Issue #8 – April 2003
Album
of the month:
Katatonia;
Viva Emptiness
Peaceville
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
Few bands dare
to change, or should we say develop, their sound as much as Katatonia have throughout
the years, and, in fact, even fewer have done it as much for the better as
Katatonia have. What I am saying is that Katatonia keep getting better and
better, and while “Last Fair Deal Gone Wrong” was a great album “Viva
Emptiness” is pure genius. It’s a work of art, and with an as overwhelming
result as the case is here, my brain can’t possibly imagine what Katatonia will
come up with next. All I know is that it is definitely going to be hard topping
this. Gothic metal has been going in the wrong direction for some time now,
and, in fact, a lot of the bands doing the goth rock thing right now are even
less credible than the nu-metallers or the retro-rockers of the world. Not so
with Katatonia – they don’t fall into any of the typical goth clichés. Sure,
the sound of “Viva Emptiness” is utterly melancholic, and in “Ghost Of The Sun”
it’s perhaps even plain hateful, but it’s also downright appealing, and, well,
beautiful. If Katatonia doesn’t get some mainstream attention after this, there
is just something wrong. On the other hand whenever did quality and popularity
go hand in hand? See? So, why don’t you give it up for the perhaps best goth
rock band walking the face of the earth right now? Strong words, aren’t they?
Sure, but true nonetheless. (JJJJJJ)
5
“Runner-up” albums
Evergrey; Recreation Day
InsideOut
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
You know,
everybody makes mistakes, even music-critics. When I reviewed the previous
Evergrey album, I can honestly say that I was a little too harsh on it. Of course,
I didn’t think so then, but now I do. But, really, that’s the only mistake I’ve
ever done as a reviewer. Really! (Don’t you think?). Anyway, “Recreation Day”
is a lot better than “In Search Of Truth.” Musically Evergrey are nearly
perfect on “Recreation Day,” and whether it’s the all over the place drumming
or the atmospheric keyboards, the melodic guitar-leads or the brick-breaking
riffs, the strong vocal-leads or the vocal harmonies, it’s all done amazingly
well. Heck, even when going in a acoustic direction in “Madness Caught Another
Victim”, which is actually somewhat unusual for the band, they’re more
convincing that most of their progmetal contemporaries. This is most likely
going to be one of the best progmetal albums you’ll be hearing all year. (JJJJJJ)
Flyswatter; Repeat In Pattern
Ignition Records
Don’t you just
love label-samplers? I heard one last month, and it opened my eyes to several
bands I’d never heard before, and one of them was Flyswatter. They’re from
Germany and they don’t play metal, how’s that for you? And you know what? I’d
actually much rather listen to Flyswatter than most new German metal bands
coming along these days. Flyswatter are an emo-band mixing in elements of
melodic hardcore and punk. They might not be the most original new emo kids on
the block, but they’re definitely one of the best. A lot of the time we’re
talking typical American sounding emo, often sounding a bit like Jimmy Eat
World, but with more bite, but there are also times when Flyswatter break into
furious hardcore-assaults, and the marriage of the two works very well indeed.
Overall, though, I’m leaning a bit on the more radio-friendly and melodic side
of the band. You know, the songs with the choruses you just can’t get out of
your head – there are quite a few of those, you know! Any fan of emo-rock will
get goose bumps when hearing songs like “New Sensation” and “Sin Embassy.” (JJJJJJ)
O.S.I.; Office Of Strategic Influence
InsideOut/SPV
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
If anyone ever
told you that Jim Matheos (guitar - Fates Warning), Kevin Moore (keyboard,
vocals - Chroma Key, ex-Dream Theater) and Mike Portnoy (drums – Dream Theater)
were putting a record-out together, you’d probably think that it was too good
to be true, but if the rumor finally had you convinced, then you’d probably
know exactly what you’d be getting, right? Two words: progressive metal. The
music on “Office Of Strategic Influence” is every bit as inventive, varied,
progressive, advanced, technical and skillfully played as one should think, and
it doesn’t even fall in the traps one could be afraid off, because let’s face
it, often when progressive all-star bands come together, the music tends be on
a level that just goes over the head of the listener with its’ endless and overly mathematic jamming. Sure, there are songs on this
album that are as long as most progressive rock-songs out there, and the
musical standard is top scale all the way through, but luckily the members of
O.S.I. have managed to keep focus on the music and the art, instead of their
instrumental capabilities. In other words “Office Of Strategic Influence” is an
album that’s as well-written and interesting as any progressive metal album,
but still on a level that the listeners can relate to, and the fact that there
are a few traces of modern rock amidst the progressive settings is only working
in favor of an even better album. Oh, and did I mention that Sean Malone from
Gordian Knot is guest-bassist on this disc, and that Steve Wilson from
Porcupine Tree is guest-singer? Well, they are – both of them! Can you say
all-star metal-band? I can: all-star metal-band. (JJJJJJ)
Solefald;
In Harmonia Universali
Century Media
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
If there’s anything the black metal genre is desperately in need of, then
it’s renewal – bands that take the basic black metal formula and add a
uniqueness to it, while looking ahead, never being afraid of going in new
directions and discovering new territories. I think Solefald has proven them
selves to be a band like that. They’ve always been a black metal band, but
they’ve never wanted to limit themselves to only being black metal. Instead
they’ve had a vision of their own, which has pushed them in directions no, or
few, other black metal bands have dared to go. On the fourth album Norway’s
Solefald continue to make music that doesn’t quite sound like anything else out
there. But no matter how inventive, creative and original the music itself may
be, the fact that the lyrics have been written in several different languages,
spanning from German, French, Norse and, of course, English, probably stands as
the most impressive thing altogether. It doesn’t take very long to see that
Cornelius and Lazare are people who are dedicated to their art, and that they
take the time needed to get things right. Perfectionists might be the right
word for the two of them. And if using grand organs, Hammond organs,
saxophones, Spanish guitar and male choirs is what it takes to get things
right, then so be it. This one will be a tough nut to break for all other
aspiring black metal bands that are to release albums this year. (JJJJJJ)
Waterdown; The Files You Have On Me
Victory Records
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
Victory Records definitely know how to
do their shit. They just seem to dust off all the most inventive and original
hardcore bands out there, alongside some of the not so inventive and original
of course. German six-piece Waterdown is definitely one being in the first
category, and while not only hardcore, these guys are definitely a worthy resemblance
for the genre. Fans of the new wave of hardcore with bands like Glassjaw, The
Used and the likes leading the way, will definitely be into Waterdown, and so
will just about anybody else with either tastes in emo, punk or hardcore music
in general. Who said that Germany was only Scooter-type techno and power metal?
(JJJJJJ)
The
Rest of this month’s albums
40 Grit; Nothing To Remember
Metal Blade
(Provided by Nordic
Metal)
Unless Metal
Blade are desperate about getting into the mainstream, I think they’re more
than unfair when in the press-release they file the new album by 40 Grit under
the nu-metal tag, because, really, 40 Grit is not nu-metal. It’s more than
nu-metal. Hailing from The Bay Area of all places, it comes as no surprise that
40 Grit have a great share of thrash-influences in their music, and if I were
to label 40 Grit as anything, it would have to be a thrash band. Perhaps not in
the same traditional sense as Testament was a thrash-band, but a thrash band
nonetheless – of course with a few modern riffs, hook and grooves added, making
this a little more accessible and time-approving. Out of three releases this
month, and with two of them being records I was very much looking forward to
(Tourniquet and Cydonia), this one’s is quite surprisingly the labels best
release this month. I said earlier that 40 Grit are more than nu-metal, well,
they’re also better than nu-metal – better than most of it anyway. (JJJJJJ)
A18; Foroverafternothing
Victory Records
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
Geez, why didn’t they just call this
album 117 ways to kill yourself or something? No, I am not saying that because
the music is all bad, but I am referring to the cover-art and the pictures in
the booklet. I am talking about pictures of people trying to commit suicide in
various ways like cutting the wrist, jumping of a bridge, hanging themselves,
taking pills or smashing their car against something. I haven’t studied the
lyrics for this album, but maybe it goes with the concept. Otherwise it’s just
plain stupid and tasteless, but that’s just me. I mean, come on, there’s enough
people doing this sort of thing every day, so we don’t really need our
rock-albums coming with pictures of it too. Musically this isn’t bad at all,
though. A18 sound kind of like a garage-minded rock n’ roll band playing
unmerciful straightedge hardcore, and as such it doesn’t really sound like
anything else I’ve heard in a while. That said this is not one of the best
releases coming from Victory Records lately. (JJJJJJ)
Andromeda; II = I
New Haven/Century Media
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
There are
quite a few progressive metal albums reviewed in this months’ issue, aren’t
there? But even though track two (there are no song-titles on my promo-copy) is
probably one of the best metal-songs in this issue altogether, I am not very
fond of this album as a whole. “II = I” is a highly technical journey through
Dream Theater-like riffs, progrock and fusion-like sound-structures leaning
heavily on the keyboard-side and a classical atmosphere. Like often before
we’re witnessing gifted musicians playing songs that come in through one ear
and out the other. Two smiles for track two and another one for the technical
ability. (JJJJJJ)
Area54; Beckoning Of The End
Casket Records
(Provided by Hero PR)
Wow, this is
the second album from this band that I’ve never heard before, and it’s really
good. Surprisingly good, actually. This ain’t a new nu-metal album, though, but
much rather a full-on heavy metal album along the lines of fellow countrymen
Iron Maiden, and while Maiden might be the better of the two, I’d probably
rather sit on a tour-bus with Area54, because, let’s face it, Area54 bassist,
Laura Salmon, is way better looking than Iron Maidens Steve Harris – not that
it takes a lot to do so, but still... Anyways, it pretty rare hearing a band
from Britain with a sound like this these days, and especially one of this
caliber. In short, Area54 are ready to rock with the best of them, and with the
capability to do brilliant head-banger songs as well as beautiful ballads,
there should be no stopping these guys and girl. The only track that sucks ass
on this disc is, surprisingly enough, “Cancer Of The Mind”, which features
vocals from no other than Thomas Lindberg from At The Gates, The Crown and The
Great Deceiver fame. The growls just don’t go that well with Area54’s music, in
my opinion. (JJJJJJ)
Ashes To Ashes; Cardinal VII
DVS Records
(Provided by Intromental Management)
This band from Norway has been around
for more than 10 years, and I guess it shows when it comes to their
instrumental capabilities, but when it comes to creating songs that are worth
vile, I don’t hear these guys going anywhere. I’ve just listened to so many
metal albums this month, and most of them were a lot easier to get into. Of
course, I shouldn’t write these guys off on that alone, so I’ve actually
listened to this album just as many times as I’ve listened to any other album
this month, but it still doesn’t do anything for me. Put frankly, it’s quite
boring. Ashes To Ashes combine elements of progressive metal, doom, goth, power
metal and Gregorian chants into what they themselves choose to call Gregorian
Metal. Quite diverse, actually, but still rather boring. The thing about Ashes
To Ashes I like the least is the singing. The press release states that unlike
before, Kenneth Brastad now has varied his voice so that it doesn’t sound so
monotonous. Sure, it’s varied, so that isn’t the problem at all, is it? I
simply don’t like the sound of his voice. (JJJJJJ)
Blisse; When The
World Is Wonderful
Crucible Records
I think we all agree that the world is
not very wonderful right now, but at least Blisse do their best at making it
wonderful. When I first saw the cover and band-photos, I though that this was
going to be another pop/rockin’ boyband. Well, Blisse are, for the most part,
leaning pretty heavily on the lighter and safer side of the rock fence, but no
one said playing soft rock had to be boring. At least it isn’t when Blisse push
the pedals to the floor in songs like “Until The World” and “Take My Hand” –
power pop songs that just can’t fail in order to get the listener in a good
mood. Blisse is a pretty happy-sounding band for the most part – even when they
do a semi-ballad or two along the lines of Jars of Clay. Overall they sound
pretty American, really, but there are three songs on this disc that actually
sound a little more British than American, and while still rather catchy, they
bring to mind bands like Coldplay, Radiohead and Suede in different places.
Pretty good stuff. (JJJJJJ)
Carnal Forge; The
More You Suffer
Century Media
(Provided by Nordic
Metal)
I wasn’t into the previous Carnal Forge
album “Please…Die” much, but for some reason I am very much into the new one,
“The More You Suffer,” and when given the fact that it is basically the same
formula as on “Please…Die” the guys have went for, it may seem a little
strange. However, to me “The More You Suffer” is a lot better, and even though
it is very much like the previous album style wise, it’s a lot catchier and
appealing this time around. The rhythm section is just so freakin’ tight and
the guitar riffs so smashingly brutal that it hurts. With “The More You Suffer”
Carnal Forge probably will take one step further towards being one of the most
important thrash-band around. But Carnal Forge are about other things than
thrash, and given the fact that they hail from Sweden it comes as no surprise
that there are a few melodic death metal influences thrown in. My favorite
track? “Baptized In Fire” – loud and clear. (JJJJJJ)
Carpark North;
Carpark North
EMI/Medley Records
When I was at the cinema watching the
so-called Danish horror movie, “Midsommer”, I got a rush when a totally amazing
song busted out of the speakers. It later turned out that it was a song by
Carpark North – a much-praised new Danish band who’ve just released their
self-titled debut-album. Unfortunately, the rest of the album doesn’t feature
the same energy and catchiness as “Transparent & Glasslike.” Instead the
band tries to cash in on the current modern pop-rock trend going on right now
with bands like Coldplay (world) and Saybia (Denmark) among others, just
without really sounding like any of those two. This is not a bad debut-album,
it’s just that I had expected a little more. (JJJJJJ)
Chamberlain; Five-Year Diary - 1996-2000
Ignition Records
I really
thought this album would be more exciting than it is. Like all other Ignition
bands reviewed in this issue, I first heard Chamberlain on a label sampler last
month, and was totally blown away by their passion in that particular song.
However, as this double album drags along, things tend to get a little
repetitive and, well, slightly boring. It’s not that Chamberlain are bad or
anything, it’s just that this album delivers too much of the same thing.
Perhaps if this album only had twelve tracks or something it would keep my
interest. But, really, I believe this is first and foremost for their fans, and
they probably like things just the way they are. There are 28 tracks on
“Five-Year Diary.” A lot of them are live, while others are demo-recordings and
other rare stuff. Style wise Chamerlain sound like Bruce Springsteen meets
Woosley Band type bar-rock, or like a more mature sounding emo-rock band than
most of what can be heard on modern rock radio. (JJJJJJ)
Crustacean; Insaniac
Cooldblood Industries
Apparently these guys are pretty well
received in Holland – their homeland. At least their debut-album, according to
the press release, ended up at second place in Aardschok’s (Dutch
metal-magazine) soundcheck. Their history dates way back to 1989, but so far
the band has only released a mini-CD, their debut full-length and now
“Insaniac.” “Insaniac” is a brutal and fast driven thrash-album often sounding
a whole lot like their idols in Slayer, but with a few Scandinavian death metal
influences thrown in for good measure, Crustacean rise above the copy-cat tag.
Tight and well played just as thrash-fans like it. (JJJJJJ)
Cydonia; The Dark Flower
Metal Blade
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
I really
enjoyed Cydonia’s debut-album from 2001. Back then Cydonia were 100 percent
power metal, and take it from me, they were one of the better ones to occur
that year. The song “Land Of Life” still comes back to haunt me every now and
then, forcing me to put the record on and giving it gas until the last second.
Great song. So, I prepared me for another power metal attack with crystal-clean
production as well as over the top harmonizing and melodic guitar-leads, but to
my surprise “The Dark Flower” isn’t at all what I’d expected. For some reason
Cydonia has felt a need to change their sound a bit, and I guess you could say
that they’re evolving, stepping even further towards the goal, which probably
is becoming a perfect metal-band. The thrash sounds the band has decided bring
in as well as a few futuristic electronic-oriented moments, probably give this
band a more modern twist than previously when added to their euro power metal
sound, but nothing on “The Dark Flower” is as breathtaking as, say, “Land Of
Life” from the previous album, and given the fact that this is how I feel about
this album, there’s no way I can give this one the same rating as the debut.
So, for now, Cydonia will have to do with three happy-faces. (JJJJJJ)
Event; Scratching At The Surface
InsideOut/SPV
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
I can honestly
say that I’ve never heard a band sounding quite like Event, and that should be
taken as a compliment on their behalf, because even though you find a lot of
bands being original or at least different these days (often just for the case
of being different I might add), there’s just something about Event that
appeals to me. Perhaps, it’s just the fact that they over and over again remind
me off my favorite band, King’s X. Whatever. Event take the basic formula of
progrock and combine it with a little modern metal, while letting the harmonies
and groove of King’s X and the sound of Nine Inch Nails be the driving force
behind the machinery, and needless to say, I like what I hear. (JJJJJJ)
Exhibition; The Sign of Tomorrow
Limb Music Products
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
Exhibition is an American progressive
power metal band that features members of the now disbanded Eternity X, and just
for the sake of a little name-dropping, I can add that they’ve got ex-Seven
Witches singer, Bobby Lucas, on vocals. It seems like the German metal-press
likes them, but unfortunately I can’t say that I’ve fallen as deeply in love
with Exhibition as those German journalists have. Exhibition is pretty much the
standard formula of progressive power metal and they don’t do much in order to
be anything else. They wear their Dream Theater and Iron Maiden influences
well, perhaps even a little to well for their own good at times. The seven
minute long title-track may be re-arranged, but whom are they kidding, it’s old
stuff – old enough to have been featured on their 3-track demo in 1999,
actually. Not that old stuff is necessarily bad or anything, it’s just, eh,
old. Overall this album isn’t bad, but at the same time it’s not particularly
good either. (JJJJJJ)
Exterminator; Mirror Images
Self-released
Normally I prefer Belgian waffles to
Belgian death metal, as the Belgians have never quite managed to impress me –
at least not in that department, and, honestly, I was starting to get a little
worried with the album leading off with an orgasm and the album-cover showing a
naked girl in the mirror, but a monster on a chair in front of it. Luckily, a
few nice surprises came along the way in form of well-structured death metal
compositions. The growling is excellent and the riffs are pretty captivating at
times. So are the melancholic female vocals showing up from time to time, but
overall this isn’t a record that is quite up there in the big leagues, even
though death metal fans could do a lot worse than listening to this. (JJJJJJ)
Lita Ford; Greatest Hits Live!
SPV (Provided by Nordic Metal)
Together with Joan Jett and the Runaways,
Lita Ford has been an inspiration for just about any female rock n’ roll band
on the planet, which makes her an important person that should be remembered,
right? Damn right. After her stay with The Runaways she went solo and released
her first solo-album in 1983. In 1988 the song “Kissing Me Deadly” became her
first US hit-single, landing at number 12, paving the way for her second
hit-single, this time the top-ten hit “Close Your Eyes Forever,” which was a
duet with Ozzy Osbourne. After seven years of silence, Lita Ford is finally
back with a new live-album featuring all her greatest hits. To be honest,
though, a lot of her material may sound a little cliché and dated nowadays.
Just take the song-structures that tend to start with a up-tempo verse or two,
leading into the most memorable chorus, before the whole thing gets done over
again with the chorus being repeated a lot at the end. At some point this often
leads to all instruments stopping, letting big accapella-vocals make things
even sweeter than previously, before the guitars, bass and drums kick in again
finishing off with style. But hey, isn’t that how Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven Is
A Place On Earth” became so wonderful? Sure was, and that’s why I like this
record – it’s really memorable and easy to like. Of course, the material
present may sound better on the original discs, but it’s quite pleasant here
too, really. (JJJJJJ)
Galloglass; Legends From Now and
Nevermore
Limb Music Products
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
The press release for this album states
that this is the first power metal highlight in 2003, and even though that may
be aiming a little high, “Legends From Now and Nevermore” is still definitely
one of them. German Galloglass actually sound like a zillion of other German power
metal bands, and therefore it’s quite lucky for them, that they’re actually
better than a whole lot of them. Don’t get this for the originality, as it
isn’t there. Instead get this one because of what it is: a power metal album
that stands head and shoulders over a lot of its’ contemporaries. That said,
we’re not talking king of their game, either. (JJJJJJ)
Gothica; The Cliff Of Suicide
Cold Meat Industry
Metallica haven’t lived for nothing it
seems, as this Italian gothic duo apparently though their way of naming a band
was cool. So Gothica it is. “The Cliff Of Suicide,” the duo’s second album, is
pretty much what you could expect Cold Meat Industry to put out if it wasn’t
industrial, and it definitely isn’t. As the name suggests we much rather find
ourselves treading gothic ground here. Gothic metal, right, you ask? But no,
“The Cliff Of Suicide” hasn’t seen the slightest shadow of metal. Instead
Gothica presents a vide range of overly depressing classical moods that are to
define the human psyche. Vocally, we are treated with operatic female-vocals
alongside the somewhat passive male voice of Roberto Dei Vecchio, and the two
of them actually go quite nicely together. This is definitely not an album
everybody will be into, which probably already is suggested with the
album-title, but if you’re into classical goth and opera, then this will make
for exquisite listening, I suppose. (JJJJJJ)
Gun Barrel; Battle-Tested
Limb Music Products/SPV
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
If it wasn’t in Danish, I could almost just
reprint the review I wrote on bands debut-album “Power-Dive,” because not much
has changed since last time we heard these German hard rockers, but when an as
entertaining right-on rock n’ roll album as this comes along, you won’t hear me
complaining. Just like on the debut these guys sound like a cross between
Motorhead and AD/DC with a lead-singer sounding a bit like Glenn Kaiser from
Rez Band at times, and once again I find myself banging my head like a
teenager. Gun Barrel aren’t the most original guys around, but what they lack
in originality they more than make up for in rock n’ roll attitude. This is
rock solid and definitely worth a go if you’re a fan of the aforementioned
bands. Not quite as good as the real deal, but an instant hit nonetheless when
inviting your Motorhead-friends over for a party. (JJJJJJ)
Healamonster and Tarsier; 00:00:01
17-Ft. Jellyfish Records
I actually had
written a slightly longer review on this, but somehow the first part of it
disappeared. I don’t remember what the heck I wrote about it, and it’s been at
least two weeks since I heard the album, so I think I’ll just leave you with
the latter and remaining part of the review, as I think the first part was kind
of informative and not so much about the music itself. Unfair? Sue me, it’s my
zine. Here goes: When you put this baby in, you’ll soon find yourself swept
away by minimalist electronic soundscapes with tons of atmosphere, at times
even sounding like a more colorful trip hop version of Massive Attack and at
others like a not so ambient version of Enya. Vocally, I am also reminded off
Sinead O’Conner at times. Overall, I think this side could go two ways: either
being a tool of inspiration or simply lulling the listener to sleep. (JJJJJJ)
Heaven’s Cry; Primal Power Addiction
DVS Records
(Provided by Intromental Management)
Is this progmetal month or what? At
least we have another great piece of progrock/metal right here, dude. This is
the second album from Canadian Heaven’s Cry, who released their critically acclaimed
debut back in 1997. So, that was a few years ago, but it seems like Heaven’s
Cry have used their time well for this Rush meets Dream Theater disc. The funny
thing about this band is that they have 3 guitar players, to singers and no
keyboard-player??? A keyboard-player could definitely add an extra dimension to
the otherwise pretty full sound, but three guitarists and two lead-vocalists
sounds like a good idea to me! There really isn’t a bad song on this album, but
they’ve definitely saved the best for last. It was a pretty bold move to chose
to cover Midnight Oil’s “Beds Are Burning”, as it’s one of the best damn
rock-songs of all time, and while not beating the original, Heaven’s Cry do a
splendid job on the cover. And by the way, it’s a very suiting song for these
times of war. “Where will we sleep while our beds are burning?” (JJJJJJ)
The High Score; Sexy Losers
Lynn Point Records
The title for this album is pretty
interesting, right? Well, the press release
says that rock historian Legs McNeil once wrote that all true rock stars are
“Sexy Losers” – social outcasts that would have ended up criminal misfits if
they didn’t have rock n’ roll as a creative outlet. I guess that explains Gary
Glitter, then - he had rock n’ roll, he just didn’t have creativity. Ok, now
unto what is really important here - the music of The High Score. It’s not a
whole lot to say, really, they’re like so many bands before them just out there
to rock… and straightforward it is. I am sensing some inspirations from punk,
garage and classical rock, but when it all comes down to it, this is just indie
rock played straight ahead. It’s good, though, and it’s music like this that
puts the fun back into rock n’ roll. Keep it up guys. (JJJJJJ)
Kurgan’s Bane; The Future Lies Broken
Fugitive Music
Kurgan’s Bane is the band of talented
guitarist Pete Laramee, whose solo-album “Alone But Not Lonely” is also
reviewed elsewhere in this issue. Kurgan’s Bane is totally different from Pete
Laramee’s solo-stuff. It’s much more modern sounding, and even though it’s
still quite progressive, it’s definitely much less progressive and
fusion-inspired than the solo-material. To be honest, on this recording I
could’ve done without a lot of the guitar soloing that’s going on. Instead I’d
like to hear more straightforward sounding rock with a few more modern-rock
moments thrown in. Lisa Francis has a great voice, and I really think a more
modern approach would suite her well. Overall, though, this is a good record
that I would recommend to fans of progressive rock. (JJJJJJ)
Lanfear; The Art Effect
Massacre Records
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
Wow, this has been a great month for
progressive metal. Bands like Evergrey, O.S.I., and others have released
stunning albums this month, and German Lanfear are not that far behind, really.
Lanfear sound like a cross between Fates Warning and Vanden Plas, but with
their own unique take on progressive metal. This is Lanfear’s third album and
if only the previous ones are nearly as good as this one, there’s definitely
reason to be getting into their whole back-catalogue. For now, though, “The Art
Effect” will be sharing my stereo for a few days with the new albums by O.S.I.
and Evergrey. (JJJJJJ)
Pete Laramee; Alone But Not Lonely
Out Of Phase Records
First of all: Great album-title, don’t
you think? Well, me thinks so, anyway. Pete Laramee is the guitarist in the
progressive rock band Kurgan’s Bane, but here he goes his own ways on what I
think is his first solo-album (can’t find the press-release that I know I got
with this CD). Pete combines elements of classical music with rock, latin, jazz
and fusion in a way that overall makes him sound a bit like Steve Vai or Lanny
Cordola. We’re talking instrumental and extremely guitar-oriented songs that
showcase Pete as a great guitarist, but at the same time we’re talking songs
that have a way of going over the listeners head. This one’s probably first and
foremost for people with interest beyond the ordinary in guitar playing. Yeah,
probably people who play the guitar themselves, and people who’ve been at it
for quite some time. The bottom-line is that this is really technical and well
played, but not something Mr. Ordinary Joe across the street will be getting
into. Your music-teacher at school probably will, though. (JJJJJJ)
The Last; L.A. Explosion
Bomp Records
No, this is not one of the ever so
popular “The” bands that have been cruising around the airwaves for the past
year, even though their name starts with a “The” and even though they easily
blow a lot of the aforementioned bands away. “L.A. Explosion” is actually a
re-release of The Last’s debut-album originally released in 1981, only this
time around with added bonus-tracks, new liner-notes, photos and lyrics, and believe
me, this is the real deal much rather than a lot of what the so called retro
bands have been cramming out lately, even though this doesn’t necessarily
compare to any of the bands your thinking about right now. The Last fuse the
aggression from the punk-scene with the harmonies of the 60’s pop-scene as well
as the psychedelics of the surf-pop wave, often coming across as a more rough
around the edges Beach Boys teaming up with The Beatles for a few catchy
sing-a-longs. Timeless. (JJJJJJ)
Last Tuesday; Dear Jessica
Dug Records
You know what, I’ve already reviewed
this album, and I wasn’t convinced. Well, last month the CD showed up in my
mailbox again. It features a different cover this time around, but it features
all the same tracks as the first time around. My first copy said 2001 to be the
year the album was released, while this one says 2002. I don’t know if this
should be considered a re-release or not, but I think it seems a little silly
to re-release this album so soon, especially since it wasn’t very good to begin
with. It’s typical pop/punk that is light-years away from being on the same
level as MxPx’s “Life In General.” I think that should cover it. (JJJJJJ)
Last Tuesday/Curbsquirrels; Compositions
(Split-release)
Dug Records
It turns out that Last Tuesday has
improved since the release of “Dear Jessica.” They still play the same kind of
commercially oriented pop/punk, but this time with stronger songs and melodies,
and the playing is also a bit tighter this time around. Not very original but still
very entertaining, and a step in the right direction from the debut-release.
There isn’t a whole lot more to say about Curbsquirrels, the other band on this
split-CD. They also appeal to the commercial side of the punk-fence, but while
appealing to the Good Charlotte and New Found Glory fans of today they sound
more like Value Pac did back in 1996. Needless to say, then, we’re talking
extremely catchy power punk with unbelievably memorable choruses. (JJJJJJ)
Lispector; Human Problems and How To Solve Them
Ponytail Records
Wow, this is
something, isn’t it? A young girl, Julie, playing, recording and mixing a bunch
of songs on her own four-track. Interested? Well, there’s more: the songs were
recorded in various bedrooms between 1997 and 2000! Ok, it has, of course, been
done before, but I think it’s pretty cool and untraditional off a young girl
like Julie to do so - don’t you? The songs come across more honest and
vulnerable than if they were recorded in a studio. Style wise we’re talking
lo-fi indie featuring Julie, her guitar, her voice, a drum-machine and more. Of
course, the sound quality isn’t the best, and the guitars are somewhat out of
tune at times, but overall I think this is a quite charming release that
probably wouldn’t be half this convincing if recorded with a big time producer
and in a big time studio, as I am afraid that the special atmosphere wouldn’t
survive. (JJJJJJ)
Mattsson; Power Games
Lion Music
After being discovered
as a truly gifted guitarist in 1985, Swedish Lars Erik Mattsson has been
bursting out one hard rock/heavy metal album after another, either as a
solo-artist or in his bands Vision and Baltimore. We’ve dealt with Mr. Mattsson
on several occasions in this webzine in the past when releases by Vision,
Baltimore and even Condition Red – another of Lars Erik Mattsson’s projects -
were released. And now he’s back with yet another solo-album, this time
featuring Lance King of Balance Of Power fame on vocals. Needless to say for
those who’ve read through the entire archive of this ezine, or even just the
metal-part of it, that Lance King is one of my absolute favorite singers within
the current melodic metal-scene, and his band Balance Of Power is likewise, in
my opinion, perhaps the best melodic and progressive metal band to come around
within the ten last years or so. Anyways, Lance King is a good match for Lars
Erik’s guitar playing, and he actually lifts this album beyond just being
another guitar-solo-record. This isn’t anything a la Balance Of Power, though,
as it’s less progressive, less heavy and doesn’t have anywhere near as
wonderfully arranged background vocals, but why shouldn’t it, this isn’t a new
Balance Of Power album, but a new Mattsson album, even though I’d kind of
wished it was the other way around. Overall, though, this is a good album, and
Mattsson’s guitar playing is as good as ever. (JJJJJJ)
Molly Hatchet; Locked and Loaded
SPV (Provided by Nordic Metal)
I can’t say that I’ve heard a lot of
Molly Hatchet material in the past. It’s not because I don’t particularly care
for their music, it’s just that I don’t listen a whole lot southern rock,
except maybe for a Lynyrd Skynyrd record every once in a while. Anyways, Molly
Hatchet is one of the biggest names within the southern and biker-rock genre,
and they have practically been around forever. And judging from this double
live-album recorded in Germany of all places, they’re still going as strong as
ever. I am pretty sure that most rock-fans that normally don’t care much for
southern rock will find it easy to like most of the stuff featured here, as it
drips with party-attitude. To the likes of Molly Hatches life is all about
drinking bear, driving motorcycles and playing rock n’ roll, not unlike those
bands in American movies, playing on the front-porch in the middle of the
night, pissing off all the neighbors. The only difference is, of course, that
Molly Hatchet are good at it. “Locked and Loaded” pulls no punches, as it’s
straight-ahead from the get-go to the hey-ho, never slowing down even for a
minute, while paying tribute to their two favorite kinds of people: The bikers
and the cowboys. So, which one are you? The one that loves taking a ride on a
Harley Davidson motorcycle, or the kind that wakes up in the morning getting
ready to milk a cow? Well, I am not particularly fond of Harley Davidson
motorcycles, as I’ve never really tried any of them out, and the only thing I
like about cows is eating them, but now I do like Molly Hatchet. Am I cool
enough for you, guys? (JJJJJJ)
The Monolith Deathcult; The Apotheosis
Coldblood Industries
When comparing
yourself to the very best artists within any field, you sure as hell better
have something worth vile to back it up. In the press release for this album,
The Monolith Deathcult have compared themselves to Nile, and as the saying
goes, with Nile being the best death metal band to come around in years, The
Monolith Deathcult should definitely be calling upon desperate measures. Let’s
just get one thing straight from the beginning, though, The Monolith Deathcult
is not up there with Nile on the throne of death metal - far from it - but let
me tell you one other thing, it’s been quite a while since a band this freakin’
insane managed to make music this freakin’ brutal becomming this freakin’
tasty. (JJJJJJ)
Naglfar; Sheol
New Haven Records/Century Media
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
Swedish Naglfar should supposedly be one
of the most promising black metal bands of today, but the monotonous and
somewhat predictable death and black combinations on “Sheol” don’t give any
proof of that. Much rather “Sheol” showcases a band that goes where a lot of
bands have been going before, which would be fine if only they had something
that could make “Sheol” stand out as a unique project. Unfortunately, “Sheol”
doesn’t, as it in many ways comes across as a standard product lacking the
bigger picture. (JJJJJJ)
Nightingale; Alive Again
Black Mark
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
You know what
sets Nightingale apart from a lot of the other heavy metal bands out there? The
vocals of Dan Swano! He just sings so well, that when hearing him, you just
wish that there would be more singers like him out there. He is really easy to
like, and as an absolute bonus he doesn’t even go for the typical screaming
vocals of heavy metal once. Musically, Nightingale might not be so different
from a lot of other heavy bands. They’ve got their elements of progrock and
they got their classic heavy metal, but it’s the big chorus-arrangements that
give them a more mature AOR feeling. People who liked heavy metal in the 80’s
because of a good, memorable chorus and don’t particularly like the direction
heavy metal is heading these days should at least get a kick out of
Nightingale. I don’t care much for a song like “Eternal”, but the melodies of
songs like “Shadowman” and “Glory Days” are just incredible. (JJJJJJ)
Nostradamus; The Third Prophecy
AFM Records
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
With a name like
Nostradamus, one should think that there would’ve been a more forward thinking
approach of music, this band would be presenting on this, their third studio
album. Perhaps, like something people will be playing a thousand years from
now. Instead, and unlike the real Nostradamus, these guys are looking back into
the 80’s to find their inspirations. However, as a whole, they do come across
just the way any other contemporary European power metal band these days does.
Fredrik Nordstrom, who’s also known for producing the likes of In Flames, Dimmu
Borgir, and the a little more like-minded Hammerfall, has produced this album,
and once again he has not failed, even though this probably isn’t the best
album he has produced. Overall, this is a good power metal album that will
appeal to any fan of the European power metal genre. Not very original, but
still pretty good. (JJJJJJ)
Odot.Lamm; My favorite Things
Active Suspension
I know nothing about this artist known
as Odot.Lamm, besides what I’ve read on the Active Suspension website. It turns
out he’s a bit of a weirdo, and that he actually likes to make whatever tool he
uses to create his music himself. He sees his computer as the greatest
instrument, and in his own world he’s a pop-artist. In my world, though, nothing
on “My Favorite Things” qualifies as pop-music. Instead I’d like to categorize
the 17 tracks featured on this album as electronic experiments akin to a lot of
the stuff that has been released by labels like Asphodel lately. “My Favorite
Things” is a collection remixes of songs by artists such as My Jazzy Child,
Hypo, Discom and others – artists that have been known for releasing their
material through Active Suspension. Musically we’re going from totally relaxing
atmospheres to the most chaotic noise imaginable in no time, bringing in
elements from all over the music-map, and while Odot.Lamm obviously has his
visions and ideas as an artist, in the end I find most of the stuff on here a
little too experimental for its’ own good, and at the same time lacking
something to really grab the listeners’ attention. And just for the record, you
won’t find anything remote ably melodic throughout this record, but on the
other hand, you probably didn’t expect to in the first place. (JJJJJJ)
Penetration Theory; Penetration Theory
Self-released
The thing I
find most funny about this West Chester four-piece, is that all four members of
the group both sing and play guitar on the album, while two of them play drums.
It doesn’t say who plays what and where, but at least we know that the guys are
multi-instrumentalists, right? Musically we’re talking pretty straightforward
indie, pop and rock – not very varied and not very original either. There are
times when I find myself almost falling asleep because of the repetition, but
overall this is quite an enjoyable listen. And finally, just as some parting
funny information, the guys actually sing about Kevin Arnold and his girlfriend
Winnie from the TV-series “The Wonder years” in “The Eighties Song.” But why? (JJJJJJ)
Rasmus Rasmussen;
Implosive
Tutl
There is no doubt about the talent of
the singer, guitarist and songwriter Rasmus Rasmussen. When he joined the
Faroese band Diatribes, they were nothing but a faint shadow of another Faroese
band called Hatespeech. After he joined, however, a slight progression went on
style wise and they quickly became one of the best and most inventive bands in
the Faroe Islands, and it seemed like Rasmus caused his fair share of the
progression. I am not sure if Diatribes are around anymore, but Rasmus’ new
band, Makrel, are rather well-received in the Faroe Islands, it seems, as
they’ve just earned themselves a place in the finals of Prix Føroyar – the
countries biggest music competition. Unfortunately, the focus seems somewhat
off balance on his first solo-album, but perhaps the aim is just a tad too
high, coming across like a old Radiohead meeting Steve Von Till. We’re talking
stripped down, slow, simplistic and melancholic songs that at times reach the
deepest of the soul, but we’re also talking songs that just are too boring by a
long shot, making the listener wanting to see sheets instead of beauty, but
hey, perhaps that’s it? Perhaps that is the beauty of it? (JJJJJJ)
The Ruiners; How’s That Grab ya?
Disaster Records
“Father, love
you punk rock son. He might look dangerous, but he would never hurt you.
Father, love your punk son. He might scare all the neighbors, but he would
never kill them. Sister, love your punk boyfriend. He might wear chains, but he
would never use them,” those are a few lines of the first track on this record,
and if that isn’t a funny way of starting a CD, then I don’t know what is.
“Punk Son” is also easily the best song on this record. There are others that
are cool, but mostly I am not feeling this one. The Ruiners combine elements of
punk, new wave and garage-rock, but never get nearly as dangerous as they think
they are. (JJJJJJ)
Saga; Marathon
SPV
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
This year it’ll be 25 years since Saga
released their debut-album, but 27 years since the band formed, and with that
in mind it seems very fitting that the title of their new album is “Marathon,”
because that is what Saga’s career seems to have been: a progressive rock
marathon. Sure, they can have been around for a long time, but are they still
any good for the melodic hard rock fan, or are they simply a disease that just
won’t go away (there are lots of them around, you know). If you ask me, I’d say
that Saga are still relevant. They might be a little too polished around the
edges today as opposed to 20 years ago, but I guess that comes with time. I
guess, you can say that Saga have done it the safe way, but still managed to
get it right. A song like “Marathon” is simply amazing and should appeal to any
fan of melodic rock, but overall I think this album probably will mean most to
people already familiar with Saga. Perhaps an album for the AOR-radio, then? (JJJJJJ)
Seven Witches; Passage To The Other Side
Noise
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
With exactly one year since the release
of the previous album, “Xiled To Infinity And One”, Jack Frost and gang return.
There’ve been some line-up changes, and most noticeably their lead-singer is
gone. But with names like Joey Vera (Armored Saint), Brian Craig (Destiny’s
End) and James Rivera (Destiny’s End), Seven Witches still seems to be in good
hands. Once again, it’s a metal album with no beating around the bush, that’ll
have any Iron Maiden fan running to the hills and Judas Priests fans screaming for
vengeance. (JJJJJJ)
T.A.T.u; 200 KM/H In The Wrong Lane
Interscope Records/Universal Music
Russia
Well, at least the album-title makes for
a little fun and danger, right? Most of you have probably seen the two girls
known as T.A.T.u. on MTV kissing and waving the lesbian flag high, and most of
you probably found yourselves humming the words “Not Gonna Get Us” and “All The
Things She Said” at work the next morning – against your own will of course.
Some of you lonely bastards probably even dreamt about them at night too. Yeah,
they’ve probably spread a little joy for you guys, haven’t they, but for the
mothers, now that’s a totally different story. It so happens that the mothers
of teenage daughters stay up all night, while worrying about their daughters becoming
lesbian while seeing the T.A.T.u. videos and TV-commercials. But now evil
tongues claim that the two lesbian girls are actually straight, or at least
having boyfriends!!! Confusing, isn’t it, but at least they had us all fooled
for a minute there, didn’t they? Anyways, the PR-people behind this
teenage-outfit have certainly chosen the best songs for first singles, because,
quite frankly, most of the other songs on the disc are crap. “Show Me Love” is
bearable, and it’ll probably be featured as the next T.A.T.u. single, otherwise
this isn’t anything to get all excited about. That is, unless you get turned on
by seeing two 16 year old girls kissing on television. (JJJJJJ)
Tourniquet; Where Moth And Rust Destroy
Metal Blade
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
Tourniquet is one of the most successful
christian metal-bands of all time. Outside the christian metal sub-culture,
reactions towards Tourniquet have been mixed, though, even though there’ve been
big none-christian magazines that have noticed the importance of the band. That
said, not all Tourniquet has been of importance for the heavy metal scene. I
mean, sure, they started out ok with two decent albums, “Stop The Bleeding”
(1990) and “Psycho Surgery” (1991), but their masterpiece didn’t come out until
1992. I am referring to one of the best technical metal albums of the 90’s,
“Pathogenic Ocular Dissonance.” After this release, the bands’ lead-singer left
the band, and from that day on things went downhill for the band. They released
on ok live-EP with Les Carsson from Bloodgood on vocals, and then decided to
head for a more alternative rock approach that didn’t work very well, and even
though they thereafter tried to return to the original metal-sound of the band,
it didn’t sound convincing until 2000’s “Microscopic View Of A Telescopic
Realm” came out. And it is exactly there fore that it is such an enormous
disappointment to find out that the new album doesn’t hold a candle to the
bands’ best work. I’ve always been told that Luke Easter was a terrible singer,
but I’ve never really realized it until now that it might actually be true. The
music in itself is still highly technical and well-played too, it’s just that
it lacks the ideas of the “Microscopic View…” and “Pathogenic Ocular…” albums,
even though it has the odd twists and turns all over it, and while one might
think that it would’ve helped that the band has brought in as good guitarists
as Bruce Franklin (Trouble, Supershine) and Marty Friedman (Megadeth) to play
all guitar-leads, in the end “Where Moth and Rust Destroy” still isn’t as
enjoyable as “Pathogenic” and “Microscopic.” That said, this still stands
head-high over a lot of the crap metal-oriented record-labels decide to put out
these days. (JJJJJJ)
Various Artists; Active Suspension vs. Clapping Music
Active Suspension/Clapping Music
Wow, this is one strange little animal
indeed. A double album featuring 22 tracks with some of the most
none-commercial and weird artists that nobody has ever heard off, and to top
that off they’re all French for crying out loud. Anyway, while I am not into
all of the stuff present here, there’s still enough to chew on for people with
an appetite for alternative, strange, original and, well, different music.
There’s some electronica in there somewhere, a little noise, and even a little
ambient stuff too. Then there are some electro-acoustics, some weird pop, and a
shit-load of folk music done the French way. Definitely one for the open
minded, but I always tell people to be open minded, so go ahead and buy this - you
have my blessing. (JJJJJJ)
Various Artists; ItaliaN III Experiences
P.O.3 Records
I know that there’s a lot of good music
coming from Italy, but this compilation does not feature a lot of it. There are
twelve tracks on this compilation spanning from pretty straightforward folk
rock to metal to grindcore, and most of it is pretty boring, really – or at
least not very convincing. Most of this stuff is sung in Italian. Now, I am in
no way advising bands not to sing in their mother language, but to me somehow
the Italian language just doesn’t sound very appealing dressed in metallic
compositions. It’s better suited for them romantic Eros Ramazotti CD’s, don’t
you think? I know your girlfriend does! Anyways, to get back to the music on
this CD: I am not very impressed by it, and it’s not because of the language. I
am afraid it’s the songs. (JJJJJJ)
Various Artists; Too Legit For The Pit
SPV
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
Twelve hardcore bands covering twelve
rap-classics, and an album-title stolen directly from MC Hammer’s “Too Legit To
Quit” album. Do we really need it? Do we need another cover-album in the first
place? And secondly, do we need any further hardcore-aggression combined with
hip hop? Aren’t there enough nu-metal faggots around? Well, you probably don’t
really need this, but if you give it a fair chance you’ll find, that it is
actually a quite pleasant album. Starting with Solid State artist Stretch Arm
Strong’s take on NWA’s “Express Yourself,” this compilation already had me
reaching for the stars, and given the fact that Candiria’s version of “Deep
Cover” by Dr. Dre & Snoop Dog was actually even better really set the
record straight. Unfortunately, however, not all cuts throughout show the same
quality as the aforementioned ones, but the likes of The Movielife, Diehard
Youth and No redeeming Social Value help making this an overall good record.
Otherwise there really isn’t much to say other than: kudos to Bad Luck 13 for
covering Grandmaster Flash and shame on Hoods for covering LL Cool J. (JJJJJJ)
Woosley Band; Marveling At The Rings
Self-released
Woosley Band has a history of playing
live-shows at small bars, and quite frankly speaking, they also sound like a
band that might do exactly that. They vary their songs from a full-on electric guitar-sound
to a just as impressive semi-acoustic one. There are a million bands like this
around, trying to do a little mellow pop/rock with folk and country
inspirations coming in from all over the place. Woosley Band may be good at
what they do, but in the long run, I find the 11 tracks on this disc being a
little too much alike, which gives little space for highlights. (JJJJJJ)
Yattering; Genocide
Candlelight
(Provided by Nordic Metal)
With Polish death metal being more and
more popular these days, Yattering are another band bound to get some
recognition. They’re not quite as brutal and fast as Decapitaed and Vader, but
their technical skills aren’t totally left in the woods, either. Yattering
bring a variation to their sound, that their aforementioned natives don’t, and
even though Yattering aren’t quite on the same page levelly speaking, a few
surprising and odd twists and turns make “Genecide” one of the more pleasant
death metal albums in this months pile, and with songs of the same quality like
“Non Typical Homo” in the future, this band will be capable of grabbing
whatever bull that may come by the horns and then some. (JJJJJJ)
Single/EP
of the month:
Funeral For A
Friend; Four Ways To Scream Your Name EP
Sanctuary
(Provided by Hero
PR)
With their debut EP Welsh Funeral For A
Friend really set out for making a name for themselves, and even though they’ve
caused quite a stir, it’s beyond me why these guys aren’t up there with the
likes of Boy Sets Fire and Lost Prophets yet. “Four Ways To Scream Your Name”
is just as good as anything either of those bands have ever done if not better.
Funeral For A Friend get the listeners attention from the get-go and maintain
it all the way through what could easily be the emo-record of the year so far,
and while it’s the kind of songs that captivate the listener with their big
choruses, catchy riffs and outstanding vocals, there’s still enough
hardcore-screaming to keep the tougher kids happy. Either way this is still one
of the most appealing releases of its’ kind in a long time. I mean, just check
out a song like “This Years Most Open Heart Break” – it should be all over
modern-rock radio and then some. (JJJJJJ)
Other
singles, EP’s & short demo’s this month:
Astrey; Promo 2002
Self-released
Finnish Astrey have put together three
songs for this promo-CD, and I hear a lot of power, aggression and atmosphere
in the bands’ black and death metal compositions, but it has all been done
before, and overall it doesn’t impress me very much. For more information write
[email protected].
(JJJJJJ)
Atrocious Devoured; Golden Jail
Self-released
There are just so many death metal bands
around these days, and unfortunately a large number of them have noting to
offer. When hearing a band like Atrocious Devoured, I can’t help thinking that
it is no wonder that they’re still unsigned. Why? Well, simply because there
isn’t much to get excited about on this disc. I mean, if brutal death metal is
your cup of tea, and to a lot of us it is, then what would keeping us from
checking some of the latest releases from Century Media or Metal Blade instead
of this. Not that all releases from those labels are good or anything, but
those labels do feature some very good bands in this ballgame, and those are
definitely much more likeable than this. (JJJJJJ)
Heather Clickard; Heather Clickard
Crucible Records
I know a lot of people see Past and Present
Music as a rock and metal webzine, but the truth is that I love it when
something else comes along, bringing a little variation to a somewhat too
rock-oriented webzine at times. I mean, that’s what Past and Present Music in
reality is all about: covering an as vide range of music as humanly possible.
Of course, in the end it all comes down to what people send us, but still…
Well, at least Heather Clickard brings a little variation. Heather jumps from
country to Americana and from folk to blues during the six tracks while adding
spiritual lyrics to the overall picture, but I never really find myself truly
enjoying myself throughout this thing. I mean, sure, this isn’t bad or
anything, but on the other hand Heather Clickard isn’t a new Emmylou Harris. Her
music is well-produced and well-played, but isn’t necessarily the best thing
around. She should do all right in Nashville, though. (JJJJJJ)
Demonification; Rehearsal Demo Tape
Self-released
I wonder what equipment these guys from
Singapore used to record this rehearsal of theirs, because the sound is just
plain awful. Quite frankly speaking, everything on this tape is just a noisy
mess. None of the instruments seem to go with each other and the vocals just
don’t seem to fit in anywhere. Geez guys, did you set your ghetto blaster in
your garage while jamming? Come on guys, this is crap and you know it, so don’t
you let anyone else it this ever again, you hear? I can honestly say, this is
one of the worst metal-releases I’ve heard in my entire life, and that says a
lot about this tape, doesn’t it? (JJJJJJ)
Diaclase; En Patience
Self-released
Dude, did someone fill me with drugs and
ship me to Iraq while sleeping? At least that’s what it sounded like falling
asleep during the first track and then waking up a little later surrounded by
some industrial machinery, sounding an awful lot like machine guns with
melancholic chants akin to a Muslim prayer on top of it. Luckily, it wasn’t,
but Vincent Voineau, the mastermind behind this one-man project, had me scared
for a minute there. The four tracks on this thing are moving along the lines of
industrial, experimental noise and ambient sounds, without ever becoming as
interesting as it should be according to the press-release. Not my cup of tea.
(JJJJJJ)
Flesh Made Sin; Masterwork In Blood
Thrashing Hell Records
Flesh Made Sin are from Netherlands and on “Masterwork In Blood” they
lay down six songs of brutal death metal and technical thrash. Their style is
unmerciful and fast as Hell sounding somewhat like Vengeance Rising did in
1988, while also adding a few newer thrash-influences. There isn’t a whole lot
of variation in the mix, but overall this is one of the better extreme metal
EP’s found in this months pile. (JJJJJJ)
Krescent 4; EP
Self-released
I’ve had this EP lying around for quite some time now, and the reason is
that I never really could figure out what to say about it. I’ve listened to it
over and over again, and I still don’t have much to say, really. The five songs
on this EP vary from modern rock to kick-ass hard rock, but they never really
become dangerously innovative. The songs are all pretty much straightforward
with a few pretty catchy choruses kicking in, but it has been done too many
times before to really go anywhere. (JJJJJJ)
Metal Meltdown; Autumn
Self-released
I have mixed feelings about this demo. I mean, I guess this could be
some fun to listen to live, as it’s quite energetic, but on this recording it
all just drowns in the bad sound. The reason why it sounds so bad is because
the whole thing is recorded and mixed on some of the guys’ computer. I guess
these guys were just really psyched about having their stuff on CD, but to me
it really sounds like they should’ve waited a while, either for being able to
make the sound better or perhaps even until the band itself is tighter. Style
wise Metal Meltdown combine metal with punk and they actually have their
moments during these five tracks, but it never really comes to the point where
you get excited, which probably is mostly due to the extremely bad
sound-quality. Oh, and one more thing, if I was to give one advice to the guys,
I’d advise them to loose the terrible growling back-ground vocals that seem
totally inappropriate. (JJJJJJ)
Narciss; Hope Dies…
Circulation
Records
The press
release for this album claims that Narciss is a well-known hardcore act in
their homeland, Germany. However, the band still hasn’t made a name for them
selves outside of Germany. It may have something to do with their previous
material being sung in German, but on the other hand so is all Rammstein’s
material. Anyways, this time around Narciss have decided to sing in English,
letting people outside of Germany know what they’ve been missing. On “Hope
Dies…” they’ve re-recorded three of their old songs and translated the lyrics
into English, while also adding two brand new songs, and the result is pretty
convincing. Basically, Narciss is a hardcore-band, but it’s pretty obvious that
they also have a sweet tooth for a little unmerciful melodic death metal, and
with the combination of hardcore and melo-death being the newest flavor, this
could easily go somewhere. (JJJJJJ)
Nasty Savage;
Wage Of Mayhem
Massacre
Records
(Provided by
Nordic Metal)
Apparently Nasty Savage is yet another 80’s
band that thought a comeback would be a good idea. Well, 14 years after their last release, here they are again. Nasty Savage started out in the early
80’s releasing a well-received demo and then four full-length albums, but they
never quite become the order of the day for the international heavy metal
enthusiast, and I can’t see why they should be today either. “Wage Of Mayhem” only features two new songs from the band, as
well as re-recordings of their early 80’s 4-track demo. This probably could’ve had
me and my school buddies banging our heads when we were little back in 1986,
but today it sounds extremely dated. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get any better
when their lead-vocalist doesn’t reach the high notes whatsoever throughout
this recording. I wouldn’t put my coins in this jukebox, but according to their
record-label there is a full-length coming up later this year, which hopefully
will be better. (JJJJJJ)
NOFX; Regaining Unconsciousness
Fat Wreck Chords
With
pop/punk once more being the order of the day, it’s quite illogical that NOFX
aren’t topping every damn radio-chart on the planet. However, they aren’t even
though they’re pretty popular among the punk-kids, and when hearing “Regaining
Unconsciousness” you can’t help but wonder why. The NOFX guys have everything a
modern punk band should have: good vocals, catchy riffs, a tight rhythm section
and some extremely appealing choruses – all which should’ve caused these guys
to be the huge rock-stars Blink 182 and the likes are. Anyways, four of the five
tracks featured on this EP are actually songs that are going to be on the
forthcoming album “The War On Errorism”, and judging from these tracks the new
album is going to be a blast. Ending this EP there’s a funny track that is
meant to give the listener an idea of what is in store for the new album and,
well, what’s not, actually. It’s hilarious. All I can say is, that I am looking
forward to the new album. (JJJJJJ)
P.O.D.; Satellite (single)
Atlantic/Warner
The
fourth single from P.O.D.’s million-selling album, “Satellite”, is none other
than the title-track – a track that is among the most catchy songs on the
entire album and in nu-metal in general. The single starts with the
album-version of “Satellite”, before kicking into a great previously unreleased
track called “Critic.” “Critic” is not one of P.O.D.’s most melodic songs, but
instead it features quite a bit of aggressive hardcore-attitude. So far, so
good, right? Yeah, so far! The third track is a tired, danceable remix of
“Youth of the Nation” that just doesn’t cut it. All in all, “Satellite” is an
ok single, but I’d advise nu-metal fans to get the album instead. And by the
way, there’ll be a new P.O.D. single in May. Yep, it’s going to be a brand new
song with Jason Truby from Living Sacrifice on guitar, and it’s going to be the
lead off single from the forthcoming “Matrix” movie soundtrack. (JJJJJJ)
Swirl; Transilluminated
Liberty Music
I don’t know, there was just something about
this record that had me thinking it was a pop/punk record. Admittedly, I have
contacted this band in the past after reading about them, but when I got the EP
I didn’t remember what the fuzz was all about. Well, Swirl is not pop-punk, but
rather catchy melodic rock, at times sounding a little like Danish Saybia, but
at others like just about any American alternative modern rock act of the 90’s.
There are five tracks on this thing, and they’re definitely worth checking out
if you’re a modern rock fan looking for talented unsigned acts. (JJJJJJ)
Thunder Reign; Evil One
Metalwood Productions
One song? Isn’t that being a little
cheap? What’s the deal here? Isn’t there any more material to take from, or did
they deliberately choose only to feature one song, perhaps to make a bigger
impression with the best song? I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. “Evil One”
didn’t really make any impact on me at all. I mean, yeah sure, it’s an ok heavy
metal song with a few thrash influences thrown in, but it’s nothing special or
anything we haven’t heard a thousand times before. (JJJJJJ)
Urotsukidoji/Winter In June; Split EP
Ignition Records
The reason why I felt a little
excitement when this disc ended up in my mailbox was the fact that I had heard
a Winter In June song on a label-sampler the month before (yeah, the one
reviewed last month) that I loved. So you can imagine that getting to hear a
little more material from the guys was a treat, and they didn’t let me down one
bit. It’s the same original but yet brutal hardcore with the occasional
metal-influence thrown in that is present here, and it is definitely something
any fan of true metalcore should be into. The other band on this disc has the
worst band name in the history of music. They’re called Urotsukidoji, yeah,
that’s right, Urotsukidoji. I mean, come on, what kind of name is that? Even
their fans probably have problems spelling it. Anyways, the music is pretty
good. They’re going in kind of the same direction as Winter In June with a
brutal-sounding hardcore mix. I don’t find them quite as convincing in their
approach as Winter In June, but they’re a band that fans of hardcore should be
taking very seriously nonetheless. A new generation of UK-hardcore is rising, and
Ignition Records are lucky enough to, at least, have two of the bands to watch
out for under their wings. (JJJJJJ)
Watain; Promo
Drakkar Productions/Blazing Productions
“All musical and lyrical depravity by
Watain in honor of Satan,” it says on the sleeve to this promo. Well, Satan can
keep this for all that I care, because this just doesn’t quite cut it for me.
Musically we’re talking really fast and tormented black metal with a few
melodic guitar-solos every once in a while, but all along it’s really boring
stuff that is done plenty of times before and often a lot better than here. I
don’t know, perhaps they play this stuff convincingly live, but on CD they
don’t quite nail it, you know? There’s a live-track at the end of this thing,
though, with a very small audience cheering after the song, and judging from
that I must say that a Watain show is not something I am dreaming about. (JJJJJJ)
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