Hard Announcements

METAL TO THE BONE!

"The Forbes Critique"
March / April 2007
All Reviews by Chris Forbes

PAIN OF SALVATION
Scarsick
(Inside Out Music)

This was groove dance style metal and while I am not a fan of this style at all, this was better than some of the bands doing this style. They just have this weird guitar style to the songs that kinda made this enjoyable. I think that and the lack of the tough guy vocals made it more of a nice listening experience. Info: http://www.insideoutmusic.com

MATHIAS
Self Titled
(No Face Records)

Very boring metal band here. Song after song of faceless metal that plods along with no direction and little hope. The band plays metal, but the songs are not strong and they lack punch, melody and just didn't do a thing for me. Reminded me of Spinal Tap and that is not a good thing. Info: http://www.nofacerecords.co.uk

EVANESCE
Secure The Shadow
(No Face Records)

Hard hitting death metal with a big of groove, but this leans more to the old school side of things. I love the thick, meaty death metal guitar sound and the vocals are just what the doctor ordered. Think Entombed meeting Dismember with a little less of the speed. All the tunes are quite good and the production is right where it needs to be. A band worth checking out. Info: http://www.nofacerecords.co.uk

ABIGAL WILLIAMS
Legend
(Candlelight Records)

This is a 5 song ep and it isn't too bad. The band mix in black metal, groove and At The Gates death metal. The production is heavy and thank god the band don't do the tough guy groove or vocal stuff. The band just mix in enough of each style to keep this from getting stale. The band can write some wicked riffs and I look forward to hearing the full length from this band. Info: http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com

FIFTY CALIBER KISS
Armor Class Invincible
(Universal Warning Records)

This was some warped, fucked up shit. The band mix in some old Pantera with some down n dirty metal with some trashy vocals to boot. The band isn't groove, it's not thrash or death metal, it's crazy metal ha ha. The band use those screaming tough guy vocals that I fuckin hate, but the music is warpy in spots. This is a band you will either love or hate. You choose. Info: http://www.mvdb2b.com

TEN WEST
Self Titled
(Blue Label)

This was pop rock along folk at times. I am not into this sort of thing, but for what it was, it wasn't bad. The guy singing has a nice voice and the songs are catchy poppy numbers. Sort of like Dave Matthews band or REM and if your into this sort of stuff I would say these guys write songs as good as those 2 afore mentioned bands. Info: http://www.tenwestmusic.com

CRIES HANNAH
Beloved I Caught You When You Fell
(Crash Music)

Typical Oz Fest groove metal crap with the 2 sets of vocals and the breakdown parts. Yawn. Bands like this are a dime a dozen and this band is doing not one damn thing new and it is tired and old and I am sick of all these jump metal breakdown bands. This is pure crap and sounds like every other band doing this style. Info: http://www.crashmusicinc.com

PLANETARY
Traindodge
(Ascetic Records)

This was some solid alternative rock that is well played and was very enjoyable to my ears. These guys know how to write a riff and they don't lack in the heavy department neither. This was sort of like Helmet in spots. The band just write some catchy, balls to the wall riffs and the vocals are different and the band also can lay down a melody as well. This band was different, refreshing and this is easily a top 20 for the year 2007. This band can set you into a mood and the suck you in and it won't let you out till the last note is played. Info: http://www.asceticrerecords.com

TOROK
Addiction Of Fools
(Nightmare Records)

The band's bio said they mix 80's rock with some 70's rock and that description isn't far off the mark. This is hard rock 80's style, but without all the glam and make-up, etc. This band played rock n roll with a little big of metal to them and yeah they wouldn't be out of place on a 80's release. The band can write some pretty catchy riffs and the singing is right out of the 80's rock playbook. This is just plain good ole rock n roll that is missing from today's scene and this band was a breath of fresh air from all the groove, generic death metal, etc that is being releases now. Info: http://www.nightmare-records.com

VALIOMIERDA
Self Titled
(FiveCore Records)

This was deathcore groove and wasn't bad at all. The band mix in a bit of the old school and some punk/hardcore overtones as well as some Nuclear Assault style of underground metal. The vocals are a bit like SOD and the music is fast hardcore style with some groove mixed in. The raw production only adds to this and fits the music quite well. I think this was released on their own label and a band like this deserves a deal as this was quite good and the fast parts crush all. Info: http://www.5corerecords.com

FRONTSIDE
Nasze Jest Krolestmo Potega I Chwatra Wata Na Wieki
(Metal Mind Records)

I got no bio, but I think this is 2 different releases rolled into 1 on this. The band play death metal with groove and sound like every other band doing this style. Tired death metal vocals and the music is plodding along and goes from slow groove to fast parts. It just sounds old, worn out and tired. Too many other bands did this before and did it better. The groove parts are so generic and this reminded me of a bad Sepultura. Info: http://www.metalopolis.pl

ZAK DANIELS
And The One Eyed Snakes
(Big Water Records)

11 tracks of perfect rock n roll. God these songs are so catchy it isn't funny. Well crafted tunes that are catchy as fuck and this is what is missing in today's rock scene. No groove, no wimps, just ass kicking rock n roll. The production is right out of the 80's as is the singing. I can't say much more, but to say this is pure rock n roll that will bring a smile to your face if your into old style rock n roll from the late 70's and early 80's, but not the poser crap, then here ya go. We need more bands like this. Info: http://www.zakdaniels.com

Y.O.C.
Covers 2003-2006
(Self Released)

I have no info on this band except that this is a CD full of some band covers. They ruin Slayer (Season of the Abyss) and Iron Maiden (Only the Good Die Young). They do 1 original and that isn't even good. Why they put no contact info on the CD I'll never know. Sorry no further info available.

THE MICHAEL LANDAU GROUP
Live
(Tone Center Records)

This is a 2 disc live set from this guy and he plays the blues and he plays with a passion and style not matched by many. I had never heard of this guy, but by the end of disc one I sure knew who he was. This is some excellent blues rock played with feeling, passion and emotion. The songs just plain rock and Michael does everything but make his guitar sing. The feeling and intensity just ozze off as this plays on. Think Stevie Ray Vaughn and Frank Marino. This never gets boring and the every song just ozzes class and if your into blues based rock I can't recommend this enough. Info: http://www.mikelandau.com

REDEMPTION
The Origins Of Ruin
(Inside Out Records)

This is the 2nd release from this band and this time around they really deliver the goods. This is one awesome release. This mixes the best in power and prop metal. The singer is Ray Alder from Fates Warning and he really shines on this as his vocals are a pleasure to listen too and he really emotional gets into singing each song. The production is right on the money and the band don't get too progressive and just let the music and riffs flow like a fine wine. This I would say is the best prog metal release that I have heard in the last 3 years and is right up there with Dream Theater's "Images and Words," which is like one of my top 3 albums of all time. Info: http://www.insideoutmusic.com

SLAVIOR
Self Titled
(Inside Out Music)

This is a 3 piece band and has the drummer from Fates Warning in it. The music is progressive metal, but not like your say typical band. The band mix in some reggae and weird song structures and it works for the most part. The band have a touch of groove with their sound, but isn't a bad thing. The singer has a pretty strong voice and power and conviction. Not a bad release. Info: http://www.insideoutmusic.com

THOUGHT CHAMBER
Angular Perceptions
(Inside Out Music)

I didn't like this much as the songs I felt were a bit flat and didn't click with me. The band can play and the singer can sing, but the band was just a bit flat for me. The songs to me just didn't stand out and I was feeling quite bored by song # 4. The music is straight ahead progressive metal and it is really progressive in spots and some may like it, but it was didn't work for me. Info: http://www.insideoutmusic.com

SIMPLE REASON
Self Titled
(Crash Records)

This is not the Crash Records here in the US. This is one of the worst most generic bands I have heard. This band play the stupid, beyond horrible jump metal with the dual vocal shit. You know the clean vocals and the low death metal growl vocals. Wow that hasn't been done to death now has it. The band write and play cliche riffs that have been done to death by a million other bands and this is just another one of these faceless Oz Fest style bands that I really wish would go away. Beyond awful. Info: http://www.crash-records.co.uk

SWEET DISTORTION
Life Kills
(Self Released)

This kills having to listen to this crap. More groove metal with the death metal and clean vocals, though this band doesn't use it too much. The music is basic jump metal with the death metal overtones and this was pretty bad. The music was flat and the vocals didn't do anything for me. The tunes weren't strong, that lacked style, hooks, and anything that made me want to get into this. Just another faceless new style death metal band in an overcrowded misplace death metal scene. Info: http://www.sweetdistortion.com

HEAVEN AND EARTH
Featuring Stuart Smith
(Black Star Records)

I am not sure if this is a reissue or not as most of this stuff was recorded in 1998. Anyway this is an AOR's lovers delight. Stuart Smith gathering up a few good men (Richie Sambora, Joe Lynn Turner, Kelly Hansen, Glenn Hughes, Steve Priest) and made one heck of a AOR rock/blues record that really surprised me. There are several different singers and I love Joe Lynn Turner. The tunes are all catchy pure rock n roll/blues tunes that are full of feeling, emotion and some damn fine guitar playing. 16 tracks and over 70 minutes of material make this a worthy purchase for any rock n roll fan. Info: http://www.blackstarrecords.com

DARYLL DOBSON
Reality Check
(Solar Guitars)

This is another one of those guitar type of CD's/DVD and at least this one has some singing on it and is not all instrumental. The problem is that the songs really lack. They go nowhere and this guy just rips into solo after solo and it actually got quite boring, quite fast. Frank Marino can get away with it, but his songs just ozze with feeling and passion and this I felt lacked it. The vocals weren't so good neither. This guy can play the guitar no doubt, but he needs to work on writing better actual riffs and not just whipping out solo after solo showing us he can play. Yeah I know you can play, now show me a good song. Info: http://www.solarguitars.com

VANDEN
Victims
(DISIX Records)

Another case of the same ole same ole. This is yet just another modern alternative metal band with all these jump riffs with the clean and lower almost death metal vocals and they have plenty of clean, moshy riffs and then have the faster parts with the lover style vocals. This is so generic and bad I was laughing at it played on. This band takes every new cliche in the book and doesn't deliver the goods, but if your a fan of say Lincoln Park and any of that shitty music, you'll like this. Info: http://www.vendenrock.com

EVIL BEAVER
In The Spirit Of Resilient Optimism
(Lago Entertainment)

This is like an alternative punk/metal band with a female singer. She has a pretty neat voice for the style of music her band is playing. The songs are kinds eerie, almost punkish in spots with feeling. The band remind me of a raw version of say The Plasmatics at times. The music can get up tempo at times and it is raw and I liked the sound they got. This is almost garage type of punk rock and it was a cool release. Info: http://www.evilbeaver.us

IBRIDOMA
Lady Of Darkness
(Self Released)

This is a doom/gloom band with some goth thrown in and wasn't too bad for what it is. The band can write some downright depressing music and the feeling, emotion, and passion is felt as this plays on. The singer has a clean voice, but she really belts out the lyrics with feeling and passion and that won me over as a fan. The production is on the raw side, but works for this band. 5 songs just made we want to her more. A band that could be something special in the future. Info: http://www.ibridoma.com

ASONO
Self Titled
(Self Released)

This is 6 songs of power pop alternative music and I don't know, but for me it didn't work. The songs sounded flat and the vocals didn't do a thing for me. For me when I hear bands like this it is the riffs and vocals that have to win me over and this band didn't do neither in their case. The 6 tunes just plodded along and had no direction at all and to me this was a flat release. Info: http://www.myspace.com/asono

DAVID SHAW
Walkin On A Wire
(Round Trip Music)

This is more power pop music and unlike the above band, this works. The tunes are simple, but effective catchy numbers with some tasteful vocals. The production is on the money as all the instruments can be heard and the riffs that play on this are just so damn catchy is sucked me in like a sponge to water. David has a really cool voice, it is clean, but with a touch of aggressive and really just fits in with what his band is doing. I bet they rock the house when they play live cause they sure rocked me. Info: http://www.roundtripmusic.com

THINKING MAN STUDIOS
Compilation CD
(Thinking Man Studios)

14 of the worst songs I have heard in quite some time. The songs are flat, stupid and the production leaves a lot and I mean a lot to be desired. The songs make no sense, they go nowhere and there is not one even nice thing I can say about this. It is like really bad garage style rock with really bad vocals and why on earth this was released was beyond me. Probably the worst thing I have ever reviewed for Ballbuster. Info: http://www.thinkof3.com

THRONEUM
The Unholy Ones
(Deathgasm Records)

This is a mini CD of old school death metal meeting up with thrash metal and forming a team. The production is on the raw side, but for certain bands that works and this is one of them. The fast parts are a thrash lovers delight as it took me back to the 80's with some of the demos I used to get. The vocals are pure thrash and the fast parts are real death metal blasts not that groove shit. The band reminded me a bit of Deceased, which is not a bad thing and this is a really cool underground release for the old school fan. Info: http://www.deathgasm.com

OCCIDENS
Glorification Of The Antichrist
(Deathgasm Records)

Holy shit is this one motherfucker of a release. Pure hate filled unholy death/black metal. This is raw, uncomprimising and just kicked my ass. 8 tunes plus 4 bonus tracks and if you like it fast and raw you have come to the right place. Some of the sickest vocals you will ever hear and just music that will make you go bunkers. No keyboards, no groove, this is just a plain out assault of your very life. This is played with such feeling, passion and emotion, I couldn't get enough of it. War hate metal at its finest is the ticket here. Info: http://www.deathgasm.com

RELLIK
Heritage Of Abomination
(Deathgasm Records)

This is a combo of older style death metal and newer style death metal. Some of the low vocals I wasn't a huge fan of, but when the music is this good I tend to look the other way. This is some fast stuff let me tell you. The production is nice and thick and the guitar sound and the blast beats parts are played to perfection. If you like Immolation, Krisiun, etc, then you will want and need this baby. Evan comes up with the goods yet again. Info: http://www.deathgasm.com

SOLEFALD
Black For Death: An Icelandic Odyssey Part II
(Season of Mist)

This is I guess what is called pagan black metal and it pretty much bored me. The songs I felt were weak and they had no direction and to my ears seemed pointless. The singing is really bad the songs just lacked anything that would make even like this a little bit. This might be cool for some, but I don't see the attraction at all in this band. Info: http://www.season-of-mist.com

VENGEANCE
Back In The Ring
(Locomotive)

Since I am a big AC/DC fan and this band sound a lot like them, I knew I would like this. The vocals are even like Bon Scott. The band use simple, but effective riffs to get their point across. This is for fans of Krokus, Rhino Bucket, etc. This is just plain ass kicking with no groove, no nu-metal, etc. This is just a band kicking your ass with their brand of rock. Nuff said. Info: http://www.locomotivemusic.com

LOST EDEN
Cycle Repeats
(Candlelight Music)

This was typical groove/nu metal played with the same Pantera riffs every one of these bands use and the low death growls and the tough guy vocals. Sorry Pantera might not be around and I liked the band, but I hate all the clone bands that decided they wanted to be like them and this band is another prime example. This band use all the generic dance parts and then the death metal growls. Been done a million times before and this pretty much just sucked. Info: http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com

FURZE
UTD
(Candlelight Music)

Now this is black metal that is more like it. This is stripped down, chaotic, out of control black metal that just kills. The band add a mix of old school, stripped down sound and just destroy every weak poser in their path. This I think is a one man project with a guest drummer and let me tell you this is the way black metal needs to be played. Intensity, feeling, emotion, passion is what I picked up on as this played on. This is what true black metal is to me. Worth hunting down. A gem of a cult classic. Info: http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com

ROTTING CHRIST
Theogonia
(Season of Mist)

This band has been around a long time and though I am not familiar with the band, have heard a few past releases. This is the band's newest release and it packs quite a wallop. The music is unlike anything I have heard, sort of a mixture of black/death metal that may surprise you. The vocals are excellent, powerful and sung with passion. The music is mostly fast, but the band slows down at times as well. This is the band's 10th release and they are still going strong and this is a worthy purchase for any underground metal fan that likes it fast, heavy and not generic. Info: http://www.season-of-mist.com

GLENN HUGHES
Music For The Divide
(Frontier Records)

Glenn has been around a long time and sang in many bands including Deep Purple and here he is with a new solo record and it is quite a nice release. The man still has a voice that commands and on this release he and his band come up with a rock record that will make any fan of rock n roll stand up and take notice. The tunes are catchy rock numbers with no groove, no trends, just ass kicking rock n roll. Glenn sounds great on this record as his voice just shines as this plays on. Not a bad track on this neither. Info: http://www.frontiers.it

CANORA
Kelvinator
(Self Released)

This is melodic groove style metal with clean vocals and death/growl vocals that has been done to death by way too many bands. This band is a bit more melodic than say any of those Oz fest bands, but this sucks as they are doing nothing knew and the groove metal style and these style of vocals have more than worn out their welcome to my ears. Info: http://www.myspace.com/canoraonline

ROCKOSAURUS REX
The Big Bang
(Huge Wonder)

This is some band doing 21 old children songs with more of a rock/metal edge to them and it sounds stupid on paper and is even more stupid when you listen to this. It is a like a bad Spinal Tap. Yeah I really want to hear this band do "Three Blind Mice" ha ha. If would be funny if a real band was doing this, but it isn't and the joke is on anybody that paid for this waste of disc space. Info: http://www.hugewonder.com

TEMPLE OF BRUTALITY
Lethal Agenda
(Demolition Records

Some nice old school thrash is the ticket here. The band can write some old school mid 80's thrash riffs and the production even has that 80's feel, which was cool with me. The band reminded me of Eviction at times as they mixed in a bit of hardcore to their sound, but not that nu-metal crap. The band mix up the fast and mid paced parts and the riffs will have that neck doing some work. Any fan of old school thrash metal will enjoy this. Info: http://www.demolitionrecords.com

PISS SHIT FUCK
Use Your Delusion
(Tent City Records)

I wonder how many record stores carry this title ha ha. This band play fast death/grind with the shouted grind vocals. The band was ok, I am not a big fan of grind as I feel there is only so much you can do with it. Just scream and play fast. The band do mix in some more mid paced hardcore stuff, which was better than just playing a million miles per hour every second. There isn't 45 songs, just 9 and they are over a minute and the production is pretty good so if your into this sort of stuff, you'll like this band. Not bad for what it is. Info: http://www.tentcityrecords.com

APES PIGS & SPACEMEN
Simple Simian
(Self Released)

Oh this was bad. Typical groove almost dance metal music with some really bad vocals. The band also has a few fast parts, with the drummer hitting some very weak blast beats. This is like a really bad rock band mixing in some metal and the songs weren't strong and the playing had me yawning by track 2. This band is so generic it isn't even funny. Worthless nu-metal music that belongs in the toilet. Stay away at all costs. Info: http://www.apespigsandspacemen.com

REQUIEM
Government Denies Knowledge
(Locomotive Records)

Excellent death metal. The band play wicked fast and those blast beats just pounded right through me and these are real blast beats ala Morbid Angel not that cheezy shit. The vocals reminded me of Ross from Immolation and the production is on the money, the guitar sound is godly. The band mix up the fast and slow parts enough where it doesn't get overloaded. The slow parts will give you a chance to breathe and the fast parts will blow you out of your seat. Info: http://www.locomotiverecords.com

CELESTIA
Apparitia Sumptuous Spectre
(Paragon Records)

Raw black metal that does nothing to separate itself from the many other black metal bands out there. This was mostly fast and to me it sounded like 500 other black metal releases I have heard over the past years. Same riffs, same vocals, same tired fast parts with the black metal screamed vocals. I am not the biggest black metal fan, but to my ears I found nothing of value and nothing new here whatsoever. Info: http://www.paragonrecords.net

DOMINICI
O3 A Trilogy Part 2
(Inside Out Music)

This is the former singer of Dream Theatre's band and he shines on this release. The music is melodic power metal and to my ears this sounds better than what his old band has been doing the past few years. Nice thick production, wicked time changes, and great vocals will make this a progressive metal fan's dream. Not a bad song in the bunch and this is one release you'll want and treasure when you do. Info: http://www.insideoutmusic.com

ONSLAUGHT
Killing Peace
(Candlelight Records)

Holy shit did this baby knock me for a loop. Just pure gallop thrash metal that had me rockin in seconds. This band is back and back in a big way. This is the original line-up and they have put one hell of a comeback album let me tell ya. The vocals are thrash metal style with just a tad of death metal to them. The riffs are god like in nature and had my heading banging in seconds. The production is thick and the guitar sound plain rules. This will be a top 20 of 2007 in my eyes I am sure and we aren't even in spring yet. Info: http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com

LAST CRACK
Burning Time
(Metal Mind Productions-originally released on Roadracer)

I always thought this was an amazing record and after listening to it again, I am still inclined to agree. This band was dark, wicked, different and sent me on a roller coaster ride. The vocals are so emotional and so good it sent me gooesbumps. This band is i guess what you call and alternative band and if that is what they are, they do a damn good job and i would say they are hands down the best "alternative" band I have ever heard. This might not be for the death metal fan, but if your somebody who likes deep, dark music that will have your head spinning, here ya go. I can't recommend this enough. Info: http://www.metalmind.com.pl

LAST CRACK
Sinister Funkhouse # 17
(Metal Mind Productions-originally released on Roadracer)

While this isn't as good as the release right up above, it is still a pretty solid release. I had never heard this before and it is a bit more tempo and less of a mood than the above release. The band still write some crazy off the wall riffs and song arrangements you can believe that. There is also a bit more of a thrashy, more metal sound to this release. Both of these releases are absolute musts to pick up if you want to hear an original band that will take you on a musical ride you won't soon forget. Info: http://www.metalmind.com.pl

EB11
She
(Self Released)

An EP that will be out in early 2007 and this is a one man band and not a bad one. The guy plays modern radio friendly rock n roll with some decent hooks and singing. His voice fits the music and his voice isn't bad and fits what he is doing. The music is like Train and bands of that nature, with hooks and melody to hook you in. This is god what it is and I would like to hear more. Info: http://www.myspace.com/eb11music.com

WUTHERING HEIGHTS
The Shadow Cabinet
(Sensory)

This was some really good power metal with lots of killer riffs and soaring, impressive vocals. The singer has a clear, but aggressive voice and sings the hell out of these tunes. The band chart into the progressive power metal side of the river, but the riffs are so damn catchy and heavy I was loving life. The singer does remind me of Ronnie James Dio just a bit, but he sings the songs with such passion and force that you will have to be impressed. As a bonus you get a 2nd disc of the band's 2004 Prop Power fest from 2004. 2 discs how can you go wrong. Info: http://www.lasersedgegroup.com

XENTRIX
Shattered Existence
(Metal Mind Productions-originally released by Roadracer)

This is one of those re-releases, which was originally put out by Roadracer Records. This is godly thrash all the way. This also includes the band's rare 3 track Ep as well. This is pure 100% old school bay area style thrash with tons of hooks and thrash metal aggressive singing. Each track is killer with no filler and if you missed this the 1st time around, don't be a fool and miss it a 2nd time. Pure heaven for the thrash metal fan such as myself. The 'Ghostbusters" cover tune is priceless. Info: http://www.metalmind.com.pl

XENTRIX
For Whose Advantage
(Metal Mind Productions-originally released by Roadracer)

Yes another Roadracer re-issue. This is another release from this band and while not as fast as the other release, it is still some quality thrash metal. The band mix in a little more melodic style and don't have as much speed as back in the day a lot of the thrash bands started losing the speed. The vocals are aggressive thrash metal vocals and the production is thick and heavy and you also get a EP as bonus tracks. If your into some England style thrash, here ya go. Another winner from Metal Mind. Info: http://www.metalmind.com.pl

DISINCARNATE
Dreams Of The Carrion King
(Metal Mind Productions-originally releaased by Roadracer)

This was originally on Roadracer and if you don't own this puppy, you better find a way to get it. Ear spliting pure death metal with some of the most vicious riffs this side of the Atlantic. The vocals still sound fresh today and they are loud, powerful and pure hate filled death. The riffs are godly and will match up to any of today's band I assure you. This is the only release from the band and trust me this is one death metal release you will want. Info: http://www.metalmind.com.pl

REALM
Suiciety
(Metal Mind Productions-originally released by Roadracer

Another Roadracer re-issue here. This band put out 2 albums of some power metal meets thrash metal with melody mixed in to boot. The band played old school thrash with more of a metal edge and concentrated more on melody than speed. Hey, this was cool in my book as they didn't sound like every Bay Area thrash band. The vocals I like, though those who don't like the high pitch style won't be doing back flips over this. I think this is a really good release and the Beatles cover is one of the best covers of all time no doubt. This band is 99% better than those copy cat power metal bands of today. Info: http://www.metalmind.com.pl

REALM
Endless War
(Metal Mind Productions-originally released by Roadracer)

This is more thrashy than the band's other release, which is reviewed above. The band have a more bay area crunch with clear vocals on this release. I like both, but prefer this one. This band can rip out the thrash riffs with the best of them and in no time was my neck snapping and getting into this baby big time. This is real thrash not that nu-metal Oz fest crap. It is great that these releases are seeing the light of day so that a new generation of fans can enjoy this godly music. Info: http://www.metalmind.com.pl

SADUS
Swallow In Black
(Metal Mind Productions-originally released by Roadracer)

This is the 2nd release from this band and like the other 2 it is chock full of speed, intensity, wicked rhythms, and off time changes that made this band into one of the best bands the underground has to offer. The also has 2 bonus tracks from the bands, "Death To Posers" demo as well. The music is intense, fast, rip roaring and unlike any other band. The singing is screaming and is unlike any other singer. The band got into a bit of a progressive style in spots on this release, but I didn't mind cause it was cool they just didn't do a re hash of their 1st release. If you missed this the 1st time around, trust me pick this up and check out one of the most underrated bands in the underground. Yeah they are that damn good. Info: http://www.metalkind.com.pl

SADUS
Chemical Exposure
(Metal Mind Productions-originally released on Roadracer)

This is a re-release of the band's 1st release which came out in 1987. This is total speed/thrash metal at it's finest. Just listen to the chaotic out of control riffs and vocals. This band was one of the most original bands back in the day and they still are today. This was one whale of a speed album back then. Just nasty speed riff after speed riff played with the speed and power not matched by many. The sound they got was original The vocals were off the wall and sound like nobody else on this earth. Forget these nu-metal bands and go with the best, go with this band and their debut and then collect the rest. Info: http://www.metalmind.com.pl

SADUS
A Vision Of Misery
(Metal Mind Productions-released originally on Roadracer)

This is the 3rd release from this band and it is another splendid display of the best in speed/thrash metal. The band were still playing as fast as ever, but with a bit more technical style and not just a rehash of stuff on their 1st release. The music on this is no less fast and intense and the screaming thrashy vocals are still there big time. This band got amazing production back then and the feeling, intensity, emotion that these guys played with and still do today is with us on this baby. You also get 2 bonus tracks from their famous 'Death To Posers" demo (which I still have and was sent for me to review back in 1987!). Trust me when I say that this is one of the best bands that the underground ever produced. Info: http://www.metalmind.com.pl

GORGUTS
The Erosion Of Sanity
(Metal Mind Productions-originally released on Roadracer)

This is the band's 2nd effort and while reading the bio and seeing where Luc went, etc I can see why this album sounds the way it does. This came out I believe in 1991 the height of the death metal explosion. This has the Morrisound Studio Sound (the studio from FL). This is like a combo of Suffocation meets Morbid Angel meets Death. The guitar sound just rips and the blast beats are real, not fake or cheezy. The vocals are pure death metal sort of like Ross from Immolation. I guess some people didn't get some of the complex riffing and just wanted speed, but after hearing this for the 1st time in probably 15 years, I really liked this and what the band is doing on this. The speed is there, but the slower mid paced parts kill just as much as the fast parts. The riffs didn't go over my head and the production and sound were right on the money. The band got dropped by the label and went through line-up changes and other stuff. That is too bad, but you can re visit these guys and they will be like a great long lost friend. 2 bonus tracks that are from the pre production to this release are on here as well. Info: http://www.metalmind.com.pl

GORGUTS
Considered Dead
(Metal Mind Productions-originally released on Roadracer)

Gorguts were a band from Canada and put out a few albums in the early 90's when the death metal explosion was going strong. The band played semi technical death metal sort of in the vein of older Death and concentrated more on a brutal mid paced sound than just blasting away and trust me they weren't any less brutal for not playing a million miles an hour. The vocals were awesome death metal dying man vocals and the guitar sound they got was mint. When they hit the speed button it was real blasts not these cheezy tin can crap we get today. This band is missed and the 2 releases that they put are worth hunting down and getting as they blow away 99% of the crap today without fail. Info: http://www.metalmind.com.pl

TOXIK
Think This
(Metal Mind Productions-originally released on Roadracer)

I was like a little baby getting his milk bottle back when I played this. God I remember getting a promo of this from Roadracer on vinyl way back when. Some people didn't like the high pitched vocals that the singer sang, but for me I thought they were different, cool and didn't bother me one bit. The music was a thrash/power metal lover's dream sort of like Agent Steel, who was also around at the time. The band had an original sound to them and they wrote some of the most wicked riffs I had heard up to at the time. the music still sounds fresh today as it did back then. I think it is great all these old releases are back in print so you don't have to go to EBay and spend a ton of money on this stuff. This will make an old school underground metal lover such as myself jump for joy and I hope some of you newer fans decide and check this band out too as they weren't some fly by night band and be sure to pick up their 2nd release too reviewed elsewhere. Info: http://www.metalmind.com.pl

ZNOWHITE
Act Of God
(Metal Mind Productions-originally release by Roadracer Records)

This is a one of the many re-issues that Metal Mind has put out and it is another killer thrash release that they have decided to put out. Just listening to this gem brought back many memories. This is one of the best speed/thrash releases ever put out. Just listen to track after track and those fuckin godly riffs and some of the best female vocals your ears will ever hear. The guitar crunch and intensity will have your neck snapping like it has never snapped before. This band played with emotion and feeling, which is missing in today's bands. This stuff is the real deal and still to this day blows away 99% of the music being released today. Find this, take a trip back in time and prepare for your neck to get a workout. Info: http://www.metalmind.com.pl

PESTILENCE
The Very Best of
(Metal Mind Productions-originally released on Roadracer Records)

You have heard the name and you are not sure which CD from them to check out. Well, here is a best of from the band and even if you have all 4 of their releases, you will want some of the live tunes that is on this baby. This band played some of the most crushing death metal I have ever heard on their early stuff and then branched out in a more progressive, but still brutal vein. This still sounds fresh as it did many moons ago. The vocals are pure emotional death metal and the sound this band got is unmatched. Again sounding like a broken record, this bands and the bands of yesterday played with feeling and emotion that lacks in today's bands. You also get a video clip so if your not familiar with this band it is time to get familiar and you can start with this baby. Info: http://www.metalmind.com.pl

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Hard Announcements

METAL TO THE BONE!

"The Forbes Critique" March / April 2007 All Reviews by Chris Forbes

"The Forbes Critique"
March / April 2007
All Reviews by Chris Forbes