Hard Announcements

METAL TO THE BONE!

"The Forbes Critique"
June / July 2008
All Reviews by Chris Forbes

VOODOO SIX
First Hit For Free
(White Knuckle Records)

This reminded me of Soundgarden in spots. This was a really good release. The band are heavy and have just enough melody to appeal to the masses. The songs are catchy and hooky and the singer has a strong voice and fits the music well. The production is thick and allows everything to flow rather freely. This is some serious rock n roll with a metal edge and should not be missed.

CRISIS IN HOLLYWOOD
Between The Devil And The Blue Sea
(Financial Records)

This is another one of those modern punk rock bands like Good Charlotte where the band tries to say they are punk rock and all this is, is a bit of punk rock with a modern rock sound. This bored me as it just sounds like a band you would hear on one of those alternative rock stations. The band just sound like too many other bands to do anything for me and the songs don't strike a cord with me and they just sounded flat and uninspiring to my ears. This is a case of heard it all before and don't need to hear it again. Info: http://www.crisishollywood.com

BABYLON MYSTERY ORCHESTRA
Axis Of Evil
(Self Released)

I really tried to get into this, but it just bored me. The songs just didn't click and there was no hook or song that pulled me in. The band is mixing in metal and goth to a point and while it might be original and stuff, the songs were just weak and didn't do a thing for me. The bands bio really made this seem it like it was something more than it is and while some people may like this, it just fell flat to my ears. Info: http://www.babylonmysteryorchestra.com

AMERICAN SPEEDWAY
Ship Of Fools
(MVD Audio)

This is pure kick ass rock n roll in the vein of AC/DC, Circus Of Power, etc. The tunes are catchy down n dirty rock n roll numbers. The singer has a dirty style voice that fits the music well. The production is not over the top and is right where it needs to be. The tunes are simple catchy tunes like AC/DC and the like. This is the way rock n roll should be and just plain kicks ass. Info: http://www.mvdb2b.com

URBANSNAKE
Whiteknuckle
(ETTNO ROC Records)

This is some good modern rock. The band can write some really good catchy riffs and the singer has a good solid voice that fits what the band is doing. The songs are built around simply, but catchy and effective riffs that sucked me in and kept me in until the disc was done. Sort of like Rob Zombie meeting Alice in Chains at times. This band is heavy enough for the underground fan and has the catchy melodic side to appeal to the masses. As for me, I enjoyed this very much. No contact info was provided sorry.

VICTIMS OF CIRCUMSTANCE
Do It Yourself
(Financial Records)

This was a punk/ska band and they sounded really good and fresh to my ears. The tunes are catchy and still have that punk edge/vibe that I like. They are sort of like Green Day with a bit more of a punky edge and the singer has a great voice and fits the music well. The ska parts don't seem out of place and actually work well and are not overdone in parts. The production is not over produced and keeps that grainy punk vibe to it and the tunes just kicked ass and are catchy and heavy the way it should be. Get this. Info: http://www.myspace.com/victimsofcircumstances

BUSHWHACK
Self Titled
(Self Released)

This was progressive metal with some modern rock mixed in with it. This took a couple listens to really digest as you won't digest it all in the 1st time you hear this. There is no vocals and prepare to be taken on a ride on many different levels. This isn't death metal, but the band take you on an emotional ride of metal and rock that many bands couldn't even do. This was something very different and very cool and I really got into this as it was something new and fresh and I can appreciate this and it was too complex that it didn't go over my head. Info: http://www.bushwhackmusic.com

SLIK HELVETIKA
Krypt Kicker 5
(Screaming Ferret)

This is a pure heavy metal delight in the vein of Raven, Accept, etc. The singer even reminds me of UDO at times. The music is 100% pure straight ahead heavy metal with tons of head banging riffs. The production is not over polished and is just the way it should be. This is fist banging, neck snapping metal the way it used to be in the 80's. This is a band that plays metal and is not ashamed of it. Get the spikes out as this was a goodie. Info: http://www.screamingferret.com

IMMORTAL DOMINION
Awakening
(Fist Madison)

This is modern death metal with plenty of groove, speed and hate in the mix. This wasn't too bad for what it was and to me it was like a mix of Pantera meeting death metal. The singer doesn't do the tough style vocals much and also he has a pretty decent voice and sings his balls off. The production is thick and heavy and the guitar sound shines through, which of course I like. All in all this is a very cool release and if you like the more modern style death metal mixed in with some groove, you'll love this. Info: http://www.immortaldominion.com

LORDS OF THE NORTH
Self Titled
(Radio Opik Records)

This is so damn heavy I have trouble even lifting this. The riffs weigh a ton and this just crushes. The band play doom metal with passion and feeling not matched by many. The band also get that 70's guitar drone sound, which I love. The vocals have this certain melody about them that sucks you in and keeps you there. This never gets boring and will keep you there from note one till the last note. If you a doom fan this is a must get and so far is one of the best releases I have heard in 2008 and prepare to be assaulted by these guys. Info: http://www.myspace.com/thelordsofthenorth

MILLER ANDERSON
Bluesheart
(In-Akustik)

This is some awesome blues rock that I was digging within 30 seconds. The guy who sings also has a soulful voice and really fits the music. I love the guitar work on this as it is played with such passion and emotion that I could feel it as the notes played on. Perfect production lets everything be heard and I could go on forever about how good this is, but I'll just say this Mr. Anderson is one hell of a guitar player/singer and this release will easily be in my top 10 at the end of the year. Info: http://www.in-akustik.com

LOST LEGION
Promo 2008
(Self Released)

3 tunes of some really good power metal is the ticket here. The band aren't a typical power metal band as the songs are long and take you on a wave of emotions, sounds, etc. The singer has a good solid voice and the band don't do all those chanting type vocals or just rip out a bunch of speed riffs. I urge you to check out some of the bands tunes on its My Space page at: http://www.myspace.com/thelostlegion

SAVING ABEL
Self Titled
(Virgin Records)

This is some awesome new rock/metal with tons of killer hooks and melodic vocals. The opening track, New Tattoo, has one of the best riffs I have heard in quite some time. The singer sings the tunes with lots of passion and emotion that lacks in today's bands. The tunes are built around simple, catchy riffs that will have your toes tapping and head and lips humming along to the tunes. This is easily one of the best new metal bands I have heard and don't dismiss this as one of those run of the mill generic modern metal bands. If I had a label these guys would easily be on it. 2 thumbs up from me. Info: http://www.savingabel.com

DARK SUNS
Grave Human Genuine
(Sensory)

Holy shit is this some warped, fucked up shit. It might be weird and totally off the wall, but you know what, I dug it. What does the band sound like you ask? Ha, I could describe this a million ways. Seriously it is like goth, metal, alternative, rock, and every other style mixed in a blender. The band have a female and male singer and both are good, as they have haunting voices that suck you in. The band remind me of a more death metal like Sapphic Ode at times. The production is not over produced and the music just sucks you in and takes you on a ride you won't soon forget. This is for the open minded and this might be something you either hate or love, as for me, I love it. Info: http://www.lasersedgegroup.com

DOG FACED GODS
Spit In My Eye
(Voodoo Nation Records)

This was one of those nu metal groove bands with a gruff singer. Maybe it is just me, but there are way too many of these types of bands flooding the scene, and while this isn't that bad, it isn't so hot neither. The tunes are kinda flat and the singer does nothing for me with his gruff vocals and the songs just don't move me one way or another. The tunes are kinda just there and just didn't spark any emotion from me whatsoever. The production is good and I heard a few decent riffs here and there, but this just didn't shake me at all. Info: http://www.voodoonationrecords.com

HURT
Vol II
(Capital Records)

This is another groove metal band and I thought this was awful. The songs sound like everybody else and the singer sings in a dual way, at some points he sings clean and then goes in the pissed off/tough guy role. The tunes were nowhere near as good as say Saving Abel or Daughtry, who both have good tunes and the singers have some great vocals. This was so generic in the way the songs were structured and the vocals sung. A band does not have to be original for me to like them, but I need hooks and vocal melodies to hook me in, and this had neither and just to me felt pointless. Info: http://www.capitalrecords.com

UNDER THE FLOOD
The Witness
(Koch Records)

Now this is more like it. This band is in the same vein as the above band, but this band write hooks that had me moving and the singer sings the songs with passion and emotion and I just felt his vocals rip through me and they just had me feeling good. The music is modern metal in style and had tons of hooks and had my feet tapping. The production is solid and I love the bands guitar sound. I am a sucker for hooks and this band had a bunch of them and this is another really good rock/metal band that is worth checking out. Info: http://www.kochrecords.com

GIRLS ON FILM
Get Close To Me
(Native Sun Records)

This was like a glam rock version of The Go Go's. The singer was a girl who had one of those annoying squeaky style vocals that I didn't like at all. This was like some bad new wave glam band from the 80's. The songs just didn't click with me and the vocals just wash with me and gave me little or no hope of liking this. 5 tunes and not a good one in the bunch. Just didn't click with me. Info: http://www.nativesunrecords.com

ENGEL
Absolute Design
(SPV)

This was nu metal meets black metal and I just hated this. The band use that overdone dual vocal thing and it is just pointless and overused and it is not original nor cool at all. The band play those same tired, death metal riffs that I have heard a million times before and will hear a million times again. This is another case of heard it before way too many times. Info: http://www.spv.de

PHAROAH
Be Gone
(Cruz Del Sur)

This is a kick ass power metal band that has lots of awesome hooks and some powerful singing. The band have some melody to them as well and the tunes just ooze with power and those riffs will have your neck on fire. The singer has a solid, clean, but raspy voice that fits the music well. The production is nice and clear and you can hear everything and this is one power metal release that should not be missed. The best thing on this label easily in a long time. Info: http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com

KLONE
All Seeing Eye
(Season Of Mist)

This is in the vein of Pantera at times, but it has a bit more of a doomy edge to it than Pantera. The band can write some catchy riffs and I enjoyed the songs for the most part. The production is heavy and the riffs had me nodding my head nor did I grow bored as this played on. The singer sounds like Phil in spots, but it not a clone at all. This was a solid release of metal that I liked very much. Info: http://www.season-of-mist.com

ETHS
Te Rat O Logie
(Season Of Mist)

This threw me for a loop. The band mix in some death metal with a more groove style at times, but the thing that makes this cool is the female singer Candice. What an amazing voice she has. Oh my god I was blown away by the 1st note. There is just something about it that hooked me and she sings with such passion and different styles too. Without her I think this would be just an average releases, but with her on board, this goes above average. Info: http://www.season-of-mist.com

ATROX
Binocular
(Season Of Mist)

Reading the bio on the back of the CD, I didn't think I was going to like this very much, but it was pretty good. The band mix in modern metal with some industrial stuff and for the most part it works and the keyboard parts make the band even stand out that much more. The production is clean, but still retains the heavy edge. I had not heard the bands previous stuff, but the bio says that they have changed sounds somewhat. The weird keyboard parts mix in well with the metal stuff in my book and this might take a few listens to really grasp, but I thought this was cool. Info: http://www.season-of-mist.com

BLACK COMEDY
Instigator
(Season Of Mist)

This I didn't like at all as the band use that clean and then growl vocal approach and it is so overdone to death and the music wasn't much for me. The music is modern metal but the vocals and music didn't do a thing for me and I found this to me below average. Info: http://www.season-of-mist.com

KARELIA
Restless
(Season Of Mist)

From reading this bands bio it seems they were more of a death metal band before and are now have a more melodic sound to them. I have not heard any earlier stuff, so I can only go by this release. This was not death metal it is more of a metal sound with some melody to it. The singer sings in a clean voice, but for the music style it works and even though they thrown in some death metal vocals, it is not overdone and doesn't seem out of place. The band almost have an industrial feel to them and this wasn't something I wouldn't listen to a lot unless I am in the mood for it. It isn't my cup of tea, but it might be yours. Info: http://www.season-of-mist.com

DEAD SHAPE FIGURE
The Grand Karoshi
(Season Of Mist)

This is just bone crushing thrash metal that I loved. The riffs hit hard and the music is a thrash metal fans haven. The vocals are screamed in a thrash/death metal style and the production is great. The guitar sound the band crushes and the riffs will have that neck moving in no time. This is the way thrash metal was meant to be and I am now a huge fans. 2 thumbs up from me. Info: http://www.season-of-mist.com

THE JOSHUA CAIN BAND
Self Titled
(Self Released)

This was a pretty cool band as they mix in metal and rock for a really cool sound. This to me sounded like Alice in Chains, meets Cinderella. I know that is a weird combo, but that is what my ears heard. The singer has a really cool almost hillbilly like voice that fits the music well and some of the blues based rock tunes really caught my ear and the band can write some great riffs and catchy tunes. I am sure their My Space page has some tunes so you can judge for yourself, but as for me I thought this was some kick ass rock n roll blues. Info: http://www.myspace.com/thejoshuacainband

THE AGAINSTERS
A Few Notes Of Darwin
(F.I.M.P.)

This was a neat little band here. The band play power pop punk with a bit of hardcore edge to them. I can't even compare them to any bands as the band sound fresh and very different to these ears. They play sort of a raw Motorhead sound with a more of a punk edge to them. The singer has a gruff voice that fits the music well. The production is raw and meaty and the tunes are catchy almost basement sounding. The tunes will have you tapping your feet and the dirty basement sound was a welcome change to these ears that are sick of hearing the same thing all the time. Info: http://www.theagainsters.com

BLUESTONE COMPANY
Self Titled
(Bigstone)

This is blues based jamming rock. It didn't sound bad, but the lack of vocals hurt this for me. I don't mind when bands jam, but this to me got boring after a bit as it was just jamming and guitar solos and just the lack of melody hurt this. The production is good and the guitar player can play and if your into blues based jamming, you might like this, but it just got boring by song # 3 and to me the jamming went on for too long and I just needed a bit of melody and I didn't get that with this. Info: http://www.myspace.com/bluestonecompany

DIABOLIC
Chaos In Hell/Possessed By Death
(Deathgasm Records)

What you get here is a new EP from this band, along with an EP that came out in 2006. This is prime, stripped to the bone death metal at its finest. The tunes just crush and flow and are a perfect example of what death metal should be. Wicked riffs, killer vocals, and smashing drums. Think Morbid Angel, Immolation, etc. The production is awesome and the riffs on this just had my neck moving in overdrive. Pure death metal vocals sung from the heart with passion and no cup the mic crap or nu metal dance shit slam crap is found on this baby. Every song on this is a winner and the fact that you get 2 EP's is a bonus. Any fan of death metal NEEDS this in their collection ASAP. Check out the bonus video too. Info: http://www.deathgasm.com

FIREBRANDS
First The Flash Then The Pulse
(Groovy Records)

This is just pure kick ass modern rock n roll with plenty of hooks and melodies that had my feet tapping. The music is still heavy, but is also catchy and the singer has a strong voice and fits the music well. The production allows everything to be heard and this band just puts the rock back in roll.

GAAMORA
She
(Metal Mind Productions)

This is not my cup of tea at all and I hated this. This is one of those goth female fronted bands and the songs were just awful and that opera singing is something I hate in metal. I rather watch paint dry than listen to this. This might be someone's cup of tea and god bless them if it is, but is not for me and I don't mind goth metal, but those female opera like vocals have no place in metal and no place in my heart. Info: http://www.metalmind.com.pl

DISTURBING FORESIGHTS
De Grunged
(Deity Down Records)

This sort of reminded me of Biohazard, which is not a bad thing. The band play metal core or crossover style of metal. The band use a lot of groove like riffs and the tough guy vocals, which I usually hate, but can take when they are done well, and these were done well. The production is thick and the riffs and songs are quite catchy and are strong numbers. This is more of what crossover should sound like and this is much better than a lot of those tough guy Pantera clone bands. Info: http://www.deitydownrecords.com

PROPHECIES OF WAR
Self Titled
(At Hand Productions)

This is easily the worst CD I have reviewed for Ballbuster and is one of the worst CD'S I have ever reviewed. What is the purpose of this. This is a complete waste of time, music and packaging. The 1st tune is about 12 minutes of wasteful noise and track # 2 is the same and they call it "Fusion", I call it "shit". All 9 tunes are different styles as track # 7 is heavy metal. If that is heavy metal we are in big trouble. I think somebody needs to hand these guys Judas Priest or Iron Maiden album, as to me that is metal. This is absolutely worthless and ranks so far as the worst CD David has ever sent me. Congrads on that guys and trust me this will be a tough record to break. Info: http://www.athandproductions.com

DIPHTHERIA
To Wait For Fire
(Pitch Black Records)

Oh is this much, much better. A pure spikes to the wall metal band. This just kicked my ass all over the place. From note # 1 I knew this would be good and what a gem it was. The singer has a tremendous voice and he can sing with such passion and the tunes had me banging my head in no time. The band has some melody to their sound and I can't even think of any band they sound like. The music is mostly straight forward metal that edges toward the power metal field at times. A awesome release to say the least. Info: http://www.pitchblackrecords.com

EMIGRATE
Self Titled
(Self Released)

This is a metal band that mixes in some new metal style with a tough of goth, death and industrial metal. The sound isn't too bad to my ears and the singer sounds like the guy from Ministry and the tunes have some catchy riffs that caught my ear. The production is great and allows everything to be heard. If your into stuff like I think they are called Ramenstein and new Ministry and stuff like that, you'll be into this. I didn't find this great, but it was something a bit off the wall and different and I got into it. Info: http://www.emigrate.eu

WALTER TROUT
The Outsider
(Mascot Music Productions)

This was some really good blues based rock n roll. Walter can really lay down the riffs and he has a very cool soulful voice to match the music. Stevie Ray Vaughn is something that pops in my head as this plays. Walter almost makes love to the guitar when he lays down those incredible solos and you can just feel the passion and intensity as he wailed away. The production flows well and lets everything be heard too. A great rock n roll blues based release. Info: http://www.waltertrout.com

VOL BEAT
Rock The Rebel Metal The Devil
(Mascot Records)

This was some modern rock n roll with metal edge to it. The singer has an out of control voice and it is pretty cool and very different and he fits the style of the music the band is playing. The band play modern rock with a metal groove twist, but the tunes are rather catchy and didn't bore me. I think what helped was no tough guy vocals and not a bunch of slam mosh riffs. The production is not all polished and the band just don't write a bunch of dancy happy riffs and I think that made me like this as well. The singer sort of as this played on sounded like the guy in Stone Temple Pilots, but the music is not like them. This was a refreshing change of pace. I didn't get an actual website, but try: http://www.mascotrecords.com

SOMEHOW STILL ACTIVE
Afterfall
(SSIre Records)

This was a modern rock band and not a very good one in my opinion. The songs just didn't catch my ear and by track # 3 I was growing bored. I was waiting for that one hook or melody that was going to suck me in, but this to me was just flat. It was sort of like a bad version of the band Helmet. The production and singing weren't bad, but the songs just didn't click with me and I just felt bored and not very excited listening to this. Info: http://www.myspace.com/ssirerecords

G.G. & THE T.C.P. BAND
Back From The Dead
DVD/CD
(Mental Records)

The band get their name from Elvis Presley and G.G Allin. The band also features members from a bunch of old punk bands including NOFX, Stalag 13 and Dr. Know. There is 13 tunes on here and they are short, to the point punk rock tunes, They even do a few Elvis covers (actually it all could be covers, but I recognized a few of the tunes as Elvis covers) and they totally turn them into punk rock tunes. I am sure Elvis never imagined his tunes sounding this way. The singer has a great punk rock style sound and the tunes almost have that Black Flag sound to them and they are done in a pure punk rock way. Love Me Tender never sounded so good ha ha and the cool thing is the band did the cover tunes in their own style and made them their own. The DVD is chock full of funny stuff from this band as is almost like getting extra whipped cream on a thick chocolate sundae. Info: http://www.mentalrecords.net

WALLS OF JERICHO
Redemption
(Trustkill)

I have heard this bands name floating around, but never their music. This is my 1st time hearing them and I was kinda disappointed. The 5 tunes on here were way too mellow for me. I read the bands bio that I got and for them this is a big departure for them. I wouldn't mind one soft mellow tune, but when I get one followed by another and then another I was waiting for the heavy guitar sound to kick in and I never got it. I would like to hear this bands other stuff to compare it, but for me this just click with me and almost put me to sleep. Info: http://www.trustkill.com

NOISE WITHIN
Self Titled
(Self Released)

This was modern rock/metal that sounded like everybody else on these modern rock stations. The band didn't do anything that made them stand out as the songs sounded to me like any other faceless nu rock band on any rock station that plays this stuff. You can check out the bands website and hear the songs for yourself, but this did nothing for me. Info: http://www.myspace.com/noisewithinband

DESTRUCTION OF THE HEAVENLY REALMS II
Various Artists
(Deathgasm Records)

I have always loved comp CDS as you get to hear a bunch of different bands and there is always some band or bands that I have not heard of that I become a fan of. 14 death metal tunes on this baby as this label as put out some killer stuff the past few years. Check out such killer bands such as: Crimson Moon, Profanatica, Nominon and many other black metal bands. I am sure this is cheap and you get 14 bands so what are you waiting for long onto http://www.deathgasm.com

BUDDAHEAD
Ashes
(Fear Of Cheese Records)

This was an alternative release and it is way out there let tell you. At 1st I thought this was going to be another mellow release, but it at least gets a bit heavier and it is very weird. Hard to describe this is kinda like folk music meets alternative rock. The singer has a cool voice for what style of music he is doing and he sings the songs with passion as I can just hear it in his voice. This I got into a bit more as it played on as the songs has some melody and it wasn't all just mellow stuff and some of the songs has a nice rhythm to them. Not bad for what it is. Info: http://www.buddaheadmusic.com

DESTINATION: OBLIVION
Winter Solstice
(Self Released)

This was some bad techno music. The songs weren't good at all and to me just seemed like a bunch of different guys playing different songs and the vocals were buried in the mix too. This had no melody or hooks and sounded like a bad dance band. The singer just spits out a bunch of stuff, not that you can even figure out if it words or not. The music is just boring techno music with little or no power. This was not a good release in my opinion. Info: http://www.myspace.com/destinationoblivion

CARBON 9
The Bull
(IEG Entertainment)

This is another techno type band, but unlike the above band, this has some decent melody and riffs to it. I am not doing backflips over it, but the tunes were catchy and the singer sounds like Mike from Faith No More. The band also have a harder edge guitar wise and they actually write songs that make sense and hooks to suck you in. The production is right on target too. I would say this is pretty original and this is like Faith No More meets nu metal meets a touch of death metal and throw in some heavy metal to boot along with a touch of techno and industrial. Info: http://www.myspace.com/carbon9

SPIRITUAL BEGGARS
Self Titled
(Regain Records)

This was some awesome old school rock with touches of metal with a guitar sound right out of the 70's. Hell the production is out of the 70's as well. If your into stuff like old Black Sabbath, Kyuss, etc, then you'll love this as I did. The band just crank out the riffs that had my head moving with the tunes. I would say this is more metal than rock, but it still has that arena rock feel. The singer has a nice clear voice and he fits the style of the band rather well. I love the old school production and this is just a fantastic release of stoner rock that is heavier than a ton of lead. Info: http://www.regainrecords.com

« March / April 2008

Hard Announcements

METAL TO THE BONE!

"The Forbes Critique" June / July 2008 All Reviews by Chris Forbes

"The Forbes Critique"
June / July 2008
All Reviews by Chris Forbes