This isn't a specific album I'm presenting, but it's actually a gathering of some songs and covers of this weird and unconventional band with the strange and extremely unique moniker. Let me also clear one more thing out... this is neither metal nor has it got anything to do with extreme forms of expression. What this Greek duo has set to create is an 80s pop/rock sound with a disco feeling created by the keyboards and PC programming. Actually Ouzo The Band brought to my mind PET SHOP BOYS, DAVID BOWIE, FINE YOUNG CANNIBALS and the likes, so you get a pretty clear view of where this band's heading at. Their compositions, I must admit, are really impressive and have this true and pure 80s essence, so intensely that they could easily fool you into believing that their songs had been written and recorded back then... The musicianship, the execution, the compositions...everything is top quality and come from skillful musicians who treat art with much respect and love. One last thing I want to talk about is Nancy's stunning voice!!! It's obvious that she trained it a lot and she has thus become an incredible soprano singer that will blow your minds away!!!! Keep this band in mind in case you are looking for an alternative and special proposal...
Site: http://www.myspace.com/ouzotheband

Dead Of Night comes from Finland and they formed back in 1998. After one demo release in 2004 and an EP in 2005, the band released a promo CD in end of last year with two new songs plus two tracks from their self tilted EP. I have always admired the metal scene in Finland and Dead Of Night did their best in order to sustain this belief of mine. Musically, they walk in heavy metal paths with harsh vocals. I can say that they are a little bit softer than CHILDREN OF BODOM for example. Generally, their music is well structured and their songs are definitely well worked with some very interesting ideas. Also the concept behind them and their personal view of metal music made my day. Dead Of Night, is a band that isn’t too melodic or too extreme. I believe the fans of heavy metal can hear them and of course the fans of thrash metal as well. As the songs unfold you can see the work that the band has done in the guitar section. I hope they will soon release something new to listen to how they sound nowadays.
Site: www.webofnight.com
Email: [email protected]

I have a deep respect for the Turkish underground metal scene and there are many bands from this country that I adore and support, simply because they have art running in their veins. Such is the case for this newcoming quartet from Istanbul, who present us grim and morbid compositions of well blended black and death metal or blackened death metal as most people prefer to call it. Their songs are beautiful and catchy, but someone perhaps would say that they are typical of this branch with not much innovation. Probably they are right, but where originality enters is in the addition of subtle and yet beautiful oriental melodies in the way MELECHESH, ORPHANED LAND and even the divine and magnificent PENTRAGRAM (MEZAR KABUL) know how to use. So, death/black metal riffs are enriched with traditional, oriental themes and they are supported by a talented vocalist, whose interpretation mostly moves in the death metal genre with some occasional high pitched shrieks. All three songs are extremely catchy and made me want to listen to some more of Pryme Sinister who seem to be paving the right path with their bombastic mixture of death with black metal and oriental music! I only wish they soon find a worthy label to support them. These guys can do miracles, mark my words!
Site: http://www.myspace.com/prymesinister

Dawn Of Retaliation is a new born band. They have only two years of existence and “A Plague Called Religion” is their latest demo release. In this work the band has included three tracks and twelve minutes of a pure death metal assault. From the opening track to the closing one, the band gives their best with a massive sound for a demo release. Their compositions are well worked with some very interesting ideas. Of course the band walks mostly in the death metal paths but they have included their personal touch inside their songs. I am sure the fans of death metal will adore the stuff from Dawn Of Retaliation. Definitely the band seems to be ready for their next attack, they just need to keep up the hard work, to play their music straight from their hearts and I am sure we will soon hear something bigger and better from them. Taste the songs at their myspace page…
Site: http://www.myspace.com/dawnofretaliation

Can it be possible? Is it true that this band from Halmstad, Sweden only exists a year now and yet they were able to release such a solid and devastating promo with a great and crystal clear production, whilst doing everything from scratch on their own? What else can you feel other than admiration for such a talented and worthy band who has the inspiration and the skills to transubstantiate all their thoughts, influences and feelings into an aggressive burst of violence? I've gathered way too many questions here, so I'll keep the rest for the interview I'm going to do with the band :). Art Like Destruction's moniker gives us a clear hint of what their music is all about, which is no less that top notch, ferocious death metal with some hardcore touches. Their compositions are filled with catchy riffs, uptempo heavy and concrete rhythms, sharp and chunky guitar parts and a demented, pissed off vocalist who elevates the compositions even further. Add to all the rest a subtle and yet great sense of melody, always present in the song structures, but not always traceable and you have an amazing album!!! How can such a band still be unsigned? Shame on the labels!!!
Email: [email protected]
Site:http://www.myspace.com/artlikedestruction

After a year from the release date of their previous EP Kivimetsan Druidi released their first work with their new singer. This time the band has also decided to have English lyrics. I follow Kivimetsan Druidi from their beginning, to be honest with you, except the fact that they play folk metal with a lot of symphonic metal elements, the thing that attracts me to their music was the lyrics which was in their mother tongue. Now, Kivimetsan Druidi decided to make a new start, that’s why the title of this new demo is “The New Chapter”. Of course the music remains the same, so don’t expect to hear something else than folk metal. As the years pass, the band becomes more mature, with more experience, which means that they have done many steps forward from the last time that I had the chance to listen to their music. In this work, the band has included three tracks. Believe me you won’t understand how the time will pass from the moment you will start listening to their work. All in all, Kivimetsan Druidi is a band that in every step gives something more to the listener and has made a step forward once again. I hope they will soon release their full length album.
Site: www.kivimetsandruidi.com
Email: [email protected]

Griffen... now that's a name we should all keep in mind cause I'm sure, given the right opportunities, it will reign the air waves and our CD players in the near future! What these Swedes have set to create is 80s hard rock/heavy metal with much devotion and affection. Once you listen to their songs, you can't escape realizing how much these guys really love this sound. This is something obvious both from the compositions and from the execution of the songs, which is top notch! So, this quintet has written four high quality songs in the vein of catchy, uptempo classic hard rock and 80s heavy metal with many NWOBHM additions. If some of you have lived through that decade then I'm sure you are in search of newcoming special bands that have the potential and ability to compose diamonds reminiscent of that traditional approach and true feeling that lacks in most of the recent releases. If you are younger, like me, then it's always good to go on a journey back to the roots of our beloved music and why not even explore new bands that have that old school vibe. All in all if melodic hard 'n' heavy runs in your blood and you love bands like AXEL RUDI PELL, GOTTHARD, RAINBOW and the likes, you must definitely give Griffen a try! They will definitely amaze you with their musicianship, their incredible, passionate singer and with their well structured and catchy songs!
Site: http://www.myspace.com/griffentheband

Once, back in 2002, when I was young, I had reviewed the debut demo CD from a band called GUARDIAN FORCE, I still remember the title track “Land Of Magic”. It had haunted my mind... I still have the melody of this song in my mind after all these years when the band, with their new name, Crystal Blaze sent me their newest demo CD “The Punishment”. In this work, the band has included three tracks and thirteen minutes of pure straightforward power metal. Of course now, the band is more mature, their music is more mature and of course after all these years, Crystal Blaze has made a lot of steps forward. The first two tracks are the best in this work; especially the opening song is like the hit of this demo. Definitely the band has worked really hard and their compositions are really impressive with very interesting ideas but above all is the will for the power metal that made them win a competition and play in this year’s edition of Wacken Open Air. These guys from Finland know very well what they want from their music and what to offer to the listeners. Just give them a try and you won’t regret it. 
Site: www.crystal-blaze.com
Email: [email protected]

Don't be tricked or misled by this band's name. They definitely have strong melodic references, but their music has nothing to do with terms such as mellow or "sweet". On the contrary these Germans manage to convey in their compositions an epic feeling through a melodic version of European heavy/power metal. "Spyrol" is nothing more that a 3-track promo CD, containing songs from the bands follow-up to 2004's "Gateways" album and its reason for existence is to be the means through which the band will find the proper record label to release it. Now like I've already said we are dealing here with melodic heavy/power metal in the veins of bands like MAJESTY, ELWING, WIZARD - that stand for the epic part of the songs -  and HELLOWEEN, DIO and EMERALD SUN who represent the band's more straightforward power metal approach. The songs are filled with passion and some really catchy riffs that fit perfectly with Elvenpath's epic lyrics. The production is also very good with the proper amount of volume and clear enough for all instruments to be heard. This is a release that the die hard power metallers will cherish! The labels that are interested in the modern epic power metal sound should try to listen to them at any cost!
Email: [email protected]
Site: http://www.elvenpath.com

I follow Fliptop Box from the beginning of their career. They started back in 2003 and so far they have released two demo CDs. “Souls” is their third one and it was released before a few weeks. In this work the band has included four tracks and almost twenty minutes of pure hard rock music. Actually in each release, Fliptop Box has a surprise for the listener. In their previous work the band had female vocals, now John, the guitar player is responsible for the vocals as well as the guitar. Definitely, if you have got used to hearing a woman behind the microphone, you need some time to feel and “digest” the way that John sings. Believe me though you won’t understand how smoothly, the band has made this change. Actually, with the new songs, the band has already made the passage to the new singer... Don’t forget that John is the one responsible for the music of Fliptop Box too. Anyway, I always admire the music of this band; I have always liked their music and the way they present it to us. Needless to say that I have adored each minute of this new demo. I am sure you will adore the stuff from Fliptop Box!
Site: www.myspace.com/fliptopboxxx
Email: [email protected]

Sharp End First is a new born band, formed before three years and so far they released last year an EP and now we have in our hands their 2 track promo CD from their upcoming album “Rule The Day”. The band comes from the United Kingdom and from the tunes that we listened to on this CD, we realized that they definitely walk in the hardcore metal path with a modern approach. Sharp End First is undoubtedly a promising band but of course we need to hear the whole album in order to have the whole picture of their music clear in our minds. Go to their myspace page and you will hear some of their stuff…
Site: www.sharpendfirst.com
Email: [email protected]

“Corners Of Too Late” is the title of the debut demo CD from the Spanish act Ethereal Pain. The band formed back in 2004 and after almost three years they released their first work something that may give us a picture of a hard working band. I won’t disagree with that, definitely the compositions are well worked with some very interesting ideas but the band hasn’t included something that will attract your attention to listen to them again. I believe they need to find more of their personal sound, to make their songs more “attractive” and above all to have passion for their music. Otherwise it will be just music without anything else. Definitely, I have heard better works than this one but I believe that if Ethereal Pain work more then in their next release they will give us something better!
Site: http://www.myspace.com/etherealpainband

Always Fallen is a new born metal band. They formed back in 2005 and “No Mercy For Sinners” is their debut demo CD. The band has included five tracks and twenty five minutes of pure thrash metal.  From the opening track to the last one Always Fallen has given us their personal vision of 80s thrash metal combined with some modern elements. Imagine that their influences come from METALLICA, SLAYER and TRIVIUM. Even if this is their debut work, the band has done a great work and of course because of their energy and their enthusiasm there are some mistakes present here, but it doesn’t matter, cause I am sure in their next step they will be better and more mature than now. Last but not least, the band has shared the stage with some well known bands, like A TRAITOR LIKE JUDAS, CRIMSON FALLS, AXAMENTA and NEAERA. 
Site: www.alwaysfallen.be
Email: [email protected]

Panic Mode comes from Italy and “One Shot One Kill” is their latest demo CD. In this work the band has included three songs plus an intro and almost twenty minutes of pure thrash metal music. Actually I first got impressed by the artwork of this release which is really interesting and then from the intro. After two minutes, which was the duration of the intro, I was inducted into Panic Mode’s music. When the first song started I had an annoying sound in my ears and then I discovered that the sound of the drums was awful. I don’t know why this happened but the other instruments were sounding just good, but the drums were unacceptable for me. So for the rest of the stuff, Panic Mode have done their best work, even if they need to work more in order to create an average demo release. Good ideas but nothing special, good arrangements but again nothing special. So here is the question: if I want to hear thrash metal why choose Panic Mode and not another band? More and harder work and then they will have some more chances…
Site: www.myspace.com/panicmode1
Email: [email protected]

What's the current year? I'm confused... Can it be 2007? If so, then is it possible for such eerie and classic heavy metal diamonds still to be produced? In all seriousness now, if the release date of this 6 piece demo work was back in the 80s, then we would be talking for a band that belongs to the pantheon of classic 80s fucking metal bands... Dragon's Lair's music can only be compared to bands like OMEN, LOUDNESS, RUNNING WILD, MEDIEVAL STEEL, HEAVY LOAD and so on... You got my point! Their compositions draw influences straight from that powerful and magic era when metal reigned supreme and has a matching production that will take you on a time travel to our favourite music's glorious past! Their songs are catchy with riffs that are carved in your mind, a heavy, eerie atmosphere and high pitched vocals that contain all the essence of the 80s decade. "Dragonheart" reveals a tight band that surely proves more than capable of delivering heavy metal hymns, a band that can lead the way and make Greece famous in the underground classic heavy metal scene! This demo also contains a cover version of LOUDNESS' "Heavy Chains". Heavy metal thunder!!!!
Email: [email protected]
Site: http://www.myspace.com/dragon39slair

Suns Of Freedom is a U.S. based band that is here to prove to all of us that there are other musical ways besides the current trends. Sounds that are very interesting and catchy without needing to compromise or being stripped off personality and uniqueness. So this quartet is here to deliver dirty hard rock with a rebellious and defying attitude that gets inspired and influenced by a great deal of rock and hard rock genres. Their sound is imbued with a bluesy style and quite often it acquires a punk edge, whilst the rhythm section is heavy and concrete without ever becomign excessively fast. On the contrary there are times that their rhythm sections becomes so heavy and slow and their bass guitar so imposing and dominating that reveals a more doom/stoner approach that brought to my mind bands like SIDEWINDER and NERO CIRCUS. Add to all of the above a dirty, pure METALLICA twist, before they sold their souls for more money and even more fame, with the singer's hue and rocking attitude quite often resembling to that of James Hetfield, before his voice got ruined of course... If you like to listen to catchy music with riffs that will stick to your mind, but above all if you're looking for something special and original that comes along with a good package and production, then you should seriously think of giving Suns Of Freedom a chance to amaze you. Thumbs up!!!
Email: [email protected]
Site: http://www.sunsoffreedom.com

IronSphere comes from Finland and they formed back in 2004. The same year they released their debut demo CD and three years later they strike back with their newest work, a promo CD with five tracks and almost twenty minutes of pure melodic power metal music. As with most of the bands from Finland here too we at least have an above average work. The guys have written some really interesting songs with very impressive ideas and they show us that they have a great musicianship. Mainly you will be able to hear the classic elements of power metal but also they have put some other elements in order to make their work more interesting, like some extreme vocals or a few female ones too. Generally the work from Ironshpere is really interesting but I don’t think they have done the breakthrough to the mainstream scene. Definitely I believe they have the ideas but they need something more. I will wait for their next step.
Site: www.ironsphere.net
Email: [email protected]

I truly believe that myspace is a huge tool for promoting your band. Actually from this place I found Last One Dying and I was really impressed by their music and now I hold in my hands their latest work with the title “Anthems Of The Lost”. On this EP the band has included five tracks and more than fifteen minutes of pure aggressive metal. Even if the band have a lot of influences from the modern scene of the United States and more particularly from bands like ALL THAT REMAINS, Last One Dying has gone one step forward, trying to have their own identity in their works. From the fist to the last minute, the band reveals to have vast amounts of energy and some very interesting ideas. Also they have some well worked compositions which show their musicianship and their will to move forward. I am sure that if everything goes well you will see this band really soon in the mainstream scene; just remember their name: Last One Dying.
Site: www.myspace.com/lastonedying
Email: [email protected]

I had the chance to hear the previous work from Redeemer and I was really impressed. After some months, I received their newest work, which contains the most recent sound of the band and is actually for promotional purposes of course. This time this Canadian act released a Promo CD with four tracks and fifteen minutes of duration. Fifteen minutes that you will remember for the rest of your life... From the opening track to the last one, Redeemer have achieved to create a massive sound with well worked compositions and very impressive ideas. Of course above all is the fact that the band has endless energy to deliver. If you hear their songs and close your eyes you will dream that you are in the middle of the mosh pit in a live show of Redeemer. To have a small picture in your mind of the musical direction of Redeemer, imagine a combination of influences from BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, DOWN and MACHINE HEAD; always with the personal touch of Redeemer of course. I hope the band will release a full length album soon enough!
Site: www.officialredeemer.com
Email: [email protected]

Veriset Aparat comes from Finland and they formed back in 1999. So far they have one release, the demo that I have in my hands “Thrash ‘Em All”. As you can predict from the title of their work, the band walks in thrash metal paths. In this demo they have included five tracks and almost twenty minutes of pure aggressive metal. From the opening track the band has done a great work at the guitar section with remarkable and easy to remember riffs. Their compositions are well worked with some interesting ideas. The thing that I was impressed with is the vocals. You can hear an extreme singer performing almost perfectly in the thrash metal genre that Veriset Aparat deliver. All in all, even if this isn’t a new demo release the band has done a very good work and it sounds fresh even two years after its release date. I want to hear something new from them when they will be ready…
Site: www.verisetaparat.net
Email: [email protected]

Satorium isn’t a new band; they started back in 2001 with a different name and a different style. After two years, they changed their name to Satorium and their music style which now is thrash metal. “Face Of Evil” is their third work so far and it has four tracks and eighteen minutes of a thrash metal assault with some heavy metal elements. Even if the band walks in this kind of metal paths, I expected to hear something more extreme, instead I listened to their music which is definitely in the thrash metal area but the vocals aren’t so extreme. Of course they have their aggressive moments, imagine that sometimes the vocals reach the death metal boundaries, but generally I believe they are more in the heavy metal area. Anyway, maybe this is the personal mark of Satorium and their music. All in all the stuff from Satorium is good enough, you can hear it easily but they need to make one step forward and pass the thin line between the underground and the mainstream. We will see about that on their next work when it will be ready…
Site: www.satorium.net
Email: [email protected]

Metalheadz comes from Italy and they formed back in 2000. In our hands we have their only work, their debut promo CD which was released back in 2004. I know three years have passed since the release date of this work but only a few weeks ago we received it. In this promo you will find five tracks plus one intro. The duration is seventeen minutes and their music style is more into heavy/thrash metal with a bit more harsh vocals than the usual. To be honest with you I enjoyed a lot the first two tracks of this promo CD, “Metalheadz Attitude” and “Old Metal” after that the band became rather predictable and I expected something more. On the other hand, we know that this is the first work for them and also it’s three years old. I am sure a newest work from them will be much better than this one. If you like the classic and old fashioned thrash/heavy metal sound you should check Metalheadz.
Site: www.metalheadz.it
Email: [email protected]

Ydin comes from Finland and they formed back in 2003. After only one year they released their debut demo “Verityot” which contains five tracks. After two years, they strike back with their latest demo release “Silvottuna Ja Hapaistyna”. Again Ydin have included five tracks and sixteen minutes of pure raw and brutal death metal. Their music is so raw and aggressive that some times you lose yourself and you realize you go about to endless head banging. Their compositions are well worked, the drum parts are really fast as the guitars and of course the vocals are straight from the depths of hell. Include the fact that Ydin have lyrics in their mother tongue, Finnish, and you will understand that it is almost impossible to follow them lyric-wise. Generally, for a brutal death metal demo, the work from Ydin was good enough. Last but not least, you must follow this kind of metal, in order to fully understand Ydin’s music.
Site: www.ydinband.com
Email:[email protected]

Miosis is a progressive metal/rock band and this is their first demo. Now, by reading the term progressive some of you might get interested and some others might think to themselves "Oh not another DREAM THEATER clone". Well, the truth is that although this band has influences from the above mentioned group along with some PAIN OF SALVATION elements, they try to create a personal sound and not copy them. Actually, Miosis emphasize more into creating emotions through their music to the listener and also provoke him/her to think. It is not an easy release to listen to, but on the other hand if you pay attention to it, then I am sure that it will satisfy you a lot. They also deserve attention from the labels… Contact them on: www.myspace.com/miosisband

There are some monikers that have the ability to offer and transmit the band's essence and sound in a simple and yet in the most direct way. Embrace My Ruin is a band from Italy that presents us exactly what their band name implies, which is obviously doom death metal with many atmospheric and gothic elements, sounding close to bands like MY DYING BRIDE, ANATHEMA, SWALLOW THE SUN and the likes. Their compositions are really gloomy and depressive with heaviness building up by the minute and gripping you tight in its claws, making you suffocate from the feeling of despair and seclusion. The death metal male vocals, which are accompanied by the ethereal female ones, offer more depth and substance to the end result with their intense contrast, revealing a really tight band that works on professional standards. Embrace My Ruin is the kind of band that has the ability and credentials to create a fuss around their name and have many loyal fans and followers. If you like atmospheric doom death metal, then I bet you'll find an interesting proposal in Embrace My Ruin. They have what's needed, all they need is your attention and support! 
Site: http://www.myspace.com/embracemyruin
Email: [email protected]

This is the second work I receive from Autere and although I knew how talented and what a quality band they are, they still managed to surprise me in the most positive way with their new musical endeavor. Autere is a Finnish band that has been around a few years now and their music's target is high class melodic death metal. If you think that's the end of the story and as far as we're going, you're wrong, cause upon this genre Autere build a quite characteristic sound by adding their personal rendition along with a great deal of brutal death metal tinges and a few hardcore touches. Finland has a very vivid underground metal scene with many pioneering bands and if you ask me I firmly believe that Autere have a place amongst the elite bands of this branch, simply because they have the guts and the skills to make it! The antithesis between the rasping atrocities that come out of Jemmy's mouth and the clean, more melodic vocals, create such an intensity and power that will make your ears bleed! The melodies and the aggressiveness are here in their top form awaiting you to explore them... "Havoc Monology" can simply and plainly be described as sheer ferocity, power and aggression! These are my last words! Fans and labels you know what you have to do!!!
P.S. The CD also contains some extras, which are a music video for the incredible song "Consume" and a studio document! 
Site: http://www.autereband.com ORhttp://www.myspace.com/autere

A few weeks ago, I received the last demo of Irminsul, a new band from Sweden. “Vinterskalder” is the title of their work and they have included three tracks and fifteen minutes of pure pagan/Viking metal. Even if this is a demo release, the band has done a very good work to transfer they atmosphere in their music and in each track they give us something more. Their compositions are well worked with some interesting ideas but on the other hand they have also some typical elements too. With three tracks definitely you don’t have a clear picture of a band’s music, but instead you can predict which things the band can do in order to give us something even better and more mature than the three songs on this demo CD. The future will tell us how far Irminsul can go…
Site: www.caveofirminsul.se
Email: [email protected]

When I receive a work from Sweden it’s always a pleasure. Now imagine how even more pleasant it is for me when I receive the new demo of a band whose previous work I had reviewed. Dynamic formed back in 2003 and “A Permanent State Of Transformation” is their fourth demo so far. As you can see, every year Dynamic offer us a new taste of their music. In each demo the band is more mature and their compositions are better worked. Generally if you follow the demo career of Dynamic up to now, you won’t hear something for the second time. They always try to find new horizons in progressive music and believe me they do a great work. Even if all these four songs are without vocals, the music of Dynamic is so beautiful that you won’t realize they haven’t got any lyrics. I know, sometimes it’s really hard to follow an instrumental work but Dynamic have arranged their compositions in a way that they will make you forget the vocals. Of course if you don’t like progressive music you won’t like Dynamic but for all the other fans, I am sure you will adore their stuff!
Site: www.dynamicmusic.info
Email: [email protected]

Last Souls comes from Italy and they aren’t an “easy” band. I mean that you shouldn’t expect the classic power metal band. Last Souls formed back in 2001 and “Light” is their third demo. Here you will be able to listen to four tracks and twenty five minutes of pure metal music. Now if you want to describe their music, we can say that they have influences from various metal genres. So imagine a combination of progressive and black metal with an avant-garde atmosphere. Their compositions are well worked and also have a long duration. The title track for example is an eight minutes epos. Also very interesting is the “Meltin’ Snow” which is the instrumental track of this demo. Definitely the stuff from Last Souls is very promising and interesting at the same time, because they have a variety in their music. So while they have progressive moments and black metal elements, they also add some really great melodies. Last but not least, you don’t know what the next minute of their music will bring. 
Official Site: http://digilander.iol.it/lastsouls
E-mail: [email protected]

Alice In Darkland come from Italy and before I say anything about their direction, I need to tell you that they are one of the strangest and most unique bands I've ever heard. This quintet moves amongst the genres, paving, at the same time, their own way that could be described as a combination of gothic, doom, death and black metal. Did you think this was it? Well, guess again! Alice In Darkland manage to entwine together all those elements and base them upon a progressive sound that comprises the spinal chord of their creation! So expect to listen to dark gothic atmospheres mainly supported by the keyboards, heavy and complex themes and interchanging rhythms and tempos that build the progressive aspect of their music. The vocals offer a deep theatrical scent to the overall result and the changes among the clean, extreme vocals and recitations create a majestic and imposing effect. All in all this is a very interesting and special release, but I'm sure it's going to be appreciated only by the open minded metalheads. If you want to help our beloved music, gain more strength and diversity I think you should support this band! 
Email: [email protected]
Site: http://www.myspace.com/aliceindarklandORhttp://www.aliceindarkland.net

Having almost a decade of existence in the Austrian underground scene Veritas Mentis strikes back with their new promo CD. After two albums back in 2001 and 2002, here we have three new tracks from this Austrian act. With this work, the band gives us ten minutes of how Veritas Mentis sounds this period. Actually Veritas Mentis walks in extreme metal paths with mainly brutal death metal elements but also some black metal touches. Veritas Mentis have two vocalists one singing in death metal and the other one in black metal. This is definitely an interesting combination which gives a variety of sounds. Also based on their music, we can find from extreme parts to some more melodic touches with very interesting guitar riffs and solos. Generally it seems that the band is in full shape and they do their best in order to give us their finest moments of music with well worked compositions and a very powerful and at the same time aggressive sound. If you like death / black metal then for sure you should check the new work of Veritas Mentis out.
Site: www.veritas-mentis.com
Email:[email protected]

I follow Beautiful Betrayal from their beginning back in 2004. In the past three years the band has released two demo CDs and now they have just prepared their newest step, which is their third demo and has the title “Released By Dawn”. In this work the band has included two tracks and almost ten minutes of melodic metal music. To be honest with you, I believe that in each release Beautiful Betrayal add something more to their music and their compositions are well worked and more mature. Also Heidi, their singer, has worked more in the vocal section too. Generally the band seems to have made a progress through these years. Both songs in this demo are mid tempo, with beautiful melodies and some interesting guitar parts. Of course you can always have a better result and I believe that the band should work harder to make their sound better. Personally I like more “A Step From The Dark” than the title track but this is just my personal opinion. As always another quality release from Beautiful Betrayal!
Site: www.beautifulbetrayal.net
Email:[email protected]

Crimson Sunset is an Italian band who formed back in 2003. So far they have one demo in 2005 and in the end of 2006 they released their newest work “Alive Again”. In this demo the band has included three tracks and sixteen minutes of pure heavy metal with a lot of progressive elements. Actually sometimes the voice of Stefano reminds me of DREAM THEATER’s singer, James LaBrie. The band seems to have worked these three songs really hard, because they have some really impressive ideas and in each track they have something to give to the listener. I believe Crimson Sunset is a promising band, I hope they will continue working hard and surely they will see some results in the near future. Last but not least, I believe that Crimson Sunset isn’t the typical Italian heavy metal band, so keep them in mind!
E-mail: [email protected] 

More and more bands from the metal scene of France send us their works. This time it was the turn of Lokurah, a metal/hardcore act, with their latest self titled EP. In this work the band has included three tracks and eleven minutes of pure raw, aggressive and brutal music. Imagine a combination of influences from SLIPKNOT, HATEBREED and MACHINE HEAD with the personal sound of Lokurah and then you will have a picture in your mind of how this band really sounds. Definitely all the songs from this band have a lot of energy and they have everything a fan of metal core wants to listen to. The band now prepares their first full length album and if the songs are like the songs from this EP then surely it will be a blast for the metal scene! If you like this kind of metal you should check this band out immediately! 
Site: www.myspace.com/lokurah
Email: [email protected]

MidnightStorm is a new band from Italy and this is their debut self titled demo CD. First of all, I should talk about the professional package and the very impressive booklet that this release has. Back to the music now where we will find seven tracks and almost forty minutes of pure heavy metal music. I know that we are used to hearing power metal bands from Italy, but MidnightStorm makes a difference and they have a bit heavier sound even if they keep the melodies inside their well worked compositions. Definitely they have some influences from STRATOVARIUS and IRON MAIDEN, but they also have managed to fill their music with their personal sound. Tracks like: “Warcry”, “Sirena” and “Odyssey” give us a clear picture of their music. Last but not least, I would like to add, that the band has a very good production and a great sound. Few demo CDs have this kind of production and sound. Well done MidnightStorm!
Official Site: www.midnightstorm.it
E-mail: [email protected] 

Before a few years I reviewed a previous work from this American band. Back then, I had found very interesting the stuff they had included in their music. Now after some years, the band sent me their newest work, which is a promo CD with three songs. In the next eleven minutes you will listen to the personal vision of progressive metal from Divinity Destroyed. Even if their songs have three – four minutes of duration, the band achieved to put many ideas inside their songs and of course they don’t stay only in the metal side of music. They even have a lot of elements from jazz and fusion sometimes. Generally I believe that if Divinity Destroyed continues to work hard they will have a great future as a band. Just go to their website and take a taste of their music. 
Official Site:www.divinitydestroyed.com
E-mail:[email protected]

Chaosweaver is a newcoming act from Finland that offers us in your face, superb black metal! The previous sentence sums up pretty neatly everything concerning this band, simply cause sometimes words are not enough or adequate to describe what music can make you feel. What I like in their music is that although they base their compositions clearly on melodic black metal, having a dark atmosphere mainly created by the keyboards, at the same time they have incorporated a great deal of death metal touches, something that creates another dimension to the overall result. The quintet has released up until now 2 demo CDs, "Weaving The Chaos" that contains two songs and "Cult Of The Buried Serpent", which consists of 3 songs, plus a split release, so here we are presenting you both their demo works and I guarantee you that every song is better than the previous one! I think these guys deserve our attention and support and could easily attract the interest of a label with their music!
Site: http://www.myspace.com/chaosweaverband

Celestial Crown, who is preparing this period their second full length album, sent us a “taste” of it. Actually in this promo CD, they have included three tracks from their upcoming album and four tracks from their previous works. Musically the band walks in atmospheric doom/death metal paths, with dual male and female vocals, slow tempo tracks and a dark atmosphere around most of their songs. I believe that their new songs are darker and more atmospheric than their previous ones. Maybe the band has put more extreme elements in their new well worked compositions, but this may be also due to the fact that we don’t have the final mix and sound of the new songs. If we compare the new and old songs, we will hear of course the progress that Celestial Crown has done whilst following the same path though. More thoughts when we will have their new album in our hands. 
Official Site: www.celestialcrown.com
E-mail:[email protected]

Third demo for this Finnish quintet and it makes me wonder what's wrong with the labels sometimes and they can't see what a treasure they have before their eyes or I should say right under their nose... So, these guys here offer us tight and in your face melodic death/thrash metal with compositions that contain equal amounts of energy and passion. The melodies are everywhere creating a dark and imposing atmosphere and rendering the songs with more beauty and depth. I think everything's perfect! The compositions, the arrangements and the structures of the songs indicate a special band with the guts and ability to find a place amongst the top of this genre. The skills of each band member are obvious and the execution of the songs is flawless with a matching production. If you are fans of melodic death metal and you want to explore new worthy bands, then I firmly believe that Reprisal Scars are a band that will impress you! 
Site: http://www.reprisalscars.com
Email: [email protected]

Samas comes from Germany and they have almost six years of existence and several releases. “Mortal Addiction” is their latest mini CD, where you will find five tracks and almost twenty five minutes of a combination from various metal genres. Actually Samas is a band that began playing black metal, but as the years past, they always added some different elements in their music with the black metal as their base. For example in this work, their compositions are a little bit more rock ‘n roll, while they have used clean and growling vocals and have influences from DARKTHRONE, CELTIC FROST and BLACK SABBATH. Generally it seems that the musicians in Samas are open-minded and they mature with their music too. Their compositions are well worked with some very interesting ideas and they have worked more in order to make catchier some parts of their songs and especially the parts that they have melodies. Personally I found very interesting the case of Samas and I want to hear their next work in order to find out what paths they will explore next.
Official Site: www.samascod.de
E-mail: [email protected]and[email protected]

I follow this band from their beginning. “Beltane” is their latest effort and here you will find three songs and more than twenty minutes of pure doom metal from this Finnish band. The Coven, started before two years and they have already released one demo CD which was really powerful. Now with their newest step, the band makes a step forward. Of course they still have influences from PENTAGRAM, SAINT VITUS and BLACK SABBATH, but they have also put their personal touches in each track. Their compositions are more mature and well worked too. So you can only expect to listen here to pure doom metal with all the classic elements but also with a fresh air. The three members of the band did their best in this work and I believe that every fan of doom metal should hear this result. Just pure doom metal in the finest way from this Finnish act. 
Official Site: www.the-coven.org
E-mail:[email protected]

Chaos Infinitum comes from Finland and they started back in 2002. So far they have released three demos CDs and “Retracing Mortality” is their latest work. In this demo you will find five tracks and twenty six minutes of pure thrash / death metal with many elements from modern metal too. Don’t forget that the band members are young and they give us an aggressive and raw sound in this work. I am sure that if you hear the opening track “No One Nothing” you will understand completely the musical direction of Chaos Infinitum. Just blend all the modern metal bands, add the personal touch from these guys and you will have what the band includes in this demo. I believe most of the young metal fans will adore this work and generally fans who listen to the modern paths of metal music. This is a band that deserves something but I believe they need to work more to find something that they haven’t found yet. 
Official Site: www.chaosinfinitum.com
E-mail: [email protected]

Night Wind is a rock band with a few progressive elements that was formed in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in 1998. However it wasn't until recently that they managed to release their first demo work that consists of 2 tracks and an intro. What you are about to listen to here will surprise you in a good and positive way since we're talking about high class and emotive rock music that has an underlying anger, pain and despair pouring out of the compositions. The songs are soft and sentimental ballads with heavy guitar riffs, drums that set the rhythm and pace of the songs and a beautiful unique deep voice that creates a special atmosphere and sets Night Wind apart! I was really impressed by what I've listened to here, so I wish them luck, cause they have something good going on and they should evolve it! They can offer us great things in the future! 
Email: [email protected]
Site: http://www.rg-nightwind.boom.ru

My Last Keen is a new born band, they formed back in 2004, they come from Italy and here we have their debut demo CD which has four tracks full of a doom metal assault. From the opening track My Last Keen give us a clear picture of what we will hear in the next minutes. We will listen to their personal vision of doom metal, with touches of CANDLEMASS and PENTAGRAM while they have their personal touch in every single note too. I am sure that the fans of doom metal will adore the stuff from My Last Keen because of the work that the band has done in these songs. I am sure if you hear it carefully you will feel that the band plays straight from their hearts and gives us their best moments inside this work. Last but not least, I can say that My Last Keen along with DOOMRAISER and MYDRIASI are the new “blood” of the doom metal scene in Italy. DOOM ON!
Official Site: www.mylastkeen.com
E-mail:[email protected]

There was a time when I thought that there were no exceptional vocalists in Greece, just ordinary or nerveless voices that could reveal no real emotion or substance. These times are long gone now and I can allege that Greece has some of the finest vocalist and Vasilis definitely deserves a place amongst them! The music Midnight Touch deliver is melodic hard rock and actually the ballads are their field of expertise with many beautiful ideas that magnetize you and nail you down like a spider in its spider web. This description comes from a person that generally doesn't like ballads, as you know, but the truth must be told. These guys can infuse their songs with so many emotions that leave you breathless wanting some more! I think this is a band the fans of hard rock should check out and support!
Email: [email protected]
Site: http://www.myspace.com/midnighttouchband

This is the third work I have the chance to enjoy from Acid Baby and actually the first with the new line up. So, when the guys from the band handed me this promo CD I was really curious and anxious to hear how they sound now. Well I can assure you than not only they haven't disappointed me a bit, but on the contrary they've amazed me with their evolution. Acid Baby is one of the best bands I've ever listened to from Greece. These guys have quality and stand out amongst the masses and the most extraordinary thing is that they have managed to form a unique sound that can't be mistaken with any other band out there. So they've taken this characteristic sound of theirs, that dwells somewhere in the hard rock genre with some stoner rock tinges, and they've added in it a slightly modern and heavier twist. I'm sure you're gonna love them! I loved both of their new compositions and the cover they did to BLACK SABBATH's "N.I.B.". They've completely changed and altered the song, leaving only the main melody intact! It's a shame that such bands remain unsigned!!! Well done guys! By the way your live show was one of the best I've seen!
Email: [email protected]
Site: http://www.myspace.com/acidbabyband

This is a promo that includes 4 tracks – roughly mixed – from the upcoming album of Eventide, so I cannot reach to 100% secure conclusions of what we will listen to their debut album. I will tell you though what I listened to this promo. First of all the sound is quite satisfying, but I believe that in the final production it will be even better and clearer. The band plays power/thrash metal and they strongly reminded me of ICED EARTH when they had Matt Barlow as a vocalist. There are also moments that brought to my mind CANDLEMASS. In general they have good elements as a band and with hard work they can achieve many things. I believe that the friends of this sound will love to listen to this demo. Something else that I noticed is that the first 2 songs of this demo have the same structure. They begin with thrashy riffs and somewhere in the middle they have some talking parts. By the way, in my opinion, “Semichrist” is the song that I enjoyed the most here. For more info about the band you can contact them at the following email: [email protected]

The demo includes 2 songs which are the following: “Fallen Society” and “Free Again”. The band draws influences from groups like METALLICA and especially SENTENCED (“Amok” and “Down” period). The sound of the demo is quite good and the compositions are well structured. The part that the band has to work the most on are the vocals. The artwork of the CD is very good and on professional standards. If you want to reach the band, you can contact them here: Ntinos Athanaselos, Kanari 10, Elassona, Greece or Tom Athanaselos, Terpsithea, Larissa, 41500, Greece or at the following emails: [email protected]or [email protected]

This is a very interesting musical proposition from the band Valkyre. They have a sound that we aren't used to listening to in our days, because simply you cannot categorize it. They have operatic female and male vocals and they also use the violin except for the classic rock/metal instruments. In their music they combine the operatic feeling of EPICA and THERION, the renaissance atmosphere of the last 2 KAMELOT albums and finally the folk orientations that derive straight from SKYCLAD. The production is very professional and has nothing to envy from other official releases. The 3 compositions that are included here are very good and in general I believe that this is a band that is worth the attention both of the fans and the audience. If you want to learn more about this impressive band, you can pay a visit to their site: www.valkyremusic.com or send them an email here: [email protected] 

This release will travel you back to the late 60’s and 70’s when rock music was still young and musicians from all over the world had something new to offer to it. I can’t say that Manic Miner (by the way the name doesn’t remind you a bit title of 80’s video game?) have to offer something innovative to the rock sound, but at least their sound is fresh and you don’t listen to such kind of music very often in our days. 70’s rock and hard rock music from the aspect of musicians that live in our days is an interesting proposal I think. All the compositions are instrumental, but believe me they flow very easily and will not tire you or irritate you. Probably the best demo that I have listened to for this month and I recommend you to come in touch with the band and order a copy. Site: www.myspace.com/themanicminer  and email: [email protected]

I really don’t know how much free space the gothic/atmospheric metal path has. These last years, we have countless bands with female vocals that follow this path. Maledia is another band that follows this road, but with some differences from the others. First of all even if they have dual vocals, the male singer doesn’t sing in a very extreme manner and the female singer has an operatic voice full of power, energy and emotions. Their compositions are well worked and full of melodies, but if you pay attention Maledia have mainly supported their creation on Luana and then on their music. Through the three tracks that they have added on the “Black Heaven” demo, it seems that Maledia have something interesting in their music, but they just need more hard and more ideas in order to give their full power to their music. 
Official Site: www.maledia.com
E-mail:[email protected]

I really don’t know if DARKTHRONE and MAYHEM would have sounded like Hell Baron’s Wrath if they had been from Italy but these guys give us a lesson how to play northern black metal even if you aren’t from Norway. ”Living In Anguish” is the latest demo CD from these Italians and as you’ve read above they walk in the black metal paths of the good old days of the Norwegian scene. Another interesting thing is that Hell Baron’s Wrath is one of the few bands that play black metal and don’t have corpse paint. Anyway musically I believe that most of the fans of black metal will adore their stuff. They have well worked compositions with some interesting ideas and a good enough production; at least you can hear what they play. Last but not least you can also listen to a cover of DARKTHRONE’s “To Walk The Infernal Fields”.
Official Site:www.hellbaronswrath.com
E-mail:[email protected]

It seems that Minora is a really active band, they formed before three years in the capital of metal, Gothenburg, and “A Work Of Fiction” is their third demo so far. In this work the band has included four tracks and sixteen minutes of pure modern metal music. Actually this is really interesting and I can say that they have a lot of different influences so we can hear from melodic and alternative rock to more extreme metal and from clean vocals to more harsh ones. Generally I liked their music because it isn’t static, you can hear different influences inside their well worked compositions and all of them have the signature of Minora. They have achieved to put their personal sound inside their songs and to give us a very impressive demo CD. When they want they are melodic, when they want they are more extreme and in your face and when they want they have their alternative side. A band that deserves your attention!
Official Site:www.minora.org
E-mail:[email protected]

Odes Of Ecstasy is one of the oldest metal bands in Greece. They formed back in 1993 and after two album releases through The End Records, they made a four years break and in 2004 they formed again with a new line up in order to continue as a band. Now with the new line up their music has a base in the death metal with some industrial metal elements and melodic lead guitars. On this promo CD the band has included five tracks and twenty two minutes of pure metal music with very impressive and well worked compositions and very interesting ideas. Maybe their break up was for a good reason because even though they’ve changed their style they have more fresh ideas and a more modern approach to their music. Definitely they are more extreme than before, they don’t have female vocals but they have some magic in their music that you want to listen to again and again. I personally believe that we will soon listen to their third album if everything goes well.
Official Site: www.odesofesctasy.com
E-mail Band: [email protected]

Rosa Nocturna is a band that comes from France and this is their latest demo CD with seven tracks and about half an hour of pure metal music. Even if the band has a female singer, they aren’t so deep into gothic metal, of course they have a lot of elements from this genre, but they also have a more progressive approach to their music than other bands. Most of their compositions are well worked with very interesting ideas and a lot of changes. Generally most of the songs were good enough but personally I didn’t find anything in order Rosa Nocturna to make the breakthrough in the mainstream metal scene. I mean they have some good ideas, they have some personal elements in their compositions at some, but in the final result I felt empty, like I hadn’t listened to it. Maybe they should focus more on their songs and try listening to the final result as a third person. I know it is difficult but they can try. I am really interested in hearing their next step to see how they will evolve and to hear also their new music direction and their new ideas. Just keep up with the hard work!
Official Site: http://rosanocturna.free.fr
E-mail Band: [email protected]

OK now! I have to be straight with you if I really want you to get a clue out of this presentation. Tinkerbell are one of those special bands that release diverse and complex music and if you want to properly understand and "digest" it then you have to give it some time to mature in you. That's why, although I have this demo CD a couple of months now, it hasn't been until now that I think I'm quite ready to write a few things about it and yet the task seems hard... Tinkerbell are a new five piece act from Sweden and their main musical focus is modern melodic deathcore. However staying here would detract us from the truth and the general essence of their music. The reason is simple. Tinkerbell could be also labeled extreme, aggressive progressive metal and once again we'd be right. They have so many changes within their music, so much variety and such a multifaceted sound that they can't be thrown in among the rest modern deathcore acts. These guys are exceptional musicians who know each moment exactly where they want to take their music. As for the vocals, they are mainly aggressive death metal growls, but they also have some melodic clean interpretations that have a slightly alternative rock hue. It's a really great piece of work with a very good production. What can I say? I love low tuned guitars and harsh, sharp cutting rhythm sections. They will definitely appeal to fans of late IN FLAMES and SOILWORK and they undoubtedly have the notoriety and psycho-approach of the great MUDVAYNE!
Email: [email protected]
Band site: http://www.tinkerbellmusic.com

Definitely Diva is a really active band. It was before a few weeks that I reviewed their previous demo CD and now I have in my hands their newest demo CD. This time the band from Sweden has included three tracks and thirteen minutes of pure hard rock music. The band follows their roots and they offer us easy listening hard rock music with easy to remember refrains and definitely radio friendly songs. Their compositions are really well worked with interesting additions and they turn out to be three really good rock tracks; what more do you want to hear? Maybe it is the right moment for the band to focus on a full length album in order to see how they will manage it. The fans of rock music shouldn’t hesitate to visit their page and take a taste of their music. 
Official Site: www.myspace.com/divahome

On their first demo attempt, Atria Mortis from Thessaloniki deliver to us well played traditional heavy metal which is mainly based on the technical skills of the guitar duo. The CD starts with the song "Blazing Skies" which is an uptempo song that catches your attention from the very first moment. This song follows IRON MAIDEN's structures and patterns without though being considered as a mere copy. The second song "The Samurai" is probably the best song in this release. It's mid tempo and it has an epic atmosphere that might bring to your mind the mighty CANDLEMASS. The way Bill Skandalis interprets the song is simply outstanding! Finally, the song "Like A Shadow In My Mind" that closes this release is closer to the structure of the first track and it's not bad at all. Atria Mortis have the talent and ability, so I just hope they won't lose their will to continue, since this is the only way to success. You can contact the band by sending them a letter at the following adress: Vavalidis Haris, Ip. F. Dragoumi 5, 54635, Thessaloniki, Greece or by emailing them at: [email protected].

No, we aren't talking about the resurrection of the cult metal band from Greece, despite the fact that these guys have something in common. They both play epic metal. This release filled me with happiness and enthusiasm, since it proves that there are still bands in the underground that keep the spirit of 80s metal alive. Nemesis' music can be described as a mix of N.W.O.B.H.M. (RAVEN, IRON MAIDEN and BLITZKRIEG) with U.S. power metal influences (OMEN, HEATHEN'S RAGE, SAVAGE GRACE and MANILLA ROAD) along with some RUNNING WILD touches. I also want to stand a bit on Dwayne's voice, which might satisfy the fans of modern power metal, but those who search for cult 80s metal release will definitely appreciate his roughness!! Finally, the production has this 80s feeling that gives something extra to the final result. Nemesis from Ireland are an amazing band that has all the elements required to reach a cult status in each traditional metalhead's heart! Personally, I would like to see them play live with out WRATHBLADE, because I think they have a lot of things in common.
Site:http://www.nemesismusic.co.ukandhttp://www.myspace.com/nemesismetal

Throne Of Stone come from the United Kingdom and “Where Is Your Saviour Now?” is their debut demo CD which was released before a few weeks. In this work the band has included five tracks and fifteen minutes of pure death/thrash metal in the brutal way. From the opening track, Throne Of Stone give us a clear picture of their brutality. Imagine a mixture of DEICIDE, SLAYER and NILE and then you will know how brutal their music really is. As a new band, they still have a lot to learn but they have a good base and nice ideas. Maybe if they write a bit longer compositions, we will have the chance to listen to even better and more interesting songs. Of course we will wait for their next step to see their progress if they have any of course, because it’s up to them how much they are going to work from this point on.
Official Site: www.myspace.com/throneofstone
E-mail band: [email protected]

Bite come from the United States, they formed back in 1999 and they have already released a full length album. Here they sent us their latest demo CD which has five tracks and almost twenty minutes of rock music. However, things aren’t so simple, the band doesn’t only play rock music but they have created a very interesting combination of their personal sound with their influences and this is how the Bite hybrid is brought to life. So don’t be surprised if you listen to elements from hard rock, punk rock and grunge music. Generally the band seems to be open minded and they have some really well worked compositions with very interesting ideas and every track has something special to give to the listener. Of course it isn’t the easiest music to hear but if you pay a little attention you will find some hidden diamonds! 
Official Site: www.bitemusic.com
E-mail Band: [email protected]

As you can imagine from the name of this band, Pahuuden Prototyyppi come from Finland and before a few days they sent us their latest demo CD. The band has five years of existence and actually was formed by members of DENIGRATE and TACERE. To be honest with you I already know TACERE and actually I like their latest work a lot, but with Pahuuden Prototyyppi the guys have taken a little bit different musical direction. This band walks more in the brutal death metal paths. On this demo CD the band has included four tracks and only nine minutes of music and this is because each track lasts less than the previous ones. So we begin with the opening song which is three minutes long and then the next lasts two minutes and finally there is a song whose duration doesn’t exceed the one minute. Personally I like more the “bigger” song rather than the rest. 
Official Site: www.pahuudenprototyyppi.org
E-mail Band: [email protected]

This is the third demo and the second one that I receive from the band Lykaion from Italy. I will  insist on the diagnosis I made when I reviewed their previous demo work: This band is ready to find a serious label contract. They work on a very professional level and all the 4 compositions that are included here have nothing to envy from other bands that have good contracts. Not to say that Lykaion are far better than many of the already signed bands. Musically now Lykaion can be described as a modern power metal band. Sorry guys but I can’t accept the progressive term to describe your music. Their sound is close to the sound of groups like COMMUNIC, NEVERMORE and MORGANA LEFAY. Also a big plus to the sound of Lykaion is the voice of Tiziana which gives a rock touch to most of the compositions included here. Actually she sounds to my ears as a heavier version of DORO. So if you are into the mood of listening to good heavy guitars mixed with good melodic parts, then this is your band. For those that have a label and might read this, I strongly recommend you to give a chance to this band… The curious ones can check the following sites: www.lykaion.it  and  www.myspace.com/lykaion  or contact Fabio: [email protected]  or Tiziana: [email protected]

Another Swedish act gives us the chance to hear their latest demo which was released last year. Dolly Daggers has included four tracks and about fifteen minutes of pure rock music. From the start they have given us a clear picture of the rock ‘n roll paths they like to stroll on, with some very good moments but also some typical ones too. As a general picture I can say that this demo isn’t bad at all. Most of their compositions are well worked with interesting guitar themes. The sound is very clear and you can hear almost all the things that Dolly Daggers has added in their songs. Definitely the fans of rock music will adore their music, but I believe they should work a little bit harder in order to find their personal way in rock music. I believe if they could do it then their music would be taken on the next level.
Official Site: www.dollydaggers.net
E-mail Band:[email protected]

Honestly I didn’t expect to receive so soon another demo work from Diva, a band that comes from Sweden and moves in the rock music paths. In their latest work Diva, added four tracks and almost twenty minutes of a little bit more straight forward rock music. The demo begins with the best song in this work, in my opinion, which is “City Lights”. Then we have “Somewhere, Somehow” a perfect song for live shows and the band gives us more and more of their glam rock side while they haven’t changed completely their style, but they just added some new features inside their music, to make it more interesting. Their compositions are well worked, with some good and some average ideas but I believe that perhaps Diva should have given us only the first two songs, “City Lights” and ‘Somewhere, Somehow”, cause they are the best in this work. 
Official Site: www.divaonline.se
E-mail Band: [email protected]

Obe is a one man project, a man who was really active in the metal underground scene of Italy from 1989 when he first joined a band. In this work you will find songs from all the career of Obe throughout these years. So actually you will also listen to the changes that Obe has done in his music. Obe has passed from bands that followed the thrash metal, black metal and the crossover sound. As an artist he becomes more and more mature and therefore his music also becomes more mature and more complicated. Of course nowadays the direction of Obe isn’t black metal but a combination of heavy guitars with extreme and clean vocals. From the only track that we heard from their latest work, it seems that Obe has something interesting in his mind, the only thing is to record it in order to allow us to listen to it too. 
Official Site: www.obe.3000.it
E-mail Band: [email protected]

This is from the info sheet: “A long time ago there was ABBA, many years later there was EUROPE now here comes Jordan”. Definitely this band from Sweden has a lot of humor or do they actually believe it? I don’t know, definitely it is a clever way to start an info sheet but to be honest with you Jordan gives us a small picture of what they want to do with their latest CD single. It includes two tracks of melodic rock music, where the band has done a great work. I am sure they chose their best songs and they included them here. Both tracks are radio friendly, easy to remember with catchy refrains and I am sure that most of the fans of melodic rock will adore “Hands Untied” and “Stay”. I am willing to hear more tracks from Jordan but all clues show that we have a very promising band here. I will check them out in a few days when I will be in the Scandinavian countries!
Official Site: www.jordantheband.com
E-mail Band: [email protected]

OK! Here is the deal: What do you expect for a band with the name Pussy Sisster? Which is the first thing that comes in your mind? I’m sure the right words! The band comes from Germany and “Sleazy Things” is their latest demo CD, in which the band has included nine tracks and more than half an hour of pure rock ‘n roll music. From the opening track you won’t be disappointed. The band has included all the finest moments of sleazy rock inside their well worked compositions. Also Danny and Steve the two guitarists give us some good enough guitar riffs and solos too. I don’t know, but although some times there’s just one way to play and write this kind of music, the energy this band has, gives you another perspective of this music,  even though what they do is just play it by adding their personal sound. Last but not least, I want to say that I’m sure most of the fans of glam rock will adore the stuff from Pussy Sisster!
Official Site:www.pussysisster.de
E-mail band: [email protected]

Another band from Germany sends us their work. This time Dawn Of Destiny give us the opportunity to listen to their latest demo CD. In this work the band has included four tracks and more than twenty minutes of pure melodic heavy metal. The band has written songs with more than five minutes of duration each. Their compositions are more than well worked with very impressive ideas and from the rhythm section to the guitars and the vocals, the band has done a great work. Even though their songs are long, like I said, they have built them “cleverly” in order not to tire the listener. Another thing is that they have achieved to find their personal sound through their influences and when needed they are a little bit more aggressive and faster. Other times they are more melodic and they have some mid tempo moments. Generally from the whole result you can see that the band has really worked hard and the result is to have a very interesting demo in our hands. 
Official Site: www.dawnofdestiny.de
E-mail Band: [email protected]

Darkest Oath is a Greek black metal band and if I am not mistaken, we're talking about the same band that was formed in the beginning of the 90s and who released back in 1994 the EP "Paradise Of The Infernal Torment" through Molon Lave Records. Well, I'll keep it brief here since there isn't much to be said and the points I want to make are not many. To begin with, like I said, this trio plays high quality black metal that has its roots and influences in the movement's first era, having an old fashioned approach that sounds frozen and really blasphemous. So, if you like the Greek black metal sound that is mainly influenced by the Norwegian black metal scene and you adore bands like ROTTING CHRIST (first era), THOU ART LORD or NECROMANTIA, then I think you'll find some really interesting compositions here! The songs of "De Occulta Philosophia" have some synths, but they are here only to serve the compositions and not sovereign or alienate them from their primal objective. These guys have done a great job and I enjoyed their songs very much! However, I think they should be more careful next time with the production cause it sounds quite dim and dull. It needed more volume and it'd be nice if they found a real drummer. It would boost up the compositions even more! The whole package and artwork is really professional so you can contact the band if you want at the following email address:
Email: [email protected]

Sign Of One, a band formed in Canada and now relocated in the United States, released their newest demo CD with the title “Feed Us The Room” with six tracks  and almost twenty five minutes of pure rock music. Actually Sign Of One is a band that isn’t afraid of making some experimentations with their music. So although the opening track walks in modern rock paths, there’s also “Obsession” which is a little bit more aggressive with a heavier rhythm section. Generally the band has done a very interesting work; actually you don’t know what you should expect to listen to. Most of their songs are well worked with very impressive ideas. The thing that I adore in the stuff from Sign Of One is the fact that the band is a progressive one, even if they don’t play progressive music. In each track they give you something to think and they are melodic when needed and aggressive when they want. 
Official Site: www.myspace.com/signofone

Last Impression is a new band coming from the Greek island of Siros and with only one year of existence, they've just released "Fading...", their first demo CD. Music-wise the band delivers some really sad and depressive tunes that could be filed under the category of atmospheric gothic metal. Their riffs and musical themes are really dark and atmospheric with an intense sorrowful hue and a funeral feeling. However, they also enrich their compositions with some more classic heavy metal riffs that resemble IRON MAIDEN's style. They have nice ideas and they create the right mood, however they should take care of the vocals. Maria has undoubtedly got a sweet voice, but she still needs a lot of work, cause in many occasions she sings out of tune and off-key, ruining the song's atmosphere and she should also try to correct her pronunciation and accent in English, cause she sounds quite sharp and definitely too Greek. I think these are elements that can be easily corrected if Last Impression want to improve and are determined to work hard. The CD also contains a video clip shot by the band for the song "Past Life". If you want to get in touch with them, send them an email at the following account: [email protected]

Generally I think it's hard to understand the artistic value of a release and realize the depth and potential of its creators by just listening to one song. However, there are occasions like this one that there is no space for misunderstandings or lack of comprehension. Prometheus is an act from Greece, actually it's not a full band, but a one man project that has just released this promo CD as a sampler of what we are about to experience with their mini work that will be released most probably this September. Erevos, the man that incarnates this band, delivers black metal with a frozen atmosphere, nice melancholic melodies and a few ambient and industrial elements. This 7 minute opus is definitely influenced by the Norwegian school and actually you wouldn't be able to tell the difference! I also liked a lot the fact that you don't listen to one tempo only, but the song's rhythms interchange from creeping mid tempo to hyper fast blastbeats. It surely shows potential and the black metallers will be able to sense the coldness pouring out of this track. However, I think Erevos should try to find a real drummer, cause this way his compositions would elevate even more and would acquire further depth...
Contact: Prometheus, P.O. Box 33001, 566 01, Greece.

I received "Resurrection" quite a while ago, but as soon as I listened to it, I realized that I needed to give time to the CD in order to offer it the opportunity to unfold and reveal its potential and beauty. I liked Allerjen's music right from the beginning and although one could easily file them under the hardcore - melodic death metal genre, things are not so simple and obvious if you pay more attention to the album. The truth is that Allerjen reminded me of many famous bands, but at the same time it was hard for me to trace those influences, if you know what I mean... Well, since this might be a bit confusing, let me clear out what I've just said. Allerjen have managed to compose songs that have been imbued with their influences and the sound of their most beloved bands, whilst maintaining their personality. So, some riffs will definitely ring a bell to you, but it's nothing done deliberately or intensely and annoyingly. The songs flow naturally and unfold their beauty, heaviness and aggression. All in all, I found "Resurrection" to be a really interesting piece of work and it undoubtedly reveals a band with potential to create something more original and characteristic. I liked the mid tempo moments and the overall dark and wrathful atmosphere, but what the band should take more care of is the production that sounds a bit poor and swallow. This kind of music requires volume and a clear sound. For more information or if you want to contact the band, below you can find whatever you need to know...
Email:[email protected]
Site: http://www.myspace.com/allerjen

Before I start presenting this band I want to clear one thing out... One of the guitarists' name is Nick Parastatidis, however, we are not talking about my brother, who is also an editor in Behind The Veil webzine. I mention this because I don't want anyone to think that my review is favorable, clement or gentle for this reason. In fact and although we live in the same city, I haven't ever met any of these guys. So, now that this part is clear I think we can proceed with the presentation of this demo CD. This quintent counts less than 2 years of existence, however, they've managed to present a great outcome that won't make you at any point think this is a demo work. It's highly professional and I was amazed to  see a band with so little experience to release such a quality and professional work! Starting from the music and moving on to the production, musicianship and artwork, everything is superb and reveals a band with potential, a band that can lead the way and build a strong name in Greece and abroad. Musically now the guys offer us death metal with an intense thrash metal hue and a great dose of enchanting and melancholic melodies. So, we could say that they are musically close to the melodic death/thrash metal branch, but at the same time they try to make the difference by incorporating in their sound various other elements. So, the death metal riffs are interwoven with either some classic heavy metal tunes or progresisve structures. The vocals are very nice with a thrash scent and approach and the use of the acoustic guitar gives more depth to the final result. I think these guys have a bright future, so try contacting them. "...This Suffering" can be obtained with only 5 € (including postage) from the following snail mail address: ECHIDNA, PARASTATIDIS NICK, MELISSOCHORIOU 14, ORAIOKASTRO, T.K. 57013, THESSALONIKI, GREECE.
Email: [email protected]
Site: http://www.echidna-band.com

Another new band sends us their demo CD. This time it was the turn of 21st Century Killing Machine that was formed back in 2005 and after a year they released their debut demo CD “Sarcastic Rhymes” with four tracks and almost fifteen minutes of a pure thrash metal assault. All the members of 21st Century Killing Machine were also in previous bands so at least they know what they want and how to achieve it! From the opening track the band gives you a punch in your face with their straight forward thrash metal.Their compositions are well worked with some interesting ideas and of course all the members have given more than 100% of their abilities in order to create this massive demo. Imagine a mixture of SLAYER and THE HAUNTED with the personal touch of 21st Century Killing Machine and then you will have a small picture in your mind about these guys. Last but not least, I should add a thing about the very good sound and the massive production that they have although this is just their first demo release. 
Official Site: www.21stcentury-killingmachine.com
E-mail Band: [email protected]

I am not used to receiving works from bands that comes from Australia. Actually I don’t know so many bands from the metal scene of Australia. Beyond Mortal Dreams is a band that has a history that starts back in the mid 90s. “The Demon And The Tree Of The Dead” is their latest demo CD which contains five songs and twenty two minutes of pure aggressive, raw and brutal death metal. Actually the vocals are so guttural that makes it really difficult to understand what they say. As far as the music, the band has chosen a different way to write their songs, I mean they aren’t the typical death metal act. They have tracks with long duration, for example here the two songs are seven and nine minutes long and the third one lasts for four minutes. This thing gives to the listener the privilege to listen to the band’s well worked compositions. To be honest with you it isn’t easy to have songs which such a length. You can make the mistake to have long and boring tracks but Beyond Mortal Dreams have achieved to keep the listener’s interest focused the whole time! 
Official Site: www.beyondmortaldreams.com
E-mail band: [email protected] 

Bughole is a new born band from Germany. They have only two years of existence but so far they have released one demo CD, their first one and a CD single. “Fight Me” is their second demo work which was released earlier this year. In this work the band has included three tracks and eleven minutes of pure metal music. So I am pretty sure that you can imagine the musical direction of Bughole, even only from their creation year. I mean they are young guys; they formed back in 2004 so of course they deliver to our ears a mixture of thrash metal with hardcore elements especially on the vocals. Of course the band has a lot of energy and aggressive moments in their music and through these three songs they have passed almost perfectly the picture of their sound to the listeners. I believe it is a thrasher version of SOULFLY just to get a clearer picture of Bughole.
Official Site:www.bughole.de
E-mail Band: [email protected]

I think that the town of Orebro in Sweden has something special. More and more bands come from this place and their works have something magic inside of them. Clown Eraser isn’t a new band; actually they formed before 20 years. Here we have their newest demo CD that includes six tracks and twenty five minutes of pure classic rock music. First of all the band has in their ranks the drummer Robert Persson (ex. COWBOY PROSTITUTES) and they recorded this demo with the help of Rob Ban (who has written songs for LAST AUTUMN’S DREAM). Besides that, from the opening track Clown Eraser give us a clear picture of what we are about to listen to. Of course the band has their way to the rock music but imagine a mixture of VAN HALEN, KISS and KING’S X and then you will have something in your mind about Clown Eraser. It is needless to say that the band has a clear production and a very good sound, which gives you the opportunity to hear clearly all the things that they have added in their music. Last but not least, their compositions are well worked with interesting ideas and they also have some “simple” songs which you can hear easily. Definitely a very interesting work for all the fans of rock music!
Official Site: www.myspace.com/clowneraser
E-mail band: [email protected]

I remember before some months, I reviewed the first mini CD of Helalyn Flowers. Now after a year from the release of their debut work, the band strikes back with their next step which is a CD single. “E - Race Generation” is the title of this work and it consists of three tracks. The band after one year of work was ready to offer us almost ten minutes of new music. So one more time be prepared to hear their personal combination of electro pop with gothic rock. Actually Helalyn Flowers have many influences which they filter through their personal prism and add their personal sound and this is how this weird and unique result is created... All of the songs are about three minutes long and the band have achieved to make some very interesting and well worked compositions which will make you listen to their stuff again and again. Definitely the opening track is the catchiest from the three that this CD has. MARILYN MANSON, PAIN, PARADISE LOST… Everything is in here just take your time and taste the music of Helalyn Flowers…
Official Site: www.helalynflowers.com
E-mail Band: [email protected]

The tricky part with this band is its name... I bet most of you, will think that Zonaria is another band from Sweden that plays melodic power metal. Well at least, this is what I thought. The truth is that Zonaria have good melodies, but their sound is heavier and more extreme. Actually, they combine in their sound elements from black metal as it is played by bands like DIMMU BORGIR and CRADLE OF FILTH, along with modern melodic death metal touches as they are displayed by IN FLAMES. The production is very solid, professional and clear. Also the musicians behind Zonaria are very skillful and I think that they have all the elements that a new band needs in order to start a promising career. Hope that all these I wrote move your interest, so for more info you can contact the band at the following snail mail address: Zonaria, Emil Nystr?m,Grottv. 12, 907 52 Umea, Sweden or by email: [email protected]. Finally you can check their site here: http://www.zonaria.com.

I first got in contact with Olam Ein Sof from their previous demo CD back in 2004. After two years the band strikes back with their newest work “Dark Moon”. In this work the band offer us their new five tracks and as a bonus, their demo back in 2002 and a live video clip. If you don’t know Olam Ein Sof, I’d like to tell you here that they play folk music with acoustic guitars only and the voice of Fernanda. Nothing more nothing less. I think that Olam Ein Sof is Marcelo’s deliverance from his other projects and thus he wants to record something pure and simple here. So don’t expect to listen to drums or electric heavy guitars and stuff like that. You should know that you will hear only acoustic instruments and songs full of melodies and nothing else. Maybe some of you won’t like this band’s sound, but this is the music direction of Olam Ein Sof. I think this is the perfect way to start your day or after a full day the perfect way to relax. I believe you should try to listen to the stuff from Olam Ein Sof, because you might find a new world in the music scene…
Official Site: www.olameinsof.com
E-mail Band: [email protected]

Once upon a time the Greek metal scene was for most people something like a joke. Few people who tried to achieve something good only with their passion and hard work. Most of the times such efforts led to failure. Things have changed dramatically, though, these last years, especially in the heavy/power metal genre. Ragenheart are such a bright example. They play heavy/power metal with some progressive metal touches. They have a very good singer and the guitar solos are just a pleasure to listen to. Also they have a very professional production and the cover artwork, although it is worked on a computer, it looks great! It is not necessary to say that you have to support such an effort!! You can contact the band at the following email: [email protected] or visit their site: http://www.ragenheart.com

I am not used to receiving demos from the United States that move in the classic heavy metal path. Nowadays everything is different but as you can see the fire is still alive and Midnight Idols walk this road. “Satanic Hymns For The Metal Youth” is the title of their latest demo which includes three tracks and ten minutes of pure heavy metal music in the vein of JUDAS PRIEST, SAXON and IRON MAIDEN. So here we have all the elements that a fan of heavy metal would like to hear. Well worked compositions, songs that are based on guitar riffs and solos and a heavy metal voice. Of course the band lives in 2006 so they have put some modern touches inside their music, but mainly they have a true ‘80s feeling burning inside them! Definitely a very impressive demo but of course they need more and harder work. I hope they continue what they have just started!
Official Site: www.myspace.com/idols
E-mail Band:[email protected]

Killer Smile belong to a sound that has become quite extinct lately and of course I'm implying the classic poser and glam hard rock - heavy metal. So, hailing us from Sweden, a country with an overcrowded scene especially in the death and power metal branches, Killer Smile try to prove us that there still exist good poser hard rock bands and that there are still bands that try to set themselves apart in a saturated scene. Like every decent poser hard rock release this one has a good vibe, great grooves with catchy riffs and a good vocalist, who is able to transmit to us his energy and love for what he's interpreting. You all know that I'm into death metal mainly, however, a good release has the ability to arise your interest and Killer Smile managed to win my attention! It's a pity, though, that there are only 3 tracks on this CD. Well, get in touch with Killer Smile order their CD, put it in the CD player and... It's PARTY TIME! Yeah!!!!! If you have a label and you want to do something that would distinguish you from most of the other metal labels, then Killer Smile is an excellent proposal...
Email: [email protected]
Site: http://www.killersmile.org

Before a few days I received a CD-r from Italy. It was a promo CD from Nota Bene. First of all I see that the band use their mother tongue from their name to the lyrics. Except for the lovely cover it’s the time to get deeper inside their music. As the opening track begins, I felt like I wasn’t at home, I felt like I was somewhere else, in a beautiful place with the name Nota Bene. Even if the band walks in progressive rock paths, they have made some really interesting songs and their compositions are more than well worked. Perhaps because of the fact that we are so used to listening to aggressive stuff, Nota Bene’s music is like an oasis in the middle of the desert. Most of their compositions have more than six minutes duration. Definitely the fans of the previous decades in the progressive rock scene will adore the stuff from Nota Bene. If you like progressive rock from open minded musicians then you should hear the latest album from these Italians. 
Official Site: http://notabene.altervista.org
E-mail Band:[email protected]

When you play progressive metal, exaggeration is really a bad thing that spoils the final result, but when all are done in moderation, then the final result has to be good. Tears play dark power/progressive metal and the 3 compositions that have been included in their third demo distinguish for their maturity. You will listen to some good melodies and to even better heavy parts. Also the use of the piano is a big plus, because it makes their music more emotional. Musically the band combines classic heavy metal tunes with fusion and some symphonic parts. To help you have a more complete picture of the band’s music, I can say that they are close to bands like PAIN OF SALVATION, SAVATAGE and SHADOW GALLERY, without though copying them. Anyway, the big advantage of Tears' music is that it is emotional and it has more than one way to reach your soul. Personally, I believe that this band has a lot to give to the listener and it is a “diamond” for the Greek metal scene. For more information about this band you can check their site: http://www.tearsband.org or email them at: [email protected]

When I read the name of this band in the package I had the thought that it was one more deathcore, or something like that, act but I was wrong. Corroded comes from Sweden and they formed back in 2004. “Heart Of The Machine” is their debut demo CD, in which they have include five tracks and almost twenty minutes full of heavy rock tunes. From the opening track “Bring Me Down” the band give us a clear picture of their musical direction and how they will sound in the next minutes. Well worked compositions full of heavy guitar riffs and solos, while the rhythm section gives their best and the singer is the final piece in the puzzle with the name Corroded. The sound is as dirty as it needs for this kind of rock but definitely you are able to hear clearly all the things that the band has included on their demo. At least a very impressive start and I hope they will continue creating music in the same way!
Official Site: www.corroded.se
E-mail band: [email protected]

I can assure you that Demarrage was an apocalypse for me! I'm really astounded with this band and I feel lucky having the chance to come across such a pioneering, exceptional and unique combo! Their compositions are simply magnificent and I just can't get enough, no matter how many times I've listened to them. This CD contains 4 powerful tracks that walk on the golden line between the modern and the old fashioned sound, whilst having a good sense of melody. The songs are imbued in aggressiveness and spit out hatred towards the narrowmindness of contemporary human beings. The lyrics are great, really thought-provoking and like a punch in the face of all the comformists who think that life is all about materials and money. The artwork and layout are perhaps amongst the best I've ever seen and a lot better than most official releases. The production took place in the famous Greek Fragile Studios, so having a voluminous and crystal clear sound was a one way road for them! Now as for the music, like I said, it dwells in the classic extreme sound, but having many modern projections as well. So, we could say that Demarrage play modern death metal with many effects and they even have some nice a la RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE moments. I don't know what else to say! I really loved their music. It's definitely a breeze of fresh and innovative air in the stagnant waters of the Greek metal scene... Morever they have enirched their songs by adding quite many lyrics in Italian, if I am not mistaken... I firmly believe that Demarrage must be offered a good contract, cause they have a bright future! Support them and enjoy!!!!
Email: [email protected]

Mors Subita is the name of this band that comes from Finland and “Epoch” is their latest demo CD. In this release they have included five tracks and twenty minutes full of energy and aggression that derive from a combination of the death metal genre with the speed of thrash metal while sometimes the two guitarists give us some more melodic guitar lines. This is what I heard from the opening track. A young band that have an enormous energy and they put all these inside their well worked compositions. Basically Mors Subita walks in the death metal paths, but they don’t just stay there. They had made a very interesting combination of death and thrash metal with a few touches of melody. Even if their ideas where interesting there were some things in the sound of this demo that wouldn’t fit my ears. I expected something different in this section, maybe in their next step they will be more focused. Definitely Mors Subita is a promising band, the only thing they need is to prove their abilities! 
Official site: www.morssubita.com
E-mail Band: [email protected]

This month is the month for all the football lovers because we have the Mundial in Germany. Besides that Germany has a very good metal scene and Common Grave is a part of their underground scene since 1999 when they formed. After six years the band reaches their third demo release with the title “Dehumanized”. On this demo Common Grave include three tracks and more than ten minutes of a pure death metal assault. From the opening song “Lethal Faith” the band unleashes their aggressive and raw sound while they have created a combination of classic and modern death metal elements. Actually after these years Common Grave know how they want to sound and they just put their ideas together and voila! We have these three classic tracks of death metal. Despite the fact that their singer has a great throat and his vocals are guttural and really aggressive, the music has a few touches of melody, but mainly the music is really raw and with a clear sound. 
Official Site: www.commongrave.de
E-mail Band: [email protected]

Adrift play weird and unconventional music. I have to grant this to them or I'd better say to him, since this is a one man band, a solo work that began around a decade ago, but has started working on more serious and professional basis just a couple of months ago. As I was informed by Nadir, the man behind this band, they should have their debut full length ready by next winter. Musically now like I said their music is weird and could be described as atmospheric black metal. However, this label isn't the best and most suitable to make you understand what Adrift are up to, simply because numerous different sounding bands can be filed under this category. So, add a great dose of dark and melancholic atmospheres, a funeral doom aura and many ambient and even noise tinges and I think you are closer to the truth than ever! If you're looking for strange sounds with many experimentations and you find beauty in dissonant notes, then Adrift would be interesting for you...
Site: http://www.adrift.ch
Email: [email protected]

End Of Destiny's demo work comprises of 3 tracks and apart from that I haven't got more information to offer you. I can only tell you that they are going to release their debut full length work through the American label Open Grave Records. I think the label's moniker makes you instantly realize that their concern and dedication lies within the extreme metal borders... So it is with End Of Destiny as well! They play brutal death metal with guttural vocals, some nice grooves and catchy moments, having everything wrapped up in a pretty nice and suitable modern feel. Their tempos vary from mid to blastbeats with some imposing moments and a few melodic touches that give more depth to their compositions. Everything sounds really good and promising, but they need to take more care of their production, simply because it isn't good at all, making it hard sometimes for you to follow and listen to every change of mood and sound on this CD. I think that End Of Destiny have a bright future!
Email: [email protected]

Euthanausea isn’t a new band, they formed back in the early 90s and so far they have released two demos and two EPs. Since I know the band’s guitarist, who is also SKYWARD’s guitarist, I had the chance to listen to the new era of Euthanausea. A CD with eight new tracks is offered to us just to give us a small taste of how Euthanausea sound in 2006. Musically the band walk in thrash metal paths with a few touches from death metal, but mostly they offer us their personal vision of thrash metal. Their compositions are well worked with some very impressive ideas and a lot of energy. This CD hasn’t got the best possible sound, however, I completely understand why… It is just for a taste, to allow us to feel the energy and the aggression that these guys have put inside their songs. I don’t know when their next step will be released, but make sure to keep an eye on them and you won’t be disappointed! 

Some might say that Cloud Turned Black play metalcore. Well, I have a problem with this trendy label... I believe that it was created in order to pass to the U.S. listeners a music that has already existed as something new. Actually, Cloud Turned Black belong to the melodic death metal genre as it was born and crafted in Sweden. But if I only say that they play melodic death metal, it would be unfair to them, cause their sound has references to the U.S. death metal scene,a long with some METALLICA influences and there are even moments that reminded me of 3 INCHES OF BLOOD and TRIVIUM. In other words they mix melodic heavy metal with death metal and they have some very good ideas and melodies. They might not be original, but a friend of this genre will have a good time listening to them. One other thing is that they don't try to play as fast as they can, but they also  have some mid-tempo moments in their sound. Finally, the vocals of the singer have a black metal touch and that is a plus to the sound of Cloud Turned Black. At this moment the band is writing new material for their debut album, so we have to wait and see or more accurately listen to what they have in store for us...
Site: www.myspace.com/cloudsturnedblack

Dirt Spawn Disease is a new born band and I had the chance to know about them because their singer was a member of ROT, another Greek group which released two very good albums in the past. The first contact with Dirt Spawn Disease was when they came to my town for a live show. That night I saw a band with an enormous energy on stage and a music that definitely is extreme and walks in the hardcore/metal paths. After some months it was time for them to release a promo CD, which is actually their debut album. In this work you will find nine songs and about half an hour of pure aggressive and raw music. After a small melodic intro you should be prepared for the hurricane with the name Dirt Spawn Disease. The band will take your skull and you won’t even understand it! These guys have achieved to transfer their energy into this CD, while they become more and more aggressive with a few melodic parts just for a few seconds. The singer has two ways to sing, aggressive when it should and more melodic and clean when the song needs it. Surely the fans of the more extreme part of metal music will adore the stuff of Dirt Spawn Disease. Don’t lose you time and check out their stuff immediately!
Official Site:www.dirtspawndisease.com
E-mail Band: [email protected]

Framferd have only three years of existence and so far one demo back in 2004 and last year they released their promo CD. In this work the band have included two tracks and more than ten minutes of pure melodic black metal. The opening track is a straight black metal assault with all the things that we want to hear from a black metal act. Personally I will stay more on the second song, “Erotic Murder”. In this song the band give us a general picture of their musical direction, since here you will hear from extreme black metal tunes to more melodic lines and from black metal vocals to clean ones. Also the band used almost perfectly the synthesizers in order to give a very impressive atmosphere to the whole result. Definitely this is a very interesting promo and I hope they will record more songs soon!
Official Site: www.framferd.net
E-mail Management: [email protected] 

Cebren Khal has only two years of existence and “Charon’s Path” is their debut demo CD. In this work the band has included four tracks and almost half an hour of pure melodic black/doom metal music. They have achieved to make a perfect combination of their influences and while you listen to a furious black metal assault suddenly with an interesting change you hear doom metal with great melodic lines. Their songs are more than six minutes long and their compositions are well worked with very interesting ideas. I believe that Cebren Khal, through their different influences have found their personal sound and I can say that from their first release they have made some steps in order to create a unique result with their usual influences. Even if they are a young band they have made a very good step with “Charon’s Path” and I will wait to hear their next move!
Official Site: http://cebrenkhal.free.fr
E-mail Band:[email protected] 

Heirs To A Vacant Throne (at least a very clever name for a band!) come from England and “Miasma” is their latest demo CD. In this work the band has included four tracks and more than fifteen minutes of pure stoner rock with some metal elements too. From the opening track the band give us a clear picture of what we will listen to in the rest of the demo. Pure stoner rock in the vein of KYUSS, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE and CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, while their metal elements comprise of METALLICA along with the rock ‘n roll attitude of MOTORHEAD. This is more or less the result and the overall sound of this demo. Another thing that I liked was the fact that the production was clear, so you’ll have the chance to hear clearly all the things that Heirs To A Vacant Throne have included in this work. A very impressive release and personally I didn’t expect to listen to such a good demo! Well done to the whole band for this and I hope they continue the hard work in order to create an even better outcome in the future! 
Official Site:http://www.myspace.com/htavt
E-mail Band: [email protected]

Out of nowhere Castdown sent us their latest three track demo CD. From the opening track Castdown give us an almost clear picture of their music. Actually the first song begins with a good enough drum part and then they unleash their aggressive attitude which reached the thrash/death metal boundaries with a modern approach while the band uses some melodic lines in the vocals. Generally the band has combined some classic elements from metal music with some modern music sounds. Personally I expected to listen to a more personal sound and something different. I mean we hear tons of bands that play like this or have a similar sound without having their personal touch inside it. I believe they need more work and then the band will surely find where they really fit in. 
Official Site: www.castdownmetal.com
E-mail Band: [email protected]

The Italians are crazy and they have countless bands. Hehehe! I am just kidding, but actually Fuel From Hell comes from this country and sent us their latest promo CD which is actually a whole album. This was released last year for promotional matters and the band has included nine tracks and more than half an hour of pure rock ‘n roll music while they have combined it with hard rock. From the opening track the band gives us a clear picture of what we are about to hear in the next tracks… a crazy guy behind the microphone and some really heavy guitar riffs and impressive guitar solos. Definitely the band seems to be well tight and to have worked really hard in order to make this promo CD. Actually we are able to hear all the things that we want and expect to listen to from a rock ‘n roll release plus they’ve included their personal touch inside it. The well worked compositions give you the picture that the band has spent a lot of hours in their rehearsal place and actually this is one of the things that made this band find their personal way in music…
Official Site: www.fuelfromhell.com
E-mail Band:[email protected]

These guys managed to confuse me. After the intro, the first song of their demo which has the title "Window To A New Era" is a heavy/speed metal composition and I thought that this is the kind of music that dementia play. I couldn't be more wrong! The next songs cleared out the picture for me and I can surely say that this band plays atmospheric heavy metal influenced mainly by PARADISE LOST ("Icon" and "Sraconian Time" era) and ANATHEMA. As a confirmation of the above conclusion stand the covers the band chose to do to the songs "No Celebration" by PARADISE LOST, "Sleepless" by ANATHEMA and "IK" by CHARON. As for their own 4 compositions I can say that they are very interesting and I liked a lot the use of the keyboards, which give a more colourful touch to all the tracks. Finally the production is good and helps you to listen to the demo in a more pleasant way. It's realy good that Dementia chose to follow a sound that isn't so famous anymore and I think they have the potential to make a decent career. Apart from that, one more reason that is worth to order this demo, is that it has almost half an hour of duration. You can contact the band at the following email: [email protected]

This quartet from Cyprus has something special, something that I can't still clearly figure out... I suppose it's the overall reminiscent essence pouring out from their compositions or perhaps their ability to "marry" the new directions in extreme music with a more old fashioned sound. Either way these guys sound really promising, so you'd better give them a chance, cause we might be talking about the new equivalent of ROTTING CHRIST. First of all the progress they've made since their previous demo "Tainted Dogma" (read my brother's review below) is obvious and undoubted. There are still elements that need improvement like the production which could have been better, but on the other hand, the sound didn't annoy me a bit. On the contrary it brought to my mind memories of when I was in high school and I was listening to ROTTING CHRIST's "Non Serviam" and "Triarchy Of The Lost Lovers". The production wasn't good there either, however, lately the metal scene tries to hide its lack of inspiration, behind famous guest participations and crystal clear productions. Arkhon are here to offer us a pure mixture of black metal with some intense tinges of death and influences that are mainly drawn by ROTTING CHRIST, NECROMANTIA and DARK TRANQUILLITY (early period). If you find any of what I said appealing, then "I Am The Skull" will satisfy you both musically and lyrically speaking. The guys did an excellent work and I'm sure they can do even better in the future. All they need is some more experience, but I bet they'll find their way through...
Band's Site: http://www.arkhon.tk

I don't know much about the metal scene in Cyprus. Actually Arkhon is the second band I have the chance and joy to listen to. The first one was ARRYAN PATH that play power metal. However, Arkhon's music has nothing to do with ARRYAN PATH's musical direction, since they follow extreme paths. They play black heavy metal with some thrashy touches. I can't deny that they strongly reminded me of ROTTING CHRIST and I bet that they are amongst the basic influences of the band. However, in the song "Tear On The Heart", which is my favourite by the way, you can also notice influences from  the first era of DARK TRANQUILLITY and IN FLAMES. In general Arkhon left me with good impressions and I can only find two drawbacks. The first and most important is the production and the second is the song "Bloodwing Rebellion", which I found slightly monotonous and boring. Those of you who adore the school of the Greek black metal scene, have to check them out... 
Band's Site: http://www.arkhon.tk

Essentia isn't a heavy metal band. They play modern rock, but they have some heavy metal touches in their sound as well, epsecially if you listen to the track "Bad Karma". Although I don't know much about the modern rock scene, I'd dare to say that Essentia are influenced both from the U.S. and the English rock scene. Actually, their music brought to my mind bands like NICKELBACK, GREEN DAY and a bit of H.I.M. and SENTENCED of the "Crimson" era. All the three songs that are included here are well performed and the production moves on professional standards. Essentia really work on a professional level and they have the confidence, will and ability to achieve big things. They have definitely caught the spirit of the modern rock scene and try to create something of their own without imitating other big bands of this genre. I can bet that they will find easily a good contract cause their music has quality and at the same time is commercial - in the good way. Their demo was a very relaxing listening for me and those of you that love modern rock, have to check them out. For more information you can check the band's site: http://www.essentiaband.net

Mystical Fullmoon is a band that comes from Italy and has more than a decade of history in the underground metal scene. The band is currently recording their newest album and it was good move to allow us to remember their first days. So “Beyond Somber Passages” is their debut demo CD, which was released in 1996 if I am not mistaken. Anyway, these six tracks are the first period of the band when they were actually a young band, so of course there are some mistakes but what’s mostly obvious is the band’s will to play their favourite black metal and believe me the fans of the underground black metal will adore the stuff from Mystical Fullmoon. I really don’t know if you can find this release or if the band sells it, but through the twenty five minutes, which is the duration of this work, Mystical Fullmoon had made a statement of an unholy black metal assault.
Official Site: www.myspace.com/mysticalfullmoon
E-mail Band:[email protected]

Spirits Engaged play melodic heavy/power metal in the vein of the Greek scene. I mean that musically they move on the same way with groups like INNERWISH, CASUS BELLI and WOLFCRY. They have also reminded me from time to time of STRYPER as well, and it's not the music the only thing they have in common. Yep! You've got it right. The band's lyrics are mainly inspired by the Christian religion and in general they want to pass onto everybody a positive meaning. Their compositions are good, but the band thing is the production, which lessens the volume of the songs. The singer has a good melodic voice, but I think he has to improve his high-pitched screams. I also liked the themes they play on the keyboards. They might be simple, but they have a very positive effect on all the compositions. All in all "A Guardian Angel" is a positive beginning for the band, but they also have to give us compositions with more variety in the future. They move on the right path and if they don't quit as most Greek bands do, then I am sure that they will manage to have a proper career. the friends of melodic heavy/power metal should give them a try. For more information you can contact the band at the following email: [email protected]

You might find my way too typical to start this demo presentation, but believe me it's the truth... The first quick listening of this demo didn't satisfy me at all, but I decided to give it a second chance and I'm really glad I did so. Tribu who hail from Spain, a country more known for its classic heavy/power metal scene, play a music that with one word can be described as thrashcore. They strongly reminded me of the great BRUJERIA and actually like BRUJERIA they sing in their mother tongue, in Spanish. Except for the BRUJERIA elements, they also have some speed/thrash moments in the vein of SEPULTURA (just listen to the third and the last song of the demo "Estas Muerto"). The only weak point of this release is the production which needed to have more volume for the kind of music they play. The first samples from this group are positive and they only have to continue working as hard and much as they can and I'm sure they will achieve the targets they have set! For further information on Tribu you can contact them at the following email:[email protected] or visit their site: http://www.webtribu.net.

Another new band from Greece sends us their first demo CD with the "weird" title "Nostoi Vlekle Dem Noi Puschta". Crave For Light has included two tracks on this demo and more than ten minutes of pure gothic / death metal music. From the first note you can understand that the band follows the well known paths of gothic metal with some death metal elements especially on the vocals, which are only male. Usually we have dual vocals but Crave For Light have made a little step forward and they have chosen to work with the technology and they have some effects spotted throughout the whole demo and a drum machine too. This first demo shows that the band has achieved to create a good, but nevertheless an average result. I hope that they will work more in their compositions, find a drummer in order to have real drums and of course find their personal sound. I believe they have a very long road to walk in order to do something really special. 
Official Site: www.craveforlight.cjb.net
E-mail band: [email protected]

Manuel is a guitar virtuoso from Spain and “Into My Universe” is his latest demo CD which includes six tracks. As you can imagine the demo from Manuel is an instrumental one except for one track which has lyrics. After a small intro, Manuel begins with a seven minute composition showing us that he definitely knows how to write riffs and solos in an interesting way, in order to keep the listener’s interest intact and to transmit the passion for the next track. It is needless to say that all his songs are based on guitars and Manuel follows the same steps that most “guitar heroes” do. I don’t blame him, because we are used to hearing these kinds of works in a specific way. The production could be better and the sound too. “No More” which is the track with the lyrics, I can say that it isn’t the best one on this demo. I preferred more the track “Outsiders”. Anyway, to close this review, Manuel Seoane has all the elements that a fan of this kind of music wants to hear and I believe in his next step he will correct some mistakes that this release has.
Official Site: www.manuelseoane.com
E-mail band: [email protected]

After five years of existence Cerebrum, who come from Greece, released their debut demo CD before a few weeks. The band has included three tracks on this CD and almost fifteen minutes of pure death metal music. From the opening track the band unleashes their power of the death metal but they have also included elements from thrash metal. Their compositions apart from the fact that they are well worked, they have a lot of progressive elements. Cerebrum, have combined very well their brutality and the raw sound with the technical section of their music. Also the production is impressive and it helps you "understand" the things that Cerebrum have included inside their songs and enjoy all the songs from them. Last but not least I want to say to the band to include their personal sound more in their compositions and to have a little bit more interesting songs. With a bit more hard work, I am sure that their next step will be a blast. 
Official Site:www.cerebrumcortex.com
E-mail Band: [email protected]

Motherstone comes from Italy and with their latest demo CD they want to make the breakthrough to the mainstream metal scene. From the opening track we listen to a combination of atmospheric metal with death metal. Actually we have dual vocals between a female doing some operatic interpretations and a male doing the death metal vocals. The music has some classic heavy metal elements but I believe it’s more experimental and generally the band tries not to follow a certain path in order to be more unique. For example the male vocals are a little bit more extreme than the usual and the female ones have some changes in some parts of this demo. Their production and sound could be better and I believe the band should have paid more attention to these sections too. The compositions are good enough but I think Motherstone should work harder to find deep in the hearts their personal sound if they want to do something in the metal scene. I believe they have the will and the abilities, but they need to work more. They are young and they have the future at their feet. 
Official Site: www.motherstone.it
E-mail Band: [email protected]

Code Of Silence is a newcoming act originating from Chios, a beautiful yet remote island. However, lately the band decided to make the big leap and relocate to Athens and shortly after they created and released their debut demo CD that bears the clever and suitable title "Break The Silence". Musically now these guys seem to be quite gifted with skills and abilities to create beautiful compositions that have a great balance between extremity and melody. Their sound could be generally labeled as metalcore with the hardcore elements dominating, but being at the same time enriched with many melodic death metal tinges every now and then. The band works on professional levels and this is obvious not only in their song structures and arrangements, but also in the production that is very good and quite voluminous for a demo release. "Break The Silence" features 4 tracks that dwell between anger and devastation and reveal the bands love for this kind of music. Their songs definitely have some slight references to Code Of Silence's favourite bands, however, they also reveal a dedication and a need, on behalf of the band, to create something characteristic and personal. I'm sure that the fans of metalcore, hardcore and death metal will find many appealing elements on "Break The Silence", so my advice to all of you is to support this young act, cause they definitley have a lot to offer in the future... 
Site: http://www.codeofsilence.gr
Email: [email protected]

I am not used to receiving packages from Serbia, so when I saw that this demo comes from this specific country I was really curious to listen to it. On this release the band, Strevlosh Zvezda, has included four tracks and more than ten minutes of pure black metal music. So far everything is perfect and sounds ordinary to you, but if you listen to their stuff, you will see that this black metal is with only acoustic guitars and without a bass guitar. On the other hand the vocals are the typical black metal ones and overall I can say that Strevlosh Zvezda managed to surprise me with their personal way of delivering black metal. Generally they have a great atmosphere that derives from their music and the black metal vocals that sound like hell breaking loose. These are some of the elements that make the final result sound so good. Strevlosh Zvezda have definitely got a unique sound!
E-mail Band: [email protected]

Maldo comes from Sweden and I had the pleasure to receive their recent demo CD a few weeks ago. The band has included three tracks inside it and almost fifteen minutes of hard rock music, but with a touch of their personal vision. The cover artwork is an excellent piece of work! It is melancholic and atmospheric at the same time, like the music that the band has chosen to play which moves on experimental hard rock paths, with a lot of emotions and atmospheric moments. Definitely their stuff isn’t easy to listen to, but you actually need to have a clear mind in order to feel and understand all the things that Maldo give us through their incredible music. Their music reminds me of the progsters A PERFECT CIRCLE, but Maldo have put their personal touch in every moment of their music. Last but not least, I am sure that this band will find their way to the mainstream rock scene, because they work really hard and you can see it if you listen to their music. Keep in mind that they are around only two years now. Sweden doesn’t have only quality black and death metal bands!
Official Site: www.maldo.nu
E-mail Band: [email protected]

Souldaemon comes from Italy and "Fragment Of Sanity" is their third demo CD so far. The band hasn't got an easy listening music. In fact Souldaemon has a very difficult music to listen to. First of all they have a really bad production, but I don't think this is the main difficulty on this demo. I believe the difficulty lies within their music which is an experimental dark black metal combination. Imagine elements from bands like ULVER and IN THE WOODS and maybe you will understand the musical direction of Souldaemon. Also the vocals are extreme and sound like they come straight from hell. Definitely this isn't a demo for a big audience, but for specific fans who pay a lot of attention and try to understand the artist.
Official Site: www.souldaemon.too.it 
E-mail Band: [email protected] 

Shroud comes from Norway, a land that black metal was raised back in the early 90s. I had the opportunity last year to listen to their previous demo CD and now the band sent me their newest release, which is their fifth so far. With their newest demo the band has chosen "Exploring The Revolutional Aspects" as the title of it and they have included four tracks. Through these twenty five minutes, which is the duration of this CD, the band gives us their personal vision of unholy black metal music. The band adore to have songs that have six and eight minutes duration, so we can see that they have worked really hard with their compositions and with the additions of the piano, they have created a very good atmosphere along with some female vocals that are spotted throughout the demo. I believe that after almost ten years of existence Shroud have achieved to put their personal touch in their arrangements while including some elements from their influences. So, we have a black metal band that connects two decades. 
Official Site: www.shroud.co.nr 
E-mail Band: [email protected]

Iskald is another band from Norway and can you imagine what they play? I’m sure you got it right! These guys follow the black metal path, but they walk on the melodic side of it. They are a young band, that last year released a two track demo CD and before a few days they released their newest step. "Northern Twilight" is the title of their new work and you will have the chance to listen to five tracks and twenty five minutes of pure melodic black metal with a few touches from the death metal too. Imagine a combination of DISSECTION and IMMORTAL with some thrash elements from SLAYER and you will have the musical direction of Iskald. Definitely the guys want to leave their personal touch inside their songs and I believe in some way they have achieved it. Definitely Iskald has the future in front of their feet and I am sure that if they continue to work hard, they will achieve their goals because they are a promising band. If you listen to black metal then you should hear these guys and you won't regret it. Don't forget the name Iskald, cause most probably you will read something about them in the future!
Official Site: www.iskald.com
E-mail Band: [email protected]

I am not used to receiving packages from Cyprus; the last one was before some months. So I was really curious to hear the latest demo CD of Crest Fallen, a band that has only three years of existence and "Lose My Mind" is their debut release. The guys have included four tracks and more than twenty minutes of pure melodic death metal. Even if the band has put as an opening track a song that has a lot of melodies and clean vocals (until its third minute) don’t be misled… Later on they begin to unleash their power and might, allowing us to enjoy some fine and interesting growls from their singer. So, you will understand right away that it’s a very interesting melodic death metal release with a few touches from the thrash metal genre. Crest Fallen has done a very interesting work with their compositions and they have included their personal touch inside their songs. The production and the sound are good enough and generally they have created an impressive atmosphere with the help of the keyboards. Definitely Crest Fallen, have the ability to do something in the metal scene. The question is if they want to do it and if they are going to continue to work for their own good.
Official Site:http://www.rock-metal.net/crestfallen/ 
E-mail Band: [email protected]

Future Is Tomorrow is another band from Italy who sent us their debut demo CD with the title "The New Messiah". The band has included six tracks and almost half an hour of pure music from musicians that adore what they do and you can feel and sense this by listening to this demo. Even if, the sound and the production aren't so good -the reason is that actually this is a home made recording- the band has written some good compositions and they make us understand that they can do a better work in the future. With their hard work and the more mature sound, I am sure that this band will have something to add and offer to the metal scene. The band walks on the progressive power metal path and if you want you can take a taste on their official website. Last but not least, I want to say that they need a lot of work but also Future Is Tomorrow is a promising band!
Official Site: www.futureistomorrow.it 
E-mail Band: [email protected] 

Another country enters our database. Combat Noise is the first band from Cuba that sends us their latest work. On this work the band has included eleven tracks, three video clips and finally forty minutes of a pure death metal assault. We all know the difficulties that the people face in Cuba, so it is really interesting and inspiring to see that they have some bands that play music and of course metal! The tracks that I listened to on this album from Combat Noise, even though they were in the extreme side of death metal, made me realize the band’s devotion and their need to play music. So, it’s a fact that they did their best in order to make this album come true. Combat Noise has included the finest elements of death metal, they’ve also put their personal touch and the end result is what you’ll have the chance to enjoy here. Of course there might be better releases that this one, but the fact that these guys come from Cuba I believe makes us see everything through a different perspective!
E-mail Band: [email protected]and[email protected] 

Saratan comes from Poland and even though they come from this country, their logo is written in the Arabic language and actually Saratan is an Arabic word meaning "cancer". They have only three years of existence and "Infected With Life" is their latest demo CD which consists of five tracks and about twenty minutes of pure European thrash metal madness. So from the opening track the band unleashes their power, their aggressiveness and with the guitars as their weapon, they destroy the ears from everybody that is going to listen to their stuff! Very powerful and well worked compositions with very interesting ideas and last but not least I have to note that this is a pure thrash metal release. So, what else would you expect to hear? Songs that are based on guitar riffs and solos, a very good production and a sound that you can listen to and above all enjoy the time you will spend with this demo. Even if this is their debut work I am sure that Saratan has done a very good work!
Official Site: www.saratan.metal.pl
E-mail Band: [email protected]

I think that Warpath is a "good" name for a band, because there are more than four bands that use the same moniker... Anyway, here we have the latest demo CD from Warpath who hail us from the United Kingdom. On this release the band has included five tracks and almost twenty five minutes of pure heavy / thrash metal music. The band has written some really good and well worked compositions which have a modern air but also they have some elements from the classic heavy / thrash metal scene. From the opening track the band has begun to deliver some really good ideas in their songs and even if they aren't the most unique band in the world, in ever track they give you something you find enjoying and satisfying. The production and the sound are impressive and you can listen clearly to all the elements on this demo with a very powerful rhythm section and some catchy touches in the guitars. Finally Warpath has paid a lot of attention on having a massive and recognizable sound in the guitars.
Official Site: www.warpath-online.com
E-mail band: [email protected]

Definitely when you receive a package from Sweden you expect at least something really interesting, because Sweden has a very good metal scene. Miscellany sent us their latest demo CD, in which they have included three tracks and about twelve minutes of pure symphonic metal. First of all, from the first minute, you will hear one of the clearest sounds I have ever listened to in a demo release and a great production too. Back to the music now! The band, as I wrote above walks on the symphonic metal paths and imagine a band that has some influences from NIGHTWISH, but at the same time expanding and progressing their music to a different level. Also the way that their singer sings is different and they have done a very interesting step in this section of their music. So, one minute you listen to classic female vocals but suddenly you can hear some more operatic ones whilst listening to some really heavy guitar riffs and with some extreme male vocals done by their drummer, being there to add more variety. Generally, you can see that the band has worked really hard with their compositions and in every song they give us a ticket to travel to their interesting world of music. Definitely a very promising band and I am sure that in the near future we will learn that they have found a label to release their debut album. 
Official Site: www.miscellany.se
E-mail Band: [email protected]

Storm The Castle comes from the United States and before a few days we received their latest demo CD. In this release the band has included five tracks and almost half hour of pure heavy metal music. The band has written some really interesting compositions with impressive ideas but when the demo reaches the end you feel weird. I mean that you don't have neither good nor bad words to say for this work. Well, I think I could describe it as another mediocre work from another band. Definitely they have worked hard and their songs have some really good structures, but they don't have this "something" special that will allow them to make the big step forward. Of course if they continue to work hard and to be as unique as they can with the sound they have chosen to serve, then we will have something good enough to say for them. I will wait for their next step!
Official Site: www.stormthecastle.org
E-mail Band: [email protected]