DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER - The Greatest Of The Best

What to say about those Germans, and how to explain their music to those that haven't heard any of their songs before? First we have to say that the band moves on various styles, and does it fluently, incorporating various influences into a very groovy and interesting mixture. There's Rock, there's Thrash, there's Folk, and everything in between, all mixed up in the cauldron of the band, and served in this album, for the daring and open minded to taste. The personality of Fuchs, the singer, dominates the music, but it also takes the performing skills of each band member to accomplish their musical vision. The songs are chosen very carefully, with no less good ones, and this is also a big plus for the compilation. Best of albums are ideal for fans that want to have a quick review of the work of a band, or want to see the progression of a band through each release. Nevertheless, this album is also a good release, even if you are a fan, since it contains plenty of favorite tunes all together. But let me tell you, if you are not familiar with their sound, open your mind, and expect everything. Cause their music is so full of twists and turns, that won't let you rest for a minute.

9/10  

VEKTOR - Outer Isolation

Ever wonder how things would have been for Thrash, if 90's never existed? Do you miss that old era, the sound and feel of the music of that time? So do we from time to time, and this album is one of those appropriate for that occasion. Vektor is a band that comes from Phoenix and exists since 2004. This is their second full length album, and I have the feeling that this will establish their name to the scene and make their music available to broader audiences. The band is playing Thrash, with  all the characteristics of the style. There are the sharp guitar riffs, the screaming vocals which sometimes resemble much the style of Destruction, and the tight rhythm section, but on the other hand there's plenty of melody and complexity on the songs, that approaches the borders of Progressive. The band is talented enough, and they have enough interesting ideas explored through their music. Although the music is catchy enough with the first listening, the complexity of it's structure makes it even intriguing with each listening, revealing more and more. The production is excellent, clear enough to show every detail of the album, but also preserving the raw and old-fashioned feeling of the music. A highly anticipated album from those that have heard their debut, and a recommended listening for those into Thrash in general.

8/10 

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THRONE OF KATHARSIS - VED GRAVEN

This is the new release of the Norwegian act, and this is their third album so far. Black Metal can be a bit diverse and unique style, with bands exploring new territories, while others prefer to stick to the same path, perfecting their sound with each release. This is what happens here, with the band playing an old-fashioned Black Metal music, with all the trademarks of the style, something that the fans of old school stuff will love. The music was recorded during three nights at the studio, with all the instruments and vocals recorded live, and this captures a lot of the feeling the band wanted to create. There are the fast blast-beating stuff that we all are aware of, but what enhances the dark and ominous atmosphere is the slower and more ritualistic moments, along with some additions from a church organ. In a tempo like that, vocals are chilling, and sound like coming from the depths of Hell, enriching the result to the maximum. The whole package screams old-fashioned, from the cover art, to the dark and suffocating production, everything is like the band decided to take a step back into the mid 90's. With the music being aggressive, dark, and poisonous, and moving into this sick and unholy atmosphere, success is guaranteed. If you are into Black Metal stuff, then this one will definitely meet your needs.

9/10

BUCK SATAN & THE 666 SHOOTERS - Bikers Welcome! Ladies Drink For Free

If you are not aware of the music of the band, then nothing can prepare you for that. Although not from the US, I can't overlook the fact that Country is a style of music with a huge and addictive groove in it. So, this band, is the brainchild of Al Jourgensen from Ministry, and is playing Country performed in his own perspective. The result is an album full of melodies, with lyrics having a strong sense of humor, talking about women, bikes, booze, bars and good time with friends. Along with the original Metal musicians, there are banjos, fiddles, cellos and mandolins, and this makes the music even more diverse and intriguing. So, what you have here can be tagged as a Country album performed through Metal filters, or a Metal album done by Country musicians, but no matter how you call it, it's well played. It has catchy grooves, very good melodies, harsh vocals, and gifted musicianship. Along with Al, there are musicians from Static-X, Cheap Trick, and Rigor Mortis, but equal good musicianship can also be heard from those playing banjos, fiddles and mandolins. The songs are very good, with no less good moments, or things that could be done in a better way. I understand that this album might not be enough Metal for the majority of the fans, and I guess it might not be enough Country for the fans of the genre. But to me, it sounds like a ambitious, inspired and humorous enough, effort to create an album that combines two different styles of music, into a style the band calls Countrycore. Check it out and decide for yourselves.

8/10 

IN FLAMES - Where The Dead Ships Dwell (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

IN FLAMES - Where The Dead Ships Dwell (OFFICIAL VIDEO). Taken from the album "Sounds Of A Playground Fading".

Today, Sweden's own IN FLAMES unleashes the digital single for their track "Where The Dead Ships Dwell".  The digital single includes not only the original song from the most recent album, Sounds Of A Playground Fading - which debuted at #27 on the Top 200 Billboard Charts and topped international charts - but also features three extremely diverse remixes of the song with versions by German rapper CASPER, drum and bass act THE QEMISTS and KRISTOF BATHORY, vocalist of the black metal band DAWN OF ASHES.

"The songs have already been made and the originals are as good as they can be, but what if I give them to an artist from a whole different genre, what would be there take on it?" Says IN FLAMES vocalist Anders Fridén. "I love collaborations like this and all the artists we worked with have done an awesome job. It's not meant to be taken dead serious and it's not how In Flames is gonna sound next, but I love it and I hope you'll enjoy a twist to the formula."