Band: NEMOST
Country: France
Title: As the Ocean Burns
Label: Dooweet Records
Year: 2013
Style: Melodic Death Metal
Review:
The Paris based act Nemost was founded in 2005 and this is their second studio album made of 12 tracks and totaling more than an hour. It seems they started out as a Progressive Doom Death Metal outfit, and although the Progressive elements are still there to a certain degree, the Doom Metal influences are long gone, so what we're dealing here with is a melodic type of Death Metal with progressive elements, mid-tempo to fast rhythmed, and highlighted by a good combination of growls and (very good) clean vocals, melodic guitar leads, leads of semi-acoustic guitar parts to enhance the dark atmospheres, impressive bass lines and incisive drums. It's an interesting album fit for the ones of you into Metal mixes, into Metal with lot and lots of influences. Speaking for myself I have enjoyed the melodic / atmospheric parts the most and if they'll add more catchiness in the aggressive parts too I have no doubt they'll be successful.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 7.5/10
Contact:
www.facebook.com/nemostmetal
www.dooweet.org
Band: OLTRETOMBA
Country: Italy
Title: The Death - Schierati con la morte
Label: Fistbang Records
Year: 2014
Style: Black Metal
Review:
Oltretomba is an Italian duo labelling their music as "Retrogarde Metal", although I'm not sure if they really wanted this or the more correct "Retrograde Metal"; probably they wanted to say they are somehow defending the old, retro Metal instead of being proud of retrograding to a simpler, more primitive form of Metal. Or maybe it's just a typo and that's it... Anyway, this is their debut album made of 11 tracks totaling 42 minutes of old-school, primitive Thrash Black Metal with dirty attitude, don't-give-a-fuck approach, organic and unpolished sound although good enough not to cause any problems to the listener, and a good chunk of groove sprinkled all over, so in current terms it could be labeled as Black'n'Roll, too. I find part of the elements on this album very enjoyable (the cruel, vomiting vocals, the incisive bass lines and the groovy rhythms) and the rest quite monotonous (boring and too repetitive guitar riffs and weak drums) and too simplistic, but for a debut album it shows what the band is capable of and what they aiming at.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 7/10
Contact:
www.oltretomba.tk
www.fistbang.webs.com
Band: PREDATORY VIOLENCE
Country: Germany
Title: Marked for Death
Label: Killer Metal Records
Year: 2014
Style: Thrash Metal
Review:
Almost a decade old now, Predatory Violence releases its fourth studio album to date, and second out on Killer Metal Records. Honestly this is the first time I meet with this band's music, it was a total stranger before so I had no idea what to expect, but reaching their fourth album gave me some guarantees on their quality. After giving this a couople of spins I can say it's not what I expected, the recordings quality are to an '80's standard, they are crystal-clear, don't get me wrong, but they seem to unpolished for these years we live in. Then the guitar riffs are way too simple for these days, the vocals are good but bring nothing impressive to the table, and the drums' synthetic sound becomes annoying after a while. The game saving and I'd say the highlight of Predatory Violence are the guitar leads and solos, they manage to give an acceptable form to this otherwise obsolete record. If you're a fan of analog, old-school Thrash Metal with (good) rehearsal sound quality this might be for you, but otherwise avoid it.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 6/10
Contact:
www.facebook.com/pages/Predatory-Violence/147138058688130
www.killermetalrecords.de
Band: RAGGRADARH
Country: Bulgaria
Title: Oris
Label: Vacula Productions / Suicide Nihilist Records
Year: 2014
Style: Black Metal
Review:
Even though (or because?) it's a one man band, Raggradarh was very active on discographic level since its foundation in 2005 releasing loads of singles, demos, EPs, splits and including this one, 4 full-length albums, too. 2010 saw the release of 2 of its albums and this one, Oris, was recorded during the same year... Featuring only 4 tracks, the album clocks almost 50 minutes of raw Black Metal that seems to be recorded live at the rehearsal place; the sound is not total shit but it's not something I would label as fit for an official album. The tracks are too long and the riffs too repetitive and that gives me the impression Erilyne (the man behind Raggradarh) wanted to record a new album at all costs, even if this would be more suitable for another demo. The music is raw, traditional, simple mid-tempo Black Metal with a somehow pagan atmosphere given by the background choirs and some of the guitar leads, but along the way there are many parts where the music doesn't seem to be very inspired, not to say really sloppy (for example the awful guitar leads & bass line from track 4, around minute 5). If you want to give it a try prepare for some unnecessary long tracks (the shortest is 8 minutes and the longest 20...) and for a high probability of getting bored.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 5/10
Contact:
www.facebook.com/Raggradarh
www.vacula.com.ua
www.facebook.com/suicidenihilistrecords
Band: RAINOVER
Country: Spain
Title: Transcending the Blue and Drifting into Rebirth
Label: WormHoleDeath
Year: 2014
Style: Gothic Rock Metal
Review:
Founded back in 2003 as Remembrances, the band changed its name and line-up after releasing their debut album, and it seems the change was positive since they soon managed to secure a deal with Italy based WormHoleDeath Records and here we have their second full-length album to date. Rainover seems to be able to inhale all forms of Gothic Rock and Gothic Metal and exhale their on brand of Gothic Rock/Metal, an original take that sees the band delivering a mix of traditional and modern influences so in the end it's pretty hard to pinpoint this music to a single path. The most important thing is that the music is catchy, inventive and complex, the production is highly professional, and the band benefits from a female voice that's easily at the same level as big names like Anneke van Giersbergen (probably her biggest influence) or Liv Kristine. The band's skilled instrumentists managed to deliver a varied range of tracks, each having its own identity, but still being able to create a solid and complete product that reises its intensity from Gothic Rock at the beginning to Gothic Metal (even using male growls at some point) in the end. One of the best release in this genre for 2014, don't hesitate!
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 10/10
Contact:
www.facebook.com/rainoverband
www.wormholedeath.com
Band: RAVENTALE
Country: Ukraine
Title: Memoires
Label: Dark East Productions / Satanath Records
Year: 2013
Style: Atmospheric Blackened Metal
Review:
Everyone know Raventale as one of the leading products from the BadMoodMan / Solitude Productions stable, so it was a real surprise when I saw this new official release being out on different labels; although it's not a real album (it's not made of new material but it's a compilation of old tracks, re-recorded), Memoires is still an official release, so I don't know if we should take it as Raventale leaving BMM, or only as a side-release to widen the distributions horizons for its music. Anyway, as I was saying, this is a compilation of old tracks delivering what Raventale used us with: atmospheric, blackened and doomy Metal in its purest form. The selection of songs is excellent, the whole feels like a compact material and the range emotions transmitted through it are varied but at the same time targetted. If you're looking for some good quality, highly entertaining, melancholic and atmospheric music to dress your grief at night, while enjoying a good wine, this is the perfect album, but watch out for the slippery way to sheer depression though.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 9/10
Contact:
www.facebook.com/raventaleofficial
www.darkeastproductions.weebly.com
www.satanath.com
Band: RUNNING DEATH
Country: Germany
Title: The Call of Extinction
Label: Self-released
Year: 2012
Style: Thrash Metal
Review:
Four young German Thrashers delivering exactly what all Thrash Metal fans want: sheer power and aggression, genuine spirit, catchy riffs and originality! Running Death are currently preparing for their debut album and in the meantime they are promoting their 2012 EP, The Call of Extinction, consisting of 5 of the best Thrash Metal tracks I've heard in a long time! All of them are heavily addictive and they also benefit of one of the most original voices around, I think I'd be able to distinguish this guy from hundreds others, and that's what every band is looking for, a voice to make the difference; Simon's vocals are a combination of Mustaine's, Hatfield's (young), Lemmy's and a good dose of Punk tone and even a Bluuurgh... (the Dutch '90's sensation) influence, too, simply awesome, at times it sounds almost dissonant, but then you discover that's exactly what was intended, and at times it sounds melodic, too. The guitar riffs are catchy as hell, the bass is imposing and the drums are precise to the bone, and I shouldn't forget the excellent backing (shouting) vocals creating such a good effect on the listener, but as only fault I find the sound a bit too clear and polished for this music, maybe throwing in some more dirt wouldn't hurt next time. Can't wait to listen to the full-length, this is an amazing band!
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 9/10
Contact:
www.facebook.com/runningdeath
Band: STORMNATT
Country: Austria
Title: Omega Therion
Label: Self Mutilation Services
Year: 2014
Style: Black Metal
Review:
The Austrian trio released its third full-length album after 5 years since the previous, which, at its turn, was released almost 5 years after the debut, so this becomes a pretty stable cicle for the band, releasing albums every 5 years. This one is made of 7 tracks and lasts for 40 minutes of Scandinavian inspired Black Metal a la '90's. The highlight are the very catchy guitar riffs (those alone are a reason to check this band out) supported by some melodic guitar leads that reminded me of the '90's Swedish scene, the rhythm section is good enough not to bother the listener but less creative and varied than one might expect, and the vocals are not at all on my liking especially since they are mixed too in front of the instruments and are stealing most of the spotlights of this release, ruining the atmsopheres the guitars create. As an overall impression I'd say the music flows well and catches the listener's attention, but it brings nothing new or exciting to the table and the vocals should have been less intrusive to complement the instrumental part.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 7/10
Contact:
www.funeralapocalypse.com
www.selfmutilationservices.com
Band: SVARTSTORM
Country: Russia
Title: Scars Instead of Wings
Label: NitroAtmosfericum Records
Year: 2013
Style: Melodic Death Metal
Review:
Have a look at a band picture and you'll say they are a Gothic Metal band for sure, but instead Svartstorm are playing a very melodic, keyboard-driven type of Metal, with Death Metal being just a small influence here, this is far from what the term makes you think of. The occasional growls and the light double bass drums do not make from this a Death Metal release as it's listed on Metal Archives. So here we have their debut album, a 5 tracks effort clocking 22 minutes of Melodic Metal with very upfront keyboards (I used to hear loads of those in East European Gothic Doom bands during the '90's), clen male vocals, diverse and technical guitar work with stress on the Power Metal-like leads, and as I said before, a light drums sound like they don't want to upset or scare anyone. Imagine a mix of Heavy Power Metal with Gothic Metal and a hint (just a hint) of Death Metal, all of these served with plenty of melody, if you think you'd like it don't hesitate to check this band out, although they bring nothing new or exciting to the table, they are pretty professional and this is not a boring release either.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 7/10
Contact:
www.vk.com/svartstormband
www.nitroatmosfericum.ru
Band: TETRARCHATE
Country: Italy
Title: Symposium of the Tetrarchs
Label: Self-released
Year: 2014
Style: Heavy Thrash Metal
Review:
Debut EP from this young Italian band, Symposium of the Tetrarchs features 4 tracks and lasts for 15 minutes, not enough to make a complete and precise opinion on the band's direction, but enough to guess their potential. Although they used a drum machine that at times becomes annoying, and although the vocals are not on my liking at all (at first I had a hard time determining if the guy is singing in an extremely Italian accentuated English or in pure French...wtf!), I have to say I love most of the guitar work, some riffs are simply delicious (like the opening riff of the 3rd track); it has it's boring parts and useless repetitive riffs, too, but the major part of the guitar work, with its Thrash, Heavy and even Power Metal influences, is excellent, and that's what I consider the band's best asset. The production sucks ass, too, but not enough to ruin this disc completely. All in all this EP was successful in sparking my interest regarding this band, I'd say if the vocalist starts singing with his natural voice and stops imitating the Thrash Death way, and if they record the next material in a professional studio (or at least use a professional producer), we might get a nice surprise from them.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 6/10
Contact:
www.facebook.com/tetrarchate
Band: THE KENDOLLS
Country: Sweden
Title: Diablo Gringo
Label: Alleycat Records
Year: 2014
Style: Hardcore Punk Rock'n'Roll
Review:
I'm not a specialist of this music so I'll resume myself in a few personal impressions about this EP. Featuring 4 tracks (12 minutes only), and delivering such a fast and aggressive music, spinning this disc a few times felt like a couple of minutes. I have deeply enjoyed it and to an extent I find it more aggressive than lots of Extreme Metal releases I got lately. A demented mix of Punk, Hardcore, Rock'n'Roll and Garage Rock lead by one of the most energetic vocalist I've heard lately, screaming his lungs out but still sounding professional and calculated. A bit more work on the choruses' catchiness and we've got ourselves a hit band, I mean it, these guys can become big even if keeping the same energy and aggression (or because of it, too). Catchier and much more professional than I thought it would be!
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: -/10
Contact:
www.thekendolls.bandcamp.com
Band: VINDORN
Country: Germany
Title: Hrana
Label: Sol Records
Year: 2013
Style: Black Metal
Review:
This is one of the 3 projects lead by this musician known as N. This is its first official EP released on both CD and vinyl and features 4 tracks totaling a bit more than 20 minutes of fast paced, atmospheric and somehow desolate Black Metal. There's not much variety nor originality, but I have to admit it sounds good, on a stratum of fast-paced, repetitive drums, N. layered some old-school atmospheric guitar riffs and some interesting and mood changing gruitar leads here and there, plus a hoarse and comprehensive vocal line that might make the project a bit more distinct. The third track is different from the others by following a mid-tempo (boring) repetitive rhythm, but I like the rest though, so all in all I'd say this is not a waste of time, the production is very good and for a fan of '90's Black Metal I'd say this is a good treat. Lyrics are in Czech language I think.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 7.5/10
Contact:
www.vindenofficial.wordpress.com
www.solrecords.de
Band: VIRUS
Country: UK
Title: A New Strain of an Old Disease
Label: Killer Metal Records
Year: 2013
Style: Thrash Metal
Review:
Another '80's Thrash Metal act revitalizing their career now since Metal is so popular nowadays and I think there's room (and audience) for everyone. Virus recently did an extensive European tour that lasted 2 months, so they are taking the scene by storm, old-school style. The band was put on ice sometime in the early 90's, but resurrected I guess in 2008 and this is their second EP since their come-back. 7 tracks, 25 minutes, fast and organic Thrash Metal that reminds me of D.R.I., and Coke's vocals of Mille Petrozza. Contagious guitar riffs, powerful rhythm section, rebellious vocals, better said a band like in the '80's, so if you are a fan of those days and especially of the Crossover Thrash scene, the new Virus record will be a good treat, believe me. Don't like the last track, a cover of The Proclaimers' "500 Miles", at all, it sounds like they got drunk and are trying to sing this song but are a long way out to nail it; during the choruses the vocals are hillarious, not sure if that was the aim though.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: /10
Contact:
www.virusthrash.co.uk
www.killermetalrecords.de
Band: WINTER DELUGE
Country: New Zealand
Title: As the Earth Fades into Obscurity
Label: Frozen Blood Industries
Year: 2012
Style: Black Metal
Review:
Too bad these guys are based in such an isolated part of the World because if they were from Europe I'd bet my hat they'd be in the top the the Black Metal scene by now. This is their debut album, a 9 tracks effort lasting for almost 50 minutes of intensive, aggressive, evil, devastating and technical Black Metal the way only the most skilled musicians can do. Although most of the times the music is blasting fast-paced attacks of fury, the complex approach on composition is impressive and makes the album so highly interesting you'll keep following it till the end and then want more. The production is also very good, so if you're a fan of fast and furious Black Metal with a technical edge, or a fan of '90's Swedish Black Metal, don't miss any more time, go grab this album. I hope they are working on a followup as it's time for something new since they've released this gem. I for one love it!
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 9.5/10
Contact:
www.facebook.com/WINTERDELUGE
www.facebook.com/frozenbloodindustries