DISBELIEF - Heal

This is the latest release of the German Death Metal band, who celebrates 20 years of existence. So, they decided to cover some songs from bands that have influenced them over the years, and add them to this release. There are 3 covers here, "Welcome Home" from King Diamond, "Love Like Blood" from Killing Joke and "Red Sharks" from Crimson Glory, which the band adopt them to their style, but, in my opinion not as much as to create something more interesting and unique. And also there are 4 new tracks on the same aggressive style of the band, and one track that was re-recorded. The use of some Thrash parts here and there, and the harsh vocals, make things even more nice and fun for the listener. What's more interesting is that the new releases have an "old-fashioned" feeling, something that will please the early fans of the band, while new fans will probably like it too. The production was done by the band themselves, while the mastering was done by Andy Classen. All in all, this is more of collectors item for the fans of the band, but still a good release for all those into Death Metal. Along with this release, there will also be a DVD with their live performance at Walpurgis Metal Days 2009, that will certainly give you a nice idea of their live performances. Check them out.

8/10

THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE - Haunt What's Left

The band with the rather unique name, comes from Pennsylvania, and this their second album so far, after their successful 2008 release, Monuments. The band is playing a mixture of Heavy Metal with enough Metalcore elements, a mixture aggressive and powerful enough, right from the first to the last minute. Brutal and harsh vocals, along with excellent guitars, and a very solid rhythm section are the main characteristics here. But, to spice things up, they have incorporated plenty of melodies here and there, some clear vocals, and enough catchy parts, and this makes the result even more complicated, but always fun to listen to. The fact that the band is in great shape is obvious from the quality of the songs, where no indifferent moments exist, and things have been done in the best possible way. What's more amusing though, is that the songs are full of surprises, and the band seems to constantly seeking ways to bring the unexpected to the listener. Fast and melodic music, perfectly balanced between aggression and melody, with a catchy feeling, and memorable parts, that's what the listener might expect from this album. Add to all this a very good production, and you can understand why this is the perfect continuation of their very good debut.

9/10

BLACK MAJESTY - In Your Honour

This is the new album of the band from Australia, and for sure it's gonna be a blast for the fans. This is their fourth album, and in a way, their best so far. Playing Melodic Power Metal and enriching it with touches of Progressive here and there, this album is an instant hit. The music is catchy, and makes you want to move your head along with the rhythm. Very good guitar lines, harsh and well worked vocals, and memorable parts to sing along, are the characteristics of their latest release. The majority of the songs are very good, with nice ideas which the band explores to the best possible way. Slightly heavier than their previous works, this one still has what it takes to be considered as Melodic Metal, but being a bit more complex than before, needs some extra effort to explore their music. The production is very good, and was done by Ronald Grapow at his studios. Black Majesty once again have released an album that will please both new and old fans. It's fast, Heavy, Melodic, catchy, and well worked. What more a fan could ask?

9/10

SPELLBLAST - Battlecry

This is the second release of the Italian band, following the 2007 release of their debut "Horns Of Silence". The band is playing Power Metal, although they don't follow some of the trademarks one could think they would. What makes them different is the use of more traditional instruments, such as accordion or violins, which gives a more folk touch to their music. If you count this, the Epic atmosphere of the music, and the concept that is based on the Norse mythology, you get the whole picture. Plus, the guest appearance of Fabio Lione, is also a big plus to the already good vocals, and gives some extra good points to the result. The songs are very good, some closer to Epic and folk, and others closer to the classic Power Metal forms, with enough keyboard lines, and great guitar melodies. The production is good enough, and was done from the band themselves. In conclusion, the album is good enough, having some basic Power Metal forms, and leaving room for the band to explore their music as much as possible. The use of the instruments mentioned above, only makes things better, and enriches the Epic atmosphere the band wants to achieve. So, if you are a fan or well played music, then check them out.

8/10

IRON MAIDEN - The best of IMTV

IMTV takes on the road with Iron Maiden! We look back at the highlights of the Somewhere Back In Time Tour...

Jorn - Song For Ronnie James (Official video)

Taken from the album "Dio". Out on July the 2nd 2010