REVIEWS |
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ABSENCE
"Gift" (Self Released - provided by Absence) - 2 out of 5 points - |
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I have had this cd laying around for AGES now, but I have always felt that I have to be in an other mood before listening to this album properly. Absence plays progressive rock, but it screams low budget and "old-mens-hobby-band". They play their instruments well, but in a world of so many progressive rock bands, that is just not going to cut the cake. A thing that bothers me is the word "fuck" in the lyrics… I don't like cursing in metal unless it REALLY has to be said in some death metal or thrash metal, but that is a minor flaw. 2 out 5 may sound as if they are bad, but they aren't, they are mediocre. The production on the other hand is as I said before low budget and therefore a factor of annoyance. The drums are out of place soundwise almost through the entire album. The guitars only sound clear in the solos and the bass is almost anonymous in the sound. The vocals are all dominating, which wouldn't bother me if he was great, but he is just… well… mediocre. And well… I don't think I can say anything else about this. http://hardhatarea.com/absence/
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Mads
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ABSCESS
"Horrorhammer" (Peaceville Records - provided by VME) - 0 out of 5 points - |
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Why this crappy band can even get a record deal is beyond me. They play primitive death metal and while you can hear they try to do everything by the book, everything they do fails completely. The guitars are boring (especially the solos), the drums are also boring and the vocals are… well… they kind of just suck. The musicians in the Abscess probably really wants to be good, but they just don't have what it takes to play this kind of music, and when their compositional skills are bad too it just isn't a good starting point. And when you throw in a production so horrible that your neighbours 8 year old son records with a better sound at home on his tape recorder, then you are bound to end up with a crappy product, and that is just what this is. Oh yeah… and what is up with the title? Horrorhammer… what the hell is that? Just awful!!!
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Mads
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AKOMA
"Lost Forest" (Self Financed - provided by AKOMA) - 2½ out of 5 points - |
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Akoma is a Danish female fronted symphonic gothic metal band. Lost Forest is more of an EP than an actual album since it only has 3 tracks, and one of those is an incredibly long intro like tune. They do however play quite well, and show some potential at times. They play it safe on all three tracks, and never do they surprise. The sound is really cool and heavy, but what else could be expected when we have Mr. Jacob Hansen to mix and master it all. Vocalist Tanya Bell has a pretty neat voice, but she just doesn't make the song hers. When the music is as monotonous as it is she has to do more than what she does, she does however have a good feeling for making the atmosphere gloomier. I don't know what else to say, as it is hard to say more from just 3 tracks.
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Mads
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CANDLEMASS
"King Of The Grey Islands" King Of The Grey Islands - 4½ out of 5 points - |
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It's always interesting, bordering to "nail-bitingly exciting", when one of your all-time favorite bands go through a major line-up change. In the case of Candlemass I can't say I didn't see it coming; I mean, Messiah Marcolin and the band have parted ways before, so it's not a huge shocker … nevertheless, for someone to go in and take Messiah's place, it's got to be someone with quite a big voice and someone who aren't afraid to put himself on the line so to speak. Robert Lowe, vocalist of US doom band Solitude Aeturnus, is the man chosen for Candlemass this time around - personally I was expecting (and hoping) for Thomas Wikström to return, as I loved "Chapter 6" although I'm probably in the minority for that one. But yes, Robert Lowe is not a bad choice, and since I've liked his voice in Solitude Aeturnus for years it's quite an easy transition to get used to him in Candlemass. From opener "Emperor Of The Void" it's obvious that the band hasn't strayed far from their usual self, which basically means pretty slow-to-mid-tempo doom songs with lots of power behind. I've heard rumours of Candlemass 2007 sounding more akin to Leif Edling's other project Krux, but I must say I don't really hear that comparison. This is Candlemass, and even with the vocal change it's still pretty much the same as we've always got. In general I'd compare "King Of The Grey Island" to their 1989 album "Tales From Creation", as I get kind of the same mood from the songs here as I did back then 18 years ago (damn, I feel old!!!). Only my stupid fan-boy'ism makes me miss Messiah Marcolin, but to be honest Robert Lowe delivers a great performance on all songs, and the band is tight as a nun's butt … no reason to complain or worry, this is great stuff!
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Claus
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CHIMAIRA
"Resurrection" (Nuclear Blast - provided by VME) - 2 out of 5 points - |
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I never cared for Chimaira until they unleashed their selftitled album in 2005. This album had crunching riffs, blistering solos and an attitude for none to match. No need to say I had expected them to do the same with Resurrection. But I guess that a label change from Roadrunner to Nuclear Blast has had its impact on the songwriting process. Because this time around there just isn't the same anger and attitude. Not even Andy Sneaps awesome production can save the day for Chimaira. Better luck next time guys, then maybe you can have your real "Resurrection".
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Mads
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DARK SHIFT
"Gaining Ground" (Astral Records - provided by Astral Records) - 2 out of 5 points - |
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Out of Milwaukee Wisconsin comes Dark Shift who fights under the banner high speed melodic US Power Metal. Their album is called Gaining Ground, but I wonder how they are going to do it, because this album is not going to do it. They are decent musicians, but nothing that they is new, and it has all been heard before. This doesn't always mean it is bad, if the quality is great. But here they just never reach the quality of those who came before them. Granted, they have some good melodies here and there, but overall the album is not well done. The sound screams low budget and the compositions are just too predictable and run of the mill. I mean no ill towards this band; their final product just isn't good enough. If they however switched to a more growling vocal instead of the annoying nasal like clean vocal, then they may have increased their grade half a point. I do however still hope that this band will build on this, get a better singer and make some more daring compositions, because they have the riffs and the melodies, they just don't use them properly (Not that I know what to do, it just doesn't sound right).
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Mads
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DEW-SCENTED
"Incinerate" (Nuclear Blast - provided by VME) - 3 out of 5 points - |
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German thrash metallers shouldn't need introduction since they have unleashed their heavier version of Slayer in more than a decade now. What is different this time around? Well, to be honest, there is nothing new under the sun here, just like the albums that came before it. But their heavy-as-hell thrash metal with grooves, attitude and solos from hell. They are very good musicians and they just never make anything wrong, nor do they ever surprise. If you are a thrash fan, this is great stuff, if not? Well, then you have just wasted 1 minute of your time.
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Mads
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DOMINICI
"O3 A Trilogy - Part 2" (Inside Out / SPV - provided by Target) - 1½ out of 5 points - |
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Solid Vision is one of those countless Italian progressive metal bands that seem to have taken the Dream Theater sound so much to heart that they think they are allowed to call it their own. Those Italian bands (Arkhe, Madsword, Zen, Evil Wings, Empty Tremor etc etc) sounds so much like Dream Theater it's almost laughable … and in the case of Solid Vision I once again find myself shaking my head in disbelief of how incredibly stupid it actually is when a band steals every f***ng note from the DT-catalogue and doesn't even consider for one second to do something innovative. Oh well … Now, to make this even worse (or better, you decide), they've hired on-board vocalist Charlie Dominici, who you might recall was the brilliant vocalist on Dream Theater's debut album "When Dream And Day Unite" back in 1989 (yeah I know - half of DT's fans think of Charlie as a horrible vocalist, whereas other - including me - totally loved his voice). To be honest, I'm not really sure if Solid Vision hired Charlie or if it was the other way around - nevertheless, it doesn't make the DT comparison any less. So, is this any good? Yes and no - the performance from all musicians is splendid, and even Charlie who honest to god sounded like crap on his first solo album "03 - part 1" a year ago, delivers a great performance. That said, the songwriting is nothing to write home about as it sounds like Dream Theater tunes without the touch of class that makes DT what they are. If I want to hear Dream Theater with Charlie Dominici I'll listen to "When Dream And Day Unite", not some Italian wannabe-band that saw this project as a quick way to stardom, or a has-been vocalist who wants a quick buck from the success his ealier band mates have achieved. Remember what Charlie sang on the Dream Theater debut? "Nothing is sacred, you draw the bottom line with a dollar sign - You're running in circles, and now I'm turning away".
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Claus
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DWELLING
"Ainda É Noite" (Equilibrium Music - provided by Equilibrium) - ? out of 5 points - |
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It seems like Equilibrium Music is slowly establishing itself as the major force in Southern Europe for dark-wave/romantic goth metal. With releases from such acts as Puissance and Íon they are making their impact, and seem to have chosen a path not too far from what German label Prophecy Productions are going. Dwelling is now releasing their second full length album of romantic Portuguese folk music with a hint at goth here and there. I'm not in any way claiming that this is heavy metal, but for those who are open-minded there's some good stuff to be found here. Strong compositions lead by classical guitars, violins and bass topped by a beautiful female voice (for some reason her presence reminds me of Edith Piaf, although the vocal is different) with songs sung in mainly the Portuguese language. A breath of fresh air at the of the day …
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Claus
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EISREGEN
"Blutbahnen" (Massacre Records - provided by True Music) - ½ out of 5 points - |
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Eisregen is one of those bands where I begin to wonder what is so rotten about Germany when they breed bands such as Eisregen. This is Black/Death metal in German (!!!) and then some absolutely HORRIBLE parts with clean vocals. Apparently only the Germans get this kind of music because the sales argument for this album is their chart entries in Germany (Must have been sour times). I remember when I listened to Eisregen for the first time when they released their previous album, and at first I thought it was a bit funny. I thought the band was a joke, but when I found it is a serious project then I started crying. The vocals are horrible, the musicianship is… well actually it isn't anything at all. I can teach a newborn baby to play the same thing they play. The "symphonic" element is a big joke, and I am really having a hard time believing anybody actually goes nuts about this. The only good thing I have to say about this joke of a release is the production. Not that it is good, but whoever produced this monster (meant in the worst way possible) should have been God incarnated to actually make this album into something good. Absolutely dreadful music that should only be bought if you are either German and know nothing about quality, desperately need a new and expensive beer coaster or if you really like to torture yourself.
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Mads
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ELDRITCH
"Blackenday" (Limb Music / SPV - provided by Target) - 4 out of 5 points - |
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Italy's #1 progressive metal band Eldritch are ready with their 7th album, the real moody-titled "Blackenday". After 2 albums I unfortunately found quite boring ("Neighbourhell" and "Portrait Of The Abyss") it's time for another real asskicking disc from Eldritch. We're talking about progressive metal with lots of melodies and a bunch of heavy thrash-metal riffs. It's almost as if Dream Theater and Metallica joined forces … well, almost :-) Eldritch aren't really as heavy as old school 'tallica, and neither are they as intricate and complex as Dream Theater, but they accomplish borderlining the two styles of heavy metal with great professionalism in both delivery and attitude. It sounds like a band who loves doing what they do, and they are all great musicians. With a vocalist as superb as Terrence Holler in front Eldritch truly are one of the very best within the otherwise overcrowded Italian prog/power metal scene, and with a return to form marked as clearly as "Blackenday" the band should create some well-deserved applause around the metal community.
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Claus
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GOTTHARD
"Domino Effect" (Nuclear Blast - provided by VME) - 4 out of 5 points - |
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Switzerland's Bon Jovi … well, almost :-) Gotthard has released quite a few releases over the past decade, but in all honesty I've never cared enough to really listen to them. But with "Domino Effect" this might change. This is hard rock with great melodies and the right attitude. Occassionally they actually remind me of Great White in the early 90's style ("Hooked", "Psycho City") with the cool guitar riffs, those awesome solo's and also the rough vocal style, but mostly we're moving around in Bon Jovi's "New Jersey" territory or Whitesnake around "Slide It In"/"1987", which isn't a bad thing … There are tons of "hits" here and only one or two "miss"'es. Especially the song "The Oscar Goes To …" is phenomenal, and might just be the melodic hard rock tune of the year for me. I also need to mention the fabulous ballad "Letter To A Friend" - Brilliant! Great disc which proves that Switzerland is more than just cheese, army-knifes and watches.
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Claus
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GRAVEWORM
"Collateral Defect" (Massacre Records - provided by True Music) - 1½ out of 5 points - |
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Massacre has a tradition for signing either excellent bands or absolutely horrible bands. To my ears Graveworm belongs under the banner of the latter despite a background a prominent label such as Nuclear Blast. Black metal from outside of Scandinavia rarely turns out to be something worthwhile. The theory comes into practice in the case of Graveworm. Their attempt to do to black what Dark Tranquillity and In Flames did to Death Metal some 15 years ago, has failed, and failed miserably. Surely there are elements of interest, but most of the time you don't even feel the anger in you. I got to hand it to Andy Classen who has done an absolutely marvellous job with the production. Everything blends together perfectly. I have always loved his work with bands such as Legion of the Damned and Dew Scented, and now he even manages to turn a band as boring as Graveworm into something that borders to be worthwhile. They get 1 point for production and ½ point for their occasional good ideas.
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Mads
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HELLOWEEN
"The Legacy - World Tour 2005/2006. Live in Sao Paulo" (Steamhammer / SPV - provided by Target) - 4 out of 5 points - |
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No matter what I have written about the last albums of Helloween, be it positive or negative, I can agree with a lot of people that these 5 middle-aged guys have severe balls in a live situation. They are playing tight and fast with a precision close the tunnel drilling under the English Channel. It's a huge difference to what I saw myself last time I watched the band (with Marc Cross, doing his pathetic drumming), and I must say that Helloween anno 2005/2006 is great! Andi Deris is singing as if it was for his life, Grosskopf is delivering a pounding bass guitar (as always), the twin guitars are ripping everything to shreds and the extremely important rhythm section is filled out perfectly by Dani Löble. Now, don't exchange that drummer, ok!? The choice of songs is pretty ok, though I'd have loved to hear some material from "Walls Of Jericho", rather than the horrible "Occasion Avenue". Anyway, this is definitely a brilliant legacy for the Hellowieners.
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Lars
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ILLNATH
"Second Skin Of Harlequin" (Deathlight Records - provided by Target) - 3½ out of 5 points - |
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Illnath is a Danish band that apparently has gotten a lot of attention in the underground, and even has its own fanclub in Poland. Second Skin Of Harlequin is their third release, but I have just never heard about them before. They play black metal, which is rare in Denmark - despite Denmark being a Scandinavian country -, but they don't just keep it at that. They have symphonic and power metallish elements along with very melodic lead parts. Imagine early Cradle of Filth (singer Björn Holter actually reminds me a lot of Dani Filth) mixed with Helloween and Iron Maiden. It sounds odd, but it works pretty well. Their lead melodies are so 80's and melodic while their raw energy and vocals are black metal. The overall sound of the album is quite commercial for the genre, which is why I do not think this will appeal to true black metal fans, but for those who like their black with a catchy melody and some symphonic elements then do not be mistaken, for Illnath does a very good job here. I only give 3½ out of 5 because I actually never liked Cradle of Filth that much, and since Cradle is - without a doubt - their biggest inspiration, I just can't say I totally love this album, yet I cannot ignore the charm and unique sound they blast into my head on Second Skin Of Harlequin. Another downside of the album is the sound. The bass is simply too annoying, everybody knows how too much bass can ruin any concert, and that is the same thing here. Also, I feel the album misses a hit. All songs on the album are from decent to good, but none are really good, which is a shame, because that often means I won't pull it out again in a year or two. In controversy to Dimmu and Cradle, then Illnath knows when to stop. The album has a perfect length, so as to when it ticks out, you want to hear it again, and thus getting more familiar with the tunes on the album. So, if you like bands such as Dimmu Borgir and Cradle of Filth and don't mind a charming new melodic 80's approach then Illnath is a sure investment, and I will certainly follow this band from now on. Let me finish by saying that the cover on the album is absolutely ridiculous, and it will make you laugh. But, when you have heard the album thoroughly then you will know that it says everything about the music. It looks like Iron Maiden and Cradle of Filth covers combined into one. And that is pretty much what the music is about.
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Mads
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KAMELOT
"The Ghost Opera" (Steamhammer / SPV - provided by Target) - 3½ out of 5 points - |
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This is sort of a let-down - I had really high hopes for this, the 8th studio album from US/Norwegian power metal force Kamelot. However, with this disc I'm for the first time in all my time as a loyal Kamelot-fan disappointed by them. It's not that "Ghost Opera" is a terrible album in any way, in fact it's head and shoulders above most other releases within the style these days, but it's just nowhere as good as the previous efforts by Kamelot. I miss the energy, the power and the surprising elements - instead we're treated with a disc that hops along in mid-tempo most of the way, never stepping outside of the boundaries and always playing it safe; too safe. The melodies are still awesome, and after just one listen you can immediately sing along to the songs; Roy Khan is still a fantastic vocalist and the entire band delivers a top-notch performance. But the excitement seems gone, and I for one really hope that the band will be able to find it for their next album. "Ghost Opera" is not one of those albums that'll find its way back to my cd-player that often … unfortunately.
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Claus
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KORPIKLAANI
"Tervaskanto" (Napalm Records - provided by Target) - 2½ out of 5 points - |
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Marketed as "Finnish humppa folk metal" Korpiklaani has set out to do absolutely nothing but confuse me. Just like with their country-men Finntroll I'm more bewildered than enlightened by this kind of music; why anyone would get the idea of mixing polka, finnish folk music and heavy metal is beyond me … but, also quite like their fellow swingers from the Finnish forrests, Korpiklaani succeeds in creating something that is very well-composed, well-performed and have a fun-value of 200 on a scale from 1 to 5 :-) I can't say I like this kind of music at all, but for those moments when the vodka has been flowing through my veins and the party animal in me rears its ugly head, I wouldn't mind a bit of humppa.
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Claus
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LADDER, THE
"Sacred" (Escape Music - provided by Zink) - 2 out of 5 points - |
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It's been a couple of years since I last heard a disc with Steve Overland in front. Back then it was the Shadowman disc "Different Angles" which sounded like a mixture of Steve's ex-band FM and some other British hard rock / AOR acts, such as Heartland, Thunder and a little bit of Ten. Well, now Steve's back with another project of his, The Ladder. Musically we're still running around in FM-territory, but also a bit of modern day alternative-rock has entered the picture, not totally unlike Stiltskin or even Duran Duran (especially in the production). However, whereas the Shadowman disc had a certain edge to it, it seems as if The Ladder is content with only playing soft tunes with no energy whatsoever. Thanks to Steve's great voice I don't fall asleep … but it's close … and that's not a good sign.
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Claus
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LAKE OF TEARS
"Moons And Mushrooms" (Dockyard1 - provided by VME) - 1½ out of 5 points - |
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It seems to me like the times where Lake Of Tears were an interesting doom band are long gone. Nowadays they are a quite uninteresting rock band not too far away from the genre in which D-A-D plays, just with the difference that most of D-A-D's material actually is good. "Moons And Mushrooms" was a disc I wasn't really anticipating a lot from, considering I haven't kept up with Lake Of Tears since "The Neonai" (5 or 6 years ago), and as such I wasn't really let down with this new disc. Still, as someone who thought "Headstone" and "A Crimson Cosmos" were awesome albums, I can't help being quite frustrated as to this change in style.
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Claus
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LUMSK
"Det Vilde Kor" (TABU Records - provided by Target) - 3 out of 5 points - |
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I have known of Lumsk since their first album "Åsmund Frægdegjevar", and I have always thought they separated from other folk metal bands because of their more laid back attitude, and just having the guts to do whatever they thought was good. They do this again when they mix the poems of famous Norwegian writer Knut Hamsun. I am not a fan of poems, but the music that Lumsk pianist Espen Godø has composed for them creates such a harmonic and joyful mood. There are not many metal elements on this album, but those that are… well they are great. Imagine a mix of folk music mixed with metal and White Willow like rock. It is odd, but really great if in the mood for it.
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Mads
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MESSIAH'S KISS
"Dragonheart" (Steamhammer / SPV - provided by Target) - 1½ out of 5 points - |
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From the skies comes this album (from the skies). In the skies their music is a mixture between Judas Priest (from the skies), Riot (from the skies) and Masterplan (from the skies). Cliché upon cliché upon cliché from the skies. I guess that if you stand united in the skies, with your dragons, steel, evil thunder, fire, falcons, eagles, blades, swords etc. etc, you'll like this album from the skies. I have had enough after the 2nd song, and have to drag my ears through a whole album, where even Hammerfall would feel embarrassed about the lack of original riffs. The only thing that is ok on this album is the voice of Mike Tirelli…oh, and the extremely beautiful cover artwork. I'm sorry but the lack of even trying to come up with original material is disgusting. A couple of titles from this album for you to chew on: "Steelrider, Open Fire, Thunders Of The Night, Northern Nights, Dragonheart, Where The Falcons Cry". Hmmmm.
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Lars
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MEVYN
"Splintered Skies" (Killzone Records - provided by Killzone) - 4 out of 5 points - |
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A few years ago I got my hands on the first Disillusion album and it blew me away with awesome and unique way of playing. I didn't think I would fall over such a band again soon, but here it is… Meyvn. I don't know what I was expecting when I finally got around to put this album on. Most of these small bands never seems to do much for me, but Meyvin… damn… these guys can play. They play a style that mixes Agent Steel, Watchtower Symphony X, early Nevermore and early Queensryche or put in other words Power Progressive Thrash. Awesome riffs and blistering are bound to rock any metalheads world. There is constantly something happening in this band. The compositions are tight and everything just seems to work out for them. But whenever I really like something at first I try to focus on the bad parts. I know it is a bit evil and pathetic, but that is what I do. And the problems (There are two) with Meyvn is the production which is far from what this band deserves. I have a fantasy of Neil Kernon (Nevermore, Spiral Architect, Queensryche) producing this. The vocals are also a downfactor, since I would have loved seeing them with a proper singer, not just the one who sung the best of the guys they could get. This however, does not affect my final view on these guys. Interesting as hell this Texan band is, and I feel the force is strong in them. All fans of afore mentioned bands; heck them out. I can only sing praises to them.
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Mads
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NIGHTRAGE
"A New Disease Is Born" (Lifeforce Records - provided by Lifeforce Records) - 3½ out of 5 points - |
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I have said it before, and now I will say it again. I always have huge expectations when a new album from my favourite label LifeForce records comes in for review. Unfortunately you can't win the lottery every damn time. Nightrage is a metalcore band just doesn't click for me bigtime. Still I very much think this far above average due to their way of putting in acoustic and much more melodic elements into the music. I do however find it hard to see myself putting on this album again in a year. Only because there simply are better acts out there. But as my grade suggests then check it out. You do - however - get your moneys worth if you are into metalcore.
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Mads
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PAIN OF SALVATION
"Scarsick" (InsideOut - provided by Target) - 3½ out of 5 points - |
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What if I am a freedom loving, stairmaster walking, anti religious, Coca Cola drinking, Burger King eating, money spending, profit loving capitalist? Would I then feel judged by Pain Of Salvation's new album? Hmmmm….Only if I was also not able to read between the lines. Since I'm right there in the middle and have to admit that Daniel "I'm anti-everything" Gildenlöw is probably more intelligent than I am, I'll not comment further on the lyrics of this fine piece of left wing propaganda. I'll concentrate on the music instead. Again, I have given a P.O.S. album the benefit of the doubt for several months (which is why this review is very late), and I have listened to this album at least 20 times now in it's entirety. The music of this band is known for creeping farther and farther under your skin during your experiences with it, and I must say that "Scarsick" has indeed won me over to a certain degree, as I find myself humming melody lines and themes from the album once in a while, but it's still not up there, where I can feel the actual pain in the music, which I, as other P.O.S. fans, have grown so used to. It's as if the band has dug even deeper into their own navels to find the last threads of the old shirt that has left some nodes or 2 to exploit. The music is simply getting more and more quiet and is moving away from the aggressive point that suits the band so well on previous masterpieces like "One Hour By The Concrete Lake", The Perfect Element" and "Remedy Lane" (all 5/5 in my ears). On this new effort, it actually sounds like Daniel is puking at some point, while trying to be aggressive! If the intention was to have a puking person on the album, I hereby take my words back and bow in the dust as that would really be a stroke of genius, but somehow I feel that I will not be contradicted here. So why am I still giving 3½/5 if I don't really like the album that much? Because there are only 2 really weak songs on the album ("Disco Queen" and "Enter Rain"), whereas the other songs as usually show the band's great musicianship and great way to play with sounds and odd patterns. Don't get me wrong; this album will also be played in my stereo for the future. I just think that my hand would always grab for one of the other P.O.S. releases if I left my brain on the table and trusted instinct. The pain that used to be there is not present on this one, be it good or bad for Daniel and the gang, but it's not good for the music in general. Oh, by the way Daniel (and here's where I can't keep my promise from above), even slim and fit people do use escalators and elevators as well.
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Lars
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POWDERHOG
"Powderhog" (Trechoma Records - provided by Trechoma Records) - 2 out of 5 points - |
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Out of nowhere comes this Danish hard rock act which most of all reminds me of a bad version of early D:A:D (not their country stuff, after that), Vol-Beat and some 80's Hard Rock / Hair Metal acts whose name I do not know. I received no info on this album, which means I am not going to give you any info. The music is straight ahead party music; actually there is not a single change of pace except when it goes from mid tempo to semi fast. For what it is you can ignore the bad vocals, the flat production the mediocre musicianship and just enjoy the ride. For what it is I guess it is decent, but if I had to judge on the musical perspective the grade would have been lower.
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Mads
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RED HARVEST
"A Greater Darkness" (Season Of Mist - provided by VME) - 2 out of 5 points - |
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Red Harvest has existed for around a decade and even though "A Greater Darkness" is their 10th album it is my first encounter with them, and I am not impressed. Let it be said that I have never been a fan of Industrial Metal, but I have been very positively surprised before. The band itself calls their style Apocalyptic Industrial Paranoia Metal… I'm sorry…. WHAT? There is not much apocalyptic about it, sure they have some heavy destructive riffs here and there, but far from enough for me to think of the apocalypse. Paranoia… Uhm… they have some eerie atmospheric parts, maybe that is what is referred to here? I don't know, and I don't get that label, because not once on the entire album you feel "paranoid" (not meant in the words literary sense), you just hear a barrage of sound coming out of your speakers. That combined with electronical music just makes it industrial. Not necessarily a bad one, just one below average in my opinion. If you are a fan of this kind of music the latest Red Harvest could be interesting, if you are not, then just forget about this album. Oh… and at last I really insist of this band stop saying they are one of the bands putting Norway on the map alongside bands like Mayhem and Darkthrone. No, Red Harvest, you are not nearly as big nor nearly as good as both those bands, and most of the Norwegian metal scene. There is a reason for them to have released 10 albums, and me never hearing about them before now.
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Mads
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SAXON
"The Inner Sanctum" (Steamhammer /SPV - provided by Target) - 4 out of 5 points - |
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Either I am becoming old, or Saxon has simply re-juvenated themselves! I listened to the band in the 80'ies, up and to "Rock The Nations". After that album I kind of lost interest, as the band began making crappy albums, according to me. BUT, sometimes things do change, and with this new album, Saxon delivers high power melodic metal, the good old fashioned way. It's power with a capitol P, and you really can't hear on Biff that he is older than most of his colleagues in the business. His voice is still very strong and as special as it has always been. The guitar riffs are thrashing and the overall sound is pounding through the air and into the ear canals. The songs "State Of Grace" and "Red Star Falling" are my absolute favourites here, but there are several of the 10 songs that approach world class. I am beginning to like this album better than "Crusader"!!!! Go out and BUY!
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Lars
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SHAKRA
"Infected" (AFM Records - provided by Target) - 1½ out of 5 points - |
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This is one of those overrated hard rock bands that for some reason seem to be enjoying quite a bit more success than they actually should. Shakra have been on tours with Stratovarius, Hammerfall, Great White and Uriah Heep as well as having done some local support gigs for Guns 'N' Roses and Iron Maiden … however that all happened I've got no clue about, as Shakra (based upon "Infected" since I haven't heard any other of their material) is one of the most boring hard rocks bands in recent years. Musically they sound like a poor man's version of Pretty Maids, Bonfire, Gotthart or TNT with a horrible, screechy vocalist and no songwriting skills. The only redeeming fact about "Infected" is the heavy, yet very clear production.
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Claus
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SONATA ARCTICA
"Unia" (Nuclear Blast - provided by VME) - 4 out of 5 points - |
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I love it when a band you've come to expect something of one style from, suddenly goes in the opposite direction and does something very surprisingly and of a different style. When Sonata Arctica (aka the Finnish teenage bubble-gum power metal boys) released their latest studio disc "Reckoning Night" I spent most of my review on critisizing them for going the easy-route and delivering mediocre cheesy power metal tunes with no balls whatsoever. I don't think they have paid much attention to my review, but nevertheless they've this time around decided to go almost full head-on progressive metal … wow! Okay, don't start thinking it's Dream Theater prog-metal we're getting here, but it's definitely more a prog-metal disc which seem to be influenced in part by artists such as Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Thin Lizzy, Queen, Yes, Queensryche, Meat Loaf, Symphony X and more. Sure, there's still the occassional Stratovarius, Helloween and Nightwish riff here and there (as to be expected), but mostly this disc focuses on clever arrangements, big melodic choruses and the oh-so-important flow! I'm impressed and I'm definitely digging this.
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Claus
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SUIDAKRA
"Caledonia" (Armageddon Music - provided by Target) - 4 out of 5 points - |
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Let me start by saying that I really like the cover. It says everything about the music; Just awesome. But I am not to review the cover, because it is the music that should be the factor for whether or not to buy an album (imagine what a flop Queensryche - Empire would have been if the cover was the only factor for an albums quality?). Suidakra has existed for quite a while, but I have never checked them out, mostly because that every time I wanted to listen to some pagan metal music then my choice fell on Enslaved. Suidakra doesn't remind me of Enslaved, which I had already sentenced them to. Their melodic parts are very solid and add a very folk sound which stands strong against the riff crunching death metal. My expectations with this band were very low, but they have taken me by surprise. I pretty much like everything on the album, except for the vocals. Those can be ignored though, as they are no major letdown. After many listens the album really grows on you, and you get a good feeling as the album progresses. The music backs up around the story which has its turning point around the Pagan tribes of the Picts (Northern Britain) and their struggle to resist the Roman Empire (as the cover suggests). Their shifts between acoustic passages to death metal hell with bagpipes and the whole shazing (new word, you get the point) are just marvellous and works as proof for the routine for this band. All in all a very complete thought out album, but it just doesn't reach the heights of other pieces in the genre. I still sit with a feeling of embarrassment for not going into this band beforehand.
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Mads
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SYMPHORCE
"Become Death" (Metal Blade Records - provided by Target) - 4 out of 5 points - |
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Respect is hereby thrown after Symphorce for trying to go into a different direction with their music. In the business, the people that get the most awards and praise in general are the so-called chameleon people, like Madonna and Metallica; Artists, that are able to constantly re-invent themselves. In the metal business (and in particularly in the sub-metal genres), this is not as positively accepted, as people need to know what to expect when they buy an album. So, when Andy B. Franck begins to growl here and there and in general sings in a very low tune, compared to what he normally does, people will ask questions. The music on this new album is also a bit darker and stranger than it normally is. My whole point is that I find it kind of refreshing, even if it took me a couple more spins than it usually does with Symphorce's music (Phorcefullhead clearly a 5/5). Anyway, the melodies and riffs are darker and more psychedelic than they used to be...there seems to be more semi acoustic passages, and more odd patterns on the drums. It's hard to describe the album as a whole, because Symphorce is such a diverse band, but it's also their strength, namely that you don't feel you are listening to the same song twice (second..J). My only real complaint is Andy's accent, which gets on the nerves sometimes, but I guess it's better to have a forced American accent than a German/English one. Check out this album now!
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Lars
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THE MOON AND THE NIGHTSPIRIT
"Regö Rejtem" (Equilibrium Music - provided by Equilibrium Music) - ? out of 5 points - |
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This is not heavy metal, and that is the reason for why I cannot give it a grade. This is folk music from Hungary. It does however has that dark and gloomy atmosphere which you often find in heavy metal. TMATN is a very experimental piece of work with lots of haunting chants and intriguing compositions. There are daring shifts and it displays superb musical craftsmanship of the duo. When in the right mood this album is a superb piece of art that defies most description, as I cannot compare it to anything I have ever heard before. It has elements from many different genres, mainly focusing on Hungarian (the duos country of origin) folk music but also highland music and typical soundtrack music jumps to mind when listening. When listening close to the rhythmic side of the music I stand in awe of these two. The album has to be enjoyed with the cover while looking on the odd fantasy drawings made by the female vocalist in the band. She takes care of the chanting, yet sometimes bit annoying "lalalala lai lai" whiles the male takes care of the more brutal and masculine vocals that brings a reminiscence to Paradise Lost of old. The music has to be experienced to fully comprehend. If you like liked the soundtrack to Braveheart and Lord of the Rings and want a whole new Norse, east European and fantasy like dimension to it then The Moon And The Nightspirit should definitely be something for you. I lack words to describe this any work further, but go to www.themoon.equilibriummusic.com to see more and to order the album which comes in a neat A5 format.
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Mads
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TRIOSPHERE
"Onwards" (FaceFront Records - provided by True Music) - 3 out of 5 points - |
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Triosphere is a new Norwegian melodic metal band. It is not bad at all. The guitarist is outstanding to say the least. Not because he is the most technical player, but because the guitar melodies and riffs are as awesome as I am… and trust me, I am freaking awesome ;-))) The problem with the band is the compositions and the vocals. The vocals are done by a woman. She is not a perfect match for the music. She does a decent job, but I just keep on wanting for some balls in the music. The compositions rarely build up any momentum, and the choruses are far from memorable. This adds up to a conclusion which is that Triosphere certainly is worth a listen; just don't expect a masterpiece, unless you are only after great guitar work and riffs.
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Mads
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TURISAS
"The Varangian Way" (Century Media - provided by EMI) - 3½ out of 5 points - |
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Colour me confused … is this a great album or a horrible one? I'm honestly not sure what to think. Their previous disc, "Battle Metal" (hehehehe), was not really anything to my taste, as it sounded like a bad copy of Finntroll topped by Nightwish-like keyboard patterns. However, with "The Varangian Way" Turisas comes up with some of the best and most symphonic metal parts I've heard in a long time, and (unfortunately) also some really lousy viking/black metal crap tunes. I don't get it - this is a band that can be just as pompous as Rhapsody, Symphony X or Manowar when they want to (and mind you, this is done with class, not just a low budget amateur version), or as folky as a progressive version of Skyclad on occassions, but also more irritating humpa-humpa epic polka viking metal than even Finntroll's 10.000 wannabe little-brothers up there in the cold north. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and actually believe that the band knows exactly what they are doing and sooner or later they'll go 100% symphonic and forget about those ridiculous parts that bugs the hell out of me.
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Claus
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TWO OF A KIND
"Two Of A Kind" (Frontiers Records - provided by Zink Music) - 2 out of 5 points - |
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Terra Nova songwriter and vocalist Fred Hendrix hereby deliver his new album, which (strangely enough) doesn't even feature him as vocalist - however, he is the principal songwriter and bassist/producer for the Two Of A Kind project. Instead the lead vocals are shared between the 2 Dutch females Ester Brounds and Anita Craenmehr, making this sort of a Heart for 2007. Musically we're in a more laid back hard rock form than the pompous/symphonic style of Terra Nova, and the comparison with Heart isn't really that far off. But unfortunately none of the songs here have any staying power as they just run in through one ear and the minute after out the other. It's not really boring, just irrelevant and easy-forgettable.
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Claus
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U.D.O.
"Mastercutor" (AFM Records - provided by Target) - 3 out of 5 points - |
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To a lot of 80's metal fans, the whole genre is defined by a few voices - besides the obvious ones such as Ozzy, Dio, Dickinson and Halford, it's also important to mention Udo Dirkschneider. With his work in Accept back in the day his growly snarling voice (sounding like a bulldog trying to sing), Udo brought the German heavy metal to the masses. Who can forget such songs as "Balls To The Wall", "Metal Heart", "Princess Of The Dawn", "Son Of A Bitch", "Fast As A Shark" or "Restless And Wild". Right, mr.Udo is a true heavy metal icon of those only few are remembered. With that said, let's turn our attention to his 10th or 11th solo-album "Mastercutor", which should be out in the stores right about now (middle of May 2007). It's not an album that will go down as a classic with time, I will be bold enough to guarentee that. But, in all fairness, Udo and his cohorts don't really need to prove themselves like that today. It's really fine enough that they put out a solid disc with lots of headbanging moments of pure unadultered heavy metal - and as such they really deliver the goods. Opening with the great titlesong (powerful vocal performance from Udo, and a brilliant guitar solo from Stefan Kaufmann), and more pounding songs ("Master Of Disguise", "The Instigator" etc) along the way, makes this is really nice heavy metal disc. If I should start complaining about things on this album it would have to be the fact that the songs tends to sound more or less the same, and they need more than just one riff per song to really raise themselves to the next level. Nevertheless, I'm sure most UDO/Accept fans will be quite pleased by the "Mastercutor" and that's what it's all about, right?
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Claus
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VITAL REMAINS
"Icons Of Evil" (Century Media - provided by EMI) - 3 out of 5 points - |
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So… here we go again with what I like to call Glen Bentons reserve band. Vital Remains has never impressed me with anything than their uncompromising attitude, yet this has been enough for me to check out several of their albums, and I have found them all enjoyable. Because this is brutal death metal done by experienced guys, and in this case with high quality. Outstanding guitarwork at times, but other than that it is what could be expected from a death metal act with so much experience. What else can be said?
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Mads
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WALTARI
"Release Date" (Dockyard1 - provided by VME) - 4 out of 5 points - |
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I have said it once and I'm not afraid to state it again. Waltari is a hidden gem from Finland! I do not understand why this band is not bigger than they are. Maybe it's because their music is simply too intelligent for the average listener. Maybe they have been unlucky in the past with record labels or maybe there are other factors that play a part in this fact. I do believe that Waltari plays some of the most intelligent metal there is out there today. Intelligent, because everything is served with equal amounts of skill, irony, finesse and sing along choruses. To add to this, the title is pretty cool as well. I can't say anything else (that I haven't said before in previous reviews) than go out and listen to this little gem here and give it 5 spins rather than 2 as new things keep popping up in the multiple layered production.
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Lars
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WATAIN
"Sworn To The Dark" (Season of Mist - provided by VME) - 2 out of 5 points - |
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This album is the third by this black metal act. Never heard about them, and I probably won't fall over myself to do it again. This is below average black metal with the worlds most awful black metal drummer. He just keeps on pounding on the same things, which is okay when we are talking black, but his speed is nothing special, which is not okay when we are talking black metal. The guitars are cool to begin with, but you soon realize they are mostly playing the same "harmonies" (if you can call them such on a black metal album?). The vocals are decent, but nothing special at all. The bands wants to be evil… no doubt about it, but they fail. I don't get a feeling that these guys are truly evil at all. Watain is black metal act better to be forgotten.
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Mads
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