I give you Project: Failing Flesh. A project sworn to turn your audition upside down! Here comes April 2007 and I have “The Conjoined” in my stereo! This is the band’s second release. It contains 11 black-death/core/experimental themes. Although the band flows in the new era of extreme metal scene, they have a strange way of having their own originality & musicianship. The production is carefully planned giving a taste of evolution between the tracks. Opening with the first track  “Final Act Of Treachery” the time stops, for about 4 minutes, breaking in pieces, creating death melodies and continuous hate flowing around the track, as the band shows off their blasting skills that continue to the next two tracks focused, regenerated and more organized. The title song of the album “The Conjoined” is a mid tempo tech-dream piercing your perception over to the band’s dark side which is very interesting and addictive! And now to my personal favorite song: “Motionless”. The introduction to this song stands a huge entrance to what is to come! Great vocals and mean lines coming out of all the instruments maintaining a good balance! The parts are properly separated and played faultlessly getting you crazy and then calming you down to a warm bass outro that makes you a sick addict… OK now let's move on and discover the great introduction called “Unsight Unseen”, a theme full of melody and questions driving you down to confusion, as we make our way to the “Eve Of Demise”. This track differs from the others by grasping modern black metal outbreaks, similar to those of CRADLE OF FILTH with synth transformations and hellish blastbeats, but also reveals the band’s intelligence in composing different styles of playing around the main core without losing their origin. Making my way through the remaining tracks I get the feeling that the intentions are raw and keep blasting forward! The vocals flow around the changes of each song giving a great combined outcome. They are a thorough mixture of brutal parts defined by a chaotic depth, as Project: Failing Flesh seems to be influenced by bands like CRADLE OF FILTH, DECAPITATED, PANTERA, DEVILDRIVER and DIMMU BORGIR. The guitars are heavily distorted but very well joined along with melodies and razor sharp changes. The absence of guitar/synth solos is negligible, as the evil presence of violins, cello, synth and wind instruments give a closer feeling to the band’s attitude. The bass lines follow the riffs carefully within borders of patience, waiting for an outbreak to come. As for the bass playing along with the guitar, it gives a technical touch to the composition by choosing short themes that are rather tedious. Closing with the last track called: “The Hand That You’ve Been Dealt”, I will say a few words about the drums. The drums are set to a colorful variety of sounds throughout the composition, using thrash-death metal ideas and a general prog- style of playing along with hardcore and industrial views. The main character that defines Project: Failing Flesh on “The Conjoined” is that they have completed a 40-minute metal piece of hard work that consumes everything in time! You really have to buy this album and have it in your collection! I give you no other reason than… “LISTEN TO IT FIRST… IT WILL CERTAINLY SURPRISE YOU” and once you get addicted you’ll beg for more! 
\m/ I wish I have the chance to see you guys in Greece, stay brutal and embrace us with a new Project exposure.

Theodore  Deligiannidis

Trashment formed back in 2005 and “Deadly Silence” is their debut self financed album. Sometimes it is risky to release your first full length album without any demo releases. Of course on the other hand we can say that the band was really creative and they have started writing immediately the nine tracks you can find on this album. “Deadly Silence” has half an hour of duration and inside it you will hear the personal vision of Trashment for thrash metal. These guys have some more mid tempo songs, but also they have some really extreme vocals inside their music. Generally Trashment has made an interesting album with well worked compositions but with a not so good production. I personally believe that they should work more in all sections in order to be more ready in their next step. Maybe it was too early for them to release a full length album or they just made some natural mistakes as it was their first attempt. I hope they will continue the hard work and we will see better results in their next step.
Site: www.trashment.com
Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

Sometimes you aren’t prepared to listen to such a good album like the one Sun Caged has offered us! “Artemisia” is the title of their newest work which was released before a few weeks through Lion Music. I knew Sun Caged only by name but I tried to hear their previous work when I searched the metal scene of Holland. On “Artemisia” you will find ten tracks and more than seventy minutes of pure progressive metal. I don’t know if Sun Caged is the European answer for DREAM THEATER and frankly I don’t care. I care only for the stuff that I have listened to on this album and I truly believe that Sun Caged has done a great step forward, with well worked compositions very impressive ideas and of course their personal touch inside their songs. Even if they formed back in 1999, “Artemisia” is their second album, but it is better to release a few and quality albums instead of many and without any creativity. I am sure that Sun Caged has given us their finest moments on this CD and these seventy minutes won’t disappoint you with their end result. If you like progressive metal then don’t even think of not buying this album. A progressive masterpiece, a progressive monument… Why not? Here we have one of the best progressive metal acts of Europe!!
Site:www.suncaged.com
Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

Sadly my experience and knowledge on country music is pretty much limited since in my country, Greece, you have to spend a lot of time searching for something like that. On the other hand I've had my fair share of watching cowboy movies, since I love them! And I'm saying this because whilst listening to this album I had the feeling that I was actually watching a movie consisting of a number of different stories! However, the main character was always the same, that "lone ranger", who reveals his more sensitive self through his beautiful "western" music! If you wanna have this "wild wild west" feeling, then I think you should buy this release!!!

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

See You Next Tuesday not only do they have a weird name, but they also deliver weird and unconventional music. Where do you expect them to come from? Can you make a wild guess? Well if U.S.A. is the answer that springs out of your mouth, then you hit the target!! This American death grindcore band delivers vast amounts of energy in short but violent bursts of intensity that are filled with a perverted and psycho sense of black humor. If you like extreme aggression with chaotic patterns and tight rhythm sections creating a holocaust, then "Parasite", the band's debut that consists of 14 one-minute long songs, will definitely appeal to you. The sure thing is that this album will take everyone by surprise. I couldn't escape noticing that See You Next Tuesday sound close to JOB FOR A COWBOY, another totally crazy grindcore act, by the way!  

Christine  Parastatidou

I had first got in “touch” with the music of Towersound two years ago with their debut album. Now, I have in my hands their newest work, which actually is a project of the band. Here on “From The Tears To Smiles” they have included songs which are softer and some ballads as well. The music direction of Towersound is symphonic metal but now we only get to listen to the band’s soft side. I don’t know why I didn’t like it the first time but perhaps it’s because I expected to hear something different. I needed more times to hear “From The Tears To Smiles”, I suppose, in order to feel all the things the band has included in this CD, which has eight tracks and thirty five minutes of duration. All in all, personally I like the other side of Towersound the heavier one. So all I need is to wait until the end of this year when they will release their heavier work. This release is for the fans of melodic rock music. 
Site: www.towersound.net
Management Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

"Evilution" is a total blast!!! Now that I got this statement out of my system, let me explain myself more thoroughly... Zenith from Denmark is one of the most experimental and unconventional bands you'll get to hear! It's a fact that everyone who digs the underground already knows that Denmark has exceptional bands and some of the most unorthodox and weird acts ever to appear in the metal community. If you don't already know this, a closer look can convince you on the matter... Now back to Zenith and let me tell you this debut requires an open-mindness or else you'll be unable to understand what this band is up to. Their music is experimental and groovy grind, but things go even further as the band likes to add to this, a great deal of classic heavy, death and modern metal along with a few doom touches. This amalgam is pretty weird, but the guys pull it off in the best possible way. They are great musicians and their vocalist Jay does a marvelous job, with vocals changing from clean to raw and from deranged to mellow in a blink of an eye. His interpretation is a state of the art and will leave most of you with your mouths gaping wide open. The whole atmosphere and approach in music, but especially the vocals reminded me intensely of the aesthetics of another amazing kick ass band from Denmark, VOLBEAT. Besides them, Zenith also have elements that bring to mind ZIMMER'S HOLE (a superb grind band), DYING FETUS and why not? Even DANZIG! If you feel brave and open minded enough, then dare make a step forward!!!

Christine  Parastatidou

I don’t receive so often releases from Slovenia. So when I realized that Sabaium comes from this country, I was curious to listen to their latest work. “Gravity Divine” is the title of their album and they have included twelve tracks in here. When I first heard the stuff from Sabaium, I heard a band that knows what they want from their music. Don’t forget that this band exists since 1994 and actually “Gravity Divine” is their third album so far. Musically Sabaium walks in the extreme paths of metal music with influences from black metal but also with elements from atmospheric and gothic metal. Their compositions are well worked and the band have done a very good work in the production too. They have some interesting ideas and in each track they try to give something different to the listener. Definitely they aren’t here to prove that they have found something new to the metal scene but with their work they give us an above average work. I am sure that the fans of melodic black metal will like it if they check it out. Maybe it isn’t so extreme for a black metal fan but it has elements from different kinds of metal. 
Site: www.sabaium.com
Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

It's pretty obvious by now that writing a hit song for Joe is as easy as "stealing a candy bar from a baby" in a matter of speach... and "Second Hand Life" is an album full of "candies"!! In fact ALL the songs in this release are abso-fuckin'-lutely fantastic!!! They are so catchy, having the ability to take you along that there is no chance you might listen to this album just once. If you're into melodic hard rock, you'll definitely melt your ears by listening to Joe's latest release again and again... FANTASTIC!

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

When I see a release from InsideOut I instantly know what to expect. Lately, the US based label, Laser’s Edge, had attracted my attention with their quality releases. So when I saw that the new album from the Dutch rock act Knight Area was released through this label, I was really curious to listen to it. “Under A New Sign” is the title of this album and the band has included seven tracks and fifty five minutes of pure progressive rock music in the vein of great bands like MARILLION and ARENA. It took Knight Area three year to prepare their new album and believe me it is worth the waiting. Their compositions are more than well worked, with incredible ideas! Sometimes I feel that the words are powerless and in this case I think that their music can say more than a thousand words. Just find their album and you will travel to unknown beautiful worlds created by Knight Area. Don’t be afraid to leave yourself free to accept all the things the band will give your through their music. Enjoy the ride and try to find their debut album; I will do the same thing!
Official Site: www.knightarea.com
Band Email: [email protected]
Promotion Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

Krypt's CD, "I Am God" consists of only two tracks of old fashioned and traditional black metal. You will find here many melodies close to CELTIC FROST's style, but there also exist some more personal, in conception, blasphemous and unholy ones that constitute this abominable atrocity. On the vocal department we come across some extremely aggressive and sinister growls, especially in the beginning of the first song, which is amazing, and from that point on we listen to classic pureblooded black metal screams. On the rhythm section now we see that the band is quite fast with some mid tempo changes. The production is "dry" and brutal, as it should be for this genre, and I think it covers pretty neatly the band's demands! This mini CD has opened our appetite! We will be anxiously waiting for their full length work!!!!

George  "Death Dealer - Echoes From Erebus"  Kefalas

A few days ago I received a package from Crusher Records and inside there was a 3 track promo CD from the upcoming self titled album of Mainliners. The band comes from Sweden and so far they have released three albums. Musically they are one of the most easy listening bands I have ever heard. Of course this means that their music is really catchy with many melodies and easy to remember tracks. Mainliners walks in the pop/rock paths and they know how to do it. In all these three tracks that I heard I caught myself singing along with the band quite often, even if I am not the biggest fan of pop/rock music. However the truth is that Mainliners have done a very commercial album, at least from the songs that I have heard so far. I believe that their new album will be the album that you can listen to all day long. Until the release of the full length work let’s stay with “Is This Satisfy”, “Round Five” and “Oliva”.
Official Site: www.themainliners.com
Band Email: [email protected]
Label Email: [email protected]

The German heavy/power metallers have finished their 6th full- length album, which is based once again on a science fiction story, masterminded by  the bandleader Piet Sielck. The new work includes 9 songs in the bands well known past musical way… Both slow and fast compositions, create a good and remarkable result of well-played music above all. Personally I think that this album has less (in number) songs that can catch your attention, in contrast with their previous 2 albums (the band’s best albums till this moment). This was unavoidable and natural to happen as “Condition Red” and “Battering Ram” are excellent from all aspects… But songs like “Running Riot”, “Omega Men”, “Megatropolis” plus some more, are enough to fill and cover you with “tons of Metal Satisfaction”!!!  A good album in total, but as they have given us better works our demands are high for this band…

Jim  Konstantinidis

Abigor started back in 1993 in Austria and since then they have released seven albums and several demos and EPs. They split up in 2003 and four years later they strike back with their hellish sound and their eighth album titled “Fractal Possession” which was released through End All Life Productions. On this album Abigor have included ten tracks and more than fifty minutes of pure, hellish and extreme black metal. Imagine that sometimes the drum parts are so fast that you lose count. I don’t know if the band really wanted to have this sound on the drums but I think it would be better if the drums had a more massive sound. Anyway, besides the drum sound the rest are all in high level. I am sure that every fan of underground black metal should that will listen to the new Abigor album, will find moments he/she will like a lot. Here we have nothing more nothing less than a loyal black metal monument. Like it or not, Abigor is here to present you their newest work!
Official Site: http://www.infernalhorde.com/abigor
Band Email: [email protected]
Label Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

There are always and everywhere diamonds that lie deep in the shadows awaiting for the clever or sharp in the eye people to discover them or explore them in depth. Well I can assure you that this rule applies perfectly to Emerald Sun and this statement comes from a person who has the pleasure to know their music quite many years now and has seen them in quite many live shows. So I think I am able to speak objectively here, since every change in the structure, in the riffs, the rhythms or the tone of the songs has been carved in my mind. I know there are many bands out there who resemble musically to HELLOWEEN, so a natural question I'd expect to receive from all of you, is what has this band got that can make them differ from all those clones and copy cats? What's so special about them? My answer is simple and clear: Of course they are a heavy/power metal band, obviously they draw influences from HELLOWEEN and EDGUY, but the main point is that this band has character and personality! They've tested numerous times both their abilities in interaction and their songs in a live environment and each time they gain more and more fans. Once you listen to the songs that are included in "Escape From Twilight", every single note, chorus and melodic line will be carved in your brain and will make you hum the songs for hours and hours afterwards. This band is an apocalypse for a number of reasons. First of all all the band members have incredible skills and a flawless technique and as for the singer, well I think he is a true talent, one of the best voices we have here in Greece and I don't think his voice or interpretation could get any closer to that of Michael Kiske's! Furthermore their live shows are very intense and full of energy and last but not least their compositions are very catchy and interesting! I'm sure that the fans of the speed and European heavy/power metal sound will be enthralled at what they are about to sense and they will find a place for Emerald Sun amongst their favorite groups! "Escape From Twilight" goes along with a superb artwork and booklet and a very good production, responsible for the mixing is the talented Jim Liapakis (MYSTIC PROPHECY). Do yourselves a favor and get a copy as soon as possible! You will thank me afterwards!

Christine  Parastatidou

After a demo release before a few years the metal Danish act 7 Thorns strikes back, this time with their debut full length album “Glow Of Dawn”. The album was recorded before a few months and now the band are ready to release it. On “Glow Of Dawn” you will find ten tracks and more than fifty minutes of pure heavy metal with lots of melodies too. The band seems to know very well what they want to present with their album. So you will be able to find “radio friendly” tracks like: “Seven Thorns” and “Dream World” but also more complicated songs like: “Until Freedom Lasts Forever” and “Glow Of Dawn”, the title track. Generally the band has given us a quality work with well worked compositions, very impressive ideas and of course a fresh air in heavy metal music. I’m not saying here that 7 Thorns have written music that you won’t hear in another bands, but at least 7 Thorns have worked hard and have give their heart onto this album. So if you like heavy metal with some touches from power metal then you should check the stuff from this Danish act and you won’t be disappointed. 
Site: www.7thorns.dk
Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

This is a weird case of a release... "Waters Of Weeping" is a three part ritual invoking the Cabalistic demon Chioa and it's an exploration of the 10 spheres of the inverse Sephiroth, which translated actually means the tree of death... Well if the lyrics are indeed a ritual, I can't tell since I couldn't make out the scribblings in the booklet, but I didn't feel any weird or unearthly presence hovering above me. Anyway now Black Funeral is considered to be a cult black metal band and the one and only true and pure U.S. black metal band that has ever existed. So, expect to listen to a sound close to bands like DARK THRONE, BURZUM, HELLHAMMER, etc only add to these an intense dark ambient hue and many noise elements. The noise elements mainly derive from the bad production that is full of static as if the whole thing was recorded with a tape recorder. There are some good guitar parts here, but the noise and the repetition of the same things over and over again made the end result sound extremely tiring and bored me to death... This album will and can only be appreciated by the extreme and true black metallers and especially by those who indulge themselves in the black arts, magic and mysticism. The others should save their money for something else... However if you are into the occult and mysticism, you should check out the booklet cause it contains a diagram of all the important demons, plus each of the 11 songs refers to them in specific...

Christine  Parastatidou

Amber Asylum has released many albums through the years but I first came in touch with their music when I heard their cover track in a tribute to DEAD CAN DANCE. After that I had the chance to hear their self release 10” vinyl record before two years and now their brand new album “Still Point” which was released a few days ago through Profound Lore Records. On this album you will have the chance to listen to almost seventy minutes of pure ambient, gothic alternative rock music. I can understand that it might be hard for you to understand how Amber Asylum can combine all these kinds of music but believe me if you hear “Still Point” then you will see the treasure you hold in your hands. The band started to release their works from the middle 90s and I believe now they have reached their potentials. Of course never say never and I am sure in the case of Amber Asylum in their next work the band will go a step forward and their compositions will be more mature. If you like ambient/gothic music then for sure you mustn’t lose this album. Get your copy now and get the chance to travel through the wonderful world of Amber Asylum.
Official Site: www.amberasylum.com
Band Email: [email protected]
Label Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

To be honest with you, when I first held this CD in my hands I didn't want to listen to it. Not because I don't like Megadeth or anything, only because I didn't like their previous album at all, so I thought this one would be equally boring too. Anyway, I finished listening to it, a little smile appeared on my face, since I realized this one is much better tahn their previous endeavor and I guarantee you that you can listen to it pelasantly! However keep in mind that YOU SHOULDN'T TRY TO COMPARE IT WITH THE OLD STUFF!!!!!!!! "United Abominations" contains 11 songs and a ocver of "A Tout Le Monde" with the addition of female vocals. Well I didn't like it so much and actually I didn't understand the meaning and the point of this move. No doubt I prefer the original version. Ah... and the production this time is much better!!! 

Kleanthis  "Darth Vader"  Tsapas

There are many bands out there with this name so let me start this presentation by indicating that we are referring to the Norwegian death metal group... oops! Now I gave out their sound... Well I don't think it really matters since this is the point of writing reviews after all, isn't it? Seriously now let me get back to the point and inform you that this death metal band has a really obscure and old school sound and if I hadn't known they only exist for 6 years and that this is their debut, I'd bet they are an old band from the late 80s - early 90s. Their music has some elements from the American death metal scene, however, they remain really close to the Scandinavian early death metal wave. One more thing I liked is the fact that they have many doom and mid tempo elements, without this meaning that the faster parts and even the blastbeats are missing. All in all, if you want to listen to a classic sounding death metal group, here's your chance for something good! 

Christine  Parastatidou

This one isn't an album, but it's actually an EP with Ripper doing the vocals. "Overture Of The Wicked" contains one new song called "ten Thousand Strong" and as you can understand from the title of this EP we have the "Something Wicked" trilogy played all over again with Ripper on the vocals this time. So, I won't say anything or comment on the old songs since we all pretty much know them. As for the new song it's good and it sounds close to the "Glorious Burden" album. the last thing I want to say about the whole trilogy being revisited is that it's much, much better with Ripper singing the songs. It made me feel as if I was listening to some new songs!!

Kleanthis  "Darth Vader"  Tsapas

I suppose there are many people out there who aren't aware of the power and the might of some countries in heavy metal music. One of these, let's say rather underrated countries, is Holland that has an extremely great and prosperous underground scene... and it is there where we found Detonation, one pure and raw diamond of melodic death/thrash metal. "Emission Phase" which is their third release to date presents us a group that knows where they're heading at and how they want to sound. It's true that you will listen to quite many riffs and elements that will remind you of other famous melodic death metal bands, but this is slightly irrelevant I think. Why? Because what's important is good music and energy and believe me Detonation have plenty of both! Quality exists everywhere in their compositions which reveal a really tight band with exceptional skills and a flawless technique! So, if you're looking for music rich with emotions, melodies and aggressiveness, then "Emission Phase" is an album created just for you!

Christine  Parastatidou

The Italian Kult manage to combine the aesthetics of old school black metal with some modern dark and woebegone melodies. Most of the rhythm parts are mid tempo without tiring you though, but this doesn’t mean that some faster and more up tempo outbreaks lack with the summit of all this being the instrumental track that is a hymn to the ultra fast black metal sound! The band, despite the quite simple harmonic structure of their themes and melodies, manages to pull off a misanthropic feeling, pain for the misery of the modern society and hatred and rage which will ultimately lead to the final war and total desolation. The production without having any problems, it’s rather good and rendering to the band the appropriate sound. So to the ramparts with Kult, because the war is here!

George  "Death Dealer - Echoes From Erebus"  Kefalas

Spectral Mortuary is a quite new band that hails us from Denmark and they will be soon unleashing their debut album upon us, where they offer us 11 compositions of brutal death metal. Drawing influences from Florida's school and more specifically from bands like MORBID ANGEL, DEICIDE, CANNIBAL CORPSE, SUFFOCATION and so on I bet you all understand where this band is standing, both musically and lyrically speaking. The production is really superb and full of volume and it was taken care of by Berno Paulsson who is also responsible for AMON AMARTH's and THE HAUNTED's sound amongst others. Their songs are really tight, with a really stable rhythm section that doesn't give you space for relaxation. The whole album could be described us thunderous and boisterous death metal with quite many technical parts and malicious guttural growls that sound as if they come straight from the pits of hell! "From Hate Incarnated" is an album that is going to be highly appreciated by the fans of American brutal death metal!

Christine  Parastatidou

Evoken is a band that started back in 1994. They come from the United States and “Embrace the Emptiness” is their debut album which was released back in 1998 and now Solitude Productions is re-releasing it. If you know this Russian label, then for sure you will know the music that they like to release. It’s like the InsideOut label in the doom metal paths. In this work Evoken has included seven tracks and more than seventy minutes of pure doom metal with a lot of elements from death metal especially in the vocals. Generally, the combination of doom/death metal, from bands like Evoken, MY DYING BRIDE and many more has expanded in the doom metal area. Definitely, this combination gives something more to the listener and to be honest with you I strongly believe that the bands that they have chosen to follow this path, they had created some exceptional results! Now, as far as Evoken  are concerned their album is just another monument in the doom metal history and if you haven’t got this album, now you don’t have any more excuses. Just find it and you won’t be disappointed from the sorrow and the sadness of Evoken… 
Label Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

Well it's a common fact that when an old band reunites or when members of a classic heavy metal band form a new one, they tend to follow more modern paths, something that most of the times leads to disastrous creations... I could even characterize them as abominations. Now Shift here are the exception that proves the rule... Not only have its band members got tons of experience from the 80s, but they have also been part of the cult progressive power metal band MYSTIC FORCE. After leaving MYSTIC FORCE back in 2004, the guys who had a passion for a more modern approach in heavy music, burning inside of them, set sail to follow a brand new path, a quite different one from their previous musical endeavors actually. The end result? Not only it doesn't sound strange, but it's unbelievably great!!! I've been listening to this album for over a month now in an every day basis, just because I wanted to be fair and objective. Well I can assure you that after all this time, I continue liking "Creating A Monster" more and more... The guys have hit the target with this title, which is really eloquent and very descriptive of their sound, their overall approach and of the massive production they have created!! Everything is simply perfect, from the compositions to the arrangements and to the cover artwork, everything has been thought to the finest detail. Now musically like I said above, Shift deliver vast amounts of intensity and raw energy through their aggressive and yet quite melodic -in parts only!- songs. However don't think that calling their music raw and aggressive, means that it's one dimensional and typical, since you'll be able to enjoy some fine rhythm sections, superb and intrictae lead guitar parts and progressive structures surrounding everything! I don't think I have anything to mention about Shift's band members since they all do an exceptional job and they are all obviously masters of their instruments! As for Jeff, the band's vocalist, well just listen to him and you'll realize how his powerful and passionate interpretations lift the songs aces high!! If bands like DISTURBED, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, GODSMACK and the likes are amongst your favorite, then do yourselves a favor, get this CD and feel proud of your collection! Let the hedbanging commence!!!!

Christine  Parastatidou

To be honest with you it is the first time that I come in contact with this Dutch band even if they are active for almost ten years now. “Bizarre Transformations” is their latest work. On this CD the band has included three tracks and almost twenty minutes of a pure death metal assault with some melodic elements too. Actually the band has created a combination of death metal with melodic metal, heavy guitar riffs and a massive sound even if I prefer a little bit the darker feeling. Ebola has written three well worked compositions with some very interesting ideas but in order to be more careful we need to hear a full length album from them in order to have a better picture of their music. All in all, I believe that the four guys behind Ebola have done a very good work and if you want to hear their personal vision of death metal you should check this release out! 
Site: www.virusmetal.nl
Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

A relatively new band arises from Germany, delivering what they call Viking metal, however I have to disagree with this term, simply because it's just one part of the story, one minor part to be precise. The majority of this band's sound and influences comes from the melodic death metal branch upon which they have added some Viking metal elements mainly obvious during the clean vocals and recitations and the lyrics which narrate a concept story about the familiar, to everybody, war of the Norsemen against Christianity. Now musically they enrich their melodic death metal with many melodic elements that brought to my mind the amazing FALCONER and have riffs and choruses that stick to your mind and make you headbang! There are two kind of harsh vocals throughout the whole album along with the clean ones of course. The deeper vocals are a bit harsher and have a slight metalcore hue and the other ones are more high pitched and sharp. The production is good and the cover artwork is really beautiful. If you get this CD in your hands make sure to check out the booklet thoroughly since you will find some nice pictures and lyrics that link one song to the other and make the end result seem more as a unity.

Christine  Parastatidou

Even if Evocation formed back in 1991; their debut album was released before a few days through Cyclone Empire. The truth is that the band has released two demos and in 1993 they decided to put Evocation on ice due to musical differences. Before three years, Breath of Night Records, decided together with the band to release their two legendary demos in one CD and then the fire of Evocation started to burn again. “Tales From The Tomb” is the title of this album and the band has included twelve tracks. In all these almost fifty minutes of music you will hear some of the finest moments of old school Swedish death metal. Evocation has done a great work and after a small intro the crusade of Evocation will conquer your ears and your mind. The band also has a guest in the track “Veils Were Blown” who is Gustaf Jorde ex member of DEFLESHED. They have decided to include “But Life Goes On” an ENTOMBED cover track as well. Generally Evocation has done a very good work with their compositions having interesting ideas and of course an aggressive and raw sound. I believe that in most sections Evocation has given their best; from the rhythm section to the guitar work and of course to the vocals. I am sure that fans of death metal will like this release if they check it out!
Site: www.evocation.se
Band Email: [email protected]
Label Email: [email protected]
Promotion Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

One year exactly after the release of their reunion album, entitled “Revenge”, the Danish power metallers give us a brand new work. It seems that the band appears to have a lot of appetite for good music after their reunion and try to cover the lost years of the inactivity… To the subject now, the new album sounds more traditional, with a few modern touches. In comparison to the previous albums, the present one is closer to the first and best work till now of the band (I am talking about “Thunderstorm” which is the absolute definition of epic power metal!!!). The result is very good for one more time, with the exception of 2-3 songs that made me feel bored. Songs like “Dragonheart”, “Bridges Will Burn” and the homonymous come straight from the musical past of the band! An interesting album, that is worth to be checked from all the fans of this music style!

Jim  Konstantinidis

Feedforward is a Dutch band that is in the metal scene for almost five years now. They started back in 2002 and so far they have released two demo CDs, a CD-single and their debut album this year with the title “Barefoot And Naked”. In this work the band has included ten tracks and musically they walk in the progressive rock paths with a lot of elements from melodic metal with female vocals. I believe that the band has done something really interesting; they aren’t too progressive so the fans of other music styles can hear their music but also they aren’t too heavy metal so the fans of progressive rock can hear their work as well. Of course another plus for this work is their singer. Her voice is very beautiful even if sometimes she reaches a really theatrical approach. It is needless to say that their compositions are more than well worked with very impressive and unique ideas. If you hear their songs then you will understand my words. Feedforward is the rising star in the progressive melodic metal side of music. Don’t miss this album! As usually the debut album from each band is the best work, so Feedforward has done a great step. Beautiful melodies, a talented singer, great ideas and a massive production, do you need something more?
Site: www.feedforwardband.com
Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

Did you really think that after so many years of playing metal music MR. UDO would change? A silly question to ask, I agree with you. “Mastercutor” is nothing less than what a fan of U.D.O. and ACCEPT wants to listen to. This means that here you will listen to highly energetic heavy metal music, with a couple of slow songs that help you hold your breath until the next metal thunder strikes. A sincere album that applies to people that are thirsty to listen to good classic heavy metal music rooted in the 80’s. In our days it's not hard to create complicated music, but it's difficult to write songs that have something to say to the listener and here lies the success of U.D.O. By the way I think that “Mastercutor” is the heaviest album that Dirkschneider has given us lately, without though forgetting to keep the melody whenever necessary. A good investment for your money…

Nick  "William_Kidd"  Parastatidis

This time we have a band from France. A band that makes their first steps in the metal scene. In Arkadia formed back only two years ago and they have released one demo the year of their formation. After that they returned in late 2006 with the release of their debut album. In this work the band has changed their music style, so after the heavy metal they turned to more aggressive paths and now they walk in melodic death metal paths. “Release The Shadow” is the title that they have chosen for their first album and they had included eleven tracks on it. The thing you will have in your mind when you first hear the stuff from In Arkadia is the production and the sound of this album. The answer in this issue is that the album was mastered by Mika Jussila at Finnvox studios in Finland. Now, back to the music again, the band doesn’t write something really exceptional but on the other hand they have made an average melodic death metal album. Of course they need to work more and harder in order to make some steps forward and we will wait for their next step. 
Site: www.inarkadia.com
Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

When you have a cooperation of 2 exceptional singers and compositions that most of them are very good, then the album can’t be bad. “The Revenge” actually is a release full of good melodies and heavy riffs. To make it plain and simple to all of you, I can say that they walk the road of hard ‘n’ heavy with lots of influence drawn from RAINBOW when the mighty DIO was the singer. An album that despite the fact that it has a duration of over an hour, you won’t realize how quickly and pleasantly time goes by, because of the dreamy atmosphere that is present in the whole release... Releases like this can fire up the interest of the fans for hard rock music…

Nick  "William_Kidd"  Parastatidis

Paschalis  "Elfstone"  Mirmigakis

Grendel is a Finnish band and they formed back in 1999. They have released several demos, actually if I am not mistaken; they have released five demos CDs. I have heard some of them and now I hold in my hands their debut work with the title “Lost Beyond Retrieval”. In this work the band has included nine tracks and it has forty minutes duration. Musically Grendel walks in classic power metal paths and they do it really well. As most of the bands from Finland, Grendel has also some well worked compositions with very interesting ideas and of course a massive sound. Don’t forget that personally, I adore almost all the bands from Finland because of a simple reason, I haven’t heard something really not worth hearing. Anyway, back to Grendel, in every track the band has achieved to keep the attention of the listener and actually in my opinion a few tracks aren’t as good as the rest ones. Definitely this was a good start and now the band prepares their next work which I believe should be one step forward than “Lost Beyond Retrieval”. 
Site: www.grendelband.com
Email:[email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

Jeff Waters is for me personally an abso-fuckin-lutely musical GENIOUS!!! Following his band's evolution and development, I noticed that, especially with his last two releases, there's no chance we might get to listen to a "normal" type of song, ever again! That's obvious! And of course the force and reason that drives the situation and me whilst listening to the Annihilator albums into absolute madness is the -you know who he is- Canadian virtuoso!!! Though I haven't listened to more than 10 "normal" notes on "Metal", I can still say that it's a lot catchier than their previous album. There are still the BLACK SABBATH, IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, etc influences, but they have also opened up to a fresher sound in which the addition and contribution of numerous well known musicians helped a lot. You'll definitely be impressed if you decide to buy this release, but since Annihilator have always had their own technique, psychosis, eerr... sound I meant, others might dislike it and others like me will... LOVE IT BABY!!!! UP THE SCHIZOS!!!!!!

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

The year 2006, was the year that I first got in touch with Hjallarhorn and their music. I first listened to both their works and I was really impressed because last year I was in Norway, the land of ice, snow and of course Hjallarhorn. Definitely many bands from the Scandinavian countries are objectively good enough, but we are used to hearing quality black metal bands from Norway. Hjallarhorn makes the difference and with their newest work, one more time they give us a quality heavy metal. The band had given “N.W.O.C.H.M.” as the title of their newest work; actually this title means New Wave of Classic Heavy Metal and believe me Hjallarhorn really mean it. We can say that they have influences from both NWOBHM and some classic Bay Area thrash metal touches. Of course they have put all these influences through their personal prism and including their personal sound they have achieved to give us a quality work. Their compositions are very impressive and well worked with very interesting ideas. Here you will find three new tracks and as bonus tracks two songs from their demo works back in 2004 and 2006 both re-mastered. So the fans that haven’t heard their previous works now they can have a little taste. If you like heavy metal then you should check the last work of Hjallarhorn.
Site: www.hjallarhorn.com
Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

The first impression that you get after listening to the album, is that total chaos rules the compositions included here. A closer listening, though, indicates that this band knows how to play and create interesting compositions. There are though sometimes that they are overdoing it and they tired me. I think, that if they can find a balance between melody and intensity in their music, then in the future they will release albums that will attract the interest of a bigger audience. By the way, I didn’t tell you how exactly they sound, did I? Well, the band tries and most of the times succeeds in combining punk rock with jazz music…

Nick  "William_Kidd"  Parastatidis

I first came in contact with Crystalic, when I reviewed their latest demo CD “Redemption” back in 2004. After three years the band strikes back, this time with their debut album “Watch Us Deteriorate” which was released through Manitou Music. In this first work, Crystalic have included nine tracks and almost forty minutes of pure progressive death metal music. Most of their tracks have three or four minutes of duration but also they have included in each of them many ideas. Their compositions are well worked with very interesting ideas and actually this is the style of death metal that I like mostly. It isn’t the style of death metal that consists of extreme music only. Of course Crystalic have extreme elements but if you hear carefully each of their songs in this debut album you will find a very good song structure and a fresh air that Crystalic have brought to their music. Generally “Watch Us Deteriorate” is a decent and above average debut album. Of course they should work more for their second work, they should be more mature with their compositions and try to avoid some mistakes but I am sure they will give us something better than this one in their next step. 
Site: www.crystalic.net
Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

Alan Morse is one of those guitarists that you'll only find if you are diffing magazines specializing in guitars and guitar playing in general. So, what I got from this record is that Alan Morse is a great player offering us a great performances and a technique that moves closer to jazz and techincal kinds of music, though he plays lots of different styles here. Another advantage of his is that he is many times unpredictable in what he is going to play next and how his compositions is going to sound the very next minute. Thus he surprises us and he differs from so many other great guitarists!

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

Before a few years I had the chance to hear the debut demo from the German band Xandria. Back then I was really impressed by the songs that they had included in that demo. After the years going by and Xandria having a label behind them, Drakkar Records, it was their time to release their fourth album so far. I was always watching the progress of this band but never so close as I wanted. Now I have in my hands the new album from Xandria with the title “Salome – The Seventh Veil”. In this work the band has included twelve tracks and almost fifty minutes of pure gothic metal music. The new album begins with the track “Save My Life” a song that I strongly believe it can be their first CD single from this work. As far as the whole album, I believe that Xandria in each release of their they go a step forward and discover new music lands. Also their music now is more mature and their compositions are well worked with some very interesting ideas. Don’t forget that because of the album’s concept we will also listen to some middle east influences and additions inside the music of Xandria. Last but not least, for one more time Xandria has given us a very good piece of music and definitely the band seems to respect their fans. Each album of theirs gives something more, 25th of May is the date that you will wait to purchase this album.
Official Site: www.xandria.de
Band Email: [email protected]
Promotion Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

There are some bands in Greece - a few of them - that really have the quality to help thhem escape from the misery of the Greek metal scene. Hybridgr are a perfect example of what I just said. This is their debut album and here they present us a well produced album full of technical and yet melodic compositions. Musically the band plays a mixture of technical thrash with some melodic power metal parts. They seem strongly influenced by the U.S. metal scene and their sound is related to bands like NEVERMORE and COMMUNIC. However, they have a more classic approach to their sound compared to the above mentioned bands. In general I can say that this is a very good release that can easily pass the borders of our country and proudly represent our country’s metal scene abroad. Support them, not because they are just another good Greek metal band, but because they have created an album that even successful bands from Europe would envy… For ordering the album, you can check out their label’s site: www.secretport.com or email their label: [email protected]

Nick  "William_Kidd"  Parastatidis

Due to the fact that these dudes started back in the mid 70s, recorded numerous albums, toured with countless famous bands (AEROSMITH, ZZ TOP, GUNS 'N' ROSES and so on), played some gigs with stars like SAXON and DANZIG and offered us some hits, I was expecting beforehand to listen to something REALLY good from them... And I wasn't proven wrong, since I got it!!! A mix of hard rock, rock, blues, rock 'n' roll and tons of attitude came crushing straight to my ears!! Man, some guys just never grow old! If I had never heard of them before, I wouldn't be able to know or realize that they started back in 1976! My favorite tracks are all except for "City Blues" and "Sweet Meat", which were cool, but kinda strange... Rock on!!!

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

This is the debut release of this band and the signs we get from here are very promising. Black Rain seems to be a very tight band with good musicians. They have many compositions of long duration, but they know how to make them sound interesting and keep the attention of the listener from the first till the last moment intact. Their sound balances between the European melodic/power metal and the U.S. metal with a few touches of poser metal (mainly MOTLEY CRUE). By listening to the album, I can say that the band has been influenced from groups like W.A.S.P., SAXON, HAMMERFALL, QUEENSRYCHE (the “Empire” era) and HELLOWEEN. Black Rain might not be an innovating band, but they know how to play classic heavy metal and if that is what you want, then check them out…

Nick  "William_Kidd"  Parastatidis

I never was really into jazz, fusion, etc, but since I'm the only guitar player on this zine, I take the responsibility of checking out all the instrumental (guitar in particular) records. Alex Skolnick (x-TESTAMENT) used, in my opinion, only a few of his jazz influences in TESTAMENT compared to what you're gonna listen to in this release, despite the fact that we all knew jazz was in his musical influences. With my little knowledge I've noticed that he tends to use long small chord parts rather than chromic scales and runs. There are also two interesting covers of TESTAMENT's "Practise What You Preach" and OZZY's "Revelation (Mother Earth)" transformed of course into jazz songs. It's pretty obvious that Alex takes an almost totally different turn from his heavy metal background and goes "heavily" into jazz music!

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

Ellipsis as a band has confused me... They try to mix in their music the doom metal of CANDLEMASS and MY DYING BRIDE with the symphonic parts that reminded me of THERION and all these are wrapped up with progressive rhythms. There are moments when their music really makes you think that this is a great band and there are also times that they make you feel bored. I believe that they are good musicians and really try to create something original here, but this doesn't always turn into success. I think that they also search the golden rule that will help them keep all these elements into their sound balanced. They are not bad and I think that in the future they will give us a more balanced and good release. However this album is a good effort, but a bit tiring as well. So I can give them a …

Nick  "William_Kidd"  Parastatidis

"The Newborn Sun" is basically a stoner record, but it tends to have an almost progressive feel as the band break the usual rules of a song structure and push more changes into every tune. Another difference that I noticed is that they let the songs "breathe" and they give extra credit to every note played on this album. You will realize that more in particular in the rhythm section. Also in my opinion the heavier parts have a strong old BLACK SABBATH influence whilst the mroe mellow sounding parts have a connection with LED ZEPPELIN. Coming to a conclusion I'd say this is one FUCKIN-HELL-OF-A-FANTASTIC album overflowing with heavy emotions that lead to a general dark atmosphere!!! Every song is fucking awesome, but my favorite is "A Piece Of Shade". You're gonna love them! Hell yeah!!!

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

Amphitryon is not the kind of band, whose sound, you can say, is very common. They manage to create interesting compositions by using all the clichés of the doom/gothic metal genre. Except for that, their music has such a power and force within it, that makes you imagine things while you listen to them. A perfect example of what I am saying is the song “Armadas Conflict” which will make you believe that you are an eye witness of a war between ships of 16th – 17th century… To spice up even more the final result they have added some symphonic parts in all the songs of this album which bring to my mind a bit of THERION. Finally all the compositions have a progressive metal structure. They definitely are above the common standards of the genre they play and their sound is quite a challenge for the fans that are tired of listening to the same things again and again…

Nick  "William_Kidd"  Parastatidis

Here we have a new album from W.A.S.P. It's surely a good one and definitely better than the "Neon God Part I and II". It is more serious and sensitive and this time they didn't try to make the new "Crimson Idol", like their primary goal and intention was with "Neon God". Now "Dominator" consists of 9 new songs that are: "Mercy", "Long Way To Go", "Take Me Up", "The Burning Man", "Heaven's Hung In Black" (the best song on the album in my opinion)," Heaven's Blessed", "Teacher", "Heaven's Hung In Black - Reprise" and "Deal With The Devil". I have a statement to make here: Chris Holmes MUST return to the band .. NOW! All of us who love W.A.S.P., will like this album. If someone doesn't like W.A.S.P.... should better not hear this... it's gonna change his/her opinion. 
THE GODS YOU WORSHIP ARE STEEL - AT THE ALTAR OF ROCK N ROLL YOU KNEEL !!!

Kleanthis  "Darth Vader"  Tsapas

Lately I have noticed that all the labels tend to release atmospheric metal albums. So, here it is another one... Kemet's music is surely and definitely atmospheric but I cannot say that they clearly belong to the gothic metal genre. Their sound is a mix of rock and heavy metal influences along with some electronic parts (not industrial or anything like that) that give a soundtrack – theatrical feeling to the end result. It is not the sound I prefer to listen to, but on the other hand they seem to like what they are doing and are quite good at it! A relaxing album plunged into melancholy. Check them out, especially if you are into this kind of music…

Nick  "William_Kidd"  Parastatidis