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The Mariana Hollow - Scars, Not Wounds EP (2013) Self-Released (Treiste Records) -- Running Time 21:35
I keep saying it, but bands that label themselves as Alternative, cite the 1990's as a great era for rock and get praised in 'Kerrang' (that once great magazine that has sadly faded beyond all recognition) generally hold very little interest for me. It's an area of rock & metal music that... |
Vicious Nature - Fight For Your Life EP (2013) Self-Released -- Running Time 14:32
What we have here is the three track debut EP from Midlands, UK based four piece band Vicious Nature and the only complaint I can make is that it's only three tracks! If you dig pure Heavy Metal which hits you like a trip-hammer and takes a few layers of skin off in the process then Vicious Nature are the band... |
Primitai - Rise Again (2013) Green China Records -- Running Time 47:47
I first got to hear about Primitai in 2010 not long after their very impressive second album 'The Line Of Fire' was released. I was on one of my regular visits to 'The Saxon Forum', where lead/rhythm guitarist Srdjan Bilic also goes, as like myself, he is a big Saxon fan. In 2011 I was fortunate enough to see Primitai,... |
deVIence - New Blood EP (2013) Self Released -- Running Time 22:47
Anyone who says that there aren't very good new rock bands coming through these days to rival the 1980's needs their heads testing! The 80's was a fantastic time for rock & metal and it was a pleasure to actually be there living the dream, but for every good act there were dozens of duffers! People only seem to remember the... |
Def-Con-One - Brute Force And Ignorance Vinyl EP (2013) Night Of The Vinyl Dead Records -- Running Time: 17:00
HOLY SHIT!!! If any small minded idiot actually decided to press that big red button and try and end the world you wouldn't need to retaliate with more weapons because I have the perfect solution. Just play the new Def-Con-One EP 'Brute Force And Ignorance' at ultra volume and... |
Face Off - The Colour Of Rain (2013) Maple Metal Records -- Running Time 41:14
Face Off are slightly unusual in that they come from Belgrade, Serbia, hardly a hotbed of successful metal or rock bands, but you certainly wouldn't know it from listening to them. 'The Colour Of Rain' is their debut album, although the tracks were recorded between 2011/2012, and their chosen sound, on this album... |
The Self Titled - Defaced (2012) Unsigned/ Roarrock -- Running Time 40:13
Every so often a band comes along, kicks you very hard in the proverbials and shouts "Oi You, Listen NOW"! Believe me when I say 'The Self Titled' have done just that and I am listening intently because their debut album 'Defaced', released in 2012, is an absolute beast of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock. 'The Self Titled'... |
Black Acid Souls - Deadly Sins (2012) Unsigned/Roarrock -- Running Time 58:24
Even though Black Acid Souls have been around since 2008, racking up some great reviews, touring extensively with the likes of TesseracT, Heavens Basement & Cancer Bats plus playing some pretty high profile festivals such as Hammerfest, up until six weeks ago I had never heard of them! I have since remedied that... |
Disciples Of Sin - Flesh and Blood EP (2013) Unsigned -- Running Time 15:43
Whilst on my trip to cover The Rock & Metal Circus Festival recently, the very first CD I got handed was by a band not actually appearing at the event. Will Brotherhood (the thoroughly top bloke who is Disciples Of Sin's drummer) was just there as a punter and he asked me to take a listen and to be honest. Now, as you will... |
Into Century - Nobody's Slave (2013) Target Records -- Running Time 37:03
I had no idea what to expect listening to the sophomore album 'Nobody's Slave' from Danish rock/metal band Into Century other than the press pack telling me they were Post-Grunnnggge (Sorry, I really cannot type that word, it gives me a serious phobia). I completely missed their first album but if this is what's classed as... |
Devin Townsend Presents The Retinal Circus (2CD Edition) Inside Out Music Running Time CD1: 67:46 -- Running Time CD2: 57:32 -- Total Running Time 125.18
If I was at University and had to write a thesis about somebody then I would probably choose Canadian Devin Townsend! He is such a unique, interesting, intelligent, funny and wacky person, even before... |
Prey On The Fallen - Self Titled (2013) Independent -- Running Time 38:37
In a previous job, one of my tasks was to look through candidate job applications and then interview them and let's just say that many of them 'enhanced' their applications to look better than they actually were! I've always preferred honesty so it used to wind me up a bit. I get a similar feeling when reading some Press... |
Your Last Wish - Desolation (2013) Maple Metal Records -- Running Time 41:18
After experiencing some major lineup changes which sees guitarist 'Jean-François Gagné' as the only survivor from their 2007 debut, Montreal based Melodic Death Metal band Your Last Wish return with their second full length album 'Desolation'. They have recently signed a worldwide deal with Maple Metal Records which should... |
Grenouer - Blood On The Face (2013) Mausoleum Records/Rock 'N' Growl Promotion -- Running Time 38:01
It's not easy for Russian bands to get noticed, sometimes to even get gigs (one of my recent favourites Hammerforce being a perfect example) so it's pleasing to see that Saint Petersburg based Grenouer have been picked up by Mausoleum Records which should get them some much needed exposure... |
Unhoped – Die Harder (2011) Self Released -- Running Time 29:25
After reviewing and thoroughly enjoying 'Nuclear Death', the newest EP from Finnish band Unhoped earlier in the year, I wanted to go back and listen to their debut album from 2011 'Die Harder' and although it doesn't quite match the EP in quality (only because their new songs are even stronger), you do have to remember that this... |
Kruna - Last Century (2013) Bakerteam Records -- Running Time 50:04
It's a little ironic that sometimes when reviewing an album we'll say something like "Hey, it's not original, but who cares" then at others we say "It's all been done before and this band bring nothing new to the table!" It's also always interested me that you can absolutely love some bands playing within a particular genre... |
Contrition - Reflections (2013) Mighty Music -- Running Time 51:05
Metalcore and Modern Metal ...another two of the endless genre tags we have nowadays and even though, as I've said before, I would rather not label music, this particular genre name perfectly describes Danish band Contrition and their debut album 'Reflections'. It unfortunately also describes what I dislike about this style... |
Warnot - His Blood Is Yours (2012) Nightmare Records -- Running Time 57:38
If you are familiar with the band Cloudscape then this album could very well be of interest to you. Warnot is the brainchild of ex Cloudscape guitarist and composer 'Björn Eliasson' and is a project he has been working on since leaving his former band in 2009. At first I didn't make the connection and looking at the... |
Incinery - Nothing Left EP (2013) Self Released/Independent -- Running Time 24:19
After the brilliance of 'Dawn Of War,'. the debut EP from Incinery (check out my review elsewhere on the forum), I was more than eager to also review their second and latest EP 'Nothing Left' which was released in March this year and once again the five songs contained within have pummelled me into submission... |
Incinery - Dawn Of War EP (2011) Self Released/Independent -- Running Time: 24:09
Occasionally you go to a gig and the first band of the evening absolutely blow you away, then after wiping the smile (and sweat) from your face try to fathom out why you've never heard of them before. That is what happened to me recently when I saw Midlands, UK based thrash band Incinery bulldoze 'The Nottingham... |
Nordheim - Refill (2013) Maple Metal Records -- Running Time 39:31
After releasing debut 'Lost In The North' in 2010, Canadian band Nordheim return with their second full length album 'Refill' and if you're partial to Goblins and Elves, mastering the oceans in a Viking Longboat or seeing how much ale you can down from a drinking horn before collapsing in a heap, then you'll like this lot very... |
Sangre Eterna - Asphyxia (2012) Maple Metal Records -- Running Time 38:08
Melodic Death Metal! I've always thought that putting the words 'Melodic' and 'Death' together as darkly poetic but it describes, very well, many of the bands that inhabit the genre. If you crave this type of music then you'll certainly have your favourites and for me that is Scar Symmetry whose vocal interplay and stunning... |
Pistol Whipping A Blind Kid - PWABK EP (2013) Self Released/Independent -- Running Time 19:16
'Pistol Whipping A Blind Kid', well that's a band name for you isn't it? One thing is certain, you're sure not going to confuse them with anybody else! There will obviously be a few stragglers who never get passed that name but for someone like me, with a dark and twisted sense of humour, well, it's... |
Scelerata - The Sniper (2012) Nightmare Records -- Running Time 50:11
I didn't need to spend any time deciding if 'The Sniper', the third album from Brazilian band Scelerata, was any good, and it's not because I'm being lazy. 'This was originally released last year and I've had a copy for a few months now, so I already know it is damned good. In fact if someone asked me to define the Power... |
Max Pie - Eight Pieces: One World (2013) Mausoleum Records / Rock N Growl Promotion -- Running Time 53:12
'Eight Pieces: One World' is the sophomore album from Belgium based Progressive Metal outfit Max Pie (I have to be honest, I'm not keen on that name) and if you like Symphony X, Pagan's Mind, Dream Theater, Kamelot, DGM etc then this lot are very much worth your time and effort. They formed... |
AirheadS - ...And Madness Broke Loose EP (2013) Independent/Self Released -- Running Time 30:14
Airheads are a band who I've been watching for a number of months now. From listening to their original demo (first released in 2011), checking out live clips of them posted on Facebook and reading about the progress of the debut, six track, EP that I am now reviewing '...And Madness Broke Loose'.... |
Wind Rose - Shadows Over Lothadruin (2012) Bakerteam Records -- Running Time 66:03
Having never heard of Wind Rose before (they've only been around since 2009 after starting out as a covers band), but seeing that they were another Symphonic/Prog Metal band from Italy (usually a good sign), I did some internet research on them, saw plenty of very positive comments, this debut was after all... |
Doomchild - Guided By Idols EP (2013) Independent/Self Released Running Time 27:12
If you have read my review on here of Lifer's 'Cursing Them Out', or indeed listened to that fabulous album, then you will be familiar with Doomchild's vocalist because this is 'Scriv Lifer's' other band. 'Guided By Idols' is their second EP and as it says on the back of their T-Shirts, Doomchild are 'Pureveyors... |
Tellus Requiem - Invictus (The 11th Hour) (2013) Nightmare Records -- Running Time 58:38
There is going to come a time very soon where if I keep telling you lot that another album is fantastic then you'll start to think I'm getting shares in the bands that I review, but the simple truth is there is a rich vein of talent in the power/progressive metal genres (my faves) at the moment and Tellus... |
NitroVolt - Pänzer (2013) Mausoleum Records / Rock N Growl Promotion -- Running Time 30:59
'NitroVolt'...For some reason I really like that name, and after listening to their second album 'Pänzer' there is also a lot to like about this German band. NitroVolt ply their trade in a variety of genres, namely Speedrock, Rock 'n' Roll, Punk, Hardcore and a little bit of Thrash. Take 'Motorhead',... |
Shotgun Revolution - S/T (2013) Target Records -- Running Time 43:38
I always do research on a band before I start writing a review, especially if they are getting rave comments but I fail to be getting quite as excited as everyone else. Through this research I am learning that some reviewers quite obviously do not do their homework. Believe me, I'm not perfect and we all make mistakes but... |
Empyrios - Zion (2013) Scarlet Records Running Time 52:36
Incredibly enough we are already half way through 2013, and it really has been a wonderful six months of quality music releases. Luckily, that trend doesn't appear to be ending soon as I now have in my hands another outstanding album. Empyrios are not a new name to me, but this is the first time I've listened to one of their albums... |
Anarchadia - Let Us All Unite (2013) Metal East Records -- Running Time 42:00
There are good albums and then there are very good albums, but every so often an album grabs you by the short and curlies and squeezes until you scream 'this a great album' and that is what Technical Thrash/Death band Anarchadia have done to me with their debut album 'Let Us All Unite'. This is one seriously good... |
Death SS - Resurrection (2013) Lucifer Rising/Scarlet Records -- Running Time 59:41
All I can say is I must have had my head stuck way too far in the sand to have not heard of Italian 'Horror Metal' band Death SS before. Initially formed in 1977 by vocalist and driving force 'Steve Sylvester' (hence the SS in the band name) and having released their first studio album in 1988, I feel like... |
Bukowski Family - Unpleasantries Abundant EP (2013) Artificial God Productions/Metal Detector Music Promotions Running Time 20:22
"Bukowski Family case history is marred with such atrocities as cannibalism, perverted human dismemberment, general unpleasantness and musical ruthless massacre".
That line is the full biography from the press release accompanying 'Unpleasantries Abundant',... |
Famous Underground - Famous Underground (2013) Dust On The Track Records/Rock N Growl Promotion -- Running Time: 51:55
Next up in my extremely diverse review pile this month is the self-titled, debut album from Canadian Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band Famous Underground and guess what? It's a pretty decent slab of sleazy late 80's LA Strip rock mixed with early 80's metal and hint of a more modern... |
Aeon Zen - Enigma (2013) Nightmare Records -- Running Time 45:48
To be fair, I'm having trouble keeping up with all the fantastic albums being released this year and now I have Aeon Zen's third album 'Enigma' to add to that ever growing list. Choosing my top ten this year is going to be an absolute nightmare. Aeon Zen, who were formed in 2008 are a UK based Melodic Progressive Metal Band,... |
Dark Moor – Ars Musica (2013) Scarlet Records -- Running Time 54:17
As you should be aware, if you read my reviews on here, is that power metal in all its guises is probably one of my favourite genres, so when I saw that the new Dark Moor album was up for review I was suitably intrigued. They are a band I have dabbled with in the past, and I do have their first three albums, but it is a fair while... |
Siamese:Fighting:Fish – Breathe:See:Move (2013) Target Distribution/Mighty Music -- Running Time 42:52
As readers of the other site I write for will already know, Indie/Alternative/Pop Punk/Modern Metalcore and Emo etc are not my preferred styles of rock music and that usually reflects in my reviews, although there are exceptions to the rule. I thought it was important you were aware of that though,... |
M-Pire Of Evil – Crucified (2013) Mausoleum Records & Rock ‘N’ Growl Promotion -- Running Time 42:04
Little more than a year after releasing their well received debut album ‘Hell To The Holy’, M-Pire Of Evil are back with sophomore release ‘Crucified’ albeit with a couple of differences. Firstly, drummer Antton Lant has departed (to concentrate on the excellent Def-Con-One) and has been replaced... |
Swazafix – Anthems Of Apostacy (2013) Vic Records -- Running Time 32:01
An interesting one this, as it is a fairly obscure compilation of two demos/promos from 1991 and 1992 and notable for the fact that Asphyx vocalist ‘Theo Loomans’, who sadly passed away in 1998 is the singer and also provides guitar. Swazafix (named after a Carnivore track) were formed in The Netherlands when Loomans was... |
Soul Of Steel – Journey To Infinity (2013) Bakerteam Records -- Running Time 72:14
'Journey To Infinity' is the second album from Italian band Soul Of Steel and if you look at that combination and know your stuff then it will come as no surprise to learn that they operate in the Melodic/Progressive/Symphonic and Power Metal genres! Soul Of Steel follows in the footsteps of bands such... |
Voodoo Highway – Showdown (2013) Dust On The Track Records/Rock ‘N’ Growl Promotion -- Running Time 44:17
When Italian Classic/Retro Rock band Voodoo Highway arrived on the scene in 2011 with their debut album ‘Broken Uncle’s Inn’ there was an awful lot of hype, with certain individuals claiming that they were the ‘New Deep Purple’! Now far be it for me to actually be level headed, but that... |
Hellcannon – Soothsayer EP (2013) Vile Records -- Running Time 24:47
I have questions for you! Do you love Thrash Metal? Do you love Death Metal? Do you love a mixture of the two? If the answer to any of these is yes then I urge you to check out Hellcannon (I just love that name), from Buffalo, New York. ‘Soothsayer’ is their latest EP release and consists of four original songs and a Death cover,... |
Zarthas – Spit/Ignite (2013) Violent Journey Records -- Running Time: 43:27
With all the pretty good to excellent albums I’ve been listening to lately I suppose I was due one that didn’t hit the mark and unfortunately for Zarthas it has happened with their second album Spit/Ignite. Hailing from Oulu in Finland they are, according to the Press Release “electrorockers”, mixing the metal, electro... |
Aratic – To The Early Grave (2013) Violent Journey Records -- Running Time 30:39
I’m not going to muck around with this review because the debut album from Aratic is a short, sharp and very enjoyable ‘blunt force trauma’ to my skull and hopefully yours as well. Aratic are another great band signed to ‘Violent Journey Records’, and yet another band from that hotbed of metal ‘Finland’. They deal in... |
Dirty Beloved – Brain Bleeder (2013) Spudbot Records -- Running Time 60:03
I’ve said it before but I’ll repeat that reviewing is such a wonderful opportunity. That feeling you get when seeing what bands are in your pile is fantastic. You sometimes get bigger, you sometimes get favourites, but a lot of the time you are discovering new talent, bands you’ve never heard of and ones which would have... |
Patrick Hemer – More Than Meets The Eye (2011) Nightmare Records -- Running Time 45:20
Back in the 1980’s and early 90’s I had a huge passion for guitarists such as Tony MacAlpine, Jason Becker, Chris Impellitteri, Michael Lee Firkins, and Joe Satriani etc. I loved that neo classical style of guitar playing. I would add Yngwie Malmsteen, who wrote some great songs early on, but he never plays... |
Perpetual Warfare – The Age Of War (2013) Self Released -- Running Time 59:31
Retro, Classic or Old School thrash bands are big at the moment. There has been a real shift in recent years for younger bands to discover and rediscover all that brilliant music from the 1980’s and give us their own versions. Perpetual Warfare are another one of a slew of thrash bands trying not only to bring that classic... |
Antipope – 3 Eyes Of Time (2013) Violent Journey Records -- Running Time 45:16
Just as I was about to start reviewing and listening to ‘3 Eyes Of Time’, the third album from Finnish Metallers ‘Antipope, it was announced that they were disbanding. Having been around since 2004 they feel that their creative goal has been reached and as such want to go out with their heads held high. As I have not... |
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