VADER - Welcome To The Morbid Reich

When someone things of the Polish Death Metal scene, one name comes in mind, and this is Vader. A band that exists for almost two decades, has seen various line up changes, but still continues to release works that are top notch, carefully prepared and wisely realized. This is also the case here, with their debut Nuclear Blast relase, and the devoted fan of their style of Death Metal, will accept it with a grin on his face. What is more enjoyable is that the band has created an album that is not only aggressive and brutal, but also groovy and catchy, with some nice melodies here and there, specially in the intros, and this enhances the feeling of each song. Another thing we liked is the plenty Thrash riffs and moments in the songs, that make this album even more catchy and fun to listen. Top class musicianship, excellent arrangements, and although there is not much variety in the song styles, the band manages to keep the listener interested until the end. The production is also very good, as clear and as powerful as it should be, without making the album sound too shinny. One might thing that there's no progression in their music, as time goes by, but Vader are having a very distinguished style in their music, which they only perfect with each release. So, if you are a fan of the band, or you like Death Metal in general, here's the best of what Poland has to offer. Enjoy.

9/10  

BRAINSTORM - On The Spur Of The Moment

This is the new album of the German Power Metal band, and release by release, they show that they set new higher standards on their works. Of course the band is playing Power Metal, melodic and groovy enough, but there's enough variety here so that the listener will find enough things to keep his mind busy. And if you count also the dark atmosphere you have an album that stands high above the average. The songs are well written, with many interesting ideas and the band is exploring them to the best way possible. Andy B. Franck is giving the performance of his lifetime, but so are the other members of the band, pushing Brainstorm to a higher level. What's more amazing is that they manage to evovle with each record, and this is also happening here. Melodies are plenty and well implemented through the album, and enhance the whole result without sacrificing the atmosphere. The production is also excellent, heavy and clear enough and is another big plus for the album. The album is full of well written songs, nice melodic lines, excellent vocals and musicianship, the well known German rhythm section, all wrapped up into a shinny and powerful pack. If you are a fan of the band, then this is an album you must have. Until their next one.

10/10  

ANTHRAX - Worship Music

I've always been a huge fan of this band, so this review might not be very objective, but then again, who said that reviews can't be a matter of personal taste? Anyway, I welcomed the fact that Joey Belladonna is back on the band, and this is their new album eight years after the release of their last studio effort. The new album sounds and feels as an Anthrax album should feel. It's full of classic moments and well written songs that will please all fans that were expecting this. Although they haven't forget the way to make crunchy thrashy music, this album is much more than this. Belladonna is in top shape, and so are the rest of band members, and the release is music that dives deep in to the depths of Classic Metal, but sounds as fresh and up-today as possible. Of course there are moments where the band is revisiting their late 80's era, which are also welcome and perfectly fitting. The production is top class, and completes the album in the best possible way. A new release from such a huge band, with almost the original line-up is a fact by itself. And if you consider also the quality of both the arrangements and their musical skills, you have another milestone on their career. One of those moments that the title couldn't be more fitting.

9/10    

EDGUY - Age Of Joker

It has been quite some time since Tobias Sammet and his crew surprised us with the release of their debut album, and the controversy about their music still goes on. Having left their Melodic Power Metal days in the past, at least partially, the band has chosen to explore new territories in music, but always with the trademarks of the sound of Edguy. Things here are more diverse, starting from vocals of Tobias Sammet and continuing to each instrument and every minute of the music. But, if you thing that there are no parts to sing along, think again, since as I said before, some of the trademarks of the music are still here. There are the great vocals, the catchy parts, well written melodies, and the superb guitar solos one should expect from an Edguy album. But what I liked on this album, and many of the fans will also do, is that the band is not afraid to experiment and explore new directions in their music, and is doing it with the same quality and ease that did it with their early releases. The production is perfect and was done by Sascha Paeth, and completes the album in the best possible way. If you were eager for just another Power Metal album with each song being based on the same form, then you might get disappointed. The band shows that every influence can find it's way to their music, so country style guitars, Progressive elements, pianos, Heavy tracks, slow ballad-like ones, and songs with specific references to the 80's, everything is here, all blended and implemented into an album that has no weak point. So open your mind, and let these guys explain their vision of music.

10/10    

LIVARKAHIL - TOUR OF DECAY 2011 - w/ HATE, VESANIA, AS YOU DROWN

"Signs of decay" new concept album based on religious autocracy. European release : 26 september 2011

Tour Dates
17/09 - MUSCADEATH w/ CENTURIAN
24/09 - METAL RUMBLE FEST III w/ HOUR OF PENANCE
26/09 - NANCY - TBA - w/ HATE & VESANIA
27/09 - LYON - WARM'AUDIO - w/ HATE & VESANIA
28/09 - MONTPELLIER - SECRET PLACE - w/ HATE & VESANIA
29/09 - PARIS - GLAZ'ART - w/ HATE & VESANIA
30/09 - STRASBOURG - LA CHARRUE - w/ HATE & VESANIA
01/10 - LILLE - TBA - w/ HATE & VESANIA
02/10 - NANTES - FERRAILLEUR - w/ HATE & VESANIA
05/10 - MARSEILLE - LE LOCAL - w/ HATE
07/10 - GEMBLOUX - MJC - w/ HATE
08/10 - ST DIZIER - EVENING OF METAL - w/ HATE
22/10 - TOURS - TBA -
26/10 - MARSEILLE - TBA - w/ AS YOU DROWN
27/10 - NICE - SEZAMO w/ AS YOU DROWN
28/10 - TBA - w/ AS YOU DROWN
29/10 - VERNOUILLET - WARM'UP - w/ AS YOU DROWN
30/10 - TBA - w/ AS YOU DROWN

COMMUNIC - The Bottom Deep

This is the fourth studio release of the Norwegian band, and I am sure that all fans of the band are already eager to reveal it's secrets. The band is playing a style of music that borrows elements from both Power Metal and Progressive, but combine them into a style than they can proudly call their own. First of all, this is not an easy album, although it contains moments that are catchy and straightforward. It will need more than just a listening or two to bring all the details of the music to the surface, and to explore the musical genius of it's creators. Whether slow and melodic, or more groovy and Heavy, everything is happening in a natural way, that will please even the listeners that Progressive is not their favorite style. The musicians are excellent, capable of delivering such a demanding task. A great work has also been done in the vocals, which cover a wide range and fit perfectly with the style of each song. The songs are well written, with no weak points, with a dark atmosphere spread around the album, and all the ideas that the band has, are explored to the maximum. A powerful production comes and completes the album in the way it deserves, and preserves all the details of the music. If you like Power Metal with a progressive touch, Sanctuary and Nevermore are amongst your favorite bands or you are a fan of Classic Heavy Metal, then this is a band you have to check out. Great work guys.

9/10