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June
Abandoned Souls - Some Never Will
(UPC – 2009)

This is the second release from these Canadian rockers. Abandoned Souls energy is a combination of early rock such as Black Sabbath mixed with Alcatrazz with a new collection of rock of Disturbed and Black Stone Cherry.

As I understand this CD has continued where ‘Circles of Shadows’ has left off. This eleven-track collection is full of arena style rock with an intense intimate feel, filling us with hope and anger, making us ask questions and giving us the answers through a collection of classic tracks.

We have 40 minutes of pure pleasure through ‘Some Never Will’, ‘Fire’, and ‘Words of Wisdom’ through ‘Leave Me Alone’ to end with the power of ‘The Ground Beneath’ that leaves you wanting more.

Throughout the CD you do get the new feel of rock that is pushing it way into the system, which is giving the old rockers a run for their money and leaving them for dust. Like ‘Black Stone Cherry’ and ‘Alter Bridge’ Abandoned souls will join the elite with a ground-breaking release.

10/10

By Tony Watson
Abinaya - Corps
(Brennus/2 Side Moon – 2009)

Abinaya means ‘passing on’ in Sanskrit, but this two sided meaning also comes across in the bands attempt to rock the world. We have the guitar riffs of Zakk Wylde with a tribal influence similar to that of Soulfly or Sepultura. Don’t let these names lead you into a sense of thrash with epic guitar solos, riffs with a tribal conviction.

Abinaya are French, which is heavily influenced throughout the CD. The musical content of the CD is a good mixture of fast, hard, speedy guitars and pounding drums, that is influenced by a tribal connection. The only thing that spoilt it for me was the fact that there is a wet French vocal content which lets the whole CD down. As soon as the vocals start the tracks turn in to a mush of wet French kissing at the top of the Eiffal Tower that isn’t a pleasant site to watch.

The 11 tracks and 50 minutes became slightly hard to listen too and the more I played it the more I wanted to turn it off. I suggest the band start heading down the hard vocal side, which I believe will bring the great musical content to life.

Because of the vocals the CD gets:

4/10

By Tony Watson
Akrea - Lebenslinie
(Drakkar Records – 2009)

Well fuck me, from the quaint interlude of ‘Aufbrunch’, Akrea rip into ‘Imperium’ with full on thrash/speed metal that melts the eardrums and leaves your body in so much pain that hell would only be the way forward.

Akrea are from Germany and are prepared start a third world war with this amazing 11 track CD that enthrals you with a full fifty minutes of death, thrash, speed with the harsh German vocal content, but who gives a fuck what language they sing in, no one understands Cradle of Filth, Napalm death, Carcass, Gorgoroth and Ramstein anyway.

The whole CD is brutal with its occasional melodic interludes that gives you chance to breathe before you start to fight off the demons once more. If your tastes are for atomic barrages, with nuclear assaults of the ear canals, then this is a must.

These young energetic lads have a place in the European metal scene, which will give them the credit they deserve, which I don’t think they will get through the British media.

9/10

By Tony Watson
Alkemyst - Through Painful Lanes
(Nightmare Records – 2009)

ALKEMYST for almost ten years develop their defined melodic prog/speed metal, trying to improve their song writing and to give their audience both powerful and sophisticated acts.

‘Through Painful Lanes’ emphasize their musical effort, trying to carry their experience further through three years of labour and dedication to a deep love of music-making, mixed with a flawless flow with a real work of art, ‘Through Painful Lanes’ offers a sincere, refined, personal work, as well as keeping the respect of major heavy metal influences.

A 9 tracks and 52 minutes of European power metal, like most power metal bands from Europe, Alkemyst are not doing anything different, we still have the Helloween, Gamma Ray influences, which after a while starts to all sound the same.

If this CD had something different than the power metal that comes from Europe then I would be slightly impressed but after you have heard one you have heard them all. Can Europe produce something different than the high pitch vocals, fast cords and tinny drums?

On a positive note, they must be doing something right if they have been going for over ten years.

5/10

By Tony Watson
And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead - Isis Unveiled (Single)
(Superball Music – 2009)

This the second single from the critically acclaimed album ‘The Century Of Self’. The single contains two versions of ‘Isis Unveiled’, the radio edit which lasts 4 minutes 30 seconds and the full length version lasting an extra 2 minutes.

If you are not familiar with ‘And you Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead’ they have had in the past a reputation of being put in the category of prog rock, but I would say with this track from their 6th album prog rock has been removed with a sound that will get you hooked from start to finish, that release a hint of ‘The Levellers’, ‘Hawkwind’ and ‘Dead Can Dance’

A very enjoyable track that doesn’t get boring.

9/10

By Tony Watson
Atomic Rooster - Anthology (2CD set)
(Angel Air – 2009)

I’m not being funny but how many times a year can record companies release the same thing? First we have the entire record collection released on CD then we have compilation CD 1,2,3,4 etc then we have anthology 1,2,3 etc then we get the CD with another CD and a cup of tea and a few biscuits.

Like the rest of the CD it’s Atomic Rooster and sounds like Atomic Rooster and it looks like Atomic Rooster and allegedly we have an unreleased track from 1980 called ‘Broken Window’. If this is the reason for buying a double CD then go a head and buy it, but let me tell you it is still Atomic Rooster.

Due to the endless releases of the same thing the CD get 1 mark for each CD in the set.

2/10

By Tony Watson
March
American Dog – Foamin' At The Mouth Live
(American Dog/Colonial Canine – 2005)

Recorded for a radio broadcast in their hometown – Columbus, Ohio is where it’s at. It’s filthy, it’s beer-filled, it’s raw ‘n’ loud and it’s just what you ordered from the barman – ladies and gentleman, American Dog.

13 Hot as Hell Redneck Metal favourites await you for a pleasurable ear-battering that include ‘Another Lost Weekend’; my faves ‘Barely Half Alive’ and ‘Drink Too Much’ as well as a low octave sung version of Motorhead’s ‘Bomber’.

This is real and what rock ‘n’ roll is all about.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan
American Dog – HARD
(American Dog/Colonial Canine – 2007)

I gotta agree with the title, the Columbus, Ohio boys surely have hardened up in style and have more of a Motorhead vibe to ‘em on some of the songs more than ever now with the instrumental ‘Bock’ and the 1st song with vocals that is ‘No Pity’ and more...

What’s this, classical bluesy acoustic guitar from the ‘Dog in ‘Long Time Comin’ – it makes a real nice contrastic change as does ‘Beaten, Broken, Etc’ that starts off quiet before turning into a good ole 12-bar, bar room rocker about drinkin’ and stuff.

Humour is never very far away with this guys which comes in many of the tongue in cheek songs and you can’t go far wrong with songs like ‘Magnificent B*st*rd’ with an amazing ZZ Top Dequello like riff in there in a bluesy Sabbathy kinda way (if that makes any sense – probably not – haha) that has an unbelievable outstanding orchestral ‘Day In the Life’ orchesatral ending to it that plays along with the riff or ‘Sometimes you eat the Pussy’ with the answering line ‘Sometimes the pussy eats you’ – you know it all makes sense every single damn time.

Bands like this win me over everytime I’m unashamedly pleased to say.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan
February
Aisling - Stone Of Light
(Rising Records – 2009)

This is the forth album from the Italian pagan metal band from the Port of Trieste area. Aisling have been together for about ten years producing black metal with a weaving symphonic twist.

‘Stone Of Light’ is their new creation that comprises of ten tracks, which only last for a pitiful thirty-seven minuets. The melodic introductory track ‘Speir’ Aisling rush into a death defying leap into the depths of hell, with the power cords screaming vocals, blood beating drums and harmonic keyboards.

The only thing that pisses me of with this CD is that every track has a high-pitched female vocalist (well I think it is a female) who is trying to sing like an opera singer, which in my eyes ruins the tracks. They should have left this out of the tracks and stuck with what they are good at.

If it weren’t for the screeching high-pitched vocals this would have been a reasonable CD.

What a shame.

7/10

By Tony Watson
Assignment - Release The Disunion
(GP Productions – 2008)

Assignment are from Gutersloh in Germany, which may give you a little insight into what to expect. There is plenty of Power metal, Thrash metal and Progressive rock from mainland Europe and Assignment have decided to combine all three into their release.

After a few listens I’m sure what the band are trying to achieve, we get the power metal side the thrash is missing slightly and the progressive rock is trying to bully the power metal out of the way.

I feel the music is somewhat lost somewhere in the calibration of the strong vocals that have been placed on the CD, there seems to be too much going off to keep you interested in the tracks, with the keyboards taking president to the guitars.

I think they need to rethink about the direction they are heading and stick with one or the other

5/10

By Tony Watson
December
ALMAH - Fragile Equality
(AFM - 2008)

Almah consist of two fifths of Brazilian melodic metal legends Angra which is a solid selling point alone. With their day job on hold at present, messrs Falaschi and Andreaoli assemble a new team and have a bit of fun but take it no less seriously with their intentions.

Metal action from the start ‘Bird Of Prey’ and ‘Magic Flame’ are just as likely to be Helloween or Statovarius as they tear by at top gear and give the listener plenty of reason to leave the skip button alone. The slow stuff isn’t slow in coming though and the Iron Maiden like sway of ‘All I Am’ will concrete the appeal of this disc on top of the three other numbers you have hopefully spun already by this stage.

‘Invisible Cage’ is another slowie albeit with a Theater-ish feel (as if we weren’t waiting for that all night , guys) and by now we know exactly where we stand here. Still surprises await such as ‘Fragile Equality’, an unexpected old-school thrash turn that decelerates to one of those good ol’ fashioned melodic choruses, and likewise but more so ‘Meaningless World is speed metal perfection, simple as…., with an intense twin guitar assault all along the route.

A well balanced collection of fast, slow - and whatever hits the line in the middle- ‘Fragile Equality’ is a side project that deserves as much regard as a main venture and should not be seen as a substandard carbon copy Angra but as a work that stands on its own legs despite its smilarities with the aforementioned and many other fellow pillars of the scene.

You are best advised to put all fragile items away before playing.

9/10

By Dave Attrill
November
A Poetic Yesterday - A Little South of Zero
(Rising Records - 2008)

A scream core 5-piece outfit from the midlands. These sets of lads try to be like Lost Prophets but fail miserable.

We have a collection of 11 tracks that release as much excitement as a dead dog being told to fetch a stick. These guys need to realise this style of metal went out with the ark and the reason it is struggling to stay around is that basically it’s shit.

I can’t knock the effort these guys are putting into the band ore the passion they have for their music but I can give them a bit of advice to not follow other bands and try to be themselves and develop their own style.

A very poor release

3/10

By Tony Watson
Angher - Hidden Truth
(S/R - 2008)

French metal band Angher just released its first album called Hidden Truth. The album contains contain 11 tracks plus a bonus DVD which shows the band rehearsing and recording.

First thing that comes into my head were the obvious similarities to other more famous American metal bands such as Slayer, Metallica, Black Label as well other such as Exodus and kreator but there was still something missing but Angher manage to put their own mark and unique stile into their music making it rather interesting.

The band adds cello to their music that isn’t as unusual in metal music now a days, it gives a whole new atmosphere to the sound giving an interesting feel for the listener.
Still in general this music can best be described as a mixture of thrash, heavy and experimental metal that is a nice refreshing change.

Without a label I think these guys will suffer so will some one give these guys a chance and give them the break they deserve.

8/10

By Tony Watson
August
ALTAR OF OBLIVION - The Shadow Era (Demo)
(S/R - 2008)

More Scandinavian magic conjured up and these lads look like another sprightly rabbit straight fro th hat.

Altar Of Oblivion’s sound can easily be matched with another favourable name - M Dying Bride especially where the vocals of the impressive Mik Mentor are concerned.

A single guitar act - as are the Bradford outfit, this young quartet don’t have a keyboardsman but their instrumentation fends well itself and you feel yourself sailing along with these five well crafted cuts.

Looking forward to a full album here guys.

8/10

By Dave Attrill
Asian Typhoon/X.Y.Z.A. - Wings
(Nightmare Records - 2008)

Wings comes across as a heavy but melodic mixture of rock, at the first listen I thought this reminds me of the Japanese band Loudness, but on further investigation the vocalist Minoru Niihara was from the legendary band Loudness.

I must admit it’s not the best thing I have heard, although the music is on the verge of Guns and Roses, Mother Love Bone, Alice Cooper, Vinnie Vincent’s Invasion and Queensryche, there was something missing, it felt like I was on holiday and had entered a cheesy karaoke bar where they had got the local band blasting out a few cheesy song.

The CD start off with a ballad ‘Heavy Road’, which would have been better off being left off the CD. Other tracks such as ‘A man has captured the sun’, ‘I love rock and roll life’, ‘Absolutely wonderful night’, have some good riffs and licks. The CD also has a couple of ballads ‘For whom the bell tolls’ and ‘wings’ that make the CD a little more interesting but still fell flat on it’s face.

If you are expecting the solid rock of Loudness, you will be very disappointed.

Sorry guys it didn’t do anything for me.

4/10

By Tony Watson

Atomic Rooster - Homework
(Angel Air Records - 2008)

When Atomic Rooster landed on the disc I instantly thought ‘are they still going’ I presumed they were all 90 something now, but to my surprise it is a Record that never got released. The 23 track CD which is full of added extras (The Polydor singles) was all recorded between 1979 and 1982.

If you are an old heavy rocker still clinging to the 60’s and 70’s, this is definitely a blast from the past and one for you. The CD is full of that organ grinding progressive rock with a mixture of The Doors, Gary Glitter, Vardis, Jethro Tull and Hawkwind and if this was released during the NWOBHM era, this collection of music would have been right up there with Saxon.

Homework is a good collection of what was good back then and is a must for something different in the collection. John Du Cann wrote some cracking tunes, which weren’t appreciated back then but probably would be now.

7/10

By Tony Watson
May
Ancient Grease – Women And Children First
(Angel Air – 2008)

Now where have I heard that album title before – well these guys here had it 1st believe it or not – this is a very early incarnation of what became well known Welsh Rock band, Racing Cars.

Ancient Grease were actually called Strawberry Dust but their name was changed for the album by producer ‘Lou Reizner’ (not that he had much to do do with the album according the liner notes of the CD).

It’s the kinda stuff that leads off after a lot of the psychedelic 60’s material with all it’s hallucigenically conceived notions – I suppose this album is very West Coast America and you can hear elements of blues, rock as well as some country-tinged Crosby, Stills and Nash and in parts some quirky jazziness.

Songs that really got my attention were the opener ‘Freedom Train’ (a real hardcore bluesy meltdowner of a number) – you even get an alternate version as well; ‘Where the snow lies forever’ that’s got both Rhodes & Hammond Organ – think these boys were listening to early Faces by the sounds of this ditty – nice one!

‘Mother Grease the Cat’ is one hell of a great riffer of a track – like Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)’ gone jazzy and lighter in parts; the sinister yet beautiful ‘Time To Die’ and the out-of-this-world ‘Mystic Mountain’ – think Small Faces meets Buffalo Springfield and The Byrds – unbelievable.

This band should have been big when they came out but all of Mercury Records Promotime and money went into one of their top-drawer releases instead.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan
January 2008
Alpha Galates – A Stimulus For Reason
(S/R – 2008)

Now this is weird stuff indeed – stoner rock, vocal harmonies like Freiheit (remember them), Nu Metal sounds and inward psychedelia and prog – rather busy indeed, I tell thee.

You really have to listen to it well or you could miss something. You could say it’s kinda like System of A Down with some Pink Floydness but theres’s simply more to it than that.

Very serious material and one where you can’t really individually pick out highlights as very much a follow-on conceptual piece of work – well that’s the impression I got anyway. Start at ‘Conformity’ and work your way right through to ‘Entrophy and Chaos – see even the song titles are serious.

One for the intellectual and supremely gifted listeners to wrap their head around – this aint party music by a long-shot.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

ARMORY - Dawn Of Enlightenment
(S/R – 2007)

Power metal acts that do not hail from Germany or Scandinavia seem to need the vocal style to prove so these days - or it could just turn out as being massively coincidental that Amory, who hail from the good ol’ US of A opt to be fronted by a geezer who sounds more like Geoff Tate or Bruce Dickinson combined, than the two do seperately themselves.

The Massasuchets sextet have an excellent throat in Adam Kurland, supported by immensely tutored stringery by his brother Adam and fellow widdler Chad Fisher, and the absence of any need to vocally reminisce anyone called Michael, Kai or Ralf I might mention is an open door for them to distinguish their own name and product. Something ‘Faith In Steel’, ‘Riding The Cosmic winds’, ‘Heart Of Dreams’, ‘Warrior Forlorn’, ‘Eyes Of Time’ and the quarter-hour long closing title cut definitely do with flying colours and very if not no holes at all.

There’s a decent blast of Maiden’s ‘Flight Of Icarus’ for those lucky enough to get a copy with the bonus tracks tacked on, that sounds painstakingly near-identical to the Brit legends version but the main album is a treat enough for true metal fans as this outfit are themselves. Hopefully there’s be a live slot or two sorted out in the UK soon, as these lads will swallow ‘em up big and bringing a few copies of this excellent disc to the merch stall on that day should shift most.
Oh, by the way, I seem to remember another album closing with a title track 13 minutes-something long.... Er .. let me think..... ”Keeper of the Seven K.......’ (don’t you even think about it, Dave - Ed)

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill
September
At Vance - VII
(AFM – 2007)

As the name implies, this is the seventh studio release for Olaf Lenk's 'At Vance'. Lenk is the talented German guitarist behind 'Zed Yago' and 'Centres', now clearly enjoying letting his creative abilities fly at the heart of At Vance that only released their first album in 1998.

Musically Lenk continues to remain faithful to 80s hard rock adding some power metal riffing and neo-classical solos in a style which has served the band well. In fact the only notable change has been to the lineup and the introduction of Rick Altzi on vocals instead of former Yngwie Malmsteen singer Mats Leven.

On this performance he looks to be a fine addition to the band as Altzi's voice compliments the music well, sounding reminiscent of Coverdale's Whitesnake on two of my favourite cuts from the album, 'Shiver' and 'Friendly Fire'. Lenk is able to come up with some memorable hooks and keep the tracks moving, not
getting too bogged down during the solos which are predictably impressive and offering a variety of tempos across the album from the pacy 'Golden Leaves' and 'Shine' to the slow, emotion-charged 'Answer Me' and 'Lost in Your Love'. Personally I think the bands strength is with the faster material and would prefer them to give some of the heartfelt lyrics a miss in future.

Nil point for originalilty here but Lenk does a good job with the melodies, proving himself as a sound songwriter aswell as an expert guitarist. The production here is also note-worthy making this release well worth a listen - you don't have to wish you were back in 80s to enjoy this.

7.4/10

By Al Hoath
August
Allen/Lande – The Revenge
(Frontiers Records – 2007)

One time live ‘Rising Force’ vocalist (Jorn Lande) and another Melodic Rock frontman Russell Allen for this exceptional album.

It’s of a harder edged Magnum kinda style with highlights including the title track ‘The Revenge’; ‘Victory’; ‘Master Of Sorrow’; ‘Wake Up Call’ and ‘Who can you trust’.

An album that looks at both good and evil in real life, emotional happenings and filled with melodic rockers that fans of the genre will no doubt love.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan
ART OF DYING - Get through This
(Revolver -1-track promo)

Not beating around the bush, Art Of Dying’s melodic nu-metal sound is hardly anything original but it still hasn’t prevent them throwing up a catchy number here.

A reminder of the genre’s more accessible side, I actually played it more than once, and it’s still in my spinner as I speak.

Hope the album brings plenty more like this belter.

8/10

By Dave Attrill
Pre-July 2007

ANDENSUM - Lucky Witness
(Crash Records - 2007)

Eastern-sounding metal is usually a speciality of top European label Holy though unlike this Oxford sextet, a lot of acts signed to the French company seem to have accidentally wiped out the metal element itself.

Andensum’s mostly melodic hardcore maintains a formulaic structure but from there works into the more exotic overtone and their twin lead vocal - one bloke singing, the other shrieking – allows for both side of the book to be played by, and coupled to crushing rhythms from the two guitarists, allows the mix to set hard – in one’s skull, obviously. Faced with too many bands on this scene tediously alike at the best of times, it is relieving to learn that some acts will still break away from the bandwagon when one is watching.

An impressive effort first time out, but just why only 34 minutes?

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Adrenaline Factor – S/T
(Perris Records – 2007)

Sleazin, sexiness that gets it pumpin – the adrenaline of course. This is your classic gutsy Bon Scott AC/DC stuff – Lee Scott is a deadringer in the vocal dept as well – ironically enough his other band is called ‘Big Balls’.

This outfit sees Lee him team up with Paul Lidel of Austin, Texas who slung his six string with Dangerous Toys and Broken Teeth. Joining them are Steve Sweat (Bass/Vocals) and Armando Reyes (Drums ‘n’ Percussion).

Ten strong songs on this ‘ere album with highlights including ‘Ride’; ‘Boozin’ Susan’; ‘Seven Bear Bitch’; the slower southern like ‘No Warning’ and the closing ‘Goin’ Nowhere’ (is that a Hammond you are playing there Mr. Lidel? Nice !).

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

THE ALMIGHTY -

Anth-f***in’-ology - The Gospel According To….
(Sanctuary - 2006)

Try getting that title out of your gob in a hurry when someone asks you what this collection, from one of Britain’s best loved hard rock outfits of the nineties (and one of my personal favourites), is called.

Recently reformed after a five year gap, Ricky Warwick has rejoined the classic line-up with Pete Friesen, Stump Monroe and Floyd London and played a full UK tour that featured truckloads of classic cuts plus one or two more than welcome surprises and just about all of them are accounted for here, for those of you stupid to miss out on that opportunity.

Featuring material from both the Friesen and Tantrum eras we are bombarded with belters in the form of ‘Free an’ Easy’, ‘Full Force Lovin’ Machine’, ‘Addiction’, ’Jonestown ‘Mind’, ‘Over The Edge’, ‘Destroyed’ and the immortal crowd sing-a-long classic ‘Wild And Wonderful’. The two criminal omissions are ‘Crucify’ and ‘Ressurection Mutha’ which knocked many for six with its inclusion on that tour in December. One or two numbers from their short-lived re-incarn’ from 2000-02 also make it, and even though only Ricky and Stumpy returned to the fray on that occasion, the song-writing seemed to have suffered minimally.

There still at time of writing remains a question mark on how long this revival is intended to last for, with Pete still on loan to Alice Cooper (who is touring the UK this November in case you forget) but even if we don’t see an album of new material from the Glaswegian act for sometime yet, this’ll come in handy to remind everyone they are around..

8/10

By Dave Attrill

ANNIHILATOR – Metal
(SPV - 2007)

Understandable as it may clearly be, the urge to make an album title as descriptive as possible of its content, there may be just a chance that Canadian guitar goliath Jeff Waters has pushed the line between adequate and plain daft a little too far by simply naming it ‘Metal’. As said though, the content of the thrash outfit’s twelfth studio disc doesn’t let you down.

Now fronted by Dave Padden, whose range is almost as closely matched with Coburn Parr’s as you’re gonna get, there is more than one echo of the past as they are joined for the album by old sticksman Mike Magini who also played for Boston rock faves Extreme in their twilight years before they imploded. Add the unmistakable soloing talents of Waters which take a couple of tunes into get going in full but from then on as mighty as you’d expect from a musician of his ability and you have Annihilator the way they should be, bringing you another fine fistful of high speed and hook-plastered heavy metal, as fashion over the last decade or more continues to outlaw.

My only problem with it in fact is that the overuse of guest vocalists overthrows Padden’s parts as he has this vicious old-school voice that is already suited to Waters typical produce, so while Luminaries from present day faves Trivium, Arch Enemy and Nevermore plus ‘Lips’ Kudlow from fellow Canadian old-timers Anvil make a very welcome contribution, there is nearly a sense of fixing what ain’t broke here. Far from ruined though, ‘Metal’ is the proof of Jeff’s continued craftsmanship, which after eighteen years through many ups and the occasional down rarely goes out of exhibition.

The best since ‘Never Neverland’. METAL!

9/10

By Dave Attrill
The Answer – Be Who You Want (single)
(Albert Productions – 2007)

A lively number from those retro rockers ‘The Answer’ that harks to The Black Crowes which is fine by me with a slight turrent of an INXS sound creeping in and a title reference to a John Lennon song from his ‘Mind Games’ album.

Also well worth mentioning is their cover of Aerosmith’s ‘Sweet Emotion’ – man those vocals are sugary dude!! An acoustic rendition where you can go slidin’ ‘Into the Gutter’ or the live radio session version of ‘No Questions Asked’

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

"Blast from the Past"

Arch Enemy - Black Earth

(1996)

Debut CD featuring the Amotts (Christopher & Michael) and let me tell you there are some classic tracks on this release.

No intro just the slam of a snare beat then enter the Amotts! In my opinion, this isn't their greatest effort but it's one hell of a debut release though. I'd have to say my favorite tracks on here are plentiful primarily because it's Melodic Death Metal which is my personal favorite genre of Metal.

Johan's vocals are somewhat boring because there really isn't much of a change throughout the CD vocal-wise. The same is true with their "Stigmata" release. I'd say dropping Johan and getting Angela Gassow on lead vocals was a wise move for AE.

There are some great lead guitar work by Christopher Amott just listen to the outro solo on "Fields Of Desolation" and you'll hear what I'm talking about. Christopher's leads are way more technical than his brother Michaels. Michael has more emotion involved in his lead work though plus exclusive use of the Wah-Pedal. Michael was more technical when he was playing for Carcass (Heartwork).

On the import CD of this release there are some bonus Iron Maiden cover songs. Strange to hear them in B-tuning! Tracks to check out are "Bury Me An Angel", "Eureka" and "Fields Of Desolation". If you're a big fan of Melodic Death Metal then you should check this CD out! Good production as well!!!

Credits:

Johan Liiva - Vocals
Michael Amott - Guitar/Bass
Christopher Amott - Guitar
Daniel Erlandsson - Drums
Frederik Nordstrom - Production

Track listing:

1. Bury Me An Angel
2. Dark Insanity
3. Eureka
4. Idolatress
5. Cosmic Retribution
6. Demoniality
7. Transmigration Macabre
8. Time Capsule
9. Fields Of Desolation
10. Losing Faith
11. The Ides Of March (Iron Maiden Cover)
12. Aces High (Iron Maiden Cover)

By Death8699 (MethylinInfo@aol.com)
Angra – Aurora Consurgens
(SPV – 2006)

Named after a 15th Century Alchemist Manuscript, the album that is, Angra’s latest – a band that are like a heavier Helloween and becoming as well known. I heard from a buddy who writes for another notable webzine how good this album is and I can’t disagree.

You never know what is gonna come Angra, next such as the choir in ‘The Voice Commanding You’ or a searing ballad in ‘Breaking Ties’ – what voice Edo Falaschi has!! Like the Egyptian/Indian come marching drums intro on ‘So Near, So Far’ with the scary orchestration and almost poppy Genesis melody that breaks out into a gorgeous chorus, not to mention a creackin’ instrumental section with an tasty solo.

Then there’s the bombastic, riff thrumming ‘Passing By’ with a ‘Gimme Shelter’ thing going off in the background – sound effect – listen out for it. Just when you thought the album couldn’t get any better is rounded off by a mesmerizing acoustic number called ‘Abandoned Fate’ – nice one lads.

Probably their best album so far. Love to see them live.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan
Carmine Appice Project – Ultimate Guitar Zeus
(Escapi Music – 2006)

14 numbers that all feature Carmine Appice on drums but with different guitarists on each song.

Varied ditties with the highlights featuring the Beatley ‘Nobody Knew’ with Brain May about secrets in the Whitehouse; the Soundgarden ‘Rusty Cage’ riff-like bluesy Steve Morse’ified ‘4 Miles High’; the ballad that is ‘Doing Fine’ with Vivian Campbell or the re-worked version of Rod Stewart’s ‘Do ya think I’m Sexy’ (remember folks, Carmine played on the original) – this time he gets to do the vocals with Pat Travers.

There are such an array of artists on here that also include Mick Mars, Zakk Wylde, Richie Sambora and Slash but the main problem is, is that in my humble opinion, its very much a pile of grunge band album tracks or other less sparkling selections.

A pity really as this could have been a real stormer of an album. Dissapointing.

5.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

Carmine Appice/Power Rock –

Songs that made Led Zeppelin Famous

(Power Rock Ent. Inc – 2005)

Now this is an interesting one – an idea and project from Carmine Appice - 8 Led Zeppelin songs played without their drums so you can be their drummer for a while – cool idea eh – not ‘arf music lovers – even the singer sounds just like Percy Plant. Perfect for any drummers actually as Bonzo was one of the best around – some may go on to say the best.

There’s a count in on some of the numbers and click track throughout to keep you in time. 8 songs in all that include ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’; ‘Whole lotta love’ & ‘The Ocean’ and 5 other notable ditties.

Go to www.powerrock.com for more info.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Gwyn Ashton – Prohibition
(Dixie Frog Records – 2006)

A blues dude who’s been around a wee while – remember hearing about him from the Beat Club re-runs with Ashton, Gardner and Dyke. He’s been solo for many a year and this, his current release features Chris Glen and Ted McKenna from ‘The Sensational Alex Harvey Band’ in the backing department.

There’s some cracking songs on this platter with the opening slidin’ of the early ZZ Top like ‘Ball & Chain’ starting off the proceedings nicely – like the harp playin’ as well dude. Ya can’t beat the slutsy, gritty riffin’ of the almost sleazy ‘Get Up, Get Over it’; the funky gospel like title track ‘Prohibition’ with Gwyn putting on a Howlin’ Wolf like voice. As a tribute to the great late Irish Legend he covers Rory Gallagher’s ‘Secret Agent’ and vocally sounds very like him as well. Then there’s the likeable instrumental ‘Come On/Walk Don’t Run’; the singalongy ballad ‘Castaway’ or the instrumental closer ‘Rest in Paradise (for Stevie)’.

Get it bought and crank them blues high.

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan
Jan - April 2006

ALOOP - Global Crisis

(EdgeRunner)

Hardcore’s latest arrivals from Scandinavia, Aloop sound so well clued up on what the people seek, they could have just as well had the parts assembled and ready to go any time over the last four years.

Vocals that can growl their guts out and creen to high heavens in chequered proportions and are ferried along by fierce rhythm guitar lines are an all-but sworn by formula today and Aloop do it by the book enough to please but have enough in their sound to print their own brand on it. Hook-seekers should find a fair portion of ‘G.C.’ satisfactory but the album is in general a solid example of how to come by commercial favour within the confines of this genre.

Not such a loopy lot as one might have first thought.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE
Boy Sets Fire

American Dog – Scars-N-Bars
(Outlaw Recordings – 2005)

The latest release from one of my favourite American bands who always sound like they come from a dirty southern redneck bar. American Dog are still giving it like you’ll wanna get it – ballsy, gutsy, beer soaked rock ‘n’ roll – the way it should be – honest and totally sincerely.

So press play to hear the opener ‘Working Man’ kick things off to an excellent and be prepared to be entertained with ten more numbers are (American) Dogs B*ll*cks (scuse the pun). These are number 1 calibre shots guaranteed on this platter - take for instance ‘She ain’t pretty (but she’s all I got) about a chick who’s up for it and nows all the words to the …Skynyrd songs – sounds perfect if you ask me. Fancy a bit of ZZ Top like Blues, then you’ve hit the bullseye with ‘Lucky 13’ or if you wanna bit o’ bar boogie then Got you by a chain’ is the oyster with the perfect pearl’ – what an awesome slide guitar solo intro. I love the laid back and ballzy ‘Sunday Buzz’ and the tongue-in-cheek filth of ‘Little Girl’ who Michael Hannon wants to give his candy to for free …. and then some for free.

You just can’t go wrong with these guys who are the Southern equivalent of Motorhead and Status Quo all rolled into one.

F*ck*n’ Love ‘em.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan
The Answer – Keep Believin’
(Albert Productions – 2005)

These will show the kids what the sounds of Led Zep were like plus what they missed from the 80’s Rock Scene because they were still wearing nappies.

This is a good ‘n’ catchy song – think Thunder meets Great White and Skin (the band that is) for all you older rockers out there. They’ve had plenty of good press recently and got a headline tour now for March/April '06.

Ones to watch who could knock The Darkness off their perch.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan
Aroarah – Together life means so much more
(January Music – 2005)

A female 4 piece rocking band who come at you with angst filled rage. It’s in the same vein of Girlschool, Crucified Barbara and Broadzilla.

Nicely put together and worth checking out. Go to www.aroarah.com for more info on the band.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan
Atomic Rooster - S/T
(Angel Air – 2005)

Their album from 1980 reissued on CD with the bonus tracks ‘Throw your life away’ and ‘Broken Windows’.

The ‘Rooster were quirky dudes who fired up that Hammond Organ a lot – a kind of rocking ELP but miles more accessible with an almost post punk feel at times.

Highlights on here include the opening Judas Priest like ‘They took control of you’; the Purple come Humble Pie riff like ‘Don’t lose your mind’ – easily the best track and thr moderately paced ‘He did it again’

A well missed band.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

AGANKAST - Scotland’s Finest (4-Track EP)
(Self-Released)

Arrows on the fortune-o-meter should narrowly avoid the red bit fro young Scots four-piece Agankast.

Thrash-peppered power metal of course doesn’t have too many friends in the fashionable quarter of the rock scene, not that we of course care about fashion anyway, do we?!

Old school 88-92 –gelled guitar elements monopolise this entire quarter of an hour, end-to-end, and the vocals are actually in vogue with Fear Factory on occasions so a smidgen of second guessing from modern metal obsessives seems slightly possible.

A potential offering from a country often too quiet on the metal scene today.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

ADMIRION - Burning Souls
(Karmageddon Media - 2005)

You know that slogan on fire and traffic safety ads that reads ‘Excuses, we’ve heard them all before’. Those last five words come in very handy when reading lines like ‘The Biggest new Sensation’, Italian deathies Admirion are victims of a further hoax - someone has had the gall to say on their promo sheet that they write great and catchy songs.

Perhaps they do but seem not to have quite found the time to record any of such description yet, hence eight more labourings through the same weary old toil offering little to no change in shift patterns.

Their vocalist’s high-pitch chunters do manage to reach Devin Townsend-ian levels at fairly frequent intervals which is a little upturn fro their credibility but I can find little else that is apart from a few vague Slayer/Testament moments that are fun if you can find them.

Guaranteed live energy but otherwise, only boffins need apply.

5.5/10

By Dave Attrill
May and Early 2005
AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE - The Feeling
(DRT/Nitrus 2005)

I've just been informed of the sad news of guitarist Bryan Ottoson's death as I begin writing their latest disc up. Not that it makes listening to and reviewing this album altogether that much easier.

I remember seeing A.H.C in Nottingham Rock City three years ago and quite quickly adapted to their style Pantera-esqe aggression. Sadly, I put their CD on to find little much more than run of the mill nu-metal that sounds at best like Anselmo and the lads every now and then but t worst a fourth division My Own Victim.

Being no killjoy, the album is true to form and comes highly recommended to all devotees of contemporary metal, not to mention moshpit mayhem in the making, but after a third listen I'd advise prospective followers to go and enjoy them onstage instead, as the same feel just isn't there on their recorded material.

Disappointing.

5.5/10

By Dave Attrill

9-10/10 By the FANS, no doubt
Am Ganesh’N – Eleftheria
(Holy Records – 2005)

The bio states this is ‘Gothic Heavenly Music’ and before you ask it ain’t rock and roll – but instead it’s Indian/Madrigal stuff that’s been released on a metal label – why is anyones guess – maybe it’s the goth link?

Rather hard to get into and is more like atmospheric film material than a stand-alone album in its own right. It isn’t an outfit that’ll get booked at rock clubs or anything – but more like something for some sort of choral or world music festival.

A release you need to find the right moment for to play.

5/10

By Glenn Milligan
AMNESIA - Digression Of Mind

Progressive metal is something the Italians are getting pretty damn good at. Amnesia delve into the bucket for some interesting bits n’ bobs straight away and particularly succeeding on the vocal front.

It’s Nick Holmes to start with, then a brief moment of what sounds like James Hetfield arguing with Rob Zombie, followed by something reminiscent of a frighteningly subdued Blaze Bayley before finally locking into Amerigo’s own unique tones which allow the songs to travel along smoothly in their own way. Add this to some rather Petrucci-esque guitar moments to pot and the EP finishes rather too abruptly for my liking when I’m really starting to lap it up.

Threshold and Enchant fans reading - you’re in fro quite a treat here from Am… oh what are they called again…. anyone know……

8/10

By Dave Attrill
Anthrax - The Greater of Two Evils
(Sanctuary Records - 2004)

The fans were given a chance to vote for their fave Anthrax songs to be re-recorded live and this is the result. It was done on May 4th, 2004 and mastered to CD in two days flat.

If you've seen 'em live with John Bush then it isn't too much of a surprise for ya - he's done a decent job of the Belladonna stuff - even tho he ca'nt get them wailin' high notes - take 'Indians'; 'Caught in a Mosh' and 'Madhouse'. Good to hear some older classics too like 'Metal Thrashing Mad' from the Nick Turbin era - you don't get better than that, now do ya ?

F*ckin' Metal.

And then Joey Belladonna re-joins Anthrax for a while - funny old world innit/

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Alligator Stew - S/T
(Hogleg Records - 2000)

Who? Are they a bunch of rednecks who hang out in the swamplands of Florida - well actually no.

They are actually from California but play Southern Rock - their vocalist being 'Gary Jefferies' who was the front-man of 'Asphalt Ballet' who released an album in 1991) which I indeed own and you should too. Going back to 'Alligator Stew', this is rocking country blues coming complete with a dodgy sounding out of tune at times hony tonk piano.

A dirty to die for album that reeks of leather boots, gators and moonshine as well as featuring the sound of a few crickets too. Blues out to the harmonica wailin' 'Shiner'; get serious with the brother killin' 'Blood Money' that's both electric and acoustic); burn to the fun-time boogie biking 'Two Wheels' or hit the factory reality with the Skynyrd like 'Voodoo Spell'.

Excellent.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

Alligator Stew - Welcome to Monticello Live !!
(Hogleg Records - 2003)

A cooking set from 'Roof Lounge, Monticello, Indiana from Saturday, June 30th, 2003' which sees the 'Stew fire up the live juice to a hot crowd performing numbers from their self-titled debut like the stompin' 'Louisiana Man' (eating black eyed peas and wearin' cowboy boots)'; 'Shiner' where I personally wanna visualise the girl at the club who's dancing on the table as mentioned by frontman, Gary Jefferies. Good to hear a live version of the brilliant 'Blood Money' as well as newer songs from the soon to be released 2nd studio studio album such as the Poisonesque country blues of 'I know you too well'.

Can't help taking a liking to the covers either such as a version of Bob Seger's 'Turn The Page' (that one that Metallica did a couple of years ago) and old 60's classic 'Suzie Q' that The Rolling Stones cut yonks ago. Those studio tracks are steamin too and have deep meanings as well like 'The Heist' about a bank robbery that goes wrong or 'Far Beneath the Rubble that appears to be about 9/11.

Good album and I'm looking forward to that already mentioned studio album out soon.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan
Angra - Temple of Shadows
(SPV - 2004)

An hour of melodic power metal - well what else would you expect from these guys. It's a concept album about the 'Saga of the Shadows Hunter - an 11th Century Crusader who questions the Catholic ideals' that guitarist Rafael Bittencourt came up with.

Produced by Pink Cream 69's 'Dennis Ward' and featuring guests like Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray - ex-Helloween); Hansi Kursh (Blind Guardian) and Sabine Edelsbacker (Edenbridge).

Apart from the full-on tracks like 'Angels and Demons' and 'Temple of Hate' you get to hear the band in am more atmospheric mode such as 'Wishing Well' which is not a cover of the Free classic (which would stand out like a sore thumb) but is more of a string set acoustic ditty that turns electric all of a sudden. 'Sprouts of Time' is a nice touch with its Brazilian feel and 'Late Redemption' especially which is an orchestral, acoustic and electric number all in one that features Brazilian singer and composer 'Milton Nascimento'.

This album is just what the fans were looking and waiting for.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

ASTARTE - Sirens

(Avante Garde - 2004)

A name I may or have may not have caught beforehand, Astarte's material is to most respects what a front sleeve depicting a scythe-wielding hell-maiden standing waist high in a pit of severed heads would indicate.

Keeping things pleasant in some ways possible, these ten slabs of melodic black metal are quite approachable fro the majority of the 55+ minute running time, and the piano breaks both on top and alongside of the often tuneful guitar lines will please fans of today's British dark metal scene.

Some more info on the sleeve - I thought this was a demo at first - would have been nice but at least they've got the production, as well as the songs.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE
Paradise Lost, Cradle Of Filth, My Dying Bride.

Atlantida - Painted Reality
(Full Sound Records - 2004)

Proggy like Iron Maiden meets Queensyche (but from Rio De Jeniero). There's plenty of chuggy guitar and adventurous arrangements and a fair few keyboard frills as well.

It's very similar in style to a demo the band sent me a while ago and frontman, Luiz still sounds like a deadringer for Bruce Dickinson. Serious stuff and recommended for fans of the already mention bands. Highlights include the instrumental title track; ' Two Minds' (that features Kiko Loureiro from Angra on guitar and Renato Tribazy of 'Execution) and 'Real Dream'.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan
AURA NOIR - The Merciless
(Peaceville - 2004)

As heavy metal and hard rock goes back to its roots of late, death metal is certainly one genre not to be left out of the movement. Aura Noir score a further point or two in that you can literally hear what they are growl.. er, I mean, saying, along the top of those traditionally relentless guitars.

As a bonus, you can also dance to one or two of these tracks, a fact which may offend the more pedantic metallers out there but throws the gate at the end of the commercial bridge wide open. All just a pity that it only lasts 27 minutes as this is one of the most enjoyable extreme metal releases this year, helped all the more by their frontman's Wyndorf-esque rant.

Recommended without exception for those always up for some good old-school metal fun.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE
A combination of Monster Magnet, Hidden Hand, White Zombie, Obituary, Metallica, Usurper
ALTER BRIDGE - Open Your Eyes
(Wind-up 1-track promo 2004)

Another hot property on the thriving Wind-Up label, this delightful little cut from After Bridge promises plenty as well as delivering plenty itself. Obviously contemporary sub-structure supports a well aligned driving melodic vocal layer and the whole song runs on full petrol throughout.

An impressive introduction to this group, I can only hope there's more, as good, behind it.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

ANAND - Joy 4 Ever
(Lion Music - 2004)

Quite why the name of Surinam should crop up on the rock/metal map baffles one and about bl**din' all.Anand - nice to meet you, whoever you are, is the south American principality's first contributor of profile to the genre, so as first impressions go, he's got as much weight on his shoulders as someone trying to give an elephant a backie down the street.

No idiot, Anand gets dfown and grooves with eleven chunks of meaty AOR/prog directed instrumental pyrotechnics.While this material does, as is custom, require some getting to grips with by a notable portion of the rock n' roll fraternity of present day, he's still let his hair down, not that he has a great deal of it to, and tried to go with his own flow, and we can tell. The fellow uses all his techniques without fault and the styles explored in his solos substitute quite well for the absence of vocal parts.

9/10

By Dave Attrill
ATROCIOUS DEVOURED - Live Murders

Interesting name, Interesting country (France) for this type of metal and interestingly graphic hand-drawn gore cartoon pic on the sleeve, though by this time, something was beginning to give the game away. Pity then that the material held on the disc inside the case did in fact turn out to be just another load of practically business-as-usual black metal that despite a few melodic lists from the guitar, did otherwise little to make me play this album a second time.

France has got a fistful of decent acts emerging from its shores but some can be permitted to stay inland unless called to sea by the completists, and I think this lot are just about accounted for by that category, unfortunately.

5/10

By Dave Attrill
April
AHUMAN - S/T (3-track Demo)
(S/P - 2004)

The fist of the three songs that these lads have generously offered here, 'Looking On The Downside' starts in a slow but angry manner that can only be on the way to something else, like another formulaic lump of contemporary metal core, for example. Surprising as you may find it, this is not the case as I find this tune in possession of a damn good melodic chorus line of the sort Boy sets Fire pride themselves on that jumps on you from out of absolutely nowhere.

'Ghosthouse' attacks with similar weapons albeit with the odd warning shot, before '21 Sins' takes them where very few acts of their kind dare treat, with an unarguably prog-accented sound, and still with the hooks loaded.

A strong and varied assortment of material, I hope there's more on the way. Good start, chaps.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Atlantia - Pre-mix 2003 (Advance)
(Self-Released)

Atlantia are a sextet from Brazil who formed ten years ago and mix a variety of musical genres like Metal, Prog Rock and Jazz with a frontman who sounds very like Bruce Dickinson.

These 5 tracks will more than likely be available on a full album shortly or maybe as an e.p. Whatever it happens to be released on it is expertly crafted. 'Real Dream' has a jazz guitar riff and a plentiful chunk of metal guitar with a healthy bit of sweetpickin' (a la Malmsteen). It appears that they've been listening to a fair bit of Rush's 'Spirit of Radio' then had a night in listening to Dream Theatre 'n' Iron Maiden if 'Burn the Bridge' is any indication to go by with 'I lost you' being dark but uplifting metal.

These are excellent songs that have a lot of complexities without making the melody tedious and monotonous.

I recommend you check out Atlantia if you are a true fan of real interesting metal as these guys prove its possible to mix musical styles despite the major differences of them.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan
March
American Heartbreak - You will not be getting paid
(Perris Records - 2004)

This is very much a slammy, punky Sum 41/Blink 182 type vibe goin' on here. It comprises of a live gig with tracks like 'Rotten Aples' and 'Brain Vacation' but I have to admit that American Heartbreak sound better acoustic - a good example being 'Come on, come on, come on' with its simple happy lyrics and then there's the frightening 'Dead at 17'.

You also get the tracks from the 'What you deserve' E.P. that has been re-mixed but this material is very average to say the least.

5/10

By Glenn Milligan

AM GANESHAN - Somnia
(Holy Records/Wagram Music 2004)

Oddest sounding rock band of all time? I was about t place that award at the feet of this label's other signees Stille Volk, but I hadn't yet listened to this other so-called rock act's offerings first. And what they have to offer?

I actually had trouble deciphering amongst some fourteen pieces of vaguely gothic Middle-Eastern gospel sounds of some sort, which began to absorb for about three tracks or so, then washed out again almost as fast. Interesting in its own little ways but what appeal it'll hold at all to 99 percent of the regularly expected sort of visitors to this site, I can't quite understand.

4/10

By Dave Attrill

Anti-Product - 'Consume and Die…' + 'Made In USA'
(Anti-Product Music - 2000+2003)

Well the 50's had 'Spike Jones and his City Slickers' zanying up the charts and now we have 'Anti-Product' - the cacophonious Rock/Metal equivalent (but it's all their own original material). The 'Product create real hacoc in the studio and on the stage with their crazy chorus's, handfuls of melodic hooks as well as identifiable lyrical topics - you've only got to listen to 'Hey, let's get it on' which backs me up and can be topped by 'Bungee Jumping peole die' (as show on Noel Edmond's 'The Late, Late Breakfast Show' a few years ago - sick but very true) and 'Captain Wrong'.

7/10

You can see where they were heading for from the debut as 'Made In USA' (2003) is a more advance album without the need to get boring and sophisticated. The album boils over at boiling point and the vocals are miles higher in the mix - in fact Alex Kane's singing is completely in-your-face and sounds real confident plus the girls sound well with their 'Pa Pa Pa' backing vocals on 'Thank God I'm right'. In my opinion, no matter where you land on this 5"er you will like what you hear - my faves being the B-52'y 'Goin' where the action is'; the bands last single 'Better than this'; the chantingness of 'Something Good'; the Ramonesy 'The Rules we Rock 'n' Roll by' and the hop-boppin' 'My Favourite One' that's got an ELO vibe that thrown in atmospheric dept.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan
February
Anti-Product - Better Than This (Maxi CD Single)
(Live Wire/Cargo Records)

16 tracks for a CD single - no wonder it's called a maxi-single - the main song 'Better than this' being a bopping, climaxing, bawly rocking effort that merges in Marilyn Manson and the pop band Shampoo (well almost) and screwed up with piles of heavy bursting energy - it comes in album form, live form and video edit form also.

On the journey to and from these various versions of 'Better than this' there's a an alternate version of what can be described as INXS turn into the B-52's on 'Goin' where the action is'; a live version of 'Tell me what you want' (where Alex forgets the words); the light 'n' poppy 'One more last thing' (Demo) that's like McGuinness Flint (those dudes who came up with 'When I'm dead and gone'); the Who'ish, psychedelic 'Hey, let's get it on (Demo) and the madness that has guitarist/backing vocalist ;Clare Pproduct screaming at American Wrestlers in 'Clare Vs The Mullets of WWF' - the joys of alcohol!!!

Next Stop - another single - wonder if it's gonna be as long as this one - let's hope so.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan
APOSTASY - Cell 666
(Black Mark - 2003)

Another unknown disc by an unknown act. Apostasy deliver a pleasant angle on black/death metal with this disc, spreading their tunes over five minutes apiece to allow for more ideas to sit in comfortably distinct positions.

Although voiced by the standard helium-fuelled shrieks, albeit quite like (Chuck Billy at times), the guitar work takes a more symphonic leaning through most of the nine tunes, demonstrating that while these vocals are always best suited to their own confines, most six string styles have more than one pair of legs. Having keyboards works too and this is no exception.

A fine example for bands of this ilk to observe, Apostasy are probably one of the best things that's happened to this scene for a long time.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill
ASTRAL DOORS - Of The Son And the Father
(Locomotive Music - 2003)

Lack of band detail when dealing with a hitherto unknown act is one major league downer. Hello, Astral Doors, then, whoever you may be, let's see/hear what you've got for us. What they have quite hits me in the hanging bits. Think Tad Morose and legends Black Sabbath combined and you couldn't be far off.

Vaguely German sounding in their use of vocal melodies and backing vox, coupled with voice that sounds like a deeper, gutsier Ronnie James Dio scores a good part of their points the rest picked up by some classy, driving old-school guitar rhythm lines, and some interesting little solos too, I also noticed. The lyrics are little less than the usual cheesiness levels but on account of everything else here, we'll let it pass.

As we always state, this brand of rock 'n' roll will never be brought to its knees, no matter how hard people have tried in the past. Brilliant.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Dio, Dio era Sabbath, Tad Morose, Gamma Ray, Rhapsody, Dreamtide
Dec. 2003
ANATHEMA - A Natural Disaster
(Music For Nations - 2003)

Liverpool doom metallers Anathema have ridden the height of the wave from the beginning of their decade-plus existence. This is something like their sixth album and continues to show why they've been set apart from the rest of their pack, most often onto a higher step.

Not relying on the same misery-propelled ventures that brought Paradise Lost et al to the top (and back down in the case of Holmes and co), they take the time to explore the depths of their inspirations and wallow in them for other treasures. This is music I dare you to try and sit down and listen to without being absorbed in such depths yourself.

Mixing passion and integrity as very few extreme metal bands dare to, but leaving in the heavy guitars albeit only using them when they fit the slot, and while we're at it, vocals of both the male and female varieties, 'Natural Disaster' is still a pretty acquired taste but worth taking the time with. An album likely to keep one of MFN's top acts well up on the roster.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

ATTILAH CSIHAR - The Be(a)st Of..
(Southern Lord - 2003)

Oh that's a fine start. Only introduced to this chap this very minute and I can't pronounce his name. For the record, he's Hungarian and sports a leather jacket and a punk hairdo on the back of the sleeve. Again, a misleading image, this collection of so-called best-of material turns out to be a variety of industrial deathcore noises from various acts of his involvement that show seldom quantities of inventiveness or interest in my case, though a few numbers should please die-hards.

Sadly only 'Cursed For Eternity' and 'Decay' are of any real interest even if then the production of that guitar solo at the end of the latter makes it a bit off-putting. Nice meeting the guy but I'm going to have to hear something a bit better in order to make any real impression.

4/10

By Dave Attrill
November 2003

Agent Steel - Order of Illuminati
(Scarlet Records - 2003)

Some bands never change and Agent Steel being one of 'em - a bunch who boldly keep up the conquest of old-school thrash metal going - they even played a couple of gigs in October on the Bounded by Metal Tour (sadly I missed 'em due to being at a Motorhead concert).

For those of you who are in the dark to what the head-splitting sounds of Agent Steel, then try crossing Joey Belladonna era Anthrax with Helloween and you'll end up with summat like these guys such as the opener 'Avenger' - which says it all. 'Earth under Lucifer' has that Judas Priest go even harder feel about it and then there's the eastern sounds that are prominent on 'Insurrection'. Just a thought, is the bass solo called 'Dance of St. Vitus' a bit of competition to Anaesthesia (Pulling Teeth) or simply a tribute to the late, great Metallica member, Cliff Burton? - I'll let you decide on that one.

The epical 'Kontrol' is as old-school as it's ever going to get and images of the thrash-head slamming around Rock City as featured on the BBC 'Arena' special on Heavy Metal immediately comes into my head. 'Human Bullet' fools you into thinking that you're in for a f*ck*n' ballad - ha !! no such luck there, dear boy as it suddenly launches into hyperspeed thrash with blasting drums and throaty vocals.

This is the real deal - an album filled with harsh, belting, bleeding ears guaranteed speed sounds that makes you think you've been transported back to 1987 with the Doc in his Delorian.

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
ACID APE - Flesh Sound
(Lunasound Recordings 2003)

Most three-piece acts throughout rock n' roll history have made some very interesting sounds. So do Acid Ape proceed to do as the like now, only not very
interesting songs, with them.

With a large stack of electrofuzz-voiced alternative offerings, most less than exciting, sitting on my desk at this period, this 'un does marginally more than little to elevate my optimisms here. They could also do with a different (and better) singer then they'll take off up the runway but for the meantime, there is still too much more important traffic already in the air.

Another anti-climax at the end of the hype, this half-hour or so of all noise and not too much substance leaves me little to go Ape about either way.

4.5/10

By Dave Attrill

AMPLIFIER - The Consultancy
(Music For Nations- 2003)

Only a few weeks ago did I have the misfortune to hear the rather uneventful offerings via a four-track sampler, from this so-called 'promising' new outfit. 'Consultancy' was in fact the only particularly impressive number of that bunch, the other three tunes however, just droning off at a tangent.

Here we have two versions of the same tune, plus the vid (which wouldn't play due to copy-protection) and the other tune included isn't particularly bad either. In summary, not as disappointing this time round - that song does get better with each spin, I must admit.

Here's to hoping their next release thrown in my direction climbs the ladder even further.

5.5/10

By Dave Attrill
AMPLIFIER - 4-track sampler
(Music For Nations - 2003)

Amplifier is another relatively new name bandied about of late, the much-mentioned MFN-signed act apparently being described as one or two parties as Pink Floyd-meets- U2. I can only assume on having sat through this… whatever it's supposed to be…, that another act share name as well as label because Roger Waters and Bono have written much better material than this throughout most of their careers.

I'm not calling this stuff stupid because it sounds serious enough in penning and performance, only TOO serious. They've seemingly got their shoes stuck to the floor while trying to move in various intended directions and as a consequence, all four tracks sound like one that's dragged on forever, collecting little or no grit en route.

Bloody good job it's only a promotional sampler because all the public would sample of Amplifier here is a new 25-minute musical insomnia remedy, effective in about 4.

3/10

By Dave Attrill

ARCH ENEMY - Anthems Of Rebellion
(Century Media - 2003)

 

The present day metal scene in Scandinavia has brought us many wonderful things including Arch Enemy who I've just learned are on their fifth album here (they've been around that long?). Passing the due credit though, I wouldn't have believed this to have been a woman's voice a single bit without having read the band details. The talented Angela Gossow is actually on her sophomore work with the Swedish act now, and looks to make a name for herself as extreme metal's no 1 female vocalist on merit of her efforts herein.

Backed rigidly all the way by brothers Michael and Chris Amott's Slayer/Maiden - oriented riffing, she makes this one of thrash/death metal's deadliest chemical combinations for some years bygone. Fast, relentless and stopping for not one single soul, as is the trademark for its common category, Arch Enemy have nonetheless kept boundaries flattened to the floor and trampled across by diversity's troops, the resulting battle signalling victory on all sides.

An Enemy I'd regard more as friends.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

ATTRACTION 65 - S/T
(Artenzia - 2003)

I heard the name Blue Tears here and there for a while but they split before I could delve in much deeper. Two of the lads have emerged in this new outfit and whilst I don't know what they got up to musically in their past act, this new material will satisfy alone.

Gutsy southern-tinted hard rock led by Greg Fulkerson whose voice conglomerates the tones of Tamplin, Crash Test Dummies, Pearl Jam and perhaps Paul Weller too. There's also a very vague hint of Queensryche and Bon Jovi audible too so the sound turns out to be a tad more multi-dimensional than just good ol' suvvern rawk n 'roll.

A sort of present-day Lynyrd Skynyrd, this album packs power, groove, suss and good feel into the same case before headin' out down the highway. Another proud flag on Artenzia's map.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

ASTERIUS - Moment of Singularity
(Cruz Del Sur - 2003)

Trying to carve your own pattern in extreme metal is quite a hard and not exactly frequently considered task but some bands have bothered to have a go at it. German quintet, Asterius have hopped on for several without paying. Getting to the point, this album is like little passed my way before.

The expected guitar styles turn up, topped by two-way lead vocals that sound either almost like some new form of industro-rap technique or the chap fronting their country's latest synth rock hotshots Funkervogt, while at other times like those of someone associated with one of Europe's top power metal acts. Coupled with a selection of wild, wonderful and well-arranged sounds and samples that blend brutality with an overall flow of genteel, here's another welcome new act marking Germany out alongside Sweden as one of the mainland's central hard rock crop plantations, still generously dusted on a daily basis.

Singularity is indeed what Asterius' musical style defines.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Something of a cross between Die Krupps, Fear Factory, FunkerVogt and Royal Hunt, Artension, Rhapsody and beyond
ALL SYSTEMS GO - Tell Vicky
(Bad Taste Records - 2003)

From last year's 'Mon Chi Chi' debut album, Canada's 'All Systems Go' kindly decide over a year later to release one of the album's catchier numbers as a single. Not a bad idea in the main, but the three unreleased cuts accompanying it do little to excite, just random romps through threechordsville forest that tarnished my anticipations. Quite a likely clue as to why they didn't make it onto the album.

6/10

By Dave Attrill

Autograph (Version 2.03) - Buzz
(Point Music - 2003)

Steve Plunkett's pack are back with ten pieces of 80's Rock that fall into the Hysteria style of Def Leppard and beyond - so expect to hear explosive guitars and big harmonies, not to mention that Van Halen meets Mr. Big influence as well. It's an album that's firmly up Partyville Street - thank god as well.

Favoured highlights include 'Shake the tree'; 'She's the reason'; 'Can't stop Rock'; and 'Party like we did' etc, etc - you get the idea.

In my humble, it's the album that Def Leppard should have made. It's a CD that buzzed me up anyway.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
2002
Animal - 900Ib Steam
(Perris Records - 2002)

Remember the song 'Animal (F*ck like a beast)' by WASP well this bunch who go by the name of Animal feature 3 members of that band ironically enough - those guys being the guitarists Chris Holmes, Randy Piper and also Tony Richards.

This new Ex-WASP outfit have the dark heavy attitude of Blackie's baby but they also wonder into the doominess of Dio. A lot of what's on offer is very formulaic and I have to say done before many times - but saying this there are some good songs such as the title track itself '900lb Steam' which its 'Here I am' roar; and 'Another Victim' about a shooting incident and the reason behind it taking place - Was it a real event? I wonder because there's plenty of US news coverage throughout the song.

Animal are likely to do well due to who is in the band - the ultimate would be to support WASP on their next tour and blow them off stage.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
ALFONZETTI - Machine
(MTM - 2002)

Have I been sent the wrong disc in this case, by accident? I'll just take it out and check… ….no, the title on the disc matches that on the sleeve. I'll play it again. Yep, that's definitely Matti Alfonzetti there. Funny. This sounds like something that's absolutely nothing to do with the stunning 'Ready' album from a couple of years back. Surely it's just another act by the same name that he's also got going, now. I've got little choice but to accept it for what it is, as we at Metalliville make a point of doing.

For my open-mindedness, opener, 'It speaks' is actually a good tune, an aggressive, punky number with a bouncy vocal line through the chorus. 'My Machine' and 'Welcome To My Mind' are more subtle and owe to top Canadian acts Von Groove and 24K in more ways than one. Rowdy pop-punk dominates the ring in 'Barbie Doll', a tune that will offend the alternative-loathing majority of the AOR following, though it's a catchy track.

'Live In Sin' and 'A Happy Guy' are less favourable tunes, though a few baggy trousered youngsters may find them of appeal (that NOT being the reason I dislike the two songs). 'Boss of Me' even sounds like there's some Offspring having been listened to in the Alfonzetti recording rooms of late, but the distortion-laden guitaring of surviving 'Ready' colleague Stefan Bergstrom sits in a comfortable chair. 'Give It All Away' is another so-and-so cut with a Bush/Nirvana/Everclear.

In total contrast, however, 'The Bitter End' is the only link to the glories of the previous album that Mr Alfonzetti is able to offer, plus a live version of 'In The Groove' to cheer up the disillusioned punters a notch. To those yet to buy the album, be warned, it's completely different from 'Ready', apart from 'Bitter End' and the live cover, obviously, and most of you may take a while to absorb the revamp the sound has undergone, here - you think I didn't struggle to?

It's by no means a bad album but how long Matti's new career with rival Swedish melodic rock giants Damned Nation will last once they hear this album, is quite worrying.

7/10

By Dave Attrill
ARTENSION - New Discovery
(Frontiers/Now and Then - 2002)

It seems like this is the bands second album within a year. Then with such talent as that of Russian keyboard maestro Vitalij Kuprij and lest we forget, current Royal Hunt crooner John West lining the decks, they are all but entitled to such a privilege. Still with last year's line-up completed by Messrs Staffelbach, Terrana and Chown, the question lurks - are there any new discoveries to speak of, musically? I think you'll find the music remains pretty much where they last left it, but surprisingly there is an overall feel throughout all ten songs that manages to differentiate it from last year's 'Sacred Pathways' CD.

There is a presence of depth on a couple of numbers 'Hearts Are Broken' and 'Endless Days' that does their job of carving identity into the wall. As usual, Kurprij's scene-stealing instrumentation makes his presence felt through the disc as if it never left, quite obviously on instrumental track 'Symphonic Expedition' - as if you didn't think it to look at that title.

We get the usual fist-in-the-air Euro Metal belters such as 'Remember My Name', 'Storyteller' and 'Last Survivor', all delivered in their trademark high speed onslaught, plus mid-tempo numbers like 'New Discovery' and 'Call Of The Wild' (now there's an original title).

So in the end, business almost as usual, but lads do get up to tricks in the office, the product still meriting its many satisfied customers and that includes me by the way.

8/10

By Dave Attrill
Pre - 2003
ALL SYSTEMS GO - Mon Chi Chi
(Bad Taste Records - 2002)

Reviewing an alternative/punk rock album is quite a big deal for me nowadays with my hard rock/melodic rock preferences, but as I sniff right across the spectrum of rock, bias is not of my persona. Believe it or not, there are some decent bands in this genre, and in fact, some damn fine ones, such as Boy Hits Car and Boy Sets Fire.

Swedish newcomers, All Systems Go join the roster without question and are brass-plated proof of Sweden's diverse rock scene that has provided us with bands like Seven Wishes, Livin' Parazite, Entombed and Psycore across its variety and that's just a minute four of the terrific acts cropped from that country.

Doing this album proudest is the catchy vocal hooks that monopolize the songs alongside some corking guitar/bass lines that just pump along like an engine. There are a few odes to the hardcore punk styles of the New York scene's softer acts like CIV and Shelter and you could get away with feeling that Feeder also sound like an influence on these compositions.

'All These Things', 'Fascination Unknown', 'Running Blind' and 'Robots' are likely to be the most re-playable romps but at 36 minutes, I'm sure there's plenty of time for a few full-length plays before I die.

9/10

By Dave Attrill
American Dog - Last of a Dying Breed
(Outlaw Entertainment International - 2000)

The A Dog Debut that started it all off where you'll find an adorious barrel full of beer-driven, South-sounding ditties like 'Drank too much' and 'Drinkin' about you' or the sicko blues live number 'She had it comin' about killin' a chick for smokin your hash - ha ha - 'she didn't know I had a gun' - pure tongue in cheek - love it !!!

The AC/DC'ish 'TV Disease' is a memorable cut that was recently included on the label's sampler.

The 'Dog also pay homage to their hero's as well like Twisted Sister (Under the Blade -sung slightly lower - well Dee is a bit high ain't he) and Mental nuthouse metal madness in the form of 'Straightjacket' that's inter-cut with later on with snippets of Alice Cooper's 'Dwight Fry'.

A 'Dogs Life' is the life for me - you betcha - and what a f*ckin' cool song as well - a 12 bar about bein' a dog - they eat, shit and lick their balls - that's it .

Why be so serious about life? - enjoy it - these guys certainly do. Best debut since G'N'R's 'Appetite for Destruction' - then again I love Southern Rock and you should too.

God Bless American Dog and God Bless America.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
American Dog - Red, White, Black and Blue
(Outlaw Entertainment - 2002)

Straight ahead Southern based Rock 'n' Roll Redneck trio fronted by Bassist/Vocalist Michael Hannon (ex-Salty Dog/Dangerous Toys) alongside Drummer, Keith Pickens and Guitarist, Steve Theako.

These Ohioans dudes deliver kickin' ass beatin' numbers about drinkin' ('Blame it on the booze' and 'I keep drinkin') and are out to give you a great time guaranteed - especially live if they are playing at your local club.

You can re-live the classic no-bullsh*t sounds of early ZZ Top in an AC/DC kinda way. They tell it like it is - honestly with songs like 'Bullsh*t (Goddammit)' or 'Motor's Down (your voice keeps runnin').

American Dog are quite frankly the Dogs B*ll*cks and they'll bark off any wannabee's -that's a promise.

It won't be long before these guys are huge.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
American Dog - Six Pack
(Outlaw Recordings - 2001)

Now this is a gig I should have been at. American Dog pump out classic bar-room rock to a specially invited audience of friends that salute the almighty legless god - the immortal can of beer.

Real love songs from the heart are presented here, because unlike a woman, beer is something you can always rely on (ok, I'm joking - but you can't beat a beer can you?). Hear Michael Hannon preach the gospel of beer and I'll 'Drink to that'. You just can't beat songs like 'Let's all get drunk (and f*ck tonight)' or 'Just an alcoholic' or 'Drinkin' about you' - especially when your armed with a can of beer.

Hey man, who's up for a beer or six?

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Amor - Even After That

(Manhaton Records)

Fresh sounding commercial Blues-Rock band that have a lot of potential - a group that'll show the kids what they are missing in the old sounds.
It's snazzy, paced arid rocky if substance and recommend numbers like 'Superhero', the funky 'Bring my baby back' and their last single 'Hard Hat'.

They've played the UK and France late this year (2002) and no doubt they went down real well.

Amor shine out ah honest love for the blues and perform it in a modern way that blows the cobwebs off this long-standing musical genre.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Anthelion - Lines X
(Self-Released Demo)

An Italian prog Power Metal Sextet who combine the musical standard of Iron Maiden with a few aspects of Rick Wakeman keyboard stylings. They've had numerous members in Anthelion who have left due to outside commitments and or musical differences - you know - the usual score - with the main stays being Fabio Garzi (Guitar) and Matteo Borselli (Keyboards).

A wide range of gigs have been played at venues that include schools, squares and clubs and now they've released this promising 4-tracker that greets you with epics like 'Song of a lie' and 'Dirty Right Me'.

Hopefully it won't be long before these guys are signed up to a good label.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

AMERICAN NIGHTMARE - BACKGROUND MUSIC
(EQUAL VISION RECORDS EVR62 - 2002)

American Nightmare are your typical hardcore punk band, these guys are trying so hard to be part of the British punk scene but failing because they're not British, you can tell from the way they play that these guys are just trying to make a quick dollar and in America they my, but I feel they will be wasting their time in hitting the British shores.

Background Music definitely isn't what it says, this 11 track CD abusers and pollutes the air you are in, from the start of '(we are)' to the eleventh track 'Farewell' this CD has been produced very tightly to give you that continuous aggression as you would expect from the rest of your punk collection, but sounding more like Crowbar as the CD goes on, this itself releases the chemical that produces boredom, which this CD finally gave me, it's nothing new and nothing exciting to talk home about.

American Nightmare have definitely made their name in my book as they have stood up to their name, yes these guy's are an American Nightmare.

4/10

By Tony Watson

ANGEL DUST - OF HUMAN BONDAGE
(CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS - 2002)

What can we say about an eighties German thrash power metal band who have been off the scene since 1988. To my delightful surprise 'Of Human Bondage' is like a fresh of breath air, it's not the aggressive speed and thrash metal from the early years of 'Into the Dark Past' or even 'To Dust You Will Decay', which are in themselves are masterpieces of that era.

Angel Dust have released an exhilarating example of modern power metal at it's best, they come across with this new material as a mixture of Helloween, Pantera and surprisingly Queensryche, with wonderful tracks like 'The Human Bondage', 'Disbeliever', 'Forever', 'Unite' and 'The Cultman' to name but a few that will have you stunned with amazement of the musical talent, the concept and production of 'Of Human Bondage'. This CD also has a cover version of Seal's 'Killer' that has to be heard to be believed with its pop power metal.

There aren't many bands that can disappear of the face of the earth and come back to the metal scene with a CD that has so much energy and enthusiasm that will have you talking and playing it for years to come.

10/10

By Tony Watson

ANDRE ANDERSEN - Black On Black
(Frontiers/Now & Then - 2001)

Here it is, the solo release from Royal Hunt's Ivory tickler. I must warn you however that no other Huntsters are involved in the line-up for this new solo album, with the only name that rings any bells being vocalist Ian Parry, who accepts and performs the vocal duties with flying colours. And then there's the Double A himself, pluggin' in an' poundin' those poor defenceless little keys to the floor - but they do make a lovely sound in the process.

Oviously, it's got to sound at least to a reasonable degree Royal Hunt-ular as he's got the loyalty to his fans at stake but Andersen shouldn't have to just stand there and take orders like some sort of music waiter, and doesn't. Thus, it is possible to distinguish this as a different act, although songs such as 'Tell Me Why', 'Arena', and 'Desperate Times', I'd hear anyday, regardless of coming from either source.

I may have found a little bit less meat on its bones than I did on the last R.H. disc but it remains a vital addition to any symphonic metal collection. The Rick Wakeman of Euro Metal is riding high again.


8/10

By Dave Attrill

The Atomic Bitchwax - Spit Blood
(I Used To F*ck People Like You In Prison Records - 2002)

 

Last heard on CD, on the Meteor City label 'Scene Killer' project album - Atomic Bitchwax are famous through having Monster Magnet's Guitarist, Ed Mundell in their ranks.

Warming the heart immediately is a cover of AC/DC's 'Dirty Deed Done Dirt Cheap' - it's a party from here on. A series of Blue-Rocking Stoner cuts await the ears and I commend the meat and potatoe blues of 'Liquor Queen' and 'Spit Blood' to you with a bet that you'll absolutely dig them. 'Spit Blood' places your head in Blackpool Ballroom every so often due to the Wurlitzer playing that flows in and out every minute or two - it somehow compliments in a weird kind of way.

Wanna hear a bit of ZZ Top Riff - then hit the last track on entitled, 'U want I should' then try telling me that it would be out of places on the mighty three's 'Tres Hobre' album or such like classic LP's.

I'll leave it to you to discover the other 3 momentous offerings that make up the rest of the cd. I reckon you'll like 'em all the same - and don't forget about the CD-Rom section featuring the 'wax in the studio.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

ARCH ENEMY - WAGES OF SIN
(CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS - 2002)

Arch Enemy open up with 'Enemy Within' that rips into your face with what one can only describe as thrash at it's best, with their unique fast upbeat tempo, pounding drums beats that would give any jack hammer a run for it's money, guitar solo's that amaze even the most talented guitarists and a vocal content that Mille Petrozza of Kreator would be proud of, with an intro to a CD like this you know what follows will be just as good, and it is.

'Wages of Sin' is a mixture of Kreator, Dark Angel, Death Angel, Bathory and a bit of Iron Maiden for good measure within its 12 tracks, if you are lucky enough you will also have a bonus video track 'Ravenous' that will delight any avid fan. Arch Enemy have released a 49 minute CD that consists of 'Enemy Within', 'Burning Angel', 'Savage Messiah', 'First Deadly Sin', 'Shadows and Dust' and also a bonus track 'Lament of a Mortal Soul', which finishes off the CD perfectly.

'Wages of Sin' is a CD that you wouldn't want any more and you wouldn't want any less, from one of the fastest, hardest and at the same time exhilarating albums to hit the market this year.

What I can work out, Arch Enemy have released 'Wages of Sin' with a limited edition CD 'A Collection of Rare & Unreleased Songs From the Arch Enemy Vault', which contains 7 tracks such as 'Starbreaker', Iron Maidens 'Aces High', 'Hydra' and another bonus video track 'The Immortal' that show the fans how they have progressed through the years to become one of the most underrated thrash acts in the world.

With both CD's to delight the ear drums, Arch Enemy have shown the world what they are made off and with such power and enthusiasm the world will listen.

10/10

By Tony Watson

ARTENSION - Sacred Pathways
(Frontiers/Now & Then -2002)

Melodic metal hotshots Artension are amongst the latest batch of new kids on the Frontiers block - even though they're actually grown men - and I notice straight away, one familiar face in this crowd, which is Vitalij Kuprij. The ultra-talented Ukranian keyboardsman is a renowned figure in not just European but probably the symphonic metal scene the world over by now, his most recent other work being with Ring Of Fire, the band featuring former Malmsteen vocalist Mark Boals. Just savour his stunning ivory-bashing acrobatics throughout this otherwise American/German act's debut album.

Tell me they don't nearly put Dream Theater's Jordan Rudess to shame. Let's not leave out the other guitarists, especially guitarist Roger Staffelbach whose well-tutored widdlings intertwine superbly with Kuprij's work and current Royal Hunt frontman John West (in NO WAY related to tinned fish manufacturer of matching name) contributes the performance of a man who knows his way round this scene. All-round superb showmanship and an example of how Frontiers have pushed the boat out like this to bands of such various ranging styles.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

JEFF AUSTIN PROJECT - Go Big Or Stay Home
(Frontiers/Now & Then 2002)

The Project is a title format wearing rather thin nowadays. Unlike the music, though, thank god. Respected US drummer Jeff Austin has brought along a rather nice little package here, me thinks. Shall we open it? Yeah why, not. What have we got here first then. Bloody hell, this first 'un's a bit Brian McDonaldy, ain't it. No bad thing that. 'Lisa' is a truly appropriate rocker fro an opening number before 'Hideaway' and 'Too Late For Love' follow as the like. A storming Survivor cover comes in the form of 'I'm A Fighter', definitely a dance-floor must, be it Jeff's or Jim Peterik & co's version played.

'Caught Up In Ecstasy' is the album's resident Mitch Malloy-esque moment of glory, whilst second cover 'Whilst You Ran' is impressively like its original too. Other tracks, 'Forever', 'Too Many Midnights' and 'Find A Way' are no filler fillers either, although we would have appreciated a couple or so more tracks on the listing, so as to give us paying types a bit more than 37 minutes for our pennies.

Mark Roebuck (vox), Mark Severns (guitar) and Rex Alan (bass) all deliver duties worthy of praise but Mr Austin's band it is and his precise brand of percussion work does not wasted on this disc. If you like Brian McDonald, Mitch Malloy, Prisoner or Survivor, don't even think about not getting this album. Oi, you, I mean it. And I'll tell you something else. Given the choice, I'd recommend an Austin Jeff rather than an Austin Rover anyday.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Awesome Machine - Under the Influence
(I used to f*ck people like you in Prison Records/Century Media - 2002)

Stoner Rock from Sweden that's been done countless times already by bands like Kyuss. Awesome Machine groove out but the atmosphere is ruined by the poor production and overall sound quality making the album sound like a boxy £50 demo recording - a pity. The guitars bleed out over the vocals way too much - it would've been a mass improvement if the voice was knocked up a few notches.

Awesome Machine use the same old vocal rawping technique - basically just yelping out the lyrics as loud and as full on as possible - not to mention fuzzy guitar riffs that come bellowing out very frequently. A good example of this formula is to be found in 'Tomorrow' and 'Desire' (featuring drum solo reminiscent of Cream's 'Toad' or Led Zeppelin's 'Moby Dick'.

It's real pleasing to hear the bit of difference - the track 'Sonic Hustler' is one to remember - a slick stint of slide guitar playing - it's just a pity it only clocks in at 1 minute 49 as more of this gear would set them apart from the other bands sat in the middle of the stoner circle.

Another memorable number is the flashback psychedelia of 'Still got one share (parts 1 and 2)'. Part 1 sees early Pink Floyd meet the zany
cacophonous cop out vibe of Hawkwind and part 2 comes across like a fly on the wall visit to Tony Iommi's bedroom.

It's a halfway house of an album but if you delve in a bit you'll discover some brief moments of musical brilliance.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
February 2002
Cyril Achard's Morbid Feeling - In Constancia Constans
(Lion Music 2001)

This is a brilliantly up-there mix of Jazzy Rock and Metal - first rate musicians musicianship stuff - basically tip-top prowess that cannot be bettered. Many of the songs are similar in style and it's a rambling musical voyage that never ceases to amaze the ears - you simply don't know what is gonna happen next. A sort of Yes meets Chick Corea in a new Rock/Metal mode.

Ten numbers appear in all which are very up-tempo that keeps you interested - although listeners that are less musically will probably find this material too complex to grasp - as is the case with a lot of progressive fusion music.

There's an epic instrumental called 'The Deep Ones' with a long guitar solo (of the widdly type - loads a notes etc if you get my drift!!!). The opener 'Alone Among Friends' is a warm delightful listen. 'Be my thing' is really good - with its beautiful acoustic beginning.

This CD is one for the more musically advanced and/or refined listener.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

DOUG ALDRITCH - Alter Ego
(Z Records - 2001)

I didn't know Mark Alger now released instrumental CDs on his label. Well, partly instrumental anyway. Five of the thirteen songs have vocals. The first of these, track two 'Face Down' features a young man called Johnny Gioelli at the microphone (I take it the new Hardline album's done now then, John) and for that reason alone quite obviously reaches the top tracks category. What I do notice is how deeper Gioelli's voice turns out on this track, because it's certainly the same old J.G. we know and love on that new song on the 'Union 4' taster. Perhaps he'd been trying a few things out during his recent years with Axel Rudi Pell.

Out of the other four vocal-fitted cuts, two more known throats in the form of Saigon Kick's Matt Kramer and Little Caesar's Ron Young show they've yet to go dry, and a fellow called Kal Swan does the duties on the other couple. But what of the man Mr Aldritch himself, I might add. The album is in his name after all. The Burning Rain/Lion guitarist has not just sat down reading the 'Complete Steve Vai Guide To Killer Fretwangling' or books of similar name and nature, but taken his cues from several sides of the six-string inspiration spectrum, throwing in some hefty rhythm guitar work into the mixture as a bonus. Yes, we do get plenty of soloing, but we will not make Doug a victim of the same scathing criticism that most mainstream metal mags aim at Yngwie et al in today's cruel world. 'Super Fly Sumo', 'Appalacian Sister', 'Torq' and 'Westcoast' -surely some of these titles are wasted on instrumentals but at least for your money you don't just get 62 minutes of endless widdling.

Great stuff Doug, try to include some of it on the set, if Burning Rain do the 'Z' festival again in 2002 - plus a couple of Lion tunes if you've time.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

ANATHEMA - PRESSURE
(MUSIC FOR NATIONS - CDKU189 - 2002)

 

Their debut single and what a classic, 'Pressure' will with the right publicity make it big as well as band themselves.

This CD contains the edit version, the full-length version, an acoustic version of 'Underworld' as well as an enhanced section: 'Pressure' video.

'Pressure' perfectly captures Anathema's own brand of emotional indie/rock, which is beautifully performed from the opening Radiohead influenced piano chords to the heartfelt chorus.

This will go down as one of the music industries classic songs, the track itself has already been play listed at VH-1, Kerrang! TV and is already picking up plays on Radio One and XFM.


10/10

By Tony Watson

ANGRA - REBIRTH
(STEAMHAMMER SPV 085-72782 CD - 2001)

 

A Brazilian power metal band named after the mythological goddess of fire with a slight difference. On first impressions you would probably think they were a Helloween side project from Germany, but no, they have their native country throughout their music with traditional rock with pure classical elements of fast paced melodic metal interlaced with South American folk influences.

This is there forth release that has bought them back to their tried and tested strengths of power metal with a new line up including the vocalist Edu Falaschi who was short listed for Iron Maiden front man slot when Bruce Dickinson left. 'Rebirth' is probably what this is, a rebirth of Angra with three new members and a return to their old style, which will reach out to their huge fan base in Europe and Japan.

Throughout the CD you get the taste of Helloween and Gamma Ray, so if power metal is your thing then you will not be disappointed with what you will hear with over fifty two minutes and ten tracks of power and surprise.

8/10

By Tony Watson
January 2002
AUTONOMY - AUTONOMY
EARACHE MOSH243CD - 2001

With Earache being a well known label for it's underground hardcore thrash with releases from Napalm Death, Godflesh and Paradise Lost, the first thing you think of is that it will be a CD that scares the pants of you, how far from the truth this is.

Autonomy are a young band that are on the same level as One Minute Silence mixed with Will Haven but also has a slight hint of Limp Bizkit and Beastie Boys with its hard-hitting hip-hop vocal content and catchy tunes. From the start of 'Shovel Affections' to the last track 'Replaced', the CD contains a massive variations of vocal techniques and rhythmic beats that come across very load and clear, the combination of two vocalists one screaming the chorus and mixing his technique with the pleasurable hip-hop vocals of the other seem to run in harmony with one another.

This twelve track, forty 0ne minute long CD that has a lot to offer to anyone in the public, a new band with new ideas with tracks like 'But I Thought', 'Was It Worth It', 'A Feeling Undescribable', 'Destination' and 'When Things go Wrong' to name but a few won't get the publicity they deserve.

A very entertaining, well engineered and produced CD that has the makings of being big within the rock clubs throughout the UK, whether they get the publicity is another thing. Well worth getting a copy. Marvellous!

9/10

Tony Watson
Pre - 2002

Johnny A - Sometime Tuesday Morning
(Favored Nations Cat No. FN 2080-2 (2001))

Johnny A is a fine, precise guitar player whose capable of creating a mood of intense mystery and completely capture your interest.

You could say - man, he sounds like Bert Weedon meets Hank Marvin - but there's also a Jazz side to him (which becomes apparent on the track 'Oh Yeah'). To make the sound complete Johnny's joined by Ed Spargo on Bass and Craig MacIntyre on Drums.

Mr A's style and playing technique are well crafted and he makes it sounds so easy to do - which of course, it ain't!! - Johnny is a top-ranking supremo - and nothing less. 'In the wind' and 'Walkin' West Ave,' see him getting all Carlos Santana on us (with both numbers featuring a striking array of percussion), whereas his cover of The Beatles 'Yes it is' see's him return to the Weedon pastures.

Other stand-outs on this tremendous instrumental album include 'You don't love me' (which puts me in mind of 'The Yardbirds'); the cheesy, lightweight 'Tex Critter' (a la Chet Atkins) and his slowed down version of 'Walk Don't Run' (coming complete with castanets).

It's a great listen guaranteed for mature lovers of guitar-orientated music.

8/10

By Ken and Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Welcome to the Aerosmithsonian - A Tribute to Aerosmith
(Perris Records - 2001)

 

Aerosmith really have become a band that others try and aim to match themselves against. The Boston boys are forever being quoted as being a major influence - and no wonder when they unleash songs like 'Walk the Way', and 'Mama Kin' which are part of rock 'n' roll history. The artists on Perris have recorded a fitting tribute album to their hero's - which brings out ten of Aerosmith's finest moments in the 70's.

The house band is made up of Drummer, Carmine Appice (Rod Stewart/Vanilla Fudge); Bassist, Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys), Rhythm Guitarist, Steve Fister (Lita Ford) with guest solo's passionately screaming from Gilby Clarke (ex-G'n'R), Keri Kelli (Slash's Snakepit/Pretty Boy Floyd/Ratt), Marc Ferrari (Keel), Jaime Scott (Vain) and Jimmy Crespo (who co-wrote 'Rock in a hard place' when he was in Aerosmith).

There are many highlights on offer all with cooking vocals, take for instance the double-it-up force of Ron Keel (Keel) and Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent) who kick out a powerful version of 'Mama Kin'. Talking of Derek St. Holmes - it's quite scary how he can imitate the voice of Steven Tyler - especially when he gets his teeth into 'Lord of the Thighs'. Other gems include an exceptional take of 'Rock in a hard place', coming from the voice of Rough Cutt, 'Paul Shortino', Davy Vain saluting 'S.O.S
(Too Bad)' and then there's the breath-taking 'Mama Kin' from Derek St Holmes.

The album really is a sharp 'n' tasty set of covers that does Aerosmith proud. Some of these guys could form their own band - and (as crazy as it sounds) call themselves 'Aerosmith' - bring out write some new material and from a musical and vocal point of view, easily fool the listener that they are the real thing!!!

Also included is a great 12-track freebie that features some brilliant numbers from many of the artists that have played on the tribute album. I must check out the new material from Davy Vain, Rough Cutt, Broken Teeth and Cherry Street - in fact all of the artists appearing on here are well worth spending your hard-earned cash on. Perris Records really does house some incredible talent on its roster.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Align - Some Breaking News
(Iguana Records - 2001)

After the first listen I immediately thought of bands like Quicksand and Helmet (who were around in the early 90's). Align have that same vocal style and also tread on similar guitar riff ground.

With continuous listening the album grew on me with songs like 'Fabled', 'Tabs Taken', 'B.A.M.' and the title-track itself 'Some Breaking News'. It's just a shame about the production.

If they slightly came away from the influence of 'Quicksand', then I think that Align could become known for their own style.

Looking forward to their next release.

7/10

By Tony Watson

Altamont - Our Darling
(Man's Ruin Records - 2001)

Let's hear it for a three-man splattering who kick out wild wide range of rock. Altamont, a San Franciscan outfit (well that's where their P.O. BOX is at anyway), who mesh together what I can only describe as a large pick 'n' mix bag of musical influences that range from the completely sane to the purely insane.

The trio are made up of Dan Southwick who takes care of Bass, Backing Vocals, Wah Tuba, Steel Guitar, Synth and Cough Card, whilst Joey Osbourne is guilty of playing drums, music box and sound card, as well as Backing and Lead Vocals. Right, that makes two, so who's the third man - Dale Crover! who you can blame for Lead Vocals, Baritone, Lead Bass, Organ and Percussion. Anyway, you now know what name each members go by and what their roles are - but what should you expect it hear? Expect to be hit in the face with a group come across as a wacked out Hanoi Rocks meets Hawkwind on a good bag of grass, tossed in with a slight touch of AC/DC and a blinding blast of Black Sabbath.

At a mere glance, I'd say that Altamont really could go a long way (with enough promotion or decent tour support slot - judging by the extensive mass of speaker pulverisation that will spill out and engulf any room that this album is let loose in. Take the stop-start riff-bash of spinner no. 1, 'Saints and Killers' (a future Stoner Rock classic and Lord strike me down if with a massive thunderbolt, if it's not) or the title track, 'Our Darling' (where the band are in a Nik Turner Hawkwind phase for sure). The cop-out spacey echo of 'Stripey Hole' (which again is very Hawkwind - but with more of a Dave Brock/Alan Davey slant to it).

Man, this album is real good sh*t, and it's only bettered by covers of Johnny Thunder's 'Pirate Love' (which is where I sight the influence of Hanoi Rocks) and the big f*ck off version of Mose Allisons 'Young Man Blues' in true Who style. In fact if you heard the opening riff you'd be let off if you thought it was the version from The Who's 'Live at Leeds' album, (until the vocals start up and you realise otherwise).

Altamont are a gargantuan three headed, powerhouse that are blisteringly good and not worth missin' if they play within a hundred miles of your town.

9/10

by Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

ANATHEMA - A FINE DAY TO EXIT
(MUSIC FOR NATIONS CDMFN260 - 2001)

Hold on, have I received a CD from a British band, I have, what a shock to the system. Anathema is four extremely talented musicians from Liverpool, and no it's not the Beatles in disguise. This is their sixth full-length studio album in twelve years, surprised? So am I.

'A Fine Day To Exit' is a nine track CD full of beautiful and powerful masterpieces that are performed with so much feeling and passion, the intensity of each track is so deep you wonder what was going on in their lives around the time of writing and recording.

As you listen to the CD you will notice 'Radiohead' heavily influences the way they write, which isn't a bad thing. From the opening piano chords of 'Pressure', through to the intensity of 'Panic' and the heartfelt tracks of 'A Fine Day To Exit' and 'Temporary Peace' you will feel and experience so many different emotions as every track mentally releases its own visually image that runs around in your head.

Whether you love or hate bands like 'Radiohead' or even 'Toploader', this CD is one that will end up in your CD collection, there isn't a bad track on it, and the boys from Liverpool should definitely be proud of themselves with this one. Brilliant!

10/10

By

Tony Watson

ARTCH - ANOTHER RETURN
(Metal Blade)

I first bought this on vinyl at a second hand record stall in Barnsley when I was 19 and quite frankly, I thought it was a bit too average on first listen, hence it not being too long before it disappeared into the depths of my deep LP box, unlikely to re-emerge too much in the near distant future.

However, opinions tend to change with times and this reissue for the Scandinavian 80's metal act prompted me to give it another spin to see if my opinions would budge. Well they did, a little bit, but only so much as to afford one further mark out of ten. The problem is the songs in the earlier half of the album seem to know what they're doing in terms of traditional all-out metal riffing but the overall vocal melodies don't seem to know where they're going, which sounds like nowhere very much, to me.

Don't get me wrong though, the singer is good. Opener 'Church Hill' is a true example. A stomping, chugging beat leads the way but just when you expect a huge fist waving chorus to come your way….. I'm afraid it doesn't, and the dullness detector starts to bleep. The final five songs are a bit more lively in al departments, including those the other tunes weren't, and most are aching to be heard live, if the band are still active today. If so, they should get onto the next support slot with Helloween or a band of such ilk, to keep their name visible in Metalheads' minds a while longer. This album may not be great but it's no stinker.

6/10

By Dave Attrill

Atomic Rooster - The First Ten Explosive Years, Volume 2
(Angel Air - 2001)

I discovered Atomic Rooster through being an avid viewer of Beat Club (German Music Show) which has had many re-runs on German Satellite channels
throughout the 90's.

They had a style all of their own which has hints of 'Hawkwind'; 'Emerson,
Lake and Palmer'; 'Deep Purple'; 'Uriah Heep' and even 'The Edgar Broughton
Band'. They had a real professional but at the same time wacko musicianship
going on that was full-on 70's Prog, if ever I heard it. Atomic Rooster had
a classic line-up made up of: John Du Cann (Guitar/Vocals), (The late)
Vincent Crane (Hammond Organ) and (The Late) Paul Hammond (Drums).

The cuts on this 18-track CD dates from '72 to '82 and you'll be bawled over
with 77 minutes of awesome numbers like the powerful instrumental 'watch
Out', the Jazz-Rock of 'V.U.G.', the slipper stomping rocker 'Friday the
13th' and then there's the inclusion of the unreleased madness called
'Broken Window' which was the last ever track that Atomic Rooster recorded -
it actually reminds me of the theme tune from kids TV show 'Chucklevision'
!!!

With so much great stuff goin' on, it's just impossible to pick out a
favourite track as they all so equally impressive. This album is an
incredible compilation made up of sensational songs by one of the most
under-rated and forgotten bands of the 70's.

Check out the bans web-site www.atomicrooster.co.uk - for more details of
trios immense talent.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

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