CARNIFEX - Hell Chose Me

So... what's inside this glitzy cover? Death Metal the American way... fast double bass drumming, sharp guitar riffs (but they forgot the solos) hi and lo pitched vocals and the job is (partly) done! The technical side of the band is bright and their controlled display of power and brutality is succesful. I'm not sure that they will rewrite the genre's history. But the signs of improvement they showed since their last attempt in 2008 promise more beautiful growling moments in the near future!

8/10

MILKING THE GOATMACHINE - Milk Me Up Before I Go Go (new video)

BRANDNEW SONG by Goatgrind sensation MILKING THE GOATMACHINE - previousley unreleased & absolutely exclusive!!!

MOB RULES - Radical Peace

This is the new album of the Germans, their sixth full length so far and, and is one release that will please all fans of the band, while holding some surprises for everyone else as well. First of all, the style of the band is close to their previous releases, Power Metal at it's finest, only this time it's heavier than before. The trademarks of the band are still here, a very solid rhythm section, excellent vocals, enough well written melodies and parts to sing along, but on this album, everything sounds and feels a bit more heavy, as if the band wants to enrich their music with various influences and explore new music paths. Slower parts, excellent keyboards, and a touch of Epic into some of their songs, make things even more interesting. What's most impressive on this album is the 18 minute song dealing with the assassination of J.F.K. Diverse in all aspects, this album is definitely one of those that a Melodic Metal fan should check out. This album leaves a feeling that the band is on a continuous journey to new musical borders, something that makes it a must have. We all know that re-inventing the wheel is not always possible, but it's always nice to listen to artists that don't afraid to evolve, and add new things to their music.

9/10

SANDSTONE - Purging The Past

This a band that comes from Ireland, and practically are playing Heavy Metal, although their music is enriched from song to song with various influences, something that makes this album diverse enough, and fun to listen to. Blending enough melodies, some Progressive and classic Heavy Metal parts, they have created songs with various moods and emotions, something that is very good for the album. There are enough interesting ideas here, and the band is talented enough to explore them in the best possible way. On the other hand, there are some minor drawbacks, or things that could have done in a better way, but those don't spoil the fun. This album might sound catchy from the first moment, and might be so, but a cautious listener will reveal things hidden, and this is the true dynamic of it. There are the typical fast, in your face, songs, with a bit more simple structure, there are more complex songs as well, but no matter what style, the band is performing with the same high quality and talent. It took some time and some listenings, but this album definitely worth the while.

8/10

HELLFUELED - Emission Of Sins

You are not gonna believe it, even if you told so, until you listen for yourselves. The singer here sounds like Ozzy, too much like Ozzy it makes you wonder. The band is playing Heavy Metal, distorted, full of energy, and very Heavy at times. Now add the Ozzy like vocals and you have the whole picture. The band comes from Sweden and this is their fourth release so far, if I am not mistaken. What I liked on this album is the way that they blend olfashioned ideas, with a fresh breeze of air, making something that has one leg in the 80's and one leg in modern times. I also liked very much the vocals, despite the resemblance, they are well worked, and fit perfectly with the style of the music. There are also enough melodies, which are working very well with the songs. The production is very good, as heavy as it could be, and gives a certain "dirty" feeling to the album. It's an interesting album I must say. Not a perfect album, but the band shows that it has talent and will release much more interesting things in the future. Check them out.

8/10

CHICKENFOOT - 2 videos