SHADE EMPIRE - Omega Arcane

I have repeatedly express my opinion for the Finnish Metal scene, and the way bands over there often manage to create music that crosses many boundaries to achieve a unique and interesting character. Shade Empire exist since 1999, and this is their fourth album, following the 2008 release of Zero Nexus. As I already said, I am a little biased when it comes to Finnish bands therefore I was anxious about what to expect from this one as well. The album starts with a killer melodic intro which somehow escalates and then all Hell breaks loose. They are playing a mixture of Symphonic Black, with enough Death elements, tons of very interesting melodies, and some magnificent keyboard lines that somehow enhance the atmosphere of the album. The music is impressive, in any way you see it, and the band seems to be in a very creative period. The first thing that draws the attention is the way the keyboard melodies blend with the guitar riffs, giving a spectacular, and somehow cinematic result. Raw and aggressive, with brutal vocals, but also with the appropriate melodic lines, the music creates a great atmosphere. The guitars are almost flawless, creating some really unique riffs and melodies, and so are the vocals, sometimes closer to Death and others closer to Black screaming, narrating, growling, and coloring the songs. Along with that comes a rhythm section that creates an endless groove, that varies from hyper blasting to slower parts, but with the same ease and perfection. Brutality and melody go hand in hand and often, one steps down for the other to take the leading role, maximizing the result and making the listener craving for more. Another strong point of the album is the ability of the music to create scenes in your mind while listening, with images of devastated places, deserted cities and endless nights coming out of mine over and over. There are no less good moments, or indifferent songs, and despite the length of some songs, it never gets boring. It's one of those albums you want to listen again and again, with each spin bringing new things to the surface, that make your experience a bit more complete, and put some extra details or dead bodies to the scenes we mentioned before.

HYPOCRICY - End Of Disclosure

What more to add for a persona like Peter Tagtgren? The story of the band starts back in 1992, and with each release he continues to establish a strong brand name, either as an artist or involved in almost all aspects of the creation of an album. This new album has all the trademarks of the sound of Hypocrisy, something that will please all fans of the band. Diverse and aggressive in all forms, this album leaves few to the imagination, but still holds surprises for the unsuspecting fan. Blending melodies with raw power, the band has the ability to create almost a genre of it's own, sometimes flirting with Thrash speeds, others closer to Melodic Swedish Death, or even using blastbeatings approaching Black rhythms. All that with the same ease and high quality that has used us all those years, creating music that never compromises or becomes boring and repetitive. The first thing to impress, once again is the vocals, which vary according to the tempo and style of the songs, moving from brutal to more clear vocals and high pitched screams. Along with the vocals, Peter is also doing a splendid work in guitars, either on the riffs, the melodies or the solos, and so are the bass and the drums, creating some killer grooves and tons of moments that will make you bang your head along. The songs, as we already mention, have various styles and tempo changes, but always moving on the same aggressive style, and are enriched by various elements that keep the listener craving for more. The production is also done in the famous Abyss Studios by Peter himself, and has exactly the quality that the music deserves. An album with no weak points, no parts that lack energy, this is according to the band, a "Back to the basics". An album that snaps your from the throat from the first moment and doesn't let you go, before the last note is over.

MESMERIZE - Paintropy

The story of the band starts back in the late 80's, when some folks from Italy decided to form a band. Experienced and respected musicians as they were, their brainchild was called Mesmerize, and their style was a mixture of Power Metal with plenty of Classic Metal elements to spice things up. The first work I have heard from them, was "Off The Beaten Path", which was released at 2002, and I still remember that I liked their work, and the way they blended all their influences into a very interesting and groovy style. The first thing I noticed though, is that the band hasn't lost a bit of the ability to write good songs, while their style might sound a more modern but still contains the same influences and groovy parts of the past. Once again the band is creating music that is not far from what you might call Classic Metal at times, Power Metal at other moments, but always shares the same principles. It's fast and groovy, catchy as much as possible, and full of nice melodies and vocal lines. The first thing I noticed are the vocals of Folco Orlandini, high pitched when needed, but also harsh and more raw when the rhythm demands, coloring the songs with various styles and adding to the whole atmosphere of the music. Another strong point is the guitars, that create some super cool riffs, melodies and solos, while the rhythm section is also moving on the same high quality level. There's enough diversity here, moments where more Epic things come in surface, parts when the band speeds thing up, and moments where melodies take the leading role into more Melodic Power forms. The songwriting is also very good, the band seems to have a lot of interesting ideas, and while not really leaving the Classic Metal path, they are exploring various territories and incorporate elements making their music even more groovy and time resistant. Being a constant headbanging from start to finish, this album will please all fans of the band, and is certainly a mighty come back. Well done guys.

SODOM - Epitome Of Torture

Little can we add to a band of the caliber of Sodom, the only thing we can add is that with each release, thousands of fans around the globe rub their hands with a grin in face. This is the latest studio album of the band, and their charismatic frontman Tom Angelripper, who tortures our lives and moves our heads since the early 80's. The album starts with the best possible scenario, with the sound that made this band what it is, and influenced hundreds of other musicians. A fast and groovy rhythm section, with frenzy drums, furious vocals and crunchy guitars, this was the distinctive sound of the band back then, and continues to be, with some interesting modern additions. Everything is well crafted, from the vocals to the guitar riffs and solos and the rhythm section, and the result is an album that will leave all fans of Thrash happy and satisfied. The songs are well written, 100% oldschool Sodom, but also with one foot in the 21st century, showing that the band knows how to create good music, without repeating itself, and still bring chills to older fans with their work. The music is very catchy, from the first to the last minute, and makes you wanna move along with the rhythm, bang your head, tap your feet, and participate in any way. Tom is doing a perfect, and expected to be honest, work in both vocals and bass, adding some of the energy the music has, singing from Thrash to almost Death Metal growling. But also remarkable is the work that is done in drums and the guitar riffs and melodies, and altogether they create an album that has very few weak points or things indifferent. Another interesting thing is that the music seems to have a diversity, mostly in the song speeds, with some moving on fast tempo, while others on slower, but all bearing the same killer groove and guitar riffs. Maybe not an album that will change Thrash as we know it, but still an album that most bands would kill to have, from one of the most influential Thrash bands ever.

TAUNTED - 9 Sins

The band exists for quite some time now, in fact this release celebrates their 20th anniversary and although being so long in the scene, one would expect a more productive career when it comes to album releases. In fact, their debut was released in 2006 while their second came about three years later. Now, their third releases sees the light of day, and it's a great opportunity to check out the sound of the band. Taunted are from Bay Area, and most probably this place it's a review by itself, since almost all fans know what this means. Yes, the band is playing Thrash Metal, and is doing it in a very cool and groovy way, that all fans of the genre will love. On the other hand, the band is also blending various styles into their Thrash Metal, making it even more diverse and catchy. So, there are the typical Thrash songs, with the killer riffs, and the groove that makes you bang your head along, but along with it, there are various moments where the band is moving towards more Speed Metal forms, and other moments where more melody comes in slowing down things a bit, into a more Power Metal scheme. So, the first thing we notice is riffs. There are tons of them, in all forms and shapes, and are all very good. The next thing, is the incredible vocals of Jacques Serrano, who makes an amazing job here, and no matter if things demand a deep growl, or a high pitched vocal, he's always delivering with the same quality and ease. He's definitely a big plus for the band. An equal great job you will also hear from the rhythm section, either it's the bass lines of Elena Repetto of Imagika, or the performance of Lary Howe of Vicious Rumors, and provide the proper pillars for the music to evolve. The songwriting is also very good, with diversity in music and styles, with enough fresh ideas blending with the traditional Thrash parts, a thing that makes the album interesting from start to finish. If you are into Thrash, then there's plenty to like here. 

PRETTY MAIDS - Motherland

It has always been a certain something that make Pretty Maids one of my favorite bands all those years. Maybe it's their ability to create melodies and grooves, to shift styles without leaving their music track, and to create songs that really capture your mind. Their previous release was a big hit amongst fans, and this one continues the journey from the place Pandemonium stopped. There was a feeling in that album that brought memories of their early days, and chills to fans worldwide, and you will be happy to hear that the same chills are still here. The band seems to be in a second youth, and makes it obvious with their ease to create songs that bear all the trademarks of the band. Melodies are the key point here, either created by keyboards or from guitars, they are always plenty and well worked. The songs are well written, without less good moments, and with a variety that sometimes amazes the listener, but without leaving far from the Melodic Hard Rock path they chose to follow. There are songs that are more aggressive, bringing "Red Hot and Heavy" memories in mind, where the band shows it's more fast and furious side, but also times where things slow down to excellent ballads and catchy choirs. There are plenty of ideas here, tunes that will really make you sing along and move with the rhythm, memorable parts that stick in to your mind long after the song is over. Musicwise the band is in a top shape, from the vocals of Ronnie Atkins who gives a remarkable performance in each song, no matter which style, to the rhythm section, the riffs and the keyboard melodies. As much as I avoid talking about specific songs, I couldn't help but point The Iceman, for it's fast and groovy rhythm, and it's memorable sing along parts and Wasted for the remarkable performance of Ronnie Atkins, with the other songs also moving on the same high standards level. To me the most important is that the music was also a travel back in their early days, and brought some of the feelings of this era, which makes it even more valuable. Great job.

SOILWORK - The Living Infinite

As much as I like those guys, when I saw the tracklisting, "You gotta be kidding me" was the first thing that came in mind. Let's face it, a double album contains a lot of risks, and no matter how much talent or good songwriting a band puts into it, there's no easy way to avoid traps and moments that things get repetitive or indifferent. Thankfully once again, Soilwork created an album that meets the high standards the band has set for their brand name, and for sure won't leave anyone disappointed. The band is playing Melodic Death Metal, but so enriched by many influences and various styles that leaves you speechless. Melodies are plenty and come up from almost everywhere, being the most dominant element of this album. Either they are created by guitars, from keyboards, or plain and simple melodic vocal lines, they are amazing and well worked. While the album is not very far from the Melodic Death style the band has performed all those years, they are exploring new territories and incorporate elements into their music, something that helps the music remain interesting, and hold pleasant surprises for the listener till the end. The vocals are perfect, moving from the classic Death growls to clear and sometimes melodic forms, almost always having the leading role of the whole album. The guitars are also very good, delivering some cool Thrashy riffs and superb shredding solos, while the keyboards add a slight Prog touch to the whole album at times, which really works well. Fast, diverse, aggressive and perfectly realized, this album might sound a bit too much, length wise, but once you get caught in the music, there's no way to let it go until it ends. It might not be their best record so far, but certainly it's their most ambitious one. And with the talent the band has, there's much more to wait from them.

THE TOSSERS - The Emerald City

Although I am not an Irish, nothing prevented me from adoring this bar oriented style of music, that has one foot into Celtic traditional music, and the other on Rock-Punk. Right from the first moment, the listener will be chanted by the great blend of traditional instruments like mandolin, banjo, fiddle or harp, with guitars and drums, and the interesting mixture of those different styles the band brings. The band comes from Chicago, and exists for about twenty years, while this is their 8th release so far. Their style is as straightforward as it can be, and this is the bigger weapon of this album. The band starts with music that is meant for having a good time, and as much alcohol as possible with friends at a bar, and continues with the same motive, without become boring or losing the up-tempo feeling at any moment. Melodies are plenty, catchy beyond imagination, and the whole album is a party from start to finish. While listening to it, you can't help but participate, moving your head along with the rhythm, tapping you feet, or simply letting the music inspire you while sipping some beer. The songs are well worked, groovy enough, with fitting vocals, and nice ideas. Folk side sometimes dominates the Rock one, but one can't exist without the other, working as a whole, with plenty and well worked melodies, nice musicianship from everyone, and assure a good time, being an Irish or not. It's really hard not to like this alcohol soaked album, no matter where you are from. Music that is meant for parties, for drinking and being watched live, be sure not to miss this album.

DGM - MOMENTUM

It has been almost 20 years since the band from Italy saw the light of day, and this album is going to be their 8th so far. The band starts their new effort with a killer opener, featuring Russel Allen on vocals, and prepare the listener for what's about to happen in the best possible way. DGM has one foot in Progressive, but often brings elements from other styles into their music, making this album an easy listener not only for Prog die-hards, but for fans of Metal music in general. What is astonishing is the music virtuosity here, since all members are doing a great job, sometimes creating music that is breath taking, complex but also easy to explore. The album contains both fast and mid tempo tracks, with each following the other, creating a very interesting contradiction, that adds to the whole album atmosphere. There is no weak point on this album, in any way you see it. All musicians are excellent, and they don't miss a chance to show their skills on each track, but without become boring, or dominating the other instruments. Songs almost close to perfection, with excellent melodies, perfect vocals, memorable parts, catchy moments to sing along, and lots of changes, all blended into a powerful and well crafted mixture. What's most important is that the album stands the test of time, and never loses it's power to amaze those that admire good quality music. Guest appearances, like Russel Allen, or Jorn Viggo Lofstad add points to the whole result. Without music that is complex just for being complex, but with each change happening in a natural way, this is an album that you can be sure will give you hours of listening pleasure.  

BLACKSHINE - Soul Confusion

Blending Heavy Metal, with Thrash influences and melodic guitars, the quartet from Sweden strikes back with their fourth full length album. Their story starts back in 1988 with Death Metal in mind, but soon they changed into a different, more personal style, and adopt the name Blackshine. So, here we are, 25 years and four albums later, with their latest opus. This is the first album of the band that gets in my hands, but I have to say that their music is so effective that it became favorite after a while. What impresses from the first minute is the excellent rhythm section, that creates a groove that sticks into your mind, and makes you move along with it, from start to finish. Either fast or slower, it's always catchy and makes you tap your feet or bang your head along with it. The guitars are a constant riff producing machine, with each riff being better than the previous, and the variety of melodies are also giving extra credits to the music. Along with that, comes the vocals, fitting with the music, interesting enough, borrowing elements from Death and Thrash, clear and powerful, the singer gives his personal touch to the songs. The band surely knows how to write good music, with enough interesting ideas, and the result is an album with almost no weak points or indifferent moments. Full of energy, good grooves, vatiety, and music that makes you wonder how will it be to see the band live, the album is a sonic pleasure all the way to the end. This is an album that is meant to be played loud. 

AS THEY BURN - Will, Love, Life

Second album for the French based Deathcore act, and once again, the band is drawing the attention of all fans around the globe with their intense and full of energy mixture of aggression and melodies. The band is blending Death Metal, with Progressive into a very technical and modern style of Metal, that will please all fans of Deathcore as well. What impresses from the first minute, is the skills of the band, either on the vocal area, the guitar riffs and melodies or the rhythm section, everything is as tight and as well constructed to solidify the whole result. The vocals are brutal and aggressive enough, and fit perfectly with the mood of the music, adding energy, and diversity at times, to the whole result. From the first minute, the band shows it's intentions, to create music that doesn't compromise, blending some basic melodies here and there, but mostly consist on raw energy and aggression. Along with that, they are not afraid to experiment, often leading to very interesting paths, although never really leaving the style they chose to follow. The music is always well performed, catchy and with plenty of parts that make you wanna bang your head with the rhythm, with nice ideas, enough grooves that stick into your mind, and, in general, what it takes to become a favorite. Another thing that is good is that the music doesn't become tiring after a while, a mistake bands often tend to repeat. Raw and brutal, with killer vocals, a modern touch, and some twists here and there to intrigue the mind, the band seems to have the ability to draw some attention around themselves. Grab some cold beers and enjoy.

EYEFEAR - The Inception Of Darkness

This is the first album of the band that gets in my hands, although it's their fifth release so far. The band comes from Australia, something that somehow gives a more distinctive touch to their sound. What the band is playing can be described as Progressive Metal, but with a huge dose of Classic and Power Metal to it, and the result is, the least to say, very satisfying. First we have to stay on the vocals, where we find a well known Australian artist, Danny Cecati, also known for his work with Pegazus, who gives a memorable performance. To favor variety, which by the way is a key word on this one, vocals play various roles, from angry Death growling, clear and powerful, female Opera ones, and everything in between, creating interesting contradictions. Along with the exceptional work in the vocal area, comes the equal work in the music as well. Complex and intriguing, with continuous changes, and various styles shift, but with everything happening in a very fluent way, that won't mind anyone, even those not really into Progressive stuff. Melodies are also plenty and well worked, and playing a vital role into this album, while the rhythm section is tight, and technical enough, and the guitar riffs sound a bit more dark at times. Melodies are plenty and well worked, either created by keyboards or guitars and enhance the whole result, and somehow create a very unique atmosphere. Songs are well worked, with enough interesting ideas, and few less good moments that do exist don't change the rate of this album. As the album finishes, leaves a good feeling, and makes you want to listen over and over again, as with each spin, new thing are discovered. 

LORDI - To Beast Or Not To Beast

Known to many non Metal fans by winning the 2004 Eurovision, and bringing a breath of spooky air into the glitter pop annual song contest, Lordi are much more than this, and are certainly not newcomers in any way. Started about 20 years ago as an one man project of Mr Lordi, the band has passed through numerous changes, and the loss of drummer Otus in February was the last turmoil, and the thing that somehow characterizes the whole style of this release. This is their sixth studio album so far, and what has changed is that the band has taken a more aggressive approach to their music. Now their Hard Rock music contains all the characteristics of their sound, only this time is more edgy and certainly heavier than before. Right from the first song, the music sounds more serious, with harder guitar riffs and vocals a bit more dark and intense, while the groovy parts and the things that make you wanna move along with the rhythm, and sing along the verses, are still here. Still some of the songs are bearing the titles where the band plays with words, but this is not always the case, while they contain enough ideas, and the band doesn't afraid to explore more dark paths and incorporate things into their music. The songs are very good, while I must confess I was quite disappointed at first, slowly they grow on you, and you discover things hidden with each listen. The production is shinny and clear enough, and was done by no other than Michael Wagener himself, something that assures that everything possible has been done in this area. I am not sure if this is a phase the band is experiencing right now, or is a music direction they wanted to chose, I know that their theatrical visuals and their horror-like appearances are meeting a more matching style of music with this release. If you are a fan, this is an album you probably will end up listening over and over, just like I do. But it needs it's time to fully reveal it's secrets.

MYSTERY BLUE - Conquer The World

Mystery Blue is a band that exists since the early 80's, comes from France, and this is their latest release. I started listening to the music in the usual way, sneaking around bios, and surfing the Internet for more info, while the music plays in the background, but soon after the first notes, everything else stopped,and I concentrated on listening. The band is playing a mixture of Classic and Power Metal, a genre so worn that might spoil any fun from the first moment, if only they weren't so good to turn cliches to advantages. First let's say that the singer is female, and if I can add, she has the guts and the skills to be in that position. Forget the operatic stuff, her vocals are old fashioned, harsh enough, and fit perfectly with the style of the music. She has the ability to shift easily from powerful singing to more melodic with the same quality. Along with the vocals comes the guitar works, of Frenzy Philippon, the only founding member of the band, and one hell of a guitar player. Either being riffs, solos, or everything in between, Frenzy is so good at it, creating some of the catchiest guitar works, which is one of the bid advantages of this album. The same high quality of musicianship we also find in the rhythm section, give a listen to what Vince plays on drums, or the bass lines of new comer Matt, and the result is an album that you listen over and over, without getting boring or repetitive. The arrangements are good, with enough variety, from high octane grooves that will make you move your head with the rhythm, to ballads where things slow down and melody takes the leading role. If you want your Metal groovy, melodic, uplifting, and catchy, with often references to the past, then this is definitely a band you should check.  

SNAKESKIN ANGELS - Follow The Snake To The Core

This is the debut album of the Swedish band, which exists since 2008, and this release is nothing but their demo album, with a new intro track. From the first moment, the band shows their influences to the listener, by delivering a kind of music that will make all fans of the 70's sound rub their hands with joy. The band is playing traditional Heavy Metal, as the cover letter claims, which means they are creating music that is heavily inspired by what Black Sabbath did back in the 70's, without sound as mere copycats in any moment. Music that contains generous doses of distorted guitars, melodies, catchy choruses, touches of Doom, Stoner or even Blues, is what it takes to become a favorite. You won't find anything modern here, everything has been done in the traditional way, and maybe this is the bigger dynamic of this creation. As musicians, the band is moving on high quality levels, from the vocalist to the guitars and rhythm section, everyone is doing a great job, which is expected though, since this is a project band. The majority of the songs are all moving on the same music forms, with oldfashioned distorted riffs and fitting vocals being the main characteristics of them. But during the album, you will often find the band exploring new paths, and trying to incorporate new elements into their music, but without altering the feeling of the music. The vocals are excellent, and there are times, specially on the acoustic Nothing But Pain, where you get an idea of some of the capabilities of Kenneth Thunderbolt. The production is also moving on the same retro style, giving the last touches to the album, and preserving the atmosphere of the music. With a good variety of songs in this album, all based on the same forms but each having it's own unique details, this album is pure fun to the last minute. So, grab plenty of beers, and prepare yourself for a good retro party.  

ENFORCER - Death By Fire

There's something about this band that made me adore it right from the first minute, even before listening the album. Be it the oldfashioned cover, the name or the title, I don't know for sure, but I had the feeling that this would be one hell of an album from the start. Enforcer is a band from Sweden, and brings a breath of fresh air into todays scene, with their back to the roots way of Metal. These dudes here are playing NWOBHM-meets-Speed Metal-with-some-touches-of-Thrash, a style that oozes 80's, with crunchy guitar riffs, screaming vocals, melodies here and there to enhance the result, and some incredible energy flowing through their whole creation. Inspirations are plenty here, with early Iron Maiden being one of them, early Metallica-like riffs can also be heard in some of the intros, while nothing of these doesn't spoil the fun in any case. What the band wanted to do with their latest release was to solidify their sound rather than exploring new paths, and this makes their music even more strong and interesting. There are enough catchy ideas here, and mostly those of a bigger age that lived the 80's, will recognize some of the feeling and the atmosphere of those days, and this also a plus. There are no less good moments, nor songs that seem out of place, everything is carefully realized, and this is an album that will be a big step forward for them. With the all the aspects of the album moving on retro rhythms, the concept of the lyrics couldn't be otherwise, talking about various ways of dying, in various forms and shapes, as Olof Wikstrand states. Perfectly produced to preserve the details of the music, but also the valuable atmosphere, it seems that these guys left nothing in chance. Even the length of the music is carefully calculated to fit on an vinyl, although I would prefer it to be more lengthy to be honest. With such a great atmosphere and music, the band pays homage to their music heroes, and brings back some of the 80's glory.

ILLNATH - 4 Shades Of Me

This is the fourth work of the Danish Death Metal band, coming out about a year or so, after their previous one. The band has the same line up, but this time things have shifted to more aggressive forms, which works very well. If you expect the melodic parts of their previous work, you won't find any, since there are no keyboards or symphonic elements. Instead they have stripped their sound to the core, blending Death, Black and Thrash and creating a very groovy and raw style of Death Metal that is somehow dominated by the excellent vocals of Mona Beck, and the great guitar riffs. Right from the first moment, the band shows their intentions, and creates a rhythm frenzy with some small intermissions, that only work as a small pause for the next chaos assault. The songs are very good, with enough variety in them, and despite the style that somehow limits the options of the band, they find a way to explore enough paths through their music journey. There are enough ideas here, and the band is exploring them to maximum, while a few less good moments that are here and there, where you get the feeling that the music gets repetitive, are not spoiling the fun in any way. Musicwise the band is almost perfect, from the growling-screaming capabilities of Mona, to the excellent guitar riffs and solos, and the tight rhythm section, all members are playing their role perfectly to achieve maximum result. Catchy and raw, with tons of energy, some basic melodies, riffs full of aggression, and vocals brutal enough you won't believe the singer is female, this album has all it takes to become a favorite. So, put this on your preferable player, and prepare yourself for some serious headbanging.  

HELKER - Somewhere In The Circle

Never judge a book by the cover they say, but there comes a time when the cover prepares you exactly for what will follow, and albums are fitting right into this exception. Although you might be prepared, as of what music style you should expect, there are plenty of things to like in this release, and eventually make it a favorite for many. Helker come from Argentina with their fourth release, and their style is pure European Power Metal. The first thing to notice is the singer, not only because he is so charismatic that sometimes gives you chills with his performance, but also because all those that are fans of Dio or Jorn, can also add another singer that has the same feeling in his voice. Alongside Diego Valdez, there's a bunch of talented musicians that know how to perform well written music, and they do it in a way that gives no doubt about their skills or the band's future achievements. Instead of trying to explain the style and nature of the songs to those not heard something from them, let's just mention that the music here has been co-written by Mat Sinner, and Ralf Scheepers and Tim Ripper Owens participate in the vocals of one of the songs. As you might already guessed, the album is full of high octane songs that will make your head move along with the rhythm, while tapping your feet along, but also a couple of low tempo moments, where things are more relaxed and melodies are more on the foreground. Memorable melodies, groovy refrains, excellent performance from every musician, this album contains no fillers or less good songs. Produced by Achim Koehler this certainly is one hell of a Power Metal release. If you are a fan of DIO, Jorn or Masterplan, or you simply like your Power Metal melodic and pompous, don't miss this.

CIVILIZATION ONE - Calling The Gods

It has been almost five years since the debut album of these dudes, and here they are back, with a new effort to challenge our ears. With two of the original members left and the two guitarists and the drummer being the new blood, the band started to create their second album. I am not familiar with their previous work though, so I can't say if it's better or now, all I have to say is that if you are into Power Metal, you should check those guys. To start with, all the right ingredients to create a successful album are here, and are used in the best possible way. The first thing to notice, are the vocals of Chity Somapala, which are superb. His performance is always moving on high quality levels, either the songs are fast and groovy or slower and more melodic, he's always providing the suitable vocals for the occasion. The same quality you can meet in the guitar riffs and melodies, the rhythm section, and in general, all aspects of this album. The majority of the songs are Power Metal, with catchy riffs and melodies, memorable parts to sing along, and grooves to tap your feet with. The music is catchy and well written, the songs are small, but with some very nice ideas, and perfectly produced to achieve maximum result. What stands out of the ordinary though are two songs, that finish the album, Believing The Dream, and Dreams Of Fire. The first starts with an electronic melody with a New Age touch to it, slowly escalating to a more groovy tune, and gives a taste of the vocal capabilities of the singer. The second starts with a groovy percussion, that gives a rather primitive rhythm, and continues with fitting choirs and vocals. As the album finishes, it leaves a good taste, and a new spin seems a proper thing to do.

Pendact - Days Of War

The story of the band might be short, since they exist since 2006, and came back to life at 2010, but when you listen the first notes of this album, you realize something big is about to happen. According to the newsletter the band is inspired by the Swedish Death Metal scene, which you can easily hear on their songs. But along with that, the band is putting various other influences into their music, something that shows the potential these young dudes have. Fast and aggressive from the first moment, the music is 100% Death Metal, enriched by some super catchy melodies, that make you sing along and tap you feet to the floor. The vocals are the typical Death growls plus a touch of Metalcore, and this spices a bit things up, and gives an extra groove to the whole result. The guitars is another big plus for this album, creating some really infectious riffs, along with enough very cool melodies. The same goes to the keyboard lines, which complete the songs, and give sometimes some extra details to them. In general the album is moving on high levels of quality, in both composing and performing areas, and this means that there are no less good moments, or things that sound indifferent. The arrangements are very good, with enough good ideas, a good dose of Death Metal, plenty of melodies and grooves, all blended together, with the addition of various influences, and the production putting the last details and giving this album the shinny package it deserves. Whether it's fast and raw, melodic and more catchy, the music always has something to say and a way to sneak into your mind. With each listening, the album grows on you, and you more and more appreciate this little gem the French men created. Well done guys.