ANGELS OF BABYLON - Thundergod

I was listening to this album for quite some time, and it slowly grew on me, making me sing along it's melodies, and moving my head with the rhythm. So, when I decided to dig a bit deeper, I found out that this is the second album of the band that was created by ex Manowar drummer, Rhino. The band is playing a mixture of Classic and Power Metal with huge injections of Epic, the kind of music that will make fans shiver, and contains all the trademarks of the style. The first thing to notice is the remarkable vocalist, that often brings memories of Dio in the way he performs, but never ceases to amaze, because he is really good at what he does. Changing his vocals along with the style of the music, sometimes more pompous and Epic, others closer to Classic or Power forms, he always delivers with the same high quality. Another strong point of the album are the guitar riffs, old school but with a modern touch, always interesting and groovy, and certainly one of the things that stick in the mind. Along with that comes the solos, melodic and complex enough, fast and flawless, with a touch of Neoclassical shredding, but not so much to spoil the atmosphere of the album. The rhythm section is also very good, with both Rhino and Steve Handel doing an excellent work. What impresses here though is that the whole album in general was done with the 80's feeling in mind, something that you can easily notice from the beginning. The songs are straightforward, with catchy choruses and guitar melodies specially created to lure you to their net, with no triggering or quantization. What I like here is that the band has variety, although moving a certain path, something that won't let the listener get bored. There are the fast tempo songs, ideal for some good oldfashioned headbanging, the slower and more melodic stuff, and the good thing is that each song has it's own personality. As Rhino stated, this album is written from the heart, with a lot of love in it. So, forget for a moment the musicianship, and the arrangements, and you will see what's the motive behind this release, it's love and respect for what they do. Last, but certainly not least, we have to mention, that the song Thundergod, is dedicated to Scott Columbus. 

DIABOLICAL - Neogenesis

This is the new release of the Swedish Death band, and certainly a release that is interesting and unique. The fifth album of the band is something that I haven't seen before, it's a concept album based on a book that was written by the band's guitar player, and describes the end of the world and what lies beyond that, and each song of the album represents a chapter in the book. Although the book didn't come to my hands, the music that comes with it is definitely amazing, and goes beyond the narrow borders of Death Metal. The music is aggressive and raw enough, with brutal vocals and crunchy guitar riffs, a bit more brutal than the typical Swedish Death release, but also contains more than plenty of melodies that stick into your mind. What stays in mind though, is the diversity of the music, and the variety of the whole album, which contains from the straightforward Death Metal songs, to more complex songs containing choirs, strings, and plenty of tempo changes. This means that the album is quite hard to get into, but contains enough hidden diamonds awaiting to be discovered, while definitely this kind of music stands the test of time, and makes you wanna listen over and over again. The vocals are a mixture of Death and Black, fitting perfectly with the intensity of the music, while the choirs and backing vocals adding to the atmosphere of the music. Another impressive thing here is the rhythm section, which performs with a swiss clock precision, both the fast and the slower parts. The guitar riffs are also plenty and interesting enough, while the melodies and solos are well worked and contain some catchy melodies. The arrangements are very good also, with enough ideas and complex structures, which gives a touch of Progressive to their music. The production is as heavy as should be, and completes the album in the best possible way, preserving the atmosphere and the various details of the music. Raw and intense as their previous works, but also complex and mind intriguing, with a perfect blend between brutality and melody, excellent musicianship, plenty of things to discover, and a killer atmosphere to surround it, this album is a sonic pleasure all the way. And although should be listened while reading the book, it's a perfect stand alone release as well.

MASTERPLAN - Novum Initium

To many, the replacement of Jorn Lande in Masterplan was a reason not to follow the band, but for many, the addition of a singer of the caliber of Rick Altzi, gives a new perspective to the music of the band. The fact is that the band returns with a new line up three years after their previous work, and according to the founding member, Ronald Grapow, this new line up will be a fresh start for them, giving them the ability to present this new material to their fans. And to be honest, their music sounds fresh, and kinda back to their roots, that the album is pure fun to listen all the way to the end. First of all we have the singing of Rick Altzi, also known for his great work in Thunderstone and At Vance, who fit perfectly with the style of the music. He is capable of amazing things, and if you listen the whole album carefully, you will too be amazed by his vocal range and his performing skills in general. The guitar melodies of Ronald Grapow are once again brilliant, and so are the riffs and the rhythm section in general. This time, the arrangements are more Power Metal compatible, if there is such a term, but with touches of progressive here and there. The songs are super catchy, with a lot of headbanging parts, enough variety, tons of guitar and keyboard melodies, and plenty of moments where you find yourself singing along, or following the rhythm. Along with that, the band doesn't afraid to explore other paths, with slower moments, and more complex forms, often with a good result, but others with not much success, although those few moments don't spoil the fun at all. It might sound like an easy album to follow, and to some point it is, but if you dare to dig deeper, your will find plenty of things to await to be discovered. If I had to pick songs to suggest, it would be The Game, a fast opener groovy song, ideal for headbanging, and certainly a song made to be performed live, and Black Night Of Magic, for it's Stratovarius-like style. But these are just an appetizer, since the album has no flaws, or things that might sound indifferent.

MAX PIE - Eight Pieces - One World

I have to admit that the name didn't draw my attention in the first place, and it took some time to give it a spin. And after the first moments I'm glad I did. Max Pie are a band from Belgium, and this album is their second so far, following their "Initial Process" which was released last year. The style of their music is a mix between Dream Theater and Symphony X, and creating an album that is absolutely adorable from start to finish. A good work has been done in the vocals, sometimes clear and others more harsh, following the rhythm and the mood of each song. The vocal skills of Tony Carlino often leaving you speechless, with his flawless singing, and his varied way of singing as song styles shift from Prog to Classic Metal and Melodic Power. Another memorable thing, and maybe one of the strongest, is the melodies. Melodies created by guitars and keyboards, are plenty and catchy as hell. You will find yourself often whispering a melody, a solo, or a bridge, long after it has finished, as this album contains plenty of those moments, but used in a very clever way. The songs are quite big and contain a lot of style and tempo changes, but all crafted in a clever way so the listener won't get bored or lost behind unnecessary complexity. Musicwise the band is very good, from the vocals to the guitars and the rhythm section, everyone is doing a perfect work. The production is very good, crystal clear, the kind of production the music like this deserves, with the mixing and mastering done by Simone Mularoni of DGM, who also contributed in the guitar works on two tracks. With a variety of styles, and songs that are moving on high quality there's plenty to like on this one. And as with every Progressive album, if you choose to dig a little deeper you will discover even more. It's complex, well arranged, with magnificent melodies, a right rhythm section, and plenty of catchy moments, all wrapped into a package that has the ability to shift shapes.

GRANDEXIT - The Dead Justifies The Means

Sometimes a band can make you raise an eyebrow from the first moments of their music, even if you haven't heard anything from them in the past, and Grandexit is one of those. Existing since the late 90's under different names, this is the first complete full length album of the band in Lifeforce Records, and certainly a release that will make an impact. The band comes from Sweden, and their music is strange and peculiar enough to tag and keep you interested until the end. Based on Death forms the band explores various influences from extreme elements to super catchy melodies and clear vocals, making an album that is full of surprises from start to finish. Traditional Death Metal meets complex structures into a interesting result that combines the best of both worlds. Add to that enough Thrash riffs, some Classic moments, and enough groove to get you moving. Brutal vocals, sometimes closer to Hardcore and others closer to Death, co-exist with clear background vocals, killer melodies, catchy razor-sharp riffs, and a rhythm section that simply kicks ass. The musicians are very talented and experienced, and they perform with a precision that often amazes, supporting their music, either being fast and aggressive, or slower and melodic. The arrangements are very good, complex and quite intriguing, full of surprises, ideas, and plenty of experiment. Another strong point is the production which is as heavy and distorted as should be, but also leaves room for all the details and the instruments to flourish. Maybe the bigger plus of the band is their ability to create music that is so diverse and contains so many surprises that the listener doesn't know what to expect. Often aggressive albums tend to become boring, or have moments where things are indifferent, but much effort has been put here to avoid that. Each song has it's own personality, and despite the fact that there are the catchy tunes that stick to your mind, everything has things to reveal if you care enough to look.

CHILDREN OF BODOM - Halo Of Blood

Having missed their latest releases, but with their first ones being still amongst my favorite listening, specially Something Wild, I was quite excited when this one came to my hands. With the first moments blasting out of the speakers I realized that the band still contains some of the magic that made such a huge impact during the 90's, only this time is a bit more modern and updated. The band starts with a classic Bodom styled tune, fast and groovy, with the shredding guitars of Alexi dominating the song, but with a brutal sonic carpet on the back, and equally brutal vocals that fitting perfectly with the music. An excellent song to start with, and the band continues with the same style and tempo, something that will make all fan of their music more than happy. Their music is a mixture of Death Metal, Thrash elements, tons of super catchy melodies, shredding guitar solos, and brutal vocals. A style of their own, perfected over the years, and somehow modernized since their early days. Another breathtaking thing is the keyboards of Janne Wirman who competes in virtuosity the guitar melodies of Alexi, giving an interesting duel effect, and certainly adding to the whole result. Musicianship is almost close to perfection, from the guitars to the keyboards, but also the rhythm section, everyone is doing an excellent work, making this album flawless and interesting from start to finish. An equally good work has been done in the songwriting, where the band holds a few surprises for the listener, straying a bit from their musical path. This is where the band has experimented the most, creating songs that still are 100% C.O.B., but there are also tunes like Dead Man's Hand On You, which sounds like it has escaped from a different album, and starts in a melodic In Flames way. Like all albums of the band, it needs some time to grow on you, although there are moments where the music is more direct, but after a while, you will more things to like here. The guys are back, and they are back with a Blast!  

VOODOO HIGHWAY - Showdown

Amazed by their debut effort as many others, I had high expectations for their follow up, and some worries if they could return with a better result. Voodoo Highway formed in 2010 in Italy, and their sound is 100% American, a beautiful mix of Melodies and fine Hard Rock that will please all fans. Right from the start, the band blasts with the opener theme, and prepare us for what's to come, no less that pure Hard Rock, full of energy, good vibes, melodies and top class performance. Lured into this sonic trap, and with the rhythm take over, you will find yourself singing along, tapping your feet and participating in general with each given chance, this album is fun to listen to from start to finish. The music is diverse and uplifting, with huge melodies, a quite solid rhythm section, and very good vocals. A special mention needs to be done for the keys, and their melodies, which give a Deep Purple touch to the music, and often enhanced by the way of singing, or the style of the specific song, making them one of their most obvious influences. The band is also doing a great job in the composing section, creating songs that are moving on the same Hard Rock path, with all the trademarks of the style, but with enough ideas and things to be explored. Melodies are plenty and well worked, and so are the choruses, and you will find yourself mumbling the melodies long after each song has finish. An excellent work has also been done in the guitars, creating some excellent grooves and riffs, but also delivering with high technique in the solos. The production is clear enough, but not as polished to ruin the result, and completes the album then way it deserves. Packed with high quality songs, excellent performance, and music that will bring their career one step up, this is definitely a solid step forward for the band. Get yourself some cold beers, some good friends and enjoy. Better yet, catch them live whenever you have the chance to.

THE SILENT WEDDING - Living Experiments

The band saw the light of day sometime in 2006, and during all these years they have released only an EP but have participated in many live shows. Living Experiments is their debut full length, but from the first minute it's obvious that we are dealing with a very experienced band. Their music is quite hard to tag, combining various elements and styles, but if you have to categorize it, it's a mixture of Power Metal with Progressive influences, but certainly their sound is not limited to only this. The cautious listener will discover various influences, and each song having it's own identity and style, something that definitely makes this album a very interesting one. The first thing we noticed as the album starts to play is the ability of the band to create music that moves on high quality levels, combining their various influences and elements into music that is always catchy, mind intriguing and practically has no weak moments. There's enough variety here, with their songs having their own personality, and the band experimenting with techniques and styles, without straying from the general motive though. Another thing that impresses is the melodies, from both guitars and keyboards, sometimes simple and catchy, other times more complex but equally great. On the other hand, whenever the band wants to harden their sound, it's done with ease, and the result is also amazing and well worked. Musicwise the band is very talented and this is obvious from the very first moment. A rhythm section that kills, whether things are slow or faster and more aggressive, guitars that often flirt with shredding and vocals that are always fitting with the atmosphere and the style of the song, are the things that you will find here. While their music is catchy and often groovy enough to stick into your mind, there's always things under the surface, something that makes their effort even better. A way to go guys. Looking forward for your next one.

HAVOK - Unnatural Selection

Havok is one of those bands that manage to revive the spirit of 80's Thrash by releasing albums that capture some of the feeling and atmosphere of Thrash of that era. This is their third album so far, and although not far from their previous works, has some significant differences that show that the band evolves, without sacrificing what they like to do. First let's say that this one hell of a Thrash album again. With no buts, no less good moments, no weak parts, all things are top class and put into place for creating a maximum result. The album starts with a blast to the ears, with some of the finest Thrash music, with the music instantly become a a hit. I can't imagine what the result will be, when this new material will be performed live. I can assure you though that it's as catchy and as groovy as their previous works, and will make you move your head with their frenzy rhythm from the start. The vocals are excellent, definitely as retro as could be, but always well performed and fitting with the music. Another strong point of the music is the guitars who are overproducing high quality riffs, full of energy and aggression, but also creating some fine melodies and complex solos. And last, but not least, comes the sound of the drums, which were recorded on a theater according to the band, something that gives a more spectacular feeling. The songs are very good, well arranged and perfectly performed, with the band trying to preserve the old school feeling of the music, but also trying to add with a bit more complex elements showing that their songwriting is maturing as well. The production is also very good, clear enough but carefully preserving the atmosphere and the feeling of the album. As a sweet addition comes a cover of Black Sabbath's Children Of The Grave, which is not Thrash but is a good opportunity for the band to show their skills. As with their previous two releases, this one took me back a log way in time. When we were kids, and ice cold beers, some smokes, a stereo and a couple of quality Thrash LPs, was all we wanted for having a party. And as I often miss this time, whenever a band manages to capture the same spirit it makes the experience even more welcome.

U.D.O. - Steelhammer

There is no need for further introduction of an artist of a caliber of Udo, not only because of his past and his contribution in the music we all love, for his influence of so many Metal bands, but also for his ability to continue creating music that sounds fresh and interesting, without recycling his past. The departure of Stefan Kaufmann marked the end of an era, and as Udo states, a turn back to their roots, something that the listener understands from the first minute. The music here, bears all the trademarks of the U.D.O. sound, yet it sometimes has a retro feeling, which I found really cool and interesting. Banging our ears with the furious opener title song, with it's super catchy riffs, the steady Teutonic rhythm section, and the well known vocals of Udo Dirkschneider, create the dream-come-true of any fan of the band. With a rhythm that sticks into your mind, vocals from an Udo that sounds as young and full of energy as he was when he started, and some remarkable guitar performance for the new guitar players, this album is a sure bet. As with any of their albums I can remember, there is also variety here, fast and groovy tracks, up-tempo songs, and some more melodic moments, with Udo giving a great performance, only to come back on the next song, more furious and aggressive than before. Another strong point of the album in the rather old fashioned atmosphere the music and the performance has, an atmosphere that reminds of 80's, but all this in a modern shinny package. The songs are very good, well written, groovy and catchy enough, and have this certain thing that makes you wanna bang your head and sing along, something that assures that this will also become another milestone in their career. The production is also very good, shinny and heavy, exactly the kind of production such an album needs. Although replacing Stefan Kaufmann would be a tough job, the new guitarists are doing a stunning job. Pretty much you know what to expect from an U.D.O. album, groovy music to bang with and make you feel like young again.

DARK MOOR - Ars Musica

This Spanish band has always been a favorite, although many of my friends blamed them for being too predictable and cliche. Nevertheless, I enjoyed any of their previous works I could lay my hands on, but missed some releases, so when this came to my hands, it's like listening to a new band. Dark Moor is playing the same Neoclassical Power Metal, and continue to do it with the same passion and talent as I remember. A bit anxious about the vocals, but when the vocalist Alfred Romero started, all my fears have gone. He has done such an incredible work, that often enough I caught myself being amazed and listening each song over and over again. His performance is not the typical high pitched Melodic Metal one, but is much closer to Opera singing, warm in the mellow moments, and more powerful when the rhythm demands, shifting it's style accordingly. Another strong point is the melodies, created by either guitars or keyboards, plenty of them and in various shapes and forms, from the typical furious bombastic Power Metal ones, to the Symphonic parts and the melodic solos of songs like Gara And Jonay. The songs are very good, catchy and groovy enough, and have a variety that helps this album to avoid being boring or repeat itself. There are enough ideas, although the band is choosing to stay on the safe side, but also implements enough complex moments such as Orchestral parts, creating a result that is always well worked and interesting. The songs are full of various emotions, sometimes uplifting, other times more sorrow but it's really hard not to get touched by this music, and even harder not to participate and sing along while listening to it. Top class musicianship from each of the band members, from the magnificent vocals to the guitar solos and melodies and the steady and well worked rhythm section, hardly a couple of moments where things could have been done better and music that speaks directly to your heart and sticks into your mind. Get your hands on this album, sit back, and give it a careful listen, and you won't regret.  

42 DECIBEL - Hard Rock n Roll

It's that certain something that makes you like this band, it's the music they play, the atmosphere, and the way they do it. The band is from Argentina, and their debut album consists on 12 alcohol soaked tunes, that makes it an instant hit. It's not that their music is original or innovative, cause it's not. It's a mixture of ACDC, Airbourne, ZZ-TOP and various other bands, but it contains what we call soul. From the first moment, you start banging your head with the rhythm and you don't stop until the music is over, you sing along, tap your feet with the grooves, and in general you make all those movements that tag an album as catchy and groovy. The vocals are good, a bit ACDC-like, but fitting with the music, and the atmosphere they create in this album is very good also. Another strong point is the guitar works, and some of the solos sometimes are simply amazing, showing that the band has the skills to create even better things in the future. The songwriting is good, if you don't mind the originality of the material, but the atmosphere and the party feeling the music has, is more than a generous reward. The production is also good, clear and rough enough, exactly the kind of production such an album should have. Songs talking about women, booze, and partying, this album is the ideal companion while driving or having some drinks with friends at a bar. It shows that the band has the spirit, and is talented enough to write material for having a good time. After all, that's what Rock n Roll really is, fun.  

AMORPHIS - Circle

The journey of the band started back in Helsinki in 1990, and this release is their eleventh so far. Being a huge admirer of the work of the band in the past, this new album comes to assure that the spark is here, and all the things that made Amorphis, are present and strong as ever. Right from the first moment, the band blasts your ears with their mix of Swedish Death Metal, with tons of Melodic moments, Folk elements, enough Doom influences, and a dark and somehow melancholic atmosphere that is widespread in the album. The first thing that draws attention are the vocals. The ability of Tomi Joutsen to perform with excellent quality, with both clear and growling vocals is simply amazing at times, and makes you just listening the specific part over and over again. Alongside with the performance comes the music of course, and once again the band has chosen a well known path, but still hold some surprises and little secrets for the cautious listener to reveal. Stunning guitar melodies and riffs, that bring some of the Northern chill, and create an ominous atmosphere though the whole album, a sence of despair and misery that doesn't leave way after the music is finished. The rhythm section is excellent, providing the perfect background, delivering with the same quality no matter if the song is slow or faster and more groovy. The songwriting is impressive, with lyrics dealing with Finnish mythology, with no less good moments, or songs that could be called indifferent. There's enough variety here, a little something for everyone, from the melodic and catchy tunes and sing along parts, to more darker and heavier moments that remind of their early days, the band has done a really good job in this aspect and this is a big plus. The production of Peter Tagtgren comes to complete the music and gives his personal touch to this release. Breathtaking indeed.

SIR REG - 21st Century Loser

It was about a year and a half when their previous album came to my hands, and I still remember how much fun was to listen to it, so when this new release came, I was expecting a next logical step for the band. This is the third release of the band, who has it's roots in Ireland, homeland of the singer-guitarist Brendan Sheehy, but lives and creates music in Sweden. Once again, as with their last release, the band gives music that has two layers, appealing for everyone. If you chose to stay in the surface, you will enjoy some fine class Irish Punk Rock music. Songs full of melodies, groove and parts to sing along, ideal for listening while hanging with friends, or having some beers at a local bar, this album is certainly uplifting and fun to listen to. The songs are well written, varying from fast tempo tunes, to slower and more mellow moments, everything is perfectly crafted and fit into place, so by the time the last song stops, it makes you wanna listen over and over again. On the other hand, if you want to dig deeper into their music, you have to read the lyrics, where you will find a band that has something to say, about politics, about the things that happen in the world today, and this message is loud and clear from the first moment. Musicwise the album is almost perfect, with instruments like violin, bouzouki and fiddle pointing out it's folk influences, while the guitars and the rhythm section hardens the whole result, aiming for an wider audience. There is no less good moment here, or things that could have been done in a better way. Of course the songs are somehow dominated by Brendan Sheehy and his Irish accent which fits perfectly with the music, but rest assured that every musician here is doing a remarkable work. With good quality in music, a variety in flavors that amazes the listeners, and a perfect production this album is a notable successor of Sign Of Times. Although a bit more mature and slightly different at times, I am sure fans around the globe will appreciate this effort.

D-A-D - Dic.nii.lan.daft.erd.ark

D-A-D was a band that always surprised me with their unique sound, and the way they created music that made you sing along, while their grooves stuck into your mind way after the song has finished. I was quite curious of what this new album was about to deliver, and right from the first song, the band shows that their ability to create music, and I mean music that is inspired and unique, hasn't changed over the years. D-A-D is a band that comes from Denmark, and is proudly releasing their 11th album so far, so this one comes as a double CD, with the second CD packed with live recordings and acoustic versions of their songs. The good about this album is that has something to offer to all fans of the band, and maybe to all fans of hard Rock in general. You have fast and groovy tunes, guitar riffs, and parts to sing along? Sure, it has plenty of those. Softer and more melodic moments? It has some of these also. Bluesy guitars and vocals? Yes, there are here as well. This is an album that is so diverse, and sometimes is absolutely amazing. The songs are well written, and bear all the trademarks of the band, from the distinctive vocals of Jesper Binzer, to the crunchy guitar riffs, and the excellent grooves, everything screams D-A-D here. All of their arrangements are good, from the arena Rock bangers, to their softer and more mellow moments, all are worked in a way that leaves no space for errors, while there are moments where the band explores new territories, adding things to their music, enriching the result to the maximum. The memorable parts, a thing vital to a Hard Rock album are plenty and diverse as with everything else. From refrains to melodies that stick into your mind, but also parts where the music is more complicated and mind intriguing, there's plenty to discover here, and even more to like with each listening. So whether you stay on the surface, enjoy the music from the simplest to the more complex songs, or dive deep into their last effort, D-A-D are offering what a great Rock n Roll album should. Kick ass music, killer melodies, lots of parts to bang and sing along, and a sense of humor that gives this album an uplifting mood, even in it's darker moments. Enjoy.

MORTAL FORM - The Reckoning

Mortal Form saw the light of day one day back in 1999 in Holland. After quite some time of hard practicing and live performing, it took about a decade for the band to release their debut full length album, in 2008, while some demos being released in the previous years. So, this is their second work so far, and I am sure slowly they are gaining more and more fans, with their devoted style of music. Speaking of music, the band is playing a mixture of Death and Thrash, they chose their style from their early days, and they continue to shape their music according to it. What's good is that they combine best of both worlds, and their album is fun to listen till the last minute. First of all, they are trying to take the most important elements of each style, and blend them into their own music. Thrashy guitar riffs, energy and grooves, co-exist with brutal vocals, and sometimes blastbeasting, creating a result that often is simply astonishing. First we start with the vocals, with most of them being brutal and raw, but there are also moments where they are closer to more traditional Thrash forms. Either way, vocals are simply amazing, and fit perfectly with the music. The music is quite interesting also, blending extreme Metal elements, but also enough guitar melodies and some shredding in the solos. Along with that there are countless headbanging parts and killer riffs, and a rhythm section that sounds like a machine, creating the perfect atmosphere for the die hard Thrasher to bang along. The songs are very good and there are enough ideas the band is exploring, although not leaving the Thrash-Death path they chose to follow. With the majority of the songs moving on the same good quality, with some surprises hidden here and there, and with music that is catchy and will make you bang your head along, this album is highly recommended for the fans of the genre.

NONEXISTENCE - Antarctica

Nonexistence is an one man project of the Austrian Philip Santoll, this time with some help from Tuomas Saukkonen of Before the Dawn in bass and drums, but also in the production. This is the second album of this band, and the creator describes the music as a Cosmic Doom Black Metal album. From the first moment, what is dominating the whole album is the strong atmosphere the band creates, and the emotions the music brings are simply enhanced to the maximum. The music is moving on Black Metal paths, but with the help of more Atmospheric elements, it manages to bring not only energy and raw power, but also desperation, melancholy, sadness, and various other dark and depressing feelings, something that makes the album interesting till the last minute. The vocals vary from Death Metal growls, to majestic moments that remind of Dimmu Borgir, but never one dimensional or dull, they are always fitting with the mood of the music, and the addition of some background vocals here and there, makes things even better. Musicwise the album is moving on the extreme side, with various outbreaks and blastbeats following melodic and depressing melodies and bridges that creating a perfect contradiction. An equal good work has also been done in the guitar melodies and riffs, but also in the rhythm section and with the addition of the keyboard melodies create this magnificent atmosphere of the music. The songs are diverse enough, all moving on the same pattern, borrowing some common extreme Metal influences, but each having it's own character, and creating it's own part of the story. What's more to like here, is that each song brings different things in mind, although none of them is pleasant or uplifting. There's not a single less good moment here, everything is carefully assembled, and this leads to music that you want to hear over and over, sing along, and move your feet along with the rhythm. With one of the big plus being the emotional moments and the atmosphere, but also the quality and genius in music and performance, there's nothing not to like. So, sit back, and prepare yourselves for a journey into a dark and cold place, Antarctica.

THY ART IS MURDER - Hate

Hailing from Australia, this is the second album of the band, that plays music that is not for the weak. The band is playing a mix of Death Metal with plenty Deathcore influences, a style raw and intense enough that will leave most fans satisfied. While aggressive and brutal, the band is not neglecting the melodies, which might be few here and there, but work very good, and give a nice contradiction with the most brutal moments. The first thing to notice is the vocals, growling and brutal enough, the kind of vocals an album such as this should have. But on the other hand, they are have a variety and complete the music in the best possible way. Riffs are plenty and huge, well worked and groovy enough, and along with the rhythm section create music that will make you bang your head along from the first to the last minute. Besides giving the groove, there are melodies and solos here that are remarkably good, showing guitarists with talent. The arrangements are very good, with variety in tempo, with some interesting ideas, and although not straying from their Death Metal-Deathcore path, the band is exploring new territories, and tries new things, which is always a plus for an album. An equally good job has been done in the production, which is as clear as possible, without making the music sound fake or too shinny, but also giving room for all the instruments. With an album that is full of energy and good music, with songs that don't sound boring or repetitive at any moment, and with excellent musicianship, the second release of the Australians will be a huge step forward for their career. If you are a fan of extreme Metal you might want to give this a try.

HOLY DRAGONS - Zerstorer

It's better not to judge books from the cover, or bands from their origin to be more exact. Holy Dragons is a band from Kazakhstan, and to be honest, the first thing that comes in mind when you hear this place is not their Metal scene. The band exists since 1992 and this is their latest album, and their first with their new singer. I have to admit that they are very good at what they chose to play, which is a mixture of Classic Metal, with touches from Power and Epic, all blended into a very groovy and well performed style, that will please all fans of the genre. From the first moment, you can't help but notice the vocals of the new singer, Ian Breeg, who is giving an excellent performance, with his high pitched, Halford-inspired way of singing. Besides this influence, there are some strong Maiden moments into this album, but blended here and there, and they don't destroy the whole result. Musicwise the album is good, with the band members doing a very good job, either on the melodies, the rhythm section or the riffs. The majority of the arrangements are amusing and groovy enough and will make you bang you head along with the rhythm. The songs are good, well worked, with plenty of melodies and ideas, enough some cliches that the band couldn't avoid, and some less good moments that don't spoil the fun though. It might not be a breeze of fresh air, but it's honest, well played and enjoyable most of the times. If you like old-fashioned style of Metal, with a modern production, then check them out.

ULTRA-VIOLENCE - Privilege To Overcome

Named obviously after the legendary album of Death Angel, these young Italians, are releasing their debut album, an album that brings some of the feeling of the 80's Thrash scene. Being at their early 20's, the band has the spirit and energy for creating something ambitious and lightning fast, such as a good Thrash album, without avoiding some cliches and minor less good moments though. Having a huge influence mostly from Bay Area 80's scene, but also from the European, the band creates an album that combines the best of both worlds, and will please die hard Thrash bangers around the globe. The first thing to notice is that their music is full of riffs, and the frenzy rhythm will make you bang your head and tap your feet along. Along with the great guitar riffs, there's some melodies here and there, just to spice things a bit, and plenty of guitar solos, some of them really cool and well performed. Another interesting point is the vocals which are not the typical Thrash ones, but are somehow enriched by some Death Metal moments, giving a more modern approach to what can be called a retro Thrash album. Besides the Thrash, the band often enough experiments with Death Metal parts, often with a remarkable result. The arrangements are very good, at least the majority of them since this is a really lengthy album, with nice ideas, musicianship that shows a band with potential and talent, and an atmosphere which fans will like. Sometimes the influences of the band are rather obvious, from the Possessed-like distorted guitar solos to an Motorhead influenced intro, but at the end the album leaves a good impression, and will make you listening to it, again and again. For a debut album, and from such a young band, this is a release that will gain them some hype. It's well performed, fast, full of energy and great grooves, some surprises and few drawbacks, and your should definitely check it out.