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February / March 2006Steve Lukather & Friends | Fighting Warriors | Voodoo Screw Machine | The Lifters | Russell Allen | Biolich | Modest & Humble | Divine Empire | Filii Nigrantium Infernalium | Shadow Gallery | Khold | Penetrator | Bronx Casket Co. | Hewcorrupts | An All Star Salute To Iron Maiden | Scid | Insidious Decrepancy | Big B | Dream Or Nightmare | Shame Lady | Earthride | James Christian | Catheter | Vile | Apollo Braun | Dark Funeral | Peter And The Test Tube Babies | Masterplan | Wojczech | Starbreaker | Lunatica | 45 Grave | Jaded 52 | Scum | So I Had To Shoot Him | Dragonlord | North to Emerson | To the Bone | Warrior Girl Music | Sourvein | Austin Bridges | V:28 | Deadly Sin | Stronghold | Antiquus | The Relief Effort | Continium Research Project | Robin Beck | XYZ | Dead Soul Tribe | Loud-N-Nasty | Warmachine | Rainbow Six:Lockdown | Arcturus | The Conspiracy | White Crow | Confessor | Taz Taylor | Deadlock | Mack | Midnight Circus | My Insanity | Urto | Manticora | Superkollider | Smile Empty Soul | Kragens | Zan Clan | Antigama | Matt Konfirst | Street Dogs | Yuggoth | Evolotto | Razor Ride | Stratovarius | Anubis Gate | Journey | Come And Go | Zero Hour | Icarus Witch | Sathanas | Opposition Party | Diren Grey | Helloween | Hate Profile | Beyond Twilight | Urizen | Wither | Liecus | Craft | Killing Spree | Only Now Existing | Super Liquid Courage | Circus of Dead Squirrels | Switched | Stride | Jeff Urso | Vader | Ascension Theory | Ignarus | Shakra | Luxt | Diver | Horse the Band | Slave to the System | Parabellum | Mindflow | Billion Dollar Babies | Project Steiger | SOS | David Earl Lewis | Wet Animal | The Devin Townsend Band | Nostradamus 0014 | Degree Absolute | Eric Gales | Headrush | 1/2 Mad Poet | Early Empire | American Dog | Supermercado | Deep Purple Steve Lukather & Friends You can call me Scrooge because I'm not a huge fan of Christmas music. Come the holiday season, it's all you hear. No matter where you go, you can't escape it. It's on the radio, it's on the television, it's in every store you go into...it's enough to make me sick. However, "SantaMental" was a release that kind of caught me by suprise. Before I could say "bah, humbug," I thought to myself, you know what, this isn't all that bad. It's got a great sound, which most Christmas albums have to begin with. But, this one has a lot of energy to it. It's a fun little romp through some holiday classics such as "Jingle Bells," "Carol Of The Bells," "Angels We Have Heard On High," "Winter Wonderland" and "Silent Night" to name a few. Musical style...I don't know...progressive, guitar driven, a little jazz...and a lot of bounce. Even though I'll probably never listen to it again once the holiday season is over, I must say, I was impressed. I cranked it a few times to get a good feel for it and it didn't bore me to death. So, that's saying something. Let's talk about some of Steve Lukather's friends, who make an appearance here. Let's see...there's Gregg Bissonette, who's all over the album. Eddie Van Halen can be heard on "Joy To The World" and Slash is featured on the bluesy "Broken Heart For Christmas." Steve Vai adds his two cents to "Carol Of The Bells" and Mr. Lukather does an amazing duet with Edgar Winter on "Winter Wonderland." My favorite track, without a doubt, has got to be "Jingle Bells," which features Steve doing a duet with the late Sammy Davis Jr. That's worth the price of admission alone. It's hard to believe that this album was done in about six days...or so I've read. It's a great release, considering the fact that it's holiday music. But, if you wanna get someone into the holiday spirit, let 'em listen to this album a few times. That'll do the trick...and it won't annoy the hell out of you either. http://www.santamental.com Fighting Warriors Fighting Warriors play Rhapsody style power metal, with heavy use of piano, keyboards, and strings, mucho melody, epic storytelling, and female vocals from singer Cinzia Di Martino. She actually has quite a good voice, sounding similar to Doro Pesch. The whole band is good and plays well, the only drawback being that the guitar could use a little beefing up, and the whole thing sounds under-produced. Granted, this is a demo so one can't expect the best production quality. When they make a proper album it will hopefully sound better, with a little more guitar muscle. There are four songs on this demo (along with some spoken word to go with the storyline). The first one, "Pain Of The Soul", is a ballad, grandiose concert piano and all! While it's good, I've always thought kicking off a metal album with a ballad is a dubious move. The next song, "Dextera Dei", starts off slow but then kicks into high gear halfway through. The last two, "Stop The Crying" and "Out Of My Hell", are full speed ahead gallopers. The Warriors do have some rough spots to iron out but they are promising. VOODOO SCREW MACHINE I tried to like this, but to me it was boring rock n roll with a touch of metal here and there. This to me sounded like a garage band that got together and recorded a CD. The tunes just lacked substance and any sort of power. The songs sounded flat and the vocals were ok as was the production. Can't find much of vlaue here and the band sound like a bad Faith No More. Info: http://www.voodooscrewmachine.com THE LIFTERS This wasn't bad until the band went the groove style with the tough screamed guy vocals. This started out as some alternative rock with a nice feeling to it and then in jumps the jump riffing and the tough guy vocals, which sounds like every other band doing that tired style. They also mix together within the songs, which totally ruined it for me. All these Pantera wanna be bands need to go. If this band would stick with the more rock/alternative parts they would be good, but to me they are just another faceless jump metal band. Info: http://www.rudyrecords.biz Russell Allen This is Symphony X vocalist Russell Allen's first side project, and it's quite different from Symphony X. While Symphony X are renowned for their progressive metal style, "Atomic Soul" is a straight up hard rock album, pure and simple. The influence is mainly classic hard rock like Deep Purple, Nazareth, and early Ted Nugent, but there is also a more "modern" flavor, with shades of Soundgarden and Monster Magnet. They keep things stripped to basics; no frills, nothing fancy, just pure, rootsy, down-to-the-bone rock and roll. Just about all the songs pack a furious punch, with fuzztone guitars, chunky riffs, and Russell's rough and raw singing style. A couple that really rock are "Seasons Of Insanity" and "Atomic Soul", both supercharged, superfast rockers, a la "Highway Star". "The Distance", on the other hand, is little more laid back, with a Kansas flavor, while "Gaia" is similar to Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir". Russell doesn't totally forsake his progressive roots for this album, as the eight minute long "We Will Fly" is as prog as they come. It is a much more sophisticated song that the rest of the album, on which they use keyboards, piano, and more complex songwriting techniques. It is much like 70s progressive rock. Aside from this track, "Atomic Soul" is quite a departure from Symphony X. Russell keeps things simple and basic (not to mention rockin'!) on this one, still doing a very good job (helped by two other X members, guitarist Michael Romeo and keyboardist Michael Pinella, as well as by famed keyboardist Jen Johannson (Rising Force, Stratovarius, etc) on the title cut). Russell probably felt the need to rock out a little bit, and who can blame him? BIOLICH Garbage Suffocation/Cannibal Corpse death metal with the ultra low vocals and some really awful production. The drums sound like tin cans and the blast beats are so cheezy and the low vocals and the dancey death metal riffs sound like every Long Island death metal band. This is not quality death metal, it is complete rubbish and it is not technical death metal; it is shit death metal. Info: http://www.paragonrecords.net Modest & Humble I've heard Modest & Humble before. My problem is that I can't remember what I had to say about 'em, which is kind of a good thing because I can listen to this release and form a fresh opinion. Ah...what can I say...this is a rap record that comes off like a local release...or an independent release...whatever works better for you. You see, Modest & Humble can rap. They've got some great lyrics. The thing is...for the most part...the music behind those lyrics doesn't have enough kick to it. A tune like "D Finest" is what they should be doing. That tune's got the lyrics and the kick. "Bitches" and "Henny Sour" are two other ones. But, take a song like "Ride Wit Me," it doesn't come off as hard and, when you hear the way they deliver the vocals, you know this could be a much better song...same with "Girl Cums," a great song about sex...but...it needs a little more punch. Know what I mean? Maybe it's just me, I don't know. I'll be the first one to tell you that, even though I like rap music, I'm no expert on the subject. I like a few people...Run DMC, Beastie Boys, Da Lench Mob, Ice T, B.W.P., 2 Live Crew, N.W.A. I don't like everything they did, but, I do have their records...the ones I like...in my collection. There's a lot of potential here, which is why I'll add this disc to my collection. If you're a rap fan, well, maybe you'll like 'em, maybe you won't. But, I would suggest at least giving them a listen. DIVINE EMPIRE This was some pretty brutal death metal from this band. This is the band's 4th release and it is quite the slab of death metal. The band have gone for a more thicker sound and also throw in some more slower parts and a thicker guitar sound. The vocals are thick growls of death. The production is deep heavy and the blast beats are REAL blast beats. One of the better death metal releases of 2005. Info: http://www.crashmusicinc.com FILII NIGRANTIUM INFERNALIUM Wow this was some f_cked up shit. The vocals sound like Blackie from Wasp dying, but the music is far from that band. The band play sort of older style thrash metal with some wicked riffing and as it played on the more I liked it. The band also whip into some fast speed metal parts too. This was some really original and wicked stuff. Info: http://www.proconmedia.com Shadow Gallery This is these prog rockers' fifth album, aptly titled. "Room V" is a a progressive rock/metal indulgence, clocking in at seventy five minutes. Sometimes it's a little overindulgent. Many of the songs are are rather lengthy, at seven to nine minutes, and there are also several instrumental tracks. By contrast, there are also some songs that are very short, at one to two minutes long. There are rockers and ballads, much use of keyboards (as is always the case in prog), as well as some classical influence, including the use of piano, flute, and classical style guitar. Their influences include Dream Theater, Queensryche, ELP, Yes, Kansas, Moody Blues, Styx, and Jethro Tull. The band is certainly talented and plays extremely well. The songs are well written and crafted, with some complex and sophisticated structures and rich musical textures. Vocalist Mike Baker has a very good voice and there is some brilliant guitar and keyboard work. The band gets riff happy on rockers like "Manhunt", "The Andromeda Strain", "The Archer Of Ben Salem", "Room V", and "Rain", but they also throw in a number of ballads to balance things out. The best of these ballads is "Comfort Me", a classically-oriented song on which singer Mike Baker duets with female vocalist Laura Jaeger. The two harmonize nicely, and the song is solid and well structured. Another ballad, "Vow", is a weak link on the album. Eight and a half minutes of elevator music! ZZZZZZ! The album would have done just fine without this one! While the album, as I said, is a bit lengthy and overindulgent, there's no doubt Shadow Gallery is a very talented band and have made a very good prog album here. Die hard prog fans should definitely dig this one! KHOLD This was like dancy goth metal with melody. The music was very catchy and had keyboards and the like, but I didn't like it. This was compared to Bathory. What pipe was that person smoking? This is like goth with a metal edge to it. It wasn't bad for what it was, but not my cup of tea. Info: http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com Penetrator Penetrator crank out some piledriving metal, very classic, very aggressive, very much like Anvil. Guitarist Bess Ross, in fact, once played in Anvil, so perhaps that is a reason. Plus both bands hail from Toronto. Bess' guitar style is very similar to that of Lips, Anvil's leader, and some goes for singer David T. Green. His singing style is also much like Lips' vocals. Bess has certainly learned a few tricks from his former boss, cranking out mucho riffs and sizzling solos, all taken from the book of classic metal. The band plays macho metal to the max, going full steam all the way. There are no flavors of the month to be sampled here, just pure heavy metal like it was meant to be, no holds barred. Penetrator is a musical sucker punch. One could argue they borrow a little too much from Anvil, but if they are copycats, they are good ones at that. David Green actually SINGS, which is refreshing to hear from a new band these days, when most singers try to be Phil Anselmo (and fail miserably more often than not) by growling and howling. It's great to see a new band playing classic style heavy metal, not churning out a bunch of noise and calling it metal, that also manages to be tough as nails at the same time! Keep penetrating, Penetrator! http://www.penetratorpower.com BRONX CASKET CO This was pretty cool. Sort of reminded me of Ministry at times. This band has a couple of guys from Overkill in the band as well. The band have some melody to them and yeah the bio says they sound a bit like Type O Negative, I would agree but with more melody and grovve and the vocals are more not as deep. The band is doing something different and I really enjoyed this debut. Excellent job. Info: http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com HEWCORRUPTS Sick twisted grind metal with some sick, screamed vocals and some chaotic, out of control music. Imagine Human Remains if they played all out grind. The production is good and the band don't use those cup the mic vocals and I actually enjoyed this and I am not a big fan of grind. The music is super fast and is totally warped. Info: http://www.eugenicrecordlabel.com An All Star Salute To Iron Maiden When it comes to tribute albums, almost every record label on the planet has put one out and there's one for just about every band that sold more than two records. Some are good, some are bad and there's some that make you wonder why they were even made. I guess you could say that they're usually a hit or miss. There's usually a few tunes you really like and there's some that you could've done without. So, what's the deal with "Numbers From The Beast," you ask. Well, I must say, this is probably the first tribute album that I've heard that's damn near perfect. I have one major complaint about this release. You can't do a tribute to Iron Maiden without "The Number Of The Beast," especially if you're gonna call the album "Numbers From The Beast." Iron Maiden has a wealth of material to choose from and I know it's probably difficult to decide what to record and what to ignore. But, when you don't include "The Number Of The Beast," well, that's just wrong. No...it's more than wrong...it's blasphemous. Minus "The Number Of The Beast," the track listing includes "Run To The Hills," "Wasted Years," "Wrathchild," "Flight Of Icarus," "Fear Of The Dark," "The Trooper," "Aces High," "2 Minutes To Midnight," "Can I Play With Madness," "The Evil That Men Do" and "The Wickerman." Now, this line up might seem a little skimpy to some people and I would be quick to agree if it wasn't for the fact that these tunes are so damn good. They didn't stray too far from the Iron Maiden sound and I would say, without a doubt, that every artist included on this release captured the true spirit of what Iron Maiden is all about. The vocal talent on here is amazing. You've got Robin McAuley, Dee Snider, Ripper Owens, Chuck Billy, Lemmy Kilmister, Jeff Scott Soto, Joe Lynn Turner, Mark Slaughter, Chris Jericho, John Bush and Paul Di'Anno. The musicians who back 'em up include either current or former members of Dokken, Anthrax, Testament, Kiss, Murderdolls, Dio, Styx, Ozzy Osbourne, AC/DC, Suicidal Tendencies, Mr. Big, Extreme, The Firm and Godhead to name a few. There's more talent on this disc than there is in your local record store...it's mind blowing. I'll be honest with you...I can't pick a favorite song. I like them all and I don't think there's a weak one in the bunch. In fact, this is the only tribute album that I have in my collection...and I have about 40 of 'em if not more...that I can listen to from start to finish without skipping over any of the tracks. Bob Kulick and Brett Chassen produced "Numbers From The Beast" and, I've gotta admit...they did one hell of a job. You know...a lot of people believe that you can never do better than the original song and, for the most part, I agree with that. However, with this release, I would say that these tunes are equal to the originals. I think the members of Iron Maiden would be proud and, if you're a fan, your collection isn't complete without "Numbers From The Beast," and if you're gonna do another album like this...make sure you include "The Number Of The Beast." SCID 32 tracks of death/grind.core in the vein of Carcas and any other grind band. The vocals are a turn off to me as I hate the gutteral growl style. The production isn't bad and if you like gore/grind then you'll like this. I am not a big fan of this style period. Info: http://www.unmatchedbrutality.com INSIDIOUS DECREPANCY This was modern death metal with the low gutteral vocals and the dance happy riffs and the cheezy blast beats. This in my eyes is not brutal and it's like 2nd grade school death metal. I can't past the vocals and the dancy mosh riffs and then the blast beats are so common with bands like this that it gets old fast. I know this label usually releases this kind of stuff and the last few things he has sent me at ball-buster weren't bad, but this band in my eyes is one of the bad ones. Info: http://www.unmatchedbrutality.com Big B After doing a write up on "White Trash Renegade," I had the chance to go back and listen to Big B's debut album, "High Class White Trash." Talk about growth as an artist...there's a major difference between Big B's debut and "White Trash Renegade." "High Class White Trash" doesn't seem to have the same edge as "White Trash Renegade." It seems to me that "High Class White Trash" is simply an album to test the water. This album has attitude...but...it doesn't come off as hard as "White Trash Renegade," which isn't a "test the water" kind of release...that's when Big B hit the diving board and did a belly flop into the water...he cleared the pool with that album....yeah. "Raise It Up" is the track that would show was Big B would do on his second album. I'd probably highlight this one as the best track. There's other good stuff on here as well...for example...the opening track, "Big B Duz It," which is a cover of the Eazy E classic "Eazy Duz It," which Big B makes his own. "Hooligan," which also appears on "White Trash Renegade," is also another stand out track. I'm tempted to say this is Big B's trademark song. The other tunes that I feel are worth a mention include "Fuck Or Fight," which features an appearance by Richter of The Kottonmouth Kings, "Addicted," which is kind of mellow...but...it's a great song. Finishing up the disc is "Battle," which is Big B's war cry....he's lettin' you know that he's comin' and, eventually, he brought out the big guns with "White Trash Renegade." Damn...that album still knocks me for a loop...and I've been listening to it daily for a few months now. No shit! I think my main beef with "High Class White Trash" are the interlude tracks...there's five of 'em, six if you count the outro at the end of the disc...and, with that many...I feel it interrupts the flow of the album. Big B creates a mood...you're in the groove, you're diggin' it and, all of a sudden, these tracks pop in and disrupt that. He didn't use them as much on "White Trash Renegade," which is probably why that album flows as well as it does. If you're not familiar with the music of Big B and you're thinkin' of checkin' him out, I would seriously suggest going with "White Trash Renegade" first. You can't go wrong with that album. You're gonna love it because it's f_cking smokin'. Once you find out how right I am, do what I did and go back to his debut to see where it all began. The tunes I mentioned above are ones that you can't live without. http://www.myspace.com/hooliganbigb Dream Or Nightmare Only four tunes here...not enough to form a solid opinion. It's enough to give me an idea of what the band's all about though...and they're all about metal. It's music I've heard before. But, it's worth a listen. Opening track, "Lost Wish," is my pick for best of the bunch. It's got a slow build up and by the time you get to the chorus, you're bangin' your head. "Self Inflicted Gunshot Wound To The Head" has a killer groove. "Tomorrow Aside" was a bit different. I'm still trying to figure this one out. Not sure if I like this one or not. I'd have to listen to it a few more times. "Conflicting Addiction" is a good song. The album had a raw feel, which I thought was cool. It's almost like it's a work in progress, if you know what I mean. There's also some hidden tracks on here. The instrumental, industrial sound effect tune...well...throw that one into a horror movie as backround music and it would work well. The other tune should've remained hidden...it didn't do much for me. Other than that, I don't have anything else to say. They have a tune you can download at http://www.download.com/dreamor nightmare and, if you like that, check the website for additional information. http://www.dreamornightmare.com SHAME LADY Brutal, crushing doom metal all the way with some dying man vocals. This is sludy, heart pouding and extreme. The music plods along and is heavy as a ton of bricks. The production is right on the money and this will leave any fan of underground music sad, alone and afraid. Info: http://www.rottenrecords.com EARTHRIDE More crushing doom metal. This band is more in the 70's Black Sabbath vein, but have a sort of stoner rock edge to them too. The production is total 70's style and I love the old bass and guitar sound. The vocals are nice and soild too, sort of like Lemmy in spots. If your into Kyuss, Black Sabbath and quality stone rock, I say buy this. Info: http://www.southernlord.com James Christian Many of you may know the stellar, powerhouse vocals of James Christian. He has fronted such bands as Eyes, L.A. Rocks and House Of Lords. After the successful reunion album with House Of Lords, Christian wanted to make a successful comeback as a solo artist as well. In the melodic rock genre, he just may be onto something. Slightly a progressive sound to the music, but definitely melodic. A cross between Savage Garden and Whitesnake. Plenty of tracks destined for lite rock radio stations. A nice bunch of ballads and love songs. http://www.locomotivemusic.com Catheter And so another grind release to review. Seems I get things in groups. Well the metallic crustation that is Denver's Catheter are back with a sonic assault to the senses. Here are 18 reasons why Catheter are at the top of their game. One wouldn't think to say anything about the musicianship of a grind/crust metal band. Besides that fact that the players are going as fast as humanly possible. Well Catheter are worthy of mentioning it. And to me, (wondering if anyone really gives a shit or not) I think they fit into more of an extremely brutal death metal genre. But that's one of those fine lines that anyone can argue. On the bio it states, "a monstrous masterpiece from one of the most proficient and dedicated grind acts around." Funny thing about it is that I'm not really that much of a grind head. But honestly, I really like 'Dimension 303'. It's the kick-in-your-face, slit-your-wrists, cut-off-your-head and shit down your neck release off the year. Brutal. http://www.selfmadegod.com VILE This is some solid death metal played with some fury and passion. The band play a more modern metal style and mix in a bit of the old. The riffs are furious and the drums fly with speed. Think Cannibal Corpse meeting older Morbid Angel. The vocals aren't bad and the blast beats are real. See I can get into some of the newer style death metal when it's played this good. Info: http://www.uniqueleader.com Apollo Braun I can respect the fact that Apollo Braun worked his ass off to get where he is today. But, as far as his music goes...well...this is just plain gay, there's no question about it. What we have here is a traditional Jewish song that's turned into a dance/club tune and that's all there is to it. The song really didn't impress me. But, the fact that he's tryin' to pawn it off for twenty bucks a pop...or forty if you want an autographed copy...now that's impressive. Dude, it's one song and it wasn't all that great to begin with. I mean, talk about being full of yourself...get a freakin' clue. Next time you take a shit, lean over the bowl and take a good whiff. You're just like everyone else on the planet...it does stink. You know, I shouldn't even mention the fact that the album cover features a topless Apollo standing there with one arm up in the air, a yellow dildo hangin' out of his jeans and an Adolph Hitler mustache under his nose...and on the back cover, he's wearin' a boot on one foot and a woman's shoe on the other. Okay...yeah...I know therapy is expensive. But, I'm not gonna help you fuckin' pay for it. Not that it's really important, but, I should point out the fact that there's a second version of "Hava Nagila" included on this release. There's a radio version and a club version and, to be honest with you, they both sound the same to me. The only difference is the radio version is a whole two seconds longer than the club version. I'm suprised he didn't charge an extra ten bucks for those two additional seconds. Dude...you should pay me twenty bucks for listening to this...and you should throw in an extra twenty for the time I had to waste writing about it. Sure, all I did was complain. But, at least you got your website address online. Seems fair to me. DARK FUNERAL Holy shit the devil would be proud of this release. This just shoots out like a cannon and never lets up. Pure 100% fury and passion. The hateful riffs fly and does the vocals. The music is total emotion and feeling and it packs the wallop of a bull. The production is perfect and this is one of the best black metal releases I have heard..ever. Info: http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com Peter And The Test Tube Babies Peter And The Test Tube Babies. Now that's a catchy name. Apparently these guys have been around for quite some time. What do I know about this band? Jack shit. I looked around on the web and just found a couple reviews. Not much info other than they are called veterans or old time punkers. And that's just what it is. Upbeat, up-tempo punk. Done in a fun way with more or less comedic lyrics. All tracks are fairly catchy. This is seasoned punk that does not seem to be fueled by a lot of angst or have a political agenda to it. Many , many catchy, sing-along-able tunes. This is a pretty cool release. Hopefully soon the 'Test Tube' website will be more functional for you. A good disk for any punker. Fans of C.I.V., Rancid, Fatass and even The Bucket Boys , will enjoy the music here. http://www.locomotiverecords.com MASTERPLAN This I felt was like a poor man's Dream Theatre. The music lacked that killer punch and just sounded like too many other progressive metal bands to stick out and make me want to keep listening. It is well played and all, but overall this just didn't seem anything above average at best. Info: http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com Wojczech " Originating back in 1995, Germany's Wojczeck have undoubtly become one of the most famous groups on the worldwide grind scene. Thanks to a steady stream of vinyl releases over the years. After a decade of existence, the band unleashes its long awaited debut, Sedimente and detonates 11 fireshots of nihilistic rage, blast-beat fury and apocalyptic sound. Deranged, frenzied, super tight metallic grind with hints of crust, thrash, hardcore, death metal and punk, this is GRIND A.D. 2005. Amazing recording production courtesy of Harris Johns at Spiderhouse Studio. Highly recommended for fans of Assuck, Nasum, His Hero Is Gone." There, that is me plagiarizing the promo copy. I think they say it best. It is a cool, extreme listen. Heavy but not too obnoxious. Not twelve-thousand mile an hour drumbeats. As far as the grind aspect, it is toned down quite a bit. All in all a nice change. I'd say for fans of Raging Speedhorn, Blessing The Hogs, At All Cost. Starbreaker Well melodic metal fans brace yourselves. The debut from Starbreaker is set to knock you out. The band consists of Tony Harnell (TNT, West World), Magnus Carlson (Last Tribe), John Macaluso (TNT, Ark, Yngwie), and Fabrizio Grossi. Yes. A fine collection of musicians. Each track is a melodic/progressive gem. Plenty of memorable melodies, hooks and catchy choruses in every song. A strong release for the present with plenty of memories from the past. Will appeal to all fans of the progressive persuasion. Queensryche, Pyramaze, Dream Theater and many more. As vocalist Harnell states, "It's heavy, epic, majestic and hugely melodic. I really hope this will inspire lots of people out there as it did to me and if this will be the last work I'd do as a musician in a band effort, I could definitely die happy." And to be honest, that's not a sales pitch from the band. This is a splendid collection of tunes. A dynamic debut. Starbreaker is one to look out for in the coming years. http://www.locomotivemusic.com LUNATICA I didn't like this right off the bat and that was because of the female vocals and the music wasn't anything to write home about neither. The music is sort of progressive in spots, but it is like lightweight metal with female vocals. The band can play and she can sing, but this is something I'm not into. I need a bit more aggressiveness and stuff in my music. I also am not a big fan of female vocals, but if you are, you might like this. Info: http://www.locomotivemusic.com 45 Grave Well here's one that I'm sure a lot of you are anxious to get your hands on. If I could hand this copy to one of you, I would surely be happy to. Not that's it's really terrible. Just that it's not my thing. I never got into this band what so ever. Their horror goth rock blend has earned them legendary status. Congratulations. This disk is a carefully mastered show from the summer of 1988. It includes such tracks as, " Bad Love, Sorceress, Fucked By The Devil and Black Cross", just to name a few of the 16 tracks on the disk. I can't hardly recommend that people need to rush out and buy this disk. Especially if you are not familiar with the music of 45 Grave. They are an acquired taste. Dark, raunchy puck vibe to it. But for those die hard 45 Gravers, you'll fully enjoy this disk from start to finish. All tracks have a really good sound. Nicely mastered. JADED 52 This is power punk stuff like Blink 182 and Good Charlotte and all that carp. This is not real punk, it is record lable recycle junk that young kids will buy as real punk. Total MTV video crap stuff. Bands like this are a dime a dozen. Info: http://www.jaded52.com SCUM Wsn't too fond of this. This is like modern punk rock with some metal mixed in. The funny thing is you got 2 guys from Emperor and a few other guys and they put out a release such as this. This is like some of that stuff like I would expect Rage Against The Machine to put out or one of these power pop punk bands. Hilarious. Info: http://www.candlelightusa.com So I Had To Shoot Him Well here's a band of a different nature. They have been tearing up the NJ/NY underground hardcore scene for ten years or so. Their sound throws me a bit. I feel I'm pretty diverse in the different genres, but this is not one of them. They are some what , I guess they are called "sex metal". Not quite the sounds I'd want to hear while having sex. Maybe if I were having a seizure. It's grind pop? Well they are definitely doing their own thing. Sort of like Fear Before The March Of Flames. Frantic. The female fronted vocals add to the fun. Extremely schizophrenic from start to finish. Heavy as hell I must say. Way to over the map in styles. " pulverizing metal core, neon-hued dance punk, Blondie meets Napalm Death". Very imaginative music. So if your into the heavy obscure, this is the disk for you. DRAGONLORD KInda average death metal with keyboards. The band doesn't suck, but they also didn't blow me away. It is a case of the same ole same ole. The band bash out some upper paced death metal with some melody and speed, but the tunes are kinda just there and there is nothing earth shattering about the band. Info: http://www.escapinmusic.com NORTH TO EMERSON 6 tracks of catchy power punk rock. The tunes are all catchy tunes built around rock chords and uptempo melodies. Sort of reminded me a little of The Dead Milkman. The vocals were good for this style and the band can write songs that define their style. If your into some good collage rock with a punky edge here is your band. Info: http://www.northtoemerson.com TO THE BONE This is not like the bio says. This is not craft classic old school metal, punk, hardocre, hard rock, garage and experimental elements stripped down and hit like a brutal truck. This is just another faceless groove metal band with the semi tough guy vocals and the moshy dance riffs that every other band that does this style does. Old school metal my foot. This is typical like all the rest. Info: http://www.tothebone.tv Warrior Girl Music This two disc set features 32 songs and, when it comes to compilation albums, it doesn't get any better than this. Usually, when you put a compilation album together, especially one that features music of all styles, it's usually not a good thing. If you throw a lot of different music together and you don't do it right, it's not gonna flow well and most people won't be able to get into it. Trust me...I'm speaking from experience here. My local used record store got a lot of free CD's from me because of that reason. They're not getting this one though because "Females On Fire" was done right. I'm sure a lot of time was spent on trying to figure out the track listing because, even though there's a lot of musical variety to be found here, each song flows into the next one without missing a beat. It's like listening to a radio station that had a good run for about two hours...know what I mean? However, with the amount of material that's featured here, you do need to go through it a few times to really take it all in. You listen to it once just to hear it. Second time around, you start picking out some tunes that you really like. Third time...fourth time...you'll have a good feel for what it's all about. You know, I was gonna mention a few tracks that I really like because, yes, I do like some tunes more than others. But, I wouldn't do this album justice if I started to pick it apart. I don't want you to judge this album by a song or two because you need to experience this release as a whole to understand how good it really is. So, let me just end this little write up with this thought. 2005 is about to come to an end and I'm putting a lot of thought into the top ten albums that I've heard this year. I have about five releases picked out so far and, while I can't tell you what order I'm placing them into yet, I will say this, "Females On Fire" is number one. Without a doubt, this is the best album that I've heard all year. Two thumbs up...a perfect ten. Pick up a copy today...and, while you're at it...pick up an extra copy for someone you love. http://www.warriorgirlmusic.com SOURVEIN Crushing doom metal. Think Symphony of Grief, Disembowlment, etc. The riffs will shake and make you cringe. Vocals that will make you cry. A excellent bottom end production and any doom fan will eat this up. Info: http://www.devildollrecords.com AUSTIN BRIDGES This was not my cup of tea at all as the band is really too mellow for my tastes. This band is like one of those coffee house bands with guitars. The music is very weak and it far from metal or even rock. If your into folk music with a touch of rock edge to it then you might like this. Info: http://www.austinbridges.com V:28 This trio basically play death metal with some industrial and gothic elements thrown in. Think a band like Obituary with a little bit of Rammstein, Nine Inch Nails, and Rage Against The Machine on the side. Death metal is the predominant style of V:28, with the speedy, crushing riffs, howlin' and growlin' Cronos-style vocals, and pounding drumming with some fast double bassing. They also use some electronic sound effects, synthesizers, and sampling throughout the album, along with a dark, brooding atmosphere, giving in the industrial/goth flavorings. The band are talented enough and are doing something that's a bit different and innovative, so they deserve credit for that. VOODOO HILL Wild Another solid release of AOR rock from this label. The band is heavy and melodic and the vocals are perfect. I am a sucker for good, quality AOR bands that play memorbale songs and vocals. This is sort of like a heavier version of Whitesnale with more melody to them. Info: http://www.locomotivemusic.com DEADLY SIN This was melodic metal with a bit of power metal to it at times. The vocals are quite good and the band can play and I like how they mix up the tempos and don't leave me bored. The songs are all catchy numbers, but also have pelnty of power behind them and the band don't sound like all the Hammerfall wanna be bands. The band have their own style and that is what makes this work. A goodie. Info: http://www.nightmare-records.com STRONGHOLD Okay...first of all, I'm not sure why I'm getting this one to write about. While I was reading up on the band, I got the impression that they're no longer together. Although, I could be wrong about that. So, don't quote me. However, I also checked out their website and it doesn't seem to be updated. On top of that, this album was released back in 2003. So, I have no idea what's going on here and it's a fuckin' shame too because this album kicks some major ass. It's got a nice package, it's got a great sound. I don't really need to hype it up because the music does all the talkin' here. In a word...it's metal...and it's well worth seeking out if you ask me. Queensryche style vocals mixed with a pure metal sound. Not one weak song in the bunch. I haven't tried to contact anyone in the band. So, I don't know how hard it's gonna be to get in touch. But, what the hell, the links are below if you wanna check 'em out and see if you can hook yourself up with a copy. Knock yourself out. http://www.strongholdmetal.com ANTIQUUS I just could not get into this. The vocals I feel are weak and the music, which is power metal style, was also not very good. The music lacked quality and didn't have much melody or had me remember anything when I shut the cd off. The guy has a nice set of pipes, but I just didn't like his voice. The music kinda just drags on and the music lacked power and quality. Maybe next time guys. Info: http://www.antiquus.net THE RELIEF EFFORT This was mellow rock that belongs in a coffee house. I didn't like it at all as it is not for me. The band play modern lightweight rock that would be good on a college station I get. I couldn't find anything of value here. CONTINIUM RESEARCH PROJECT This is the worst cd I have ever had to review for this publication. 2 tracks of complete and utter noise and just plain waste of my time and music. This isn't even music. This is a wall of stupid noise and sounds like a sewer. I had more fun watching paint dry. Beyond bad. http://www.tortugarecordings.com Robin Beck I'm totally trippin' on this release. Yeah...Robin Beck's "Do You Miss Me" is a fantastic collection of melodic rock. Original tunes written by Marc Jordan (Kansas, Cher), Amy Sky (Heart), Desmond Child (Kiss, Bon Jovi), Michael Boltan and Chris Pelcer (Peter Cetera, Van Zant) are featured here. Had to name drop. But, it doesn't really matter to me who wrote what. All I care about is the music and how it's presented to me and...damn...this is some good stuff here. You know, I get tired of going through album after album, typing up a few words without getting excited about what I'm doing. "Do You Miss Me" changed all that. Robin Beck got my engine runnin' and I'm on fire now. I love this album with a passion. This has 80's influence written all over it. At the same time, it also has a fresh and modern sound. I know that might not make any sense, but, that's how I hear it. Robin has a great voice...and in some places, she reminds me of Heart. The end of the year's coming...and when I look back on the top ten releases of 2005, "Do You Miss Me" is sure as hell gonna be in the top three. This is just a great release, there's no question about it. It's a brilliant album from start to finish. Just be sure to pick up a copy. You won't regret it. http://www.locomotivemusic.com XYZ What we have here are a collection of demo tracks from the XYZ vault. According to the liner notes, some of these tunes have been remixed and/or remastered to enhance the quality of the recording. What can I say other than it's a great rock album. Most of these tunes come from the 80's, which is where my heart is. I love 95% of the music from that decade because, in my opinion, you can't go wrong with it. I wish there were more releases like this. A lot of people out there like to hear demo tracks and/or unreleased tunes and, usually, when you go lookin' for 'em, you end up finding copies that are less than flattering. The sound on these tunes are fantastic. That's great, man. Since I'm currently not up on my XYZ history, I can't really compare these tunes to anything else. But, they do kind of give you an idea of how the band grew as the years went by. My only complaint here is how the track list is set up, with the older stuff first. It's like you're listening to the CD backwards. I don't know why people do that. I view this release as somewhat of a history lesson and since I don't read backwards, I don't wanna listen to music backwards either. Next time...and the impression that I got from the liner notes is that there will be a next time...slap the early stuff on there first. If that's where you began as a band, that's where you should begin when presenting these tunes to us. It will give people a better sense of who you were at the time and where you went from there. Just my opinion. Other than that, this album rocks. No question about it. If you're an XYZ fan, this release should be a welcomed addition to your collection. |
