THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE - New track and album artwork

THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE have revealed the track "Charmer" taken from their upcoming album "Haunt What's Left" to be released on July 5th in Europe (June 22nd in the U.S. through Goodfight Music).

Checkout "Charmer" on the band's Myspace profile:
www.myspace.com/thisortheapocalypse

EXODUS - Exhibit B: The Human Condition

It's really hard not to shiver with anticipation when new releases from bands that remind you of your youth reach the surface. Exodus has always been a big chapter in Thrash scene, although they had their ups and downs, and followed the decline of the genre in the early 90's. But always a favorite in the hearts of each and everyone Thrash Metal fan, when they emerged again, they got an instant recognition, like no time has passed. Exhibit B is a pure Thrash Metal album, and although there are only two founding members, this album is 100% Exodus. It's fast and has excellent guitars, vocals that kill, a perfect rhythm section, and surprisingly, enough melodies here and there, to make things even more spicy. What's more interesting is the band experimenting with a slower, relatively speaking, song, with oriental melodies, slightly reminding the  Seasons In The Abyss style. There's not a weak point here, nor a thing that can make you think of pushing the forward button. Everything is well worked, and the same goes for the production as well, which was done by Andy Sneap. What's more impressive is that, after 28 years of existence, and 10 albums, the band continues to surprise fans, and deliver exactly what promises. After all, as with any good Thrash album, your neck will be the ultimate proof.

10/10    

ENFORCER OFFERS FREE DOWNLOAD FROM “DIAMONDS”

Diamonds, the sophomore album from Swedish metal powerhouse ENFORCER will be released in Europe by Earache Records on May 24th and the rest of the world on Heavy Artillery Records on May 25th. HEAVY ARTILLERY is offering a free MP3 download of the track “Roll the Dice” from the ENFORCER Last FM page at:


http://www.last.fm/music/Enforcer

Additionally, Diamonds can be streamed in it’s entirety from the label’s web store at http://store.heavyartillery.us The album will be available on CD as well as a limited edition of 500 Picture Disc LPs in a die-cut jacket with a bonus eight page 12” booklet.

Diamonds picks up where its’ predecessor left off; with a pure old school heavy metal album.

PRO-PAIN - Absolute Power

I was always fond of Pro-Pain, considering that energy and power were the characteristics of their sound. So, given the usual style of the band, and an album with such a title, was enough to intrigue me. Featuring a new guitarist, and a new drummer, and considering that I haven't heard their last work, this album seems to find the band in the same top shape as ever. Performing their well known mixture of Thrash and Hardcore, a style groovy and aggressive enough, the band returns with an album that justifies it's title. The songs are heavy enough, the guitar riffs are melodic and edgy, the rhythm section sounds like a heavy machine, and the vocals are simply perfect. Like all Pro-Pain albums, the songs are very catchy, and have a very sticky groove that makes you bang your head with the rhythm. On the other hand, I found welcome some semi-brutal vocals here and there, and some blastbeating moments, which add some more heaviness, and make things even more interesting. The production is very good, as heavy as it should be, and clear enough, and was done by V.O. Pulver, than the band themselves. There's also a guest appearance from Schmier, but also from other artists as well. This album is a must have for a Pro-Pain fan, but also a guarantee for numerous headbanging hours.

10/10

PRETTY MAIDS - Pandemonium

Every Metal fan that respects himself is familiar with this Danish act, so no need for introduction is needed. After 4 years, this is their latest release, through Frontiers Records, and surely an album that will please the fans of their early days. Right from the opening song, the music leaves an old school feeling, something I found very good. The listener will also recognize the unique combo of crunchy guitar riffs and killer keyboards introduced to their early years, specially on Future World. On the other hand, there are some more modern tunes, ideal for radio stations and listening while driving. The songwriting is very good, with no less good or indifferent moments, and the band has managed to explore their ideas as far as possible. The production is close to perfection, crystal clear, as heavy as it should be and helps the music very much. What I liked on this album is the diversity, and the old school feeling it left me. The way keyboards supported the rhythm section, and the ease that the band moved from slow and melodic to harder songs. This album is a travel in time, back and forth, and for this I suggest it to everyone.

10/10

ALKONOST - On The Wings Of The Call

Alkonost is a band that comes from Russia, and, according to the newsletter, are playing Pagan Metal. The reality is that the band is much more interesting than that, and this is rather obvious from the first couple of minutes. Mixing brutal male with operatic female vocals is the first intriguing thing that one might notice. This mixture works well throughout the whole album, and fits perfectly with the atmosphere of the music. The band sings in Russian, another thing that gives a rather unique taste to the listener, and adds points to the whole result. The music is Folk Pagan Metal, although the use of keyboards gives a more "modern" touch, but without sacrificing the feeling. The songwriting is a bit complex, aggressive but also groovy and very melodic. Definitely not an easy album, since there are various elements and inspirations into the music, and you need more than just a simple listening to explore it to the maximum. It's dark and ominous. Epic and Folk. Has killer melodies, and equally killer vocals, specially the female ones. It's full of groovy songs, and a very good musicianship. So, all sum up to an album that will please both the fans of the band, but also those enjoying this kind of music.

8/10