album touching on various subjects from Mythology to history to religion. Musically, it runs from a very Celtic ballad to the more Ozzy/Queen type power ballads to some more slightly thrash metal sounds. ‘A Twist In The Myth’ is a very progressive sounding album for the band. It’s filled with the old Blind Guardian style mixed up with several newer elements.

This eleven track album is the one that has been longed for for some time. By both diehard fans and the metal community in general. Highlights include, “Another Stranger Me, This Will Never End, Skalds & Shadows and The Edge”. Well, actually, the entire album is a highlight.

The wait is over. Escape in a journey to the unknown. Escape in a journey with ,’A Twist In The Myth”.

Poisonblack ‘Lust Stained Despair’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

Wanting to further pursue his ventures in guitar playing, Sentenced front man Ville Laihiala formed Poisonblack back in the year 2000. Their debut release ‘Escapexstacy’ featured Charon vocalist J.P. Leppaluoto and received rave reviews worldwide. Despite such rave reviews, touring was not much of an option at the time due to prior comments with the members and their main bands.

Many already know of the demise of Laihiala’s band Sentenced. If not, there you go. And now he has made Poisonblack top priority. As well, after J.P. announcing his departure from the band, and what seemed to be an endless search, Laihiala was the only sure fit to take on the vocal duties along with playing lead.

Poisonblack follow the traditional metal sound with a gothic edge. They embrace the use of over extended solos throughout. A practice almost forgotten by many of today’s bands. Each and every track has a ook to it that makes it catchy as hell. Their up tempo songs and musical genius almost make this the most perfect sounding hard rock album I’ve ever heard. After several listens to this I was hooked. Yes, even before I took the time to read the bio and find out the make up of the band. This is a simply stunning album from start to finish. (No pun intended)

Poisonblack are Ville Laihiala - vocals/lead guitar, Janne Markus - guitar, Antti Remes - bass, Marco Sneck - keyboards and Tarmo Kanerva - drums.

Seasons Of Sorrow ‘The Awakening’ (Self-Release) By John Haseltine

Emerging from Vancouver Island, Canada, Seasons Of Sorrow were formed in 1999 by Jesse Day. At the time of inception, the main influences were drawn from both black and power metal genres. After many additions to the line-up and years of polishing up their craft while playing numerous shows, Seasons of Sorrow were ready to record their first demo. Of which is this one I’m talking about.

There are several influences in the fold here. Operatic to guttural vocals are intertwined throughout. Not always seeming like they are positioned in the right places all the time and in a couple spots, almost not in the right key. Musically the band really has something going here. And with the proper production, these three tracks could be turned into something amazing. Epic in nature as well as sound. Two of the tracks are just over six minutes long with one just under eight. Great guitar work throughout and the addition of a violin inner mixed to add something extra to the already atmospheric harmonies make for a pleasurable listen.

Slayer ‘Christ Illusion’ (American) By John Haseltine

The mighty fucking Slayer are back. Their first studio recording as the original line-up since “Seasons In The Abyss”. And hope fully not the last. I’m not real sure how to go about reviewing this disc. I mean, what can be said? It’s Slayer. And Slayer fucking rules. And so does this album. It picks right up where ‘God Hates Us All’ left off. And though it has the same tendencies and ferocity as ’God Hates Us All’, it also resembles at many points to that of ’Seasons In the Abyss’. Heavy and brutal. These thrash metal titans never cease to amaze me. ‘Christ Illusion’ will pummel you within the first 30 seconds and does not let up until it’s over. One devastating track after another. And lyrically, well it is just as controversial as ever. Following the typical Slayer lyrics we have all come to love over the years. I’m sorry there may be no catchy descriptions here to let you know what I’m talking about. Or sentences that run you all around the page that pretty much boils down to one thing. SLAYER,SLAYER,SLAYER .In short, Wow!!!!

Merendine Atomiche ‘Raw’ (Mausoleum Records) By John Haseltine

Italian thrash metal veteran’s, Merendine Atomiche are proud to present their most visceral and accomplished work to date. With the help of producer Jack Frost (Savatage, Seven Witches), and almost two years in the works, you the listener are about to be amazed. I have not heard a quality album such as this in a very long time. Their sound is full of life and energy. There are several different roots to the music based on the members influences. To pinpoint this album into any certain sub-genre would be a crime, as they cover several with such precision that you never really even notice. Okay, maybe you can.

The first three tracks are some pretty raging thrash anthems and then the acoustic guitars come in and the rest of the album sort of roller coasters through some of the finest written material a band can write. This is my first encounter with Merendine Atomiche. And I’m very glad I’ve gotten the chance to review this release. My only hope is that a few of these words I type do the album some justice because it’s fuckin’ great! No other way to describe it.

Merendine Atomiche consists of Luca Zandarin - vocals, Luca Cerardi - drums, David Bisson - lead guitar, Luca Securo - rhythm guitars and Dario Bianchi - bass.

Bassist Dario Bianchi states, “For me, Raw is not an album but a tale. A story about Merendine Atomiche as friends and as a band. Our experiences, our dreams and a musical trip into the life of five guys who are living a great experience through music can be heard with this album.”

Chrome Division ‘Doomsday Rock ‘N Roll’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

Chrome Division started somewhere back in 1999 when Dimmu Borgir was in pre-production for the album ‘Spiritual Black Demensions’. Shagrath and Nagash (then a member) got together for jam sessions to let off a bit of creative steam. At the time, nothing ever really came of the riffs and recordings from the jams.

Years later, 2004, Shagrath got in contact with Bjorn Luna for some booze swelling jam sessions on some bad-ass rock ‘n roll. Well one thing led to another, many great ideas were laid down and Chrome Division was born. Well that’s the short short version.

Shagrath - rhythm guitars and Bjorn Luna - bass soon enlisted Ricky Black - guitars, Tony White - drums and the thundering vocals of Eddie Guz.

These guys deliver nothing but the best of leather-clad, down and dirty biker rock ‘n roll. Norwegian biker metal. And it sounds fucking great. “Booze, Broads, and Beelzebulb”. How cool is that. These guys are so very close in sound to Motorhead and Black Label Society. Also fans of Southern Gentlemen, C.O.C. , Superchrist and Dead Rabbits.

Therion ‘Celebrators Of Becoming’

4 Disc DVD Set

(Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

Well what I have here is the ultimate of promotional teasers. Therion have released their 4 DVD set with so much material on it, it’s crazy. I received a promo disc with about ten minute from each disc. Wow!!! Great video/live performances and audio quality. I can’t wait to get my hands on the full set. I highly recommend to all fans and for those unfamiliar with the music, life and times of Therion, now is the time. Here is a brief rundown of what you get.

Disc 1 : Live in Mexico City 2004 . Full 23 track headlining performance.

Disc 2 : North America 2005 which includes performances from Quebec City and Chicago. Latin America 2004 with performances from shows in Mexico, El Salvador, Colombia and Bolivia. Europe 2004 with sets from shows in Austria, France, Belgium, Germany, Poland and Hungary. Eastern Europe 2005/06 from Russia and Turkey.

Disc 3 : Wacken 2001 set. Commentaries. 7 promotional videos from 1992-2001. Studio reprots and much more.

Communic ‘Waves Of Visual Decay’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

Communic, since their 2005 release of ‘Conspiracy In Mind’ have been creating quite a buzz in the metal scene. Extensive touring and several album of the month awards with plenty of praise from the likes of reviewers as myself. Communic have been categorized in the same vein of bands such as Metallica (Master of Puppets era), Queensryche (Operation Mindcrime era), Fates Warning and Opeth.

This dynamic three piece hailing from Norway consist of Oddleif Stensland - vocals/guitars, Tor Atle Andersen - drums and Erik Mortensen.

‘Waves Of Visual Decay’ is a superb album. Full of hooks, melodious guitar work, an engaging rhythm section and vibrant vocals which cover a range of styles. Communic’s sound can not be stuck into any one genre alone. Their style covers the power metal, progressive and traditional metal styles. Even with the lengthy times of the tracks on this disk, you never really notice. Not until the track is over and then you’re just sitting there wanting more.

The technical aspects of Communic’s music leaves the listener in awe. I can’t honestly say how many times I’ve listened to this in the past weeks, but it seems every time I do I pick up on something I’ve missed before.

“Communic’s quiet/loud/quiet approach takes you through rage and serenity within the same song, yet spearheads a message of hope and triumph as the alternative to the ubiquitous lures of spite and hopelessness”

Satyricon ‘Now, Diabolical' (Century Media) By John Haseltine

‘Now, Diabolical’ is the latest release from black/extreme metal masters Satyricon. Having already etched their name and music in to the hearts and souls of the European fans, Satyricon has seen the new found birth of the band during the 2002 release of ‘Volcano’ here in the states. And to me ,I feel Satyr - vocals, all other instruments and Frost - drums are playing on this a bit. They’ve studied the listening habits of us over hear. Although there is quite the dedicated following here, why not step it up a notch and reel in some more unsuspecting metal heads.

‘Now, Diabolical’ is a more polished, ambitious effort. Not wanting to say they have lighted up their tone, because this is an overall heavy-ass offering. Just, it sounds as if they have really touched on the more melodic side of the black metal spectrum. The old stylistic formulas are still here. The darkness and occult traditions of Scandinavia’s cultural history are evident throughout.

Satyr and Frost have put forth a dynamic new album with many catchy hooks and cacophonous guitar riffs. All served up with a “blasphemous imagery, worshipped by hordes of black-clad youths trying their hardest to be different”.

Interrogate ‘Unbroken’ (self-release) By John Haseltine

Maroon ‘When Worlds Collide’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

“Like a calculated, maniacal killer the German powerhouse Maroon moves in quick and goes straight for the jugular with their scathing dual guitar assault and devastating breakdowns.”

Overgarven ‘promo 2005’ (self-release) By John Haseltine

Midnight Idols ‘We Rule The Night’ (self-release) By John Haseltine

Cronian  ‘Terra’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

Shadows Fall ‘Fallout From The War’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

A few more weeks till you get your hands on this one. It is well worth the wait. Can Shadows Fall do wrong? They haven’t since I got my hands on ‘Of One Blood’ back in 2000. Since then they have molded there thrash metal style for the masses. And it shows. Shadows Fall are quickly becoming one of the top metal acts in the America. Much deserved popularity for Fair & Co. There’s not much on this latest release for the fans to worry about. It’s basically a companion disc for ‘The War Within’. Rolls on pretty much the same. Except on this one, not only do you get a few new tracks (6), you also get a few covers and otherwise previously unreleased tunes. There’s a track by Only Living Witness, Leeway and my favorite cover tune, a newly recorded version of ’Teasn’, Pleasn’’ by Dangerous Toys that features Dangerous Toys vocalist Jason McMaster singing along with Fair. Shadows Fall are of the hook here with this one and is sure to sell just as well as the last. Shadows Fall are one of those bands that do not disappoint and probably never will. All hail Boston’s Shadows Fall.

Bludgeon ‘World Controlled’ (Magic Circle Music) By John Haseltine

Divided By Zero ‘The Black Sea’ (Sik World Records) By John Haseltine

How to start this one? I’ve been jamming this one out for a couple weeks now letting all the other submissions pile up on my desk. Well sorry to the label and band for that. It comes out next week and we need to get the word out.

First off a huge congrats to new label Sik World Records for making this their debut release. And to the band themselves for such an outstanding album. Honestly, I’ve been through the disk 20 or 30 times now. It’s all that’s been in the player now for a couple weeks. From the car to work to the CD player sitting behind me. What sucks about this is this is going to have to be that last time I hear it for awhile. Yes others await.

Divided By Zero formed from the ashes of So. Cal. favorites Ghoulspoon. These guys are no stranger to the hard rock scene. In 1999 their ‘Fever’ album, as Ghoulspoon became the number 1 selling album in the San Diege area. They were also dubbed “Best hard rock/metal band” at the 2001 San Diego music awards. They have shared the stage with too many great acts to mention. A few include 311, Korn, Foo Fighters, Sublime, No Doubt, Kid Rock and the list goes on.

When speaking of their genre, there’s no way to exactly pinpoint it. I’m going out on a limb here and I’ll just say infuckingcredible. Oh, that’s not a genre. Hard rock should work. Although there are several styles and influences inner twined throughout each track. It’s a roller coaster ride of great music. From melodic to hard rock, punk, a bit of reggae with a metal-ish twinge. Melodic hooks, dual guitar, slightly aggressive drums and acoustic moments are everywhere on the disc. All this with some of the most captivating vocals and memorable choruses I’ve heard in a long, long time.

Divided By Zero are ready to take on the world with ‘The Black Sea’. And they deserve it. For a metal head like myself to be so intrigued by a band like this, I still can’t figure it out. Don’t get me wrong now, I’m not a one sided fan, just haven’t been so mesmerized by a band in some time.

Not one minute of this release is bad in any way. Not sure what they have in mind but I can so see the hard rock edged ‘Drowning Not Waving’ as the first radio hit. Follow that up by the stunning down-tempo song, ‘Helicopter’ and people here in the states will be hooked. After that it’s a toss up. ‘Chemical, Damn The Dream, Double Negative, Protection, Everyone (Is Living My Life), Don’t Wait, Shame’. All number one hits. As well a the few titles I left out. They could ride this one out for several years if they wanted to. I swear it’s that good.

Lost Disciples ‘The Journey Home’ (self-release) By John Haseltine

(hed) p.e. ‘Back 2 Base X’ (Suburban Noize Records) By John Haseltine

(hed) p.e. are back with a new disc and a new label. 13 tracks mixed with what they do. And by earlier success, sure, with this one they are on track to please the fans who adore them so well. It’s a hip-hop, punk, reggae, jazz-fusion mix.

I’m not a fan of this Nu-Metal stuff. Never have been. The metal/hip-hop marriage that spewed forth several years back and flooded the airwaves for awhile. We all know the bands who rose and those who fell in the brief popularity within the genre. And yes there are still a couple who will continue to sell a bunch of albums. And a couple who will go on just as show openers. Will these guys make it big again? I can’t say. But I do want to comment on an interview done May 4^th 2006 with front man Jared Gomes. And yes it had a huge effect on this review.

When asked by All -Access Magazine where they drew their inspiration in the punk sense of their music, Gomes replied, “ it’s from our love for hardcore.” “ Punk is a true form of heaviness. It is the only true heavy music.” “It’s all the bands like Cannibal Corpse that are what we have come to call “FAKE METAL”. I mean, does anybody take them seriously?”

Excuse me Gomes? With well over a million in record sales (Cannibal Corpse‘s sales as of early 2004), I would be safe to say that there are a few of us who take bands like them seriously. Whether or not you are a fan, you just slammed every band in the vicinity of the death/extreme metal genres. As well as those of us who listen to them. So, FUCK YOU! You know I am proud to be a metal head. And in turn I can genuinely say congrats on your success up till now and I hope you the best in the future.

Don’t get me wrong here. I’m a huge punk fan. And I agree with you Gomes, only that the saturation of radio pop-punk has stained the youth of today. Old school punk is where it’s at. If you knew this, maybe you’d have incorporated it into your music like you say you have.

Scar Symmetry ‘Pitch Black Progress’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

So have you heard Scar Symmetry yet? What? What the hell is the matter with you? The best melodic death metal release of 2005 in many reviewers eyes, as mine too, and you missed it! Shame on you. Well this bunch from Sweden are not screwing around. Just eight months later and they give you another, listen perfect album. Yes, it’s also a full length.

I talked up last year’s ‘Symmetric In Design’ quite a bit. Usually, from my experience, when a new band puts out such an incredible debut, they try too hard to be as equal or better on their sophomore release. And it for the most part bombs. Not here. On their first the bar was not set high enough for them as ‘Pitch Black Progress’ is another perfect album. May be these 11 tracks are part of the first round of recordings? I’d be able to say, but I’m still waiting on an e-mail interview answers. (hint, hint) So we’ll just say these guys have way too much talent tucked up their sleeves.

Scar Symmetry are Christian Alvestam - all vocals (Unmoored, Incapacity, Torchbearer), Jonas Kjellgren - guitars (Carnal Forge, Centinex, World Below), Per Nilsson - guitars (Altered Aeon), Kenneth Seil - bass and Henrik Ohlsson - drums (Altered Aeon, Theory In Practice, Mutant).

Savage Circus ‘Dreamland Manor’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

The first sentence of the promo sheet says it all. “ Savage Circus recapture traditional power metal’s undying appeal while carrying the genre’s banner triumphantly forward.” An exhilarating debut indeed.

Blind Guardian drummer Thomen Stauch wanted to get back into the style of music reminiscent to that of earlier classic BG releases. So in 2004 he enlisted longtime friend Piet Sielck (Iron Savior) who in turn recommended Emil Norberg-guitars and vocalist Jens Carlsson from the Swedish band Persuader. The four immediately clicked. And you can tell on this powerhouse of a debut. There are no dull moments on this one. Highly energetic intricacy with the guitars, powerful double-bass drumming and bass lines accompanied by on of the best vocalists in the world of metal.

Celtic Frost ‘Monotheist’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

When I first read somewhere that Celtic Frost was to begin work on a new album, I must say I was a bit hesitant. I was at the ripe ‘ole age of 13, a huge Hellhammer fan. And the first three Celtic Frost albums are by far some of the most influential, pioneering albums ever to be released. By any band. With the fusion of several musical influences, Celtic Frost put forth some of the heaviest music in their day and have inspired way to many bands in several genres to mention.

What was it that shot me in the foot was one Saturday night, many moons ago. We’re all sitting around watching The Headbangers Ball and someone yelled out, “hey!! A Celtic Frost video!!” The song was ‘Cherry Orchards’. And that was the last I would hear from Celtic Frost for many years. I was almost sickened by what I had seen on the tube. As for ‘Morbid Tales, To Mega Therion and Into The Pandemonium’, I still own and play every so often and they will always be held high on the platter of metal greatness. As for their strive for popularity into the mainstream with ‘Cold Lake and Vanity/Nemesis’, I’m sorry it did not work out for them at the time and is hard for me to relate these albums with such a great band.

‘Monotheist’ started to come to life in 2000 when Fischer and Ain began work on the new album. The self-financed project has been in total control of the band. Even the release date. Which here is May 30^th. It’s been a long 13 years without being in the scene, but the wait has been well worth it. ‘Monotheist’ sees their sounds not only returning to form here and there, but also heading into a gothic, ultra heavy doom style that is of the utmost gloom.

The first couple of listens may throw you for a bit of a loop if you’re expecting a comeback album. Fischer and Co. are not just out to make a buck with a disc full of “this is what we used to sound like” material as so many others have done and are still doing today. No not here. This is the product of 5 years of inventive, extremely dark and droning doom that even at it’s most melodic parts is some of the heaviest shit you’ve heard in a good long time. And will for some time.

Sonata Arctica ‘For The Sake Of Revenge’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

Sonata Arctica are no strangers when it comes to exhilarating live performances which includes “high energy, high-speed, keyboard-laden and righteously melodic heavy metal”. This progressive powerhouse has been turning it out since their inception in Finland back in 1996. And claiming their throne to the high seat of righteousness since the 1999 release of ’Ecliptica’.

Since then they have been winning fans over worldwide with their dynamic shows and phenomenal studio efforts. And once again you the fan/listener are blessed with a new live recording. Sound quality? Perfect. Absolutely perfect. There’s only a handful that can play so good live. As a well polished studio track. And once again the stage is set in Japan and includes such tracks as, ‘ Blinded No More, Broken, Don’t Say A Word and Kingdom For A Heart’. These four, along with 14 others make up the audio disk in the set.

Oh yeah. I forgot to mention that. This is a two disk release. The first being the one just mentioned. Which is wonderful all on it’s own. But here you also get the DVD of the performance which has a total of twenty tracks. Yes, a full headlining show. And visually it is astounding. What a great performance. This is a special treat for the fans and for any of those into progressive/speed/melodic metal. Sonata Arctica are in a class by themselves. Some of the classiest metal ever performed.

Blind Guardian “Fly” (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

You know, you don’t have to actually be a Blind Guardian fan to be able to appreciate the sheer talent and precise musicianship that rolls off any of their previous recordings. Just perfect in every aspect of their genre. Although they are just about in a league of their own, sometimes it’s hard to tell someone who they may sound like knowing that who you have mentioned was actually influenced by Blind Guardian first.

Here we get a teaser from the bands forthcoming album in the form of ‘Fly’. If the superb new single is just a taste of what’s to come, listeners beware. Blind Guardian will be launching their way full throttle soon enough. Hard-edge and intricate as hell. Some of the greatest progressive/power metal has been created by this band. And I’m sure they will continue on. Also on the single which will not be on the new album are an acoustic version of ’Skalds And Shadows’ and a uniquely interesting cover of ’In A Gadda Da Vida’.

Blind Guardian are Hansi Kirsch - vocals, Andre Olbrich - lead guitars, Marcus Siepen - rhythm guitars, Fredrick Ehmke - drums, percussion, flute with guest musician Oliver Holzwarth - bass.

286 ‘Profiled’ (Guerrilla Underground) By John Haseltine

Venom ‘Metal Black’ (Sanctuary Records) By John Haseltine

First off, there are no introductions or bios to be told here. If you have even the slightest inkling of metal in your blood, you’ve heard of Venom. How could you not. The “true forefather and inventor of black metal”. Yeah sure. The genre has evolved and branched off into several sub-genres since the landmark release of ‘Welcome To Hell’ in 1981. But one thing is certain, Venom are the pioneers and are back to show why they have been dubbed the “heaviest band” on the planet.

I still remember the day I was turned on to Venom. I went right out and bought ‘Welcome To Hell and Black Metal’ on vinyl. I still have them too. I think I was 13 years old. I was lying on the floor playing ‘Welcome To Hell’ and wonder to myself, can listening to this really summon up the hoards of hell? I really didn’t care at the time. I was just so into this new style of metal, I couldn’t get enough. I still don’t care. Let the demons come forth. This was written for them. And after one listen, I’m sure they’ll be digging it just as much as you will if you haven’t got a hold of this album yet.

‘Metal Black’ sees original founding member, together with longstanding members Antton and Mykvs returning to original form, creating a new masterpiece of metal. This is the Venom album I’ve been waiting for, for sometime. It’s all here. Raw, dark, brutal and heavy as hell. All the outstanding 14 tracks on the album are what black metal was originally based upon. This is an immense release. There are not the right words in the thesaurus to truly complement the hellish fury Venom has unleashed onto the metal world. Venom has once again raised the bar on heaviness and originality. And excellence.

Dio ‘Holy Diver - Live’ (Eagle Records) By John Haseltine

My first experience with seeing Dio live was December of ‘02 at a club that held just about 2,200 people. And yes it was sold out. What a great performance. A true showman. And a great band backing him. It wasn’t too long after that I had the opportunity again. In the form of an opening act for Iron Maiden in 2003. Again, incredible. Truly a master. I’m sure I’ll be checking him out again soon, but until then, this release will just have to do.

I can’t say which to believe. The CD insert says this show was recorded at The Astoria on October 22^nd, 1995. The press sheet states it was recorded Fall Tour 2005. Either way this two-disc set is a must have. On the first disk you get a first ever live recording of the classic Dio album ,’Holy Diver’. Played in it’s entirety with a unique spoken word introduction. This is great for the fans as there are songs performed live here that have never been performed in front of an audience before.

Disc two contains eight more classic Ronnie James Dio classics, from the same show. I think it says a couple were played before the ‘Holy Diver’ set. And a couple were done as the show closer. These songs are the standard Dio classics from Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath and his solo stuff. Not sure how the DVD will play out in order of tracks. The DVD is set for release sometime in May. But for CD, they put ‘Holy Diver’ on one disk, and the rest of the show on the other. Complete with a drum solo and a killer guitar solo. Yeah, most groups don’t include these for release. Let alone even performing them at a show. I miss those days of concerts.

Dog Fashion Disco ‘Adultery’ (Rotten Records) By John Haseltine

‘Adultery’ is the bands fifth studio album. And if there were never to be another release, ever, I would be happy knowing that I have an amazing album in my possession. Baltimore’s Dog Fashion Disco have spent the better part of their existence tantalizing audiences with their frenzied brand of hard rock. And once again, DFD give you a new concept album that will haunt you very soul. Now don’t get the wrong idea when I say concept album. Each chapter in this chilling ride through the perils and sadistic lifestyle of a man spiraling out of control play out in their own special way. DFD have thrown out the rule book on this album. This album, through each track runs through a fusion of hardcore, metal, jazz, snuff, lounge, hard rock and film-noir. Not one track follows the next in style, yet is a key essential to the next. I am still in awe after, what, the 7^th or 8^th listen. The musicianship and writing of this album are the shit. From haunting piano melodies to the heavy modern rock grooves to the Slayer type riffing and the soulful vocal work with banjo and horn arrangements that shoot you in the face like a double-barrel shot gun. I was going to do a song by song rundown, but decided against it. One, I don’t want to bore you to death listening to me. Two, I don’t want to ruin the remarkable discovery you’ll find when listening to this for the first time.

“Adultery is about a seemingly normal guy in his mid-30’s, burdened with a wife, kids and a safe corporate job. He caves in to his own demons, and begins flirting with drugs, prostitutes and eventually gives in to his dark desires and sadistic and murderous lifestyle. This record is a guys life spiraling out of control into a demented and dark place,” says front man Todd Smith about the concept behind the bands latest offering. “There are so many twists and turns on this record, it’s more like listening to a movie at times, but the song structure remains.”

1349 ‘Hellfire’ (Candlelight Records) By John Haseltine

Katatonia ‘The Great Cold Distance’ (Peaceville Records) By John Haseltine

Amorphis ‘Eclipse’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

Wow. After listening to the first track of this disk, I had to stop it. Turn back to the archives a bit and find out why had liked Amorphis. It has been awhile since I have had an opportunity to listen to them.

I believe it was the copy of ‘Am Universum’ I bought at a record show in 2001. It was right after it was released. A true genre materpiece there. I hurried out after flooding the speakers with it and got 1999’s ’Tuonela’. And, yes it is an equally amazing effort by some of the most gifted musicians around. They have a place high up on the shelf in relation to their genre. One that’s shared with the likes of Sentenced, Anathema, Katatonia and Insomnium.

Witchery ‘Don’t Fear The Reaper’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

Witchery, for those who may be oblivious to the goings on in the world of underground metal formed in 1997 from a splintered cult band Satanic Slaughter. Witchery started with guitarists Patrik Jensen (The Haunted), Richard Corpse, vocalist Toxine , drummer Mique and bassist Sharlee D’Angelo (Arch Enemy, Mercyful Fate). As of late Witchery have added new skinsman Martin “Axe” Axenrot (Bloodbath, touring drummer for Opeth). Yes. A super group. Witchery had started out with a bang receiving critical acclaim from the start with their 1998 release ‘Restless And Dead’. Shortly after, the same year they released an EP titled ‘Witchburner’. Followed by 1999’s ’Dead, Hot And Ready’ and 2001’s ’Symphony For The Devil’. After a couple European and U.S. tours, Witchery have proven that they are not some cheap thrown together side-project and are a force to be reckoned with.

Try Redemption 'Prey for Us Sinners' (Self-Released)  By Ed Cadaver

Twenty Ripped Angel ‘Sincerely Yours,’ (Killing Jar Records) By John Haseltine

Apothys ‘Districtia Terra’ (self-release) By John Haseltine

Krisiun ‘AssassiNation’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

Cathedral ‘The Garden Of Unearthly Delights’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

Gorefest ‘La Muerte’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

Edguy ‘Rocket Ride’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine