assulter--salvation like destruction cd {pulverised rec.}
reviewed by patrick
this is the debut from australia's metal warriors assulter.the band features simon berserker {destroyer 666} assulter have created some really memorable and catchy blackend thrash metal anthems.the raw black metal guitar riffs but also in some songs/parts has the intensity of the early 80's speed/thrash gods within the intense playing.the vocals for the most part are harsh screams and screeches.the vocals do seem to fit very well with the thrashing chaotic sounds that assulter have created on this debut release.fans of old-school thrash/speed/black metal will enjoy the intensity of assulter.
label contact
www.pulverised.net
band contact http://www.myspace.com/burningfront
burial hordes--devotion to the unholy creed cd {pulverised rec.}{reviewed by patrick}
after a 3 year silence burial hordes return.i have heard the bands name for awhile now so i was excited to give this band's new release a spin.on first listen you can hear the band trying to distance itself from the "traditional" greek sounds of past bands.instead of using a dark atmosphere within their metal.burial hordes instead just attack with full force and intensity of old-school black metal.shrieks spew forth the hateful lyrics.while the band follows with some aggressive black metal.the band is not as great as i had thought or hoped.but they do seem to have a good following within the black metal scene so if this sounds like your kind of music give it a spin you might enjoy it.but as for me i'm gonna pass and check out other pulverised bands.
label contact
www.pulverised.net
band site
http://www.myspace.com/burialhordes
conspiracy-concordat cd {pulverised rec.}
{reviewed by patrick}
conspiracy consists of former melechesh bassist al "hazred".the bands roots lie within the traditional heavy metal and thrash metal influences.but the band is able to slip in some fast black metal .the band even surprises the listeners with epic style in the 5th track "faith" epic song. with some clean chants and vocals.the band picks up the pace and continues it's metallic assult.conspiracy are a decent band for the style they have chosen.but alot of bands do it better.
label
www.pulverised.net
band
http://www.myspace.com/metalconspiracy
demonizer-triumphator cd {folter rec.}
{reviewed by patrick} out of the pack of prom's i recievd demonizer and elite are proably my favorites/the best.elite are more straight forward black metal. where as demonizer are more of a black metal band with alot of speed/thrash influences.the band starts the cd off with a blast of chaotic fury and never lets up until the very end of the last song.gruff/black metal scream are heard over a thunderous guitar and bass riffs and a unrelenting drummer who is amazing at keeping up with the insane speed of demonizer.their is nothing pretty or fancy about demonizer but then again.blackend/thrash metal isn't supposed to be pretty.
label contact
http://www.folter666.de
elite-we own the mountains cd {folter records}{reviewed by patrick}
elite are one of the best black metal bands to ever emerge out of the norwegian scene.i remember hearing elite's debut {2004 kampen} and being blown away by their dark,creative sound.well the band's latest cd is no disapointment either.this is elite's 4th masterpiece mixing in pure straight-forward black metal.harsh violent vocal patterns,intense raw/mid tempo guitar chords
and fast drum patterns all rolled into one dark piece of black metal art! if you have heard this band in the past you will not be disapointed,if your ears have never heard this dark creation quit reading and go to the label's site to order!!
label
http://www.folter666.de/
band contact
http://www.elitenorway.com
endstille--verfuhrer cd {regain records}{reviewed by patrick}
the german black metal horde endstille are back with a vengeance.9 tracks of pure hateful and barbaric black netal.the band wastes little time attacking with the first guitar chord soon followed by the soul-tearing hellish shrieks.the drums are played with precise and utter brutality.fans of pure vicious and brutal black metal with no compromises will love this band and their blackend sounds of war.
label contact
www.regainrecords.com
band contact
www.endstille.com
Fairyland "Score to a new beginning"
Reviewed by Lori
After having this promo CD for a few months (could be less) I finally am going to review it. Sometimes a writer needs a brain rest lol.
After their second release all the members left the band except for the keyboardist, Philippe. He wanted to keep Fairyland alive so with the help of a bunch of people, a lot are in other bands, "Score to a new beginning" was born.
Fairyland is an Epic power metal band from France and has been around since the late 90s. AGGHHHH!!!!!!! voice overs!!! I HATE VOICE OVERS!! Come on, like that stops people from pirating music!!!!!
On to "score to a new beginning".......
The beginning starts of with a full orchestral sound (keyboards), very epic and a grand start to the CD. Then the keyboards carry onto the the next song "Across the endless sea" pt 2 and sounds a hella lot better that pt one from The fall of an empire release. Next comes Assault on the shores with more keyboards....and with some galloping guitar and drums that almost tramples the keyboards along with nice soothing male vocals along some female vocals then after a few some great guitar solos.
Think yall got the idea what to expect from this release, a lot of keyboards and massive amount of epicness (not a word lol) and killer power metal that will fit nicely in your CD player.
Napalm Records
BTW the song "godsent" is one of the best songs on the album, KILLER backing vocals, very sexy.
glittertind-landkjenning cd {napalm records
glittertind are a new folk metal duo from norway.the duo have some really good musical ideas and the talent to pull them off on this release.the music created by glittertind is traditional folk music with some heavier/faster heavy metal styled riffs.this is a good band worth checking out espically anyone into more "traditional"folk music.
label contact
http://www.napalmrecords.com
band contact
http://www.glittertind.net
necrophobic--death to all cd {regain records}{reviewed by patrick}
it is great to see {hear} these legends still going strong and releasing quality black/death metal.if you have never heard this swedish band you are truly missing out and should defintly look for this release.necrophobic mix melodic death metal mixed with some black metal influence espically within the vocal department.the guitars/bass show off some well thought out riffs and solo's for this style of metal.and drumming wise it is precise and right on the money with the rest of the band being played whether more aggressive and fast or more mid-tempo and melodic.necrophobic have done it yet again with another great release defintly recomended to fans of black/death metal.
label contact.
www.regainrecords.com
band contact
www.necrophobic.net
posthum-posthum cd {folter records}
{reviewed by patrick}
always seems to be atleast one or two promo's in every pack that falls just below average.posthum are that band for folter. norwegian black metal that plays the cold norwegian style of black metal. which i guess is ok but the band really doesnt do anything to seperate themselves from other norwegian bands of past or present. this is one of those band you will either love or totally hate..
label site
http://www.folter666.de
band site
http://www.myspace.com/posthum
stream of passion-the flame within cd {napalm rec.}{reviewed by patrick}
with a name like stream of passion it should be easy to guess the style the band produces.
atmospheric metal and goth mixed nicely but also within the band's sound is a dark heaviness not usually found within the goth style.atmospheric/heavy metal riffs and bass lines.entertwined within the epic and majestic music of streams are the somber yet powerful vocals of marcela bovio all this mixed with some amazing keyboard pieces.fans of epic,atmospheric will not want to miss out on streams of passion.
label site
http://www.napalmrecords.com
band site
www.streamsofpassion.com
the stone--umro cd {folter records}
{reviewed by patrick}
the stone coming out of the serbian underground are a band i have heard alot about but never had the chance to listen to their music til now.the band plays pretty fast black metal but also are not afraid to slow way down and add some mid-paced dark melodic interludes.as mentioned above this is my first encounter with the stone so i can not compare this release to past ones.but the stone have created some very talented and memorable music on umro.this is a band fans of dark music should defintly check out.
label contact
http://www.folter666.de
band site
http://www.thestonehorde.com
thorngoth-rauhnacht cd {folter records}{reviewed by patrick}
pure hate-filled black metal lives!! and thorngoth have created some of the best sounding "traditional" black metal to be released in the current scene.harsh cold shrieks,drums range from mid-paced to all out blasting attacks.the guitars while raw and scratchy sounding also try to technical/modern black metal riffs.the guitar tone doesnt take anything away from the cold harsh sound that thorngoth has not only created but mastered.fans of european style black metal will defintly enjoy this band.
label site
http://www.folter666.de
band site
http://www.thorngoth.de/
trail of tears-blood stained endurance cd {napalm records}{reviewed by patrick}
trail of tears are back!! well i guess that is wrong cause they have released stuff fairly regularly but the last few t.o.t release have lacked the dark intensity and atmosphere that made this norwegian band great within the atmospheric goth/metal scene.i had my doubts about this release as well but songs such as "in the valley of ashes" and "triumphant gleam" prove trail of tears still have the ability to write catchy and memorable music with a layer of dark melody within.the vocal duo of ronny thorson and catherine paulson have never sounded better.fans of early trail of tears will defintly want to give this a listen as well as new fans of dark atmospheric goth/metal.
label contact
http://www.napalmrecords.com
band contact
http://www.trailoftears.no/
tyr-by the light of the northern star cd {napalm rec.}
the viking metal horde return!! i have been lucky enough to hear/follow the band since their napalm debut {2006's ragnrok} the bands past releases never did much for as for as grabbing my attention and keeping it.but that was before i heard the new cd. 9 tracks of epic,viking influenced metal madness.the band creates some very well played and produced melodic metal with some more up-tempo/faster traditional styled guitars mixed in to keep you the listener guessing and listening to what tyr will do next.frontman heri joensen's amazing clean yet extremly powerful vocals sing of past battles and times.while the rest of the band keeps going with the amazing music. i really can't put my hand on it but the music is similar to past tyr releases but this time around seems to have an extra layer that really grabs your attention."by the light of the northern star"is defintly tyr's most mature release to date.this will please fans of the band as well as bring them new listeners i am sure.
label contact http://www.napalmrecords.com
band contact
www.tyr.net
reviewed by patrick
this is the debut from australia's metal warriors assulter.the band features simon berserker {destroyer 666} assulter have created some really memorable and catchy blackend thrash metal anthems.the raw black metal guitar riffs but also in some songs/parts has the intensity of the early 80's speed/thrash gods within the intense playing.the vocals for the most part are harsh screams and screeches.the vocals do seem to fit very well with the thrashing chaotic sounds that assulter have created on this debut release.fans of old-school thrash/speed/black metal will enjoy the intensity of assulter.
label contact
www.pulverised.net
band contact http://www.myspace.com/burningfront
burial hordes--devotion to the unholy creed cd {pulverised rec.}{reviewed by patrick}
after a 3 year silence burial hordes return.i have heard the bands name for awhile now so i was excited to give this band's new release a spin.on first listen you can hear the band trying to distance itself from the "traditional" greek sounds of past bands.instead of using a dark atmosphere within their metal.burial hordes instead just attack with full force and intensity of old-school black metal.shrieks spew forth the hateful lyrics.while the band follows with some aggressive black metal.the band is not as great as i had thought or hoped.but they do seem to have a good following within the black metal scene so if this sounds like your kind of music give it a spin you might enjoy it.but as for me i'm gonna pass and check out other pulverised bands.
label contact
www.pulverised.net
band site
http://www.myspace.com/burialhordes
conspiracy-concordat cd {pulverised rec.}
{reviewed by patrick}
conspiracy consists of former melechesh bassist al "hazred".the bands roots lie within the traditional heavy metal and thrash metal influences.but the band is able to slip in some fast black metal .the band even surprises the listeners with epic style in the 5th track "faith" epic song. with some clean chants and vocals.the band picks up the pace and continues it's metallic assult.conspiracy are a decent band for the style they have chosen.but alot of bands do it better.
label
www.pulverised.net
band
http://www.myspace.com/metalconspiracy
demonizer-triumphator cd {folter rec.}
{reviewed by patrick} out of the pack of prom's i recievd demonizer and elite are proably my favorites/the best.elite are more straight forward black metal. where as demonizer are more of a black metal band with alot of speed/thrash influences.the band starts the cd off with a blast of chaotic fury and never lets up until the very end of the last song.gruff/black metal scream are heard over a thunderous guitar and bass riffs and a unrelenting drummer who is amazing at keeping up with the insane speed of demonizer.their is nothing pretty or fancy about demonizer but then again.blackend/thrash metal isn't supposed to be pretty.
label contact
http://www.folter666.de
elite-we own the mountains cd {folter records}{reviewed by patrick}
elite are one of the best black metal bands to ever emerge out of the norwegian scene.i remember hearing elite's debut {2004 kampen} and being blown away by their dark,creative sound.well the band's latest cd is no disapointment either.this is elite's 4th masterpiece mixing in pure straight-forward black metal.harsh violent vocal patterns,intense raw/mid tempo guitar chords
and fast drum patterns all rolled into one dark piece of black metal art! if you have heard this band in the past you will not be disapointed,if your ears have never heard this dark creation quit reading and go to the label's site to order!!
label
http://www.folter666.de/
band contact
http://www.elitenorway.com
endstille--verfuhrer cd {regain records}{reviewed by patrick}
the german black metal horde endstille are back with a vengeance.9 tracks of pure hateful and barbaric black netal.the band wastes little time attacking with the first guitar chord soon followed by the soul-tearing hellish shrieks.the drums are played with precise and utter brutality.fans of pure vicious and brutal black metal with no compromises will love this band and their blackend sounds of war.
label contact
www.regainrecords.com
band contact
www.endstille.com
Fairyland "Score to a new beginning"
Reviewed by Lori
After having this promo CD for a few months (could be less) I finally am going to review it. Sometimes a writer needs a brain rest lol.
After their second release all the members left the band except for the keyboardist, Philippe. He wanted to keep Fairyland alive so with the help of a bunch of people, a lot are in other bands, "Score to a new beginning" was born.
Fairyland is an Epic power metal band from France and has been around since the late 90s. AGGHHHH!!!!!!! voice overs!!! I HATE VOICE OVERS!! Come on, like that stops people from pirating music!!!!!
On to "score to a new beginning".......
The beginning starts of with a full orchestral sound (keyboards), very epic and a grand start to the CD. Then the keyboards carry onto the the next song "Across the endless sea" pt 2 and sounds a hella lot better that pt one from The fall of an empire release. Next comes Assault on the shores with more keyboards....and with some galloping guitar and drums that almost tramples the keyboards along with nice soothing male vocals along some female vocals then after a few some great guitar solos.
Think yall got the idea what to expect from this release, a lot of keyboards and massive amount of epicness (not a word lol) and killer power metal that will fit nicely in your CD player.
Napalm Records
BTW the song "godsent" is one of the best songs on the album, KILLER backing vocals, very sexy.
glittertind-landkjenning cd {napalm records
glittertind are a new folk metal duo from norway.the duo have some really good musical ideas and the talent to pull them off on this release.the music created by glittertind is traditional folk music with some heavier/faster heavy metal styled riffs.this is a good band worth checking out espically anyone into more "traditional"folk music.
label contact
http://www.napalmrecords.com
band contact
http://www.glittertind.net
necrophobic--death to all cd {regain records}{reviewed by patrick}
it is great to see {hear} these legends still going strong and releasing quality black/death metal.if you have never heard this swedish band you are truly missing out and should defintly look for this release.necrophobic mix melodic death metal mixed with some black metal influence espically within the vocal department.the guitars/bass show off some well thought out riffs and solo's for this style of metal.and drumming wise it is precise and right on the money with the rest of the band being played whether more aggressive and fast or more mid-tempo and melodic.necrophobic have done it yet again with another great release defintly recomended to fans of black/death metal.
label contact.
www.regainrecords.com
band contact
www.necrophobic.net
posthum-posthum cd {folter records}
{reviewed by patrick}
always seems to be atleast one or two promo's in every pack that falls just below average.posthum are that band for folter. norwegian black metal that plays the cold norwegian style of black metal. which i guess is ok but the band really doesnt do anything to seperate themselves from other norwegian bands of past or present. this is one of those band you will either love or totally hate..
label site
http://www.folter666.de
band site
http://www.myspace.com/posthum
stream of passion-the flame within cd {napalm rec.}{reviewed by patrick}
with a name like stream of passion it should be easy to guess the style the band produces.
atmospheric metal and goth mixed nicely but also within the band's sound is a dark heaviness not usually found within the goth style.atmospheric/heavy metal riffs and bass lines.entertwined within the epic and majestic music of streams are the somber yet powerful vocals of marcela bovio all this mixed with some amazing keyboard pieces.fans of epic,atmospheric will not want to miss out on streams of passion.
label site
http://www.napalmrecords.com
band site
www.streamsofpassion.com
the stone--umro cd {folter records}
{reviewed by patrick}
the stone coming out of the serbian underground are a band i have heard alot about but never had the chance to listen to their music til now.the band plays pretty fast black metal but also are not afraid to slow way down and add some mid-paced dark melodic interludes.as mentioned above this is my first encounter with the stone so i can not compare this release to past ones.but the stone have created some very talented and memorable music on umro.this is a band fans of dark music should defintly check out.
label contact
http://www.folter666.de
band site
http://www.thestonehorde.com
thorngoth-rauhnacht cd {folter records}{reviewed by patrick}
pure hate-filled black metal lives!! and thorngoth have created some of the best sounding "traditional" black metal to be released in the current scene.harsh cold shrieks,drums range from mid-paced to all out blasting attacks.the guitars while raw and scratchy sounding also try to technical/modern black metal riffs.the guitar tone doesnt take anything away from the cold harsh sound that thorngoth has not only created but mastered.fans of european style black metal will defintly enjoy this band.
label site
http://www.folter666.de
band site
http://www.thorngoth.de/
trail of tears-blood stained endurance cd {napalm records}{reviewed by patrick}
trail of tears are back!! well i guess that is wrong cause they have released stuff fairly regularly but the last few t.o.t release have lacked the dark intensity and atmosphere that made this norwegian band great within the atmospheric goth/metal scene.i had my doubts about this release as well but songs such as "in the valley of ashes" and "triumphant gleam" prove trail of tears still have the ability to write catchy and memorable music with a layer of dark melody within.the vocal duo of ronny thorson and catherine paulson have never sounded better.fans of early trail of tears will defintly want to give this a listen as well as new fans of dark atmospheric goth/metal.
label contact
http://www.napalmrecords.com
band contact
http://www.trailoftears.no/
tyr-by the light of the northern star cd {napalm rec.}
the viking metal horde return!! i have been lucky enough to hear/follow the band since their napalm debut {2006's ragnrok} the bands past releases never did much for as for as grabbing my attention and keeping it.but that was before i heard the new cd. 9 tracks of epic,viking influenced metal madness.the band creates some very well played and produced melodic metal with some more up-tempo/faster traditional styled guitars mixed in to keep you the listener guessing and listening to what tyr will do next.frontman heri joensen's amazing clean yet extremly powerful vocals sing of past battles and times.while the rest of the band keeps going with the amazing music. i really can't put my hand on it but the music is similar to past tyr releases but this time around seems to have an extra layer that really grabs your attention."by the light of the northern star"is defintly tyr's most mature release to date.this will please fans of the band as well as bring them new listeners i am sure.
label contact http://www.napalmrecords.com
band contact
www.tyr.net
review for 8-11-09
here we have a new batch of reviews from the world-wide underground
scene.thanks to all the bands,labels who have sent in promo's for
review.if you don't see ur band/release up in this blog no worries we
are finishing up a new batch to hopefully be posted later in week or
weekend.
any band or label interested in a review {and possible interview} get in touch through this myspace page.
enjoy!!!
paatrick
animae capronii-..and hourglass of a lifetime cd {self-released}{reviewed by patrick}
this is a new italian one-man band i found through some of my italian friends/contacts.
12 songs of melodic atmospheric black metal.
it is hard to pin point which musical direction mainman cesare is wanting to go on ..and hourglass of a lifetime release.it starts off very dark and atmsopheric like early dimmu borgir releases.but then as the cd progresses to a more brutal,straight-forward style of black metal.between the two styles animae aproniis strong point seems to lie withhin the more brutal approach and sound.the vocals also fit within the musical changes with more traditional shrieks and clean male vocals.the clean vocals are ok but they will take time to grow on you.i can honestly say i have heard better but also heard much,much worse within clean male vocal department so with time i see improvement.overall not a bad black metal release.but i hope with future animae capronii he will stick with one style.
band contact
http://www.myspace.com/animaecapronii
animae capronii/atrocious depression-split cdr {self-released}{reviewed by patrick)
here is a new split cdr from two of italy's new up and coming black,drone metal bands.up first is animae capronii with 6 cover songs.the bands covered are majestic winter,martyvore,impaled nazarene,belial,
varathon,and horde.considering that everything was handled by cesare i would say the covers are good.the 2 that stick out for me are never forgive{impaled nazarene cover}and the dark hills{varathon cover}
i am looking forward to hearing new original material from this band.next up is the drone/doom band atrocious depression.the songs featured here on the split seem to have a more black/doom metal approach while keeping the drone influence and sound alive and well a little more variety than on the debut "gonark's lair" but should still please fans of pure drone music.fans of primitive,raw black and dark drone black/doom.will defintly want to check out these 2 new bands in the scene.
animae capronii contact
http://www.myspace.com/animaecapronii
atrocious depression contact
http://www.myspace.com/atrociousdepression
atrocious depression--gonark's lair cdr {self-released}
{reviewed by patrick}
drone music is a style you will either love with all your metal heart or hate it with all your heart.it took me awhile but i am starting to really enjoy some of the newer dark/drone bands of the scene.italy's own atrocious depression have created some of the most bleakest,dark and just plain depressing music to be played in some time.if you dare to listen to atrocious depression you will be taken on a journey through a hellish wasteland of loneliness and despair.gonark does add some doomish guitar and tones in some of the songs.
fans of drone,dark/depressing music will not want to miss out on atrocious depression.
band contact
http://www.myspace.com/atrociousdepression
castavet--stone/salt 7inch {paragon records}
{reviewed by patrick}
this was a surprise sent to me with the dark celebration promo.castavet are a new band to me and the scene.coming from the great new york scene castavet have created some very grim/dark sounding black metal.some of the best black metal shrieks to come from my speakers in sometime.the music is somewhat a diverse mix.the main core of this bands sound is black metal.but the band does add some heavier guitar riffs and drum-lines that give it a morbid angel.death metal feel to the 2 tracks.casavet are a band fans of dark black/death metal will want to keep their eyes and ears on.not a bad release at all!!
label contact
www.paragonrecords.net
band contact
http://www.myspace.com/castavet
five will die-slung from a tree cd {self-released}
{reviewed by patrick}
ireland's five will die is a new band to these ears and for the style of music the band plays it's not bad at all.starting off with a sabbath style riff.the band keeps the heaviness rolling along with some heavy sludge,traditional doom
bass and guitar chords.gruff growlish style vocals.but the band is not all sludge/doom.on the second track "bastard grinder" is a faster more up-tempo song which is quite catchy.overall i would say the bands heart and soul lies within sludge/doom.but the musicians of five will die are not afraid to expirement with various other styles or genres.i'm not the biggest sludge/doom fan around but i must admit this irish band has some good ideas and will defintly please fans of sludge/doom or fans looking for something heavy yet different.
band contact
http://www.myspace.com/fivewilldie
impiety-terroreign cd {agonia records}
{reviewed by patrick}
singapore's metal legends return with a brand
new full-length.this band continues to amaze the underground maniacs and scare the shit out of the posers of the scene.within impiety's almost 20 year career.the band continues to create and unleash some of the most intense,psychotic black/war metal ever!
terroreign starts off with an explosion of raw screechy vocals,barbaric drums of non-stap blasts and ferocious heavy intense guitars.the band is not all noise though. the group can create some very intense yet memorable songs.if you are a long-time fan of impiety then you know what this band is capable of.and if you are new to this band do yourself a favor and buy this cd now!!
label contact
www.agoniarecords.com
band contact
http://www.myspace.com/impietyofficial
it's a lunken--it's a lunken cd {sound devestation records}{reviewed by patrick}
this is proably one of the hardest bands i have had to review in awhile.not because their bad but quite the opposite the bands core sound seems to lie within the sludge/stoner doom realm.but to put any type of label on it's a lunken would be a mistake.the band also incorporates some harsh noise,industial effects and even some darker tones similar to drone/depressive metal.the vocals are also varied and extreme to fit within the music.vocals range from insane shrieks similar to drone/black metal.as well more deeper gruff
vocals and even occasional growls.i could take up an entire year trying to explain this bands sound as each song is different in sound and approach.fans of sludge/doom and harsh noise will enjoy this bands harsh yet unique sound.
band contact
http://www.myspace.com/itisalunken
skarva av glas--black metal bastards cdr demo {self-released}{reviewed by patrick}
it has been ALOT of years since i have heard a band release a demo
with such a raw/primitive quality.and you wanna know what? i'm loving it!! 7 songs of raw 80's speed/black/thrash mixed with some raw 90's style black metal.this duo from new mexico have created some raw yet well crafted tunes.vocals are some screams and as the demo goes on has some more deeper gruff vocals in the songs.the guitars/bass are played with raw razor-sharp intensity and mid-paced drums keep up the bands pace nicely.the band will not appeal to everyone{i don't think they really care either} but fans of early 80's blackend speed metal and fans who remember the days of rehearsel demo's will love skarva av glas. defintly worth a listen. this is a band i am sure we will be hearing and seeing alot more of in the future.
band contact
http://www.myspace.com/skarvaavglas
southern extremity-hymns of darkness and hate demo cd {self-released}{reviewed by patrick}
i tell you great readers italy has proably got one of the biggest and most unnoticed metal scenes today.this is a new band playing a nice mix of early 90's blackend death.some good musical structures between mid paced and fast maybne a little more black metal version of morbid angel.vocals are traditional raw screechs.for a debut release southern extremity show alot of good ideas and promise.it will be interesting to hear their next releases.
http://www.myspace.com/southernextremity
tverd--follow the sun cd {wicked music}
{reviewed by patrick}
tverd is possibly one of the best pagan/folk metal bands out today! this band hails from the great russian lands.combing elements of traditional folk music and more up-beat energetic style of heavy metal.the vocals are sung in the bands native language and shared between alexander ivanov {male operatic vocals} and
svetlana lebedeva{female folk/opera vocals} the pair do an amazing job working together as well as keeping up with the pace of musicans.tverd is simply brilliant in all aspects from the vocal patterns,creative music and superior sound quality.this is a band all fans of pagan/folk metal will want to add to their collections.
label contact
www.wicked-music.de
band contact
http://www.myspace.com/tverdmetal
winter in eden--at the edge of the world cdr {self-released}{reviewed by patrick}
this is a new female-fronted metal band from the mighty metal scene in england. the band has alot of atmosphere on the band's debut release.the vocalist kind of reminds me of amy {from evanescence} but musically the band is defintly within the realm of "atmospheric metal" the group seemed to take their time creating the 3 tracks on at the edge of th world.over all this has some good ideas but only so far you can take them within this certain genre.fans of female fronted goth/atmospheric metal will enjoy this.but not really anyone else.
http://www.myspace.com/winterineden
or
www.winterineden.com
any band or label interested in a review {and possible interview} get in touch through this myspace page.
enjoy!!!
paatrick
animae capronii-..and hourglass of a lifetime cd {self-released}{reviewed by patrick}
this is a new italian one-man band i found through some of my italian friends/contacts.
12 songs of melodic atmospheric black metal.
it is hard to pin point which musical direction mainman cesare is wanting to go on ..and hourglass of a lifetime release.it starts off very dark and atmsopheric like early dimmu borgir releases.but then as the cd progresses to a more brutal,straight-forward style of black metal.between the two styles animae aproniis strong point seems to lie withhin the more brutal approach and sound.the vocals also fit within the musical changes with more traditional shrieks and clean male vocals.the clean vocals are ok but they will take time to grow on you.i can honestly say i have heard better but also heard much,much worse within clean male vocal department so with time i see improvement.overall not a bad black metal release.but i hope with future animae capronii he will stick with one style.
band contact
http://www.myspace.com/animaecapronii
animae capronii/atrocious depression-split cdr {self-released}{reviewed by patrick)
here is a new split cdr from two of italy's new up and coming black,drone metal bands.up first is animae capronii with 6 cover songs.the bands covered are majestic winter,martyvore,impaled nazarene,belial,
varathon,and horde.considering that everything was handled by cesare i would say the covers are good.the 2 that stick out for me are never forgive{impaled nazarene cover}and the dark hills{varathon cover}
i am looking forward to hearing new original material from this band.next up is the drone/doom band atrocious depression.the songs featured here on the split seem to have a more black/doom metal approach while keeping the drone influence and sound alive and well a little more variety than on the debut "gonark's lair" but should still please fans of pure drone music.fans of primitive,raw black and dark drone black/doom.will defintly want to check out these 2 new bands in the scene.
animae capronii contact
http://www.myspace.com/animaecapronii
atrocious depression contact
http://www.myspace.com/atrociousdepression
atrocious depression--gonark's lair cdr {self-released}
{reviewed by patrick}
drone music is a style you will either love with all your metal heart or hate it with all your heart.it took me awhile but i am starting to really enjoy some of the newer dark/drone bands of the scene.italy's own atrocious depression have created some of the most bleakest,dark and just plain depressing music to be played in some time.if you dare to listen to atrocious depression you will be taken on a journey through a hellish wasteland of loneliness and despair.gonark does add some doomish guitar and tones in some of the songs.
fans of drone,dark/depressing music will not want to miss out on atrocious depression.
band contact
http://www.myspace.com/atrociousdepression
castavet--stone/salt 7inch {paragon records}
{reviewed by patrick}
this was a surprise sent to me with the dark celebration promo.castavet are a new band to me and the scene.coming from the great new york scene castavet have created some very grim/dark sounding black metal.some of the best black metal shrieks to come from my speakers in sometime.the music is somewhat a diverse mix.the main core of this bands sound is black metal.but the band does add some heavier guitar riffs and drum-lines that give it a morbid angel.death metal feel to the 2 tracks.casavet are a band fans of dark black/death metal will want to keep their eyes and ears on.not a bad release at all!!
label contact
www.paragonrecords.net
band contact
http://www.myspace.com/castavet
five will die-slung from a tree cd {self-released}
{reviewed by patrick}
ireland's five will die is a new band to these ears and for the style of music the band plays it's not bad at all.starting off with a sabbath style riff.the band keeps the heaviness rolling along with some heavy sludge,traditional doom
bass and guitar chords.gruff growlish style vocals.but the band is not all sludge/doom.on the second track "bastard grinder" is a faster more up-tempo song which is quite catchy.overall i would say the bands heart and soul lies within sludge/doom.but the musicians of five will die are not afraid to expirement with various other styles or genres.i'm not the biggest sludge/doom fan around but i must admit this irish band has some good ideas and will defintly please fans of sludge/doom or fans looking for something heavy yet different.
band contact
http://www.myspace.com/fivewilldie
impiety-terroreign cd {agonia records}
{reviewed by patrick}
singapore's metal legends return with a brand
new full-length.this band continues to amaze the underground maniacs and scare the shit out of the posers of the scene.within impiety's almost 20 year career.the band continues to create and unleash some of the most intense,psychotic black/war metal ever!
terroreign starts off with an explosion of raw screechy vocals,barbaric drums of non-stap blasts and ferocious heavy intense guitars.the band is not all noise though. the group can create some very intense yet memorable songs.if you are a long-time fan of impiety then you know what this band is capable of.and if you are new to this band do yourself a favor and buy this cd now!!
label contact
www.agoniarecords.com
band contact
http://www.myspace.com/impietyofficial
it's a lunken--it's a lunken cd {sound devestation records}{reviewed by patrick}
this is proably one of the hardest bands i have had to review in awhile.not because their bad but quite the opposite the bands core sound seems to lie within the sludge/stoner doom realm.but to put any type of label on it's a lunken would be a mistake.the band also incorporates some harsh noise,industial effects and even some darker tones similar to drone/depressive metal.the vocals are also varied and extreme to fit within the music.vocals range from insane shrieks similar to drone/black metal.as well more deeper gruff
vocals and even occasional growls.i could take up an entire year trying to explain this bands sound as each song is different in sound and approach.fans of sludge/doom and harsh noise will enjoy this bands harsh yet unique sound.
band contact
http://www.myspace.com/itisalunken
skarva av glas--black metal bastards cdr demo {self-released}{reviewed by patrick}
it has been ALOT of years since i have heard a band release a demo
with such a raw/primitive quality.and you wanna know what? i'm loving it!! 7 songs of raw 80's speed/black/thrash mixed with some raw 90's style black metal.this duo from new mexico have created some raw yet well crafted tunes.vocals are some screams and as the demo goes on has some more deeper gruff vocals in the songs.the guitars/bass are played with raw razor-sharp intensity and mid-paced drums keep up the bands pace nicely.the band will not appeal to everyone{i don't think they really care either} but fans of early 80's blackend speed metal and fans who remember the days of rehearsel demo's will love skarva av glas. defintly worth a listen. this is a band i am sure we will be hearing and seeing alot more of in the future.
band contact
http://www.myspace.com/skarvaavglas
southern extremity-hymns of darkness and hate demo cd {self-released}{reviewed by patrick}
i tell you great readers italy has proably got one of the biggest and most unnoticed metal scenes today.this is a new band playing a nice mix of early 90's blackend death.some good musical structures between mid paced and fast maybne a little more black metal version of morbid angel.vocals are traditional raw screechs.for a debut release southern extremity show alot of good ideas and promise.it will be interesting to hear their next releases.
http://www.myspace.com/southernextremity
tverd--follow the sun cd {wicked music}
{reviewed by patrick}
tverd is possibly one of the best pagan/folk metal bands out today! this band hails from the great russian lands.combing elements of traditional folk music and more up-beat energetic style of heavy metal.the vocals are sung in the bands native language and shared between alexander ivanov {male operatic vocals} and
svetlana lebedeva{female folk/opera vocals} the pair do an amazing job working together as well as keeping up with the pace of musicans.tverd is simply brilliant in all aspects from the vocal patterns,creative music and superior sound quality.this is a band all fans of pagan/folk metal will want to add to their collections.
label contact
www.wicked-music.de
band contact
http://www.myspace.com/tverdmetal
winter in eden--at the edge of the world cdr {self-released}{reviewed by patrick}
this is a new female-fronted metal band from the mighty metal scene in england. the band has alot of atmosphere on the band's debut release.the vocalist kind of reminds me of amy {from evanescence} but musically the band is defintly within the realm of "atmospheric metal" the group seemed to take their time creating the 3 tracks on at the edge of th world.over all this has some good ideas but only so far you can take them within this certain genre.fans of female fronted goth/atmospheric metal will enjoy this.but not really anyone else.
http://www.myspace.com/winterineden
or
www.winterineden.com
