See... I told you I was back...
2015 is shaping up to be a better year for metal than 2014 and that's saying something. Lots of great stuff slated to come out and some of it already out. This album is already going to be in my top ten! Let's take a look...
Bulldozing Bastard burst into my life with 2013's Bulldozing the Vatican a satanic mix of Venom and Warfare. I really enjoyed it and blared it all the time to the neighbor's chagrin. While I absolutely loved it, I could see it as being described as one dimensional. It definitely did a few things very well.
When I got a hold of the new one I did not expect the monster I got. From the burning "Queen of the NIght" to the melodic sledge hammer of "Once the Dust has Settled", this record burns a whole through reality like the proverbial "Brassknuckle Deathstrike". It is a true combo of NWOBHM me;ody and power and punk rock nihilism. It cleans your clock from start to finish. One thing that makes this album so distinctive is the use melody throughout giving it a slightly more rock n roll sound.
This is a record to grab a few beers, a few friends and burn down your neighbors' houses to. Its the perfect soundtrack for a Mad Max film. Actually it was oddly timed, releasing it just before the new movie. Serendipity or planning? You decide.
Great record from start to finish that I have listened to at least 10 times since I got it. All headbangers should totally check this record out! Highlights: Mayhem Without Mercy, Brassknuckle Deathstrike, Once the Dust has Settled.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Well, Spring has been nuts- (a confessional)
So, I want to start this post off by saying that, you, may faithful readers have made my day...
I went today to see how the old blog was doing after my INSANE Spring to find some of you had actually been checking up on the site occasionally... That's awful nice of you... :D
With that in mind, I decided I owed my audience an explanation and a schedule for upcoming reviews and a few other things I have planned for the upcoming months.
First, my Spring has been crazy. As some of you may know or have figured out, this blog is not my job. I have been in a weird place as far as employment goes. So the good news of the Spring is in July I will be gainfully employed! That made me happy.
The bad news was my mother went into the hospital three time for three major operations. She had a rough time and required my attention as often as I could give it. Good news is now she is doing well and things seem like they are going back to normal... for now!
So all that to say I am back for, again, the foreseeable future. I am going to start reviewing fairly underground releases again starting tonight! First up, Bulldozing Bastard and Deathhammer! After I will be talking about Obsequiae and Megiddo (the latter of which is going to be amazing judging by the samples... Hell, they're both going to be amazing!).
And finally I have some ideas for a few different posts I am going to be working on. I may try to do some interviews. If you're in a band and interested, drop me a line! And I will be posting some opinions about the state of "underground metal" (cue old man bitching!)
That's all for now, but watch this space!
I went today to see how the old blog was doing after my INSANE Spring to find some of you had actually been checking up on the site occasionally... That's awful nice of you... :D
With that in mind, I decided I owed my audience an explanation and a schedule for upcoming reviews and a few other things I have planned for the upcoming months.
First, my Spring has been crazy. As some of you may know or have figured out, this blog is not my job. I have been in a weird place as far as employment goes. So the good news of the Spring is in July I will be gainfully employed! That made me happy.
The bad news was my mother went into the hospital three time for three major operations. She had a rough time and required my attention as often as I could give it. Good news is now she is doing well and things seem like they are going back to normal... for now!
So all that to say I am back for, again, the foreseeable future. I am going to start reviewing fairly underground releases again starting tonight! First up, Bulldozing Bastard and Deathhammer! After I will be talking about Obsequiae and Megiddo (the latter of which is going to be amazing judging by the samples... Hell, they're both going to be amazing!).
And finally I have some ideas for a few different posts I am going to be working on. I may try to do some interviews. If you're in a band and interested, drop me a line! And I will be posting some opinions about the state of "underground metal" (cue old man bitching!)
That's all for now, but watch this space!
Monday, February 9, 2015
Bloodscribe- Prologue to the Apocolypse
Sooooooo... Something I've been wondering. What is Slam/Death metal? Seriously, I don't understand what makes a death metal band a slam one. Does it have more mosh parts? Is it the crossover/thrash of death metal? Will there be a timed poetry performance contest with a 1 minute limit in the middle of the record?!?! So many questions and too many subgenres!
So this is a record sent for me to review by a band called Bloodscribe from California. It was sent to me by their PR group, Fullblast. They refer to their style as Death metal/ slam on their Facebook page. From what I can tell is that means a lot of Suffocation worship with a few "pig squeal" vocals thrown in for effect.
Being a reviewer is interesting because I started this blog to get the word out on bands I like. In the back of my head, I have always wondered what would happen if I ran across a record that is not my cup of tea. Well, here it is.
I want to start by saying that this isn't a bad or poorly made record. It, in fact, showcases some very good musicianship and songwriting. Its just not something I would reach for when I want to hear death metal. I would rather do Bolt thrower or Incantation myself as I prefer a little more atmosphere.
Most of my quibbles are production. The mastering is too dry and crisp, rendering a lot of the power moot. The guitars are the selling point on this album as they are tuned down nicely and have a merciless crunch to them, but the production turns the snare into a tin can underneath them.
If you like fairly technical modern death metal, you could certainly do worse. I mean, you could spend your money on Willowtip releases instead. Its good at what it does and is very brutal about it. So check 'em out, fellas!
https://www.facebook.com/bloodscribe
So this is a record sent for me to review by a band called Bloodscribe from California. It was sent to me by their PR group, Fullblast. They refer to their style as Death metal/ slam on their Facebook page. From what I can tell is that means a lot of Suffocation worship with a few "pig squeal" vocals thrown in for effect.
Being a reviewer is interesting because I started this blog to get the word out on bands I like. In the back of my head, I have always wondered what would happen if I ran across a record that is not my cup of tea. Well, here it is.
I want to start by saying that this isn't a bad or poorly made record. It, in fact, showcases some very good musicianship and songwriting. Its just not something I would reach for when I want to hear death metal. I would rather do Bolt thrower or Incantation myself as I prefer a little more atmosphere.
Most of my quibbles are production. The mastering is too dry and crisp, rendering a lot of the power moot. The guitars are the selling point on this album as they are tuned down nicely and have a merciless crunch to them, but the production turns the snare into a tin can underneath them.
If you like fairly technical modern death metal, you could certainly do worse. I mean, you could spend your money on Willowtip releases instead. Its good at what it does and is very brutal about it. So check 'em out, fellas!
https://www.facebook.com/bloodscribe
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Monolith- Against the Wall of Forever
I like Heavy Metal! Pretty much all of it. Ever since the Hookers, there has been a small contingent that combine Heavy Metal with a southern groove that just adds to it! Not enough bands do this but the few that do really add something.
Monolith is such a band. I was contacted by their PR group to give the album a once over. So here it is, my thoughts about Against the Wall of Forever.
As I said this is an album that radiates with a sort of southern traditional metal feel. Obvious points of influence are the Hookers and Brothers of Conquest but there is more to this album. From the opening track "The Emperor(Suffering of Fools)" there is a classic rock feel that most of the bands of this stripe don't contain. The vocalist really shines and adds a Lane Staley feel to this song and the next one, "Against the wall of time". The music here is less heavy than, say, Brothers of Conquest but has a grunge aspect similar to early Soundgarden that is intriguing.
Another intriguing aspect is the lyrical concept. The lyrics are very Science Fiction oriented. To the point of feeling like mid period Monster Magnet or Slough Feg, though musically not quite as strong as either. But the lyrics are well written and add an interesting air to a fairly well created metal record.
Really, most metalheads would like this. Its riff oriented, fairly heavy and easy to head bang to. While its not my cup of tea, all the songs are good rockers and this is a lot of fun to listen to while drinking. So check them out! Stand out tracks: Against the Wall of Forever, Kindly Dr. Jest, The All-father and the Chaos Lord.
https://www.facebook.com/MonolithSD
Monolith is such a band. I was contacted by their PR group to give the album a once over. So here it is, my thoughts about Against the Wall of Forever.
As I said this is an album that radiates with a sort of southern traditional metal feel. Obvious points of influence are the Hookers and Brothers of Conquest but there is more to this album. From the opening track "The Emperor(Suffering of Fools)" there is a classic rock feel that most of the bands of this stripe don't contain. The vocalist really shines and adds a Lane Staley feel to this song and the next one, "Against the wall of time". The music here is less heavy than, say, Brothers of Conquest but has a grunge aspect similar to early Soundgarden that is intriguing.
Another intriguing aspect is the lyrical concept. The lyrics are very Science Fiction oriented. To the point of feeling like mid period Monster Magnet or Slough Feg, though musically not quite as strong as either. But the lyrics are well written and add an interesting air to a fairly well created metal record.
Really, most metalheads would like this. Its riff oriented, fairly heavy and easy to head bang to. While its not my cup of tea, all the songs are good rockers and this is a lot of fun to listen to while drinking. So check them out! Stand out tracks: Against the Wall of Forever, Kindly Dr. Jest, The All-father and the Chaos Lord.
https://www.facebook.com/MonolithSD
Wish list for 2015... Like a Christmas list, only better!
So here I am again... Dropping metal science on you! Hopefully introducing you to bands that you never heard of that will get your head to bang... and melt your face!
This post is going to be dedicated to records I want to see come out this year. Some of these I know for a fact will exist... Some I'm just hoping to see... All of them are excellent metal that we should be glad to have in our lives!
So here we go!
This post is going to be dedicated to records I want to see come out this year. Some of these I know for a fact will exist... Some I'm just hoping to see... All of them are excellent metal that we should be glad to have in our lives!
So here we go!
Wishlist 2015 edition!
1) Megiddo- the Holocaust Messiah:
This is one the albums I have been waiting, not so patiently for, for about 12 years now. Those of you who know Megiddo know they gave us 2 amazing records of 1st wave style black metal in 2001 and 2003 and then dropped off the face of the planet. Chorazaim joined Sepulchre which, while fine, just didn't scratch the itch for Megiddo. News of Megiddo's reactivation came in late 2013. If the metal gods are just and true, we should be visited with a fantastic slab of real black metal from Megiddo this year! If so, my life would only improve!
https://www.facebook.com/megiddo.ca
2) Obsequiae- Untitled:
I don't know the name of this record but if its as good as "Suspended..."; we are in for a treat. The 2011 debut was a massive atmospheric metal record that proved you could still be atmospheric without being watered down with melody and you could still be very original. Its a constant on any of my playlists and represents on of the best records of this decade. I cannot wait for this record!
https://www.facebook.com/epicuscastlecusmetallicus?ref=br_tf
3) Ranger- Where Evil Dwells:
A band I am truly not shy in my regard for. Excellent raw speed metal done totally correct. Been looking for this album ever since I heard Knights of Darkness!
https://www.facebook.com/rangerheavymetal
3) Ranger- Where Evil Dwells:
A band I am truly not shy in my regard for. Excellent raw speed metal done totally correct. Been looking for this album ever since I heard Knights of Darkness!
https://www.facebook.com/rangerheavymetal
4)Amon- Brana Do Pekla:
Anyone who knows me, knows my favorite schools of black metal are the Greek and Czech schools. These schools really understand what Black Metal is, in my humble opinion. It has the darkness that should be found in Black Metal but does not forsake the riffs!! I have heard one song and it already blows me away! Keep your eyes open for this one!
https://www.facebook.com/BarbarianWrath666
https://www.facebook.com/BarbarianWrath666
5) Wreodan Healh- No idea what title will be:
I reviewed their demo and really it is excellent. They are working on a full length that will hopefully be released this year! If so, its a blind buy for me... but so is all of this stuff!
https://www.facebook.com/wreodanhealh
https://www.facebook.com/wreodanhealh
6) Ares Kingdom- The Unburiable Dead:
If you don't know who Ares Kingdom is... Well, you just need to fix that! Seriously a magnificent old school Death/Thrash band featuring members of Order From Chaos! YOU HAD BETTER KNOW WHO THEY ARE! New record that I'm sure will blow my socks off... so it will with you!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ares-Kingdom/97935152280
7) Death Beast- The Onslaught:
You! Go check out Death Beast! Now! This is another record I've been waiting forever for. The Wakening was released on an unsuspecting world 10 years ago. According to Vic's Facebook page he's making slow progress. Here's hoping for a 2015 release!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Death-Beast/112420527743
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Death-Beast/112420527743
8) Planet Gemini- The Midnight Channel:
WHAT!?! These guys are still at it! NO WAY!!! Yep, expecting some great old school doom here! This guy specialize in HEAVY, SLOW, riffy doom. Great stuff! and I am so glad they are back!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Planet-Gemini/121085127938276
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Planet-Gemini/121085127938276
9) Iron Void- Doomsday:
Releasing the second best doom record of last year, we already get a full blast of amazing classic doom from this English camp. Seriously, we need more trad doom bands that rock like this and get albums out this fast! So looking forward to it!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Iron-Void/52516312832?ref=br_tf
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Iron-Void/52516312832?ref=br_tf
10) Goat of Mendes- No title yet:
I had no idea these guys were still around nor that they had developed such an original sound! This one will be excellent folks!
https://www.facebook.com/goatofmendes
Well, there you have it. My wish list for the year. As I said I have no idea if and when some of these are coming out, but if these all make it out this year, and barring a total surprise, this will also be my top list this year. Later today, there will be reviews for Monolith and Bloodscribe.
I had no idea these guys were still around nor that they had developed such an original sound! This one will be excellent folks!
https://www.facebook.com/goatofmendes
Well, there you have it. My wish list for the year. As I said I have no idea if and when some of these are coming out, but if these all make it out this year, and barring a total surprise, this will also be my top list this year. Later today, there will be reviews for Monolith and Bloodscribe.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
2014... What a year, peeps! Top 16!
Well, this year has been crazy! I moved over a state! I quit one job and found two more! And I have lost somewhere around 50lbs and nine inches around the waist... Holy crap, its been a whirlwind!
But I know what you're thinking. "We're not here for that crap... WE"RE HERE FOR THE METAL!!!" Well, I understand... but do you have to yell? :)
So Its been a hell of a year for metal! So good I couldn't chop my list down to 10... Here are 16 amazing releases that if you missed out on you need to fix that now...
Well ,here we go, heads of metal... The Third of the Storms best releases this year!
16) Portrait- Crossroads:
If you slept on this release that's on you. This is a great occult heavy metal record that doesn't fall into the 70's trap most of the style does. You're served a steaming atmospheric dish of Mercyful Fate and Judas Priest... You're Welcome!
15) Ambush- Firestorm:
A fantastic straight forward Heavy Metal record... You can't do any better than this. Straight up rocking metal! Check them out!
14) Trenchrot- Necronomic Warfare:
Do you miss Boltthrower? Like Warmaster era Boltthrower? Well, I do and this album is a great salve... Classic and violent midpaced death metal for the monster in us all!
13) Omnivore- Self-titled:
Great Itallian death/thrash and the last record these dudes will releases! Uspeakable Axe knows their business!
12) Iron Void- Self-titled:
Amazing UK dooooom! You need this record... You really do... Barbarian Wrath does it again!
11) Algebra- Feed the Ego:
Monstrous and viscous tech thrash! A brilliant album that all should hear!
10) Wreodan Healh- Laecig:
One of the best demos to be released this year! Can't wait for the full length! Absolutely magnificent Atmospheric Epic Black Metal!
9) Phantasmal- The Reaper's Forge:
Prepare for a black/speed attack! The reaper's coming for you! If you haven't heard this stop everything you're doing and listen to this demo now!
8) Ogre- The Last Neanderthal:
The best doom/proto metal release that came out this year. They rock your skull and pound you into nothing... Dragging your body back to their cave! Hail and Kill!
7) Alitor- Eternal Depression:
I said these guys were my thrash release of the year and they were close! I think when they see who made it, they'll forgive me! :)
6) Countess- Ancient Lies and Battlecries:
Again if you don't like Countess this won't change your mind. However this is their most vital record in a serious of really fantastic records! A classic!
5) Vader- Tibi Et Igni:
Speaking of vital releases! Vaders wholesale burns the competition with this fiery Death/thrash masterpiece!
Horns up!
4) Incantation- Dirges of Elysium:
John Mcentee is a master! I love every record Incantation releases and adore the palpable darkness on this one... This is how you do it!
3) Overkill- White Devil Armory:
Here it is! My best thrash record for the year! Nothing kills like Overkill! Keep it up, lads!
2) Eyehategod- Self-titled:
After 14 years of silence who would've thought how good this would be... Sick, rotted and rollicking!!! Some many sludge bands need to take a listen to this to figure out how its supposed to sound!
ANNNNNNDDDDD ::Drumroll:: The best release in 2014 is
1) Blood Storm- The Stellar Exorcism
Mortuary Drape- Spiritual Independence:
These releases express the darkness that black and death metal can reach... These releases are transcendent... They take you into a netherworld darkness that so few bands can actually reach! That with an amazing songwriting ability that causes one to bang their heads like crazy! Truly worth the wait for both bands...
Honorable mentions: These are records I could not get a hold of that might have caused me to expand my list...
Warhorde- Kiss the Goat:
From the samples I imagine it would have been on the my list! Sounded killer!
Pyoveli- Still Underground:
No doubt this was awesome! Thrashing madness right here!
Hirax- Immortal Legacy:
The songs I've heard sound amazing! Will definitely purchase eventually!
Tyranex- Unable to Tame:
I couldn't find this one to buy... But again the songs sound awesome! Will definitely purchase!
Moshpit Justice- Justice is Served:
These guys had a great debut and from the samples this album was going to be better! Check em out!
Axattack- Toxic Wasted:
A fantastic local band! Great demo fellows!
Acid Age- Drone Shark Ethics:
Again the samples sound fantastic!!!
Well, there you have it! The best releases of the year according to me! Barbarian Wrath, Witches Brew and Unspeakable Axe won out for best labels! They release really quality stuff! I hope everyone has/had a great New Year's and you are careful! Have some beers and get home safe! Here's to a fantastic 2015! Next up My wish list of releases for 2015
But I know what you're thinking. "We're not here for that crap... WE"RE HERE FOR THE METAL!!!" Well, I understand... but do you have to yell? :)
So Its been a hell of a year for metal! So good I couldn't chop my list down to 10... Here are 16 amazing releases that if you missed out on you need to fix that now...
Well ,here we go, heads of metal... The Third of the Storms best releases this year!
16) Portrait- Crossroads:
If you slept on this release that's on you. This is a great occult heavy metal record that doesn't fall into the 70's trap most of the style does. You're served a steaming atmospheric dish of Mercyful Fate and Judas Priest... You're Welcome!
15) Ambush- Firestorm:
A fantastic straight forward Heavy Metal record... You can't do any better than this. Straight up rocking metal! Check them out!
14) Trenchrot- Necronomic Warfare:
Do you miss Boltthrower? Like Warmaster era Boltthrower? Well, I do and this album is a great salve... Classic and violent midpaced death metal for the monster in us all!
13) Omnivore- Self-titled:
Great Itallian death/thrash and the last record these dudes will releases! Uspeakable Axe knows their business!
12) Iron Void- Self-titled:
Amazing UK dooooom! You need this record... You really do... Barbarian Wrath does it again!
11) Algebra- Feed the Ego:
Monstrous and viscous tech thrash! A brilliant album that all should hear!
10) Wreodan Healh- Laecig:
One of the best demos to be released this year! Can't wait for the full length! Absolutely magnificent Atmospheric Epic Black Metal!
9) Phantasmal- The Reaper's Forge:
Prepare for a black/speed attack! The reaper's coming for you! If you haven't heard this stop everything you're doing and listen to this demo now!
8) Ogre- The Last Neanderthal:
The best doom/proto metal release that came out this year. They rock your skull and pound you into nothing... Dragging your body back to their cave! Hail and Kill!
7) Alitor- Eternal Depression:
I said these guys were my thrash release of the year and they were close! I think when they see who made it, they'll forgive me! :)
6) Countess- Ancient Lies and Battlecries:
Again if you don't like Countess this won't change your mind. However this is their most vital record in a serious of really fantastic records! A classic!
5) Vader- Tibi Et Igni:
Speaking of vital releases! Vaders wholesale burns the competition with this fiery Death/thrash masterpiece!
Horns up!
4) Incantation- Dirges of Elysium:
John Mcentee is a master! I love every record Incantation releases and adore the palpable darkness on this one... This is how you do it!
3) Overkill- White Devil Armory:
Here it is! My best thrash record for the year! Nothing kills like Overkill! Keep it up, lads!
2) Eyehategod- Self-titled:
After 14 years of silence who would've thought how good this would be... Sick, rotted and rollicking!!! Some many sludge bands need to take a listen to this to figure out how its supposed to sound!
ANNNNNNDDDDD ::Drumroll:: The best release in 2014 is
1) Blood Storm- The Stellar Exorcism
Mortuary Drape- Spiritual Independence:
These releases express the darkness that black and death metal can reach... These releases are transcendent... They take you into a netherworld darkness that so few bands can actually reach! That with an amazing songwriting ability that causes one to bang their heads like crazy! Truly worth the wait for both bands...
Honorable mentions: These are records I could not get a hold of that might have caused me to expand my list...
Warhorde- Kiss the Goat:
From the samples I imagine it would have been on the my list! Sounded killer!
Pyoveli- Still Underground:
No doubt this was awesome! Thrashing madness right here!
Hirax- Immortal Legacy:
The songs I've heard sound amazing! Will definitely purchase eventually!
Tyranex- Unable to Tame:
I couldn't find this one to buy... But again the songs sound awesome! Will definitely purchase!
Moshpit Justice- Justice is Served:
These guys had a great debut and from the samples this album was going to be better! Check em out!
Axattack- Toxic Wasted:
A fantastic local band! Great demo fellows!
Acid Age- Drone Shark Ethics:
Again the samples sound fantastic!!!
Well, there you have it! The best releases of the year according to me! Barbarian Wrath, Witches Brew and Unspeakable Axe won out for best labels! They release really quality stuff! I hope everyone has/had a great New Year's and you are careful! Have some beers and get home safe! Here's to a fantastic 2015! Next up My wish list of releases for 2015
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Portrait- Crossroads
Well... ahem... Its been a while... What can i say? I'm lazy...
I really like Mercyful Fate a lot! I mean a whole lot... Really more than most people can imagine... I love the black metal bands that use them as a primary influence( Root, Master's Hammer, Mortuary Drape) but more on that later.
But, to be honest, I don't enjoy many of the modern traditional takes on the formula. I despise Ghost. In Solitude bores me. And while RAM is pretty good, its missing something. Portrait, however, always seemed to resonate. Ever since their 1st record, I have championed them. I like this record as much if not more than the others.
First let me say that this is not a clone... There's plenty of other feeling in here. I personally hear quite a bit of early Judas Priest. Again, yes please! But the Fate influence is unmistakable. The power in the music is also unmistakable. The riffing is excellent in every song. The vocals, while influenced by King, have their own since of drama and magic. Everything on this record is well crafted and speaks of excellent heavy metal.
Unlike many of their peers, Portrait really uses atmosphere in the music. They actually have the slightly creepy air of Fate, something that many of these type of bands miss out on altogether. They also have the warm guitar tone that Fate had giving them a unique sound... Especially these days! Good show, gentlemen! Quite an enjoyable record! A shoe-in for my end of the year list!
Stand out tracks: In Time, Ageless Rites, Our Roads Must Never Cross.
https://www.facebook.com/portraitsweden
I really like Mercyful Fate a lot! I mean a whole lot... Really more than most people can imagine... I love the black metal bands that use them as a primary influence( Root, Master's Hammer, Mortuary Drape) but more on that later.
But, to be honest, I don't enjoy many of the modern traditional takes on the formula. I despise Ghost. In Solitude bores me. And while RAM is pretty good, its missing something. Portrait, however, always seemed to resonate. Ever since their 1st record, I have championed them. I like this record as much if not more than the others.
First let me say that this is not a clone... There's plenty of other feeling in here. I personally hear quite a bit of early Judas Priest. Again, yes please! But the Fate influence is unmistakable. The power in the music is also unmistakable. The riffing is excellent in every song. The vocals, while influenced by King, have their own since of drama and magic. Everything on this record is well crafted and speaks of excellent heavy metal.
Unlike many of their peers, Portrait really uses atmosphere in the music. They actually have the slightly creepy air of Fate, something that many of these type of bands miss out on altogether. They also have the warm guitar tone that Fate had giving them a unique sound... Especially these days! Good show, gentlemen! Quite an enjoyable record! A shoe-in for my end of the year list!
Stand out tracks: In Time, Ageless Rites, Our Roads Must Never Cross.
https://www.facebook.com/portraitsweden
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