What happens when three great musiscians co-operate together? The result will be obvious to you if you listen to this album... "Spontaneous Combustion" was supposed to be Liquid Tension's Experiment second album but due to John Petrucci's wife's pregnacy the album was postponed but Tony Levin, Mike Portnoy and Jordan Rudess didn't stay empty handed. They jammed without plans or patterns and sometimes improvisation gives the best results. These three guys give their best performance and create melodies, progressive tunes, jazz and fusion songs which will really allow you to travel to places far far beyond. Once again an instrumental album which will surely get a place in the Hall Of Fame. Be sure not to miss it!

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

Some say that a good progressive album is the one with many changes in the tunes. Some say that a good progressive album is the one with complex playing and good melodies. Well combine all that add some death vocals and you have Persefone. Persefone is a band from Andorra and this is their second album. "Core" is an album which has everything... great guitars, both melodic and heavy, vocals changing from death to normal and the vice versa with a few female guest appearances in some of the songs, keys creating amazing melodies both prog and death and generally a very good performance from all the band members. It is an album which I believe will be heard by every prog and death metal fan because it combines these two opposite I could say elements in the best possible way. Prepare youselves for a journey into the Core of death metal progression!

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

The following was the band’s latest statement: "We do not perform Black Metal anymore, we do not want to be associated with the Black Metal scene of today nor yesterday. How people see our tunes from the outside doesn't matter, we are what we are and not what you think. We are not a Black Metal band anymore and we will never be again. Black Metal has been infected with unserious people who abuse it's (un)holy essence and that is not what we stand for. Therefore we will get as far away from this shit as possible. All is said, enough! Consider this to be 100% official." And of course as the title reveals, “Echoes In Eternity” constitutes the farewell album of a Swedish black metal band formed in 2000 and split up only four years later and is made up out of all the single EP releases of Armagedda such as: "Strength Through Torture", "At The Edge Of Negative Existence" and "Emperor From The Eternal Dark" from "Black Metal Endsieg III", four live tracks from the Marching Towards Christian Extermination Tour 2002, two covers “Ea, Lord Of The Depths” (BURZUM) and “Satan My Master” (BATHORY), two tracks from the first demo, two tracks out of the "In Blackest Ruin" MLP, and three tracks that were never released in the past. The album lasts over 60 minutes and comes with a tight booklet full of photos and lyrics. Armagedda for those four years remained in the underground scene and "Ond Spiritism - Djaefvulens Skalder" published in 2004 was their third and last full length effort also by Agonia Records before they decided to condemn their satanic alliance to obscurity. Advancing to their music, Armagedda wasn’t a bad band at all moving severely in the old school sound with their grim black metal preferring the raw and cold approach to what many blacksters call, the "true" scene. DARK THRONE is the first name that comes to mind while listening to the music of Armagedda with the tracks overpass from slow parts to middle speed cuts, based on simple riffs to an almost hypnotizing consequence. Icy to the bone black metal, raw and menacing evil with lots of misanthropic melodies and under the primitive, eerie feeling of the underground. Some of you may wonder about the purpose of this release since the band no longer exists or if the name of Armagedda wasn’t ringing any bell until now then it would be wiser to purchase their full length albums. From the other hand if rare stuff or previously unreleased material fulfills your interest then you should check it out.

Vaso  "Necromass"  Prassa

3HM are a quartet from the U.S.A and this is their self-titled debut album in which they make us clear that they have come to stay. Without having someone to sing (which is not a remarkable detail) Three Headed Monster show us that playing only instrumental songs is something they can do in the best way. The whole album is instrumental with every song given a differrent characteristic and with amazing tunes varying from heavy metal to power metal end even death and thrash with the guitars and the general playing becoming more aggressive and harsh. The record consists of eight songs all of which have something to give and the quartet from the U.S.A should really feel proud of having produced such a good album. Beware of the Lernean Hydra of heavy metal!

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

After having released three amazing albums and receiving very good reviews from all the magazines worldwide, Katagory V are back to show us why they are a big name in the U.S prog-metal scene. "Hymns Of Dissension" is an album which keeps all the previous elements of Katagory V, which in fact are great guitars, many changes inside the songs with heavy powerful and mid-tempo tunes, but this time they have enriched all this with more melodies and a slightly dark atmosphere which really make the album a superb experience from the beginning to the end. Apart from the nine album tracks there will be two bonus ones with one being an unreleased track (really really great) and the other a new version of "Evil Princess" which was included in their debut album. The V sign is back in the air! Be sure not to miss it!

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

Anachronaeon comes from Sweden. They are a two-piece unit consisting of Andreas Åkerlind on drums and Patrik Carlsson on guitars, bass, vocals and keys, they are signed to the Russian label Stygian Crypt Productions and "As The Last Human Spot In Me Dies" is actually a re-issued version of their first demo from 2004. This band started as HUMAN FAILURE in the year 2002 and changed their moniker in 2003 after they recorded their first demo "Human Failure". The band’s genre is characterized as dark progressive metal blending the Swedish melodic death metal with the Finnish melancholic music getting them at points to the edges of an experimental path. Most of the album consists of rather mediocre soft melodies following the steps of SENTENCED and IN FLAMES of "The Jester Race" era and mid-tempo parts with a few occasional brutal sections and some random heavier riffs. Not anything unique or impressive except only when the rhythm goes up a notch and the sound gets a blungeoning feeling on it. Yet what is really interesting here is the guitar display with a quite well done elaboration and some great solos. And what is really in need to get under a second consideration is the vocal section. Patrik’s vocals alternate from clean to growling parts reminding strongly of Mikeal Åkerfeldt of OPETH, but the idea surely hasn’t got the same astonishing effect. The harsh performance on the vocals is good but the clean one is rather destroying things lacking the personality or the talent for that matter to support such a diverse achievement. The production from the other hand is quite thin and weak although the compositions come out with a disproportionately strong sound. Overall, "As The Last Human Spot In Me Dies" is an album full of melody and dark depression not so bad yet a little bit more amount of aggressiveness could probably make it better.

Vaso  "Necromass" Prassa

Finland doesn't only produce power metal bands but it has also many alternative, gothic rock bands and Shamrain have come to prove this. With influences such as THE CURE, ANATHEMA, KATATONIA and OPETH, "Goodbye To All That" is an album where someone can find ten songs of inner thoughts and pure melancholy with a rocky tune and a gothic atmosphere together with a good performance from all the band members. With ENTWINE's singer Mika Tauriainen who manages to create amazing atmospheres in all the songs Shamrain have created a good follow up to "Some Place Else", which will not let down any listeners. So say goodbye to the morning sun and welcome the dark memories.

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

Now what does rap and hip-hop have to do with heavy metal? Apparently a lot for Mr Necro but nothing for me. "Death Rap" is an album that has nothing to give apart from some good moments concerning songs like "Evil Rules" and "Keeping It Real", where the guest singers make each song interesting. The album includes fourteen songs all of which sound the same with the rap vocals of Necro varying from original to sometimes more heavy so that it retains its character as death rap and with lyrics concerning death, killings and so on. The only good thing is the various guest appearances such as Ray Alder's (FATES WARNING), Dave Ellefson's (ex-MEGADETH), Scott Ian's (ANTHRAX), Brian Fair's (SHADOWS FALL) and others whose reasons for taking part in this I really can't understand... If you like this kind of music you may find a jewel in this album but personally I will surely pass.

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

Potergeist is a new up and coming band from Greece that has recently released their debut album, revealing many skills and potential and guaranteeing to all of us maximum satisfaction! So, in Potergeist's case we've got some raw vocals, cool riffs, great solos, a solid rhythm section coming from the bass and the drums and still there is enough room for experimentations... Keep in mind that all these are laid upon a core-southern metal path! Ending, the only thing I can recommend you is that if your beers are cold and your necks are warmed up, then get your "engines" going, move southwards and into their powerful and heavy world!!!!

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

Voyager is another one of Australian's symponic/melodic metal bands and this is the follow up to their debut album "Element V" and believe me it is worth listening to. Starting from the amazing melodies that create a unique atmosphere in the whole album we continue with the great vocals of the singer which really sound like coming from another planet and we finish with the progressive elements which are all over the album making each song simply wonderful. The album includes eleven songs and a video clip for the song "Sober" which is an amazing dark journey to everyone's feelings. Get ready to travel into a different Universe!

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

Hoods is one more band that moves into the hardcore scene and they hit us with their latest album titled "Ghettoblaster". This release is full of energy with their ass kicking riffs that force you and lead you towards an ass kicking and leveling mood. However, towards this direction Hoods don't only use their powerful music, but their caustic lyrics are an improtant factor as well along with their pissed off attitude. I'm sure that it will satisfy most hardcore fans although I have always preferred this kind of stuff in live performances, where you can exteriorize your emotions better rather than just sit and listen to the album alone at home. Enjoy!!!

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

Fourth album from the Finnish power metallers and Twilight Guardians have returned to show us that they are here alive and kicking. This album contains everything... Nice melodic guitars which sometimes turn into heavy, very good vocals with a rocky attitude, catchy tunes and synths which can vary from heavy metal to hard rock on occasions with all these elements creating ten beautiful songs and a good power metal record. Generally speaking it is an album that won't blow you away but it can keep good company to every listener even to the one who doesn't listen to metal music. So don't be afraid of the ghosts cause Twilight Guardians are back in business. 

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

And here we have another hardcore release from the A-Team Distribution label. Checking out the releases of this record company, I've come to the conclusion that it's moving towards a punk - hardcore direction basically, so anyone who's interested in those genres, should check them out! Die Young TX is basically a hardcore band, but the vocals gave me the impression of a more punk-driven band. "Graven Images" is full of pissed off stuff like a punch in the heart of the system and is here to guarantee you some high adrenaline moments! Enjoy!!

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

Shatter Messiah is a power/thrash metal band from the U.S.A formed by the ex-ANNIHILATOR guitar player Curran Murphy and will really strike your head from the first listening! "God Burns Like Flesh" provides the listener with heavy guitars, agressive riffs, tunes creating a dark and gloomy atmosphere in every track, drums that will make you shatter your head from headbanging and generally good performances by each member of the band. ANNIHILATOR meets NEVERMORE in a more deathlike way as it will become clear from the lyrics and Shatter Messiah should be proud of presenting themselves with such a bombastic heavy metal album. Be sure to keep your ears open!

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

Last Winter is a mix of alternative metal and hard rock with touches of core and with heavily pointed out melody! That blend of musical areas gives a very nice end result, which overwhelmed me with an intense feeling of... youthness and exhilaration! Yeap! All the songs are beautifully arranged so that the melody comes first, but there is also a push towards some harder edges. My favourite tracks are "The Violent Things", "Kiss So Hard", "Made For TV" and "Starlight Drive", from which all I got a clearer sense of the balance between the harder and the more melodic side compared to the rest of the tracks, where melody had the dominant and most important role.

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

The Birthday Massacre is an alternative, industrial metal band from Toronto Canada and this is their third work. What struck me on this album is the excellent keyboard playing which, believe me, will bring to everyone memories of the 80's disco tracks. Apart from that the band also has melodic and sometimes heavy guitars blending with the angelic vocals of the female singer. They sound like THEATRE OF TRAGEDY in their latest albums, EVANESCENCE with an electronic sound of their own (sometimes reminding me of DEPECHE MODE) and creating a gothic atmosphere in some of the tracks which will please the listener but not for more than one hearing. Recommended to fans of the previously mentioned bands who will really find here a good album.

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

Lately there have been quite many hard 'n' heavy releases with a dirty attitude and a rock 'n' roll vibe and the most recent band I've come across is Maeder who have given birth to an album - reference for all the maniacs of the meloddic hard rock sound. Their compositions are excellent and tight so that they won't tire you or make you feel bored. The craft of the band members and their performance are two more points that need to be praised and that help the end result sound even better and greater. The songs are catchy with a great uptempo rhythm, but personally since I'm not a ballad-type I found the ballads on this album rather lame and nerveless, whereas the rest of the songs are really passionate and full of energy. So, this is an album that will be cherished by the fans of bands like AEROSMITH, AC/DC and so on and so forth...

Christine  Parastatidou

This is the CD single which will be released before the album "Gambling With The Devil". The CD includes the same title track which will be included in the forthcoming album and also the same song as a video-clip in the limited edition together with a radio mix. The song is a classic Helloween song in a more melodic way. All fans will surely like it and will look forward to the new album. Enjoy!

New album for the German power metallers Helloween with which they will soon go on tour and the result is the same... Pure heavy power metal as only Helloween know how to play with the incredible "Pumpkin" guitars, fast drums and very good vocals by Andi Deris. The album includes twelve tracks plus two bonus songs and a video for the song "As Long As I Fall" in the limited edition. However, I must say that what disappointed me is that I didn't find anything new on this album. It's the same good old recipe played over and over again and apart from some good moments such as "Paint A New World" and "The Bells Of The Seven Hells" which will remind everyone of the early "Keepers..." and the amazing "Heaven Tells No Lies", the rest of the album is heard pleasantly but not for a long time. I am looking forward to seeing them on tour but I'm hoping to listen to more songs from their previous albums.

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

Sophomore release for this Finnish band that first appeared in the scene back in 1998 and they are once again here to found and establish their sound with a more than a decent work that is bound to bring them many new fans and of course maintain the main core of their followers. Their lyrics deal with negative sentiments such as despair, melancholy and darkness, so what better kind of music could there be to serve such lyrics other than gothic metal? In fact "Seven Sins A Second" is a very good piece of work that treads on the path already paved by two colossal Finnish bands, AMORPHIS and SENTENCED, though Sinamore's approach is more melodic with no growls or death metal additions. All ten songs have a peripheral calmness, but if you pay attention to the song structures and the overall aesthetics of the compositions, you'll realize that there are many mixed and intense feelings into the core of the songs, something that makes this gothic metal release successful and guarantees the approval of all the worldwide gothsters.

Christine  Parastatidou

There are some bands which I blindfoldedly trust so much that I'm sure that with each and every new release of theirs they are going to offer me really good stuff and I'm sure that I'm going to enjoy their albums immensely. One of those bands is Axel's group and though he didn't release any new songs of his, he gave us here 11 cover versions of some of his favourite artists or bands, who -all of which- happen to be well known and so are the tracks that Axel has chosen to cover. So, things turned out exactly as I expected and Axel did a fine work with his cover songs, giving other times a more hard rock edge to some of the songs and some other times turning them into beautiful ballads. Anyway it was a very pleasant experience listening to this German guitarist, giving an alternative version of many great hits with his own personal touch!

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

Now this is an interesting proposal and quite different from most recent releases I dare say. What do I mean with that? The Casanovas is a band that delivers pure and from the heart 70s hard rock music with many blues elements that brought to my mind the ROLLING STONES and ALICE COOPER's early works. This band has the balls, the dirty feeling and the right approach to this music to make it bring forth a freshness whilst at the same time paying tribute to the 70s blues rock sound. The production is good and it helps this dirty and old fashioned sound become even more evident and obvious and the performance of all the band members is ideal! "All Night Long" is a release that will definitely please those of you who love the old school dirty rock 'n' roll and blues sound!

Christine  Parastatidou

Now what can I say for this album? Treekillaz'' is a Swedish quartet and this is the re-release of their debut album but what hit me is that I couldn't understand what they are trying to play. I have found rock elements, pop elements, punk and hardcore, all these mixed together to create an album which has nothing to give rather than some good moments. There are some songs which sound really well, with a good rhythm and a fine performance, but apart from that many senseless hours of playing. I believe that these guys should realize that they must choose what they want to play and concentrate on that and the result will be better because they have the potentials.

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

We all know that the times when the UK released classic heavy metal bands with a rather "normal" sound are long gone. The contemporary British metal scene is filled with weird sounding and unconventional bands, one of which is Raging Speedhorn, whose renewed line up is offering us here their fourth studio work. What is it all about? I wish I could clearly say... Some just call their music alternative metal, but this is too wide a genre and too inadequate to use... I'd rather say they are an extreme metal band with many hardcore, noise and sludge elements with down tuned guitars, a heavy rhythm section and a raging singer with a rasping voice. Actually I think Raging Speedhorn can only be appreciated and loved by fans of MESSHUGAH, MASTODON, SLIPKNOT and the likes. Personally I don't like so noisy, one-themed songs, so "Before The Sea Was Built" isn't my cup of tea. I can't find any reason for all this noise, so from a point on this album got on my nerves and irritated me. Creating something impressive for a first listen, doesn't mean it's something good or quality that can stand the test of time.

Christine  Parastatidou

Now this is one of my awkward moments... A while ago they sent me BLACK SABBATH's or HEAVEN AND HELL's if you prefer new live album, which includes many hit songs from the Dio era and they asked me to review it... and not only that they expected me to be objective in my review. Now that's funny!!! For anyone who hasn't got any money to buy this album yet, I'll give you a vague description. It's a double CD with a cool artwork, cool photos of the band members who say a few things about this release and a couple of cool band photos. The tracklist is in disc 1: E5150/After All (The Dead), The Mob Rules, Children Of The Sea, Lady Evil, I, The Sign Of The Southern Cross, Voodoo and The Devil Cried. And as for the second CD, well this one contains: Computer God, Falling Off The Edge Of The World, Shadow Of The Wind, Die Young, Heaven And Hell, Lonely Is The Word and Neon Knights. Need I say more? I think the track titles speak for themselves and say much greater things than the trivial stuff I'd be bound to say...

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

I still have mixed feelings although I've already listened to this release about 6 times up to now and still continue spinning it in my CD player. Don't get me wrong, it's not that Hanoi Rocks have changed their style or they've made any extreme alterations to their music's identity by adding modern or alien to their sound elements. No! Hanoi Rocks have remained loyal to their sound and it's a pity -for our beloved music- to admit that they are one of the few 80s bands that still retain their original character both in their compositions and in their appearance. So, nothing's wrong at that end. The thing that made me rather sceptic is the fact that the songs' quality is uneven with some tracks being superb with extremely catchy riffs and sing along choruses and with others being just fillers with no significant reason for existence, which end up sounding quite boring and lame. However "Street Poetry" contains some great songs that could be characterised as the epitome of sleazy-glam hard rock music. The decision is yours to make of course...

Christine  Parastatidou

The last 15 years there are many technically flawless and skilful musicians with a classical music training who turn towards the black and death metal sound. Thurisaz's members also belong to this category, who present us here a magnificent music amalgam of classic atmospheric music with bombastic symphonic parts, superb melodic lines in the guitars, which are supported by heavy death metal riffs and many black metal "haunted" parts!! I suppose you get a clue of what I'm talking about... The vocals move either on a death metal hue or a black metal one and quite often they switch into clean interpretations or even mixtures of clean with black metal growls that sound wonderfully together!! The rhythm parts of the drums and bass are combined and cooperate perfectly and support the foundation of Thurisaz in the best possible way. The production of this album is marvelous, professional and very well taken care of without any flaws. Oh fuck! I haven't said anything about my keyboard "colleague", whose craft is equivalent to mine! Haha! He fills in the songs in a great way and whenever he has a front melodic role he is perfect! Thurisaz are a band with a personal character and there is no way you'll confuse them with another band as soon as you listen to "Circadian Rhythm". I don't know if they will ever become known worldwide, as they deserve, but their album is for me definitely amongst the top ten releases for this year... As for the mark... you have to guess... GOLDEN ACE!!!!

George  "Death Dealer - Echoes From Erebus"  Kefalas

Well I Scream Records is celebrating this year their 13 years of existence and what better way can a label find to make a "force account" other than creating a compilation CD that would contain some of the most famous bands of their roster? This compilations CD consists of 25 songs, all of which belong mainly to the punk, core and hardcore genres. To be honest with you I'm not a big fan of the core or punk music idioms so there aren't many bands I can recognize or say that really intrigued me. The only group I can definitely say I know and respect is AGNOSTIC FRONT who contribute a live recording like a few other bands also do. So, all in all this is a very good CD, especially for those who adore the aforementioned genres and they'd like to have some of the finest songs in one release.

There are two ways in life that can make your spirit rise and go to Valhalla... You either go to a battlefield and fight or you go to a Manowar live show!!! Fuck the world! Hail and kill!!! Manowar's each and every release is valuable and it's quality guaranteed so I don't think I have much to say about the quality, performance or content of this live double CD. I had the chance to see Manowar in one of their shows a few months ago and I can guarantee you that what you are about to listen to here is pure, true and real!!! There's no better way to capture Manowar's essence when you are at home other than listening to this live release that contains 22 songs and features an entire set list of the recently completed leg of the tour. The limited edition included a bonus video taken from an upcoming DVD. so once again: HAIL AND KILL!!!!

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

Wow!!! Now that's what I call good old dirty rock 'n' roll!!!! The Soulshake Express have been a revelation to me and I keep listening to this album ever since I first put it in my CD player. The weather is bad outside... heavy rain and dark clouds usually are enough to spoil my mood and in fact my mood was bad up to the minute I started listening to "Heavy Music"! Then something exploded in my mind and everything started looking optimistic and cheerful to me... the heavy riffs, the catchy choruses, the beautiful melodies and the intense 70s hard rock references was all I needed! These guys have everything that can guarantee you a great hard rocking time and their music contains the best elements of bands like LYNYRD SKYNYRD, THUNDER, DEEP PURPLE, MONSTER MAGNET and so on... I don't think I need to mention anything more! You get the clue! Uptempo music with 70s psychedelic keyboards, a passionate vocalist with a hoarse voice, a catchy rhythm section adn guitars that enrich the texture and hue of the compositions are here to make your day and rock your mood. Hell yeaaaaah!!!!!

Christine  Parastatidou

And now my friends we move on to the other great release for this month! October Falls' release is a mini CD with a total running time of 22 minutes. It starts with a melancholic acoustic introduction and then 2 mid tempo tracks follow that move on the genre of Norwegian black metal with the acoustic guitar continuing underneath the electric sound and creating unbelievably beautiful and sad romantic melodies! In this particular part lies the originality of October Falls. The production is good enough, but perhaps the vocals should have been a bit higher in the mixing. I don't know though since this might be a conscious decision of the band. Try finding them and dedicate 22 minutes of your miserable mortal life to them...

George  "Death Dealer - Echoes From Erebus"  Kefalas

Ambient is a difficult genre. You have to be an expert and a true talent as to make sure your endeavor doesn't end up in total failure and sheer boredom. The French six piece outfit is once again back presenting us their sophomore studio effort, after many years of silence, aiming to leave their mark on this branch. Actually, I think they've succeeded in their task, up to a point at least, since their compositions have a personal hue and a recognisable essence that is founded on ambient music. However, upon it you'll also find layers from other kinds of music like classical music due to the magnificent use of the violin that creates a melancholic atmosphere, opera mainly because of the vocalist's soprano interpretations and a movie soundtrack feeling conveying an epic and in depth scent. The end result is really rich in texture and emotions, with grief and despair being the dominant sentiments, and it will surely please the fans of dark ambient music. The rest shouldn't bother, cause such listenings need a certain taste and inclination towards atmosphere. So based on this fact my mark is the average of these two extremes.

Christine  Parastatidou

Raw, haunted black metal without any keyboards is the deal with Krohm. The album kicks off dynamically with a quite fast track and nice riffs. The continuance however isn't as good. The group succeeds in creating atmosphere, but all their compositions start to become boring with their unimaginative melodies and many slow and tiring rhythm parts. The production is good, without any mistakes or omissions and it helps a band, which I think will evolve in the future. However it's recommended to the fans of mid tempo creeping black metal.

George  "Death Dealer - Echoes From Erebus"  Kefalas

I suppose this month is non-typically dedicated to Finland, since most of the recent releases seem to come from over there. What I enjoyed though is the fact that each and every band serves a different metal branch and this is how we come to De Liriums Order who deliver brutal death metal in the vein of bands like CARCASS and TORTURE KILLER. There are many impressive things in these compositions, the most improtant of which are the great and catchy riffs that stick to mind following a classic heavy metal approach and the existence of some extremely technical and elaborate solos that will astound you! De Liriums Order is a very bonded band comprised by skillful musicians who gave birth to songs ideal for live shows. Another thing that deserves our attention is the rhythm section which is very technical and stable and yet not boring or repetitive, since the tempos vary from creeping slow to upbeat bursts of anger. The vocalist's rasping, guttural vocals suit like a glove to the overall aesthetics, presenting us a dark and gloomy concept based on a serial killer. At the end of "Diagnosis", you'll also enjoy a cover to CARCASS' "Incarnated Solvent Abuse".

Christine  Parastatidou

Hardcore-thrash music with black metal vocals is what you are about to listen to on this mini CD of Necromessiah that has a total running time of 28 minutes. Tight, aggressive riffs with much energy lead you to relentless headbanging and constant banging. Necromessiah's music addresses both to hardcore fans being similar to AGNOSTIC FRONT's sound, to old thrashers in the vein of DESTRUCTION and to true black metallers and I'm sure that all these fans will like "Antiklerical Terroristik Death Squad". The production is very good, clear and it elevates the liveness and tightness of the riffs. The lyrics as you can perfectly understand from the album's title... are absolutely and entirely... christian in nature!!!

George  "Death Dealer - Echoes From Erebus"  Kefalas

This is, like you've already realized, a split release between an American and a Hungarian band. Well in fact both Thokkian Vortex and Aetherius Obscuritas are one man bands, but they have nevertheless utilized the help of some session musicians. Now let me tell you a few things seperately for each band and let's start with Thokkian Vortex who are a newly formed band and this is their first release. They come from the U.S. and in their two tracks they has some well known participations like Lord Ahriman (DARK FUNERAL) and Scorpios (CRIMSON MOON). The music they deliver is unholy and primitive black metal, clearly of the Norwegian type and close to bands like ANCIENT, DARK FUNERAL and MAYHEM. There are no melodies present here and no weak moments, but only old school and ominous, misanthropic black metal that reveals a very promising band. 
So, let's now move on to the Hungarian band Aetherius Obscuritas who belong to the Norwegian black metal scene as well. Their music is also close to bands like MAYHEM and ANCIENT, but they also have some resemblances to BURZUM's first album. They have already released 3 full lengths, so they know where they're heading at and how they want their music to sound. So, except for the agonized, demonic shrieks and the primitive black metal, you'll also listen to some beautiful dark melodic lines and an epic atmosphere. Arkhorrl, the man behind the band, has added some simple, but catchy guitar riffs, lyrics in his mother tongue and even some guitar solos!!! These are some of the elements that make his 3 songs stand out and guarantee the satisfaction of the blacksters!

Christine  Parastatidou

for Thokkian Vortex for Aetherius Obscuritas

Death-grind is what we are offered here by these Belgians, which is ultrafast and with some very technical parts. It's obvious that the band has potential and many abilities and the future seems bright for them. Their influences from bands like MORBID ANGEL and CRYPTOPSY are crystal clear. Their compositions are tight, powerful and with many interesting melodic lines. The band is well bonded and I'm sure that in due time they will improve even further both their compositions and the texture of their songs along with their melodies. The production is flawless and it succeeds perfectly to satisfy the expectations and needs of Never Light Horizon. Listen to them, they deserve it!

George  "Death Dealer - Echoes From Erebus"  Kefalas

Herman Rarebell is well known to us as the legendary drummer of SCORPIONS and with his new work he is BACK! He is back to offer us pure hard rock moments with twelve rocking songs plus a bonus track which really hits the spot. Together with Stefan Erz whose voice sounds very good and Claudia Raab who is offering us great moments with her saxophone plus a plethora of other players who contribute very well to each song, Herman has produced an album which will not make you crazy but it's nevertheless a very good example of a mature man who can still offer great moments of hard rock. His playing is not something complex but it is thorough and fresh giving every song the right tune and character. So all you rockers beware cause Herman Rarebell is back in town.

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

After a promising debut that revealed the band's potential and general direction, this German trio is here once again ready to unleash upon us their sophomore work that consists of 10 brand new compositions of frozen black metal. Their influences mainly lie within the Norwegian borders, but their overall sound isn't so extreme or relentless, but the band rather prefers to enrich it with many beautiful and enchanting acoustic guitar parts that not only offer depth and substance, making the raw, raging parts seem even harsher, but they even render a bitter sense surrounding the compositions with a dark and claustrophobic atmosphere. The main part of the music however is dedicated to the frozen epic black metal having many similarities with bands like BATHORY, IMMORTAL, MAYHEM and even DISSECTION. The guitar playing is marvelous and really morbid and the performance of all the band members moves on high standards and is accompanied by a very good production. The vocals are the typical and yet very fitting black metal shrieks and they can be even found in the folk-acoustic parts of the songs, creating intensity and antithesis that will satisfy all of you who love the grim, epic, primitive black metal sound. However, if you think you've heard of too many bands having similar influences, then truth must be told Helrunar won't offer you anything more or new.

Christine  Parastatidou

Furious Styles is a Seattle based band which plays hardcore metal and this their debut album titled "Life Lessons". Personally I am into hardcore style, but not of this kind. And I say this because I don't like hip-hop vocals in an album like that. Although we have many good moments with heavy, harsh guitars and generally a very good performance from all the band members that sometimes reminded me of BIOHAZARD, I would prefer some growls or even a more aggressive style in the vocals which in my opinion would fit more to a hardcore style band. Of course there will be some who will disagree with me, but I will surely pass and move on. 

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

Now isn't this a superb way for a brutal death metal band to name their new album? Suhrim, one of the "usual suspects" of this particular genre are back after a couple of years since the release of "The Cunt Collector" and they are here to offer us what they are good at, which is nothing less than top notch and in your face brutal death metal as it was played and carved in the mid 90s from bands like CANNIBAL CORPSE. Suhrim is a constant value for all the brutal death metal maniacs out there, being one of the best and most quality Belgian bands and being around since 1989. The latter shows their determination and love for this music and if you had the chance to listen to all their previous full length releases, you'll be able to easily realize their progress and devotion! "Happy Hour" is sharp, aggressive, grim, but above all brutal with gore lyrics, full of hate and dealing with all forms of death, but always presented through a twisted and blackened sense of humour.

Christine  Parastatidou

Sieges Even is a progressive metal band from Germany formed by Marcus Steffen and the well known Holzwarth brothers Oliver and Alex and after many exceptional albums this is their new work. I have to say that on this album we listen to a more melodic prog metal by Sieges Even with some prog rock elements which really give a unique character to the album and will remind to all of you of the 80's Sieges Even albums. The melodies composed excellently by the masterminds of the band are complex in many ways varying from vey technical to mid tempo rhythms, guitars sounding heavier than the previous album and beautiful vocals by Arno Menses which will really take the listener to a journey in the prog metal land. So prepare to be the first to listen to this album and join Sieges Even to their progressive way of life. 

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

Now this has been a difficult review for me and a difficult decision to make. The reason lies in the band's essence and sound which are rather complex and unique enough on the one hand but on the other it's the impact this personal sound of theirs had on me. I can accredit them for creating something quite innovative or at least special, but the end result hasn't touched me so much that it'd make me want to listen to this album again. It's impressive, the technique is flawless and the execution of the songs will leave you with your mouths gaping wide open. These Germans offer top quality black metal with a great deal of melody and a dark atmosphere surrounding their chaotic compositions along with a slight pagan touch and some superb changes in the rhythms accompanied by some elaborate parts... but the thing is that I couldn't follow the trail of thoughts of Drautran, something that didn't allow me to enjoy the album, since I found the songs messy and too chaotic. If you are fans of the really raw, ferocious and primitive Norwegian black metal and yet have a thing for progressive patterns and dark atmospheres, then give them a try.

Christine  Parastatidou

Doom metal with death metal hoarse vocals is what we are presented here by Syrach an end result that will definitely satisfy the fans of this particular genre. The riffs are voluminous and heavy with many references to BLACK SABBATH's sound. The drums along with the bass build in the rhythm section a concrete foundation filled with depression and doom. Apart from the death metal growls we also come across some excellent female vocals in the first songs. The production is good and without any mistakes it yields the perfect atmosphere. The songs are quite big in duration and they contain many repetitions of certain themes that sometimes end up boring. That's all I have to say for Syrach and if they take care of that minor flaw I've just mentioned, then they will surely become a great band!

George  "Death Dealer - Echoes From Erebus"  Kefalas

Severe Torture is a holocaust hailing us from the Netherlands who manages to evolve with each and every release of theirs offering maximum satisfaction to all the psycho brutal death metallers out there! The main part of the modern brutal death metal scene is dominated by copycats or it's rather stagnant, regurgitating successful recipes of the mid 90s when this genre reigned supreme. Severe Torture on the other hand habe managed to progress and from just delivering decent, but still uninspired and without their personal stamp albums, they've ended up now with their 4th studio release to create something really impressive for this genre's standards, something fresh and new which nevertheless contains elements from the band's past and from all their previous releases. The band's technique is unquestionable and there are some really complex and elaborate parts here entwined with blistering blast beats and good riffs that convey all the brutality and roughness there is! The song structures have also improved, they are extreme and chaotic, but everything's done deliberately here and they are enriched with some great guitar leads and some technical drum parts. The rhythms are mainly up tempo onslaughts to ultra fast blast beats, but every now and then you'll also listen to some slower and more mid tempo parts that sound really ominous! "Sworn Vengeance" also introduces guest vocal appearances by Jason Netherton (MISERY INDEX) and Che Snelping (x-BORN FROM PAIN), who offer a richer texture and scent to the end result. 

Christine  Parastatidou

Ken Hensley is well known to us as the keybord player of URIAH HEEP and this is his solo work. "Blood On The Highway" is a rock opera sort of an autobiography which gives us some information on some favourite and imporant moments in the life of Ken Hensley. And of course as in every rock opera there are some guest stars and I believe that Ken Hensley has made a very good choice. Together with him you will also find Jorn Lande, Eve Gallagher, Glenn Hughes and others who really make this album worthwhile listening. Nice tracks with beautiful melodies catchy tunes having intensely the 70's sound and some others reminding us of the early URIAH HEEP albums like for example "Okay (This House Is Down)", which will surely bring back memories to every listener. So sit by the CD player and begin a journey inside the mind of Ken Hensley.

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

Are they the new NIGHTWISH? Can it be true that Finland gave birth so easily and quickly to a band that treads on the same path with the aforementioned group? First of all the singer has almost an identical to Tarja's voice though she doesn't tend to go operatic too often. I know there are out there singers who interpret in the same, more or less, way like for example Simone Simons (AFTER FOREVER) or Liv Kristine (LEAVE'S EYES), but Exsecratus' vocalist really looks up to Tarja. Then it's also the music that follows a similar pattern and structure with enchanting melodies mainly based on the keyboards, a symphonic atmosphere, progressive alterations in the rhythms and the more intense element of power metal. So, the recipe is rather typical, well tried out and yet proven successful, but other than that there are also some more extreme bursts in some of the songs with uptempo themes, some occasional blasts and a few great death metal growls. "Tainted Dreams" will definitely satisfy the fans of NIGHTWISH, CHILDREN OF BODOM, AFTER FOREVER, THEATRE OF TRAGEDY and so on. Personally I adored their most extreme moments!

Christine  Parastatidou