Hard Announcements

METAL TO THE BONE!

"The Forbes Critique"
March / April 2008
All Reviews by Chris Forbes

HEART OF SUN
Self Titled
(Nightmare Records)

This was progressive metal in the vein of who else, Dream Theater. This wasn't bad and the singer could be a dead ringer for the guy in D.T. The music is similar to them as they use some complex riffs, keyboards and almost verge some of their stuff into the power metal realm. The production is thick and heavy and what can I say except if your a fan of Dream Theater, you'll love this. Info: http://www.nightmare-records.com

STERNAL FLIGHT
Under The Sign Of WIll
(Nightmare Records)

This was some awesome progressive metal with tons of hooks and some really solid singing. The singer has a thick clean voice, but when he needs to get aggressive he can do that with no problem. The band just blew me away with the hooks and the melodies of their tunes. They are flawless and they get me on the edge of my seat during each and every tune. The music took me on several rides that I did not want to get off of. The production was perfect and I loved the guitar sound and everything else about this band. One of the best progressive metal bands my ears have heard in quite some time. Info: http://www.nightmare-records.com

KATAGORY V
Hymns Of Dissension
(Nightmare Records)

I didn't like this at all as the songs were very boring and just didn't have any flow to them at all and I was waiting and waiting for a riff or something to let me get into this and nothing came. After about 6 songs I had to shut off the CD it was putting me to sleep. The band play below average progressive metal and the production is good, the singer can sing, but the songs were flat to my ears and this just didn't do a damn thing for me at all. Info: http://www.nightmare-records.com

DIMENSION
Ego
(Nightmare Records)

I thought this was decent, nothing ground breaking, but it also didn't suck. The band play decent progressive metal and I got into a few of the songs more than others. The singer has a good voice and he sounds good and the production is right where it needs to be, but all the songs didn't blow me away and some were just like kinda there if you get my drift. The band sound tight on this disc and if your into the progressive side of things, you might be into this. Info: http://www.nightmore-records.com

KICK TO THA HEAD
As We Think...So Are We
(Turkey Vulture Records)

This was some good old school thrash metal with some gruff vocals that I don't normally like, but this time they worked and worked well. The singer has a strong voice and his singing does not sound out of place on this disc. No Pantera or modern groove are found here, just kiss ass thrash metal that was meant to have the neck moving or pits to form and to have real slam dancing. The production allows everything to flow and I love the thick heavy guitar sound the band gets. The tunes did not bore me like some other releases do by track 5. If your a fan of thrash metal this is a CD you need in your collection. Info: http://www.turkeyvulturerecords.com

THE PROBLEM
Self Titled
(Self Released)

Some really nice power pop punk stuff that really sucked me with the catchy hooks. This is still heavy enough for metal fans to like and has enough of a crossover sound to appeal to the masses. The singer has his own style and the band don't sound like anybody I can think of, though L7 minus the female vocals pops into my head on occasion. This band with the right label and push could really sell a lot of records cause yeah, they are that damn good. Info: http://www.theproblem.org

SIX AND VIOLENCE
Bastards Of The Universe...The 20 Year Anthology
(Dignified Bastard)

This is sort of a best of this band and it is on 2 discs. You get both of their full lengths and some EP'S and some other goodies. This spans over 2 decades and this band played hardcore the way it was meant to be, fast, mean, nasty and with plenty of power and passion. If you were around in the early 90's NYHC scene you know what I am talking about. About 60 tunes can be found on this baby and you can just feel and hear the passion as this played on. This band had 2 singers before that became a fad and one of them died in 2005 and this release is sort of a tribute to him and I would say if you want to hear and feel the way real hardcore should be played pop this baby and prepare to be blown away. Info: http://www.dignifiedbastard.com

SPIN
Self Titled
(Self Released)

I really tried to get into this and unlike the other power pop punkish band above, this band didn't deliver the goods. The songs were flat and just bored me and there was no riff or hook to suck me in and by track 6 I had enough. I just didn't see the big appeal with this band as the songs just didn't have anything to make me stand up and take notice and the music almost became backround noise. The singer and production were good, but the songs lacked quality and I just didn't like this. Info: http://www.spinrocks.com

DISARRAY
Edge Of My Demise
(Inner Void Records)

I have not heard this bands name in ages and I actually distributed some of their Cd's when I was doing my Metal Core thing and here I have a new release from them. This is ass kicking thrash metal no question about it. The band play thrash with a groove, but it not that dance metal shit and plus they have been doing it way before it got out of hand. The vocals are vicious and angry in their delivery, but not in that tough guy style. The production is perfect and I love the guitar sound and the way the songs are structured. This band is back after almost 6 years and I am for one am glad. Info: http://www.myspace.com/innervoidrecords

HERMANO
Into The Exam Room
(Regain Records)

This was some metal with a bit of an alternative edge to it at times. The band have plenty of metal hooks that sucked me in and the vocals were pretty damn good too. This grew on me with repeated listens as each time I thought it was better and better. The production is good and I like the old style guitar sound the band gets. One of the better new metal bands making the waves right now. Info: http://www.regainrecords.com

MUSTASCH
Latest Version Of The Truth
(Regain Records)

This was some decent modern type of metal with some groove to it. The vocals are more in a heavy metal vein and the band do mix in that sound at times along with the groove. The tunes are catchy and will grow on you with repeated listens. Not a bad release here. Info: http://www.regainrecords.com

VALENTINE BENNETT PECKOS
Self Titled
(Self Released)

This was one guy just playing the guitar and it is good for what it is. This is not heavy stuff by any means and it is more on the mellow side of things. The guy has a good voice and sings the tunes here with some passion and emotion and though this isn't something I would listen to everyday, it is rather good for what it is. Just some guitar strumming tracks with some good singing . Info: http://www.myspace.com/valentinepeckos

SILVETH
The Elemental
(Sphere Records)

The 5 tunes on this disc are a fine example of death/black metal beingplayed with intensity not matched by many. The band mix up the speed andfury of death metal along with the power and vocal style of black metal. The combo works really well and the 5 tunes just made me want more. Theproduction is not over polished and is right where it needs to be. Info: http://www.silveth.com

AMERICAN SPEEDWAY
Ship Of Fools
(MVD Audio)

This is just what the doctor ordered. This is ass kickin rock n roll that is missing from today's scene. The band just rip through catchy riff after riff that will have toes tapping and neck even moving. This is like Circus of Power meeting AC/DC. The tunes are a fury of fast rock n roll with some throaty vocals, which fit this band like a pair of tight Daisy Dukes. The production is perfect and the guitar sound this band uses is mint and right on the money. An awesome release of rock n roll meets metal that can't be missed. Info: http://www.mvdb2b.com

SEVEN MARY THREE
Day & Night Driving
(Bellum Records)

This was boring college type rock that just didn't do a thing for me as there were no hooks or anything that sucked me in. The tunes just dragged and the singing didn't do a thing for me neither. The tunes sounded like a bad U2 and I am not a fan of U2 at all. Info: http://www.iconmes.com

ALEX WINSTON
By The Roots
(Pratdral Records)

This was some solid rock n roll with a female with a really good voice. This won me over by song # 2 as this just had so many catchy riffs and the singer just sucks you in with her voice and just the power and delivery of her vocals. The band play poppy rock n roll tunes with plenty of hooks and melody lines. If this gets promoted right I could see this band selling quite a few records and heck she is quite the looker as well. Info: http://www.myspace.com/alexwinston

BREVA
The Great Communicator

This was some really good alternative rock that I really liked. The songs were a bit wacky and out there, but still had enough melody and hooks along with some really strong vocals to win me over. The singer has almost a spacey voice, but he fits the music quite well. The production is clean and everything sounds good to these ears. Can't compare them to any band as I really think they have their own sound and what made this good was the band still have a sense of a good hook, but also make the weird part of their sound as well. 5 tunes just made me want more. Awesome job. Info: http://www.brevamusic.com

GYPSY CARNS
The Watchman
(TTM Records)

This was some hard rock that didn't sound bad to these ears. The singer had a sort of gruff voice that I don't like at times, but for this band his style fits the music, which is raw based dirty rock n roll. The not over polished production gave the band that dirty garage sound and the singer does sing with some power and passion at times as well. Think AC/DC meets some garage band and they mix in just a touch of metal. This is some nasty rock n roll that today's music scene needs more of. Info: http://www.gypsycarns.com

WAYNE EDWARDS
Struggles And Success
(Self Released)

This was an all instrumental release with one track with vocals. I am not a huge fan of instrumental releases, but this was pretty good. The guy can play the guitar and this is just not about how cool or great he can play neither. There are some really good riffs in there and this is metal and a pinch of rock n roll all the way. The production is good and if this guy would use the singer he sings on that one song look out as it could be one hell of a release. This is a really strong release for what it is. Info: http://www.fossilrecords.net/wayneedwards1.htm

DARK MASS
Medium
(Self Released)

This was another instrumental release and it came with a DVD as well. The tunes here weren't bad, but a lack of vocals really hurts this from being better than it could be. The tunes are metal with a bit of death metal thrown in and they throw some different things in and some warped stuff, but with this style that they are playing to me not having vocals really hurts this. The band does sound good and I think if the tunes had vocals they would be so much better off. The video stuff is cool, but again this band needs some vocals. Info: http://www.darkmass.net.ru

INVOLUNTARY COGNIZANCE
Self Titled
(Self Released)

This is a one man band and a damn fine one at that. It reminds me of old Fear Factory meets death metal with a few warped out points here and there. There is 22 tracks here to sink your death into and the production, which was done on a 16 track, sound damn fine to these ears. There is no vocals, but he uses samples and stuff from shows and I guess horror movies to mix in an industrial feel. All I know is this was a really cool release and the tunes were fun to listen to and were a fast death metal/industrial treat to listen to. Info: http://www.myspace.com/involuntarycognizance

ITIS
Exit 420
(Hat Light Records)

This is a fun punk rock band with a touch of metal thrown in the mix. They sort of remind me of The Dead Milkman and they write some fun type of music that brought a smile to my face. They can thrown in a punk riff and then thrown in a metal one and then go off in a completely different direction. The singer has an almost punky, style of voice and Husker Du, if you remember them that's another band that came to mind as this played on. The band almost have a garage style to them and I bet they are a blast live. This is a fun band that I think don't take themselves too seriously and they want you to tag along for the ride. If your into punk rock, but not hardcore and any of the bands mentioned above, you'll love this as I really enjoyed this as it was a fun band to listen too. Info: http://www.itisrocks.com

HOT BUTTERED ANAL
Please Kill Me
(Self Released)

This I thought was going to be some grind band, but hell no, they are more of an old school metal band. The band play death metal, crossover, and even some acoustic stuff thrown in the mix to keep it fresh. The production is good and the tunes are funny and a blast to listen to. The singer has a good, solid voice that fits the music and none of this low growl crap and no tough guy stuff neither. This was a fun release of a band that isn't taking themselves that seriously. Check em out and you'll be surprised and they will bring a smile to your face. Info: http://www.hotbutteredanal.com

REBELLION
Miklagard
(Locomotive Records)

I didn't like this much as the gruff vocals didn't do a thing for me. The band play heavy metal that I didn't think was all that great as for me the tunes just plodded along and just didn't do a thing for me. The production is good, but the tunes just lacked that fire and hook that would have sucked me in. Info: http://www.locomotiverecords.com

REQUIEM
Premier Killing League
(Locomotive Records)

Fast killer death metal that will dull your senses. This is fast, powerful shit. This has real blast beats not that tin can sounding crap. The vocals are a pure death metal delight and the production is thick and everything can be heard even when they are playing a million miles an hour. If your into Vader, Krisiun, etc, you'll love this as I did. A pure death metal delight to listen to. Info: http://www.locomotiverecords.com

CATAMENIA
Winternight Tragedies
(Locomotive Records)

This was a mix of death and black metal and wasn't too bad to these ears. The band mix up the speed and still keep a sense of melody to the mix. The production is right on the money and the vocals are good black metal style, they don't sound wimpy or forced. 10 tunes that any fan of death/black metal I think would enjoy. Info: http://www.locomotiverecords.com

BURNED IN ENERGY
Same
(Self Released)

This is typical modern groove metal with catchy hooks that mosh parts that has been done over and over by hundreds of other bands I have heard in the past 2 years. The band do that annoying dual vocal thing with the one guy singing super low and the other just singing death metal. It is overdone and it just sounds so generic. This band is doing nothing new and this to me just sounds too much too many other bands to make them stand out from the pack. Info: http://www.burnedineffigy.com

DAVE CORP
The Sweet Life
(Slugg Go Goon Music)

This to me was just a bunch of noise. It sounded like 3 guys playing 3 different songs without vocals. The fact that there was no vocals also hurt this in my eyes. There is no melody at all on this and it just dragged. It reminded me of Black Flag in spots as sometimes they went off the wall like in a song, like "The Process of Weeding Out", which was just an awful song. The production was good, but that is about the only thing positive about this as I just thought it was a wall of noise that just kept plodding along with no end. Info: http://www.pr4music.com

FACEBREAKER
Dead Rotten And Hungry
(Pulverised Records)

This is straight forward death metal that hurts, punishes and kills. The riffs will have that neck moving and there is a bit of melody within the riffs as well. The music is just a pure death metal delight even though it is not super original. The band mix up the tempo and the guitar sound and production just kill. The singer has a good growl voice and if your looking for some good death metal, I have some for ya here. Info: http://www.pulverised.net

21 LUCIFERS
In The Name Of
(Pulverised Records)

If I spelled the name of the band wrong I apologize as the logo was hard to read and no bio was provided. This is straight ahead death metal with a bit of black metal in the mix. There was nothing new here and nothing that blew me away as this kinda just played along and I was like it is OK nothing to get happy about. The band thrash and bash and play with speed with the throaty death metal vocals, but there is nothing special here. I checked on line and got the spelling of the band as well. Info: http://www.pulverised.net

TANMAKT
Vredskapta Morrersagor
(Pulverised Records)

Super fast black metal with touches of death metal. This baby is fast and vicious and this is a delight to listen to. What it makes up for in lack of originality is the style, feeling and just plain power this has. The production is on the money and even the fast parts sound good and clean and not just a wall of noise. The singer screams his balls out and it sounds like he is Satan himself. If your into black metal or something fast and extreme, here ya go. Info: http://www.pulverised.net

IN AETERRUM
Curse Of Devastation
(Pulverised Records)

Blasting death/black metal that will smash, crush and injure the weak. This is some fast music and the riffs will have that neck snapping. The band is like a faster Morbid Angel with some black metal vocals. The production is meaty and thick and the singer screams and growls till his throat his burning. The drummer smashes his kit into complete submission as this is a very fine release of underground death metal. This label is really snatching up some fine bands. Info: http://www.pulverised.net

SATARIEL
Chifra
(Pulverised Records)

Oh this I didn't like as the band do that dual vocal thing as one part they sing in a Cradle Of Filth sort of style and then they do the clean vocal style and it sounds so generic and so stupid I wanted to reach for the eject button. The music isn't much better as the songs just plodded along and to me had little direction and no killer hooks to suck me and keep me interested. A bad band with no good songs and the dual vocal thing is so overdone and overplayed to death. Info: http://www.pulverised.net

SUICIDAL WINDS
Chaos Rising
(Pulverised Records)

Holy hell is this a killer release. The band mix in black metal with some old school death metal (think Celtic Frost) and this just smoked me. I was blown away at how this sounded and I could just feel the evil spew out as this played. The band played with such feeling, power and emotion that few can match. The vocals are a old school treat as the singer growls out ever note like it was his last breath. This is easily the best thing on this label and is already in my top 10 of 2008 and yeah I know we aren't much into the year, but this is a release not to be overlooked as this crushes and blows away 98% of the underground out there. Buy or be a poser ha ha. Info: http://www.pulverised.net

SALT THE WOUND
Carnal Repercussions
(Rotten Records)

This is modern death metal with some thrash metal thrown into the mix. The vocals are the gruff kind that I don't like, but this wasn't too bad. The music, while not original, was OK as the band do mix in some groove metal with some fast death metal blasting beats. The production is perfect as you can hear everything perfectly. If your into the more modern, vicious death metal style, you'll love this. Info: http://www.rottenrecords.com

CHARLES BROWN
Journey In A New Land
(Fossil Records)

This was just an awesome guitar oriented release. The tunes had plenty of melody, soul, heaviness and just plain rocked. There were no vocals and I didn't give a rats ass about that. These songs just oozed passion and emotion as Charlie to me was like making love to his guitar. The production was thick and everything just flowed smoothly. I couldn't get over how much this grew on me each time I listened to it. Awesome job and this just smoked me. Info: http://www.fossilrecords.net

SIN DEALER
Dying To Live
(Self Released)

Down n dirty rock n roll with a metal edge to it. This was like a mix of Rob Zombie meets Circus Of Power and I liked this and I liked it a lot. You can also throw in some old Soundgarden into the mix. The singer has a nice thick gruff like voice that is down n dirty like a back alley and fits the music perfectly. The band also throw me some brownie points for covering my favorite band AC/DC and doing a nice job on "Walk All Over You". The production is right on the money and this is a winner in my book. Info: http://www.myspace.com/sindealer

BILLY BOY ON POISON
Sweet Mess
(Iron Works Music)

This was like some 70's glam stuff like the NY Dolls and the Dead Boys, etc. The band won me over by song 3 with their quick witty riffs and singing. This wouldn't be out of place in the late 70's playing down at the now closed CBGB's. The production is not over polished and the songs are built around simple, but catchy riffs and that is what won me over. This is some really good power pop punk rock that sounded good to there ears and the singer has the perfect voice for this bands style of music. Great job on this one. Info: http://www.billyboyonpoison.com

UXL
Can I Dream Again
(MAB Records)

This to me was a boring modern rock band with some not so good songs. The songs to me just didn't have any kick or bite in them and sounded like a bad rock band. The riffs just didn't gel with me and I just couldn't get into any of the songs. The singer has a pretty good set of pipes, but the songs just didn't click with me and I just think this lacked that killer set of riffs that separate good bands from bad. Info: http://www.uxlofficial.com

STRUGGLE WITHIN
Angel's Face
(Arctic Music Group)

Just what we need another groove metal band with the dual clean and death metal vocals. This band was so generic and so awful they use every cliche riff and style in the book. This style and sound has been beaten to death and then some and I am so tired of the clean and growl death metal vocal approach. This needs to get buried about 5 miles deep in somebody's back yard. Info: http://www.arcticmusicgroup.com

M
In Absentia
(Self Released)

This was so way out there alternative rock. The tunes were really weird and out of place. They weren't catchy at all and there was no catchy hooks and to me this was just a bunch of noise with some bad vocals. There was nothing to the songs, it sounded like 4 different songs being played at the same time. There was nothing there to hook me in and I just felt like I was lost at sea. This band need to work on their songs and to make them a little more memorable. Info: http://www.marthyn.com

VIENNA CC
Where Are You Lady Smile
(Self Released)

This was some college alternative rock n roll and this wasn't too bad for what it was. This is poppy punk rock with some hooks and melodies and the singing is like out of the page of some 80's new wave bands. This is a one man band/project from what I gather and he does quite a good job as the songs are catchy and have that poppy punk edge and the tunes seemed pretty original and there was just something about this that I liked. Info: http://www.vienna.cc/kunst

ETHEREAL ARCHITECT
Dissension
(Self Released)

This was some really good progressive metal with lots of melody and hooks and some awesome singing. The singer has a godly voice and really puts those pipes to work as the songs he sings with passion and emotion. The music is very much in the progressive metal vein, but the band also has a sense of melody and don't let the songs go over your head. The songs are long and go off in many directions almost taking you on a rollercoaster of emotions. This band in my opinion shouldn't reman unsigned for long. The production is good as well. Info: http://www.myspace.com/etherealarchitect

CULTURE KILLERS
Self Titled
(Self Released)

The bands bio is quite funny saying at one point that this band takes off where Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Van Halen, and Guns and Roses left off. I wouldn't go quite that far, but the band are decent. They play modern rock/metal with a touch of groove and thank god there is no tough guy or death metal like vocals found on this. The band rely on simple, but effective catchy riffs and melodies to get its point across and by track # 2 they sure do. That riff they have had my neck moving and my foot tapping. The singer has a good rock n roll voice and the 5 tunes here impressed me enough to want more. This is the way rock n roll should be; mean, nasty and dirty. Info: http://www.culturekillers.com

GRAY HAVEN
Self Titled
(Self Released)

This is modern rock band that didn't sound far off from what say Nickleback is doing. The tunes are heavy in a more rock n roll way. The production is very good allowing everything on here to be heard. The singer almost sounds like the late singer from Alice in Chains and sings the songs with much passion and emotion. The band have an awesome press kit that they sent and this is very good for what it is and I would say this is a band that won't remain unsigned for long. Info: http://www.greyhavenband.com

ANMOD
Monstrosity Per Defectum
(Deity Down Records)

This is a death/grind band and this isn't too bad. The band rip through vicious tune after vicious tune of death/grind with plenty of speed and more speed. The band mix in a bit of those jump metal mosh riffs, that I didn't like much, but the speedy parts (which there is tons of) I did like. The vocals were death metal and thank god didn't go that lower than low route. The production isn't over polished and is right where it needs to be. This wasn't great, but it didn't suck and if you like your music fast with groove, here ya go. Info: http://www.deitydownrecords.com

HATRED
Blasphemous Deliverance
(Deity Down Records)

Now this is what death metal needs to be. Mean, vicious, fast and just pure evil. This bands gets it and I get what they are playing. This is some killer death metal with tons of vicious fast parts (not that fake blast shit) and some godly death metal vocals. The vocals would make Satan proud. The production is thick and heavy and the speed parts just blew me away. There is nothing weak on this release at all and is an awesome display of death metal at its best. Info: http://www.deitydownrecords.com

FRANSISCA LONDON
New Girl In Town
(Self Released)

15 catchy poppy punk tunes is what you will find on this. Fransisca has a neat voice and she looks good too. The tunes are simple, but effective pop tunes and her vocals hooked me from the moment I heard this. She has a very cool voice and fits the music that she is playing and I bet she is very good live. The production is simple, but allows the tunes to flow and shine. This is better than a lot of the crap that is played on modern rock radio and she if she got signed would blow that crap away. I was hooked on this by 1 minute in on the 1st song and she wrote all these tunes, but one so she is not some music puppet. Info: http://www.fransiscsalondon.com

RYCHUS SYN
Rebirth
(Photon Records)

This is heavy metal played the old way with no new sounds creeping in. This is the spikes and denim style of heavy metal and I loved it. No modern metal, no groove, no blast beats, just a pure heavy metal sound. There is not a lot of bands doing this style and it is cool bands like this are around keeping the sound alive. If you like bands like Deadly Blessing, you'll love this. I raise my fist to this and my hat goes off to them for playing pure heavy metal and avoiding the trends. Info: http://www.photonrecords.com

JAIME CRAIG
The Lost Dream
(Self Released)

This is some really awesome instrumental jazz music. The tunes are very moody and just set a mood unmatched by a lot of stuff I hear. I am a big jazz fan and this CD was just an awesome listening experience. The lack of vocals did NOT hurt this one bit. The mood, sounds, riffs, and just overall playing is just almost too tough to describe. Put it this way, if you like jazz with a mood and some keyboards and some guitar, you'll be doing backflips over this sucker. 11 tunes that will take you to far away places. Info: http://www.myspace.com/craigsounds

SAHG
Sahg II
(Regain Records)

This was a cool combo of doom metal meeting early Soundgarden. This no doubt is very heavy, mid paced doom metal with an awesome singer who has a great set of pipes and puts them to good use. The production almost has an early Sabbath feel and the guitar tone wouldn't be out of place in the 70's. There wasn't a bad tune on this disc and anybody that likes it heavy and loud, crank this sucker up for one hell of a ride. Info: http://www.regainrecords.com

DESTROY EVERYTHING
Freedom Of Speech Means Talk Is Cheap
(Tent City Records)

What a breath of fresh air this way. This is awesome old school hardcore the way it was meant to be played: vicious, fast and loud with some angry, snotty pissed off vocals, but notice I did not say tough guy vocals. The tunes fly by with a fury unmatched by many. The production is not over polished and this just made for a great hardcore record like the early 80's. Info: http://www.destroyeverything.com

FIGURE H 8
Self Titled
(Self Released)

Yet another groove Pantera metal band with all the groove riffs and Phil vocal styles. Why do bands want to sound like other bands? Pantera was great during their time, but do I need a million clone bands. This band use all the same groove riffs and vocal style as Pantera and all these other groove metal bands. There is nothing of value here as this was just a poor man's Pantera nothing more, nothing less. Info: http://www.tiqureh8.com

SIX
Between The Warning And The War
(1605 Records)

This is another groove rock/metal band, but they don't sound like Pantera clones like the above band. They do have some of the Pantera sound in them, but they are not as heavy and they add some modern rock to their sound and they don't have the tough guy vocal thing going on all the time. I thought this was decent for what it was, which is a modern rock sounding band with some metal thrown in the mix. The riffs and songs didn't sound too bad and the production was good and I think with the right push and stuff this band could do some damage on the scene. 13 tunes here and there isn't a bad one in the bunch. Info: http://www.sixmusic.com

STEVE STEVENS
Memory Crash
(Magna Carta)

I am pretty sure this is the guy that plays guitar in Billy Idol's band. There is almost no vocals on this, but it didn't stop it from being an enjoyable release. Steve can play a mean guitar and he just lays down riff after killer riff on this as he is backed by some other guys who lay down the bass and drums in an almost jazz/fusion way at times. The tunes here just rock and the riffs hooked me and kept me there as this disc played on. I am a sucker for a good hook and this baby had plenty. Production lets everything stand out and sound fine. Info: http://www.magnacarta.net

RED CLAN
Killohead
(Rezzonator Records)

This is some awful techno rock music that bored me to death. This is some stuff they would play in a techno club and to my ears it was just awful. No hooks or even vocal melodies to sink into. This is like techno dance crap that is played on radio. The vocals weren't even good and the songs just lacked any bite and this was just plain bad in my book. Info: http://www.rediclan

« January / February 2008

Hard Announcements

METAL TO THE BONE!

"The Forbes Critique" March / April 2008 All Reviews by Chris Forbes

"The Forbes Critique"
March / April 2008
All Reviews by Chris Forbes