Metal Music NEWS and interviews

Cold Colours Release: 31 May 2013, through Sleaszy Rider Records. The band hails from Minneapolis and the mastermind behind the project Cold Colours is Brian J. Huebner. Live and studio performers: Aaron Lott, Chris Arnold, Will Maravelas. The first track from the album is Orifice, starts of with a clean strumming acoustic riff that has a BM feel to it - then when all the instruments kick in I instantly begin moving my head, like been caught in the rapture of its dark harmony, its a great song to open with. Up next,  "Disgust", bands like Samael and Satyricon come to my mind as I listen. "The Process of Dying", starts with low guttural style of vocals followed by catchy and captivating composition, there are also deep rhythms with obscure passages for a few measures in the middle section, this has to be my favorite song so far. "This Devotion", drums are highlighted with thunderous double kick work, dual vocals clean and BM style blend nicely together. ...

Winterwheel EP released June 21 2013 under Cascadian Alliance. Moss Of Moonlight hails from Bellingham, WA. The group is comprised of two members: Cavan Wagner, Jenn Grunigen. their style is Cascadian Folk Metal. The first track on the EP is Gaet, I instantly get a sense of adventure. Production is good, I like the sound of the guitars - distortion is warm and subtle allowing the vocals to cut through effectively. There are two vocalist, Cavan does mid low growl style and clean, Jenn does some really impressive high vocals with much harmony and range. This track is epic at eleven and half minutes and is able to keep me intent as to what's coming next. "Eole", spoken word speaking of nature and pagan origins, musically beautiful with dual vocal harmonies and an engaging story unfolding. The song merges into a heavy rendition of the first verses and blends perfectly together. I have to be completely honest and say I am not familiar with folk metal and the only thing that ...

Self released June 25th 2013. To The Pain hails from Long Island NY and consist of members: Steve Shaver - Lead Guitar, vocals, John Intagliata - Lead Vocals, Mark Trojanoski -Guitar, Jeremy Lustig - Bass, vocals, Jimmy Klimatas - Drums. To The Pain is the debut album, First track is, For The People, Buy The people, good quality production, the vocals are very distinguishable, I can understand all the lyrics which is sometimes rare to find in metal bands. "Silent Horror", my first thoughts are- good dynamics on the double kicks, the riffs are metal all the way, like the early era of Savatage or Saxon. "City of Flames", war, sirens, gun fire intro- fitting for the title of the track. Solid bass lines, a clear tone with a certain punch that will get your head moving."The Smell of Sulfur/ Rise of The Demons", long title and the intro caught me by surprise, for some reason my mind thinks of early Megadeth influence for the beginning riffs. "Burn With Me...

A self released album, August 2013. Tritton is a Heavy Metal band from Mexico City. Members are Yohann Torres - Drums, Enrique Torres - Lead Guitar, José Gómez - Lead Guitar/vocals,  Victor Varas - Bass, Lorena Cabrera - Lead Vocals.  Face of Madness is their debut album. "Wanton War", is the first track. My first thoughts are- excellent production, every instrument is clear and solid. Lorena Cabrera has an amazing voice, reaching some high vocals ranges effortlessly. "Martyr", this song is just awesome, it has melody, power, and catchy verses that will stick in your mind."Face Of Madness", title track- speed and aggressive riffs come ripping through my speakers, these are some very talented guitar players. The quality of tone on the guitars is captured perfectly, warm yet heavy and when the solos come in they are fluid and crystal clear. "Asphyxia", if you want to hear how creative the rhythm section dynamics are then you will want to check o...

Self released May 7th 2013. Biomimic hails from Chicago IL and members consist of  Scott Vyper - Vocals, Keys , Zackulus Clinkman - Bass , Max Voloshin - Guitars , Joe Korkis - Drums ,  Alexander Kon-I Ho - Guitars. Exogenous Embryonic Empire EP is three tracks.  First up is Hollow Earth, my first impression is "great guitar sound", noticing different elements as I listen, drums in particular are complex and full of dynamics, vocals have several ranges from low to mid to clean and this is only the first track. Really enjoying the solo and clean guitar towards the end of this composition, its well fitting and interesting to my ears. Reptilian Intellect, is track two. Brutal start, furious drums attacking my senses. Memorable verse riff with dual vocals into an alien like voice. I hear many metal styles, but they do it in such a way to keep me interested on what will come next. I also have to say the vocal phrases at times have a black metal tinge to them, well done...

Onward To Annihilation - released on August 6 2013 through Deathgasm Records. The band hails from Kentucky, U.S.A. and have been devastating with their brand of brutal DM since 1993. "We Are Coming", is the first track, starts with a sound of demons rising from the depths of the earth. Heavy blast beats and aggressive guitars set the mood in true brutal form. Conquerors of Dust, very catchy and captivating riffs lead us into an onslaught of solid double kicks and mosh inducing rhythms. "Left To Rot", this is a song from Hypocrisy's first album Penetralia, I remember listening to it back in the early nineties and this is a very nice surprise to listen to it here, they have definitely put their own mark on it and I rather enjoy the dual vocals of high/low mix- it adds another dimension to it for sure. "Battlescarred", a dark atmosphere building start with the drum and bass leading the charge into some open chords, then we take a detour into chaos with so...

L.A. Neo-Classical-Melodic metal band Northwind Wolves self release album Astronomy. The band consist of, Noor - Lead Vocals/Guitar, Astaroth - Guitar, Alec - Keyboard, Gory Cory - Bass. The album starts of with the song Terrestrial Hellworld, sample intro about suicide, then some fast keyboards and guitar solos, great production- all the instruments are well balanced. Next up "Cold Celestial Northwinds", aggressive guitar lick, early metal style open chords with heavy palm muted transition. The drum accents did sound somewhat in the background at first. Many keyboard progressions can be heard and are well executed. Conjuration of The Plague Star, solid transitions and massive grinding on the guitar rhythms. The bass player can be clearly heard on this song and has a wicked sound. There is also an exchange of solos towards the end of the track that really perked my ears and I had to listen to it several times. Starlit Funeral Forest, the guitar tone is punchy and stomping thr...

Live performances by Reaper. Nekrofilth, Terminate, Perversion, and Obeisance as part of the Perversion album release party in Chicago at Ultra Lounge August 17 2013. See the full HI RES photos at  Flickr Ultra Lounge pictures 8-17-13                                                                                                                                   Reaper   Link Terminate  Link                                                               ...

A five piece Melodic/Technical Death Metal band from Dublin, Ireland. Paradigms is self release album August 14 2013. Members are: Rats ( Guitar), Andrew Kealy (Guitar), Dave Fay (Drums), Neil Coburn (Bass), Kev O’Connor (Vocals). "Empyrean", is the first song. Clean intro riff with a chorus effect. "The Sentient Oppressed", a very solid production, it is evident the guitar players are very talented from the first passages. This song has a very catchy riff right in the middle and it easily sticks in my mind. "All- Seeing Eye", drums are just blazing with incredible precision, the production on the drums is excellent, every hit is accentuated and clear from measure to measure. "Polarity", this song is just devastating, its aggressive nature is like getting smashed in the mosh pit- it slows just enough for you to recover before assaulting you again, one of my favorite tracks to play loud through my stereo. "No Catharsis", reminiscent of ...

"We Are", This single released on July 18 2013 features vocals from Serj Tankian (System Of A Down) - Ihsahn (Emperor), and guitar solos by Devin Townsend. It is for charity, proceeds will go to Buskaid a charity that provides free lessons and instruments to children in the townships of South Africa. The project was put together by British music lecturer/journalist Ray Holroyd.  An interesting song with high production and of course the amazing vocals of Serj Tankian, worth to listen to an help spread the word for this good cause. Check the music video which will explain more about the ideas behind it. ~Artemortifica

Humiliation is a DM band from Malaysia. Turbulence From The Deep is their full length album released on Deepsend Records July 9th 2013. Members are  Bear Bee (vocal), Matt (guitar), Afe (bass) & Mudon (drum) "No Return", starts off the album, solid production- brutal, heavy guitar sound, the first two band that come to mind as I listen is Grave and Gorefest. "Operation Obeo One", heavy stomping mosh riffs, precise double kicks and aggressive vocals. "Phosphorous Shell",  there's a tinge of doom metal being exhibited, the riffs are not complex, basic bare bones DM style and are used effectively. "Calibrate Chaos", the song stays in one pattern through out without changing much. Bachok's Invasion", feeling like the drums could be doing much more on some of the composition, they either do a passive beat and change to double kicks to signal a change, I think there could be more done in means of expression in rhythm. "Sea Denial...

Maze Of Terror is a thrash metal band from Lima Peru. Skullcrusher EP was released in 2012. Current members are  LEVIATHAN : Bass & Vocals, HAMMER : Drums, CRIMINAL MIND : Guitars."Damned To The Eternal Pyre", is the first song, raw guitar sound, speed and aggression is felt from the beginning. Vocals are rooted in true thrash metal form like early Anthrax or Slayer. "Hatred and Repression", this song is sure to have many people moshing, solid drum velocity on high octane. We also get some cool dive bombs on the guitar, much reminiscent of Kerry King style of slamming out solos, great song. "Lord of Destruction", starts with a sample that was a bit too long for me. Once the song kicks in we are back to the high speed picking style that originated on the first two songs, although not as strong as the others, there are some killer solos to compensate for it. "Rivals", the level of aggression turned up by ten, the song is just brutal speed and d...

Seduction of Demons is a self release EP from 2008 by Mid-west DM band Ditheist and current members are Konrad Lysak- Guitar, Narcyz Fortuna.- Drums, Jason Dienethal-Vocals, Jarek Badzioch-Bass. The first track is "Vengeance is Mine", first impression is -solid production, double kick work comes in clear and precise, guitars are brutal and not over produced. I do hear a Decapitate influence on this song. "Thrown Into Oblivion", blast beats ripping through this song are awesome- then we hear nice chunky mosh style riffing that fits rather well. "Seduction of Demons", some killer riffs start this song of and remind me of early Morbid Angel, the vocals are aggressive and have that early nineties style of vocalizing that is guttural yet clear enough to understand the lyrics most of the time. There are some interesting arrangements that are most definitely rooted in the DM style but done creatively enough to call their own. "Twilight of Burroughs Asymmetry...

Released through Eldritch Lunar Miasma July 22 2013. Tetrasomia EP does not waste anytime setting the mood, from its first song "Thunder Alchemy" we hear open chord progressions and solid double bass kick work leading the charge. Vocals are excellent in true Finnish BM style. "Monta Maailmaa Nahnyt", simi clean guitar riff and slow tom rolls set an eerie mood and atmosphere of chaos. Production is good, all the instruments are captured with good clarity and tone. "Stigma Ja Kolmikarki", an interesting arrangement of chords with multi style vocals, from low, mid, high BM screams. "I.N.R.I." is the last song on this EP, an its a beast of a track, coming in with a clean guitar, memorable BM passages creating a dark abyss of travel. If you visit the bands BandCamp site you can stream two tracks form this EP. their previously release material includes "Pantheon of Blood" TAPE (Saturnian Productions / Breath of Pestilence, 2010) and "Con...

Classic Hard/Rock from Neath/Swansea. Buffalo Summer self titled debut album was released April 2013 on Cargo Records/Retrobution Records. The band is Jonny Williams – Guitar/Backing Vocals, Andrew Hunt - Vocals, Darren King – Bass/Backing Vocals, Gareth Hunt – Drums & Percussion. The album starts with "She's So Natural", my first thoughts are -this band sounds like they have been around for decades, so I was surprise to learn they have only been around for a year or two and are young band playing this style of Rock in the vein of Led Zeppelin or early Lynyrd Skynyrd southern rock style. "Ain't No other" is a track the sticks in my mind and jams like no other. The band has achieved some great success already completing a summer tour in the UK/Europe with Skid Row and Ugly Kid Joe. they have just announced another tour in October 2013 that will kick off in London on the 23rd of Oct.  Other tracks of interest on this album are "Down the River",...

Cholos On Acid is a Thrash/Punk band from California. Their latest release is "Grab Your Brain", released through Thrash Valley Records August 6 2013. The first thing the captured my attention was the album cover, I saw it when visiting their Bandcamp page, it literally pops out at me, colorful, intense and definitely knew this was going to be some thrash metal coming my way. The album starts with "Hidden War", guitars have great tone and sound very clear, reminiscent of D.R.I. sound. "Cause of Pain", indeed memories of Suicidal Tendencies creep into my mind, this is a good thing, the track is a jam. "Cause and Effect is a short but killer track and has me headbanging. "The Way it Is", I had to listen to this several times, its just awesome- easy to jam, love the bass lines and chorus just sticks in my head. "Nowhere", alarm siren sample brings in the chaos, a thrash onslaught with distinguishable lyrics and engaging chorus. "...

Released on Nuclear Blast on April 2011. The track is from the album Lux Mundi entitled "In The Deep" check out the full stream and although many probably own this or have heard it already, there are many who have not. Check it out.

Dark Design new album "Prey For The Future" on Heaven and Hell Records to be released September 2013. The band consist of  Andrew Bertrand-Vocals, Mike Joyner-Guitars , Matt Mercer-Bass,Backing vocals. Ray Lewis-Guitars, Backing vocals. Robbie Mercer-Drums, Backing vocals. They describe their style as Progressive/Thrash/Power Metal. First track is "In Media Res", a welcomed change, as its a clean acoustic opening rather than the typical scream and riff that is repeated constantly in metal albums these years. In my opinion is good to listen to and keeps me interested. Dark Design, solid guitars and production. "No Death", I can hear the thrash metal influence, I also am enjoying the warm tone of the guitar and clear vocal patterns. "Abiding Contempt", drums kick this one off with some rolling tom fills, good track. "Welcome to You're Doom" bass is highlighted at the beginning on this song, then the song goes into a very chunky mosh p...

The new album "Labyrinth" by Fleshgod Apocalypse has been made available for streaming through Terrorizer and Nuclear Blast via NB records SoundCloud site- listen to the full album below.

Shadow Kingdom Release of Night Demon EP coming August 20 2013. The title track comes in and instantly transported back in time to the great days of Metal, like early Judas Priest or Savatage. The era is captured in its pure essence and very enjoyable to my ears. "The Chalice", many aspects of the song remind me of Iron Maiden Killers, the sound is pure HM the way it use to be and considering they are only a three piece band that is awesome to hear- specially in an era that has way to many overproduced super complex guitar playing- listening to something like this is very welcoming in my opinion. "Ancient Evil", decent chorus and well sticks in my mind -great track and awesome solo complete with wah wah effect, an instant jam. "Ritual", a solid classic sounding song right from the late 70s style of metal, just a great song to play loud and bang your head to. Members Jarvis Leatherby, Brent Woodward, John Crerar have accomplished capturing the sound of the ...

Progressive DM from Barcelona Spain. Moonloop is ERIC BAULE: Vocals, lead & rhythm guitars, JUANJO MARTÍN: Rhythm guitars & background vocals, RAÚL PAYÁN: Drums, VIC GRANELL: Bass. Deeply From The Earth released in June 2013 under Listenable Records. "Awakening The Spirals of Time", is the opening track. Captivating start, when all the instruments chime in, I get a clear understanding of production, it is top notch. "A Live Divided", we get to hear the DM influence in this track, solid guitar riffs with a warm tone. "Beginning of The End", enjoying the arrangements of passages, followed with some good guitar licks. Vocals are mid guttural and have distinct definition. "Fading Faces", this track reminds me of early Gojira in the beginning, we also get some clean vocals which are well executed without the song losing any potency. "Strombus", intense double kick work by Raul on this song, then into some interesting rhythms with syn...

The album was released between February and March 2011 and are live improvisation sessions. First track is "A Failed Science", multi instruments is the name of the game here and to best describe it, here is the bio from his page "Misantronics is an experimental solo project from Antwerp, Belgium. His music is usually created through live improvisation sessions playing guitars, bass, violin, theremin CD-case, e-drums, loops, software and a bunch of effects. This results in multiple genre sounds like ambient, noise, drones, drum & bass and lately drone-doom and industrial experimentality". If I had to pick a track I would have to say "A Culture of fear" is my favorite. Normally not what I listen to but gave it an honest ear nonetheless . The album ends with "Please Think of The Children", many sounds paint an atmosphere of dramatic aesthetics and are well represented to give the overall meaning of the title. This particular album was released u...

Another release from Darkmeadow Recordings which is no longer an active label. This album somewhat mysterious since I did not find any info on this album what so ever online. So, after looking for a while I decided to just start listening and give you the best idea of what I hear. "Black Heart Galaxy", keyboards and clean melody, not metal at all, something different which is good. Oblivious Blue, an intriguing and beautiful piece with open landscape of feeling -great sound. "Olivine", violin and industrial type of beats. Trance instrumental with many samples. "Made of Stone", heavy beats and complex arrangements of sounds. "Duplicity", smooth tones and high vocalization, samples are interesting dialog about the human mind. "Oblivious Blue Broken in Two", space like synth sounds and industrial style beats, fast keyboard notes are done with good precision, more samples of societal expression. "Mui", this track is easily stuck i...

Going back a few years now. This album was released back in 2006 on Omeyocan Productions. Members are Zephiroth-Guitars, Vocals, Rockarla -Bass, Shadowbuilder-Drums. hailing from Mexico and their style being Black/Death Metal. The album starts with "Drama and Evolution", no wasting time getting to the brutality, production is ok, I noticed right away the drums loose some stamina at times. "Beyond The Trees of Sacred Forest",  decent arrangements raw guitar sounds. "Lacus Somniorum", open chords start of- lack of creative fills as I was thinking, half hearted cymbal hits were just to basic and unintentional.  "Letheus Nocturnus", clean guitar begins and once again the lack of creativity on the drum fills make this rather good riff feel weak and unimpressive. "Omeyocan Conjure", to highlight how lax the drums are and I really don't like to keep bringing up but on this particular song the drums start it off and can't help but notic...

An EP released on Satanica productions in 2010. Members in this project are Necrosadik, (Mexico) vocals/lyrics/organs/recording. Danny (USA) acoustic guitar/programming/recording/samples The intro really captures everything that will be experienced within this mad creation, its title is Words Splattered On My Chest, keyboard and wild obscure screams. "A world Without you', Psycho intro- very nice touch, followed by discorded passages and more madmen screams. Misled Illusions, not sure what type of vocals effect is used but it comes in wild and loud - but its fitting for a chaos of melody meets madness. "Think is A Regret", clean type of guitar and bass painting dismal turbulent ride. "Crushing The Walls Of My Mind', acoustic guitar time, disturbing psychotic screams from the asylum plus some organs and distant creepy sounds. "Nothing Left Inside My Eyes, feeling the oppression and despair by this point, agony whispers and captivating composition. "...

The album was released in 2010 on Death Chant Music which I will assume is their own label. The album is title Among the Shadows. This is another one man band project. We start with the track "Among the Shadows which just blast in without warning and set a chaotic mood. MK Ultra, title after the mind control drug, we get to hear a low guttural style and a BM high style vocals with some samples. "Prelude" is next and sets a great melody, I enjoy this beginning very much, captivating and well thought out. "Peddler's Wish, reminds me of early nineties style of BM, drum sound somewhat far away, creepy and whispering type of vocals. "Night Terrors', back to the guttural vocals, more death metals style type riffs on the guitars, fast paced notes and fast run downs, I like this one. "Inner Crisis', must say this track is pure death metal, good elements, drums are much more pronounced and heavy palm muting can now be heard. "Delirium', back to...