| DREAMAKER - ENCLOSED (Indie) |
| If your looking for something unique and full of passion, then look no further than this second release by Spain's Dreamaker formed by three ex-members of Dark Moor and fronted by their magical lead singer Elisa C. Martin. Dreamaker takes the correct steps that blend Power/Symphonic Metal together in this impressive CD titled Enclosed. Elisa C. Martin is pure gold on vocals all through the album and without the supporting cast of guys like Albert Maroto (Guitar) and Jorge Saez (Drums) it may not sound as appealing as one might think of first hand. The CD starts off with a couple of epic tunes "I Live my own life" and "Reverse Universe" as Dreamaker blends different styles of heavy metal on this disc. Guitarists Albert Maroto and Matias Sosa rips into these tracks with Iced Earth type riffs pressing on as the beauty of Elisa's melodic voice echo's on these tracks back to back. Dreamaker will surprise you with all kinds of music styles throughout the 12 tracks on the CD. This is what makes this album such an interesting listen because without the use of keyboards or Elisa's great voice this band may not quite get that epic/power metal feel they seek. The tracks also tend to be too clean and polished here and there, but the bands creativity to blend guitar solo's and harmonic vocals shows their true passion for making solid metal music that many can respect and enjoy. The main effect is that Dreamaker, even with infuences such as In Flames, Arch Enemy, Soilwork etc.. they have put together their own unique sound which puts them in a league of their own. Very good and worth picking up. Make sure you catch Dreamaker when they come to your City. Metal Mike.........................................................7.5/10 |
| LEECHHATE - NEW LIFE (Indie) |
| This 2 song demo CD was sent to me courtesy of the band Leechhate who come from Edinburgh and posses a serious fury and rage right from the start kind of like most death metal bands today, but then again how often do you hear such a tight well produced demo CD with thunder like riffs that will blow you away such as this? Probably not too many bands in the indie metal scene can do what Leechate has done so well even on just a 2 song demo like this. try to imagine what it would sound like if you throw together Pantera, Slayer, Morbid Angel and Entombed. Leechhate mixes Death/Thrash well on New Life yet the only thing I didn't like was the addition of the quick melodic part with vocals. It didn't seem to suit Leechhate's sound and aggression since that part would be better for a band whose main focus was melodic grooves and hooks. Yet it's easy to see how those parts are overshadowed by the fantastic effort by the band overall. They seem to have it all together so far, and with a new album probably coming soon, Leechhate will raise the flag of hate for all to obey. Metal Mike..............................................................8/10 |
| FEANOR - INVENCIBLE (Secret Port) |
| Of course you've heard of Manowar the kings of heavy metal now it's time for you to meet Feanor, a south american epic heavy metal band who also takes on the same beliefs as Manowar with claims to be true heavy metal in their image as well as the music. Invencible is the bands first true release through Secret Port Records after being part of a couple compilation CD's as well as the independent release a demo in 2004 as well as an EP in 2000. As expected nothing is actually sung in english but they certainly do show that they have the power and passion as a band like Manowar do but maybe not as heavy as the kings themselves since Feanor is more technical that just heavy. Feanor's Invencible opens with an intro clocking at 1:43 and then jumps right into the title track which I think is the best song on the album for it's Running Wild sound of galloping bass riffs. But what makes this track so amazing is the powerful chorus and vocals which rocks the mountains on any continent. Feanor continues on with some interesting twists here and there proving that they are what they say they are, a true heavy power metal band looking to follow the same steps as Manowar, Running Wild or even Wizard. Creative they may be at times but unless you understand Argentinean this might not be as enjoyable as expected. When they do sing in english on "Noble Savage" (which I believe is the only english track on Invencible) they feature some interesting but typical power metal lyrics much like a concept album you'd hear from Grave Digger as well as of course.. Manowar. It may take a few spins but you'll find this CD by Feanor will make you raise a fist and yell loud and proud which might be just what these Epic metalers want from you. With some time Feanor may be able to find the worldwide fan base they look need, unless Feanor metalheads already exist, they might help conquer false metal one day. Metal Mike............................................................6.5/10 |
| WETWORK - SYNOD (Krankenhaus Records) |
| Sometimes in today's Heavy Metal scene, you just want a band to come out of nowhere and scare the hell out of you. Like when Mortician made their debut over a decade ago or when Gwar introduced the world to their sick stage antics. Wetwork who come from Toronto, Canada have that evil sound one craves when looking for something dark, vicious and brutal all at the same time. This foursome (Three guys and one female vocalist) will blow your mind as they pound out some of the heaviest, thickest, most brutal riffs heard on this side of the border. Bands that come close to matching Wetwork riff for riff would include Nevermore, Cannibal Corpse and Napalm Death. Technical Death Metal never sounded this evil. Lead vocalist Kristen Parker (a.k.a. Doc) is fantastic as her screeches and evil chants bring Synod to a dark level of pure bone chilling flesh rotting hatred. Yeah she's that damn good, and so is Wetwork. Synod is a dark concept done very well by an impressive group of musicians. They know exactly what they wanted to do when they created this album which can now be considered the best and most vicious Canadian Heavy Metal album of 2005 if not overall. In time Wetwork will be neck and neck with the Kataklysm's, Arch Enemy's and God Dethroned of this business and scene we call Heavy Metal. And yes it is a business, one which Wetwork does so well which is why they deserve so much credit for a job well done in the bands young career. Metal Mike.............................................................9.5/10 |
| REBORN IN FIRE - MEDIA PUPPET MASSACRE (Indie) |
| Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma this band known as Reborn in Fire arrives on the scene in June of 2003 to try and unleash their brand of Heavy Metal upon a state that I don't think is very well known for much Heavy Metal music at all. Media Puppet Massacre is a five song EP which focuses more on an 80's Metallica thrash style topped with a little groove to the mix. Vocalist/Lead Guitarist Gary Reed sounds like a toned down version of Zakk Wylde on this disc with his voice. Some seriously catchy riffs plug the entire EP as well as a very good overall production sound. Also some nice technical guitar solo's as well, yet something about Reborn In Fire is missing. I truly feel if they change their arsenal with more speed/thrash or dirtier sound as opposed to an almost radio friendly approach, Reborn in Fire can hit something they lack on this EP. There is talent here and it shows on the faster songs such as "Awakened" and "No Backbone". But Reborn in Fire is still young group and can possibly have some success down the road, maybe a change in style is needed just so they can push themselves even harder. For now we'll just have to see what the future has in store for them. Metal Mike.................................................................6/10 |
| CROMONIC - REBIRTH (Indie) |
| If your looking for a new and interesting band to add to your list of favourites then make sure you check out Cromonic as they offer a homegrown yet powerful brand of heavy metal. A little bit of everything old and something new thrown in here. On this 3 song promo titled Rebirth, Cromonic throw down some intense 80's style guitar riffs that remind you of a mix of Savatage crossed with canada's Annihilator. These three tracks would make both Chris Caffery and Jeff Waters smile from ear to ear. Best praise is left for the final track "Sands Of Time" which will no doubt be a favourite among fans everywhere. Cromonic uses some black metal style keyboards which fit in quite nicely on each track. I'm most impressed with how well the band fits together as a unit as each track is constructed with great metal pride shown by Cromonic's vocalist Pasi Humppi. Sound wise they are dead on as you couldn't ask for a better set of musicians as they power their way through three tracks of pure Heavy Metal. Such a true sound and well mixed for a promo that all bands could understand and appreciate a recording this good. With so much positive and not enough negative to sink this effort, you can bet that Cromonic will have their phone ringing as label interest cannot be that far away. Metal Mike................................................................8.5/10 |
| MASTERY - LETHAL LEGACY (Indie) |
| Twenty years ago, when Thrash/Speed metal ruled the world, there were many bands that tried but didn't do as well as they hoped. Yet, there were also many bands that struck gold, signed a major label deal and enjoyed quite a good run of fame, and in some cases, fortune. Whether you were an underground band, or some of the famous 80's acts such as Metallica, Megadeth, Testament or maybe Anthrax, you knew that you were part of a memorable scene that was exploding worldwide. (And today is still known as one of the most influential metal decades of our time.) Here is a band known as Mastery, who hail from Toronto, Canada, and are not afraid to take a step back in time to run along side other 80's Thrash/Speed metal kings. Mastery have created something that's been well overdue for years. With this release titled "Lethal Legacy" they put forth some of the most blazing Speed/Thrash metal that this world of overloaded Black/Death metal so desperately needs. If you're looking for something unique, dont expect to find a new type of heavy metal here. Mastery is nothing but pure adrenaline, one of the most intense thrash rides of the new millenium. Blistering riffs and technique from a vocal-less group. That's right, they don't have a singer! It is almost impossible to believe that this band is still early in its "Masterful" career. Don't doubt me when I say that hearing is believing. Not only does the guitar work of this disc sound like 15-20 year veterans, but the drums, production and their cohesiveness as a unit will blow your mind. In other words..It's that damn good! I also hear that their live show is even better. A true Thrash band that thinks of work ethic and a change in genre ahead of the ongoing trend which can be called copy cat metal heard in this day and age. This album alone should help the band make a jump to the big time -the Heavy Metal dream they wished for is almost complete. Now it's time for the next step, which is becoming world famous. A masterpiece that should make Mastery legends of our time for years to come! Metal Mike..................................................................9.5/10 |