Raw, haunting black metal is what we are offered here by Krohm with no keyboards present in any of the compositions. The album kicks off dynamically with a fast enough song and beautiful riffs. The rest of the tracks though aren't of a corresponding quality. The group succeeds in creating an atmosphere, but their compositions become boring, without any imaginative melodies, but on the contrary with many slow, tiring rhythm parts. The production is good, with no mistakes or omissions for a band which shows clearly that it can evolve a lot in the future. All in all I can recommend "The Haunting Presence" to the fans of the slow or mid tempo black metal.

George  "Death Dealer - Echoes From Erebus"  Kefalas

I am really a big fan of concept albums and I was looking forward to listening to Iced Earth's new album. "Framing Armageddon" came like a thunder to strike both me and my ears. Hearing the well known sound of Iced Earth with the heavy guitar riffs by the mastermind Jon Schaffer together with fast and agressive drums and the very good high and low-tone vocals of Tim "The Ripper" Owens, I must say that Iced Earth have produced yet another great heavy power metal album. The listener will trully want to hear the whole album even after the first listening as to understand the whole history of the "Something Wicked" concept but also because it is really an album which cannot be heard otherwise. Containing a variation of songs from heavy to mid-tempo and really powerful ones this album will be in everyone's CD player for a long long time. Iced Earth keep on metalling!

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

Ritual is a one of Sweden's leading progressive rock bands and this is their fourth album. What struck me most is the various instruments Ritual are using such as the violin, the mandolina, the bouzouki and others which really create a unique atmoshere giving a folky tune in their songs and melodies which truly every listener will find interesting. With very complex rhythms, vocals which reminded me of early YES, the guitars giving a fine rock tune and the folky characteristics which really reminded me of JETHRO TULL, this album is a very good purchase for every prog fan and Ritual can really address themselves as a very good band in the progressive scene. Enjoy!

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

Riverside is a progressive metal band from Poland and this is their newest work which completes the Reality Dream trilogy. "Rapid Eye Movement" is an album which gives us progressive metal to the limits. With melodies that will take you straight to the concept of the album, changes in the rhythms that show what the band can really do and vocals which create the perfect enviroment for every listener, Riverside have managed to give the best end to their trilogy. I really must say after having listened to both previous albums that Riverside have created such an atmoshere in every album that every prog fan will find unique. Recommended to fans of DREAM THEATER, PORCUPINE TREE and SPOCK'S BEARD as they can easily turn their music from progressive metal to progressive rock. Be sure to keep an eye on this album!

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

When I first put this album in my CD player I believed I would listen to one of the same and to my great surprise I was totally wrong. "New Religion" is an album that will really interest anyone who is going to listen to it. Having left behind the well known style in their previous albums Primal Fear have managed to create an album that will remain and last in time. Having contained all the aggressive guitars, the fast rhythms and the amazing vocals by Ralph Scheepers but also combining them now with many orchestral parts (which really mingle in the best possible way), Primal Fear have broken the limits. The album contains eleven songs -one of which features the guest appearance of the star Simona Simones (EPICA)- both fast and mid-tempo ones which will really leave every listener satisfied. So are you ready to change religion and join Primal Fear? Don't be afraid to take the chance.

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

A debut release from the quartet from Sweden, Villebrad, featuring something like a modern indie rock with late 70’s prog rock and early 80’s new wave pop. The album contains 9 songs with the lyrics all written in Swedish a fact that didn’t bother me at all. Actually that was the least hard part of this album’s hearing. The difficult thing was to assimilate a sound far too unusual to my ears. Soft prog rock oriented in an unconventional manner with lots of jazzy enclosures under a sheer fusion engagement and plenty of keys transforming from a progressive attitude into a more electronic emplacement. The rhythm stays most of the time within a steady mellow pace although the tracks are being formed with quite a few twists and plenty of variation. You can separate influences from KING CRIMSON’s music, some ULTRAVOX composing lines to TEARS FOR FEARS and JAPAN blending references leading to an almost psycho effect. Not for everyone, only for the widely open minded and not for all the hours of the day.

Vaso  "Necromass"  Prassa

An amazing progressive album! A strange way to explore the music that is called progressive rock... These are the first things that have stricken my mind after listening to "Frames". Oceansize is an English band which manages to combine progressive rock and metal and also mingle psychedelic elements. Every song has such rhythms and melodies that you will find yourself travelling into other worlds and dimensions. Containing many instrumental parts which blend harmonically with the very good vocals, "Frames" is an album that shouldn't be missing from any good prog collection. A must for everyone who likes both rock and progressive metal and who would like to listen to something different from the usual. Make sure to check it out!

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

Y3K was born in 2005, as the resulting project of the union of two Valencians: L. Shihan and S. Scimoth. Both with certain experience in the musical scene, although not in the present style, they decided to work together with the additional participations of Sacha, an acclaimed guitarist of extreme music in the national scene and The Angel, one of the most virtuoso bass guitarists in Spain. Later on the line up was enriched with the addition of the best dark orchestra composer in the country by the name of Radamantys, the leader of the world wide famous power metal band OPERA MAGNA. The last one to join the group was The Lord of the Sea, the man behind the drum kit and owner of Immortal Studios and moreover producer of Y3K. At first all this pack of musicians were going to release just one single, but during 2006 the band changed its course into a complete and up and coming force in the musical scene. So the form has completed and "Retribution" arrives in our hands under the American label Battle Hymn. The album is being traversed by the most symphonic and melodic sounds of black metal. The dynamism and the theatricality are interlaced with the ferocity of black metal, full of a most dark and forceful atmosphere, but without losing the symphonic base on which it is clearly based. Distinguished guitar scales, a menacing battery and orchestrated keyboards mostly approaching the pompous sound of DIMMU BORGIR or the heart rendering theatrical tone of CRADLE OF FILTH, although certainly, maintaining the distances. Elegant choirs, feminine voices and a dramatic musical cultivation come to submerge in the world of Y3K combining classic adjustments and sonorous dark fields with the blatant malevolence of black metal force under a most operated capacity while the production is correct, without too many adornments and very sober. Overwhelming remarkable, surprising, and strongly professional, "Retribution" will surely compensate many assiduous followers of the symphonic, triumphant and dark territories of extreme metal sound.

Vaso  "Necromass"  Prassa

How can a hard rock band turn into a metal band? The answer lies within this album. Evidence One have managed to present themselves as a melodic metal band producing a very good album. "The Sky Is The Limit" is their new job combining both hard rock and metal (a deadly combination in my opinion) and the result? Ten songs which will satisfy both listeners. Where melody stops come the heavy guitars, where fast tunes arise come the gentle vocals. I really have to say that Evidence One have managed to surround this attempt with great success and after having listened to their previous albums ("Criticize The Truth" and "Tattooed Heart") this has something unique. Listen to "Mindmines", "Mr Madness" and the title track "The Sky Is The Limit" and you will really understand the change. Keep on rockin'!

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

"Indiva" is the second album of Sweden’s quartet Treekillaz'' re-released this year along with their first effort 2001’s "Oxygently" and their last achievement 2005’s "Leaving Last". Let’s start with what Treekillaz'' themselves are taking pleasure in calling their music. And that is "Intense Rock and Popcore". Whatever! I will not argue with that although their sound falls into my ears like a clear mixture of bands like PEARL JAM, SOUNDGARDEN with much less doses of aggressiveness, a little bit of NIRVANA and with a slight shot of R.E.M. In the beginning of the 90s we used to call it grunge, nowadays it's simply a decaying style of rock music. In their first attempt "Oxygently" back in 2001 their music was drawn by a furious hardcore - punk, yet its successor "Indiva" gets almost pop oriented bringing controlled grunge along with an international rock display. Moreover a necessary portion of melody is excessively laid upon the tracks which most of them lie under a mid tempo range. The vocalist on the other hand reminds me a lot of Eddie Vedder (PEARL JAM) as a weighty influence. However the fact is that neither this style of music nor the total absence of any interesting composing lines in this album could make me rejoice for such a general effort and really I can’t understand the hidden purpose under those re-releases. Thus alternative rock tends to become only a distant nightmare of the past and fortunately by no means a hopeful dream of the future.

Vaso  "Necromass"  Prassa

Another fine member of the prog-metal scene has come to strike us with a new album. After three very good albums the German prog-metallers Dreamscape are back to show us why they are considered to be among the best  progessive metal  bands. With "5th Season" we are given clear examples as to the very good playing of this band with guitars and solos coming from the past combining heaviness and acoustic parts and keys creating amazing melodies which will put you right into the heart of the album. Furthermore Dreamscape have come to a more heavy part of progressive metal with many changes but also very fast tunes. I believe that "5th Season" is an album that will reward everyone who will attempt to listen to it with the feeling of fascination from a very good prog-album. 

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

I admit I didn’t have any idea whatsoever about this group when their album came into my hands for reviewing. Rue The Day is a U.K. based band with a mixed up sound of metal, hardcore, punk, alternative rock and all that firmly embellished with a progressive at times elaboration. There are actually so many inputs on this album that it gets really hard to start from somewhere. The first thing that impressed me in “The Machine” was the indisputable guitar skillfulness of it. The guy behind those guitar lines surely knows how to lay down quite profoundly his instrument. Not only in his thrashy moments but even when a solo deposit comes forth. Sadly this was the only thing that kept my interest alive in this particular outcome. Neither the compositions except some random scattered moments, nor the overall focus on the music could convince me of its greatness or its valuable existence. The songs are quite indifferent, annoying at some points with a vocalist that definitely could rue the day! His screaming parts are so flat and subdued while the clean ones sound extremely mellow and colorless. And that goes with the songs as well. It’s like the band doesn’t really know if it’s angry or pissed off or sad or neither of them in the end thus the sound generally has a mutilated aggressiveness just before it passes many times into some soft and gentle refolding. Not too metal for my taste, nor too hardcore for the ferocity of it but way too mild and insignificant. 

Vaso  "Necromass"  Prassa

Fifth album for the Austrian prog metallers and to be honest with you I really enjoyed listening to it! Heavier than the previous one with more melodic and instrumental parts but preserving its dark and gloomy character "A Lullaby For The Devil" is an album that should be in everyone's disc collection. With Devon Graves giving unique lyricity to his voice changing from melodic and lyrical to somewhat cruel and harsh and all the other members giving their best, Deadsoul Tribe have produced yet another great progressive album. Check out "Goodbye City Life", "Lost In" You and the title track, "A Lullaby For The Devil" and be sure that this album won't let you down every time you will listen to it. 

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

Repugnant is a Swedish old school death metal band or should I say was since all those familiar with the band’s history are well acquainted with their final split up two years ago. "Epitome Of Darkness"  is the centralizing pact from all their releases, being their 2 demos and 2 7"EPs plus some new tracks and a cover version of MORBID’s "Another Vision". The sound therefore isn’t so much of an astonishing production’s outcome but a raw and ear bleeding, straightforward achievement, strongly influenced by GRAVE, early ENTOMBED and some classic thrash monsters like KREATOR and SODOM. The whole album is a menacing death metal storm riding mostly at full speed in a galloping and intense feast of an old school and passionate style. The compositions are crude and blistering yet with a lot of changes, mixing slower groove based movements with sheer fast paced oriented cuts and with now and then an unpacked emphasis on melody. Impetuous guitar rhythms, most aggressive drum fills and a great deal of some furious, stuffed with total hatred vocals yet emotional and fully comprehendible. There are raging outbreaks in this devilish album that could make you actually wanna bang your head against the wall and there are also groovy parts that only a moshing pit could be worthy of their boastfulness. So just by thinking that this is their first but also their last album can only but fill me with sadness and perplexity that this magnificent band ended up its brutal steepness in such an inglorious manner. Surely you mustn’t expect a top notch musicianship here only unfeigned, typical old school death metal ascending right out of a recording studio back in 1992. A small unwrought musical diamond only for those who don’t consider the conquest of perfection as the ultimate adventure. 

Vaso  "Necromass"  Prassa

New album for the Finnish alternative grunge rockers Day Eleven and the result is a very good album. With heavy and melodic guitars, vocals which sometimes change from melodic to harsh and generally having good compositions, the band from Finland has shown us that it has much more to give in the rock scene. The album contains ten songs alternating from mid-tempo and heavy to slow and melodic with catchy tunes which are easily enjoyed by every listener. If you want to take a break and listen to something different this album is definitely the one especially if your sound lies close to bands like FAITH NO MORE, A PERFECT CIRCLE or even David Bowie.

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

Before a few days, I received the new album from the Finnish band Bleak Crowd. Even if this band started back in 1999 this is the only work that I had the chance to listen to. Bleak Crowd has already released their debut album, three demo CDs and two EPs. So almost every year, the band gives something to their fans. In their second album, Bleak Crowd has included twelve tracks and almost fifty minutes of pure heavy metal with some touches from gothic metal too. Imagine a heavier band than SENTENCED and CHARON with their personal sound and then you will have a small picture in your mind of how Bleak Crowd sounds. Most of their compositions are well worked with some very impressive ideas but on the other hand, even if some songs are really powerful, some other tracks are a little bit softer or not so interesting to listen to. All in all, Bleak Crowd has offered us an above average album with some very interesting compositions. Don’t forget a band from Finland is a band that will almost never disappoint you. 
Site: www.bleakcrowd.com
Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

I was really eager to listening to Poverty's No Crime new album and I must say it was worth waiting. "Save My Soul" has really struck me in the head from the first listening. Heavier than the previous one but without losing its progressive elements the band from Germany have created yet another very good album. Nice melodies, aggressive guitars, vocals combined perfectly and keys blending gently with all the previous elements, making each song worthwhile listening more than once. All progsters should really send the S.O.S sign to their ears and listen to this great prog album. Don't miss it!

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

The more I get disappointed by the recent big label releases, the more I find comfort and enjoyment in the underground scene. This time the "remedy" and soothing music comes from the U.S. in the form of a trio that has this incredible ability to create compositions that sound both old fashioned and fresh at the same time. I keep listening to their songs over and over again and I'm pretty objective when I say that this is top quality progressive rock! What is there to be admired here? The elaborate solos, the imaginative song structures, the beautiful melodies, the enchanting and slightly psychedelic atmosphere, the stunning technique and all in all the breathtaking and full of emotions and passion end result are some that come to my mind. Torman Maxt have managed to compose songs that can be, and I'm not exaggerating here, compared to the hymns written by bands like RUSH, JETHRO TULL, KING'S X, ASIA and so on and so forth. If you love any of the aforementioned bands, then do yourselves a favor and discover one of the biggest diamonds the contemporary progressive rock scene has to showcase and brag about!

Christine  Parastatidou

Thee Orakle is a new born band that started back in 2004 and so far they have released a demo CD in 2005 and their EP “Secret” earlier this year. The band comes from Portugal and musically the walk in doom/death metal paths. So you can expect two vocalists, but not in the way that we have been used to listening. I mean, that Mika, the female singer, adds her personal way of singing and she isn’t the classic female singer, contrary to  Pedrao, who is the classic death metal singer. What do you want to hear from Thee Orakle? Just combine influences from THEATER OF TRAGEDY, SIRENIA and a little bit of MOONSPELL with the personal sound of Thee Orakle and then you will have what the band has included in “Secret”. These being the band’s first steps they show that they have some potential to make something in the metal scene but of course they need to find more their personal sound and to be unique. Of course they will have their influences but it’s better when you have your personal sound as well. Keep an eye on them!
Site: www.theeorakle.com
Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

Freevil and their music can be described as sheer and explosive power! I keep listening to this promotional 3-track teaser CD again and again and I'm lost for words, cause I feel what I'm about to say is going to be inadequate of this band's might and potential and of the impact these songs are going to have upon you! Freevil is a dynamite that has risen from the ashes of DENATA, another great thrash metal band, but to be honest with you I think "Freevil Burning" is these guys' best release to date, showcasing a tight band with endless sources of brutality and inspiration. Their music can't be clearly and absolutely defined or labeled, but we could positively say that they dwell somewhere between death and thrash metal. But that's not the end of the story, since upon this foundation, the powerful combo has also added lots of classic heavy metal riffage, beautiful eerie keyboards and effects that render to this release a modern/industrial scent. The production is very good and extremely voluminous, something they surely did on purpose to infuse their compositions with further noise and agrressiveness. The riffs are stunning, creating violent themes that stick to your mind and they are combined with a thick and concrete wall of rhythm section and thrashy, but quite high pitched vocals that have a twisted hue in them. In fact there isn't anything negative or any flaws I can find in this release and I'm sure Freevil will soon have labels at their feet, begging to sign with them. The fans of the modern death/thrash sound and those who adore the amazing and divine 3 INCHES OF BLOOD will find a killer release here!
Site: http://www.freevil.seOR http://myspace.com/freevil
Email: [email protected]

Christine  Parastatidou

Enlightened By Darkness comes from Australia and formed back in 2003. I will always have a magic picture for the metal scene of this country because I dont know so many bands from their underground scene. So it’s always a pleasure when I have the chance to hear and review a work from a band that comes from Australia. “Buried Beneath” is their debut self financed album and you can find seven tracks here. Musically they combine different kinds of metal, so be prepared to hear elements from thrash death and even power metal, all of them accompanied by extreme and clean vocals. Imagine influences from PANTERA, NEVERMORE, SLAYER and DARK TRANQUILLITY with the personal touch of Enlightened By Darkness and of course a lot of energy. From the things that I hear I believe that the band must be an excellent group on stage. At least, these guys have created a promising band and I hope we will hear from them soon again with their newest work when it will be ready. 
Site: http://www.myspace.com/ebdmetal
Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

If I'm not mistaken and my memory doesn't play any tricks on me this is the first time I have the chance to listen to a band from Slovenia, so I was really stricken by the professional work of both the band and the record label! Delivering tight and firm brutal death metal with some grindcore touches, this trio is here to guarantee you hours of extreme aggression, pleasure and headbagning. "Bukkake" presents us some great, perfectly executed and quite complex in their structure songs that walk in the depraved path paved by colossal bands like CANNIBAL CORPSE, GOREROTTED and CRYPTOPSY to name a few. All the tracks reek of disgust, they have a twisted, black sense of humour and are totally perverse and psychotic with lots of blast beats and guttural vocals that sound as if coming from the pits of hell. The production is one more impressive elements giving some extra points to the end result, since it's really clear and powerful. Actually I can't find any reason why the brutal death metal maniacs shouldn't invest on "Bukkake". You definitely won't regret it!
Label Email: [email protected]
Label Site: http://www.on-parole.com
Band Site: http://www.vilvathrone.tkOR http://www.myspace.com/vulvathrone

Christine  Parastatidou

Is this the new band of Tarja Turunen? Many of you will wonder this when you listen to the first song of this album as the resemblance of one of the two female voices is so strong. But it's not! Coronatus is (as I previously mentioned) a two female fronted band from Germany which plays power, gothic metal and in their debut album they are doing it pretty well. Nice heavy guitar riffs, songs varying from fast and heavy to dark and mid-tempo combined in the best way with the vocals of the two front ladies. And that, I must say, is the thing that gives a unique tone to this album as the changes in the vocals (which are not the same since the one is operatic while the other one has more of a gothic style) between the two ladies blend in the best possible way with rest of the music. So if you are a fan of NIGHTWISH, AFTER FOREVER or WITHIN TEMPTATION don't be afraid to xeplore the Light in the Night.

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

To be honest with you, this is the first time that I have the chance to hear / review a doom metal release from Turkey. Vaveyla comes from this country and last year they released their debut self financed album “Abandoned Like A Lighthouse”. In this work, the band has included fifteen tracks but many of them are intros for the other songs. Even if you don’t know that this band comes from Turkey after the opening intro, you will understand it. Vaveyla, have many influences from the folk music of their country and they have combined them with the metal music. Their compositions are very interesting, because the band isn’t the typical doom metal act. Definitely their music is based on doom metal, but you can hear from folk music to death metal elements in here. All in all, Vaveyla, give us their personal view of doom metal. The only thing lies within you and whether you want to follow this band’s dream or choose some other “safer” path. I will be waiting for their newest stuff to see how the band will evolve... 
Site: www.vaveyla.com
Email: [email protected]

Antonis  Maglaras

This has a "heavy" and "thick" sound. It reminds me of a mammoth in a tar pit or someone being drug in the mud behind a tractor, trying to get up and escape but continuing to roll around and get tangled up in a net that surrounds them, more and more. There's an alternation of screaming/high pitch growling type vocals with clean (irritating and weak) vocals. The overall song structures just are not very enjoyable...are they meant to be? I don't know. It just sounds like a duplex where the two sides of the house are cranking up their stereos at the same time...trying to drown out the others'. It's like waves of an ocean crashing into each other over a small boat in a storm...the occupants of the boat not knowing from which direction the waves are coming from next (it's from all directions...with no real direction)...shouting to each other through the bursts of salty maritime wind...most are getting seasick, like me...and I'm sitting in my chair on stable ground. This gives new meaning to, "Heave ho'!!!" 'Scuse me, while I hurl...some insults?

Tony  "Terminal Descent"  Mikkelson

While Moonmadness were recording their debut album, their agency sent us their latest CD single “Stroke Of Midnight”. In this single you will find the very catchy and radio friendly title track plus a live video clip for the song “Ain’t No Angel”. I don’t know if this is the best track from the new album of Moonmadness but definitely, this track blew me away. It has a great song structure, it has a catchy refrain and above all, it’s an ideal track for a CD single. Actually I don’t know when their debut album will be released but definitely this track will keep me company until I have in my hands their full length album. For a small taste go to their myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/moonmadnessband and wait until they give us more “food” for our ears. A very promising band, indeed!
Site: www.moonmadness.fi
Email: [email protected]

Nonexistence is a one man band, the personal and solitary carriage of Philip Santoll coming from the distant, isolated and frozen land of Antarctica. A pale work that urges you to close your eyes and then dive intrepidly into the void not to descent onto the rough reality of the earth but on the contrary to ascent and then emerge at the same time into the cosmic sea of infinity. Low key melancholic driven guitars more as an expression of hidden sentiments than a pure will to achieve intensity, mid tempo drum rhythms and futuristic keyboard melodies that draw dark figures of nihilism and emotional despair. Mr. Santoll most of the time is screaming with fierce shrieks and some evil, deep-throated growls but there are also a few clean vocal layers into a more carved gothic approach, all combined in a dejected, grim output. Icy black metal intercourses with an inauspicious doom/death foray and some gothic atmospheric yearnings for an internal reflection and the profound observation of the inner self. Some influences of PARADISE LOST appear here and there and some early TIAMAT as well as the name of MY DYING BRIDE that defines by far some acquired musical arrangements. Depression and anxiety, loneliness and nihilism walking along under the dispassionate eye of the universe. "Nihil" is one album that even if you may hate it at times you just can’t overpass it so easily. Even though doom/death or gothic for that matter has never been my favorite meal on music’s table yet this album has got an obscure potential. It can get really dominating! And even escapes from the wretched pile of all those one man bands that are full of hollow selfishness and purposeless bragging. There is nothing new here or prototype only the attractive view of the cosmic indifference and the depraved and morbid enchantment of human despair.

Vaso  "Necromass"  Prassa

First off, does "scratching soil" count if you "soiled" your pants and your butt itches before you change those dirty pants? How 'bout if you just scratch your butt crack and there's a little residue on your finger nails? Okay, I'll blame it on my watching some Howard Stern clips, last night...enough childish humour...and lack thereof, for that matter! I guess this would be considered black metal? Better than "Brown Metal?!" It's pretty decent black metal, thus far. There's a barbaric vibe to it. The first song has some "battle" type elements to it. Some sort of explosion type of thing (and, no, this isn't my lame attempt at a fart joke) in the mix, that reminds me of EMPEROR's "In The Nightside Eclipse". Actually, this album reminds me a bit of that EMPEROR album...just not as interesting and original...lacking the multi-dimensional aspect of that "creative" and "monumental" release. I can still get into this CD, as I listen, while writing this review, though. It has that "raw"...almost piercing - but not quite ear bleeding - high end/treble to the guitars that fits black metal so well. There was another explosion in the second track...let's not overuse that effect, guys...or it will prove IN-effective. It's like too many "ooh, I had beans for lunch" remarks. It will lose it's novelty as(s)pect. There's some dynamics to this music..."dynamics" is a word I've been throwing around, quite a bit, lately. I seek this in music...like a story...there needs to be tension...release of that tension...and building up of tension, again to the point of a climax (yes, it's like sex, as well...why is it we always think of that when we read or hear the word "climax"...the same as "intercourse"...or is it only me? Haha). The five elements of a good story are: anticipation, surprise, depth, contrast, and climax (yes, I just looked this information up, I don't have it memorized ;-) So, this is an important feature of music to have...to move me...or to keep my interest, at least. This CD has a minimal dose of such things, but I'll probably not listen to it again after this review. It's just not captivating enough...but it does have my respect.

Tony  "Terminal Descent"  Mikkelson

Okay...this is some thrash (and off the subject a bit...why do so many people spell it as "trash"...leaving out the "h"?). Anyway, this is thrash (you thought I was gonna leave out the "h", deliberately, didn't you? As to make myself look like a fool or to see if you're paying attention? Well, I already look like a fool...I even wear the curved forward multi-colored hat with a bell on the end and striped tights...however, are you still paying attention? Or are you too broke? If you're too broke...you might want to steal this album...though, you might as well steal an old SADUS album, instead, as that's what this sounds like, but if you can't find an old SADUS album...this Nocturnal Breed CD, will do, I guess). So, what I was gonna say, is this is thrash ("th" with a "rash"..."The Rash" without the "e"...does that help to remember? Probably not...does it make you wanna scratch an itch, now? Like that hard to reach spot on your back? Uhhhhh...ahhhhh...there it is...your finger almost getting it, if it were 5 mm longer...oooh...ooooooh...almost...nope...it's still festering!!!). So, again...this is THRASH...in the vein of what I grew up listening to...with a slightly updated...more modern production. Decent enough music...but nothing to write home to your doctor (feel good) about.

Tony  "Terminal Descent"  Mikkelson

"Here we go again". Why is it so many "new" bands basically sound the same? Like there's no personal aura that separates them? It's like everyone (the studios, mostly?) use the same equipment, the same e.q. settings..."go by the rule book, son, or you're not professional!" What happened to spontaneity? What happened to experimentation? It's "one size fits all", now? I mean...it's great if a band can get a decent production for their songs, but what happened to "colorization"...to "texture"...to "variety"? Take the newer SLAYER sound, as an example...think, "Diabolus In Musica"...this is fitting for SLAYER...as they've always had that "mid range" quality to their guitars, (since "Reign In Blood", at least). They just filled that trademark sound out, more and more, on newer releases. Anyway, it's like other bands come in and record their albums RIGHT after SLAYER (or other bands with "trade mark" productions) records or something ("leave the lights on...we'll be there in a minute, so we don't have to set anything up"). Manngard doesn't seem to be any different...and I must say, I prefer SLAYER to these guys, immensily (there's not much "depth" to Manngard's songs, to my ears). Throw out the bleepin' rule books, will ya? Metal is supposed to be a bit raw, some times dirty, and most importantly - rebellious - not a white bread commoditty. Stick to original bands...not derivatives, in my opinion.

Tony  "Terminal Descent"  Mikkelson

This is what might be called "Hodge-podge metal"? It's like a stew of various meaty riffs with pinches of delicate aroma inducing jazzy bits...tangy and hearty upon the first spoonful, but then you find there's too many vegetables in the mix that spoils the overall appeal...well, actually only one vegetable...an enraged partial vegetable...like a tomato...is it a vegetable or is it a fruit? I'm referring to the lead "singer". He reminds me of Timmy, the wheelchair bound character in South Park, like when Jimmy was getting too much attention and Timmy went ape-bleep on Jimmy. So, in actuality, I will call this guy "Vegetable Stu", in honour of the aforementioned "hodge-podge" quality to the music...though, not truly a vegetable...as in a drooling lump of flesh and bones, with minimal brain function...he still sounds retarded and annoying like people with that condition. Aside from that, these guys are obviously talented...a lot of work went into these songs, I imagine...there's a lot of changes goin' on...technically proficient. And the singer is probably phenominally intelligent, but his vocal style just grates on my nerves...the high pitch "mad at my boyfriend" screaming...argh...shut up, will you? Be a man, "darn it all"! And, at least I didn't refer to this band as "Succotash Metal" ("suck" being the key phonetic syllable, there ;-)

Tony  "Terminal Descent"  Mikkelson

Have you ever come across these Germans before? Some of you may know them many years now cause this band exists since 1988 and they keep unleashing their holocausts upon us in regular periods of time. So two years after their previous release, "Angelwhore" they strike back with a new album, which could be described as sheer and pure force. What they deliver is an old fashioned mix of black with thrash metal or we'd better say they play blackened thrash metal. In fact their sound is really eerie and moves on the same wave length with bands like DESTRUCTION and BEWITCHED. Desaster possess and blend the roughness and extremity of black metal with the aggression and rebel attitude of thrash, having the right amount of blastbeats and mid tempo parts. The vocals are harsh and violent deep growls and they create a perfect aggressive end result combined with the heavy and catchy riffs. This is an album destined to be played and enjoyed live! The production of the album is very good, allowing all the instruments to show their power and potential and yet it also has an undeground feel, adding further points to the band's old school approach. "666 - Satan's Soldier Syndicate" is an album that will devastate both the band's fans and those who adore this genre and let me note that it also features guest appearances by Proscriptor (ABSU), A.A. Nemtheanga (PRIMORDIAL) and Ashmedi (MELECHESH). Need I say more?

Christine  Parastatidou

Well, this is somewhat interesting. The first song has a very "doomy" vibe, but then it interjects with some frenetic - angered gorilla-type breaking points, hhere and there. The next song has a "dreamy", dark, psychedelic tinged opening that springs into a barrage of flailing arms and legs of overdosed hippies at a Janis Joplin convention (if there's such a thing?). This frenzy is then mellowed out with a revelatory experience...of walking through the "doors of perception" and finding a "greater realm" beyond "common senses". All the songs, thus far, have some "clean vocals" that erupt into "screaming", but this isn't like most of the "post alternative/emo/screamo" bands out there...this actually sounds "good", the way it's delivered. It's not conveyed as "wimpy and whiny". There's a sense of real "pain"...something that can't be faked very easily unless you're a decent actor...and even then, you have to have a reference point to work from. I'm thinking this band MIGHT be similar to SOILENT GREEN, if my memory serves me correctly. It has that stop/start-herky-jerky (though, ironically, smooth transitions-or transmutations, going by the album title?) type of element to it. This band's music brings to mind the term "angst"...and the mixed state of manic depression, of which I might be a seasoned professional at experiencing...no wonder it resonates with me. ;-)

Tony  "Terminal Descent"  Mikkelson

Averse Sefira is a Texas based band existing more than a decade and up to now they have released 3 studio works and a live CD. However "Homecoming's March" isn't a new album, but actually it's the band's debut which was released in 1998 through their own label, thus we are talking about a self financed release. So for these standards it's definitely an above average work with a good enough production, though it is rather dim and muddy, but on the other hand this must have been done on purpose to make the end result sound more extreme and evil. The songs are quite complex, with tempos ranging from mid to fast and some nice thrashy riffs creating a more old fashioned atmosphere. The compositions are mainly inspired and follow the pattern of the Norwegian black metal scene with ominous songs and a dark and frozen atmosphere chilling your blood. The vocals are very good, typical black metal shrieks of hatred and although the band uses a drum machine in this release, you don't get annoyed, but I'd say it's rather well programmed. All in all this is a very good work presenting us a promising band with much potential, but nevertheless it's quite ordinary and typical of the genre. Nothing ground breaking here, but just good, grim black metal.

Christine  Parastatidou

Hell yeah! Finally, an album I can say moves me quite a bit! I've been a casual "fan" of Malevolent Creation for years and while they've never taken "center stage", in my mind, as a "can't live without" band, I've always respected them and was glad to hear any and all new material. I was slightly disappointed by the past couple/few titles (and I've lost track, too, of the newer stuff...not sure I've heard them all. "Envenomed" was the last I heard, and I don't really remember it too well). Anyway, they might not be in my top list of favorite bands but I still appreciate their contributions to METAL, in all its glory! :-) "Doomsday X" is quite refreshing to my ears...it has all the "classic" elements to it, that a Malevolent Creation album would (like, that "half step slope" thing, they do, that I can't quite describe, without pointing it out right when it's playing - as well as the mid range raspy growled vocals that fit the music SO well, unlike a lot of other bands). This album has a great balance to the instruments, in my opinion. The drums really stand out in the mix without overshadowing anything...the snare and toms are very tight and you can hear the double bass REALLY well. The guitars are FAST...wrist snappingly...neck breakingly FAST...just as they SHOULD be for a speed/death metal outfit of this caliber. All the songs have a rage to them, that's quite invigorating, and doesn't sound faked AND, they actually have solos that embellish the songs, not detract! One annoying thing, that isn't the band's fault, is the stupid "executive guy" saying "your listening to a new promotional CD that's the property of Massacre Records" (or something like that...whatever label they're on) every two to three minutes. I guess more and more labels are doing this. It hinders the listening experience, somewhat...makes me want to download this album from a P2P program and burn it for anyone and everyone, just to be rebellious. However, I know the labels want to make their money back and that's one way to stultify the process of sharing - to promote buying. I will say this disc might actually be one of the rare instances, in this day and age of economic uncertianty, to pay full price for...you might get your money's worth.

Tony  "Terminal Descent"  Mikkelson

Chthonian is a moniker that derives from an ancient Greek word that means a person who comes from the dark, from hades in particular. So, having a name like that the music must be fitting, it must be dark and grim and this is actually what this Finnish trio is presenting us here with their debut full length work. Tight, grim and violent death metal that hasn't got many references to the contemporary Gothenburg melodic death metal scene, but mainly draws inspiration from the old fashioned and more aggressive branch and of course from the American and more brutal scene. The band members have been together playing in various bands for almost a decade now so this means that they are very bonded and they have the experience and ability to write some tight and well crafted compositions. However, the thing with this band and actually with most bands is that there isn't much innovation or originality. They play good, they have great songs, ideal to let some steam off, but other than that it's nothing that you've never heard before.

Christine  Parastatidou

When this particular CD fell into my grasp, I just kept on drooling only with the anticipation of listening to the new release of the best Eastern death/black metal band ever! Impiety for those that don’t know anything about them yet (bad for you!!) come from the distant Singapore and their music can be described only as a pure war fucking battle inferno. After two years of silence and with a new line-up the brutal metallers appear again in the frontline with a new album entitled “Formidonis Nex Cultus”. 8 intimidating tracks full of sheer hatred and uncompromising bestiality unfolding impudently upon forceful death metal irruptions and raw black metal injections, forged upon the original anvil of masters like early BATHORY, early SARCOFAGO, SLAYER and POSSESSED. Warlike rhythms and shredding guitars along with a drum section that is simply outstanding, hammering like a war machine gun under an unstoppable evasion. Everything is just so fucking good in this album, the unyielding and thunderous riffs, the ripping bridges and the attacking yet right-based tempo changes along with the rigid backbone of the fast pounding drums. Extreme metal engineering raised with both adequate simplicity and convulsive dynamism that never seem to fall out of precision. The vocals featured by the warbeast Shyaithan are once more violent vomiting and spiting right into your face the lethal and blasphemous verses, although not to be acclaimed for their artistic cultivation. There’s nothing of a peaceful exclamation on this one, only primitive and crude atmosphere with a production that gives its best to grant this work with a most aggressive, furious and bombastic battlefield aura. I don’t think I should add anything more into this endless raving except only get this album at once or die!

Vaso  "Necromass"  Prassa

The band's moniker speaks for itself and gives a clear view of the lyrical themes this band deals with, which have paganism and war in a dominant place. According to the aforementioned, there is only one kind of music that fits in and this is no other than black metal. Barbaric black metal or even pagan black metal as it is most known. The atmosphere is really frozen and a barbaric feeling pours out of the compositions that dwell in the genre of primitive and old fashioned black metal. Up to now everything sounds positive for this Brazilian band that exists over a decade. Where things are spoiled and fail is in the fact that the compositions sound very ordinary and common with nothing special to stand out. There are a few sparse riffs scattered here and there, but this doesn't save the day and in fact the whole thing sounded to me uninspired and unconnected. The vocals are in the right tone and follow the famous Norwegian style of interpretation, but the backing vocals and the choirs quite often sound dissonant. One last thing that made this album an unpleasant listening for me is the fact of the really low and poor production, which is very dim and atonal. Some may consider this a pure obscure and underground release and they might even like it. Personally I'd rather to listen to other black metal groups. 

Christine  Parastatidou

This keeps bringing to mind a rock slide that covers hapless workers below. Maybe they caused their own demise? 'Cause the drums sound like jackhammers... drowning out any potential warmth of the guitars...yeah...this just sounds like construction workers on a hot summer day with some kind of grouchy supervisor trying to yell above the concrete smashers. It's like there's no depth to the overall sound. Everything's trying to be in your face at the same time making me want to ignore it all. Where's my ear plugs? In Battle, there is only one general who leads the troops, there is a rank to be acknowledged and appropriated. When one forgets their place in battle, the war is lost. There needs to be a separation of "specialists" within the unity to make the whole stronger than the individual parts. Conformity, like an army, only makes one powerless...controlled...just another faceless soldier...another number...another statistic to be thrown to the wind. Is a "Kingdom Of Fear" really only a homage to one who needs to "fit in"? I sense no real emotion in this "music", it's all "strategic"...all "by the numbers". It's like a modern day battle...not one of honour, courage, and outrage, like in days of old when one fought for their cultural heritage, homestead, unmarked land, etc. It was driven by emotion not a price tag. In Battle makes me want to shoot my own foot or jam pencils in my ears to escape my "duty".

Tony  "Terminal Descent"  Mikkelson

Malfeitor is an Italian based band featuring an ABORYM member, they only exist a year now and this month they've decided to unleash upon the ignorant masses their unholy black metal debut opus. Having influences and sounding close to bands like DARK THRONE, MAYHEM and IMMORTAL, helps you realize what you should expect to listen to on "Unio Mystica Maxima". Frozen, scraping guitars, lots of distortion, a frozen stinking of hate atmosphere and a pure obscure feeling, exactly in the philosophy of the old ways of black metal is what's in store for you. They like to call their music Luciferian black metal. We generally describe this sound as blasphemous or anti-Christian black metal. Either way you prefer, the truth is one and only... they are extreme, they are old fashioned, they come from the fathomless pits of hell and they are lurking to grasp your soul! If you like Norwegian frozen black metal, then Malfeitor might be a "pleasant" addition to your collection!

Christine  Parastatidou

I don’t think there’s one person out there being a metaller that doesn’t know or ever heard or listened to even for once Nightningale’s name or music. Surely the name of Dan Swano itself does simply do all the job. Well, here we have the sixth full length release of one of his many projects, this inquisitive and with many talents Swede is working with for the last 12 years. Entitled “White Darkness” it features 10 tracks of symphonic prog metal/rock touching even the boundaries of the AOR territory. With the participation of some well known musicians and along with his brother Tom Nouga-Dag Swano (rhythm, lead & acoustic guitars, keyboards) this new release continues on from their previous “Invisible” with a minimum metal influence expanding  its sound into much more mellow pop asthetics. Although the musicianship could be nothing but top notch this album exceeds with huge amounts of keybord layers crying out loudly the name of RUSH. The guitars are mostly pushed back filling the background with a rough 70´s hardrock penetration whilst the solos wherever they exist are really interesting. The bass from the other hand is quite hidden and difficult to discern and the drums keep moving at a slow pace as most of the songs are being structured in a ballad formula and the rest remain in a moderate tempo rhythm.  Dan Swano is doing a great job with his clear, crisp and well organized voice drifting almost into the AOR propensity. Finally the production is, as expected of course, rating above the average and how could it be otherwise! Overall, I can’t say I hated this album or that it made me a big fan of Nightingale (and to be honest I don’t think I will ever be). The songs, if you are deep into the prog/rock area and if the mellow pop vibe has never been a concern in your musical appetites or if the fair share of keybord melodies and catchy choruses make your spine shiver with delight, then they seem quite interesting and tasteful. But if on the other hand the almost complete lack of aggressiveness makes you impatient and displeased then skip this at once. So, choose your side and proceed likewise. 

Vaso  "Necromass"  Prassa

I suppose that all of you who dig death metal have come across this name before. This German quintet has been around since 1991 and up to now they have offered us a great deal of quality death metal albums. What is "Structures Of Death" all about? First of all let me tell you that this is pure, honest and in your face classic death metal! Fleshcrawl are one of the finest and most brilliant representatives of the old school sound with some mind blowing riffs and tempos that are either mid paced or fast, but not ultra fast as to lose track of what's going on and just listen to noise and violence. This band has the ability to transmit aggressiveness and violence and yet maintain a great deal of melody in their riffs and themes. Not the Gothenborg style of melody, but that ferocious melody that penetrates your brain and carves the songs in your memory. The vocals are deep harsh guttural grunts from a singer who pronounces every word clearly so you'll be able to understand most of the lyrics. The rhythm section is like a wall made from concrete with the bass standing out and giving the general pace. The production is good, but it has this in-purpose analog and old fashioned feeling making "Structures Of Death" sound even more classic. The limited first edition will be released in digipack format and will include a bonus track, "Rockin' Is My Business", THE FOUR HORSEMEN cover. If you are looking for a good headbanger, then all the proper ingredients are here creating an outcome that will devastate you! 

Christine  Parastatidou

Melodic rock from Italy with the guidance of the guitarist Ronny Taccola and with a woman in the vocal section named Natascia. “The Shadow Over Arkham” is an EP with four tracks following by far the abused melodic paths carved by pioneers THE GATHERING, yet with a less progressive attitude while looking persistently at the pop oriented fields of EVANESCENCE more like a general approach than a specific influenced hint and at the same time keeping strongly in mind those WITHIN TEMPTATION enclosures but with a decreased ethereal musical projection. The guitar lines are simple and rooted in a traditional rock format with abstract distorted guitar manipulations along with the slowly building basslines. The compositions are plain featuring occasionally slow, atmospheric beats with some variously intense and more passionate moments and the sound gets very accessible though with the lack of any profound results. As in many other female fronted bands, Natascia’s vocals emerge from the very start as the focal point of this musical achievement. And her voice is really good, soft and well-sounded with a nice, clear tone, sometimes in a melancholic driven path and others under a more hard and edgy pattern. However the songs are missing the magic touch that could craft them into a unique and impressive pack and their seer commercial display doesn’t help either. And the only clemency that someone could give to those Italians is being invoked by the fact that this is not a full length work. I hope the near future will find them with a clearer musical direction, a little bit more authentic, more daring and with a better view on their songwriting. 

Vaso  "Necromass"  Prassa

Eishelig is, as both the band's moniker and the album title imply, a German based band with all their lyrics actually being in their mother tongue. Well I've listened to this work a couple of times, really carefully paying close attention to every single detail and everything, but its meaning and purpose keep escaping me...  I mean it has nothing to do with metal music. It's a nerveless and toneless thing with no passion or power... in fact it's rather flat and repetitive. It's good for those who like ballads and calm things, mellow stuff to listen to in the background whilst doing house chores or it can be also used as a lullaby... Actually Eishelig sounded to me like the German version of H.I.M. so this is close to be considered a love metal release, but nothing as good as the original, real thing... I had to reach to the final track to actually enjoy something here. I'll keep my distances...

Christine  Parastatidou

Why is it when a band becomes "professional"..."professional" is actually what's bestowed ON the band by the producers and not necessarily what the band actually projects on its own, if left alone to develop naturally? Here we have a so called "good production". I imagine there were metronomes involved...ProTools e.q. tinkering and sterilization, rehearsals to the point of exhaustion...in which the exhaustion is heard in the final "product"...product...product-ion...production. Production is the keyword, here..."we are trying to SELL albums!" So, anyway the songs on this album just sound "rehearsed to death", in my opinion it's like being hit BY a hearse, really, but THAT would be more exciting. There's little to be held in "dynamics"...just "die-namics"? There's not much feeling that resonates with me...someone who's breath and heartbeat varies at any given moment...autonomically, yes...but with a natural "ebb and flow" that can't be completely quantized - kind of like the Fibonacci spiral. There's little "life" to this album, in my opinion...it's like an automaton. Robotic...lifeless. Boring. *YAWN!!!* It's like a choreographed boxing match, nothing like a real street fight. There's nothing savage about a stuffed grizzly bear. The only blood drawn from this is me breaking the disc in half...cutting my hands...actually, that's too harsh...haha...I won't even waste the time or energy doing such a thing...it's not even worth that...a band made emotionless evokes no emotion in others. Fans of sub-par CANNIBAL CORPSE rendering will probably dig the hell outta this stuff.

Tony  "Terminal Descent"  Mikkelson

The French band Hollow Corp. formed a few years ago and in 2005 they were ready to unleash their first creation unto us. A creation that is characterized by an intense mixture of metal with the hardcore and sludge sound. The tempos are mainly mid paced without some faster moments missing and the guitars are extremely heavy and distorted. However, this isn't just it since this French combo has also added many noise elements and a slight industrial essence making the end result sound more extreme and sharp. Their music is like a burst of violence and as we know France has a good reputation in the underground scene for producing some of the most extreme and unconventional bands out there. So if you like a great deal of noise and sludge into your music, Hollow Corp. will impress you. Personally I prefer the music I listen to to have a greater deal of melody. Not that melody lacks here, but it's suppressed under various tones of noise. I think I'll pass... 

Christine  Parastatidou

Disc 1:
This latest release from Danzig is a fucking unbelievable work!!!! Personally I'm totally in love with Glenn's first two albums "I" and "II Lucifuge". These lost tracks remind me a lot of this era. Fuck!! It's so hard to choose my favourite tracks from this album, but I'd probably pick at this point "Angel Of The 7th Dawn", "You Should Be Dying", "Satan's Crucifiction" and "The Mandrake's House". However I know that eventually and whilst listening to this release over and over again I'll choose some others... hehehehe... Anyway, the whole album has that dark, evil, yet sometimes sentimental feeling, like for example in "Cold, Cold Rain", but in general and overall it has a... kickass feeling!!! Shit!!!!! I think that this one HAS to become a CLASSIC!!!!! 

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

Disc 2:
As the album's title indicates this is nothing else than a gathering of some Danzig songs that have been written since the band's beginning in 1988 up until the release of "Circle Of Snakes". It's not a new album from that point of view, but it's something that the band's mastermind had in mind and wanted to do for almost a decade. Now the time was right, so he gathered all his previously unreleased songs, decided on the best ones and released them in a 2-CD package containing a total of 26 songs. Don't think that these songs have been left out all this time, because they were bad or out of the well known Danzig standards. All of them move on the classic and characteristic forms of this band, which I'd describe as evil/Satanic doom metal. The whole lot of them have the strong, dark vibe that all we, fans of the band, find so appealing and enchanting. However, I have to say that I think the first CD contains by far better songs. The album I'm presenting here consists of uneven songs with some being so great that they could have made it in the band's previous albums, but there are also some others that are rather insignificant or even boring. However, these ones are few and don't manage to reduce the overall quality of this 2-CD release. I think the band's fans should invest with no hesitation!

Christine  Parastatidou

"Livin' On A Dream" is an album that I really enjoyed listening to! Apart from the fact that all the tracks are radio hits, in addition Robin interprets the songs in a very passionate way that raises the elm of quality even higher. My favourite tracks are "Runaway" and the strange, but wonderful "Magic". If you're a hit lover and want to listen to some more great songs, check any of "Livin' On A Dream"'s tracks and I'm sure that you'll end up buying the album! Excellent!!

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

And here we have a new album from one of the rising forces of Japan and why not? Of the worldwide metal scene! This is their fourth studio album, but the second one that finds its way in Europe and I'm sure "Mozaiq" will create a controversy with its pioneering and ground breaking music. I'm dead certain it's going to "annoy" many who think of metal as a music that doesn't tolerate outside elements or who believe a release isn't metal because it has keyboards or samples in it. If you belong to this category, then you will never realize what these guys do and you'd better move on to something closer to your liking. Now for the rest of you that have stayed with me I have to say that for me Blood Stain Child is one of the most impressive and special bands I've come across. They try to bring a breeze of fresh air in the stagnant waters of melodic death metal and I think they pull it off in the best possible way! "Mozaiq" moves on the same path as its predecessor "Idolator" only this time the band has decided to focus more on the electronic elements and samples, so the album has an intense industrial/trance sound that in many songs supplants the melodic death metal character of the compositions. However, all the songs are powerful, full of energy and volume and personally after the first listening that left me gaping with my mouth open trying to realize what had hit me and to "digest" the sheer force of "Mozaiq", I felt totally ecstatic, thrilled and craving to see this six piece combo perform live. If this album isn't ideal for headbanging, then tell me what is...

Christine  Parastatidou

This is Hellfueled's latest release. They seem to move, little by little, away from their heavy Ozzy - Zakk influence and create a more personal sound on "Memories In Black", but sadly the result is weaker than their fantastic "Volume One" or the very, very good "Born II Rock". Hopefully this album is a transitional phase where they try to experiment more on finding their totally personal identity. Either way there are three songs in this release that really moved me and I'm talking about "Warzone", "The Search Goes On" and "Down".

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

According to an interview with Ministry's mastermind Al Jourgensen, "The Last Sucker" will be the last studio album ever recorded from the band. So we're here presenting you the band's swansong, their final chapter and never again has a last opus been so special and so great, so extraordinary and exceeding all given standards. The realization of never again listening to something new from this band will surely strike you and devastate you as it happened to me... This is the epitome of an incredible, outstanding and amazing release that is 100% from beginning to end what we describe as music created for a live environment. Ministry have been around since 1981, that's a long time... but they have this ability and 26 years after they can still sound fresh, modern and innovative without ever making any compromises or jeopardizing their sound for the sake of more recognition. "The Last Sucker" also ends the "trilogy" of the band's anti-Bush campaign, castigating all the ill-doings and bad decisions of the president and his government concerning their views on what external affairs really means... This gives you a pretty good hint about the lyrics, which are caustic, to the point and make the brain cells work intently towards the socio-political implications of our deeds. As for the music... it's heavy and metal!!! This is industrial metal at its best form and it's been infused with a great deal of other genres. So, you'll listen to some doom and slowly creeping tempos, some harsh death metal riffs, a great deal of industrial elements, some super a la DEAD KENNEDY's punk tinges and of course vocals that vary from distorted to aggressive shrieks conveying all the power and passion of the world! The solos are great, adding up and offering more depth to the compositions, without ever dominating them or showing off. If I had to describe "The Last Sucker" in a few words, I'd say it's extremely catchy, top notch industrial heavy metal and a pure head banger! You'll also find a cover version of THE DOORS' "Roadhouse Blues" that has been so accelerated and changed, perfectly adapted by Ministry that it will take you a while to realize this is not one of their songs. "Roadhouse Blues" has been turned into a spead freak and though some might disagree with me, I think it's much, much better than the original version. Last but not least I'd like to say that FEAR FACTORY's frontman Burton C. Bell contributed vocals on "Die in a Crash" and "End Of Days Parts One And Two" and Casey Chaos (AMEN, SCUM) did the vocals on "Roadhouse Blues".

Christine  Parastatidou

This mini CD contains two songs from the upcoming album "Rocket Attack". The first song "My Home Town" is a very nice balad. The second one, "Warmblooded Woman" is a typical bluesy - hard rock tune. Both of them are heavily influenced from the American scene and they have a southern feeling. They didn't impress me much, but let's wait for the whole album and see...

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

"Metal Casino" the sophomore studio work from this Swiss quartet came one year after their debut, "Sons Of Armageddon" and it aspires to exceed its predecessor and create a stronger fan base for the band. Actually I think it has the potential and ability to succeed its goals simply because it presents a tight band with a real chemistry and remarkable skills in creating catchy hard rock - melodic heavy metal songs. What The Order's music is all about is beautiful melodies accompanied by some catchy and heavy riffs and tunes that lift you up and raise your spirit high! This is the epitome of what I call happy music and having a good time, whilst boosting your morale! However since this is a melodic heavy metal band you should expect quite many ballads, slightly melancholic, but always very sweet and passionate. They are superb, but personally I don't like ballads. I'm a speed freak. The last thing I want to mention here before ending this presentation is that The Order would have been a quite ordinary and typical group, if it hadn't been for their amazing, incredible and astounding singer, Gianni Pontilo. Definitely one of the best and most emotive vocalists out there, who manages to elevate the songs and bring them to the world's premier league!!!

Christine  Parastatidou

Orange Goblin's latest release follows their usual stoner type of sound. Throughout the record I noticed some cool riffs, but not of the lever and quality that I expected from them. The weird thing is that the only song I've chosen and I think really stands out is "Mortlake (Dead Water)" which is a fantastic instrumental ballad heavily influenced by classical music! The rest of the tunes despite the fact that they have some good ideas, they were few and sparse without having the ability to elevate the songs and pump more adrenaline through my veins.

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

Heartbreak Engines is a German five-piece powerful combo that delivers to us catchy and uptempo punk rock music basing a great deal of their sound on classic rock 'n' roll and old fashioned hard rock as they both have been formed and shaped by colossal bands we all respect and still listen to. What I liked in this punk rock 'n' roll album is the fact that it's uplifting and positive. It fills you with optimism and relaxes you. It's definitely a pleasant listening and it must be great for live shows and for hanging around with friends. "One Hour Hero" will surely satisfy the fans of both punk and rock 'n' roll, having some really great songs and quite special ideas and themes in it, but for someone like me, who isn't so much into these genres, it might not be the break through we are looking for. I'm sure, however, that it's going to create a fuss in the punk underground scene with its catchy and uptempo character.

Christine  Parastatidou

"World On Fire" was an easy, pleasant and very interesting experience to listen to! Angel House is a fine example showing us that you don't need to shred on the guitar, make crazy or wild voices or even use a great deal of sound effects to impress the listener. This band just does it with catchy riffs, warm vocals, beautiful melodies and some -not so huge- surprises in the song arrangements. Man, because of their generally simple, but so catchy playing, before I even realized it one song after the other were finishing! And though the main atmosphere of the album was mostly moody, I really enjoyed listening to it! Way to go dudes!!

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

The Generators is a band from Los Angeles and is here to present us their sixth studio work that delivers catchy and in your face punk rock that depends and bases its sound on great melodies and memorable riffs which build choruses that stick to your mind.  Being around over a decade now and having established a strong fan base, has offered The Generators the ability to have gained much experience which results in the quality of the compositions that are ideal for live shows and parties. "The Great Divide" contrary to its title not only it won't divide people who listen to different genres, but it's actually going to bring them closer and unite them. If you like bands like BAD RELIGION and GREEN DAY and have an inclination towards great melodic lines and passionate vibes, then this is an album for you. "The Great Divide" also contains a very good cover version of ROLLING STONE's "Paint It Black", where we listen to the band having adapted the song to their own style and sound.

Christine  Parastatidou

Wanted is a Greek hard rock band from Thessaloniki and after a demo which I found really amazing they are back with a full debut album. "Neon Nights" is a pure hard rock album with everything that a release of that kind should have. Nice melodies, very good guitar riffs and vocals coming straight from classic hard rock albums. I must say that Wanted have given their best to come out with a very good album and they prove why the Greek metal scene is so popular abroad. For all metallers who still keep on roking.

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

The first and most dominant word that comes to my mind every time I listen to "Plagues", which by the way is an ideal title for what's in store for you here, is chaos! Full blown out chaos and I think it could be a first class soundtrack for a horror film, especially something about the apocalypse and the war between heaven and hell. This is what these 10 tracks will make you feel, but let's better describe what you are going to listen to on the sophomore work from this U.S. sextet. Their music is undoubtedly modern and moves in the same wave length with bands like SLIPKNOT, meaning that they give an extra emphasis in extremity without though neglecting melody. In fact and if I want to be precise I have to say that their music walks on a fine line between technicallity and extreme aggression, both of which are enriched with beautiful melodies, a great deal of complexity and originality. The Devil Wears Prada has definitely managed to form a personal sound with their amazingly technical and even progressive music, their hardcore influences, their incredible melodic lines and some sparse grindcore tinges to spice the whole thing up a bit more! This is a hell of a release, but it's only going to be appreciated by the open minded extreme metal freaks who like to dig some good head bangers!!!

Christine  Parastatidou

I'll start my review from the ninth track of "Give Me Your Soul... Please". I'm talking about "Shapes Of Black" which sounded to me like a typical and regular song for King Diamond. But the rest of the songs are SO fuckin' full of everything that they are simply astonishing! Starting with the concept I have to say that it is the continuation of all those terrifying stories that King narrates. So, here we have another freaky, horror story... fuckin'g great! As for the music I find it very difficult to express my admiration for what the band has done this time! The melodies are fantastic, the riffs are fantastic, the sound effects are fantastic and everything sounds so fresh, inspired, essential, accurate and so on... A great deal of credit for all this I guess goes to King's right hand Andy LaRocque who contributes with his totally kick ass guitar playing and in other different aspects as well in making a diamond record for... King Diamond!! So, watch out and be careful to whom you'll give your soul, cause King is waiting in every dark, cold and bloody hall!!! Hehehe...

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

Revolution Mother is a newcoming act from the U.S. with only a few years of experience and "Glory Bound" is their debut work that presents us a rather modern combination of a number of genres. So this band blends in alternative rock, sludge and punk with the dirty feeling and approach of MOTORHEAD. They have a great vibe and a pure rock 'n' roll feeling in many of their songs with some really catchy riffs and cool rhythm parts. What I like a lot about them is the fact that their tempos change from fast to slow in a blink of an eye. They try everything that suits them and they mix it all together. The vocals are mainly harsh, close to the hardcore way of singing, but there are also some clean vocal parts. The thing I didn't like is that I found the album rather uneven with some superb songs and some others being mediocre or quite insignificant compared to the other ones. Revolution Mother are definitely in the right direction and I'm sure we'll hear a lot about them in the near future. Keep an eye on them!

Christine  Parastatidou