E
July |
ELIMINATION
- Destroyed By Creation Wondered what having Slayer, Exodus, Machine head, Sepultura and Evile all dropping on your head from straight above would sound… or feel like? The answer is ‘Destroyed by Creation’ , the debut album by Brit metal newies Elimination. This Ipswich quintet are frightening, fast and fearsome from the very off. I do get a bit teased by the scream on entry to ’Straight To Hell’ but there is no monotonous metal core lying in wait behind it, instead a brilliant bay-area-schooled sound with a fantastic chorus hook to boot ( those were the days, some 25 years back, when thrash vocals were usually decipherable). Scoring an easy two- in-a-row with ‘The Rage Within’ a chuggy thrasher that houses a great bouncy chorus line and lyrical rhythm, proves the fluke factor is possibly absent tonight. Fast and furious as always, ‘Slave To A Tyrant’s Reign’ goes into Maiden mode for the middle eight, especially the solo parts while ’Wargames’ is pure speed throughout, with an again chanty vocal along an impressively staccato-ed guitar support. One of those unmistakably multi-faceted intro sections only Testament could have schooled the in writing launches ‘Nightmare Asylum’, though it is still one of the more commercial cuts, with also a near-progressive direction just trying to edge itself in. ‘Nostromo’ is a gallopy groover of a track, even though deceiving everyone with a heavy-as-f**kmachine Head-like kick -off, and the rhythm guitars enjoy a nice little bit to themselves before the solo begins. To those searching for simply brutal metal end-t-end and then some, ’The End Of Days’ will be the biggest pit-pleaser, live, easily one of the stand-outs with skulls spared and a great little lead outtro on its tail. ’The Eliminator’, ’Rising From The Gave’ and ’Release The Anger’ solidly maintain the grind with more unashamedly eighties vibes including a strong Anthrax -bred moment but its all part of what makes this beast of a metal album what it is. ‘Hells Battlefield’ is everything you’ve just heard on the preceding ten tunes with good rarely- used sustained chords warming up to the solo but there’s still a song left to folllow. It has to end as it began, with good old fashioned metal, and ’Destroyed By Creation’ does just as ordered, slamming everything flat underneath and then signing out via a majestic twin lead closer. One of those rare extreme metal albums I hear with totally 0% to fault, let alone a British one the familiarity of some elements does not even qualify as a dent on this vehicle’s bonnet. Elimination have got it firing first time out and with an extra cylinder stuck in for measure. ‘DBC’ is a sledgehammer-sized skullwrecker of a disc and if they seek my worthy advice, they’d vest be getting plenty of live dates organised over hew next couple of years to allow room for the carnage. Incredible! 10/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Slayer, Vio-lence, Exodus, Forbidden, Scared Reich, Evile, Meta….you-know-who…. , oh yes and that other lot….Anth….oh, god, what are they called, again? NET: www.myspace.com/eliminationband |
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EMBERS
FLAME - She Said (Single) Not to be confused with a Paradise Lost classic of similar name, Finnish outfit Embers Flame are a classic rock outfit, and literally that to listen to. The title track of this single is brought to the fore primarily by frontman Sami Toivonen’s awesome, gravely voice that takes the sound straight back to the scared ear itself. It’s just great to sit listening to the type of vocal and guitar melodies that are designed to remind one of dad’s radio on Sunday lunchtime and yearn for the full return of a golden era as sizeable amounts of new bands starting to peddle this style again. Punkier B-side ’Rock n’ Roll Conspiracy’ is competitive ear candy in its right, catchy and in just hearing two songs , showcases their flair for versatility. Excellent, boys, lets hear an album soon, please. 9/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMEND IF YOU LIKE: Net: www.myspace.com/embersflameband |
June |
EchoVirus
- Invictus Probably one of the most violent bands from the UK for a long time. EchoVirus class themselves as melodic death metal but personally I would label place them in the thrash genre. EchoVirus have a fast a furious style very similar to that of Children of Bodom, which isn’t too bad I suppose. Invictus consists of 8 tracks, all capable of causing GBH of the ears with the hard pounding drums, deep bass and evil voice. ‘Fragments’ enters the head harder than a Jack hammer, to be followed by the thunderbolts of ‘Our Dying Hours’, ‘Prelude to Dystopia’ and ‘New Gods’, which give you no rest as they assault the taste buds with ‘Collateral’, ‘Peache Within Power’ and ‘Beneath the Bleeding Skies’ to finish with a grinding stop ‘Once the Hero’. As a dedicated follower of thrash, I felt it difficult to distinguish each track of the CD, which is a shame as this clearly indicates no writing development throughout. And because of that I found the CD to be boring after around 10 listens. 6/10 By Tony Watson |
| EYE
FOR AN EYE – Downfall It’s Britain’s turn to do what the Americans normally do best - Angry, couldn’t give a s**t hard rock n’ rolling noise with no respect for life law or property - well we’re sure these four Swindon chaps are jolly nice young men under there. EFAE’s bruising line in dirt metal fails to take the slightest of prisoners as opening pairing ’Never Be Free’ and ‘Ask no Questions’ will warn you very quickly before jumping clear. Twin vocals are shared between guitarists Tom Norris and Tom Bull, though both aren’t the easier to tell apart with their guttural Hatfield -like roar and their driving rhythm guitar assault turn the vices round many a head. Turning poppier for ’Until I’m Done’, the acoustic driven verse line almost counts for nothing once the guitars meet head on and subsequently groove their way onto ’Getting Old’. Described as southern rock on some of the promotional material, the wavy mammoth central riff here is the only proof but it accounts for making this one of the album’s standouts. Advised to expect a notable grunge side to their material along the way, the title tune is the first real example, coming over as a kind of Soundgarden-meets-Pearl Jam -but-heavy-as-hell combo. ’Seven Gods Of Chaos’ is the bet tune of the ten, no questions, even with a drum intro that echoes ZZ Top’s ’Gimme All Your Lovin’. A glorious rocker that explores all the best parts of Black album/‘Load’ era ’Tallica’, it took me about five days to get round to spinning the rest of the disc. ’Final Sunrise’ creeps towards you along a marching beas and drum line before grunging and growling at you painfully but with a hummable chorus melody. The one struggler of the show, ’It’s Been A Long Time’ is the sound of a chap not very happy himself, and it costs the tune its own ability to strike a chord with the listener. Disco number of the record’ ’Another Life’ is that such thing , probably the one called the seventies, and a 24 carat cornerstone alongside ’Seven Gods’- beware, air, you are going to get seriously punched when this one come on. ’Brother’ is another less than instant number and an unusually uninspiring finale which would have been better used about halfway down the listing, frankly my least favourite number today. No serious harm done to proceedings, ’Downfall’ is an overall monster of a debut album that makes everyone sit up and crank up , it possibly takes that too literally itself by flying by in only 41 minutes. A frighteningly addictive record, ’EFAE’ will inevitably swamped by their live performance, and then played to death even more after. 9/10 BY Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED
IF YOU LIKE: |
April |
|
THE EMPIRE SHALL FALL
– Awake
(S/R – 2010) If you are vaguely familiar with this name that’s cropped up of late, it happens to be the new machine of Jesse Leach, the one-time front man for metalcore faves Killswitch Engage. Ergo that dreaded question from people is inevitable as to whether its going to be a totally different departure from KE or a not-quite as-good near-identical version of his more significant act. The answer is parts of the two but strictly excluding the inferiority element - this brute is essential for all Switchies out there. ‘Awake’ kicks in on a more melodic note with progressive feel and is about as far removed from extreme metal as could be got while still staying just that. ‘Lords Of War’ is a great multi-structural machine, consisting of classic Engage, along with a pleasant Maiden-schooled solo and finishing with a mischievous old school metal outburst. Onto ‘Voices Forming Weapons’ and that old chestnut we love, the screaming verse- singing chorus routine done to aplomb with a catchy refrain that I instantly began to hum. ‘Choir Of Angels’ is a magnificent six-minute treat that brings you everything in one tune from brutal speed metal along through typical grinding brutality and an angry political rant by Jesse to a totally unexpected soft acoustic close that, effectively like a separate track, leaves the rest of the tune behind and haunts you with its sweetness. It’s time to stumble on the disc’s resident so-so moment with ‘We The People’ being a draggy grinder sounding overstretched to fill its length , not poor song but one that narrowly avoids grating. ‘These Colours Bleed’ is disturbed only by a strange second-long silence break halfway through which makes the tune more interesting than it needs to be, a big pounding chorus line rendering it another overall gem. Picking the best of the final pair is a tough trick. ‘Our Own’’ is probably the most melodic entry of the album and nearly sounds like Spock’s Beard at some stages where as ‘The Kingdom’ is many a Machine-Head- meets- Metallica -in-a-drunken -jam fan’s wet dream. A fearsome fight back by one of Extreme metal’s most revered throats, Jesse delivers the goods in a deadly bundle right on your head with this album. With another new project in the works, apparently involving old KE mucker Adam Dutkiewicz, its’ not the last we’ll be hearing from him throughout 2010. The Empire may have fallen but Luke Skywalker appears to inadvertently used the force to resurrect them …their new leader is called Darth Leach. Awesome. 9/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED
IF YOU LIKE: |
March |
|
EVERYTHING BURNS –
Home
(Rising Records - 2009) Everything Burns are a five-piece metal act from …. and makes a sound that comes across as familiar as unfamiliar for its combination of directions. Vocally, they consist of a strongly emo-like machine with occasional scream-core moments but musically, a totally different device, really. A progressive-edged twin guitar metal sound introduces us into opener ‘Scars’ and it takes us something like 2 minutes before the singing arrives. A selection of tasty rhythm alterations continues on though subsequent bruisers like ‘I’d Die For You’, ‘Me Vs You’, ‘Beautiful Disaster’ and ‘Left For Dead’ and a graul incline towards more poppier waters in the back half of the disc sees them end with a friendly piano line at the close of ‘This Is War’. An unexpectedly fine first impression of EB, the appeal this cd will also hold to fans of Metallica and Faith no More’s classic material clearly sits straight in its perch. Potential by the gallon, this good effort will see them burning their way up to the top throughout 2010. 8/10 By
Dave Attrill |
January
2010 |
|
ECHOGRAM - Conspiracy
(4-track EP)
(S/R - 2009) Hearing bands music for the first time is always something I’d call exciting though is not helped by having to settle for remixed versions as opposed to the normal product first time round. Gripe to one side, Irish 4 piece Echogram have a palatable combination of styles within their range and display them generously enough to satisfy. Not unlike a far few bands I’ve encountered in my time, they tend to delve into alt rock predictability on a few more occasions than is forgivable but their attack of electro-lined indie rock is nothing bad at all as a whole and the hooks sink in quick on three of the numbers. Having broken the US market throughout 2009, their growing popularity I’d say is justified. 7/10 By Dave Attrill NET: |
| Empires
Of Eden - Songs Of War And Vengeance Empires of Eden, relish in the power metal scene alongside Helloween, Gamma Ray, Ayreon and Iron Maiden as they supply our airwaves with pure speed/power metal at its best. Songs of War and Vengeance is full of hooks, pounding drums, chugging guitars and a mixture of power cord vocals from three vocalist, which have all been created by Stu Marshall of Paindivision. An 11 track masterpiece for those power metal fans, especially those in Europe, who will lap up the speed, power and melodic undertones that hang around Germany and Scandinavia. Throughout the CD their seems to be no change of tone, speed or aggression except the last track Scars of Innocence (orchestral Version) which has 30 piece orchestra attached to it that brings the best out of this CD with its breath taking ballad. 6/10 By Tony Watson |
October |
|
Edgehill Avenue - Rambler
(S/R – 2009) Have a think what Edgehill Avenue would sound like and you would probably be right. Edgehill Avenue are a bluesy, country, redneck style rock band with a taste of early ZZ Top mixed with Fleetwood Mac, Dire Straits and Eagles with a hint of The Black Crowes. For a relaxing background sort of CD, this is right up there with the rest of them, this is the type of music that you have playing when you are having a soak in the bath with the candles lit and your eyes closed. This soft, subtle and relaxing style gives you the ability to really appreciate this band for what they are. Rambler is an 11 track CD with 51 minutes of pure living room pleasure. ‘Rambler’ is the first track of the CD that sets the scene for the rest of the CD as the track melodically mellow into each other as it whispers through ‘Just Another Day’, ‘I’ll Be Leaving Now’ and ‘Justified’ to name a few. Edgehill Avenue have set a style of rock that can be appreciated around the world and be fully enjoyed by those who love music. 9/10 By
Tony Watson |
|
ELEKTRADRIVE - Living
4
(Valery Records - 2009) Did I meet these guys before once? Er…nope that wont be likely as their last release was in 199.…bl**din ‘4 some few years before the creation of Metalliville. Saying sorry for their lengthy absence, they send us a generous fourteen brand new toons that are thankfully of the quality to justify this totally. A kinda pop meets prog propelled sound that throws everything in from the thinking man’s end of the rock spectrum, these lads certainly know their way round instruments and song writing alike. Steering away from the complex arrangements of Dream Theater et al in favour of the verse-chorus format, their in, do the song and out again approach is still no crime for the connisseurs as their diversity in rhythms and harmonies flows like a newly unblocked river across the entire hour plus span of the disc. Lusciously classy solos from out of both the string and ivory departments add to the smoothness of numbers like ‘Evil Empire’, ‘What We Still Don’t Know’, ‘Living 4’, ‘Get Power From The Sun’, ‘Pain‘, ‘Dirty War Of Bloody Angels‘, ‘You Are Always On My Mind‘, ‘In A Superficial Way’, and ‘Fake News’, and the soulful creening vocals add to the sometimes almost Simple Minds that feel the whole album unintentionally boasts. A pleasant album from a band who I originally mistook to be a newly incarnated unit but at least they give me strong inclination to track down their past three long players as something tells me they are rather likely to be on something of a par with this beauty. Recommended. 9/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED
IF YOU LIKE: |
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Emergency Gate - Rewake
(SPV – 2009) Rewake is the second studio album from this German thrash/speed metal band. Emergency Gate are musically talented with their riffs, guitar licks and intricate key boards and synthesiser. But unlike most bands that come out of Germany the vocals for this band don’t seem to be right, I don’t know if it’s the key or the scream core attitude but it doesn’t sound right. Apart from that, this CD has a good firm ground in the thrash scene with its speed, and music content ranging from the thrash of ‘Double Suicide’ and ‘Slave’ to the ballad of ‘Remains’, which was nearly a tearjerker. Overall this 12 track CD isn’t too bad and will gain a good following but I feel it’s a CD that will be put on the shelf after a month. 6/10 By
Tony Watson |
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Emil Bulls - Phoenix
(Drakkar Records – 2009) Emil Bulls are a good solid metal band that, have release a superb 5th CD. Phoenix is not a rising from the ashes but a refreshing energy to metal music, with their Silverchair, Alterbridge and Breaking Point mixed with Breed 77 style of metal. Phoenix is a very clean and energetic CD full of licks, grinding, and hard metal with an extremely clear vocal content that brings the whole CD alive. This 13 track compilation of metal produces a thoroughly entertaining 52 minutes. From ‘Here Comes the Fire’ to ‘The Architects of my Apocalypse’, through ‘The Storm Comes In’ to ‘Son of the Morning’ Emil Bulls encapsulate their style and wrap it up into a neat ball to release it through a cannon into the walls of Jericho at a tremendous pace even that won’t stop the impact this CD will cause. ‘I Don’t Belong Here’ finishes this remarkable CD with a ballad that just brings you down to earth with a soft landing. If you are unsure of this band, go out and buy it, you won’t be disappointed. 10/10 By Tony Watson
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EMPYRIA - The Long
Road Home
(Nightmare Records - 2009) Close I certainly came to making that mistake here again in mistaking Empyria to be a newly plucked fruit from metal’s bush - it turns out that this outfit’s activity span bridges about 1991 with the present. This latest offering from the Canuck prog act follows a sort of odd n’ odds format itself in being a mix of re-recorded demos alongside newer pennings and though hard to tell by listening which are which, there’s a brilliant mix most of the way along. ‘Endless Circle’ and ‘False Witness’ are two of the less exciting tunes on the disc, growers both but ‘No Other Way’ gets things off to a proper start with a classy sound that comes right out of the scene’s 70s-80s heyday. ‘Lonely People’ sustains the momentum on a more upbeat note with continued use of well placed guitar harmonies that seldom try to be pretentious and just ride with the rest of the movements. ‘Last Rites’ is probably the best tune o the album with a very catch high-pitched chorus pushing the sound in a more AOR direction. ‘Can’t Wait For Ever’ is a sturdy hybrid of all modes covered, with the addition of something rarely risked in prog metal - the repeated-lyric chorus. ‘Of All The Dreams’ is a commendable impression of Dokken going prog and a potential joint fave with ‘…..Rites’ , with front man Phil Leite putting on a convincing Don-eqsue tone. ‘Without Within’ chases up with a solid mid-tempo prog metal onslaught, again in possession of a sizeable hookline but over way too soon- (unusually for this genre, everything on this album lasts between just 3 and 4 minutes). Foot finally coming off the pedal again a bit, ‘Walk Away’ seems not too an exciting number but still acceptable, just frankly building up to little at the end. ‘Returning Home’ comes across initially as a drab sounding metal ballad but a good swinging chorus structure supplies a reasonable high to end on and the listener is kept happy. My actual first taste of these lads, second helpings would be appreciated as they have hidden a lot that they’ve had to offer in the 17 years they been about. Impressive sounding tunes and a largely consistent edge maintained through this assortment, I hope they’ve not just had this pressed as a swansong release. Superb. 8/10 By
Dave Attrill |
|
Enochian Theory - Evolution:
Creatio Ex Nihilio
(Anomalousz Music Records – 2009) Enochian Theory are deep in the realms of good solid rock, who have pushed the boundaries of sound to a next level. Like Rush and Tool these guys provide a professional layout with a goal to produce entertaining and vibrant rock music. All though I mention bands such as Tool and Rush we also get a hint of Marrilion and Pink Floyd throughout the 48 minute production. Their style will encapsulate a broad audience due to the deep drums and accompanying bass, intricate guitar work, orchestral melodies and a vocal range from growling to a soft seductive mode. All though there are no overextended tracks, I would be close in saying Enochian Theory are close to progressive rock with a grunge/metal feel that releases a different excitement to the whole production. A very interesting compilation of metal genres that take the next step to good solid music 8/10 By Tony Watson |
|
ESSENZA - Devil’s
Breath
(BigMud Records - 2009) New wave of Italian Heavy Metal is an expression im going to have to get used to soon - there’s plenty of it creeping up at the moment. With a sound not dissimilar to its UK counterpart, Essenza are a pretty instant hitter for anyone who likes it done the old fashioned way and for 36 minutes theres little room for disappointment from these guys. Pushing the classy basic styles of Tygers of Pan Tang, Jag Panzer, and Onslaught into the same tube as the commercial thrash elements of Anthrax and Overkill, the trio do everything to please an ever-yearning 45 year old metal head.. and maybe one particular 32 year young one as well along the way. ‘Devil’s Breath’ is a bluesy stoner metal groover and sets the tone high and ‘Universe In A Box’ cranks things up with an aggressive triplet-oriented speed metal guitar rhythm from frontman Carlo G Rizello and a good break of bends follows later on in the tune. The Maiden influences are meanwhile given away single-handedly by ‘Dance of Liars’ - that epic solo is drenched in the essence - and for that reason itself is one of the most essential of their live set entries today. All the pieces in the right place for the right amount of time, those seeking experimentalism may be an unlikely audience to this with only the grungy feel of ‘Deep Into Your Eyes’ and ’Fighting The Wind’ deviating from the otherwise pure approach to traditional metal but if you’re prepared to put your elitist attitudes aside for a moment, you’ll be enjoying a tasty slither of metal nostalgia here. The vocals seem a bit strained on occasions but out of all the bands who passed through the NWOBHM fraternity, naming one whose didn’t takes some time, so it is not something I’d class as an overall dent in this outfits proverbial metal plate-age either. Enjoyable stuff. 8/10 By Dave Attrill |
August |
| Europe
– Last Look At Eden (Album) Gotta say I much prefer Europe now than in their 80’s big hair days – they are miles more down to earth but still with plenty of flambouyance to keep you entertained all the same. They appear to have more of a bluesier majestic element to them these days and touch of Led Zeppelin riffery comes in now and again plus plenty of good old rock too. So much in the way of highlights on here. Every number is an epic by itself – no filler to be found on here and I like the way that it’s made out to be sides 1 and 2 of an LP as you get the crackling play-out groove after track 6 with the stylus lift up sound. Stand-out numbers include the title track, ‘Last Look At Eden’; the ballad ‘New Love In Town’; ‘The Beast’ that’s energy filled and rocks to the max; ‘Gonna Get Ready’; the slow rockin come power ballad ‘Run With The Angels’ and quiet starting, bluesy lovely closer, ‘In My Time’. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan |
|
Europe – Last
Look At Eden (EP)
(Ear Music/Edel – 2009) A teaser EP to the forthcoming Europe studio album that’s proggy almost with strings & a really strong meleody – especially on the chorus – solo. Kinda reminds me of Led Zeppelin a la Kashmir. Also featured is new moderately paced song ‘U Devil U’ (again from the new album) that like ‘Last Look At Eden’ has a strong choral arrangement. Nice to hear live versions of the older classic ‘Superstitious’; the newer reformed Europe number ‘Start from the Dark’ and even a cover of Zep’s ‘Since I’ve been loving you’. Fine stuff. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan |
|
EVITA - Minutes
and Miles
(Basick Records - 2009) Don’t expect anyone to be crooning out ‘Don’t Cry for me Argenti-I-I-INAAAAAA! during the course of this disc - these guys play music totally down the opposite side of the meter. Bristol metal core newcomers Evita, unusually named as they may be, deliver up a handsome example of the scene’s better efforts and are not afraid to insert occasional proggy moments for measure. Quite capable of being as much melodic as angry, there’s the usual dual-forrmat vocals atop rich twin guitars that swing between way more than just a couple of different notes per bar line ‘Thrown To the Wolves’ ‘Willing To Wake’’ Vona’, ‘Elusive Victories, Passive Trickeries’ and ‘Beneath my Feet’ are particular tunes that will advertise what these guys appear good at, both live and on the player. Likely to be planning some sizable amounts of touring for 2010 on the back of this release, Evita may be too brutal for enjoying that cider along to. Great stuff lads. 8/10 By Dave Attrill |
| June |
|
Electric Six –
Flashy
(Metropolis Records - 2009) It's safe to say that Electric Six are more than the novelty band some fools wrote them off as in the wake of early hits like 'Danger! High Voltage' and 'Gay Bar'. While the clever and highly amusing lyrics have been a constant, with their musical style being all over the place. "Flashy", their fifth album has 13 tracks crammed into 45 minutes - which should tip you off that these are likely to be 13 quick fire little bizarre and quirky ditto’s with no ballads. To be honest, I wasn't very impressed with my first listen. Unlike the previous albums, it didn't seem to have any leap-out tracks, "Gay Bar Part 2" is, far from being a reprise of their early hit, "Witchy White Women" concerns teenage girls who want to be lesbian witches, "Flashy Man" grooves hard and needs to be a single. "Transatlantic Flight" contains the touching chorus line "In the event of a water landing you can use my body as a flotation device" and any album with lyrics like that cannot possibly be too bad. Electric Six fans should obviously snap this up but be prepared to break it in a little anyone else looking to try something clever and different should take the plunge. This product may not be the best of their work but it does have some great songs. Every time they make an album their style seems to change, which I like as it keeps them fresh, you initially may not like the album but you get use to it. 5/10 By
Tony Watson |
|
Equal Loudness Curve
– Let It Roll
(TK Millar/Knox Management – 2006) A Canadian band who have a quirky Rock style at times and reminding me of a great group called Funkbone from Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Highlights on here include the AC/DC like opener, ‘You & The Devil’; ‘Too Damn Lazy’; ‘Not By Much’; the cool piano included ‘California’; the Oasis ‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’ like ‘True Knowledge’ the deep-fuzzed bluesy ‘Out On The Highway’ and the closin’ rockin’ ‘Ease My Soul’. Cool Sh*t dudes. 7/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
|
Evil:scarecrow - Sixty-Six
Minutes Past Six
(Rusty Monkey Ltd – 2009) An unsigned band from Nottingham who have the entire gun shooting and drug crime wrapped up in ten tracks and 50 minute. Evil:scarecrow look the part, sing the part and play their music as if they were in the depths of hell. This collection of solid metal with the evil influence of Mudvain, Voivod, Iron Maiden and then wrapped up in a stained cloth of Marilyn Manson to produce an unforgettable sound of evil, death and corruption. These guys know what’s hitting Nottingham and what Nottingham love in their music. Sixty-Six Minutes Past Six is a wonderful debut CD that will quickly gain a reputation of evil metal at its best. Someone needs to get these signed as they are fucking brilliant. 10/10 By Tony Watson |
|
E.Z. Riders –
Experienced Zydeco Riders
(S/R – 2009) A quirky zydeco, country styled bluesy band from Macerata, Italy. Good musicians who no doubt do well in their parts in the local bars. Check out ‘Real Good Love’; ‘The Dreamer’; ‘I Should Have Quit You’ and ‘Mean Mistreater’ as good examples of their sound and style. Best number by far is ‘Still Blows the Wind’ with its country meets folk appeal – killer guitar solo too. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan |
February
2009 |
| Eyelash
- Recession
(Eversholt Music – 2009) A very appropriate name to a band who have two females. This four piece band are from London who produce a sleazy rock sort of feel to them. Recession is an ideal title to the world we are living in at the moment and the collection of 14 tracks brings a slight sparkle to the miserable world we are living in. This 55 minutes of punk rock pop is full of enthusiasm and attitude could be close to Girl School or Wendy ‘O’ Williams. As they stand at this moment of time they may get good feedback from school kids who want to listen to something a little different. 5/10 By
Tony Watson |
November |
|
Evergrey - Torn
(SPV - 2008) Evergrey are a Swedish dark Melodic Metal Band, with a very atmospheric sound. Torn is the seventh release with all of them hitting the top 20 in Sweden with the last two reaching number 6 and 3. The CD is very guitar orientated with a true metal sound with speed and thrash mixed in for good measure. Due to the vocal content of this band I find it difficult to relate to it as I am trying to put this band into a category with the likes of Iced Earth but I don’t think they belong there. Overall Torn is an eleven track 53minutes of Swedish metal, this CD will go down really well in Europe but I do think it may suffer in the UK. The UK tends to struggle with this style of power metal but I do know we don’t struggle with Swedish meatballs. 6/10 By Tony Watson |
September |
|
Early Grave - Tomorrow
I am you
(Rising Records - 2008) With an average age of 17, these four young lads from Peterborough have taken on board the complexity of thrash/death metal and turned into an enjoyable hobby. Early Grave seem to be heavily influenced by Kreator, Death, Napalm Death, Cradle Of Filth, with a hint of Lost Prophets, through the aggressive pounding of the base drum and the choking vocal content. From the intro of ‘Yesterday’, they explode into a total nuclear assault on earth as we know it with ‘As thick as thieves’, ‘Golden Hearts’, ‘To the Grave’ and to finish off the 11 track CD with ‘Live a widow at the wake’. This 46 minute battering is a must for you hard b*st*rds out there. They are young kids with a lot of energy and a long way to go. Very entertaining, well done. 9/10 By Tony Watson |
| Edenbridge - My Earth Dream (Napalm Records - 2008) Symphonic metal has become very popular, the introduction of orchestral arrangements and operatic vocals is hardly new. Far from joining a trend this is in fact the sixth studio album from Edenbridge after their formation in Austria 1998 by frontman Lanvall and female vocalist Sabine Edelsbacher. Combining Lanvall's guitar and keyboard skills with a quality singer must be paradise (apologies) itself but they've enlisted the backing of the Czech Film Orchestra for this release. Just one more raise of the bar for the band that were first to bring this music style to China and Taiwan on tour. As hoped, the content on offer is of high quality, the orchestra isn't simply tagged on as punctuation for the songs and is well integrated and utilized. 'Remember Me' and 'Place Of Higher Power' are consistent highlights because the score moves and changes avoiding over repetition without going off on a tangent. Too many times I felt myself enjoying a riff or melody in the other tracks only to find it submerged and swept away never or rarely to resurface. 'Adamantine' is a lifting number and shows a bit of 'Petrucci-style guitar work' in the middle and a good chorus. 'Paramount', 'Undying Devotion' and 'Shadowplay' have notable haunting elements and in the case of the latter some serious guitar input that reaffirmed a certain hint of Symphony X during this album. The title track, combining six chapters (don't worry, it's not an epic marathon at a relatively modest 12:37 in total) is indicative of the album proving to be a great musical arrangement but lacking in some good old fashioned hooks and memorable melody. Edenbridge further explore their spiritual outlet with this album and it's sung and performed with flair and vigour, fans of Nightwish and Within Temptation should definitely investigate further and also try out the live CD/DVDs on offer by this band. 8/10
By Al Hoath |
| Steve
Ellis - Best Of Days The frontman of the fame
60's outfit 'Love Affair' is here to pleasure us with his latest album
that is well and truly splendid. 10/10 |
| Extreme
- Saudades De Rock Not heard an album from
these guys in yonks. They carry on from where they left off so yeah,
there's party filled rock and some serious sounding stuff too.
7/10 |
| Extreme
- Star (CD Single) F*ck Yeah -
Gary, Nuno, Pat & Kevin are back - it ain't been the same without
'em - I remember seeing them at the City Hall, Sheffield in 1991 - what
a gig that was ! 8.5/10
|
June |
| EDENSANDS - Living Kills (2008) Another one in from the continent, I’m wondering if they British and American scenes we have enjoyed for the last 30-40 years is on its way to being put out of business, as we wonder if this latest outfit display the same upper hand. Spain’s Edensands do not disappoint for a second with their cheery melodic metal offerings that couple modern day AOR smoothness with the old-school metal approach of Helloween and also Swedish faves Million. How its all packed into just 38 minutes is unanswered but there’s time plenty to appreciate ‘Golden Fangs hungry Dogs’, ‘You’ll Sink’, ‘Run’, ‘Mother’, ‘Last Will’ and ‘Taste Of Hope’ on the first lap of the lens with Stefan Tudela’s cream-sweet range making it harder to turn off. In spite of a lack of distinctiveness in style there is however no absence of talent or hooks with all five putting in an solidly able performance, and a deal with one of the scene’s top labels is important to get these guys the profile they are deserving of with this debut attack. Great stuff all the way, boys. 9/10 By Dave Attrill |
May |
|
Echobeat – Cobra
Kai
(S/R - 2008) Buzzin’ Rockin Southern UK Outfit that sees fit to do well – even over here I hasten to add – but time will tell I guess. Catchy stuff indeed and kinda fits both the pop, rock and metal genres – one question though – what is a ‘Cobra Kai’ when it’s at home? 7/10 By Glenn Milligan |
|
Emergency Gate –
Nightly Ray
(Silverwolf Productions – 2008) Metal that looks into both the past and the future – it has industrial-gothic synth elements, a nu-metal sound at times but is also true to the groundings of the heaviness sound too. Make any sense? – thought not – oh well – you’ll have to buy it and check ‘em out for yourself – lol. They have their own vibe going on and come all the way from Germany. Highlights include ‘Kill The Dying’; the ballad ‘In My Dreams’ where there’s real singing as opposed to the gravelly voice that fills the rest of the album – believe me, this is the best number as well – nice female section!. Quality bit of timpani sounds on the quiet ‘n’ louder, fast ‘n’ slowie ‘Breed Evil’ and their outstanding killer cover of Falco’s ‘Rock Me Amadeus’ – not heard that one in years – good one lads! Could be big! 7.5/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| Eyelash
– Bow To The People
(Eversholt Music Ltd – 2008) 3 women, one bloke and female fronted too – they licked up the crowd at Download last year and there’s little wonder either. Great Riffage guaranteed on hear and this will definitely get wedged in your memory for certain. They rock big style with electronica in there too. Formed in 2005 and got an album in the can ready to go – imagine an up-to-date Girlschool with as much freshness and spirit. You have been warned. 10/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
| January
2008 |
|
Emigrate – S/T
(S/R – 2007) You may not be familiar with the name, but you will have definitely heard of the mainman’s day job as Emigrate as the brainchild of Richard Z. Kruspe of Rammstein. At times it’s similar to Rammstein, well it’s gonna be innit but in other ways, it’s more normal like and sometimes get dark ‘n’ sinister like Nine Inch Nails without all the effects but keeps the hard-hitting crunchyness. Highlights here include the title track, ‘Emigrate’; the gothic meets Culty AC/DC’ness of ‘New York City’; ‘My World’; the in-ya-face Industrial Metallings of ‘This Is What’ & the bonus track ‘Help Me’. Wonder if there will be a follow-up to this as I wanna get me hand on that. 8/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
November |
ENTHRONED
-Tetra-Karcist The name rings a bell from before, either them or the other lot with the ‘Hecate...’ on the front end. Either way, we get the usual business with these Belgian veterans, missing out on not one single element integral to the conventional black metal sound. One factory that is optional to the genre is their favourable variety of tempos, with some large pieces of rhythm line producing a strong bounce-up-and-down-on-top-of-bed sensation to them - that’s assuming you’ve probably trashed the rest of your sleeping quarters along to the first couple of numbers. Overall, ‘T.K.’
fails to bore drastically even if they are pretty samey in every other
area outside that mentioned hereinto, but a respectable job done overall
with this one. 7/10
By Dave Attrill |
EPICA
- The Divine Conspiracy Female fronted symphonic metal acts always send me swinging for that play button as soon as the disc is loaded and ready to spin, and on noting that Epica are such a thing themselves, I sat down, ready to savour. Only this time, I frankly found it a little hard going. Credit IS due to this European fivesome in most places as they route themselves towards more of a goth sound from the start, Epica’s frontwoman being equipped with a flawless range, with her attempts at the higher octaves especially gelling. Throwing her hard work down the proverbial porcelain implement however are the offensively over-worked vocals of her male band-mates who while quite clearly stellar on their respective instruments as is clearly established, succeed in preventing the listener from appreciating her own for a lot of the eighty minute duration. Ergo a potentially great sounding epic metal album turns into something frightfully akin to a girl fronted version of eighties Russian act Gorky Park . Not overall categorisable as a poor record, Epica have let too many cooks round the stove here and the resulting spoilt broth sometimes struggles to stay listenable, especially for an album this long. Shame. 6.5/10
By Dave Attrill |
October |
|
Emigrate – New
York City (CD Single)
(Pilgrim/Motor Music) You may recognise the guy behind this unit when you mention his day job as he is the guitarist of Rammstein, Richard Z. Kruspe. This is an uptempo number that is rather different to that of the German Industrial Metallers and has more in common with New Order crossed with elements of bands like AC/DC when it comes to the guitar riffing. This song has milage and comes out in the wake of 9/11 as well – can’t decide if that’s a good thing or bad thing though. I will you decide on that. Musically and vocally this is spot on though. Comes in a dodgy remixed version as well by Alec Empire. 10/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
| September |
| Eskimo
Brit – Paradise (CD Single) A trio based in Sheffield, UK who have a female vocalist who addresses the audience from behind the drumkit. They are kinda pop rock and have a mainstream thang goin’ down – so good they are that they won ‘Battle Of The Bands’ in 2006. This main song is very Alanis Morrisette (or however you spell it) – a happy, laid back acoustic affair that grabs your attention with those high yet velveted silky vocals. The other 2 numbers are great too - ‘Don’t wake the neighbours’’ which is more on the Funky Rock-Blues side of things whereas ‘I Don’t Wanna’ is racin’ rock to get you frothing over. Look out for them. http://www.eskimobrit.com 9/10 By Glenn Milligan |
June |
|
EVIDENCE ONE - The
Sky Is The Limit
(AFM - 2007) Rewind four years back to the second day of that year’s Gods festival at Bradford and the second band on the Penningtons stage that afternoon. Five young Germans who delivered a truly fresh and original melodic hard rock sound that made them almost more talk of the day than Talisman and Royal Hunt that same weekend. Their name was Evidence One and though impressed as we were with our first taste, subsequent perusals through the pages of Fireworks and Powerplay magazines since let to no further info on them, save for the review of that show. Thanks to that (not), I catch up with them three albums into their career, this the newest of them evidence itself that I have been robbed of something. A little heavier than I first expected, they do seem to be doing the metal thing if those twin guitar lines are anything to go on, and you could find similarity with top Z/MTM-signed Swedish act Seven Wishes. The hooks and solos stay with you right from start to end with only the occasional gap of mediocrity waiting to catch you, but anthemic belters like ‘The Sky is’......’, ‘Luxury Of Losing Hope’, ‘Can’t Fight The Past’, ‘Gallery Of Broken Glass’ and stunning closer ‘Raging Winds’ help to carry us straight along over any such holes. Original guitarist Robby Boebel, a former member of fellow Teutonic scenesters Frontline is sadly no longer in the band but has stayed on as a producer but frontman Carsten Schulz has had the decency to stay in the ranks, he has a unique range that puts its own distinctive layer on this cake and I doubt this cd would be the same in the absence of. A truly appetising first taste on record at last of this highly promising European act. 9/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE ALSO RECOMMENDED
|
|
Electric Earth – Vol II – Words Unspoken
(Mausoleum Records – 2007) Not played a Stoner Rock for a while – the last one that kinda fell into that category a bit was Sheffield’s ‘Shrine of the Monkey’. This is pacey fast ‘n’ hard rifferey where everything is at the front of the mix – like in the days of the 60’s and 70’s (man there should be more albums sounding like this). I never heard Vol. 1 but if this is an indication to go by I bet it’s damn good. Healthy helpings of loud distortive deep riffin chuggery guitar work, strong vocals, deep bass and stick-snappin drum smashin’ thoughout that come via Sweden and highlights include ‘Concubine’; ‘Drowning’; ‘Magnetic Soul’; ‘Little Song’ & ‘Leaving the Darklands’. File next to ‘Monster Magnet’ & funnily enough ‘Velvet Revolver’ – or somewhere like that. 7.5/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
March
2007 |
|
"Blast from the Past" Entombed - Left Hand Path This release is truly a classic Swedish Death Metal album! Lower tuned guitars (I think B or C-tuning) make this sound much heavier. The production was not bad everything seems to mix in properly so no complaints there. It is too bad that they don't play this kind of music any longer. I'd say pick up this release and "Clandestine" their follow-up album. Vocals are low not much variety (i.e. not many screams) but still it fits the music well. I think that the best part of this release is the guitar riffs. They are heavy and unrelenting plus the solos were quality too by both Uffe and Alex. I remember when this came out I definitely played it out! To me, all the songs are unique. Even though this not my favorite style of this genre (Death Metal) overall I really enjoyed the vocals, guitars, and drums. There were not that many Swedish Death Metal acts that I particularly enjoy but this is definitely a classic release. I really like the tone to the guitars. . But overall this band plays some awesome Swedish Death Metal. As I said before everything meshes in perfectly thanks to Tomas Skogsberg. Track listing: 1. Left Hand Path Band: Lars-Göran Petrov - Vocals 9/10 By
Death8699 (MethylinInfo@aol.com) |
June
2006 |
|
"Blast from the Past" Edwin Dare – Can’t
Break Me One of the finest singers around, I kid you not – Bryce Barnes (now of Tribal Tongue) has a real powerful yet beautiful high-ended voice which is put to its full potential with superior musicianship backing it up. Known well in the Metal surroundings the Guitar God, Jeff Kollman who was also a member of the band plus drummer brother Tom and the well respected, renowned bass-player Kevin Chown – let’s hear it for Edwin Dare. Syphonic, Orchestral Melodic Metal where every song is completely mesmerizing. Plenty of choral harmonies and well thought out musical arrangements to every song on the album – finding standouts from this album is damn f*ck*n’ hard but if I set my mind to it, I guess I can just about do it – ok, here goes – the opener ‘Feel The Power’ – how Bryce gets that high scream is anyone’s guess – love the solo of Jeff Kollman’s as well and Chown’s funky bass-work. Then there’s the following number ‘Don’t listen to your head’ with the radio voice fx and another fave of mine ‘This Warrior’ with it’s class lyric on the chorus, ‘All of your chains can’t hold down this warrior’ and the bluesin’ funk of ‘End of the Story’ about a guys final days with the spacey guitar sounds. This band is well missed by many people – I must get hold of their other 2 albums. 10/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
|
Eidolon – The
Parallel Otherworld
(Escapi Music – 2006) American Progressive Metal band – kinda Queenrychey with twists and turns if that makes any sense with 2 of the mainstays being Shawn and Glen Drover who are also guilty of joining Megadeth hence the wait for this album. Overall this is serious full-on with pretty long songs – the first ‘The Parallel Otherworld’ is well over ten mins with standouts including ‘Ghost World’; ‘Astral Flight’ and the OTT squealings found on ‘The Oath’ with its Iron Maiden/Helloween like guitar sound. 8/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
|
Curtis Eller’s
American Circus – Taking Up Serpents Again
(S/R – 2004) The full length album from the banjo playing New Yorker genius that features a full band on some of the songs that incorporates many of the songs that you’ll hear in his stage set – it’s pleasurable listening even at times rather macabre such as ‘Stephen Foster’ (about where he died – nice !!) or the fact that Curtis wants some ‘Sugar in my Coffin’ when he dies. It ain’t all dark stuff though as elsewhere he performs a delectable version of ‘Red Red Robin’ – yes, you read that correct and the joyous ‘Hide that scar’ that is pure Ronnie Lane to a ‘T’ or should be an ‘R’ and an ‘L’. This is quirk with a capital ‘Q’ but essential with a capital ‘E’. Yep Curtis Eller will form an essential part of you musical listening if you’ve got anything about you. Log onto www.curtiseller.com to finds out more about this vaudeville extraordinaire. 10/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
|
Curtis Eller’s
American Circus – Banjo Music For Funerals (E.P.)
(S/R – 2002) A real interesting artist to find on Metalliville, since it ain’t rock but more quirky, folky bluesy stuff performed by a mind-blowing eccentric lookin’ dude on banjo (ok so you guess he played one from the title of the e.p. ‘Last Flight of the Pigeon Club’ concerns a pigeon club that hardly gets any attention from its members – yep – you read that right, ‘Dry Lighting’ is about a horse that’s been bit by a rattlesnake and will be dead by morning – oh yeah – watch out for that yodelling from ole Curtis ! ‘Alaska’ is like almost Southern blues on banjo – it’s vibe and atmosphere is mesmerizing. If you adore artists like John D. Loudermilk or Ronnie Lane then you will love Curtis Eller too. 10/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
|
Emergency Gate –
Nightly Ray
(The Electric Co./Universal Music - 2006) A German metal band who are heavy, fresh, up to date and gutsy but who still have elements of old school arrangements on many an occasion but will keep younger fans interested with their bite and hard-edged throaty vocals. They sorta remind me of a less industrial Rammstein in the realms of the dark side of Korn with a gothic symphonic resonance running through them. It’s an album you get really into and there’s a ton of great tunes on here such as the opening ‘Mighty Ray’; the female harmonied and duetted ‘In My Dreams’; the full-on ‘Soulstreamer’ and a crackin’ cover of ‘Rock Me Amadeus’ originally by Falco. The rest of it is exceptional and they've not lost the accent either which many seem to do. I reckon these guys will be big very shortly. 8.5/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
|
Existend – Consider
Retribution
(S/R – 2005) Sheffield’s answer to the two M’s – Metallica and Megadeth all rolled into one with a bit more which you’re bound to agree with on when you hear ‘Flickering Flame’ which has a few Zakk urrps too. This ain’t the most uplifting stuff on here – they like being sad and miserable, take ‘Screaming’ for instance or ‘Man or Fire’ as perfect examples. Be interesting to see what they come up with next – a few love ballads lads – perhaps not in this case. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| Pre-July
2006 |
|
Enuff Z’Nuff
- ? (Question)
(Perris Records – 2005) Laid back nice rock from Donnie, Chip, Ricky and Johnny’s current studio album with ‘Gorgious’ and ‘No place like home’ being perfect examples. Doh, I spoke too soon as ‘Hang on for life’ is a beltin’ rocker that wakes me up when I nearly doze of into Z land. Love their cover of Queen’s ‘Stone Cold Crazy’ and the humour of ‘Joni Woni (likes to ride the pony)’. Overall this is a cookin’ tasty pice of digital plastic from the ‘Beatrick Boys’. Get well soon ‘Ricky’. 8/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
|
EYEFEAR - 9 Elecments
Of Inner Vision
(Intromental - 2005) Why the f*** do critics and like-minded cynics seemingly eternally moan about melodic power metal bands sounding like mere Iron Maiden copycats, practically on the account of their vocal styles? Helloween as a chief example get it all the time but in my opinion it is a single-minded way of rubber-tamping every act emerging with the genre today, more than ever. Eyefear frontman, Danny Cecati may very likely be the closest thing you’ll hear to Bruce Dickinson ever - the resemblance is quite honestly uncanny – but there is a lot more than the mouth to this fiery fivesome. One can easily circle traces of thrash and eighties NWOBHM influence in every one of these nine tunes alongside some very fine Dream Theater tutored tailoring that sells the album, almost alone. So as not to cause purists any panic, the standard Stratovarious, Ring Of Fire etc similarities do not miss out but this guy’s throat blows ol’ Boalsy boy out of the blue stuff with little force. More of the stuff we love, a few top Euro festival slots will yearn for Eyefear when this disc hits the air. Very nice boys,very nice. 9/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE |
| EMINENCE
- Humanology Brazil prided themselves on having produced some damn decent metal acts in the past, most notably S*******a, but like anywhere, that doesn't mean that every outfit out of said land is that good. This rather formulaic hrdcore thrash outfit seem content with riding on what's passed 20, 000 times before but they keep their heads reasonably above water and some of these tunes can be told apart after you've studied the disc throughout about seven times. Seventeen tracks might often be testing with this material but catchy thrash riffage at less than infrequent intervals guarantees headbangers in attendance some quality air time. In the end, a worthwhile effort. 7.5 By Dave Attrill |
| Excalion
– Promo 2004
(S/R – 2004) Melodic Power Metal from Finland. Well played material for the genre. It don’t break any boundaries but what the hell. There are 3 tracks on offer here with on eof the best being ‘Reality bends’. It’s a demo with not the best sound quality in the world but the performances make up for it. 6.5/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
| EARTH - Star Condemn'd (Iron Fist Productions - 2004) Not a lost demo from metal legends Black Sabbath recorded under their maiden moniker, Australian six-piece Earth still like to keep things dark 'n' deathly, though to further extent. You guessed it, it's black metal time again!!! Going in the commercial direction a little bit once more, the riffs and audible guitar harmonies at not infrequent slots with another useful contribution from the keyboards are trying to tell us once more that this type of metal doesn't have to be 100% racket and % tune. Nigh on rarely do we hear from the metal scene down under, these days, but when we do, it seems not to disappoint. Time to come down to earth, everyone. (Even the joke I got in my Christmas cracker was funnier than that, Dave) 7.5/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE; Most of the top British/European scene acts, with keyboards. |
| 8
FOOT SATIVA - Season For Assault
(Black Mark - 2004) Aussualt on the ears, I take it that means. 8 Foot Sativa's noisy material is not exactly of the sweet, gentle endearing kind or the particularly interesting at that. Treading practically identical lines to those of Slow Roosevelt, this Kiwi quartet come out with produce of practically identical style AND quality. Bland, predictable, hookless, irritating scream-core, that being of course. Still guaranteed much action in the moshpit, this stuff however continues to lack direction or creativity. Once again preferring to play at being a fourth rate Rage Against The Machine, 8FS are just another fresh-faced offender. 5/10 By
Dave Attrill |
| ELVISS
- Not Enough
(Karma Lion - 2004) "One For The money and Two For The Sh….' oh, it's not him. Should have known when I noticed that extra 's' on the end. This hitherto hardly-hear-of foursome's sound is about as far removed from the King, as Rebecca Loos should be from Rooney's missus but all the same a lot more appealing. Motorhead style riff-lines support 80's/modern day new wave croonings with pleasing effects and hooks abound in most of the three cuts we've been allocated. Give 'em a spin if you can. 7/10 By Dave Attrill |
| ENCHANT
- Live At Last
(SPV/Inside-Out - 2004) 'Live at last', you say? Now, before we get started, didn't Black Sab. oh forget it. In truth, the last two words of such title are quite operative in my case as it's the first time have managed to come by any material by San Francisco prog titans Enchant. As a bonus fro my troubles, I find myself treated to a two-and-a-half-hour live set comprising of a third of each of their albums, according to frontman Ted Leonard. If this incredible double pack is anything to go by then these albums must be worth pinching as this five-piece offer something serious to the uneducated, especially in Leonards' own roof-lifting output. Keeping epic keyboard histrionics to a minimum, their more straight-ahead arrangements have all the same successfully merited them their sturdy following across the scene, testified by the volume of applause by the occupants of the relatively small venue. Typically titanium performances from all musicians as is standard in this scene, on songs averaging seven-eight minutes, Enchant would do well to chalk in a few UK dates on their schedules - prog rock may of course be limited in its following over here but those who do still care - it's impossible to stop 'em. A stunning introduction to a stunning band. 9.5/10 By Dave Attrill |
| Europe
- Start from the Dark This is the
same band but you wouldn't realise it as the music has gone from the
flowery keyboard pop (a la 'The Final Countdown') and gone for a more
modern vibed stoner like approach with good examples of this new direction
being 'Got to have faith'; 'Start from the dark' and 'Hero Song'.
8/10 |
| EDGEWATER
- Inhale (1-track promo single)
(Wind Up - 2004) Being off the same label as Drowning pool does have its degree of recommendation - that's recommendation to take the bl**der out of the case and play it in most translations. This offering from fellow Americans Edgewater avoids the anti-climax tag but not by the widest of margins. Stinker it certainly ain't before you panic but I found this number a lot less immediate and less unpredictable than other material from the Wind-Up production line of late in spite of its quite meaningful, gliding guitar/vocal arrangement. The hooks here didn't exactly show themselves to begin with and lacking anything that drilled in until the third listen, it definitely took its time to catch on but it's still a big one for the main fans. 6/10 By Dave Attrill |
| ELECTRIC
EEL SHOCK - Go Europe
(Demolition Records - 2004) Coming from a non English -speaking country has often spelt little deterrent for bands round the world preferring to sing in the world's most universal language rather than their native tongue but as we know, not all bands find it that easy. Japanese rockers Electric Eel Shock are still amidst the doldrums where that is concerned, otherwise their mish mash of messily arranged lyrics in English and their own lingo through these fourteen tunes -some are a mixture of both - would have been less excusable by this review. That dealt with, some pleasant pop n' roll in the vein of Hellacopters and Blink 182 amongst others is served up by this quite talked-about band and even if you can't translate, there are a few hooks audible, believe it or not. A bit of a bugger to get used to, at first, but worth it. 7.5/10 By Dave Attrill |
| August |
| Steve
Ellis - A Sort of Innocence
(Purple Haze Records - 2004) The Love Affair frontman's latest that features artists like Roger Daltrey playing harmonica on 'Yellow Rose of Texas' and 'Nu Clear Blues' (a number that pays tribute to many old well-loved standards); ex-Saxon Drummer, 'Nigel Glockler' and even Paul Weller. Steve gives you many delights herewith such as two versions of the classic 'Everlasting Love' (studio and live). Overall it's a mighty good contemporary adult orientated album with many songs looking back on when we were younger, now we've grown up a wee bit - 'Turn to Stone'; 'Little One' and 'Best of Days' being perfect examples. This album is a celebration of memories of a lifetime and how times change. A well recommended fresh, light and loving release. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| June/July |
| ENSOPH-
Opus Dementae
(Cruz Del Sur - 2004) I think I've seldom encountered such a bunch of weirdos as the four gentlem... er, excuse me, one woman and three gentlemen who appear on the back of this sleeve. If sight makes you wonder what can be said for their sound- this lot are something else in quite the literal meaning of the expression. An amalgam of dark metal noises and sometime quite progressive explorations capped by aggressive and at a fair fraction of times, duel-way male/female vocal functionings, Ensoph's offerings are very hard to match as much as twenty percent with any one or number of particular other groups, even within their own corner of the rock n'roll room. Hence to sum this latest promising European lot up, I can only say that they sound as mad as they look - and that's mad enough for me. Er yes, by thew way it is recommended. 7.5/10 By
Dave Attrill |
| April/May |
| ECLIPSE
- Second To None
(Frontiers - 2004) This label, along with MTM, seems to have become a refuge for ex-Z Records signees of late. Sweden's Eclipse's second album sees them switch contracts but keep standards the same. I couldn't help but have noticed their somewhat alternative leanings on their previous album which are even easier to notice on a lot of these tunes here - some of these numbers may be of appeal to a good few Blink 182 or Offspring fans. However, casting that rather cynical view aside, there's still a lot of meat on the melodic rock bone to be chewed at here. This is a diverse and entertaining hard rock album from the Stockholm foursome and songs like 'Always Standing', 'All I Do', 'Streets Of Gold', 'Nothing Between Us', 'Road To Forever' - a Poley-era Danger Danger fan's wet dream if ever there was one - and 'Light Of Day' beckon for many listens. On the quality of most of this material, I'm wondering if Mark Alger may have let them go too soon, but hey, at least they're now eligible to play the Gods festival - and we very much hope they do. Brill 8.5/10 By Dave Attrill |
| ED
GUY - Hellfire Club This is seriously one of
the best power metal acts I have ever heard (this promotional copy having
narrative describing each song). There's a dozen numbers in all that
range from explosive majestic metal (like 'Mysteria') to orchestral
ballads (such as 'Forever').
|
| March |
| Enuff
Znuff - Welcome to Blue Island
(Perris Records - 2004) Ok, so Donnie never seems to materialise in the UK but he's the lead vocalist when it comes to the studio anyway. Having been disappointed with them live, the 'blue island album easily matches the epic 'Animals with Human Intelligence'. The melodies are Beatley at times but not too OTT with stand-outs being the sentimentally 'n' romantic 'Sanibel Island' with its girls and alcohol visions imprinted in your head; 'Roll Me' which is rather like The Beatles 'The Word'; 'Man without a heart' plus even bonus tracks like The Beatle's 'Hide your love away' and Donnie performing an acoustic version of Nirvana's 'No Apologies'. EZN's 12th album is one of those that'll have you saying 'Play it again, Sam' 8/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| Dec. 2003 |
| EIDOLUM
- Sacred Shine
(Perris Records - 2003) The material's here is initially similar to the band 'Wyzard' but a wider amalgam of the 80's British Metal scene, taking in the early days of the extreme end of it, before our American friends made their moves. That touched on as it may be, it's still at the best of times with the same melody as Wyzard and quality guitar work straight from the good ol' days when you could see stuff like this at your city hall, every other week, and although I'm a generation younger, I'd still recommend it if you find it on release, anywhere. Just be warned though lads, keep it away from Kerrang,.. they have been known to give the occasional No-K review. 7.5/10 By Dave Attrill |
| November
2003 |
| El
Caco - Solid Rest
(Black Balloon records - 2003) Their debut 'Viva' was promising but their second release 'Solid rest' simply comes across like a handful of other albums in the stoner world. All in all, the truth is, is that it is rather depressing and miserable and won't really be appreciated unless you are new to the scene. It's just chuggy guitars and has no originality to it whatsoever. This band can do better. The only song that really stands out is 'Mrs. Coma' - a quieter number that's like a different band altogether. 4/10 By
Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| ENCHANT
- Tug Of War
The first impression I get from hearing Enchant's latest release is that it sounds more earthy than their previous releases. Clearly through and time have been spent on the general rhythm of the album which is diverse, strong and solid with the bass and percussion to move and come through in the songs. The overall hard-edged sound of 'Tug…' is complemented by the contrast in slow flowing harmonies that add great feel. Ted Allen's clear vocals and thoughtful lyrics keep the album tight and on course with the definite direction that Enchant are going with it. A change in sound direction is a good thing when it doesn't spoil the formula. And 'Tug Of War' undergoes it competently. 8/10 By Steve Windle |
| EVERGREY
- Recreation Day
Reviewing this album by these guys is the first time I've heard of the band or their stuff, and I'm well impressed. It comes across as power metal sound with death/goth influences mixed in. Big chunky guitars, thousand-mile-an-hour solos, strong raw vocals and prominent and effective keyboard work all wrapped in plenty of reverb to give that nice big sound with enough depth and feel to keep you hooked. Though fast, the song-writing and structure are not sacrificed for the sake of speed. There's an interesting mix further into the album as it goes heavy from the start through to the middle and then mellows out with the bonus track at the end. Great. 8/10 By Steve Windle |
| Bob
Ernst - Hands On
Young New Jersey boy, Bob Ernst (who's gonna be well sought after soon) has recorded a 4 track e.p. that's bluesy, wailing and technically essential. The guitar sound reminds me of ZZ Top on the title track itself 'Hands On'. 'Beggars Delight' is chilled stuff and 'Desert Flower' is real mellow vibed that's like a relaxing Carlos Santana in an Eric Clapton kinda way. 'Tex Mess' is a funky blues delight and appears to salute the talents of the late great Texan, Stevie Ray Vaughn. Quality Music. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| Ellis
- III Now signed to Favored Nations, front-woman Stacey Ellis is a good old funky young Miss who means good music business alongside her guitarist Husband, Brett Ellis and drummer/percussionist Mike McFarland. Glenn Hughes loves 'em and no wonder - he even duets with Stacey on the track 'Growing Wise'. Ellis highlight without a problem and I gotta recommend the funky 'Have you seen her', a cover of Stevie Wonder's Superstition' as well as the Zep it acoustically format which works a treat on 'Empty Pockets'. Ellis are eloquently eclectic and unafraid to break into various contemporary styles that aren't around on the forefront of the marketplace in this day and age. 8.5/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| Evanescence
- Going Under (Single)
(Wind-Up Entertainment - 2003) This like it's predecessor 'Bring me to life' has that chuggin' guitar rhythm, Amy Lee's amazing soprano vocals and haunting atmosphere that has now become the bands trademarks. A short guitar solo can be heard as well which makes a pleasant change to much of today's output. The song 'Going Under' although hardish also has a mellow side to it and lyrically concerns giving all of yourself to somebody and receiving nothing in return and then getting over the fact. It's likely to be a hit but can't see reaching No. 1 but I could be wrong - time will tell. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| Pre-July 2003 |
| Evanescence
- Fallen
(Wind-Up Records - 2003) Kinda Gothic but at the same time in-your-face Nu-metal (but not to the point of brutal noise or anything like that) as well as having the beautifully voiced soprano, Amy Lee in the vocal seat. Evanescence are probably the best act that Wind-Up have signed - they even played at the Download Festival at Donnington Park on May 31st, 2003. What makes them different are the exceptionally well thought out melodies that are haunting, electrifying and downright outstanding. 'Bring me to life' should be the single of the year (as featured in the film, 'Daredevil') but that's just a glimpse of this amazing album. The Orchestral 'My Immortal' is irresistible; 'Imaginary' is melodramatic decadence' and then there's the weird electronica metal of 'My Last Breath'. 'Evanescence' arethe band that could bridge the gap between Gothic Metal and Nu-Metal. Completely breathtaking in every way. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| Every
Mother's Nightmare - Smokin' Delta Voodoo
(Perris Records - 2001) Laying down the tracks solid with their hard edged southern hard rock, EMN released this in 2001 (their 3rd album but 1st for Perris). My God, what a ballsy outing it is too. Twelve tracks greet ya and highlights include the aggressively touched burners like the beefy 'Pray'; the brilliantly melodic 'E34 (Unwritten Law)' with its makin' love love led rhythm section that's blues-up with a pumping pre-chorus and the gutsy 'Wire' with its addictive bass-line and lead guitar riff or the haunting title track itself. Rick Ruhl and the rest of the 'mare returned to the scene and they've been there ever since. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| EVENT - Scratching At The Surface (Inside Out - 2003) There have been some wild, wacky, unusual, interesting and bloody impressive cross-styled rock/metal acts on the production belt of late.. Oh, here's another one coming along now. What have we got here then? F***ing hell, what in the name of Gomorrah's goolies is this?! Event sound either like the Police actually bothering to write a full album's worth of above-decent songs or Nickelback, themselves, U2 and umpteen Kerrang-friendly contemporary acts have met each other in a crowd and shared a few ideas. You can also decipher a smattering of Harem Scarem styling audible in the large half of the album's running time and one or two tracks that have that ever-so-slight Sick Of It All likeness - with that risky album title, you'd think they've be in enough trouble with Koller and Co as it is. Let's be fair, I've heard faintly similar ideas used on other recent releases such as the barnstorming Yakuza album but they're good ideas, that's what counts. And you should all know the equation by now - good ideas = good music = good album = good mark. 9/10 By Dave Attrill |
| Dave Evans - One Hell Of A Night (A Tribute to Bon Scott) (Perris Records - 2002) The original vocalist of AC/DC performs down under in Melbourne, Australia with a fitting band, 'Thunderstruck' - I you can't guess who they are a tribute to can you This gig took place 20 years after the death of Bon Scott and released for your great devour. He's not the greatest of singers and ropes in a few bum notes - but give the guy credit - not many can say they fronted a band with Angus and Malcolm Young. What really makes it worth having is a live version of the very hard to find number 'Rockin' in the Parlour' - the b-side of 'Can I sit next to you girl' as well as jewels that you never hear AC' perform like 'It's a long way to the top' - complete with bagpipe sounds and the f*ck you attitude of 'Rock 'n' Roll Singer', one of the band only ballads 'Ride On' and one their only covers, 'Baby, please don't go'. The sound quality is outstanding but at times Dave is a little bit low in the mix and is over-shadowed by the guitars. The gig is finished with Bon's fitting epiphany 'Highway to Hell' - well what else! 7/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| Evanescence
- Bring me to life (Advance 1 track)
(Wind-up Records - 2002) You're gonna hear this a lot at the cinema over the next few months. The female fronted Gothic, Modern Nu-metal outfit features Paul Mccoy (from 12 Stones) on this number. It's haunting material and catchy as well and coming from the recently released film 'Daredevil'. This is the sounds of dark, velvet coated gothic dreams. It's gonna stick into your memory, like it or not. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| Every
Mother's Nightmare - Live Songs From Somewhere
(Perris Records - 2002) Recorded around the various venues in the United States. It's Southern, it's dirty and it's Every Mother's Nightmare banging out kickin' numbers like the bar boogie of 'Long Hair Country boy' (that I remember local Yorkshire/Derbyshire, UK cover band 'Cold Gin' bash out on many occasions - so that is who did the original). To give the guys a break from their own stuff other artists classics are played such as Alice Cooper's 'Eighteen' and Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Saturday Night Special' but needless to say you get a fine helping of material from the 'Deeper Shade of Grey' and 'Smokin' Delta Voodoo' albums as well. These boys are still provin' that they are as relevant as they were back in the late 80's/early 90's, when the nightmare began. 7.5/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| EVENFALL
- CUMBERSOME
Evenfall from Italy, hit our shores with what can only be described as original melodic death/doom metal and a mixture of gothic influences, combined with an angelic vocal delivery of a highly talented female vocalist Roberta Staccuneddu that takes out the tortured vocals of Ansgar Zoschg .
8/10 By
Tony Watson |
| Stefan
Elmgren's Full Strike - We will Rise
No prizes for guessing right that you're gonna get a Power Metal album from this outfit, especially since it's founder and lead guitarist is also the same mad axeman from Hammerfall. 1st time around it's a bit like wallpaper music but after several listens it grows on you a lot - the blazen shining ballad, 'Silent Screams' especially - a song that is at the same standard as 'Wind of Change' By The Scorpions. Another stand-out is the spectacular instrumental going by the name of 'First Strike'. Most of the songs have that fast chugga-dugga style that at times does get rather tedious but the vocal harmonies do wonders especially when they are wonderfully arranged to melt in and become another instrument around the melody with exploive examples being 'We will Rise' and 'Mandrake's Dream' and the closer, 'Force of the World'. An exasperating album from 4 guys who all met at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood a few full moons ago- these being Stefan Elmgren (Guitar); Niclas Johnson (Vocalist), Chris Johnson (Bass) and Bjorn Frickland (Drums) - it just had to be done after the success that Stefan had with the first 3 Hammerfall albums. Next up - the new release from Hammerfall. 7/10 By
Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
|
| Eternal
Elysium - Share
Fancy a bit of bluesy grooving, crunching, Sabbath orientated Stoner, then if so, this'll sooth your soul. The Double E is what you need after a round with the Double O (that's Ozzy Osbourne to any of you laymen out there) especially if you want to top it off with a big bag of drink 'n' drugs. This album is the modern soundtrack - this you can be sure. If the drugs don't get ya, then this band certainly will - and before you ask, no they aren't American, but surpisingly enough come from Japan and here to kick your ass with heavy guts of phased guitar, pendular stregth drumming and wailing harsh vocals. It really is a treat from the stoner rock of 'Shizy' to the poppyness of 'Movements and Vibe' or the Geezer Butler styles blues of 'No Answer'. 7/10 By
Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| ECHOBRAIN
- ECHOBRAIN To put cut a long story short, we have three extremely talented musicians, two school pals by the names of Dylan Donkin singer/guitars and Brian Sagrafena funk/jazz drums, with also a world famous bass guitarist Metallica's Jason Newstead. It all started off as a bit of a laugh, the jam sessions were loose and strictly for fun. For five years Dylan, Brian and Jason have been playing what they call 'Wonderful soup music' in the Chophouse (Jason's home studio). This ten track CD is a loose,
pop-tangled rock record with a vocal content full of emotion between
the likes of Jeff Buckley and Chris Cornell, an irregular funk drummer
who has the rhythm that flows like a river, and of course Jason, with
his introspective softer vibe, which mixes well with acoustic guitars
and the odd noir string work from the San Francisco and National Symphonies. Don't think that Jason is the main man in this three-piece band, he isn't. Dylan and Brian develop most of the compilations and their own sound, Jason has just pushed it forward. If you are expecting a full on thrash assault because of Jason then be prepared to be disappointed, it won't happen. There are also guest appearances by Kirk Hammett who plays guitar on 'SuckerPunch' and Jim Martin who plays guitar on 'Spoonfed' and banjo on 'The Crazy Song' a hidden track after track ten. If you have that open mind to music, be prepared to be blown away with this exciting development that sounds like one massive jam session. Expect to hear more from Echobrain in the future, as this CD will sweep around the world harder and faster than a tornado. 10/10 By Tony Watson |
| Empire
- Hypnotica
An all-star Melodic Rock Super-Group of the highest order featuring two former members of Rainbow - Neil Murray (Bass) and Don Airey (Keyboards). The Drummer, Gerald Kloose is a fine player who has a unique snare rolling style - it's almost jazz. Balance of Power's Lance King takes on the lead vocal role and Rolf Munkes is the shredding guitar extraordinaire. It's very, very musical and so impressive that it comes across as too much at times - but with a line-up like this - who's complaining. Opener, 'Hypnotic' fades up like your witnessing a space-age computer centre which travels into a pounding melodic rocker called 'Fool in Love' about love being longer lasting than you previously thought it would be - Nice solo Rolf !! 'Spread My Wings' - "till the walls come tumblin' down", I hear you say, is a stormer of a song - a ballad at that - then later there's the classy and cheesy'ish 'Bad Bad Boy' that's almost pop-rock (musically, it's sort of Danny Danzi meets Mr. Big, Johnny Lima and Bon Jovi) or 'Here I am' with it's deep voice over section. 'Another time, another place' is pure cock rock - cool - I dig this loads !! In fact any track on the entire album is well worth checkin' out - quite sincerely the material here is a melodic, musical dream to the ears - perfection and straight to the point professionalism is waiting to greet you.
8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| Every
Mother's Nightmare - Back Traxx Deep South Delta Blues meet C Rock at it's most classiest. Imagine Skid Row meets Cinderella and Jackyl with the occasional burst of violins, like the opener, 'Southern Way' with its heavy ball bustin' blues riff or its dirty hard chuggerishy/stoner styled successor 'Muddy Water' - Originality that's what you get here without selling out of the presumed rock genres. This album sees Every Mother's
Nightmare touch on Redneck Country Blues with Elsewhere the good old sleazy vocal slingin' is there - complete with to blue-rock perfection on selections such as 'River' that reminds me of the Beatles 'Let it Be' album classic 'I've got a feeling' but bluesier or the arousive hard rocking 'Too far gone' with more of that knock-out banjo pickin' but with an added bonus - some exceptional violin playin', needless to say the awesome short but sweet guitar solo. Track number 13 - probably called 'Life's been good' (but I may be wrong as it ain't listed on the promo sheet) is a real mother of country rocker that sees the band come across with the British brilliance of The Rolling Stones and The Faces (thanks to the Woody sounding, (perhaps inspired) slide guitar riff), there's even a hint of Steve Harley in there too because the end of the chorus reminds me of 'Come up and see me (make me smile)'. It's an album that has elements of Drivin' n' Cryin' and Dogs D'Amour in there too - and when you have a band as delectable as EMN then you get the best Sleazy Blues-Rock album that money can buy !!!!
10/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| Every
Mother's Nightmare - Deeper Shade of Grey
|
| Pre - 2002 |
| David
Glen Eisley - The Lost Tapes
This album is especially for those of you who wish that the hard-edged cock-rockers 'Dirty White Boy' had released a follow up to their one and only release 'Bad Reputation' - not to mention a 3rd album from 'Giuffra'. Over 13 years on, 13 unreleased tracks land on my lap and I'm pleased to say I wasn't in any way disappointed - in fact I was overjoyed when I gave this a spin. O.K. - the material was recorded around 13 years ago in the period spanning '87' and '88' - but it stands up against any melodic rock or cock rock for that matter that's released these days - in fact it's probably better!!! Hats off to Frontiers for signing David Glen Eisley he's worth his weight in gold!!! and issuing these great numbers as 'The Lost Tapes' - that includes songs which are simply far too good to gather dust like the ballsy rocker 'Slip of the Tongue' (not to be confused with the Whitesnake ditty) or the rootsy live rawness of 'Boothill Blues'. Check out the swirling zoom guitar effects on the intro of the bangin' 'Golden Town' - which is very reminiscent of the melodic power that's associated with Magnum (when they reach their absolute peak). There's the unmistakable style of Dirty White Boy in 'Are You Ready' - which'll receive a joyous reaction everywhere or 'Lay Down your Love' that's a towering musical inferno of brilliance. 'The Lost Tapes' is an album that many artists will find very hard to match. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| El Caco - Viva (Music for Nations/Black Balloon Records - 2001)
A new signing and heralding from Norway - El Caco are a trio which comprises of Oyvind Osa (Vocals/Bass), Thomas Frederiksen (Drums) and Anders Gjesti (Guitar) who incorporate glorious amounts of different vibes in just one album. It's like moulding in the supercharged state of Monster Magnet with the unpredictable direction of Faith No More with the meatiness of Alice in Chains and Soundgarden. They've been together since 1998 and when translated their name means 'The Thief' - but don't accuse them of stealing styles (because let's face it, who isn't guilty of this). 'Oh Yeah', to me, is a decent mirror-image of Soundgardens 'Rusty Cage' for the new millennium. 'Cosmic' could have been penned by The Cult - due to its spine-chilling dark rocking mood and tasty bass-line. The real stand-out has got to be the sharp acoustic guitar ruled number going by the name of 'Mescaline' which is a short instrumental stint at Country and Folk Blues. If you like old-school grunge mixed in with in with the current breed of stoner rock bands - then here's another band that'll do it for you. 7/10 |
| Emerald Rain - Perplexed to the Extreme (2001 Frontiers/Now and Then Records)
Emerald Rain are a magnificent melodic hard rock band that hail from Toronto, Canada. They were originally called 'Pain' who formed in '1995, recorded two albums for the Japanese label Alfa/Brunette, but later changed their name to Emerald Rain, after drummer Jevon Rudder left the band. They also changed style to what they are now. 'Perplexed to the Extreme' is the bands 3rd studio album and with new drummer 'Randy Cooke' (who's done sessions for artists like Lee Aaron and Sass Jordan, to name but a few). They have unleashed some brand new Power-Rocking slick ballads and some glorious highs all round. Their line-up comprises of: Murray
Dingle - Lead/Backing Vocals/Acoustic Guitars/Keyboards/Finger Cymbals They really do ooze pizzazz and energy. Simply light up your nights and basically, your entire lives with this grandiose release of melodic rock supremacy. You'll be graced with ballads like 'Just like Anyone' about trying to tell someone how you really feel about them or mammoth rockers like the in-your-face 'You' (which must be where the 'Pain' influence comes in). 'You' is a very Iron Maiden meets Helloween sort of ditty - that suddenly goes down a gear in a sing-along sort of style. It has a bumblebee guitar riff, which is a full-on salute to guitarists like Malmsteen and Vai. Top Stuff!!! Similar in style to 'You' is the track entitled 'Numb' which has a twin vocal style to it and lyrically about losing faith in various situations and basically, life in general. If
you're a lover of phasing guitar effects, big vocals with strong statements
and syncopated drum techniques then 'Until your blind' will more than
satisfy your ears. The instrumental/guitar solo section is fantastic
as well. To put it plainly, 'Perplexed to the Extreme' is just over 40 minutes of Melodic Rock Glory. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| Entombed
- Morning Star
A single thud every 3 seconds then single notes. A quick tinkle of the ivories which creates an early ambient feel then after a minute it rips into a pounding of drums and power chords - but what surprised me most was an understandable vocal content of 'Chief Rebel Angel' - Is this really Entombed? I expected Entombed being like Napalm Death, Paradise Lost and Kreator - not taking on the forms of Slayer, Sepultura, Soulfly and a bit of No Means No thrown in for good measure. What can I say, from an excellent start to an even bigger finish with drum riffs that you would expect from Dave Lombardo, the vocal quality of Tom Araya with hard hitting power riffs of Sepultura and No Means No. I have not heard a CD for a long time where there are no bad tracks. Starting off with 'Chief Rebel Angel'; an acoustic middle in 'Bringer of Light' and tracks like 'I for and Eye'; 'Ensemble of the restless'; 'Out of heaven'; 'Fractures' and 'About to Die' which hit you like a nuclear blast then finishing off with the slow, hard-hitting, thumping track 'Mental Twin'. We have 12 tracks of pure brilliance and I cannot see any other CD being as fulfilling as 'Morning Star' this year. This CD goes alongside my top ten thrash CD' list of all time alongside the likes of Metallica's 'Master of Puppets'; Slayer's 'Reign in Blood'; SOD's 'Speak English or Die' and Kreator's 'Pleasure to Kill' 37.02 minutes of love making of the ear drums. 10/10 By Tony Watson |
| EPOCH
OF UNLIGHT - CAUGHT IN THE UNLIGHT
Similar in style to Coronach (who appear in the C section of CD Reviews) but taking things further up the ladder, fellow Statesmen Epoch Of Unlight clutch you by the throat and slit it harder and quicker. The vocals commence sooner into the opening track this time round the ride - practically identical that the two bands' vocalists (and zillions like 'em) may sound. Interestingly, this album is a lot faster with no epic length tracks and the whole damn thing spins through shreds its way through in 35 minutes, barely longer than the Coronach disc did. What they lose in length however, they make up for in melody. You could compose your own little songs to sing along with some of the licks licking away at you here, perhaps barring the 200mph moments. The album is composed almost in its entirety by drummer Tino LoSicco which probably accounts for the complex percussion histrionics which you thought only Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy had a licence for doing. Vocalist/guitarist Jason Smith only appears once in the songwriting credits that is a pity as with this bloke's talent in evidence, he deserves more say in the compositions department. This is purely heavy metal for those who enjoy headbanging for hours on end with hand extended in devil sign throughout - which I can still get away with every now and then. 8/10 By
Dave Attrill |
