Monday, September 30, 2013
Hypocrisy - Necronomicon (Live) Lisbon Portugal 9-30-2013
A live performance of the song Necronomicon by Hypocrisy at The Paradise Garage in Lisbon Portugal September 30 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
The Mezmerist - The Innocent, The Forsaken, The Guilty
Shadow Kingdom Records, Release: September 3 2013. This is a reissue of two EP's. One from 1983 featuring Tommy Mezmercardo - Vocals / Guitars, Roger Abercrombie - Bass, Bill Ward - Drums. The second from 1985 featuring Tommy Mezmercardo - Vocals / Guitars, Steve Conrad - Bass, JR - Drums.
First will explore the songs from the 1983 EP. The opening song The Forsaken is unique in its delivery, while it is an intro of sorts in does paint a picture of disaster and conjuration, to be honest I was not sure what to expect and found myself captivated in its tentacles. "Dead Ones Cry No More", high style vocalization like Mercyful Fate or very early Judas Priest is predominant. The production is extremely good considering this was captured in an era of analog recordings. "Arabian Nights", feeling all the nostalgia with every note, any metal psychedelia roots were surely planted by this band. This track transcends through time and you can still feel all its energy even listening to it now. "Victim Of Environmental Change", sure is an interesting title and goes to show the more things change the more they stay the same, catchy riffs and engaging bass fills stick in your mind. I really enjoy how well the rhythm section meld together with fluid chemistry. The guitar player has a long and engaging solo. Not complex, just fun and jamming, I miss those kinds of elements, unlike today's guitar players that seem to go for super technical and complex arrangements, don't get me wrong, I enjoy that too, but its good to hear something that just rocks the fuck out with more improvisation- its good to hear that style for a change.
Onto the 1985 EP, starting with, "Kingdom of the Dead", if Black Sabbath, Candlemass and Led Zeppelin had a child this track would be it. Even early Iron Maiden like "Killers" album should be noted. "The Jam Song", just like the title implies is exactly what you'll hear. Progressive from riff to riff. Never a dull moment in this song that goes for about eight minutes forty five secs. The final installment is "No Family, No Friends", very catchy riffs, they remind me of one of the first Flotsam and Jetsam releases- No Place For Disgrace era. In conclusion, this is a great piece of nostalgia and should be explored by metal fans of both new and old generation.
~Artemortifica
shadowkingdomrecords.bandcamp.com
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First will explore the songs from the 1983 EP. The opening song The Forsaken is unique in its delivery, while it is an intro of sorts in does paint a picture of disaster and conjuration, to be honest I was not sure what to expect and found myself captivated in its tentacles. "Dead Ones Cry No More", high style vocalization like Mercyful Fate or very early Judas Priest is predominant. The production is extremely good considering this was captured in an era of analog recordings. "Arabian Nights", feeling all the nostalgia with every note, any metal psychedelia roots were surely planted by this band. This track transcends through time and you can still feel all its energy even listening to it now. "Victim Of Environmental Change", sure is an interesting title and goes to show the more things change the more they stay the same, catchy riffs and engaging bass fills stick in your mind. I really enjoy how well the rhythm section meld together with fluid chemistry. The guitar player has a long and engaging solo. Not complex, just fun and jamming, I miss those kinds of elements, unlike today's guitar players that seem to go for super technical and complex arrangements, don't get me wrong, I enjoy that too, but its good to hear something that just rocks the fuck out with more improvisation- its good to hear that style for a change.
Onto the 1985 EP, starting with, "Kingdom of the Dead", if Black Sabbath, Candlemass and Led Zeppelin had a child this track would be it. Even early Iron Maiden like "Killers" album should be noted. "The Jam Song", just like the title implies is exactly what you'll hear. Progressive from riff to riff. Never a dull moment in this song that goes for about eight minutes forty five secs. The final installment is "No Family, No Friends", very catchy riffs, they remind me of one of the first Flotsam and Jetsam releases- No Place For Disgrace era. In conclusion, this is a great piece of nostalgia and should be explored by metal fans of both new and old generation.
~Artemortifica
shadowkingdomrecords.bandcamp.com
.jpg)
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Emblazoned - The Living Magisterium
Released on Deepsend Records September 3 2013. The Living Magisterium is an EP by DM/BM band from Milwaukee WI, Emblazoned. Members are: Jeff - Vocals, A.J. - Bass, Kevin - Guitars, Alex - Drums.
The EP begins with the intro "Premonition", dark and ominous is the mood that it sets before attacking us with "Extinction of Creation", the early roots of death metal come screaming through with low guttural and high vocals style. Solid production, raw brutal guitar tones and devastating double kicks. Next up is "Bound By Eternal Penance", several bands come to my mind as I listen, Vader, Immolation, Suffocation and Cannibal Corpse to name a few. The music takes me back to my early years. Back to the nineties when DM was just emerging. The essence of that era is captured with pure intensity in each riff. "Refuge In Darkness", open chords, dismal sounds of haunting style and with a pure BM feel to it before building up into a fast paced slammer. The final song in this journey is "In Ex Cathedra" this track is sure to inspire many mosh pits. Dual menacing demonic vocals, battering of drums with pure adrenaline. We also hear some cool solo work to complete the madness. My only compliant is that it feels short at about thirteen minutes in length seems to fly by rather quickly, but at the same time leave you wanting more. For those who are interested it's good to note that these musicians are former members of Jungle Rot, Enfold Darkness, Micawber, Decrescent and current Decrepit Birth "A.J. Lewandowski" on bass.
In conclusion, this is a solid performance and combines all the elements of the early era of DM roots. Fans of Entombed, Dismember, Vader, Kreator, Krisium, Sinister, and Immolation will most likely want to add this EP to their collection.
~Artemortifica
facebook.com/emblazoned666
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The EP begins with the intro "Premonition", dark and ominous is the mood that it sets before attacking us with "Extinction of Creation", the early roots of death metal come screaming through with low guttural and high vocals style. Solid production, raw brutal guitar tones and devastating double kicks. Next up is "Bound By Eternal Penance", several bands come to my mind as I listen, Vader, Immolation, Suffocation and Cannibal Corpse to name a few. The music takes me back to my early years. Back to the nineties when DM was just emerging. The essence of that era is captured with pure intensity in each riff. "Refuge In Darkness", open chords, dismal sounds of haunting style and with a pure BM feel to it before building up into a fast paced slammer. The final song in this journey is "In Ex Cathedra" this track is sure to inspire many mosh pits. Dual menacing demonic vocals, battering of drums with pure adrenaline. We also hear some cool solo work to complete the madness. My only compliant is that it feels short at about thirteen minutes in length seems to fly by rather quickly, but at the same time leave you wanting more. For those who are interested it's good to note that these musicians are former members of Jungle Rot, Enfold Darkness, Micawber, Decrescent and current Decrepit Birth "A.J. Lewandowski" on bass.
In conclusion, this is a solid performance and combines all the elements of the early era of DM roots. Fans of Entombed, Dismember, Vader, Kreator, Krisium, Sinister, and Immolation will most likely want to add this EP to their collection.
~Artemortifica
facebook.com/emblazoned666
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Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Argus - Beyond the Martyrs
To be released October 1 2013 through Cruz Del Sur Music. Beyond The Martyrs is the third full length album by Argus - Metal band hailing from Western PA. Members are Butch Balich - vocals, Jason Mucio - guitar, Erik Johnson - guitar, Andy Ramage - bass, Kevin Latchaw - drums.
The opening track "By Endurance We Conquer", sets a haunted and dismal atmosphere with catchy guitar licks and solid bass line. Metal roots are evident through out. Vocals are clear and it's easy to understand all the lyrical content. No super polished production, just straight forward raw power. "No Peace Beyond The Line" has a strong and memorable chorus. The Hands Of Time Are Bleeding some of the bands that come to my mind as I listen are Helloween, Savatage and Hammerfall. "Trinity" is song three, guitar tones are heavy and captivating. The main rhythms get my head moving. The early sounds of metal are etched in every song and good to hear bands still accomplishing to capture that special magic. "Cast Out All Raging Spirits" would say is my favorite track on the whole album. All the elements from the previous tracks come together on this song and the chorus is enchanting, I can envision an audience with fist in the air singing along to it.
Overall a listening journey worth taking and recommend it for fans of true Heavy Metal like the early Helloween and Savatage albums.
~Artemortifica
facebook.com/argusmetal
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The opening track "By Endurance We Conquer", sets a haunted and dismal atmosphere with catchy guitar licks and solid bass line. Metal roots are evident through out. Vocals are clear and it's easy to understand all the lyrical content. No super polished production, just straight forward raw power. "No Peace Beyond The Line" has a strong and memorable chorus. The Hands Of Time Are Bleeding some of the bands that come to my mind as I listen are Helloween, Savatage and Hammerfall. "Trinity" is song three, guitar tones are heavy and captivating. The main rhythms get my head moving. The early sounds of metal are etched in every song and good to hear bands still accomplishing to capture that special magic. "Cast Out All Raging Spirits" would say is my favorite track on the whole album. All the elements from the previous tracks come together on this song and the chorus is enchanting, I can envision an audience with fist in the air singing along to it.
Overall a listening journey worth taking and recommend it for fans of true Heavy Metal like the early Helloween and Savatage albums.
~Artemortifica
facebook.com/argusmetal
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CARCASS - Tour show 9-23-13 At Reggies Chicago IL pics/video
Carcass tour show in support of their latest album Surgical Steel. At Reggies Rock Club in Chicago IL with opening act Macabre. Photos plus short video of their new song "Unfit For Human Consumption"
Entombed - Back To The Front - Album art/song list
The new album "Back To The Front" by Entombed on Century Media to be released October 29th 2013 in the US. Here is the album cover and track listing.
01 – “Kill To Live“
02 – “Bedlam Strike“
03 – “The Underminer“
04 – “Second To None“
05 – “Allegiance“
06 – “Waiting For Death“
07 – “Eternal Woe“
08 – “Digitus Medius“
09 – “Vulture And The Traitor“
10 – “Pandemic Rage“
11 – “Soldier Of No Fortune“
Monday, September 16, 2013
Nephren-Ka - The Fall of Omnius
Released through Kaotoxin September 3, 2013. Hailing from Clermont Ferrand, France. Genre -Brutal Death. Nephren-Ka members include: Laurent Chambe (Vocals), Sébastien Briat (Guitars & Backing vocals), Alexandre Phalippon (Bass & Backing vocals), Thibaud Pialoux (Drums).
This is the debut full length from the band. Nine tracks of constant devastation, exhibiting all the traits of pure death metal in all its glory. The first song is Butlerian Djihad, it does not waste any time and gets direct to the brutality. Production is top notch, no surprise since it was mixed and mastered by the legendary Hertz Studio (Vader, Behemoth). "Mastering The Voice", haunting start, open chords demonic vocals. Some of the bands that come to mind are, Decapitated, Nile, Sinister and Gorod. "Legend of Salim" (Part 1 The Seeds of Discord), pure aggression, a take no prisoners feeling, just insane arrangements that come crawling through the speakers like an untamed beast. "The Rise of Omnius", one of the bands that came to mind when I heard this track was Vader. Blast beats with machine gun precision and discorded harmonies will have you banging your head. "Faydakins Storm", start-stop type of rhythms introduces to the next onslaught. Some classic DM arrangements can be heard and old school DM fans are sure to enjoy this track. "The Cymek Revolution", one of the things I enjoy about this particular composition are the use of several style of DM vocals, high, guttural low, mid and pig-squeal. "Legend Of Selim (Pt.2 The Return of The Worm Rid)", complex arrangements and technical style riffing, take notice of the bass player playing some high notes which I enjoy very much. It adds yet another layer of intricate melodies created by this song. "To The Golden Path" is the grand finale'. Feeling a slow destructive mosh coming on. A perfect way to seal all the madness experienced on this album. In conclusion, this new release has added another level of evolution to the band and I think both old generation metal fans as well as the new will find the music to be a brutal and worthy contender to add to their collection.
~Artermortifica
facebook.com-Nephren-Ka
.jpg)
This is the debut full length from the band. Nine tracks of constant devastation, exhibiting all the traits of pure death metal in all its glory. The first song is Butlerian Djihad, it does not waste any time and gets direct to the brutality. Production is top notch, no surprise since it was mixed and mastered by the legendary Hertz Studio (Vader, Behemoth). "Mastering The Voice", haunting start, open chords demonic vocals. Some of the bands that come to mind are, Decapitated, Nile, Sinister and Gorod. "Legend of Salim" (Part 1 The Seeds of Discord), pure aggression, a take no prisoners feeling, just insane arrangements that come crawling through the speakers like an untamed beast. "The Rise of Omnius", one of the bands that came to mind when I heard this track was Vader. Blast beats with machine gun precision and discorded harmonies will have you banging your head. "Faydakins Storm", start-stop type of rhythms introduces to the next onslaught. Some classic DM arrangements can be heard and old school DM fans are sure to enjoy this track. "The Cymek Revolution", one of the things I enjoy about this particular composition are the use of several style of DM vocals, high, guttural low, mid and pig-squeal. "Legend Of Selim (Pt.2 The Return of The Worm Rid)", complex arrangements and technical style riffing, take notice of the bass player playing some high notes which I enjoy very much. It adds yet another layer of intricate melodies created by this song. "To The Golden Path" is the grand finale'. Feeling a slow destructive mosh coming on. A perfect way to seal all the madness experienced on this album. In conclusion, this new release has added another level of evolution to the band and I think both old generation metal fans as well as the new will find the music to be a brutal and worthy contender to add to their collection.
~Artermortifica
facebook.com-Nephren-Ka
.jpg)
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