Before founding Klimt 1918 in 1999, the two brothers, Marco and Paolo, were in a death metal band. However, there aren’t a lot of traces from that period to be found on “Undressed Momento.” Klimt 1918 is what I would call a goth-rock band with the ability of being other things too. Their press-release claims that they’re inspired by bands as diverse as: U2, The Beatles, The Cure, Depeche Mode, Opeth, Katatonia, The Smiths, Tears for Fears, Porcupine Tree and more. And that is actually pretty much what Klimt 1918 sound like. Ok, I don’t hear the Beatles connection, but otherwise this is pretty much Katatonia-like goth taking in influences from 80’s new wave and rock. Italian Klimt 1918 is definitely a goth band to be looking out for, and if you need proof all you have to do is listen once to “We Don’t Need No Music” (Track 4). You’ll love it. 

Lisa Garelik and the Wonderwheels; self-titled

Self-released

When reviewing a CD by this totally unknown band The Larch in February, I mentioned Lisa Garelik as the biggest plus-point. On her solo-CD, Lisa once again comes across as an enjoyable affair. Not quite a masterpiece, but still quite good. Besides, Susanna Vega has given her two thumbs up, so she could probably care less if I liked this or not. But then again, would she have sent this if she didn’t care? Whatever. This doesn’t alienate itself from a lot of the other American female singer/songwriter stuff these days.

 

Matchbook Romance; Stories and Alibis

Epitaph

I think it’s safe to say that more and more emo/pop-punk bands are popping up everywhere, but at the same times fewer and fewer have anything interesting - or just semi good - to offer. Luckily, Matchbook Romance is one of those offering some good songs. Of course, there’s nothing that really comes across as new and groundbreaking here, but then again not a single emo-band has come across that way this year. But for what it’s worth not a single song is bad on this album, which just might be what very few emo-bands have managed to accomplish to do this year. So, sure, this might just be another Warped-tour kind of band, but “Stories and Alibis” is definitely a great record that fans of emo don’t have to be embarrassed about having in their collection. 

 

Pain and Passion; Don’t Think Tomorrow

Escape Music Ltd.

Last time I heard from this Swedish band, they were still unsigned. Today, however, they’ve just released an album on Escape Music, and if I am not mistaken, they’ve released another one on that label previously too. Anyway, I wasn’t too crazy about their 2000-demo, but their 2001-demo was a step in the right direction. Today, Pain and Passion is actually a pretty good melodic heavy metal band. I mean labels like Century Media and SPV could’ve released this album without shame.

 

Pennywise; From The Ashes

EPitaph

You won’t find a lot of new things on the new Pennywise album – far from it. But on the other hand, why should you? I mean, Pennywise is one of those bands that are better off playing what they always have and what they know best. Actually, the listener might be better off that way too. Fans of melodic punk rock won’t want to sit this one out. This is how The Offspring so desperately want to sound but don’t know how. In short, Pennywise is all about great melodic, catchy and poppy punk rock, without being as nice, radio-friendly and over-produced as MTV’s generation of punk. Enough said.

 

Pierre Grube; Immediate False Relief

Angelika Kohlermann

(Provided by Dense Promotion)

According to the press release, Canadian Pierre Crube has been in several electro-pop bands in the past. After a while, though, he got sick of repeating himself, which lead to a solo career without the electro-pop limitations. And there certainly aren’t any limitations on “Immediate False Relief”, which finds Pierre going where, at least he, himself, hasn’t gone before. And he isn’t cheap. There are 21 new tracks on this disc, as well as five tracks from a previously released EP, which is more along the lines of the previously mentioned electro-pop than his new style. If I am to be perfectly honest, I found myself enjoying the last five tracks the most, but none the less Pierre Crube has proven himself to be a songwriter with a lot of interesting and original ideas.

 

Red Paint; Nihil Nisi Mors

My Kingdom Music

This is the second band from Italy’s My Kingdom Music this reviewer is lucky enough to hear, and even though we’re talking impressive music here, Rain Paint aren’t quite as interesting as label-mates Klimt 1918. However, the two bands really aren’t two bands that are likely to be compared, although both are heavily involved with the goth rock/metal scene. Rain Paint is much more of a metal band though, mixing intense riffs with emotional soundscapes while adding melodic singing as well as some growling. Not bad, although the band would be much better off without those ridiculous grows.

 

Red Aim; Niagara

Metal Blade

(Provided by Target Distribution)

I liked last years “Flesh For Fantasy”, I really did. It was cool – it was just that I found it to be a little too unserious. Perhaps it was just me, but that was how I felt. Anyway, they haven’t changed much since then. There might be a little less fooling around this time, but mostly this is the same formula that they used on “Flesh For Fantasy” – only somehow the songs seem to be better this time. And luckily, there isn’t a “Rock You Like A Hurrycane”-like cover this time around, coz that one was really bad. Overall, this just might be one of the most memorable stoner albums of the year (not that there have been too many others, though).

 

Seethings; Parallels

Scarlet

(Provided by Target Distribution)

Wow, nu-metal on Scarlet? Well, that’s a first – at least for this reviewer. Anyway, it isn’t quite the next Linkin Park clones we’re dealing with here, although the lead-singer sounds kinda like Chester from time to time. Seethings don’t do the hip hop beats, rapping and scratching that Linkin Park do, they don’t have any of the panic attacks of Korn, and the emotion of Deftones is nowhere to be found. One other thing that these guys don’t have, unlike some of their nu-metal contemporaries, is a potential hit-single. There just isn’t one on this album. It could be a good or bad thing depending on who’s judging, really. I mean, sure, a lot of those nu-metal bands with only one hit-single and the rest of the album being crap, are easily replaced by bands with no hit-single but a more solid performance throughout. The problem with Seethings, though, is that they haven’t provided us with an album of that quality. So this time around Seethings are easily forgettable.

 

Slapshot; Digital Warfare

I Scream Records

For years we’ve been bombarded with comps under the name of “Now, That’s What I Call Music,” and apparently a lot of crap goes as being good music this days – most of which I couldn’t care less about.  But Slapshot, oh Slapshot: “Now, that’s what I call hardcore.” Just like Sick of it All, Agnostic Front and a few others, Slapshot have captured the spirit of hardcore, and with a song-title like “Spirit of 81” it’s also suggested that they’ve been on the front-line all along. This might not be the greatest hardcore album of all time, but it’s hard to see how old-schoolers could not get excited about it anyhow.

 

Subway To Sally; Engelskrieger

Metal Blade

(Provided by Target Distribution)

Like Rammstain, this is a German band that isn’t ashamed of singing in their own language. And they were even on a major label (BMG) before Rammstein ever got signed. While listening to this CD, I keep thinking about Rammstain, but it really isn’t because those two bands sound that much alike. Rammstein’s electronic universe isn’t part of Subway To Sally’s sound. Instead they add flutes, bagpiges, violins and things like that to their metallic sound, although it’s actually less than previously. So, it’s really the language and the metallic riffery that makes me think about Rammstein when listening to Subway To Sally. So do I like it? Yeah, actually I do. Actually I like it a lot.

 

Terminus; Graveyard Of Dreams

Boss Tuneage

Take the melodic punk of bad religion, mix it with the raw punk-sound of the Misfits and add a metal-riff here and there for good measure, and you’ve pretty much had yourself a dose of Terminus. Not original, not outstanding, but quite alright if that’s what you’re looking for. The band apparently had their primetime in the late 80’s and early 90’s before disbanding, and this release features most of what they released back then. So if you heard these guys back in the day and have kicked yourself ever since for not picking some of their stuff up, well, here’s your chance.

 

The Thessalonian Dope Gods; High Idol Pulsation

Sin Klub Entertainment

Oh, my God, it feels like ages since I got a metallic industrial album that was worth listening to. Well, not anymore, though, as this one was pretty cool. They’re not quite the band to take on the leading role from Ministry, but they are a band – or project or whatever (they’re only two, you know) – to be looking out for. It’s cool finally hearing punk-energy, metal-riffs, hip-hop beats, electronics and more combined in a way that doesn’t sound designed for radio.

 

Unmoored; Indefinite Soul-Extension

Code666

Sometimes you just expect the good death metal albums to come from the bigger labels, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Code666’s bands at times, and Swedish Unmoored was another pleasant surprised. Especially track one, which is everything a quality death metal track should be. It’s has got a melodic vibe going, not too unlike a lot of those Swedish bands, but only speeded up a notch or two. Then there’s a brutality only bands from Poland seem to be in possession of these days. There are some cool, psychedelic keyboards in there as well, and finally some just as cool melodic singing. The rest of the album isn’t that extra-ordinary, but still quite good. Actually, it’s so good that I can’t quite make my mind which album I like better – this one, or the new The Crown CD.

 

Various Artists; Ocean Drive – The Collection Volume 1

Kriztal Entertainment

I didn’t know this, but Ocean Drive Magazine is South Florida’s premier style and fashion publication, and in the honor of their 10^th anniversary Kriztal Entertainment releases this compilation. It’s relaxing and “chill-out” flavored like most of Kriztal Entertainment’s stuff, but this is supposed to reflect the spirit of the Florida lifestyle. But it’s not like someone living in little Denmark – like myself – can’t enjoy this comp.

 

Various Artists; Vintage Chill – Volume 3. Autumn

Kriztal Entertainment

So you’ve seen all the reviews of Kriztal’s compilation in the few previous issues, and this is the newest compilation the label has sent to us, and for that matter also one of the more enjoyable ones (most of them are, actually). You get 14 tracks of electronica, chillout, jazz and world-beat here. Previously I haven’t recognized many of the artists found on the comps, but this time I couldn’t help but notice that highly respected Dimitri From Paris contributes with a song. Not the best track on the album, but good none the less. If you want me to tell you which track I find most likeable of them all, check out “Autumn Leaves” by BP Williams feat. Lauren Carter. Now that’s good dance-music.

 

Also Rated: Extre Quick:

 

All Out War; Condemned To Suffer

Victory Records

(Provided by Target Distributio)

With the melodic metal and hardcore crossover trend still going on, Victory continues releasing metal. Don’t know how they do it, but they always seem to find the greatest bands out there and All Out War is no exception. Melodic thrash, death and insane hardcore. Fans of the genre can’t miss out on it.

 

Brand New; Deja Entendu

Epitaph

This started out like British indie-rock, but quickly turned out to be the coolest US emo-album so far this year. I can’t believe I haven’t heard these guys before, coz, you know, they rock. If I was American I would go something like this: This is, like, so, eh, you know - I mean, it’s like, um, really, really kewl.

 

Devilish Era/Zaghurim; Split CD

Foedus Aeternus Distribution

6 tracks from band 1 and 5 from band 2. Devilsih Era play atmospheric black metal. They sound like anything that’s released on Ketzer or Neodawn and suck at it. Zaghurim play black metal with some electronic elements thrown in. They’re better than DE, but still below average. 

 

Invocator; Through The Flesh To The Soul

Scarlet

(Provided by Intromental Management)

Scarlet have gotten a Dane-metal fewer, and Danish thrash-veterans Invcocator are their newest signing. And they’re good at what they do too – it’s just that after eight years of silence one should think that something a little more unique would’ve come out of it.

 

Richard Devine; Asect/Dsect

Asphodel

(Provided by Rooftop Promotion)

Hailed as a genius by some and totally misunderstood by others, so is the story of 26-year old Richard Devine, a man who already has earned the respect of such notable electronica-labels such as Warp, Schematic and Asphodel (for whom he has released music). “Asect:Dsect” won’t convert those who don’t understand, but it will continuously keep the fans happy.

 

Seven Seraphim; Believe In Angels

Scarlet

(Provided by Target Distribution)

The guitar playing in the opening song is so egocentric that it makes Pamela Anderson’s breasts seem like not that big a deal anymore, and the singer’s voice really can be too much at times. So as you’ve already guessed, in a genre as populated as melodic heavy metal, your money just might be better invested elsewhere. Doesn’t really suck – just fails to stand out.

 

Wasted; Suppress & Restrain

Boss Tuneage

This is a re-issue of the album that has been out of print for over a year. Someone has said that this is how Rancid should sound like. Well, I am not going to judge how Rancid should sound like, but I definitely think that Wasted should sound exactly like this. Good stuff.

 

Single/EP Of The Month:

 

Ten Speed Racer; Fifteen

Red Flag Recording Co.

I hate picking singles that aren’t brand new as “Single/EP of the Month”, and while “Fifteen” is not exactly new, it’s still my favorite CD in this month’s single/EP pile, so I have to go with it, right? “Fifteen” is a sweet, catchy and still somewhat melancholic indie-rock number that is sure to touch the hearts of indie-fans worldwide. The two following cuts are good as well, just without the hit-potential of “Fifteen.”

 

Single/EP Reviews:

 

Annalise & Gunmoll; Split-EP

Boss Tuneage

Me thinks this is pretty cool. Not only because the music is good punk rock, but also because this looks cool. The 7-inch vinyl has this great colour. It’s like orange and white or something. I’ve never seen anything like it (I mean, I’ve seen white and orange before, but not on vinyl). It’s the kind of thing you’d rather not listen to, but keep on the shelf with the rest of the collector items. But as I said, the music is cool too.

 

Anti-Flag; Turncoat

Fat Wreck Chords

Political punk-rockers Anti-Flag released “Terror State” on October 20^th. Past and Present Music were so fortunate to get the special advance single, “Turncoat”, as a teaser some time before the album arrived at the doorstep. And if this is what the album will be sounding like (which I now, some days after originally writing this review, can say that it does – hje), then there are good things in store for the listener. What else is there to say? Well, “Turncoat” is a great punk-song – that should be it.

 

Crawler; Demo 2001

Self-released

(Provided by Kick Promotion Agency)

Nu-metal just won’t die, it seems. Ok, this 6-track demo is actually two years old, so a lot can have happened since then, but I just keep on getting underground nu-metal releases. I don’t mind really. Some of it is actually quite good – better than a lot of the stuff you hear on MTV2 even. Crawler from Italy aren’t half-bad either. Not as slick as a lot of their mainstream blood-brothers, and there’s no hip hop nor turntables to be found, but with two singers/shouters leading the way they don’t exactly stray out of the ordinary either.

 

Future Kings of Spain; A Place For Everything and Everything In Its Place

Red Flag Recording Co.

 

Future Kings of Spain; Face I Know

Red Flag Recording Co.

 

Future Kings of Spain; Your Starlight

Red Flag Recording Co.

 

Yes, this is that Irish band with the Spanish name and the American sound. Future Kings of Spain have been receiving a great deal of positive reviews for their singles and lately also for their self-titled debut-album. These are the three first singles from that album, and according to the record-label a new single should be out when this review is online. The first single, “A Place For Everything and Everything in its Place” is by far the hardest one musically, and even though Future Kings of Spain are more of a punk influenced indie-rock band in nature, this track is just as suitable for the hardcore kids as anyone else. The b-sides “Your Starlight” (later released as a single) and “Love The Common Man” turn things back into catchy rock territory. “Face I Know” – the second single – shifts gently between a little screaming and melodic singing, whilst b-sides “The Perfect Wait” and “You Dream in Solid Gold” slow things down a notch. “Your Starlight” – the third single – is probably my favorite of the three singles. Not only is “Your Starlight” the most memorable track of them all, but also the b-side “Kick It” kicks ass, just as the slow Janet Jackson cover “Let’s Wait A While” is brilliant. We’ll be hearing more of Future Kings of Spain for sure.

 

Incendium; After Silence

Self-released

Here’s a Finnish band that sounds, eh, really Finnish. Actually, they remind me off two very different Finnish bands: Prophet and HIM. Incendium tell me that they’ve played death metal in the past, but this four-song EP, doesn’t sound very death metal-ish. Instead it’s just traditional metal with some modern goth leanings. “Crush” is a pretty good song, but otherwise the sound is a little weak on this CD.

 

Nientara; Consequence

Life Sentence Records

It seems like Life Sentence Records can’t go terribly wrong when putting out metalcore. At least here’s another cool EP to add to their still short list. Nientara aren’t really doing anything new or even slightly groundbreaking, but they’re good. They do that metalcore meets melodic metal thing that is so popular within American hardcore circles these days, and they do it just as well as the next band. So if you want something new, you won’t find it here, but if you, on the other hand, just can’t get enough of that melodic metalcore thing, then here’s some more to chew on.

 

Ten Speed Racer; Your Demon Heart

Red Flag Recording Co.

This was actually released a few months back. Actually, this was the first single from the debut-album that Ten Speed Racer just has released in September. Good introduction, I think. Great indie-rock. Their second-single, “Fifteen”, is even better, though. I think, I just might have to check out their album, and perhaps you should too?

 

Wings of Scarlet; Before The Great Collapse

Life Sentence Records.

These guys really showed potential on a three-way split-CD Life Sentence Records released last year, and on this, their debut-EP, they sound just as convincing as I remember them. Six tracks of metallic hardcore that will appeal to anyone into musical insanity. Get in the pit, baby.

 

Concert Review:

 

Evenescence + Finger Eleven – Revis

 

Didn’t care too much for their album when it came out, although I’ve sung along to “Bring Me To Life” more times that I’d care to admit. Still, I was curious enough to go to their concert in Copenhagen on the 20^th of October.

 

Revis was first up. Pretty good. Intense, heartfelt and quite catchy. But at the end of the day it was not what made this what it was – a good concert. Finger Eleven took over with a kicking nu-metal meltdown. I was expecting some wussy neo-grunge or something, but they were actually kind of heavy – and quite good too, actually. Perhaps the guitarist should spend more time actually playing his guitar instead of throwing it around all the time.

 

…And then there they were. Evenescence: The band most of us had come to see. Amy Lee, dressed as a bride, gave all she had. Of course, she had a hard time keeping up with her noise-making band-mates in the beginning, because of a rather poor sound. It got better with time, though. Actually it even got to the point when you thought to yourself: “Evenescence is actually a pretty good band.” Mostly, thanks to a charismatic and wonderfully singing Amy Lee, but also to a more than capable metal-band.

 

So what was it? Goth-pop, like on the album? Well, they played a lot of songs from their album, as well as some stuff from their independent release, but they didn’t really sound like the biggest sensation in rock in 2003. Funny how the headlining pop-band in the end always sounds heavier than the opening metal-band.  

 

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