NERVECELL - Psychogenocide

I was always fascinated by bands that come from places with strong musical cultures. This is the case here, since the band comes from Middle East, Dubai to be more exact. The band is playing an mixture of Death and Thrash, very technical and complex, but also catchy enough so the album doesn't get boring from the constant changes. What amazes here is the drummer, and the rhythm section in general. It sounds like a machine, absolute perfect from the first to last minute, despite all those changes and complexity. The vocals are very good also, brutal enough, but fitting perfectly with the music, so are the guitar melodies. Another strong point of the album is the groove of the music, and fans will find themselves moving their heads along from the first moment. The production is exceptional, clear enough, yet preserving the power and the atmosphere of the album. If I may express one small wish though, is that I would like to see, some more experimenting with oriental stuff, since the opening of the album sounded very promising. In any case, the album is very good, strong and solid all the way, and will please any fan of the genre. Check them out .

9/10

SUIDAKRA - The Book Of Dowth

The story of the German band starts back in the mid 90's, and this is their latest release, their first with AFM Records. It has been two years since their successful Crogacht, and the they continue on the same path, delivering another album full of the band's trademarks. The band is playing Swedish Death Metal, with catchy melodies, a rhythm section that is close to perfection, and a groove that all fans of the genre will like. But along with that, there is a very strong Folk influence, on the lyrics concept, and on the music as well. The album has a few surprises to make things even more interesting, such a haunting song with female vocals, full of atmosphere, or some more melodic parts here and there, along with clear vocals. All these serve well the concept of the album, which is based on a dark version of a Celtic myth. The production is also very good, clear and crisp enough, and completes the music in the best possible way. One of the first bands to combine Melodic Death with Folk elements into a very catchy outfit, is back with a release that will please both old and new fans. It's heavy, it's groovy, well performed, and dark. How not to like it?

9/10

CHROME DIVISION - 3rd Round Knockout

Chrome Division is the perfect example of how good music knows no time borders, or never sounds outdated. The band consists on members from other bands, mostly of the aggressive territory, but performs an mixture of old school Heavy Metal, with a modern finish. Heavily influenced by the Motorhead music and their whole attitude in general, the band performs a kind of music that could easily be Motorhead on a truck with no breaks on a downhill. It's Heavy, it's melodic, with excellent vocals, killer guitar solos and riffs, and a very infectious groove. There are times where the band has a more aggressive approach to the music, but always sticks to the same pattern. But above all, it has the dirty Rock 'n' Roll feeling that everyone expect from such a release, and we all love to listen to. Ideal for drinking with friends, for listening while driving, and specially for being performed live. No less good songs here, nor things that could be done in a better way. No matter what style of Metal you are into, you will find things to like on this album. There's also a very interesting version of Johnny Cash's Ghostriders In The Sky, to spice things up a bit. Check them out, and listen to the album carefully.

10/10

Warrant - Rockaholic

After Jani Lane had left the band, I was very curious to listen to the new album of Warrant. The departure of Jani, brought Robert Mason behind the microphone, best known for his work with Lynch Mob. This change has made a new sound for the band. We have to do with a pure hard rock album. Forget the Glam Metal style of the early years. Instead of this the guitars spiting the dirtiest riffs you have ever listen of them. The rhythm section sounds tough and steady and the whole project fits perfect with Mason’s voice. One of the best albums of the band. I have stacked with this. I’m a rockaholic!

10/10

Black n' BLUE - Hell yeah!

Do you remember this hit single from the self titled album of Black n'Blue? That's what they come back to say. Maybe they became a litlle bit bigger,fater or grey haired. who cares!the soul of the rocker is still the same.they didn't forget the art of making hard rock music. they still have their teenage energy. Good retro hard rock!riffs that stick in your mind,the guitars t cut like a knife and refrains that makes to sing on concert.get your beers and enjoy it!

9/10

DESTROPHY - Cry Havoc

Literally, Ι fell from the clouds! Ι just listened to what is the fourth album by the Iowan band DESTROPHY. They have almost completely left from the Nu Metal, alternative hybrid the were playing all those years! Here vave a straight forward classic, european sounding and oriented Heavy/Power MetaL!! Loud rhythm section, great vocals and heavy metal MELODIC virtuoso solos! Everything is perfectly evolved here since people seem to have it their blood for years (probably well hidden...).
So, I don want to use the word masterpiece but we easily have here what it seems to be one of the best releases of the year! Enjoy!

10/10