THE WRETCHED END - Ominous

This is the first release of the band that was formed a couple of years ago by Samoth and Cosmo, both known for their work at Emperor, Zyclon and Mindgrinder, and soon the line up filled with Nils Fjellström on drums. The band is playing a mixture of Death and Thrash Metal, all blended together in a wise way, that will leave all fans with a smile on their faces. Slow and groovy at times, speeding up when needed and always brutal and extreme, this album is a perfect debut, worthy of the talent and reputation of the band members. One of the strongest point of this album is the groove of the music, and the way that makes you move your head along with it. The arrangements are very good, and the style of the band moves from old school to more modern forms, something that makes the album interesting at all times. Some less good moments or moments where the band repeats itself, do exist, but those are not so many to spoil the fun, or destroy the good impression. A debut album with a lot of good music, something that is assured by the talent of the band members. If you like extreme stuff, do check them out.

8/10

SYMPHORCE - Unrestricted

This is the seventh album of the band, whose vocalist is also known for his work with Brainstorm, and this is also their first album with AFM Records. The band is playing music that shares elements from various styles of Metal, but over the years they have managed to create their personal sound. The album can be tagged as Power Metal, but, the band has managed to create music that is much more diverse than this. Melody is important here, so is catchy guitars, unique keyboards and of course, the vocals of Andy B. Franck who somehow dominates the songs often, in a way that won't mind the listener. But, there's also a complexity in the arrangements and some keyboards that might sound a bit weird for a Power Metal album, but fit perfectly with the style of the music. There are songs that are catchy, and easy to follow and sing along, but also more difficult ones, who need much more attention to get into. Now add to this, a perfect production, that points out all the details of the music, which are more than enough by the way. Escaping the narrow borderlines of Power Metal, and adding new elements to their music, Symphorce have managed to create their most intriguing and fresh album yet. And something tells me, that there's more to expect in the future.

9/10

ALLEN/LANDE - The Showdown

Five years have passed since the first collaboration for the two well known artists, and their third record is finally on our hands. If you expected something different from their previous two albums, you will be disappointed. The band is moving on the same trusted recipe, and delivers an album that will bring chills down your spine. All songwriting was done by Magnus Karlsson, while the excellent vocals of both Russel Allen, and Jorn Lande, are somehow dominating the whole album from the first to the last minute, but also leave space for the melodies as well. The music is catchy, well performed, with parts to participate, memorable melodies, and a sticky groove. The production is as clear as it should be, but this time is a bit heavier than in their previous releases, and points out every detail of the album. As a result, this time, their magnificent blend of Melodic Metal and Hard Rock, is heavier than before, but still contains all the characteristics of their previous releases. There are parts you can sing along, stuff that show the vocal capabilities of both singers, tons of guitar melodies, and parts to tap your feet along with the drums of Jaime Salazar. No matter if you are a new or old fan of the band, or just into Melodic stuff, this is an album you should check out.

9/10

ROSS THE BOSS - Hailstorm

The second release of the band is a fact, and what's more certain is that the fans of early Manowar will love this album. It has all what it takes for that. It's Epic, pompous, groovy, well arranged and performed. With a lot of energy, guitar-driven melodies, and a very solid rhythm section, the album moves on very quality standards. What's more interesting though is that the band is also trying to explore new paths and enrich their music even more, rather than stay on a well known and tested recipe. This leads to more variety, and keeps the listener's interest high until the end. The vocals also are quite good, although Patrick Fuchs is not the typical Epic Metal vocalist. But again, this is not the average Epic Metal album, it's much more than this, and the vocals fit quite good into it. This album is quite easy to get into from the first time, but still holds surprises for the fans, with a more cautious listening. Well arranged songs, with nice melodies and parts to sing along, parts to bang you head with the rhythm and excellent atmosphere. Everything comes in a fluent way, which means that the album is a fun to listen to. So, if you are into Epic stuff, this is a release that you should definitely check out.

9/10

RAUNCHY - A Discord Electric

This is the fifth album of the band from Denmark, and their music is an interesting mixture of various Metal styles, enriched with some non Metal and Pop influences. Surprisingly enough, the music is very interesting, despite the constant experimenting, and the moments where the band explores forms not so close to Metal. All this because the songs are very melodic, and the members are quite talented to deliver what they promise. Synths are important here, and give a special feeling to the songs, while the rhythm section is solid enough to create a very nice contradiction. Vocals that move from clear to almost Deathlike, are also a big plus on this album. Really hard to categorize, the band has managed to create songs, that stand out of the ordinary, with influences that sometimes sound really hard to combine, but always with a very solid and heavy base. Not an easy album, although the songs are quite catchy, with a lot of experimenting, and tons of things to discover with a more cautious listening. The production is clear enough, suitable for this kind of music, and helps the listener discover all the hidden details of the album. An album full of nice music, that aims to the open minded Metal fan. Check them out.

9/10

A free MP3 from CHICKENHAWK

Ahead of the release date of Monday 1st November 2010 'Modern Bodies', Chickenhawk have released the opening track Scorpieau as a free download to co-inside with their preorder options.