Hard Announcements

METAL TO THE BONE!

"The Forbes Critique"
January / February 2008
All Reviews by Chris Forbes

BRADEN LAND
Dirt
(Retriever Records)

This was just a bunch of folk music that I have no idea why they would send this to David for a review. I guess it is OK for what it is, but I am not a fan of folk music and the guy has a pretty cool voice and can play the harmonica, but this is not my cup of tea at all. No contact info was included.

II BIG
Face In The Glass
(Russian River Records)

This was some good ole southern rock n roll that really surprised me as not many groups are doing this sort of thing these days. The music is very catchy and the singer has a nice soulful voice that I really liked. The music has a southern rock flavor to it and I love the guitar sound and the way the songs are written and played. If your a classic rock fan, then you'll love this as did I. Info: http://www.riverrox.com

ERA VULGARIS
What Stirs Within
(Open Your Ears Music)

This was billed as progressive thrash and while I wouldn't go that far, this was a pretty good release. The band do play thrash metal with a mix of the old and nu metal style, but it is not overdone and is only in spots. The singer uses some of the tough guy vocals, but not that often and don't sound forced like a lot of other bands. The music is quality thrash metal with some good thick riffs and a bit of progressive parts here and there. There aren't many jump metal riffs or parts, which helped make this more than just an average band. Pretty cool stuff from this band and I enjoyed this as I listened to it a few times and picked up some new things each time. Info: http://www.openyourearsmusic.com

MONDO GENERATOR
Dead Planet
(Suburban Noize)

I was ready to write this off as another faceless nu metal, but hell no was I wrong. This is some kick ass shit. Yes, the band play groove metal, but they play it with such passion and feeling that I was moved and really got into this. I would say this is one of the best playing this style and when it is done the right away, it can kill. And kill this baby does. The band mix in some hardcore flavor to the mix and the singer doesn't do the Pantera wanna-be style and has his own and his style and voice fit the music. I love the wicked guitar sound and the song structures aren't just mosh like riffs. Very cool and different stuff as this band kicked my ass. Info: http://www.suburbannoizerecods.com

LANDON BAND
Defying The Stereotype
(Self Released)

I am not a huge fan of all these female fronted bands, but this one is a pretty good one. The band play modern rock with big thick mosh like riffs, but the girl singer has a cool voice and it fits the music, which isn't too bad. The band play modern metal with plenty of dance like riffs, but the singer just makes the difference. She can sing with aggression or like a little baby. It is a weird, but cool combo and the songs just were so catchy and well played that they won me over by like song 4. I could see a band like this selling quite a few records with the right push. Info: http://www.landonband.com

BRUFORD
Rock Goes To College
(WInter Fold Records)

This was a band composed of Annette Peacock, Allan Holdsworth, Dave Stewart, Jeff Berlin, and Bill Bruford and they played only 2 concerts before they broke up. This was recorded in 1979 and this is really, really progressive type of stuff. There isn't much vocals, but the songs were cool and this band sounded tight and stuff too. If your into really early Genesis, Traffic, etc then you will go nuts over this. This isn't something I went nuts over, but I can see the appeal and it was some cool music and I loved the jamming the band did. Nice production too. Info: http://www.winterfoldrecords.com

CAESER PINK & THE IMPERIAL ORGY
Gospel Hymns For Agnostic Atheists
(Chief Logan Records)

This was power pop rock and it wasn't very good in my opinion. The tunes lacked any fire and just plodded along and I didn't dig the vocals much neither. The songs didn't have any bite to them and were very weak in nature. I didn't like the guitar sound at all and it seemed to me this was like a bad version of The B'52's. Info: http://www.imperialorgymusic.com

TASMIN ARCHER
On
(Quiver Disc)

This was some mellow type of college rock and I really liked it. The female singer has an awesome voice and her vocals fit the music as she sings in a really cool soulful voice and she sings with a ton of passion and the songs, even though mellow, were really enjoyable to my ears. The band can write some passionate music that really sucks you in. If your into the mellow side of stuff, I can think of no better band than this.

THE HORRIFICS
Now Fear This
(1031 Records)

This was some vicious hardcore that I really liked. The tunes were fast, furious and no nu metal or tough guy vocals to be found. This was the real deal of hardcore music. Shouted vocals, fast riffs and drumming pounding speed. This band could have come out of the 80's and wouldn't have been out of place. 17 tr acks that brought back many memories of the 80's hardcore scene. Great band. Info: http://www.1031records.com

KULT OF AZAZEL/VROLOK
Feast Of Sacrilegious Impurity
(MVD Audio)

Kult offer up their brand of black metal which is played with the fury of a charging bull. This band is the real deal and they even throw in a nice Sodom cover done their way. This band have been playing their brand of black metal for quite some time and on this they show once again why they crush and kill. This is some older material, but sounds fresh to these ears. You also get some live stuff as well. Vrolok offer up some of the rawest black metal I have heard in quite some time. It reminds me of Hellhammer at times and it the perfect blend of raw intensity sure to please real black metal fans. The band just rip and crush through a series of black metal tunes that would make satan proud. Info: http://www.mvdb2b.com

SIX OUNCE GLOVE
Timing Is Everything
(Rock Ridge Music)

This was modern rock stuff like Daughtrey. The music was modern rock n roll with a touch of metal added. The singer had a decent voice and he fits what style of music the band is playing. Most of the riffs and songs were heavy and catchy and while this is something I am not a big fan of, it was good for what it is and they seem to be better than a bunch of other bands doing this style and if your into modern rock, here ya go. Info: http://www.rockridgemusic.com

ZERO1ZERO
Degrees Of Seperation
(2 Records)

This is modern nu metal stuff that sounds like every other band that is doing this style. Plenty of thick fat dance metal riffs with those Limp Biskit like vocals. The band has all the groove parts down so there will be a big pit when they play live. This is no different than 100 other nu metal bands I have heard. This does nothing for me and is just another run of the mill nu dance metal band. Info: http://www.2records.net

ARTHUR KILL
The Pain
(On Top Entertainment)

This was some really good modern metal music full of hooks and some awesome singing. The music is heavy, catchy and mixes modern rock with some metal added to the mix. The band just write some of the catchiest riffs I have heard in quite some time. The singer has a clear, powerful voice and these songs just kicked my ass. About time a rock band came out and kicked my ass. Info: http://www.ontoprecs.com/arthurkill.html

SERAPHIM SLAUGHTER
Scum Terror
(Aids Needle Records)

This was chaotic out of control death metal. I didn't like it at first, but after a few tunes I was digging this. The production is raw, but that is OK with me. The singer screams his lungs out I bet his throat hurts after every show. The band play a old school almost thrashy death sound at times. This is not some trendy band that is for sure. The music is mostly fast and like I said the music and stuff is chaotic and old school in style almost like some 80's death metal demos I used to get. Think Whiplash if they played death metal and yes that is with the vocals too. Info: http://www.seraphimslaughter.com

INNER BRIGHT
Iridescent
(Disenchantment Records)

Boring rock/metal that just didn't connect with my ears. I felt the songs dragged and the hooks didn't impress me at all. The songs just plodded along and I wasn't feeling this at all. Some may like this, but for me it was just boring modern rock/metal that almost put me to sleep. Info: http://www.myspace.com/theinnerbright

TRIGGER EFFECT
Self Titled
(Self Released)

This was some terrific hard rock that was highlighted by some great singing and some awesome riffs. This band can write some great tunes let me say. The music is heavy and still catchy and has a nice melodic side to it as well. The vocals are clean, but are still sung in an aggressive way. The production allows everything to be heard and I liked what I heard. Info: http://www.myspace.com/trigeffect

PATHOSRAY
Self Titled
(The Laser's Edge)

The band's bio said they are one of the best kept secrets in the Italian metal scene. After listening to this I would 2nd that motion. This is some really awesome progressive metal with touches of melody. The singer has an incredible, passive metal voice that sounds perfect for this band. The music is heavy, catchy and powerful all in one swoop. The songs sucked me in and kept me there till the last note. Thank god there is no Dream Theater clone stuff with this band. Well, worth getting. Info: http://www.lasersedgegroup.com

JUICEHEAD
The Devil Made Me Do It
(Misfit Records)

This is a neat little punk rock release that is not full of jump metal and tough guy vocals and trying to be the next Pantera. This is raw, stripped down punk rock. The tunes are simple and catchy numbers with some cool old school punk rock vocals. Think the Circle Jerks or one of those old punk bands. This is the way punk rock was meant to be played. Nuff said. Info: http://www.misfitrecords.com

DEEP BLUE
Chaos From Darkside
(Misfit Records)

More really punk rock from this label. This band are a bit faster and a bit more violent than the above band on this label. The band still have a sense of melody to them, but the tunes are more faster and more pissed off than the above band on this label. The production again isn't over produced and there is 20 minutes of bonus tunes on this too. As an extra you also get a DVD that clocks in at over 2 hours and features such goodies as a full concert (which they sounded quite good) and some videos and other goodies. If your really lucky you might just purchase one of the copies that the band signed themselves. This label is batting 2 for 2 with yours truly. This is a label that looks like its bringing back real punk rock and I salute them with the horns. Info: http://www.misfitrecords.com

RISE TO ADDICTION
A New Shade Of Black For The Soul
(Mausoleum Records)

This was a really good modern rock/metal band. The band play catchy rock with a metal edge that has tons of hooks and melodies along with some strong vocals. I am a sucker for good riffs and you will find lots of them on this baby. The music is still heavy and stuff and I really got into this as this sucked me and didn't let me go. This isn't groove nor any trendy stuff, just good to great solid rock/metal that can kick ass at times. Info: http://www.mausoleum-records.com

THE SCREAMIN LORDS
Long Live Me
(Brannick Records)

Brilliant rock n roll that reminded me a lot of the sadly missed Hardline. I have no idea who is singing as the bio or CD never mentions who, but he has one set of lungs and he sounds perfect on this disc. This is just a pure no frills kick ass rock n roll band with no jump metal, no trends and just plain kicked my ass. The tunes are catchy, but still heavy and melodic and I am a sucker for a good riff and this had great riff after great riff. I found the singer's name in the credits and Robin McAuley just plain rocks on this disc and if your a fan of melodic hard rock then you need this and I think if memory serves me that Robin also sang in Hardline as well. Info: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/screaminlords

RUBIN
Let It Out
(Self Released)

This was like some alternative rock like Coldplay or something like that. Was it good? I thought this was OK, it is not something I am a big fan of. The tunes are a bit catchy and the guy that sings has a good voice for the style of music he is playing and the production is decent and stuff. If you into some of the modern college rock type of stuff, you might like this and like I said I think it is good for what it is. Info: http://www.rubinmusic.com

BOBAFLEX
Tales From The Dirt Town
(TVT Records)

This is one of those modern groove metal bands and it wasn't too bad for what it was. The band thankfully don't use a lot of the tough guy vocal crap and the tunes weren't too bad at the tunes were somewhat catchy and not over generic. The production is pretty good and the singer has a decent voice and this is much better than some of those let's clone Pantera type of bands. I am not a big fan of this stuff, but this was one of the better new bands that I have heard. Info: http://www.tvtrecords.com

EMIGRATE
A Tale Of 2 Cities
(Emigrate Productions)

This is the new project of one of the guitar players in the band Rammstein. I have not heard much about his band except I know they like to use flames apparently. Anyway this music is sort of like Rob Zombie's stuff in a way. It is heavy no doubt and also throws in some industrial style into the mix. The music is quite catchy and the vocals are aggressive, but clear. The production is heavy and yes I like the heavy guitar sound. This sort of to me sounded like Rob Zombie mixing with older Ministry. The tunes here were very good and even the keyboard parts were put in the right mix. I didn't think I would like this, but it carries the right amount of heavy along with a melodic side and like I said I am a sucker for a good riff and this had more than I could count. Info: http://www.emigrate.eu

ASHES OF YOUR ENEMY
The Undying
(Crash Music Inc)

This is more At The Gates style of thrash metal and I am not a big fan of this stuff as there is way too many bands doing this style nowadays and doing the death metal and clean vocal style has been done to death by now. I realize it is hard being original, but please lose the clean vocals. The music is bone crushing thrash with lots of razor sharp riffs and doesn't sound that bad until the band slides into the clean vocal stuff. Been there and heard that. The production is perfect and the guitar sound is killer and if you can look past the clean vocals this might be something you like. Info: http://www.crashmusicinc.com

CHINGALERA
In The Shadow Of The Black Palm Tree
(Pacific Recordings)

Holy shit is this some damn heavy stuff. This is doomy stuff that wouldn't be out of place in the 70's. The production has that feel to it as well. Think Kyuss and early Soundgarden. The riffs sucked me in and I was hanging on every note. The vocals are warpy in a way and I just loved every second of this. This is godly heavy and is heavier than a 2 ton truck folks. You also get a bonus DVD disc that shows you the history of the band and a few other cool goodies. It doesn't get much heavier than this. Info: http://www.chingalera.org

SINGLE BULLET THEORY
On Broken Wings
(Crash Music)

This was groove metal with annoying female opera like vocals. Why do bands use this style of vocals when it has been done to death? They sound out of place and ruin what might be a decent release. This band play decent thrash metal at times, but the female vocals ruin it. If you can excuse the female vocals then this isn't so bad as the band do execute some killer riffs at times. Info: http://www.crashmusicinc.com

POLKADOT CADAVER
Purgatory Dance Party
(Rotten Records)

This might be one of the weirdest releases I have ever reviewed for Ballbuster. This is just insane and is so off the wall it is hard to describe, but here goes. This band mix in hardcore, metal, death metal, industrial, dance, goth and out comes this release. It came be going off in a gothic dance area and then blast into some death metal. The vocals are warped and out of this world. At first I hated this, but through the night I gave it a few more spins and it grew on me so it might take you a few spins to get into it. The production is thick and good and if you have an open mind and are looking for something completely different, I have your band right here. Amazing, but crazy release. Info: http://www.rottenrecords.com

THE AUTUMN OFFERING
Fear Will Cast No Shadow
(Victory Records)

Wow this really threw me for a loop. This is melodic death metal that I didn't think I would like, but I did. I didn't like the dual vocal stuff, but the music is a different story. The band is different and yes they are heavy and throw in some fast stuff, but they just have this melodic side that really grabs me. The production is nice and the guitar sound is thick and mint. I am not a fan of the vocals, but that is just my personal taste. Info: http://www.victoryrecords.com

NIGHTS LIKE THESE
Sunlight At Secondhand
(Victory Records)

This was nu metal groove with the tough guy vocals. I usually like a lot of stuff this label has been putting out, but this was a case of the same ole same ole. The music and the vocals sound like way too many other groove bands to stand out from the pack. The production is good and the songs aren't bad, but they just sound like too many other bands. Info: http://www.victoryrecords.com

ARISE AND RUIN
The Final Dawn
(Victory Records)

This is some pretty jaw dropping death metal that hits often and hits hard. Just bone crushing riffs of razor sharp riffs along with the some nice death metal vocals is what you will find here. The production is crisp and the guitar sound is thick and heavy. A really good release. Info: http://www.victoryrecords.com

BLESS THE FALLEN
The Eclectic Sounds Of A City Painted Black and White
(Crash Music)

This is some damn generic it is not funny. Total garbage is what this is. This band mix up every cliche in the book. They have all the nu metal groove riffs down to a science and they do so overused death metal tough guy and clean vocals style. I almost threw up as this played on. Bands like this are a dime a dozen and why on earth would anybody find this of any kind of value is beyond me. Bands like this ruin an over crowded scene. Info: http://www.crashmusicinc.com

AS I LAY DYING
An Ocean Between Us
(Metal Blade Records)

This was some pretty rip roaring thrash by these guys. I love guitar sound and these tunes hit hard and hit often. The tunes were catchy and oh so heavy and had my neck and body moving. The production was perfect as everything sounds mint and the vocals are gruff and violent in nature and didn't sound bad to these ears. Each tune sounded good and there is a bunch of thrash bands now coming out and I would say this is one of the best I have heard so far. Info: http://www.metalbladerecords.com

RED LINE CHEMISTRY
Chemical High & A High Grenade
(Self Released)

If this band gets signed and on a good label with a push they could easily sell a million records. This just kicked my ass from pillar to post. This is awesome modern rock n roll with tons of hooks and some incredible singing. The songs were heavy. melodic and have some of the best vocals this side of the Atlantic. The production is perfect as everything sounds right where it ought to be. This band is that damn good they deserve a deal and you need to pick this up and remember what I said above. Record labels have I got a band for ya. Info: http://www.redlinechemistry.com

GAMMA RAY
Land Of The Free II
(SPV)

This band is back with a new relese of power metal that will make some more necks hurt. Melodic riffs that are so damn catchy, but yet so heavy too. I am a sucker for a good riff and this is a place to find a lot of them. Kai Hansen has come up with the goods again as these tunes just plain kick ass and you'll be loving life if your a power metal fan. His vocals sound very nice on this and he has a thick, but clean voice. 12 tunes are found on this baby and expect lots of gallop riffs, chanting vocals and get an icepack for your neck. Production is nice and clear too. Apparently the band recorded a release in 1995 called "Land of the Free" and this is like a follow up or a part 2 of that release and I may have to go search that out now. Info: http://www.spvusa.com

ANNIHILATOR
Metal
(SPV)

Jeff Waters said in the bands bio that this was one cool guitar release and after listening to this, I am not going to argue. Track 1 will get your neck snapping with an up tempo style and double bass drumming. Track 2 had an almost jazz beginning and then vaulted off into the metal zone. Not every track is a thrasher cut, as some are just plain heavy, but every track is catchy and the singer, Dave has a kick ass voice and sings with passion and emotion and really helps bring out the best in this. The production is thick and bottm heavy and oh man is that guitar crunch on the money. Jeff has come up with one hell of a release he should be proud of. Info: http://www.spvusa.com

THREE
The End Is Begun
(Metal Blade Records)

This band really bored me. I didn't like the vocals and the music was just "blah". The band even through in a little funk in track 2, but there was nothing here that made me stand up and take notice. The tunes just ploded along like a snail and they just didn't do it for me. There was no hook or cathy melody line to sucker me in. Info: http://www.metalbladerecords.com

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Hard Announcements

METAL TO THE BONE!

"The Forbes Critique" January / February 2008 All Reviews by Chris Forbes

"The Forbes Critique"
January / February 2008
All Reviews by Chris Forbes