A
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 |
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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. 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 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
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ARMORY
- Dawn Of Enlightenment 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. 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 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 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 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…. 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 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 Track listing: 1. Bury Me An Angel 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 |
| 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 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 !! 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'. 9/10 |
| 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 |
| Atlantida
- Painted Reality 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. 7/10 |
| 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 |
| 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 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) 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. 9/10 |
| 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 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: |
| 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
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 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 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
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 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
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
RECOMMENDED
IF YOU LIKE: |
| 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
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. 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 |
