DOMINANZ - As I Shine

Dominanz are hailing from Norway, a land with tradition in extremity in it's music styles. Therefor this band could be no exception, only they have enriched their sound even more. Basically the band members come from the Black Metal scene, and this is obvious in the way of singing, but also in the style of music. But, adding some atmospheric and Gothic stuff, along with various industrial elements here and there, they created an album that moves in more than just a dimension. The music is aggressive and groovy, and creates a very sick atmosphere that fans will love. The songs are very good, with interesting ideas, and there are no weak or boring parts that might spoil the fun. The use of background female vocals makes things even more catchy. The musicianship is excellent, and the band manages to blend all their influences in a wise way, from the first to the last minute. The production is also very good, clear and powerful enough, and preserves the atmosphere of the whole album in a perfect way. If you like experimenting, and the idea of blending various styles seems intriguing enough, then don't be afraid to explore their world. It's sick, suffocating, bleak and ominous, but definitely worth it.

9/10

NIGHT RANGER - Somewhere In California

I am sure that everyone is aware of who Night Ranger are. The release of this album also celebrates their 30th year as a band, and for sure will bring chills to the fans. Night Ranger are playing Melodic AOR with a modern costume, but with the same 80's feeling that fans loved. Fast and melodic songs, with excellent musicianship, and some amazing guitar works by brad Gillis. Melodies are vital and plenty, given by both guitars and keyboards, and and make the music even more catchy. The songwriting is amazing, something that Jack Blades is also known for, and the music although has an 100% 80's feeling, has also enough interesting ideas into it. Songs that ideal to sing along, with plenty of memorable choirs and refrains, this album smells fun and good time. For the fans who lived the 80's it's a, more shinny, journey to the past, and for the others it's a good melodic album, that will give hours of listening pleasure. So, load the album on your stereo, grab some beers, sit back, and prepare to be transported Somewhere in California.

9/10

XERATH - II

Sometimes it's really hard to get amazed by a new release, or even surprised by what you listen. With so many releases, a band has to be really creative and have a interesting vision, to create something unique. This British band is one of those cases, at least their vision of music seems promising. They are trying to combine extreme music with orchestral parts, that often enough resemble of a metalized soundtrack. First of all, every single member of the band is very technical, and this is very good for the nature of their music. Second they have enough good ideas, and they are trying to explore them to the maximum. And last, but not least, the production of this album is clear enough and preserves the theatrical feeling the band wants to give to their music. Their work is rather difficult to tag, imagine something like Death Metal with a film score in the background, melodic, complex and groovy, aggressive and technical. Too damn difficult, but who really cares? Not an album for anyone, but if you are open minded, and listen carefully, more than just a couple of times, then there are plenty of things to discover.

8/10

Metallica - Blackened (Live - Milan, Italy) - MetOnTour

Blackened from Milan, Italy. Full video available at www.metallica.com.

ROXXCALIBUR - Lords of NWOBHM

I must admit that this release is very nice and mind intriguing. The band started as an idea of Viron drummer Neudi, who is also a devoted NWOBHM fan. So, along with fellow band members but also respected musicians, created this band that plays cover songs, but does it in a Teutonic way. This is their second release, following their successful "NWOBHM for Muthas", obviously inspired by the legendary 80's compilation. Once again, the band has gathered some jewels of the British scene, from well known bands, but also from bands that didn't had a huge success. Cover songs are generally fun, and this could not be otherwise. But, the band has managed to give a more German touch to the whole album, something that gives a different perspective to the music. The production of Metal legend Chris Tsangarides manages to preserve the 80's feeling of the music, but give it in a more modern way. I admired the fact that they didn't try to alter the feeling of the songs, transform it into something that younger fans would like, but treated each song with respect. It's like they wanted to show how each song would sound like if it was released today. Nevertheless, it's a release that might please fans of the genre, but certainly will make other fans dig into the work of bands that deserved much more than they got. And still, I am curious to see, what's the next dish from those guys.

9/10

THE DIAMOND DOGS - The Grit And The Very Soul

The band comes from Sweden and exists since the mid 90's. First of all, I have to warn you that this is not a Metal album. So, if you are expecting something with crunchy guitars, or smashing drums better move on. But if you like good and honest music, then this one might touch a special part in your soul, as it did with mine. So, this is a Rock album, with a strong bluesy feeling, and some very welcome touches of Southern here and there that no one would expect from a Swedish band. The music is slow and melodic, and the use of instruments like violin, mandolin and saxophone makes it even more diverse and fun to listen to. The music contains enough interesting ideas, and my only objection is that there are more than enough ballads, which makes things a little mellow but doesn't spoil the fun. The whole album was recorded live in the studio, including the instruments like the violin, and this gives some of the live energy to the whole music. An album ideal for listening while driving a long journey, ideal for listening while enjoying beers with friends at the local bar, from a band that I would love to see live.

8/10