T
September |
| Teaser
- No Big Deal (E.P) A healthy EP of hard hitting
AOR from a band who come from Sweden. It's a 3 tracker and expect to
hear all the songs within on a forthcoming soundtrack for an Independent
Hollywood film called 'Back Both Ways'.
7/10 |
| Terasbetoni
- Myrskyntuoja Now why didn't they teach
us Finnish at school, instead of French as it would have been put to
good use here. I therefore feel rather incompetent and ignorant reviewing
this here album as I don't undersatand one word of it but the heavy
metal offerings here are f*ck*n' spot on!
8/10 |
| The
Tex Mex Experience - TMX A new bit of something for
Metalliville - this being a healthy slap of Texas Southern Rock and
Cajun Quality listening. 8/10 |
|
The More I See - The
Unholy Feast
(Transcend Records - 2008) If your not aware guitarist Gizz Butt first appeared in a punk metal band The English Dogs back in the 80’s and also became the guitarist for The Prodigy until 2002 where The More I See was born. As Gizz came from a punk, thrash metal background, he has decided to go back to his root and spice up the metal world once more. The Unholy Feast is a fine example of talented musicians with the passion for music and live entertainment such as drummer Spike T. Smith of Sacrilege and the punk legends the Damned. ‘The more I See’ hit the decks with full on angry thrash metal like ‘Machine Head’, ‘Testament’, ‘Exodus’, ‘Dragon Force’ and a hint of ‘Corrosion of Conformity’ with exceptional guitar solos pounding drums and a bite that hurts for days. Such songs as ‘Decadence Within’, ‘Fear of Death’, ‘Blood line’ and ‘Veiled by Greed’ to name but a few explore the passion, blood and sweat that is spread throughout the CD. For all thrash fans, this is a must. 9/10 By Tony Watson |
July |
|
Trigger The Bloodshed
- Purgation
(Rising Records - 2008) When it comes to a genre of music as aurally abrasive and mind-manglingly vicious as grindcore, one is best to advise any young band venturing down said path that the only chance they've got of making it on Any level over the faceless millions garnering for the same dream, is that they should try and inject some new ideas into their crusty musical catharticism. This is clearly a method of thinking that no-one opted to tell rising quintet Trigger The Bloodshed, who's debut outing "Purgation", a bullet-fast, rottweiler nasty slab of by-the-book death/grind, that sits firmly between the clinical precision of Dying Fetus and the raw aggression of quality Napalm Death, yet seemingly point blank refuses to break away from said blueprint laid out by their musical forefathers decades ago. For a start, while the likes of "Inception" and "Mortuary Walls" wield the kind of caustic abrasion that you'd hope for, the bands grind assault quickly becomes tedious after about 3 songs. With tracks such as "Laceration" and "Hollow Lovers" at first boasting some interesting musical ideas, that later pitter out to reveal the band to truly offer nothing new, exciting or potentially dangerous; a term that many have associated with the key figures within the genre over the years. Said fact is later hammered home by the inclusion of BMTH-esque breakdowns, best highlighted on "Rebirth" and "Merciless Ignorance"; leaving the Bath-based grinders to appear as nothing more than another group of no-name micreants, rankable only amongst the thousands of other bands currently hoping on the trend. To their credit, album outro "A Perfect Casket" bears some unique Middle Eastern vocals and acoustic guitars before spewing forth the musical equvilant of blood-riddled vomit, but it's too little, too late and it simply cannot negate from the fact that TTBS have little to offer the baying masses. Fact is, if you're one of the many 16 year olds currently salavating over the throngs of skinny jean-wearing, fringe bearing mobs that are infesting the British music scene, then TTBS are right up your alley. If you yearn something more however, you'll quickly realise that the band are merely proverbial deadwood for the mounting pile of indentikit bands without a prayer of attaining any relevance or longevity, and with any luck will quickly f*ck off when the "scene" finally dies. 4/10 By Tom Brumpton |
May |
|
Twins Crew –
S/T (EP)
(S/R – 2008) Young Swedish Metalheads that sound like a mix of Iron Maiden, Blaze Bailey, Rage and a bit of Judas Priest as well. I’ve known the 2 twin brothers Dennis & David Janglovof the band a few years and knew they’d be damn good at their craft. This really sounds like a shop-released CD and they must have spent a good few euros putting this together as its so professional. 5 numbers of fast, hard, steel fury are to be enjoyed. Highlights include the Harrisesque ‘Beauty & The Beast’; opener ‘Davey Jones’ (don’t think it’s about that dude from ‘The Monkees though’ – lol) and the slower joyous ‘Different Kind Of Love’. Looking forward to seeing how the album turns out. 8/10 |
January
2008 |
|
Tarsha – Prophecies
(S/R – 2006) A guy who toured with Adlers Appetite as his frontman who now is out in his own right. Sheldon Tarsha fires out his own rockin’ and metal fury on a collection of killer action-packed songs that include opener ‘Dirty’; ‘My First Hit’; the Marilyn Manson like ‘Skeletons’ and ‘Cynical Christ’ that hints at Nine Inch Nails as well. Then there’s the deep ‘n’ nasty ‘Buried on the Inside’ (the double M vibe again) and the quiet closer ‘Generation-H (2012) that is very much an undiscovered album – think U2 and Simple Minds gone metal – damn f*ck*n’ good. Overall an effective album but for good or bad is very Brian Warneresque a lot of the time. 7/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
|
Temple of Brutality
- Lethal Agenda
(Demolition Records – 2007) Heavy as sh*t, brutal as f*ck in-your-face Metal band – think up-to-date Pantera with elements of sorts of bands that spit blood and play real hard and sit nicely with artists like Chimaira, Entombed and Machine Head – luvvery, juvverly – just what your granny ordered – ha ha – oooh, reminds me of the good old days – yeah right – more likely to give her a cardiac arrest. Temple Of Brutality feature two well known names in the world of Metal and I’m talking Stet Howland on Drums (ex-WASP) & Dave Ellefson on Bass (ex-Megadeth) alongside Todd Barnes (Vocals) & Peter Sceithauer (Guitars). Blastin’ at ya highlights include like title track ‘Lethal Agenda’; ‘Isabel’; ‘Art Of War’; ‘Already Dead’; ‘Hammer’ & ‘Hate Machine’. Hey you even get the promo video for Lethal Agenda’ on here as well – talk about a good deal for the money. Pulverise your PA system and hack up ya Hi-Fi Speakers with this loud b*st*rd of an album. 8/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
November |
TANKARD - Best Case Scenario (AFM - 2007) Like five seconds after their last disc came through my letterbox, Tankard have something else for me to spin and speak about after. The German thrash legends are celebrating a rather important anniversary - 25 years – in the business so any old excuse to re-record their favourites to 2007 standards will do. Not to cause any panic to those who suspect this means mutilating them into blasphemous lumps of nu-metal dung, the beer-obsessed veteran foursome are just, as the press message on the back of the sleeve tells us, taking advantage in the boosts in technology to produce better sounding versions of established classics without shedding any elements to their true metal sound. The solos still are all there as are the growling eighties vocals that par them up with Blighty titans of the age as such as Tysondog and Venom and in true fashion of a fair few acts of that day, sport a single guitar line-up. Thrash back then of course meant their tunes did have hooks and conveniently Tankard, true beneficiaries of such a format all along, happened to be one of Metallica’s favourite youth-hood acts. ‘Beauty And The Beer’ impressed me as it did a fair few other Europeans but for those who missed out on their chance of catching their original catalogue before HMV all but turned their backs on such bands, this is a chance for new converts to get their own backs. For existing fans, depending on how obsessive you are, this should be of inevitable appeal even if you prefer the oldies to be left as they were. By Dave Attrill |
FRANK TURNER - S/T (EP) Oh look, another solo artist touches down on Planet rock n’ roll soils - let’s see what Mr Turner has as cargo. Something that isn’t original but at the same time is, Turner’s produce is largely acoustic indie-blues hybrid with his clearer than crystal voice riding along in an almost too English-sounding way but it pays immensely as you can hear every syllable this bloke utters without a repeat skip. I still pressed said button though afterwards.... to hear this promising young fellow’s talents again. Catchy stuff. 7.5/10
By Dave Attrill |
|
Two Of A Kind –
S/T
(Frontiers Records – 2007) Striking Melodic Hard Rock band that are female fronted who come across like Lita Ford meets Vixen and Heart etc – you get the idea I guess. It ain’t geek stuff one bit and by the sounds of it they’ve really gone to town with the aggressive hitting riffs that work perfect with the dual fronted vocals of Esther Brouns and Anita Craemehr. Highlights include the opening rocker ‘Light In The Dark’; ‘The Longest Night’; the ballads ‘Heaven Can Wait’ and ‘Unbearable’; the positive, uplifiting ‘Whole Again’; ‘To The Top’ and or the sad but brilliant ballad ‘I Die A Little More Everyday’. There should be more bands like this in the forefront of the mainstream music radio as this is much more preferable. Every song is exceptional. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan |
July |
|
Tesla - Real to
Reel
(Tesla Electric Recordings Inc/Rykodisc - 2007) Paying homages & tributes to some of the heros that influenced them - a bit like what Def Leppard and more recently Poison have just done. Some may argue it's jumping on the covering band's bandwagon - but what the hell - if it works as well as this does - the more the merrier. What makes this interesting is that the choices aren't the usual jukebox faves - take 'Hand me down world' (The Guess Who); 'Day of the Eagle' (Robin Trower) or 'Stealin' & 'Walk Away'( now who originally did these numbers?); or as good examples as well as more familiar numbers like Deep Purples 'Space Truckin'; Led Zeppelin's 'Thank You'; The Rolling Stones 'Honky Tonk Women' or UFO's 'Rock Bottom'. Excellent renditions too - very close to the originals a well - no doubt that was the idea. Hey, better still it's all been recorded analogue - it's as though you are playing a vinyl album (it's miles warmer than digital). Tell ya what - I wish many other artists did this - it is really far more real from the reel. 10/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
|
THRESHOLD - Dead
Reckoning
(Nuclear Blast - 2007) Having been unable to enlist the services of Metalliville’s occasional Prog scribe Steve this time round turns out have done me one big favour as I would have otherwise missed out on a treat by this legendary British act. Not having got hold of any further material since their live CD ‘Critical Energy’, over three years ago, I catch up with a now again only five-strong formation with poor old Karl Groom having to carry all the six-string burdens himself but carrying them off to immensely plausible panache as is the norm for these lads. The unusually thrashy opening number ‘Slipstream’ suffers a tarnish in the frankly unessecary bursts of death vocal, as ‘Mac’ McDermott’s pipes have more than the adequate amount of thrust to fire unaided, but is an otherwise acceptable cut despite setting a misleading tone for the rest of the album. And thus an hour of incredibly crafted melodic metal ensues, needless to say obviously and at the end of powerful harmony-echoed epics like ‘This Is Your Life’, ‘Elusive’, ‘Pilot In The Sky Of Dreams’, ‘Disappear’ and ‘Safe To Fly’ I don’t think they can get any better with each that follows only they effin’ well do. All nine numbers tell their own story with every instrument and its player having their part, even if it is down either to just ‘Mac’s LaBrie-tutored tones or Johann James’s powerhouse drum performances to push the wheels on the wagon. Seldom a stinker on their quarter and no sign of anything remotely close here, either, ‘Dead Reckoning’ is one of 2007’s watertight certs with the vital ingredients - yes, including hooks – are all fully stocked and used as if on an endless supply. Essential to all, followers or converts, without fail why this lot aren’t big enough to headline on the Arena circuit over here is for the unfairest of reasons. Kids, put those Slipknot cds away (preferably in the bin) and get a piece of these guys. 9.5/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE SITE www.thresh.net |
| April |
|
Therion – Gothic
Kabbalah
(Nuclear Blast – 2007) A Swedish band that is Orchestral material meets metal with both a male and female vocalist. A conceptual project that no doubt appears the need to be played a few times before you grasp the narrative about what the story is all bout. The quality of this will blow your mind and you may even realise you take a liking to operatic voices as I did on here. From ‘Mitternacht Lowe’ to Adulruna Redivivia’ this album is truly a magical masterpiece that many can only dream of putting together. 8/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
| January
2007 |
|
Type O Negative –
Dead Again
(SPV – 2007) Now let’s motor down into the deep dark ranks of Type O Negative on a new album that manages to throw in bits of all the aspects of their previous albums. There’s the heavy as sh*t thrashyness of ‘Slow, Deep & Hard’ & ‘The Making of Faeces’ on ‘Dead Again’ & ‘Tripping A Blind Man’ whereas much of the rest of the album echoes ‘Bloody Kisses’ & ‘October Rust’ & beyond. They are still into spreading the words of doom in ‘The Profits of Doom’ , wailing about fire in ‘She burned me down’ and if you listen out you still hear the mention of ‘Whore’ that appears to have spanned throughout much of the bands history – or is it just my ears playing tricks on me again. They even incorporate The Beatles ‘Hey Jude’ into ‘These Three Things’ and it fits perfect in a way only these New Yorkers know how. Nice to see they still grind out those Sabbathy like riffs as well – ‘Sweet Leaf’ anybody – yeah as long as it’s the green of T.O.N. Love the singalong in ‘An Ode to Locksmiths’ – ‘we ain’t going home, there’s nowhere to go’. I never thought they would release an album to match ‘Bloody Kisses’ but believe me, I think they many have done it here - this is an album that Peter, Josh, Kenny & Johnny can definitely be proud of releasing upon our mortal minds and souls. ‘Dead Again’ proves that Type O Negative are alive and well. If being dead sounds as good as this then I can’t wait. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan |
|
Tarot – Crows
Fly Back
(Nuclear Blast – 2007) Finnish Metalheads who throw in good-old, old school Metal with symphonic and at times industrial sounds and features Marco Hietala from Nightwish on Bass & Vocals – a band he actually formed with his brother Zachary in 1986, then called Purgatory, before getting signed and changing their name to Tarot and that’s the name they’ve used ever since when they’ve been a band out there working as they have had rather a few silent moments as the members have been busy elsewhere. This is a fine album with supreme musicianship and vocals to match with highlights including the ballad ‘Tides’; the dramatic title-track opener ‘Crows Fly Back’ the power-riffery of the fast-paced ‘Traitor’ and the closer ‘Grey. So this is what Mr. H does when he ain’t doin’ the day job. 8/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
2006 |
| THUNDER
- Robert Johnson’s Tombstone
(STC Recordings – 2006) Busier in the last four years than they’ve been in the last two decades, Brit Blues-Rock vets Thunder storm back with their eighth studio stonker - yes you read that right, it is one – and their third since reforming in late ’02. Another change of label finds them now on STC Recordings (nice meeting you) so this means their brand of traditional seventies laden hard rock swagger is becoming an acquired taste in the present day. Writing this review less than two weeks prior to seeing them take to the stage at Sheffield City Hall (again) I and many other steel city folk still have taste and effin good job too as ‘R.J.T.’ rocks big time. The luscious licks that Luke Morley and Ben Matthews churn out take on a sometimes heavier sound but still find time to arc back to the ‘Backstreet’/’Judgment Day’ period and the result is nearly a dozen more deliciously groovy tunes that will satisfy all Thunder-ites new and old. I am hoping we hear ‘Dirty Dream’, ‘The Devil Made Me Do It’, ‘Andy Warhol Said’ and the title cut at the forthcoming show but that’s simply a case of picking any old four from these eleven. Very few weak moments if any at all, ‘R.J.T’ is a proud component to the Croydon boys’ library. Keep ‘em coming, lads. 9/10 By
Dave Attrill |
|
ANDY TIMMONS BAND -
Resolution
(Favoured Nations Entertainment - 2006) A sticker on the front of this cover reads - ‘long awaited release from one of rocks most respected guitarists. Understatements, both. Andy Timmons seems to have either disappeared into exile since his departure from Danger Danger (that is a bit harsh actually, he did guest on their later albums) or has just sat around waiting for the musical climate to shine down on his side of the musical world once again. Whether it has or not, he has given up waiting and got on with his work, or should I say ‘works’, the result being a superb collection of instrumental ditties that owes quite a bit to Steve Vai and also Storm/Two Fires shredder Josh Ramos to name just two of many audible influences. Drummer Mitch Marine and Ted Poley look-alike bassist Mike Daane (no, seriously he does) are new names to me although I’m under the assumption they’re highly sought after session players to earn a spot with a wizard like Andy. His style has moved along a bit since his days with the double-D guys but there is still no mistaking a true Timmons lick when you listen for one, they do come up more than a couple of times during the album. An acquired taste as always being vocal-less, it kept me absorbed right throughout and it is nice to hear anything this chap puts his name to, especially after such a long time out of profile. I don’t think you should come to too much danger either, listening to this one. 8/10 By
Dave Attrill |
|
TARA’S SECRET
- Tomorrow The World
(Blackcat Music - 2006) Midlands melodic rock favourites Tara’s Secret have picked up a purely appreciative reception since they came to the public notice a couple of years or so ago, even if it still hasn’t landed them a single Gods or Firefest slot to date. I was blown away by their material when I first sampled it at a show in Rotherham last year and it was an ideal theatrical trailer to what was coming soon with this new album. Opener ‘Drive Me Home’, the number I remember best from that set is a powerful Van Halen-y rocker, complete with the keyboards too and sets the pace for the rest of the disc. Johnny Trowbridge’s range itself is distinctly unique even though it does sound like a hybrid of several other major mouths - I’ll leave you to find out which - and fits any style these lads switch to although they keep within their AOR confines all along. Strong numbers like ‘I Believe’, ‘Summer Days’, ‘Storm Inside’, ‘Love Shy’, ‘In Movies’ and ‘Sheperd’s Warning’ are guaranteed the same level of cred, recorded, as they would merit, live not one without a hook and a very measly few even nearly flat moments through all twelve cuts. Classic guitar lines from messrs Beardsley and Chapman, and hard driving harmonies all the way, it soon becomes crystal how these lads managed to land a deal. Tara’s are easily the best kept Secret in hard rock even if they have all but been given away by now. If like me, you’ve listened to this stunning album, don’t keep it to yourself. 9.5/10 By Dave Attrill WEBSITE www.taras-secret.com |
|
TEN - The Twilight
Chronicles
(Frontiers - 2006) Probably Britain’s most indestructible AOR outfit today - two years and two members gone and Ten are back once more. The offenders by the way are bassist Steve McKenna and drummer Greg Morgan which means that messrs Hughes and Halliwell are the only two survivors of the line-up from a decade back. Opening an album with an epic will always sound a risqué move to many, though it’s done Iron Maiden little harm, and Ten have got away with it themselves with both the belting title cuts on ‘Name Of The Rose’ and ‘The Robe’. This time it’s actually two tracks that make up one, ‘The Prologue’ acting as a substantially lengthy intro to ‘Rome’ a classic Ten number which takes us right back to their early stuff and would go down just as well on a sci-fi movie soundtrack and from then on they falter infrequently for the remaining hour or so. ‘Elysian Fields’ and ‘Hallowed Ground’ are Ten spreading their wings and soaring high, propelled by the ever-powerful vocals of Gary Hughes while guitarists John Halliwell and Chris Francis give their usual flawless performance. ‘This Heart Goes On’ is not to be confused with that hideous Celine Dion tune of similar name but is still on of the album’s less monumental moments. ‘Oblivion, The Twilight Masquerade’, ‘Tourniquet’ and ‘Born to The Grave’ are Ten moving on and moving back in one move, countless elements of their first four albums collaged with the modern shades of their progression. ‘When This Night Is Done’ unfortunately finds them almost of steam, a just-above-average Ten number which isn’t at all bad but nothing incredible from a band who are otherwise nothing short of. Robust material in general, two or three less consistent moments rob them of just one point from the possible ten (….yeah, okay, ha, ha, ha) but Gary and the lads can add this, their eighth album to the wall with its seven mighty predecessors. With unfallable musicianship as always, Ten have delivered once again - first class. 9/10 By
Dave Attrill |
|
Toto – Bottom
of the Soul (Summer 2006 – Tour Edition)
(Frontiers Record – 2006) 4 track e.p from Toto that features new number – a thought-posing ballad that comes in radio edit form and album version, alongside a live tv medley of three of their hits – Africa, Rosanna & Bottom of your soul, plus a live version of ‘Gypsy train’ as well. Always a pleasure to hear those terrifically brilliant angelic voices. 8/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
|
Tribal Tongue –
One More Shot
(S/R – 2006) Tribal Tongue are an immensely talented quartet, based in Fort Myers Beach, Florida who mix Rock, Metal, Blues and incredible vocal harmonies together in a melting pot and create what because their own unique luscious blend of musical and vocal prowess - they are so unique that I can truly call the Tribal Tongue Sound. Comprised of 4 outstanding performers, each in his own right the ‘Tongue are comprised of Bryce Barnes on Bass/Vocals/B.V’s/Guitar (ex-Edwin Dare/Blackfoot); Jokomo Joe Monroe on Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar/Bass Guitar/BV’s (ex-Engine Joe, TT Strip); Tag Graves on Lead Guitar/Acoustic Guitar/Vocoder/BV’s (ex-Rod Stewart; Leon Russell; Eric Clapton…) and by no means leastly Gary “Crankshaft” Renshaw taking care of Drums/Percussion & BV’s (ex-Dave Hlubeck band~Molly Hatchet). Every song’s a winner baby (especially when you got lead vocalists that are as excellent as Joe and Bryce) because just about any one could be picked as a hit single so place your bets which would reach number 1 in the charts the quickest, possible time. Go from the opening driving ‘One More Shot’ (which the lads are giving it) with its striving harmonies and venomous lead breaks; the cookingly gorgeous up-tempo gospelness of ‘I Feel’ and ‘I Got Love’ ; the Southern poppy to propellin’ Rockness of ‘Can you hear me (when I call)’ or the genius of the ballad ‘Nothin’ Stays the Same’ - (cracking lead vocals Bryce) or the closing ‘I ain’t gonna tell you no more’ with Tag’s effective vocoder effects on the ‘No More’ section of the chorus. These guys have become one of my all time favourite bands and this CD blows me away every time I hear it and I seriously cannot praise these guys enough. To check out samples of the songs simply got to www.tribaltongue.com where you can also purchase the CD and find out more about the band. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| June |
|
TANKARD - Beauty
And The Beer
24 Years into their career, Germany’s Tankard know that like one
of their nations other proud exports, beer, the music shouldn’t
change. And so it hasn’t.
(AFM – 2006) The noisy foursome belt out another batch of old-school thrash toons
as you’d expect it to sound though very strong so for a one-guitar
outfit. The thing about this stuff is that while half of this album’s
riffs I’ve heard about a hundred (thousand times) before, these
guys are having fun celebrating the good ol’ days of metal - which
might be probably the main reason for all the songs about beer that
they sing but it makes for some comical hooks in the process, as well
as titles. Though if it’s all the same with you chaps, I’ll stick with a Coke, myself. 7.5/10 By Dave Attrill |
| May |
|
TORNADO - Rude
Demo (Self-Released)
About the only thing I find rude about this disc is that there is almost no English to be found anywhere on the sleeve, save for the band name and title. Listening to what this whacky Italian threesome have on show makes you forget about the flaw. On one song they’re thrash, another, hardcore, another, hard rock, and the other, something that sounds like funk and ska loosely rolled together. Even if you can’t translate a word of their native lingo, though there are a few times here and there where you’ve got a fair idea of what they’re on about, they are quite easy and fun to sing along to. I just hope Tornado understand enough English to read this review as they have quite successfully attempted to sweep me off my feet. 8/10 By
Dave Attrill |
|
Trepalium - Alchemik
Clockwork Of Disorder
(Holy Records – 2006) Having never heard this band before the Cd artwork interested me, Clocks…Blood smeared across piano keys…reminds me of something I’d seen before but can’t place. After reading the short description of the band by their record label, describing their sound as "The New School Of Death metal", I received with the cd I put said cd into my cd player, half expecting some second-rate Decapitated/Disgorge cloned Death metal to come pouring out at me, pleasantly I couldn’t have been more incorrect. After a short build up it’s straight into the first track “Decease My Life”, a superbly clear, classic-styled death metal riff greets me out of my speakers, unrestrained yet technical blasts, excellent guitar work, but wait, what? An organ/keyboard at 1:31 mins!? I must admit to being a little thrown by it, but for the right reason. As it, in a very peculiar sort of way, works with the way the track progresses. For an even clearer example of the keyboard usage listen to the groove laden “Sick Boogie Murder” (saxophones? scat-vocals? Is this serious?) or dis-chorded “Psycho Theme” (Clockwork Orange anyone?). Tracks that stood out on this release for me was the title track “Alchemik Clockwork Of Disorder”, for it’s totally crushing riffs remniscent of Morbid Angel’s “Domination” release. “One Breath Of Peace”, for it’s interesting Metallica/Macarbe acoustic sound & “Perversion Of Reality” for it’s good old back to basics headbang-fodder riffs & excellent solid blasts. (Reminded me of “Affiliated With The Suffereing” era Blood Red Throne, an excellent track, my favorite of the whole album.) The whole album consists of solid technical French death metal, not by any means stomach wrenchingly brutal & intensely crushing but enough interesting instrument work to keep even the most elitist of death metal fans interested as to what could possibly come next. Accompanied by solid complex drumming, rumbling bass prone to odd but never-the-less entertaining jazz styled breakdowns, flawless vocals & unexpected, almost lounge-music influenced keyboards that work surprisingly well with the rest of the arrangement. After listening to this release I think it’s safe to say I’ve not come across anything as innovative as this in my years of listening to Extreme Metal. 7.5/10 By T. Xjort |
| March 2006 |
|
TEN FOOT DOLLS - The
Demos
(S/R) Er, chaps, this doesn’t happen to be a demo by any chance does it. Less of the ‘chaps’ actually, this girl-fronted quartet from Sheffield blew me away when I recently saw them for the first time at a gig at city centre bar West Street Live and was honoured to have received the last copy of this complimentary taster. Tasty being how I would describe it (no, I’m not doing any more jokes about that cornflakes ad). The thought of a female voice –led Motley Crue/Dokken hybrid is one worth having but much more fun when it becomes a reality as TFD have obviously grasped. All four tunes possess gritty Sunset strip suss packed in with that traditional metal guitar edge and lest we forget to mention strong hook-lines. Unfortunately, shocking production of the vocal tracks mean I had to listen with the volume up at unsociable levels – and for a band who actually spent their first session together as a full unit, in a studio, that’s even more surprising. Given this foul up was a one-off, I’m hoping these belters will be burned again for a proper release later this year as this band’s material deserves a break. In the meantime, catch them at the dates below and find out for yourself what you’re missing. 9/10 (for the music and songwriting) APRIL 14 - Civic Center, Mexborough - supporting Robin Black Visit - www.tenfootdolls.co.uk
for more info. |
| TESTAMENT
- Live In London TRACKS The
Preacher, The New Order, The Haunting, Electric Crown, Sins Of Omission,
Souls Of Black, Into The Pit, Trial by Fire, Practice What You Preach,
Let Go Of My World, The Legacy, Over The Wall, Raging Waters, Disciples
Of The watch. Having the original line-up could only mean one thing – classic Testament throughout their set and this show recorded in our beloved capital hardly deviates. Everyone’s there to hear stuff from their very early albums and so they roll it out, material from all of their first five long-players dominating the evening. Quite obviously, ‘The New Order’ makes the largest contribution with no less than five numbers from that legendary 1988 disc and beginning and ending the show with said material indicates the Testament of today’s performance is no less brutal than that of them seventeen years or so before. Chuck’s throat is totally unhindered by his recent problems, screaming insides… inside out at the room of metal-mad Londonians, note for note in relation to the originals. Skolnick takes his old job back with both hands, ripping and reeling with every lick and you can tell just by listening to this bloke alone that this is one rather special night for the San Franciscans. Chuck sounds like he’s got a lump in his throat as he introduces his erstwhile colleagues on for what is actually their first appearance in London with this line up for 13 years. It could be more so, half way through the set when drummer Joey Tempesta gives up his stool to illustrious predecessor Louie Clement, completing the original line up, including remaining old timer Eric Peterson, of course and the crowd proceed to make more noise than the band themselves. Whether this reformation for the original five is a permanent thing or it’s back to being Billy, Peterson and various other hands again, I am at time of writing uninformed but for once we finally have a full length show with Skolnick in the ranks, the only other offerings from such times being the ‘Eindhoven ‘87’ and ‘Return To The Apocalyptic City’ EPS. Let’s hope there’s a full UK tour on the way before Alex parts company again. A thoroughly brutal and blinding collection for even the most casual Testament-ite on the planet, these lads don’t need telling about maintaining their standards. Essential. 10/10 By Dave Attrill |
|
THEATER OF TRAGEDY
– Storm
(AFM Records - 2006) Well of course there’s tragedy associated with somewhere within, goth metal isn’t supposed to be happy is it. TOT’s style is very-untragic, the woman-vs-man vocals, mostly accounted for by the fairer sex being the selling point of this album single handedly. Nell is quite a recent addition to the band from what I’ve read but her set of pipes slaughter most male contemporaries without flinching and so leave poor old Raymond Rohonyi, the Norweigan sextet’s other mike-ster for dead. With a sound that’s almost AOR on occasions, T.O.T.’s sweet sorcerer-ous tones put them quite often in a league close to that of another band called ‘Theater’ I might mention - and should put this disc in every record store with taste across the planet. Powerful and absorbing stuff from another fine Scandinavian export. 9/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE |
|
TWILIGHT - Born
Undivine
The Rain In Spain is raining metal more and more these days, and Twilight
come with thunder and lightning for good measure. Yes, they sound fairly
indifferent to about fifty percent of the other (top) bands of the genre
in question - that being melodic power metal of course- but their produce
is strong enough to be noticed. Doing it by the book they do throw an epic or two in but all in the sake of substance and never sake. Formula doesn’t always ruin things and it certainly has not done Twilight any damage - they have made sure to use such criteria with care and the results can be heard right here. 8.5/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED
IF YOU LIKE |
|
TARA’S SECRET
- Venice Of The North (1-track promo sampler)
(S/R -2005) I was a trifle miffed to end up having to miss this lot when they played at the CRB. So when I grabbed this little taster at the recent Firefest event in Bradford, I was pretty chuffed to finally get an earful of what Tara’s Secret are all about. Put it this way, if you like UFO, you are going to like this lot… a lot. Though kicking off in a very contemporary style akin to Dutch hotties Mennen, it’s not long before they are rocking in a purely British ‘75-‘85 manner and the Mogg-like range of the singer throughout makes for the main enjoyment along, though that hook soon caught on too. I’m looking forward to making it to one of their shows in the near future (Herringthorpe centre, Rotherham, May 14th) plus hearing that debut album of theirs as I’m sure this is not the only decent tune they have to offer by a long way. 8.5/10 By
Dave Attrill |
| TAT
- S/T (3-track live EP)
(EX Records – 2004) Having my first sample of a band’s music by way of live recorded material can be a pain at the bulk of times, which you may have learned already, as it doesn’t always give one the chance to hear and appreciate the exact quality of their output. Plenty still carry it off though, girl-fronted quartet Tat giving a reasonable first impression with three attitude-soaked anthems of the many they evidently own. Unlike too many punk acts of yesteryear or of such style, they swing between more than one strumming style - and attention grabbing in even the smallest of ways isn’t always that bad a thing. If you wondered what Girlschool sounded like on Steroids, try this lot. 7/10 By
Dave Attrill |
|
Jennie Tebler –
Silverwing (single)
A Swedish artist who owes this release to the late Bathory man, ‘Quorthon’. A sweet catchy piece of Gothic Doom. Jennie has a beautiful voice as well. This was Quorthon’s last work so this fact makes it a very special release. ‘Silverwing across the night sky’. Long live the music and memory of ‘Quorthon’. 10/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
| TERRABYTE
- The Gloom Factory A rather old-school name, then it's for rather old school metal so that should help you guess what's coming. Offering a combination that takes in mostly Testament, Slayer and Sepultura riffery, I can't see Terrabyte failing to attract their share of the punters of all ages with some distinct smidgens of Machine Head and Pantera added to the score as well. I've obviously heard solos of this sort about a thousand times before but they are always welcome if the style suits them. The singer's quite unique voice helps in this area too, dividing its time between a classic early eighties metal snarl and something that sounds like a budding Blaze Bayley impersonator trying to carve himself out a career - well some people did actually like those two Maiden albums. 'Doom Gloom', 'Romper Stomper', 'Emotional Debris' and 'Insanity' are within the disc's stronger side and the bonus live defacings of various Christmas tunes, record on their tour last December make for extra entertainment - especially singing 'Little Drummer Boy' along to the riffs fro 'Am I Evil'….. Well, it's more fun than the collection of bland renditions Toto's Steve Lukather inflicted on us a year ago. 8/10 By Dave Attrill |
Teenage
Casket Company – Dial It Up
(Trashpit Records – 2005) The EP was brilliant, so does the album match up to it – seems to – bright and up their like Rob Lane’s hair – I couldn’t resist that one mate. UK Sleaze Kings – well one of ‘em anyway – TCC belt out pleasin’, fun lovin’ music with good cutz including ‘Bad Girl’ – now that’s a definite single. Right the way through it’s a cookin’ vibe right through to the closer ‘Ain’t nothin’ on me’. A right on party album for lovers of real rock n roll so open a few cans and get this one cranked up. Other highlights include the boppin’ ‘Another Part of me’ and the title track ‘Dial it up’ with its phone sound effects. Metalliville also receives a thank-you too for being of the many who’ve supported them in their first year – wahey. 8/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
Joe
Lynn Turner – The Usual Suspects
(Frontiers/Now and Then Records - 2005) Don’t seem 5 minutes since the JLT album came out but it’s great to see another from the dude with the surname Turner. There’s so much to get excited over here like the ballsy ‘Power of love’; the purple-esque ‘Jack Knife’ and ‘Unfinished Business’ or the delightful ballads too like ‘rest of my life’; ‘Live and love again and ‘All Alone’ for the girls to swoop around. Another good album from Joe. 8/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
|
209 - First Minute,
First Round
(Bohemian Records – 2004 I feel a bit uncomfortable about reviewing this album, having just given initial taster ‘Trigger’ a less-than-charitable rating. Despite worries however, 209’s guns are more heavily loaded than first thought, their rap-metal being a lot more weightier and riff-driven instead of just some bloke shouting along to guitars, about all that’s bad with the world. These Londoners still sound formulaic so you’d notice but are still notice-able in their own right with movements that should draw appeal from Metallica, Sepultura and Machine Head fans as well as those of their associated genre. In the end this is a good disc in most places and hopefully a slot or two with some of the Hardcore/metal scene’s top names comes their way because these guys deserve a chance on stage. I branded that aforementioned sampled track - one of the albums few less monumental parts - as being about exciting as a cricket tea but that said, those egg and cress sarnies they usually did actually weren’t bad. 7/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE |
| MIKE
TRAMP - Songs I Left On Both Sides
Not that any are particularly pants but the material I heard him perform at the Corporation last October was mostly superior to sixty-five percent of these cuts. Yes, a few hooks do hang out, as we expect from such a pivotal figure and the sweet guitar melodies are sprinkled about a little bit too, but this album on the whole sounds like little more than either a contractual grovel or just something to amuse people awaiting that next White Lion or Freak Of Nature album that will probably never come. Hence, at best, this is one for the Tramp-loving public only. Sorry, Mike. 5/10 By Dave Attrill |
| TRISTANIA
- Ashes Finally hearing a full album from Sweden's latest goth sensations Tristania allows me to put the record straight about what this lot do. The seven-strong troupe including three vocalists - one female - have a style destined to mislead if you take them on the merit of one track. The album continuously evolves through all seven songs, from Emperor-meets-C.O.F. black metal racket to a female fronted My Dying Bride, which should not fall short of too much appeal in the scene's faithful. One can find a fair bit to go at for Metallica, Testament or Anthrax fans as well, with some of that riffing in the first couple of numbers, so it becomes more of an all-round affair with that in account. A good example of rock's darker spectrum turning its subtle side nearer for all to touch. Recommended 8.5/10 By Dave Attrill |
| TEN
- Return To Evermore
(Intensity Records - 2004) Three years may have passed since the last studio offering from Ten but it can hardly be said that the Mancunian rockers have laid low in that stretch. Their tour with Asia and Gods slot in '02 and Gary Hughes' 'Once And Future King' masterpiece last year being the focal points along with John Halliwell's new Enzign project. Vinny Burns also, as you know parted company following 'Far Beyond The World' as have recently, their label of the last seven years, Now & Then. On a much more positive note, Vin's replacement Chris Francis makes a gargantuan impact on his debut recording with the band and fully maintains the class from 'Name Of The Rose', 'The Robe' and 'Spellbound' established by his predecessor. Equipped with huge hooks, stunning harmonies and Hughes's ever undenied vocal talent, Paul Hodson also helps sustain the constant Catley-isms all along. Still for the most part their usual best selves, Ten take time to explore the styles department, treating themselves to a bit of contemporary instrumental attire on a number or two. Don't worry though, no total alternative workouts to be heard - like they'd do such a thing. Back after an unusually long break for them, 'R.T.E', Ten's seventh album into their eight year-old career is an incredible work an the true product of a band bravely and defiantly striving in a scene still underrated by the trend-obsessed many today. Buy. 9.5/10 By Dave Attrill |
| George
Thorogood and the Destroyers - 30th Anniversary Tour: Live
(Eagle Rock - 2004) He's 'bad to the bone; and he 'drinks alone' but not tonight as George is live 'n' vibed with his Destroyers at Nottingham Concert Hall, UK so go 'Rocking your life away'. It's a good night for the blues with killer songs that you can choose. Be it 'The Fixer' or 'The Sky is Crying', he's a 'Greedy Man' round 'Night Time' who wants a 'Sweet Little Lady' out on the dance floor - especially if she's single or divorced. 'That's it I quit', just get out your house and buy it. Then, go get yourself 'One Bourbon, One Scotch (and) One Beer'. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| Thunder
- I love you more than Rock 'n' Roll (Single)
(STC Recordings - 2004) This is like Thunders answer to 'Honky Tonk Woman' with its main riff which explodes into classic brass before you go back to that cool riffage again that's complete with cowbell. It's got in the Top 30 of the UK and let's hope it goes further. She must be one hell of a woman if she's loved more than rock 'n' roll. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| Thunderclap
Newman - Something in the Air
(Hathor Creative Industries -2004) The old late 60's banged out again with fresh orchestration and overwhelming production. Seems weird hearing a different vocalist but since Speedy Keene regularly plays the great gig in the sky, this replacement is adequate enough - if not a bit deeper as well. I reckon Speedy would approve this song though. The other two tracks are good time ditties about letting the sunshine in your life and getting life good. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| TRONN - Alienofilia (S/R - Demo) I like the sleeve print. I like the title.. I quite like the name too... I can't say I like the content though. Cheese-ridden industrial codge that's good for a laugh but little else with almost nothing that can be merely classed as a tune of any sort audible. Whilst material created by the likes of Strapping Young Lad, Frontline Assembly et al more often than not veers into the indecipherable waters, Devin keeps even his noisiest numbers vaguely notable. It's not that these tracks can't be told apart, as they do in truth have their own components, just they seem as if they were assembled with a Pritt Stick - obviously in other words just leaving a mess with bits all over the place. Possibly a demo as there's no mention of a label here (I wonder why), this half-hour of noises, terrible, tedious and at points about tolerable was quite likely recorded for a laugh, one or two cuts vaguely bordering on the comical. However, if you're vying for any prosperity on the professional music market , I'd strongly recommend you try doing something else next time out, lads. 2.5/10 By Dave Attrill |
| Twisted
Sister - Still Hungry A re-recording of 'Stay Hungry'
with bonus tracks. It's been 20 years since the original came out and
they were never happy with the original; mix - it's therefore been re-recorded
by the band and produced by Mark Mendoza. No detriment to the initial
album but this is brighter and a lot clearer - where everything is fully
audible in the mix. 9/10 |
| 209
- Trigger
(Bohemian Records - 2004) 'Promising new band' is not expression difficult not to tire of these days and thank bl**din' god we've been spared it here as the only thing this lot promise is probably to disappear without trace. Their brand of rap-oriented metalcore is nothing offensive just totally bereft of direction and whilst I often have little twinge of excitement at the though of trying another new act out, this lot are about exciting as a cricket tea. Having three versions of the same track does even less favours and whilst strict fans of the scene might probably chase this one, others are advised to stick with the best instead. 3.5/10 By Dave Attrill |
| Taz
Taylor - Caffiene Racer
(No Hair records - 2004) As bald as a coot guitarist who looks and sounds like a cross of Satriani and Vai - but to leave the review there would be rather lazy of me. Taz, from Sandiago, CA, USA like many others has the fret chops and interesting time-changes to his music - a fete that some other artists fail to live up to. A dozen ditties appear here - it's melodic, nice, slow in places but rocks enough to keep you entertained. Cool cuts include 'Pot of Gold'; 'Sting in the tail'; 'Through the turns'; the intriguing 'On the Edge' and 'Eye of the Flyer' but best of all is the gorgeous 'George's Song' that closes the cd, in fact the whole album is dedicated to him - this being 'George Taylor', Taz's late dad. Wonder if Taz will become the main guitarist of a big name band in the future. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| THE
MORE I SEE - The Wolves Are Hungry
(SPV - 2004) Talk about 'coming out from under the carpet', but The More I See are one band who sure know how to turn up, incognito. I mean for starters, since when has Peterborough been earmarked as an originating ground for metal bands? Secondly, a label who more commonly deal with metal's classically renowned genres houses this outfit. Then their title so far indicates to most a set of ideas drawn from anything up to about 1989. However, a look at the band's photo on the sleeve dissuades one from jumping to the expected conclusion, their sound even more so but the aforementioned styles are by no mean totally absent. Initially one thinks Machine Head circa-third album with some strained Anselmo grunts from frontman Chad and a noticeable reminiscence in one or two numbers to certain bands whose names begin with the words Boy Hits. Beyond this though, a large part of the remaining education is taught in metal's old school and quite a few headbanging thirtysomethings might like to switch on to this before making any rash decisions. Accompanying the versatile guitar work, we get quite a few tasty little bits of piano as bonus alongside quite an interesting selection of other ideas in this impressive band's material. Call them what sort of thing you choose to but file under F***ing Big Stuff anyway as they are one of the most fresh and interesting combinations of influences used of late. Never mind the wolves mate, I'm bl**din' starving. 8/10 By Dave Attrill |
| THERAPY
- Never Apologise, Never Explain
(Spitfire - 2004) Ireland's greatest export since U2 and Thin… you know who - Therapy can't complain about the ride they've had over their 12-year stint. Several albums and tours sown the road from the day 'Teethgrinder' hit the street, Cairns and co, if not too much trace of their original trademark hooligan rock that saw them at their peak in the mid 90s. In 2004AD we catch up with them trying something sounding akin to Metallica-meets-Drowning Pool-meets themselves, circa '94. With guitarist/cellist Martin McCarrick gone, the band are back to basics but no change in attitude and they savage from the start, with very few of these thirteen tunes losing teeth. The album does have its poppier parts and moves in different directions in its 40 minutes but Therapy don't care what you think, only what they write.. and what you think about that too. A brutal continuation of their career for this still revered Irish act. 8/10 By Dave Attrill |
| Travers
and Appice - It takes a lot of balls
(SPV -2004) That'll be Pat Travers and
Carmine Appice to y'all. Legends in their own right rocking it up on
one album together. It's the good ole 70's again with the material here
- groovin' and blastin' on some cookin' blues - pure mojo material right
from the opening 'Better from a distance' (which is like AC/DC meets
Humble Pie) to PT Slide - it's musical sex right the way through. The
guys took a bit of LA influence on If you want a killer Southern-like ballad then 'Hey You' is perfect and no it's not the Quireboys song either - it's an anthemic love song - a real beauty and it's worth getting the album for that song alone. Another corker of a ballad of a similar nature is 'Can't escape the fire'. They've even tried out a bit of reggae in 'I can't let it go' then there's the filler 'Rock me' or the wailing, bluesy 'Never saw it coming'. Looking forward to another release from this pair or maybe a tour. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| TREPALIUM
- Through the Absurd
(Holy Records - 2004) Avoiding any confusion with Gallic alterna-metal mob Treponem Pal, Trepalium are a much less experimental force. Cutting a long story short, it's frankly speaking, straight ahead death metal that fails to distinguish them amongst umpteen thousand other acts making such unholy noise like this. I finally got roped in on a repeat play when the at times melodic guitar managed to sink into the mind, not without trace. In most cases it's another been-there-done-it affair but some progressive moments towards the end, whether intended or not, alleviated the course of the vehicle. Nothing to earn the genre further disrepute in the diversity..or lack of. stakes, but neither is it something too capable of helping them in the other direction either. For strict fans of formula, mostly. 6.5/10 By Dave Attrill |
| August |
| Teenage
Casket Crew - S/T (Sampler CD) Glam band that hail from Derbyshire, UK of all places that feature the bAassist of Dip and vocalist of China Doll. It's a three tracker recorded
at Sigma Studios in Burton - nice sounds as well. You get a modern style
with opener 'Down on luck' whereas 'Bad Girl' has an 80's vibe and electricity
to it - think Hanoi Rocks with a brutal 90's feel. Last but by no means
least is 'Another part of me' (TCC save the best number to the end)
- a feisty little rocker that blends in the vibe of Pretty Boy Floyd
with a thumpy Levellers riff -it's fresh and fulfilling. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| Thunderbolt
- Demons and Diamonds
(Massacre Records - 2004) Grand old metal a la Iron Maiden complete with similar soundin' 'n' styled vocals. Norway is where they come from (the home of Black Metal), a part called Oslo to be exact and this happens to be their debut. Strikin' solo's plus plenty of cymbals and tom-tom crashing is a plenty. Loadza highlights throughout with notable ones being the epic 'Enforcer'; the orchestral 'Palantir' and 'Haunted by Shadows'. For lovers of Iron Maiden everywhere - OK, it ain't very original but what the hell - it's good old fashioned metal. 6.5/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| 12
STONES - Far Away (1 track promo)
(Wind Up - 2004) Listening to this back to back with the Alter Bridge sampler I was wondering briefly if I'd just put the same disc back by accident, not to mention this is on the same label as 12 STONES or should I say two, better with having an even stronger hook and also bothering to include a GUITAR SOLO in the tune, and a bloody good one too. The whole number has an overall vibe that could attract followers of one or two other particular rock genres I might mention. A blinding tune, capped by same soulful vocals I've just heard on that other lot's offering, I'm hoping this single gets some well-deserved chart action. The single 'Far Away' is released on Tuesday 10th August. 9/10 By Dave Attrill |
| March |
| Joe
Lynn Turner - JLT
(Shrapnel Records - 2003) Ok, it's already been said elsewhere that this album is similar in style and stands as a mirror to the other half of the Hughes-Turner Project, this being Glenn Hughes' 'Songs in the key of Rock' which ain't no bad thing as that was a top-notch album. 'JLT' as you can probably gather whacks together a good pile of rock 'n' blues at it's crème de la crème standard with cuts like 'Dirty Deal'; 'Let's Go'; 'Cryin' out loud' being perfect examples'. Joe has even gone all Deep Purpley on us with the racing 'In Cold Blood' and 'Hit the Switch'. The main stand-out on the album has got to be 'Love don't live here' a fantastic ballad that illustrates heartache and the realism of loneliness. A supreme album from one of the world's most renown rock vocalists. Well I'm surrendering to the incredible rising force of Joe Lynn Turner and when he has a powerful, passionate voice like this, you should too. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| February |
| THRESHOLD
- Critical Energy
(Inside Out/SPV - 2003) Threshold have ridden a tall horse in the prog metal scene for the last decade so. For Britain's answer to Dream Theater, a live album is as expected a test of the titans. Ploughing majestically through an immense two hour set drawn from their entire era, they are on about their fifth different singer now and although with only a couple or so original soldiers still in the battalion, the super-powered sextet still can make any number from their past or present sound as good as the day it emerged. Stunning vocals and handling of instruments goes sans quibbles that You notice that Threshhold have more of a straightforward approach to their form of music, opting more often for the verse-chorus-verse criteria, from which bands today like Magnitude Nine and Balance Of Power take cue. However they do it though, their virtuosity is evident in every one of the eighteen numbers played on this night's show and the volume of applause on completion of each single piece says it all - putting the time that they do into making music pays any day no matter how many days it takes. Threshold still hopefully have plenty ahead. 10/10 By Dave Attrill |
| TRANSATLANTIC
- Live In Europe
(SPV/Inside Out - 2003) With the release of the Transatlantic live album comes the breaking of a new record I think; the longest live performance with the fewest number of tracks. At over two hours and only six tracks on the album, it's all the epics off their first two albums. And as you'd expect from the collaboration of four members of some of the finest prog bands the performance is spot on. This album is full of great stuff. 9/10 By Steve Windle |
| Jan.
2004 |
| TENEBRE
- Electric Hellfire Kiss
(Regain) Stuck (and not happily) between Moonspell, Sentenced and The Kovenant, Tenebre blow it on a few fronts. Lyrically, this is quite laughable, although one senses a it of tongue in Cheek to the band's approach, calling themselves an International Magik Group right on the album cover. New singer Victor Fradera (the band has three full-length's before his arrival), does a weird gruff and an occasional goth, a somewhat interesting mix. But his schizophrenia is a good metaphor for the album, the listener jostled from hard gothic new wave to metal and back again (and late in the album for 'At The Mountain', excellent doom). Weird, but I get a pretty cool Monster Magnet vibe by the end of this often tiring trip, even if I wish the band would stick to the rocking out Sentenced thing and stop all the red wining. 6/10 By Martin Popoff |
| THREE
DAYS GRACE - I Hate Everything about You
(MFN - 2003) Three Days Grace, Two songs average, One fairly impressive, and you have this single's review more or less wound up in nine words. Far form being the most dull, predictable record on the planet, US grunge youngsters Three Days Grace's produce still leaves less to excite the more adventurous listener. The best song is not the title track but 'Burn' whilst 'Are You Ready' just bubbles under, together with 'I Hate.' Whilst there are some barely distinguishable hooks intact, the whole thing does little much more than the average days work in the department. Why this excellent label with previous signees including Freak Of Nature, Warrior Soul and Magnum wants to support this sort of stuff is anyone's guess but someone has to, so good luck to 'em. 6/10 By Dave Attrill |
| THUNDERSTONE
- The Burning
(Nuclear Blast) Two records deep into the jostled middle of the power metal holding pen, Thunderstone have expanded to fill their personalities, especially singer Pasi, who, despite being hankered by an accent, sounds like a rock lion with something to say and a sonorous, bluesy voice with which to say it. The keyboards are still gay (yet thankfully, only occasional), but the songs are sturdy and Stratovarian, not to mention the riffs, guitarist Nino Laurenne getting vicious on fast-trackers like 'Side By Side' and barroom rocking for the straight verse churn of 'Drawn To The Flame'. But the real gem is the mournful Royal Hunt-like AOR of 'Mirror Never Lies', on which Pasi gets to power his way over a sly, tasteful arrangement (check out the swirling twin and single axe soloing at the 1:56 mark) toward a great pre-chorus and chorus. I feel an obsessive flood of replaying coming on. 8/10 by Martin Popoff |
| TIAMAT
- Prey
They have stolen the pride of the Swedish metal scene for over a decade now and with their eighth long player, Tiamat continue to own their rights to such distinction as I speak. I've not caught that much of their material since 94's debut 'Wildhoney' but the few little bits n' bobs from their intervening six disc did help me find my way back onto the path and the present day Tiamat sound. Which isn't far removed from the old one, I'll have you know, as this one quite evidently summarisers their works of the last nine years in the space of fifty-five minutes. Moving, absorbing and totally spirit lifting, you can feel yourself being drawn into their world by their brand of ribbon-smooth goth metal and it's not hard to learn how they earned their followers right from the day they set off. One of the genre's finest acts by far. 8/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: My Dying Bride, Anathema or Paradise Lost when they sounded different. |
| Toto
- Live in Amsterdam
It came rushing to the floor like the house that crushed the witch in the 'Wizard of OZ' - Ok, that's the sillyness out of the way - this is a live effort from one the finest rock bands who began lifein the late 70's and are famed for their with pristine vocal outputs. Their line-up now comprises of the ever-present Steve Lukather (Guitar/Vocals), Mike Porcaro (Bass), Bobby Kimball (Vocals), David Paich (Keyboards) and super-session/live-hire, Simon Phillips (Drums) - plus additional band members Tony Spinner (Vocals/Guitar) and John Jessel (Vocals/Keyboards). The vocal heights are there and the musicianship is strict, tight and the ultimate in technical ability. The people present for this performance are spoilt with renditions of The Beatle's 'While my guitar gently weeps' that's dedicated to Brother Jeff (Porcara) and Brother George (Harrison), the Toto greatest hits live staples 'Africa'; 'Rosanna' and 'Hold the line' as well as lesser well-known numbers like the poundin' 'Goodbye Elenore'; 'Girl Goodbye' and the jazzy 'Georgy Porgy' that's couple with 'Lion' and part of a medley that also includes 'Waiting for your love' and 'Hydra'. A warm exquisite performance in front of a well-receiving crowd even though some of the vocals might not be as high as they once were - not that many can better them of course. 8.5/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| TRIPOD
- S/T
(Moonjune Records - 2003) On hearing this album, the question of why, musicians spoil good work by sticking in rubbish in at the side of it came to mind. Tripod is an acquired taste and I'm afraid it's not my taste. The problem I have with some of the tracks on this album is that for example, track 2, 'Trip The Light' has great vocals by Clint Bahr and interesting rhythm carried on Sax playing Keith Gurland and Steve Romano on percussion that really conveys them a very competent players. But is spoiled by messy contemporary rubbish that seems to be there for the sake of it. Sorry guys you can do a lot better. 4/10 by Steve Windle |
| 27
PILLS - S/T
I need that high a dose to
sit down to this lot - that name leaves me on the 'It's Over', 'Come To Me',
'Transfixed', 'Tunnel Vision' and 'What Got Away' are a few of the reasons
pressing one into further blastings through this remarkable CD Good start.
By Dave Attrill |
| Tyla
- Passion, Loyalty and Betrayal
After a recent tour with The Dogs D'Amour, Tyla returns from the dog kennel with another solo effort that makes a step into the direction of 'Lullabies for tough guys'. He's experimental somewhat with sound especially in the distortive 12-bar 'Girl on fire' but returns to the mellow acoustic balladeer mode with 'St. Valentines Day Marcana' before you get to thinkin' he's lost the plot and gone all heavy on us. There's a tribute to someone in 'Talkin' 'bout Keef' (well it's got to be Keith Richards hasn't it). It's very much your typical DIY offering from Tyla that we've grown accustomed to expect these days. It looks like Spain really has had an effect and rubbed off on him musically as well as he's come up with a percussive come electric instrumental he's appropriately named 'Bolero De Lepante'. Hardcore fans queue up for it - then again you probably already have done. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| TORMAN
MAXT - The Foolishness Of God
The downside to being in a band comprised entirely of members of your own family is that if musical differences eventually rear their ugly head, its not just the group in likely danger of breaking up. The three Messaro brothers will I hope cross that bridge nearer to coming to it, though I hope that time never comes, having just listened to this album. There are DIFFERENCES galore in MUSICAL style, and between this band's style and most others on mother earth today. Rarely in my years as a rock n' roll man have I come across anything remotely like this combination of seventies progressive technique, albeit almost totally devoid of keyboards and deep cut modern day rhythms and styles. Where these three lads sprung up from is anyone's guess but I hope they're here to stay as their streak of ingenuity would rub off a treat on future upstarts in the experimentalist rock trade. The best I can bring it down to right now is hints of David Bowie (Ziggy/Space Oddity era), Yes, Dream Theater and Queensryche and Metallica on mere occasions, but even that's not telling a full tale. You just need to listen to this one a few times to take it in but you should all find your favourite parts in it, somewhere. 9/10 By Dave Attrill |
| TYGERS
OF PAN TANG - Live In The Roar
Loved By Lars Ulrich, loathed by Kerrang, this/that/the other-ed by everyone else it has touched, the NWOBHM scene's role in hard rock music can never be under-graded. Geordie Prima Donnas Tygers of Pan Tang were there right at the beginning and are here again, now. Having reformed in '99, they cut a deal with the Z label which unfortunately survived only one album before they were thrown back into the cold murky streets once more - the under-rehearsed performance of then acquired singer Tony Liddel the rumoured cause. With a convincing sounding replacement in Richie Wicks, surviving early member Robb Weir (guitar), plus remaining current residents Dean Robertson (guitar), Brian West (bass) and Craig Ellis (drums), they rip and tear through an hour and quarter of classics, several newies from their forthcoming studio disc plus two well-received covers. The new material is easily pickable from the pack but sits there as welcome as new pupils in a classroom and the handling of all sixteen numbers is without debate. Just one thing, boys, who exactly are you playing to, here? Either a major mixing foul-up or they had one of the quietest audiences for a rock show possibly imaginable, my money I'm afraid is not on the latter - the crowd just audible when I turn the volume up. That out of the way, the Tygers are far from Pan-Tanged out yet as this offering will prove. 7/10 By Dave Attrill |
| July 2003 |
| TALISMAN
- Cats & Dogs
A further inclusion in the list of legends of melodic hard rock succumbing to the pleads for their return, Sweden's Talisman are the latest to be offered flowers, choccies and contract papers from the Now & Then men. One can't say that they've been lying asleep on their garden benches for the whole of their inactive duration, either. Well, most of them, haven't. Marcel Jacob has been well occupied with Great King Rat's brief come-back and the Humanimal project amongst things, whilst Jeff Scott Soto has been busy with Takara, Eyes, Human Clay, Humanimal also, and more recently his solo shenanigans including his worshipped Gods 2002 slot. Pontus Norgren who appeared in the band's last incarnation before their split has recorded a well-received solo album as well as his own involvement in GTR and .. wait for it… Humanimal, but he's missed the bus back this time. His predecessor Frederik Akesson caught it, though, and rejoining Jacob and Soto as does Drummer Jamie Borger, we'll see if they've learnt anything whilst away. I'll cut to the point and say yes they have. While this material resembles that of the latter days of their primal era, I won't just sit here and think of it as 'Humanimal Pt 3' because it is not. It is another album, but does pick up some of those pieces. Concentrating heavily on soul-driven melodies again, through the likes of 'Skin On Skin', 'In Make Believe', 'Sorry', 'Trapped' and 'Lost In The Wasteland', Soto cuts his own work out for him, which shouldn't require too big a pair of scissors for this chap, as at the same time, shrill guitar work from Akesson makes the words 'Yoo-hoo, I'm ba-ack' quite applicable on his quarter, too. 'Outta My Way' is a fast n' furious number of the sort heard on the first album but even faster than that - quite similar to Mr Big's 'Colorado Bulldog' in some respects and with Jacob's bass on particularly riveting form. A new direction is travelled in the vehicle of 'Wherever, Whenever, Whatever', the melodies coming across purely grunge-oriented but with mid-paced hard rock rhythms supporting the structure, opened up by an again superb, if familiar sounding lead-off from Marcel. 'M.O.M' is the bread winner of the bunch on today's occasion, a live essential that'll make the album worth the price alone to most fans. At the end of the line, 'Cats & Dogs' is in general a terrific album, with a few moments a squint less so, but against the more complimentary perspective they hold little contest. The comeback of the year with no question, this album explains why Talisman remain as important to the scene now as they did 13 years back. 8/10 By Dave Attrill |
| KEN
TAMPLIN - Wake The Nations
Here they are, eighteen brand new cuts from hard rock's Mr Nice, Ken Tamplin. It's actually been over two and a half years since the news of the planting of Ken's latest crop first came to light and he stated at the time through his then label Z that he was looking forwards to collaborating with some of hard rock's most respectable players. I sort of sussed that one out right from the start. Opener 'Story Of Love' sees the mike thrown to Talisman turbomouth, Jeff Scott Soto and current Unruly Child man Phil Bardowell, thus letting most secrets of this promised star-studder straight out of the cupboard and if that's not enough, Jeff's illustrious act could have come up with this corker any day. Aside from such reasons it qualifies as one of the album's strongest tunes. Other commendable tracks including 'Falling Houses', 'Man With A Plan', '7 Eleven People', 'Livin' Large' and 'Saints & Heroes' demonstrate what they should would have sounded like, had they started their career 10-15 years further on. That said, whether it's his regular aide Howie Simon, or guests such as Richie Kotzen, Jeff Watson, Marty Friedman, Steve Salas or Reb Beach alongside him, Tamplin an accomplished guitarist himself deserves to mingle with and be mingled with by such talented fellow scene servants. I'm glad I mentioned Harem Scarem at the beginning of the review because Pete Lesperance shares the soloing duties with Salas on that number. 'Cell Phone Freaks', featuring ex-Poison/Mr Big man Kotzen is more Enuff Znuff than anything to do with those two acts so Richie is pushing his boat even further out.. 'Mystery' is the other half of the prime pair |
