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April / May 2007Catamenia | Greg Rappaport | Overwhelmed | Anton Tsyganhov Project | Steve Perry | Bill Wyman | Funeral | Echoes of Eternity | Sentenced | Masterplan | Mendeed | The Exiles | Firewind | Christine Martucci Band | Therion | My Korrhiza | Closer | Suicidal Winds | Benea Reach | Conquest of Steel | Khymera | My Lament | Paganize | Red Catamenia This band basically sound like Dragonforce with death metal/metalcore style vocals. All the elements of Dragonforce's power metal style are in here-fast paced, galloping music with lightning riffs, a lot of melody, atmospheric keyboards (twinkly at times), and speedy drumming that sometimes verges on being death metal, blast beat style. The vocals, however, are closer to the death metal vein-aggressive, growly, harsh, and gutteral, like any death metal or metalcore singer. Dragonforce have been called "extreme power metal" but this band take that idea a bit further by using more "extreme" style vocals. One could say they are Dragonforce copycats with vocals of a different style but these guys have actually been at it longer than Dragonforce. Catamenia released their first album in '98, almost a decade ago. One can't exactly call them copycats if they've been at it longer than the band they appear to be copying. These guys are quite a good band, combining two different styles of metal in their music. Power and extreme metal styles are almost like oil and water, but there guys do a good job of putting them together. Only one disappointment-no guitar solos. Greg Rapaport Greg Rapaport wrote, produced, and performed everything you will hear on this release. So, it's a true solo album in every sense of the word. Now, there's two sides to the "one person who does everything" coin. When you do everything on your own, you have complete creative control, which is a good thing because you have a vision and no one's there to mess it up. On the other hand, if you have little or no idea what you're doing, you could end up with...well...crap. In this case, Greg Rapaport seems to know what he's doing, which shouldn't come as any big suprise since he's been doing it since 1999 and, for the record, "Homunculus" is his fourth release. Considering the fact that this is an instrumental album, it's not something I'd listen to on a regular basis. However, it does have a good sound and some of the tunes on here were a pleasure to listen to. I especially liked "The Corruptor (Righteous)," which was heavy enough to float my boat. There is a concept to be found on this recording. Each song is supposed to represent a different part of the human personality. I can't say that I was able to understand where Greg was coming from because, for example, "The Assassin (Guilt)" and "The Swindler (Loss)," I had a different picture in my head as to what a musical representation of these things (guilt and loss) would be and, when I heard them, it wasn't what I thought they would be. But, then again, this is his vision, not mine and maybe you'd have to be a musician or a fan of instrumental music to really understand the concept behind "Homunculus." As for myself, all I can really say is that the guy can play and he's got a great sound that's worth checking it out if you're into this sort of thing. Overwhelmed I was hardly overwhelmed by this band. In fact I found them boring as hell! As for there sound, it's basically alt-rock, indie rock, modern rock, college rock, call it what you want, with a touch of emo. The guitars are tuned down, there's a spacey, trippy vibe to the songs, with a melancholy, "shoe staring feel", but many of the songs also have a hard rock drive to them. However, there's just not enough of that. Vocalist Quentin Hagewood sings in a low drone. There's a lot of influence from 90s icons, like Pearl Jam, REM, Stone Temple Pilots, Live, Blind Melon, Sonic Youth, et al. Now to be fair, the band really aren't bad as musicians. They can play fairy well and the songs are decently written, but they just aren't very exciting, and the album seems to drag on forever. It's very drab, like a cloudy day. Also, they borrow very heavily from those aforementioned 90s bands, so the O boys just aren't all that original either. Didn't we get enough of this kind of thing in the 90s? Do we really need it now? The Anton Tsyganhov Project As Monty Python would say, "and now for something completely different". I'm not sure how to describe this, it's quite eclectic, and a bit bizarre. There's a number of different styles happening here, with influence from rock/metal, industrial, goth, alternative/grunge, and pop. There's shades of everyone from NIN to Aerosmith to Sublime to Smashmouth, and many more. They use a lot of electronic sound effects and percussion, along with driving rock guitar and pop melodies. Acoustic guitar is even used on some songs, to add a little contrast. Some songs are dark and heavy, like "Lose My Mind" (very NIN), while others are lighter and poppier, like "Back To You". There are five instrumental tracks on here (somewhat unusual) and all are on the rockier side of things, being more guitar oriented. They sound like something Joe Satriani or Steve Vai would do, or at least in a simiilar vein. Lots of flashy, but skillful, fretwork used on these tracks, along with some industrial flavorings as well. The last song, "Don't Touch Me", is a ballad with acoustic guitar and a folk feel. to balanace things out a bit. These guys are certainly doing something different, I'll give them that. They've put together a concoction of very different styles, which would normally be like oil and water, and made them gel quite well. Everything is done with a lot of skill and talent, and the music is assembled very meticulously. Sure is nice to hear something a bit different now and then. Steve Perry It's hard to believe that Steve Perry released his first solo album, "Street Talk," more than twenty years ago. But, it's true. This album was released back in 1984 and, at the time, it was all over the place. I was still young and I remember going to the skating rink on a Saturday night and goin' crazy when "Strung Out" was blastin' out of the speakers. I've always loved that song and, when I listen to it today, it makes me feel like a kid again. It's still a fresh and exciting song, at least in my opinion, and time hasn't been able to take away the energy that it has. Of course, many people remember "Street Talk" for "Oh, Sherrie," which many consider to be the best song on the album. Like "Strung Out," it's still a kick ass song some twenty years later. Same with "I Believe," which is a fun, high energy romp and "She's Mine," which still has that "attitude." Those are the best of the bunch. However, I do feel that there's a few tunes on here that time hasn't treated all that well...songs like "It's Only Love," "You Should Be Happy" and "Running Alone." They seem kind of different to me now and not in a good way. Although the addition of "My My My" as a bonus track makes up for it. As a whole, "Street Talk" is still a great summer/party record and, hopefully, since it's back in the spotlight once again, a whole new generation of fans will discover this classic disc. Now, when it comes to "For The Love Of Strange Medicine," I have mixed feelings when I listen to it today. It's certainly a stong album and it has held up rather well. It just doesn't seem to pack the same punch as "Street Talk." It's some of the best vocal work that Steve Perry has ever done and, musically, this one probably has more of an edge. But, if I had to pick a favorite, I'd have to go with "Street Talk," no question about it. I guess it all depends on how you view these releases and what each one means to you. "Young Hearts Forever" and "Stand Up (Before It's Too Late)" come close to the whole "Street Talk" vibe for me. About the only thing that didn't really float my boat was the addition of a live version of "Missing You" at the tail end of the disc. As I listen to "For The Love Of Stange Medicine," I get a certain feel for the album and having a live song pop up at the end kind of throws it off balance. Just my opinion. It's kind of hard to come up with something new to say about these two albums because, if you're a Journey/Steve Perry fan, you already own these releases because you know how good they are. However, if you happen to be one of the few people who have no idea who Steve Perry is or what he's all about, I would seriously recommend picking up both of these albums. As any fan would tell you, you will not be disappointed. http://www.legacyrecordings.com Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings "Struttin' Our Stuff" is a live album by Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings and it's quite good. However, the first thought to pop into my head as I was listening to this album was "Live From Chicago's House Of Blues" by The Blues Brothers. A collection of classic tunes performed by a group of exceptionally talented musicians. The only difference is the fact that "Struttin' Our Stuff" is way too slick and polished for my taste. I would have been into this album a lot more if it had more of a raw feel to it, which is what I feel a live album should be and, if I'm not mistaken, this performance comes from a show that was done for a German television program, which might explain why it's got such a perfect sound. But, as I said, it's a good release, one which most people, who are into this style of music, should enjoy. There's some fine moments to be heard here, such as "Let The Good Times Roll," "Jump, Jive & Wail" and "I Put A Spell On You." This disc is worth pickin' up just for those three songs, which I feel are the best of the bunch. One thing's for sure, after more than 30 years in the music business, Bill Wyman can still strut his stuff, as this album will certainly prove. FUNERAL I thought this was gonna be black metal, but how wrong I was. This is doom metal and a damn good one to boot. Chunky riffs with some great doom, sadness type vocals made this a sad lovers delight. The band really set up a mood with the music and it sucked me in. The production is bottom thick and heavy and any fan into some quality doom metal should not pass this up. Info: http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com Echoes Of Eternity Just when you thought, "not another" female fronted melodic metal band, you may want to rethink your thoughts when it comes to Echoes Of Eternity. Okay. Yes vocalist Francine Boucher has a stunning appearance (she's a knockout!!!), but it's her angelic multi layered vocals that will sell you on this band. Plus the amazingly talented musicians assembled here will make you stop and think about these types of bands in a different light. Yes it is still pretty much melodic for the most part, but there is plenty of speed and aggression to the music as well. Not what you usually get within the genre. Echoes of Eternity's career has taken a very quick flight in the past year. Just last summer they were shopping around a three song demo. And now a new album on Nuclear Blast and a world tour to follow. There isn't too much else to really sell you on this one. It has all the remnants of Lacuna Coil, Epica, and To-Mera. But with an edge. All tracks will pull you in wondering just where it will lead to next. A very good first effort from a band that you will be hearing a lot more from in the near future. http://www.echoesofeternity.net Sentenced October 1st, 2005. The same day their final studio album was certified gold in Finland, Sentenced were gearing up for what would be their final show of a stellar 16 year career in their hometown of Oulu, Finland. Their last show ever was captured live as that is what this review is on. I myself was sent a copy of the CD. A two disc set that has the entire show that was/is just over two hours in length and consists of 26 tracks. As an added surprise, original vocalist Taneli Jarva sings on five tracks. What can I say about this. It's perfect!!! It is everything that one would come to expect from a band as brilliant as Sentenced. A truly mesmerizing live performance that is second to none. And fortunately for us, the show was filmed and recorded by Klaffi Productions. I can't wait to get the DVD. Unfortunately this is the bands swansong release. And what a way to go out. At the top of their game and with what could quite possibly be one of the best live albums I've ever had the opportunity to listen to. And I've listened to a lot of them. Metal Warrants wishes all the members of Sentenced the best in their future endeavors. Your music has made an impact on the metal scene and surly will continue to do so. Thank you for all the wonderful tunes. You will not be forgotten. R.I.P. http://www.sentenced.org MASTERPLAN Power metal is the ticket here. This band I have never heard of, but they put out a really good power metal album in my eyes. The riffs are catchy, melodic and yeah they had my neck moving. The vocals are clean, but aggressive. The production allows everything to be heard and the guitar sound I liked. The band do fall into the Hammerfall type of power metal, but when music is this good and blows me away like this did, it is only a plus not a negative. Info: http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com Mendeed Wow!!! Again!!! Yes the insane Scots are back.. And with a vengeance. It seems like only a few months have passed since I praised their Nuclear Blast debut 'This War Will Last Forever' to no end. (I'm still listening to it) Well a few months have passed and now we need to embrace for the latest release by these guys. It cracks me up the whole genre labeling thing. Apparently over in Europe Mendeed are a metal core band. By their last one I categorized them as a very talented thrash band with Maiden-esque solos and melodies. Shit, I still do. I mean is Silent Civilian or Trivium metal core? Please fill me in. I realize I'm a bit slow here but shit!!!. This latest barrage of thrash infused metal by Mendeed is like J.J. Walker would say, DYNOMITE!!!! And with only about a year between releases, you can hear quite a bit of maturing from this one to the last. A maturing that I feel is only meant to capture a broader audience. So yes there are a few more melodies and some very catchy chorus lines that you'll be singing along to in no time. But the over all thrashy/Maiden feel that hooked me on the last album is still there. From one track till the next, you won't want it to end. Mendeed are a band that will go very far in the metal world. And call it what ever the hell you want, it's fuckin' metal. That's that. A new wave of thrash metal for a new generation is here. And it's called Mendeed. http://www.mendeed.co.uk THE EXILES Nirvana came to mind quite a lot when this was playing. The music and even the singing reminded me of Kurt and the boys. This was one of the best modern rock bands that I have heard. This band can write some heavy riffs that have melody and are catchy at the same time. The songs just sucked me in and the vocals are passion filled too. Each tune has it's own identity and I am a fan of this band and they don't have all that garbage groove death metal crap neither. Info: http://www.myspace.com/elevensevenmusic Firewind 'Allegiance' marks the latest offering from this superstar line-up from Greece. Well the guitar extraordinaire Gus G. (ex-Dream Evil, Nightrage, Mystic Prophecy, Arch Enemy) is from there at least. Not real sure about the rest. But a fantastic array of players none the less which include new vocalist to the band Apollo Papathanasio (ex-Majestic, Time Requiem), Drummer Mark Cross (ex-Helloween, Metalium), Bob Katsionis - guitars/keyboards and bassist Petros Christo. And with this latest release, you the heavy metal fan are going to get just that. This album contains some of the most note perfect, melodic yet traditional heavy metal on the planet. The band speeds things up a bit on this one but not by too much. 'Allegiance' is epic, bombastic, melodic and technical as hell. "The whole approach to the album differed from the ones in the past." Gus G. states, " We wrote a bunch of songs and kept the best ones, because we simply want no filler on our albums." And it shows. Unless you simply can't stand this genre of metal or music, you won't be able to deny the fact that this is simply a great album. From start to finish. You won't find a track you don't like. Trust me. The album has already peaked on the Greek album charts at #10 and has spent six weeks in the top 20. Fans of Iced Earth, Helloween, Sentenced, Hammerfall, Dragonforce and anyone who claims to be a metal fan, will embrace 'Allegiance'. http://www.firewind.gr NOMINON A crushing display of razor sharp death metal that will peel skin and melt hearts. The riffs are thick as fuck and the vocals are pure death. The production is right on the money and the band mix up the slow and faster parts to perfection. The songs are played with passion, emotion and feeling and anybody into pure, real death metal will love this release as did I. The fast parts will grind your neck and the slower parts will have your neck snapping even more. Info: http://www.pulverised.net CHRISTINE MARTUCCI BAND This wasn't bad for what it is. Christine and her band play country rock n roll sort of like Melissa Ethridge at times at least that is what this reminded me of as it played on. Christine has a really soulful voice that will hook you by track # 2 as she did to me. The music is a combo of rock n roll mixed in with a touch of the modern country song. The production allows everything to be heard an what off. I like it. Info: http://www.christinemartucci.com Therion Many of you may still be relishing 2006's box set 'Celebrators of Becoming', but you need to put the box down and back up a bit. Therion unleash their latest dual disc release 'Gothic Kabbalah'. Now to be honest, I've always thought Therion were pretty cool. I do have a couple earlier releases, (Deggial and Vovin) but must admit, they don't get played very often at all. There just needs to be a certain mood for me. Absolutely stunning musically!!! As with all Therion's music. And the same goes for this latest release. 'Gothic Kabbalah' is still chalked full of emotion and dark expressions while an added mixed of aggression makes this release very compelling. You can't help but enjoy this album no matter what genre you're into. Therion are in a league of their own and with this latest release, they only once again show to the world that they are the supreme masters of operatic metal. http://www.megatherion.com MY KORRHIZA This was just ok. The band play death metal with a swedish type of sound, but the songs didn't click with me. The vocals were also ok, nothing special. This band doesn't do any of that shitty groove shit or lower guttural death metal vocals, but the songs just didn't do anything for me. They kinda just plodded along and that was it. Nothing really bad, but nothing out of the ordinary neither. Kinda like a faceless death metal band with below average songs and vocals. Info: http://www.konqueror-records.com CLOSER This was only 3 songs, but it was 3 songs of death metal groove that a million other bands have done. The vocals were only ok as well. They are that throaty style that a lot of bands are doing now. The band play that groove death metal style like a million other bands have done in the past and will do in the future. There is nothing of value here in my eyes as they are just another one of the many copycat bands doing this style. Info: http://www.pulverised.net SUICIDAL WINDS This is a live CD with a studio cover of Kreator's "Total Death". The live stuff sounds raw as fuck, but this band wouldn't have it any other way. They also do a cover from the band Violent Force, which crushed. This band play a wicked combo of raw black/death metal if your not familiar with them. The band is total old school too. The Kreator cover crushes and will bring you back to the early 80's sounds as well. The live stuff was cool to me and this was an excellent release of old school death/black metal that must not be missed. Buy at all costs you posers ha ha. Info: http://www.pulverised.net Benea Reach So here's one of those styles of bands that most may listen to at first and say, "What?" They are a bit on the eccentric side of metal, but is not bad. It is a style that is really taking off. Whether most fans of metal want to admit it or not. The music is good as well as the vocals. On the screaming side and great at full volume. Ease your way into it though, I can't be held liable for the effects of what you'll be putting yourself through. This release is just what the bio sheet states. "…a monster of a recording." It's a technically loaded music inferno. I took that line too. Really though, this is extreme yet full of all the hooks and a few melodies here and there to please a wider range of listeners. Will appeal to fans of Raging Speedhorn, Isis, Mesuggah, Neurosis, Converge, Mastodon, Darkest Hour, Dillinger Escape Plan and Pelican. http://www.beneareach.com Conquest Of Steel Dueling guitars, dynamic vocals, double bass drums and ripping vocals. What more could you ask for in a metal band. Not much really. Conquest Of Steel offer it all up on their latest 5 track EP. Showing to the metal world that traditional heavy metal is not dead, (I think we all know that) and that they are ready to forge their way into the players of fans throughout the world. With swords held high waving the almighty metal banner for all, these guys are in fact ready to take on the world. The songs are very melody laden with memorable choruses to wail along to. The guitar riffs are pretty reminiscent to that of Judas Priest/Iron Maiden. The sound has a bit more of a rough edge to it though. It's a classic metal sound. A very enjoyable offering from these Brits. For fans of Iron Maiden, Saxon, Blind Guardian, Iced Earth. http://www.conquestofsteel.co.uk Khymera Khymera are a melodic rock band that sound like they were meant for popular pop/rock radio. Closest guess to their sound is like an '80's hair band. Very catchy love type songs that are really upbeat and as catchy as a T.V. show intro song that plays at the opening. Musically the players really hit it. Very well done for what it is. In the likes of early Europe, maybe Stryper, Zebra, Bon Jovi, Jeff Scott Soto, ect. So if any of these are your bag, you're gonna love this release. And although I think this is a really good collection of songs, it's a little too poppy for my every day listen pleasures. But do check them out. http://www.locomotiverecords.com My Lament I was not real sure how to take this disc upon the first listen. I always enjoy bands that set themselves apart from certain genres to create their own sound. My lament do just that. I really don't even know what genre to place them in. Their musicianship I must start off by saying is top notch. Their sound is all over the place. Touching on slow brooding doom, to melodic death metal to goth to black metal. A very cool blend of all these genres. And like I said in the start, it was tough to get into at first, but you really need to give this one an honest listen before judging. And you need not feel cheated by the fact that there's only three tracks on the disc as it runs over 25 minutes in length. My Lament is well worth checking into if you are even remotely into any of the above mentioned genres. Thanks for something unlike any other. http://www.mylament.be Paganize Well shit yes!!! These guys rock. When's the last time you heard a band from Norway the was not a black/extreme metal band? Yeah, me either. Paganize are a thousand miles away from that. Metal they are though. Heavy Metal that is. I think it's great that there are more and more bands forming and heading bank to the earlier roots of power metal. And with just enough of a touch of their own originality to not make it sound just like one of those other discs in your collectin. This is the bands debut and it is power pack with plenty of riffs to make your ears bleed. The clean soaring vocal are very close to that of Geoff Tate/ "Ripper" Owens. The guitar work throughout borderlines on exceptional and is back by former Emperor current Zyklon drummer Trym. There really isn't much to dissect here. You've just got to go out and get and you'll love it. This will appeal to fans of Poisionblack, Iced Earth, Demons & Wizards, Kamelot, Edguy, Gamma Ray and Hammerfall. http://www.paganize.net Red This one starts of with a bang. Hard catchy hooks and a melody line that's gets you singing along before the song is even over. Yeah, even at first listen. Red are a band that is pushing the boundaries of popular Christian rock. This is definitely a lot edgier that most I've heard of late. there are tons of really good Christian metal bands out there. But I feel they are still frowned upon. You know the grown ups think they know what their kids should be listening to. "That Rock -N- Roll is the devil's music". You know you've heard it before. Well now I'm not one to promote music for what the band overall intentions are. If it's good music and I like it, what the hell!!! And it is. Very memorable tunes here. Pretty much the whole album is one hit single after another. Not that their sound is all that original but it sounds great. Red have a lot to offer to the music world. I only hope for their sake that claiming the Christian Rock band does not hinder them amongst the popular vote/radio world. Take Stryper for example. Although they have had a great run, they were always overlooked by the mainstream. And the wer/are a great band. If any one reading this listens to or likes bands like Crossfade, Stonesour, Hinder, Nickleback, 40 Below Summer or the likes there of, you're going to find yourselves a new favorite band with Red. Trust me on this one. I mean I keep listening to it and trust me, I'm nowhere near being Christian. http://www.redmusiconline.com |
