Metal Music NEWS and interviews

To be released June 2013 under old School Records. Starting with a warning siren as an intro fitting for the album cover and name. My first impression is "this is a solid production". "The Threat of things to Come" completely take me back to the origins of metal, like Overkill, D.R.I., old Anthrax, and Exodus. Thrash riffing abound with maximum overload. "Stick To your Guns" like running into a war-zone, I enjoy the guitars the most, as I hear creative exchanges between rhythm and licks well executed. "In For The Kill" this track will be sticking in my head for time to come and content is heavy hitting and meaningful, a combination of catchy chorus and verse with a message to stand against greed and corruption. "Edge of Insanity", classic style of thrash happening here, I like the way the drums are kept imaginative through out. "Beneath The Surface", early Megadeth comes to mind when first listening to it, guitar doing dive bo...

Self released May 2013. If you are looking for dark ambiance, atmospheric dark passages then you want to check out this album which is available for your listening pleasure at Bandcamp. Starting with the song "Procession" I get a good sense of the journey about to embark upon. "The Orthian" tech like drums are evident, setting a mood of void and emptiness. "Abandoned" clean strumming begins this track and is pleasing to my ears. "Nightdweller" we finally get to hear some distorted guitar, it paints a vast landscape before introducing drums and then builds into a dark composition with other effects intertwine. vocals a high and classic BM style. "A Plea" a bass effect kicks this one off, like exploring a cave or walking on a dak path through the woods and interesting listen. "On the Threshold" has to be my favorite track of the entier album, guitar riffs are really good and stick in my mind, drums are subtle yet effective. ...

A five piece band from Traviso/Padova. Finally got a chance to sit and give this EP several listens. the first track is "Incoming Chaos", battle style drums prepare me for the onslaught that's to come. "Useless Memories" my first impression is "damn this sounds really good", guitars are lightning fast and are doing some intense compositions. "Face Me", I enjoy to hear a bass that does more than just follow the rhythm, in this song we hear several complex riffing provided by the bass, which is something I enjoy very much. The band is: Patrick - drums, Ronko - guitars, Michael - guitars, Tech - bass and Tazzo - vocals. Beginning in 2011 you made think these musicians must have together for far longer. The title track "Rise" is very brutal, many catchy hooks and features some solid doubles kicks on the drums, I can imaging this some impacting a mosh pit for live situations for sure. "Interrupted" is probably my favorite song,...

Conducting this review via the bands Soundcloud site. Mascaron is a five piece band from Latvia and UK. The cover to this album intrigues me, the cosmos an its vastness is always of great interest of mine so I particularly like this aspect and puts me in a metal readiness to experience their music. The first track "Out of Time" trance like intro leads into a solid rhythm and low end guitar with great tone. Vocals are both clean and deep. "Inside The Sun" tech style effect in the start, follow by a nice harmonize guitar layered with some very good vocals, I will be spinning this one for a while. "Serpents", at times remind me of Meshuggah or Fear Factory both which are some of my favorite. Production quality is excellent, all instruments are clear and balanced. "The Night Before", some of the rhythms are new in the way that are found in this generation of metal, which is not bad, its just that I hear this style quite a bit these days. In this part...

Three piece thrash metal band Sixpounder has been creating their brand of thrash metal since 2007 and this is their first album release, "Ruled by Anger" through Xreviews 2012. Stand for all Life, a hard hitter from the start, heavy guitars well executed rhythms. The title track Ruled by Anger is a hard driven experience mainly brought forth by the bass which has great production quality in the entire disc, there is also an official video for this song and it can be viewed on Youtube. Rise in Terror, almost reminds me of Megadeth in some parts, bass is doing some killer lines and we get to hear some fancy guitar work which is very good. The Marksman, probably my favorite song of this album, its begins with the entire rhythm section holding the main riffs and I got a very good idea of the skills both drums and bass player have from the moment I heard it. The One, this track will have you headbanging, a thrashy composition reminiscent of D.R.I. Get Insane, my mind is thinking o...

A Nekrogoat Heresy Production released in 2011. One man BM project from Iklin, Malta. Prayer of the Dying is Martin Ciappara and this album is "In Silence And Grief We Decay". At almost a full hour worth of music, you have to admire the conviction of this musician. The Intro leads us into the darkest realms of experience and brings in the first track Memento of Decay, very good quality all the levels are balanced, all instruments clear and distinct. King of Terrors, loving all the riffs on this song, its amazing all the layers combined at times reminds me of early Samael or Bathory. Besides all the regular instruments (drums,guitar,bass,vocals) there is also keyboards! yes Martin has composed every piece you hear and with amazing talent. Destitute Throne, a morbid atmosphere builds into a war like field, heavy rhythms and raw guitars with a mix of clean and BM style vocal duality. Dead Embers, straight to the point lyrics, memorable passages. Sheltering Cliffs, is an instrume...

An ambient project exploring everything there is to know about winter. The composer is Lord Forneus and this album is roughly 46 minutes long without any vocals just pure sounds and compositions to make the listener feel the coldness of winter wrapped its frozen hands around them. So I imaging myself going to this island and freezing to death but not right away, a long treacherous journey encountering every cliff, mountain, iceberg, blizzards and more. This compilation is just part of many others that can be found by searching out the band. Black Death Lazaretto captured my imagination for a while. Plague Pit misery is a mesmerizing experience. You will never See through the Mists OF Poveglia, its true to its name as I feel trapped in the winter isolation with no return. There are several bonus tracks included on this disc in much the same atmosphere of long cold nights of isolation without much hope of survival. Recommended for fans of ambient, doom, or just adventures through winter ...

Originated in Gothenburg, Sweden. A four piece band in existence from 2004-2011. This is a two disc compilation "Funeral Mysticism" released through (IHATE) of all the material ever released. In all its BM brutality and projection. I play the first cd. I am surprised this project ended because there is much talent here just by listening to the first couple of tracks. "Awakening The Spirits Of Evil", Death Fuck Bizarre", Blitzkrieg mayhem", Fornications in Paradise" are all true BM glory. The production varies slightly but still retains its brutality. CD two, Abominations Curse, fast and relentless guitars, blast beats keep the assault fresh and captivating. Thundering Evil, has a hint of old Sepultura Schizophrenia album production and vocals which is a good thing. Take me to Hell, achieves its goal with hellish riffs and aggressive bass punishing all your senses. Black Fate, it is crazy to hear how fast the snare drum is being hit at times almost lik...

Captivating from the first track, Gothic Cross has a ear pleasing start which I enjoy very much, a twelve string arrangement with perfect clarity. Haxan (The Craft of the Witches) pure metal flowing through this entire composition, raw guitars, strong rhythms and evil vocals. Vampyr, the beginning riffs fit the toll bell chime perfectly, its a great mix, almost reminds me of early Danzig days. Mournful Woman, some very cool bass lines can be heard on this track, guitars could be a bit louder but that's ok.  This a four piece band from Mexico City. Started in 1990 and this is their only release and it is distributed through Under Fire Records. When The Witches Burn, much faster pace than the previous tracks, guitars sound very crunchy and forward on the production which is good. There is also a cool sample intro and towards the end of the track which a fitting due to its content of evil hymns. Call of the Woman is the final track no lyrics provided, I believe this to be a bonus trac...

Released in 2012 through Profound Lore Records. Atra Mors is the latest album by Evoken produced between 2010 and 2012. Atra Mors is eight tracks of dark majestic escapes. This band has been around for since 1992 and have done many other albums. The current line up is John Paradiso-guitar/vocals, Chris Molinari-guitar, Dave Wagner-bass, Don Zaros-keyboards,Vince Verkay-drums. This is my first time experiencing their music. The opening track sets the mood, dark and desolate. Descent into Chaotic Dream, enchanting and captivating composition, one has to suspend their mind for a moment to take it all in, the song builds into a great dark melodic ending with an intense guitar solo. "A Tenebrous Vision", early Paradise Lost, End of Green, MDB, and Novembers Doom come to mind. "Grim Eloquence" the lyrics are short but straight to the point and well thought out, I really like that aspect of writing, many bands write long lyrics that are just many sentences describing the s...

Released on "I Hate" records on February 2013. "As Death Awakes is a full length album from Deathstorm DM band from Styria, Austria. The title track "Awakening of the Dead" sets the tone for this experience, my first thoughts are "great thrash/black metal style" the first guitar riffs grab my attention instantly, raw production - nothing fancy or polished. Straight to the bone metal the way it should be. This band began in 2011 with"Storming The Menace" EP, follow by a split with Terrorama. Red blood Spillage, reminds me of Slayer Haunting The Chapel days. "Prepare for the Slaughter" if its speed you like than this song is for you. Starting with some creative rolls and speed manifestation assault is one hell of a track to have you moving in the pit. "Await The Edged Blades" its great to hear the old style of raw thrash metal in this composition, followed along with a bass that reminds me of old Anthrax albums. For been a...

PsyBorn is a four piece band from Volos Greece. Time Zero is a self released EP from 2011. Recorded at Fabric Studios-George Tzay. The first song "Pain" reminds me a bit of At The Gates, at times also hear some The haunted influence in their guitar riffs. "Insane" is number two, it has an open chord type of chorus that fits the song but I think is a little long at times. "Holocaust" cool drums make a good highlight on this track. "On My Knees/Not Any More" I enjoy the dual vocals in this song, they are done rather well and blend nicely together. "Son of Mayhem" is my favorite from this EP, it has so many different things to it- good catchy riffs, great chorus, hard driving rhythm and memorable lyrics. They describes themselves as Hybrid Death Wave style which is something new to me, however there are metal roots that are evident through out. "Time Zero" is the title track and final tune in my listening experience of this band....

One man blackened folk metal artist Saggoth. Its always inspiring to hear an album complete from the mind of one individual. A self release EP for 2013 and a full length back in 2011 Into The Nocturnal Bliss this is one busy musician. Intro is captivating and establishes the dark atmosphere. The Arrival, a hellish start, grabs the listeners attention from the first riff. I enjoy how the bass is filling in with some creative passages instead of just following the main riffs. There is a clean break about 3 minutes into this that feature a clean guitar that presents the folk metal aspect of the composition. "Of Moonlights Glare" title track hypnotizing synth paints the landscape, lyrics take me into a dark journey through cold environments. "Through the Forests Eternal" a mix of several instruments make this very interesting to my ears, followed by fast drums which the synth follows with precision. "Winters Reign" is the last track on this EP, reminds me of T...

Released on Hells Headbangers in 2008. The band formed in 1998 and split up in 2008. Hailing from Melbourne Victoria Australia. The albums starts with "Caustic Transmissions" hard to pin point where to label the style, they exhibit many. At moments thrash, then rock, then black, to ambient and metal. With all that being thrown in the pot they seem to attach it all seamlessly to create their own sound which is difficult for most bands to achieve, I even get a feel for a punk style in the way the vocals are delivered specially in songs like "Upon The Lamb Of Gob They Suckle No More" and "A Date with Eternity". Shame they are no longer active. One may think this would turned out to be a black metal onslaught if you were going base it on outside aesthetics. A closer inspection by listening track by track reveals a wealth of talent. Esoteria Is Now In Command" is a fast driven song a bit harsh on he vocals but it fits the speed been delivered. "The So...

Scion Rock fest in Memphis TN 6-1-13. Free festival took place in the historic Blues Town of Memphis on Beale street and Peabody Place. Bands that participated - New Daisy: A Life Once Lost, Vektor, Corrosion of Conformity, Municipal Waste, Melvins, Testament. Handy Park: Complete Failure, Gigan, Arsis, Impaled, Noisem, Six Feet Under. Club 152: Inter Arma, Ice Dragon, Subrosa, Gates of Slumber, Pallbearer, The Obsessed. Hard Rock: Call of the Void, Rotting Out, Code Orange Kids, Vision of Disorder, Touche' Amore, Negative Approach, The Casualties There were so many great moments that took place, watch my video to hear about my entire experience.

Released on IHATE Records. March 2013. Doom/Psychedelia is exactly what you will get from this Swedish outfit comprised of Jocke Pettersson - bass, Tobias Larsson - drums/vocals, Björn Andersson - guitar, Christian Sandberg - guitar, Johan Pettersson - synth. Founded in 2001 and having several EPs and other albums, this on is their latest. Its only four tracks but they are long and involved. The first track Den Sanna Styrkan sets the tempo with some heavy distorted bass and vocals that are in Neurosis style of singing which I like very much. Slipsten droned and sorrow is the feeling I get as I listen, like traveling through the vast open water in the night, a landscape of dark shadows and empty fields. Stenhog, admiring how involved the bass player gets in these compositions which is something I don't hear much from some of the other genres I am used to. Vocals have an effect on this song which really adds to the ambiance of the entire track. Oden, wraps up this incredible journey ...

Released on IHATE Records. September 2012. A three piece avant garde metal style band with some catchy riffs and great production. Starting with Defiance & Retribution- as an intro compliments perfectly into the next track Throne of Fire- not the typical style BM vocal but more of its own individual taste which I enjoy. Next up is is the title song Disciples of The Hex- very cool intro transcends into a bad ass metal assault, solid guitars and deep bass. Serpent's Wrath, heavy toms start this track, remind me of old school Venom days, most definitely a headbanging master track for this record. Lyrical content is good and understandable the majority of the time. Impaled on The Horns of Betrayal, much faster than the rest of the album songs, made me take notice right away, builds nice into some aggression that will have most in the mosh pit in a live environment. Hardbingers of Darkness, evil chants spew from every orifices, with the instruments complimenting every note in perfec...

X-Reviews Vol. 2 comes to us from Morelas Centro, Mexico. Executive producer; Mario Gallardo M. Released in 2011. Track 1 Aggressor "Toxic Addiction", first thought are on the punk elements I hear on the drums, then transforming into more thrash metal assault. Production is on the raw end of things but adds to the experience. Track 2 Dark Sadness "Nothing To Hold", interesting intro then into the song, for some reason I think of Paradise Lost when listening to this but the old PL not the new, production quality is very good. Track 3 Neverghen "Silence" my first thoughts are drums are in the background, quality is not that good but still listenable, rough guitars but cool riffs, dual vocals are cool. Track 4 External Tumor "Perpetual nightmare" very well done bass begins with some great skill, guitars come in with equal talent, excellent quality of production, aggressive drums solid snare and vocals reminds me a bit of old Behemoth. Track 5 Ammuni...

X-reviews is based out of Morelos Centro, Mexico. Compilation Vol.1 released 2010 -Executive producer Mario Gallardo. Track 1 Divine Sword "Patria Guerrera" really good band power symphonic onslaught a long song but very engaging, reminds me of Helloween. Track 2 Black Bible 'Black Winter Moon", traditional BM with very good production, I dig the vocals and drums perform solid kicks from time to time. Track 3 Atryum "The Last Word", melodic and spectacular, love the keyboards/vocals are well complimented. I get a sense of epic war like intensity. Track 4 War Faces "Rios De Sangre" translates to Rivers of Blood, raw and relenting brutality. Very aggressive and will have most people in the mosh pit. Track 5 Mandra "Social Virus", begins much like old school thrash speed metal, very raw production but that's cool because it creates a great ambience for the style. Track   6 Charro Negro "Todos Me Enferman" translates to They al...