Band: AD PATRES

Country: France

Title: Promo

Label: Selfreleased

Year: 2010

Style: Death Metal

Review:

Young band from the ever growing French Death Metal scene, Ad Patres was formed in 2008 and this one is their first release to date. What we have here are some extremely talented musicians making some really technical, brutal and catchy music, fast, aggressive and not boring at all. 3 tracks with flawless execution, crystal clear sound and above all that intense, perfect execution. As a first release I would say this is simply brilliant, a Death Metal release blending modern sound, brutality and technical skills with the right amount of melody on guitars, plus two complementary growling vocalists. Killer! The only minus for me would be that listening to these tracks I had always the impression I've already heard this and that somewhere else, but given our times it's almost impossible to come out with something new and not to ruin everything, so I just enjoyed the music and that's all.

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 9/10

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Band: ANACHRONAEON

Country: Sweden

Title: The Futile Quest for Immortality

Label: Stygian Crypt Productions

Year: 2010

Style: Melodic Death Metal

Review:

Anachronaeon comes from Sweden, was founded in 2003 and the album I have here is their third effort, a 9 tracks release lastinf for almost 45 minutes. Melodic Death Metal is their path, paved with many technical instrumental gimmicks, a raw, fierceful growling vocal with comprehensive tone supported by epic clean vocals giving the whole a flavour of ancient, mythological times, but still I guess that the main fault for this band is related to that flavour and I mean here that some times they manage to create a really majestic atmosphere that brings you ages back, but some other parts of their music are cold, modern or even progressive metallic parts, so the combination of the two seems at least strange, although it's original and doesn't affect the catchiness of their music too much, one can really enjoy their bewitching guitar leads and solos. The drums sound a bit too synthetic also and a bit too forced to bring more aggression to the music but my opinion is that the music should be lead by the fantastic guitar work and so the rhythm section should develop naturally rather than forced to sound different.

To sum it up we have here a potential great name in the Swedish Metal scene, but they need to channel their influences better. I would buy this album only even for the guitars and vocals existent on it.

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 7.5/10

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Band: ANNIVERSARY CIRCLE

Country: UK

Title: Saturated Feathers

Label: Sun & Moon Records

Year: 2010

Style: Alternative Punk Gothic Rock

Review:

Unfortunately I have no experience whatsoever in this type of music, I don't like it and I don't plan on reviewing it, but since their label sent a physical copy of this album I cannot pass over their effort so I will copy & paste their description, so it's up to you if you decide on trying out this CD or not.

"The missing link between Joy Division, Bauhaus & Killing Joke. You’re born, you live and you die in your beds. On each occasion there is cause for celebration or mourning. Always acted upon without question… When we die do we ask? Do we go to heaven, do we go to hell, or are we part of the atheist, agnostic, organic, Darwinist plan and go to earth. Turn to dust. Do we have a choice? Or are we in a perpetual cycle for all eternity. Anniversary Circle. An Existing living hell. CD came out in normal jewel case."

Copied & Pasted by Adrian :)

Rating: -/10

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Band: ARAKAIN

Country: Czech Republic

Title: Homo Sapiens..?

Label: 2P Production, s.r.o.

Year: 2011

Style: Heavy Metal

Review:

Arakain (founded in 1982) is the legendary heavy metal band in Czech Republic. Two hits in drums, two riffs -and I knew, that’s right, this is justArakain. Tracklsist of the New Arakain’s album called „Homo Sapiens..?” is  just a extract concentrate of the best components of oldschool, melodic heavy metal and hard’n’heavy drive. When I dissolved it in pure solvents, I got perfect extract of Central and Eastern Europe’s heavy metal sounds. Thwe beggining and the central part of „Homo Sapiens.. ?” reminded me old times, when I was a kid from primary school and when I’d started heavy metal, this album is just a bridge between 80th and 2011. All lyrics in Czech language (I like that bands singing in own languages), charakteristic vocal (sounding hard rock), a lot of solo guitars, a lot of melodic motifs, good balance beetween speed and „heartbreak” flow...What else? Arakain try to play combination of modern and oldschool in one in track „Straznej Andel” („Guardian Angel”), this song is a mix of heavy metal and poprock, I suppose it’s a promo-single of „Homo Sapiens.. ?” sent to rock radiostations, but I’m not sure. The second surprise is song „Pokani”(„Repentance”), title is title but this is a classic rock ballad for slow dance with beautiful girl... But two next songs, at the end of this album are powerfully heavymetal with thrash influences - the balance of nature preserved... The last song is a mix of all, which we can found in rock music. In summary: interesting album of Czech’s heavy metal legend.

Reviewed by Vilcin

Rating: 8/10

Band: A TRANSYLVANIAN FUNERAL

Country: USA

Title: The Outsider

Label: Forbidden Records

Year: 2010

Style: Black Metal

Review:

Sleepwalker, the man behind this project, is a real underground warrior and I hail him for that, he has active this project, a label (Forbidden Records) and a very good online magazine dealing with Underground Extreme Metal. He is passionate about what he does and that deserves all our respect.

Now getting to this album, ATF's second effort to date, it is composed of 12 tracks lasting for almost 70 minutes, so a really long album that seems to have a conceptual ground on which the whole is based. What he did here cannot be considered groundbreaking, but it's very good nonetheless, it is better than countless other full line-up bands out there and sounds pretty organic even if Sleepwalker uses drum-machine. He has some really good Black Metal skills for guitars and bass, but I don't really like the vocals, their sound that makes them pretty hard to hear/follow and places them a lot in the background of the instrumental part. The tracks are really different one from another and if you're an underground Black Metal follower I doubt you'd be bored by this album, so all in all I consider this a good lesson for one-man-project bands: Black Metal projects can also have intricate guitars, a present bass line and mature compositions, it cannot be all based on a good lyrical concept (that most of them have, I admit).

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 8/10

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Band: A WINTER LOST

Country: Canada / USA

Title: Weltenende

Label: Sun & Moon Records

Year: 2010

Style: Ambient Black Metal

Review:

This band's image reminded me of a '90's Gothic Black Metal band called Forgotten Site, but their music not. A Winter Lost, although having a Gothic fashioned moniker and a girl on vocals, is Black Metal all the way, not the raw and brutal kind of Black Metal but a more melodic, atmospheric and very cold type. The girl, K Dylla has a very aggressive type of screaming that makes this album particular, but she also ads a few melancholic clean vocals at some stages deep in this album. The instrumental part is mid-tempo Black Metal with quite some acoustic parts and I must say I enjoyed listening to it. The fact they play in German language is even better for me as I like a lot this language in Black Metal. This is the band's fist and only (so far) release but to me they seem quite promising and talented. They are not there yet, they need something to differentiate them from the masses, but I guess they are on the right way.

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 8/10

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Band: BARBARIAN PROPHECIES

Country: Spain

Title: Condemned Land... The War Begins

Label: Ralm Records

Year: 2008

Style: Black Death Metal

Review:

Barbarian Prophecies was established in 2000 and this one is their debut album, released in 2008. Containing 8 tracks, the CD has also a rich bonus for their fans, a multimedia part containing lost of info, pics and their previous 2 demos, "Conquerors of the Wolfthrone" from 2003 and "War is Imminent" from 2004. That's a good idea, you can follow the band's development along the years, but it is also a good gift for their fans and/or friends.

The band takes the Black Death Metal road with influences from Thrash or even Speed Metal. Their music is extremely fast and aggressive and tends to become a bit chaotic at times so you'll have to listen to it carefully to get out the best of it. Honestly this album doesn't convince me at all, but it shows a band that has a quite original sound and composition structure and that's a very good thing, if they'll keep this road who knows what the future might bring for them?

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 6.5/10

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Band: BARBARIAN PROPHECIES

Country: Spain

Title: Remember the Fallen

Label: Selfreleased

Year: 2011

Style: Melodic Death Metal

Review:

Now this is the reason these guys sent me their package, meaning their new album, "Remember the Falling". A 9 tracks effort totalizing more than an hour of playing, so even if it doesn't have the multimedia part as their previous album this one is again a good gift for their fans. The band shows a much more mature approach now because even if the tracks are very long the album is not boring at all. Their music has evolved into a more Death Metal oriented music with catchy guitar riffs, epic guitar leads, quite groovy rhythm section and growling but comprehensive vocals. The tracks have a fresh, modern sound mostly because of the "core" scene influenced guitars and rhythms, but that doesn't mean they are going deathcore or metalcore even if there's only a thin line between them and that part of the scene. Anyway, the material sounds curdled enough, catchy and well worked on, you can clearly see they have put quite some efforts to create this album and I guess this will pay off sometime soon. Recommended!

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 9/10

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Band: BEYOND LIGHT

Country: Holland

Title: Eclipsed Sun Path

Label: Sun & Moon Records

Year: 2010

Style: Ambient Black Metal

Review:

Beyond Light is a one man band from Holland started in 2007. Having 4 demos released, it was time for a full-length so they got a deal with the Romanian label Sun & Moon, a label who moves quite well (and professional also) in the Underground scene nowadays. "Eclipsed Sun Path" is the name of its debut album, a 9 tracks release lasting for almost 50 minutes of slow to mid-tempo Black Metal with multiple acoustic and ambient insertions. The final mixing is something I would have worked on more because there's no fine balance between instruments. Also the guitar riffs are a bit too simplistic, but being supported by piano and keys backgrounds, plus the background vocals, the overall atmosphere reaches a suitable (for this genre) amount of despair and sadness. I don't think this guy is very talented on any instruments, but at the same time I believe he has very good composing skills, he released quite an acceptable album here and here I praise especially the atmospheres he created. Some hints of psychedelic can also be heard on guitar effects and keys here and there.

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 7/10

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Band: BURZUM

Country: Norway 

Title: Fallen

Label: Byelobog Productions 

Year: 2011

Style: Atmospheric Pagan Black Metal

Well, well, well... Oh my gods,  this album can be called just fallen, without quotation.  On this album, „Fallen”, Varg tries to connect atmospheric/progressive black metal with his raw influences. There are still no interesting sounds, the intros are too long, the riffs are too boring, still the same absolutely hopeless groans. I know, that was too hard, but this is true, isn’t it? „Fallen” is a good example of ill effect of the aurora borealis on human’s mind and a next part of Count Grishnack’s geriatric changes. This is no „atmospheric” album - this is just a boring CD, too boring, too poor, too hopeless... And he still can’t play the guitar well and probably he won’t ever learn to play better but he will claim that this is how it is supposed to be. The cover of „Fallen” is missleading too, „Fallen” is no neofolk album. When I listen this album I would really like to scream: " Mr Vikernes - STOP KILLING THE LEGEND !!!”, ha, ha, ha... I’ve heard a lot opinions that „Fallen” is better than „Belus” album. That’s true, but this is not a convincing argument, I’m sorry! True is very simple and pragmatic too: if this guy hadn't killed Euronymous and handn't burned some wooden churches, nobody would have ever heard of him. And this is too little to be a known metal legend. I hope that normal metal fans know and understand it. 

Reviewed by Vilcin

Rating: 1,5/10 

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Band: CATACOMBE

Country: Portugal

Title: Kinetic

Label: Slow Burn Records

Year: 2010

Style: Melodic Post-Metal

Review:

Post-rock / post-metal is not really what we usually feature in Pest webzine, so whenever I receive such releases I always think what if I'll have nothing to say on the release, or worse, what if I won't have the state of mind to listen to the whole release? Portuguese Catacombe, although bearing a name that would better suit a Death Metal band, is an instrumental piece of Post-Metal, melodic to the bone, portraying a atmosphere that led my thoughts to an after-storm time, don't know exactly why. Maybe because their music sounds full of hope, quite light and shiny, with occasional metal (stoner metal) riffs, but with compositions based mostly on guitar leads, lounge-like drumming, keys and effects, all under a progressive veil. This is something I would listen to while driving, still I wouldn;t recommend it to extreme metallers.

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 8/10

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Band: CATCH 22

Country: USA

Title: Monumental

Label: Metal On Metal Records

Year: 2010

Style: Heavy Power Thrash Metal

Review:

Catch 22 are around since 1992, so we're dealing here with a band that will celebrate its second decade of activity next year. Pretty cool. "Monumental" is their 6th album and the second one out on the Italian Metal On Metal Records. 11 tracks, 40 minutes of playing a mix of Heavy, Power and Thrash Metal with a sound that will set them apart from other bands following the same route. Their music is pretty standard, good and catchy but a bit too simplistic, but the low guitar and bass tones and the raw, unpolished drums sound give this album an interesting combination of sounds and I admit I like it a lot, it brings to the table a different kind of aggressive music, although their overall atmosphere is more melodic than aggressive. Anyway, the music done by Catch 22 here is that type of music that you either love or hate. It seems I chose the first.

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 8.5/10 

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Band: CEBREN-KHAL

Country: France

Title: A Mass of Despair

Label: Bad Mood Man

Year: 2010

Style: Doom Death Black

Review:

Cebren-Khal is a new name to me, although the band has been active since 2004. The problem is they have only released one demo, in 2005, and this debut album, last year. 

This album is divided into three parts, although it contains 5 tracks; part two has 3 tracks included. What surprises me on this release is its diversity; unlike most of the bands on Bad Mood Man, Cebren-Khal, although Doom Metal based, ads an impressive variety of influences from the Black and mostly Death Metal fields and the final result is very catchy, varied and mature. I'm glad I had the chance to listen to this album, and to meet a band that's inclined to experimenting within the fields of Doom Metal, but who can also manage to keep the same heavy atmosphere, so experimenting in their case could not be considered compromise, but development. It all sounds so '90's, but still has a modern touch. Not a slight touch of monotony here, only pure emotions skillfully presented. Maybe I'm subjective because I like it so much, but I really recommend you checking this band out.

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 10/10

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Band: DAEMONLORD

Country: Spain

Title: Godless Prayers

Label: Ketzer Records

Year: 2011

Style: Black Metal

Review:

4th full-length release for this Spanish Black Metal horde, and the second one out on Ketzer Records, "Godless Prayers" is a 12 tracks effort lasting for a bit more than an hour, scheduled to be released this April. What we get here is a mid-tempo to fast paced Black Metal based more on creating dark, melodic atmospheres than on the aggressive side. I have really enjoyed the guitar work, very entertaining, varied and skilfully built making a link between old-school structures and modern sounds, but on the other and I don't really like their type of vocals, cookie-monster like type; I don't see anything frightening or even dark in this type of singing. Their music reminded me of the '90's Finnish Black Metal school, with lots and harmonies on the guitar work, and a dense, expressive atmosphere. Much better than a lot of what's now on the Underground Black Metal market but still far away from enroling large cohorts of supporters I would say.

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 7/10

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Band: DEICIDE

Country: USA

Title: To Hell with God

Label: Century Media Records

Year: 2011

Style: Death Metal 

Review:

First Six of all I’m impressed with solo guitars, these are the best part of this album. The second Six: very good, killing drums connect with very good, technical riffs. The Third Six: solid vocal, good growl, I understand the lyrics when I listen to this album. First „To Hell with God” is the best, the second „Save Your” and the third „Witness of Death” are really great, this is fundamental „triple thrash treat”. Next tracks is a situation that sometimes better sometimes worse. Death metal with... core influences (in „"Empowered By Blasphemy") but in the summary „In Hell with God” is solid stainless steel.

Reviewed by Vilcin

Rating: 8/10

Band: DESTRUCTION

Country: Germany

Title: Day of Reckoning

Label: Nuclear Blast

Year: 2011

Style: Thrash Metal

Review:

First track, called „The Price” first sounds... Just a second, I’ve been heard it... Slayer „Reign in Blood” ??? No, but speed and the beggining of track is very similar... Some seconds and I just know – this is classical Destruction. All tracks are thrash monolih: fast, sharp riffs, machine gun drums, characteristic, old school scream as vocal. That’s thrash, that’s Destruction, that’s solid german tank or as you wish – that’s just pure thrash. This album is a series of such that what is fixed and unchangeable, in this case is an advantage rather than disadvantage. German solid steel, 11 (BTW. Limited edition slipcase will come with a one bonus track) kicking ass tracks... Nothing new, but kick ass !!!

Reviewed by Vilcin

Rating: 8/10

Band: DETERIOROT

Country: USA

Title: The Faithless

Label: Xtreem Records

Year: 2010

Style: Death Metal

Review:

Deteriorot is a US band that already passed over its 20th year of existence, although this one is only ther second album to date. They were signed and released their debut album on Relapse Records back in 2001 and now its time for an Xtreem Music release. "The Faithless" is an 11 tracks release lasting for almost 45 minutes of Old-School mid-tempo Death Metal bearing the same type of sound that was used back in the beginnings of the '90's. Good atmosphere, dark and sinister, good ol' chaotic guitar solos, Doom Death riffs everywhere, 100% organic, 100% old-school. This is not at all that kind of masses-friendly Death Metal that's so in fashion nowadays. The only things I don;t really like on this release is the vocals sound (much higher than the rest of the music) and the fact they are getting a bit monotonous on some parts, but all in all this is a good release for the ones of you into old Finnish Death Metal or US Death Metal a la Autopsy.

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 7.5/10

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Band: ENCORION

Country: Holland

Title: Facing History And Ourselves

Label: Sleaszy Rider Records

Year: 2011

Style: Folk Viking Metal

Review:

„Facing History And Ourselves” is a debut album of young viking metalists from Holland, sounds like a demo tape. Intro was very folkish, similar to Eluvaitie or sth taken from Ireland. Next tracks are a typical sound playing by young band. A lot of violin connected by raw but very melodic pagan-black. From time to time they had a short etno-jazz insertions and etho motifs (battle or shamanic drums). When I listened to Encorion’s debut album, I had the impression that these young Dutch are not Dutch but Russian, Polish or Lithuanians from deep underground, „Facing History...” is very similar to e.g. first demo of Polish folkmetal band Radogost (violin). Encorion try to play pathetic and melodic folkmetal but they are too inexperienced yet. They played too much in one, I think. As a result we got a mixture of raw pagan black metal/speed folkmetal/post-Bathory’s sounds/gothic violin drive in one. That’s not bad, I understand that young people want to be ambitious and visionary, but they but pulled out of the already open door hinges, because all sounds from this album I heart later many years ago.

However, give them a chance, they try to play ambitiously, for the time being melodic and without too complicated. If they’re gonna practice, will be alright.

Reviewed by Vilcin

Rating: 7/10

Band: ERA DECAY

Country: Romania

Title: Deathtrap

Label: Selfreleased

Year: 2011

Style: Melodic Death Metal

Review:

Era Decay is a young band from Suceava in Romania. „Deathtrap” is an interesting connection beetween old school and modern melodic death metal genres. Simple, energetic riffs, garage drums (reminded me of Polish bands demos from 90th), good vocal... Exactly! This voice is very similar to Hvar’s voice from Polish Atropos. I played in Atropos, that is why I heard it. And this EP remembered me these old times in Poland... „Deathtrap” is a raw, simple and very melodic death metal’s drive with some thrash influences. This EP has a specific garage atmosphere, this is not bad of course, these „dirty” sounds are their advantage! I like this kind of old school playing metal. „Deathtrap” has power and atmosphere! I would like to hear Era Decay’s CD recorded in a professional studio. 

Reviewed by Vilcin

Rating: 7.5/10

Band: FLOODSTAIN

Country: Holland

Title: Slave to the Self Feeding Machine

Label: BadMoodMan Music

Year: 2010

Style: Stoner Metal

Review:

Floodstain are originally from Holland but they have moved to Spain where they continue their activity. Their second album, "Slave to the Self Feeding Machine", released on BadMoodMan Records is a compilation of 8 tracks that taken individually are pretty good, but as a whole something seems to be missing. If you're a Down fan you might enjoy this, but as I am not, I found it quite difficult to follow. Their Stoner music is heavily influenced by Hardcore and Alternative and even some Thrash Metal hints here and there, the album is at times too soft and at times it becomes quite aggressive, but the final result doesn't sound so curdled as a second album of a band should sound. I found some very good ideas on compositions and I have also enjoyed their instrumental skills and capability to create some good grooves. They seem to enjoy what they are doing pretty much, so why not giving them a chance?

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 7/10

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Band: HAT

Country: Norway

Title: Vortex of Death

Label: Abyss Records

Year: 2011

Style: Black Metal

Review:

This is the first time I'm listening to Hat's music, although they have released a quite well acclaimed debut album in 2009 on the same Abyss Records, and the band was founded in 1993, but I guess back then they were only teenagers trying to get to know their instruments as they have released the first demo in 2008 only.

Anyway, although their name could sound pretty funny, especially for English speaking countries, it really means "hate" in Norwegian, and what I like about it is that they are expressing this in their music also. Their music is full of hatred, raw, razor-sharp, as all bands playing this genre should sound. There is nothing innovative or groundbreaking on "Vortex of Death", but the guitar riffs are creating a perfect ground for an overall dark and freezing cold atmosphere that Hat delivers. There are not so many tricks used on this album, no influences from other genres, no compromises, only pure raw Black Metal skillfully composed. An album recommended to all Black Metal fans.

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 9/10

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Band: HEMOPTYSIS

Country: USA

Title: Misanthropic Slaughter

Label: Selfreleased

Year: 2011

Style: Thrash Metal

Review:

This band is not new to Pest Webzine, a review of their previous EP was also featured sometime in 2010. It's a mistery for me why this debut album is a self-released one after all the raving reviews and awards their EP brought them, but since they have a very good management and I always see them present here and there in the metal media I guess they are much better this way, waiting for the big deal. And yes, Hemoptysis, as I said in my previous review, is a very strong band, perfect to break into the mainstream. If you're a young band, the Mainstream requires your band to step away from the regular "old-school" or better said to spice it with influences, and that's exactly what Hemoptysis does, they are building their compositions on old-school Thrash Death structures but work more on the technical side, somehow melting the "old-school"brutality and aggression to a point where is becomes more accessible to a wider range of listeners. Of course this is tricky, you can loose "your balls" and become a soft piece of shit, but if you have the necessary skills you can succeed in creating some good metal music, and what Hemoptysis does results in a very positive result, just think of a combination of '80's Thrash Metal, German Heavy Metal, and the latest works of Arch Enemy and Carcass. A very good album, very mature and catchy, thumbs up for Hemoptysis.

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 9/10

Contact:

Band: IMMANIFEST

Country: USA

Title: Qliphotic

Label: Selfreleased

Year: 2010

Style: Symphonic Black Death Metal

Review:

Formed in 2008, Immanifest is a six-men-band from Tampa, Florida, the nest of Death Metal, but unlike most of their mates out there they have chosen the Symphonic Black Death Metal path. "Qliphotic" is their debut EP, a 3 tracks release lasting for 16 minutes. Very good music bringing me back to the '90's Melodic, Gothic influenced Black Metal bands, although Immanifest adds a modern touch to that so it freshens up a bit that genre. Solid compositions, majestic atmosphere (there's a long time since I've heard to such a compact sound on such a band), great intrumental execution, variations all over to prevent the listener getting bored, good combination of melody and aggression, all under a dark veil. It seems we have a great promise for the future here, Immanifest is certainly a band to keep an eye on!

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 9/10

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Band: IMPERIA

Country: Holland

Title: Secret Passion

Label: Massacre Records

Year: 2011

Style: Epic Gothic Metal

Review:

I have "lost" a complete day listening to this album for the simple reason that I absolutely loved it. I have just received this and it doesn't happen often that I listen to a release the same day I receive it, but it happened with this one as I was curious how this foxy lady Helena is singing on this third Imperia album. As I am bewitched by how hot she is, I am bewitched by her voice as well, but this album is not all around her, it contains so much more interesting and catchy elements that I am sure it can fit any Gothic Metal (and not only) followers' collections. The guitars are melodic, epic and at the same time aggressively powerful (some healthy, fat sounding Heavy Metal riffs really made my day), the rhythm section is Swiss-clock perfect, the piano and keyboards, plus the violins every now and then are giving the album a dreamy epic atmosphere, and the few electro inserts used on some tracks are like the cherry on a cake. But of course, the highlight of this band is Helena with her voice that can fit any from a pop act to a metal band, very good stuff (except the vocals used on the track "Suicide" that I don't understand if they had any point which one was it). Anyway, don't hesitate to get your hands on this great Gothic Metal album, definitely a prominent one for 2011!

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 10/10

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Band: IN EXTREMO

Country: Germany

Title: Sterneneisen

Label: Island Records

Year: 2011

Style: Medieval Folk Metal

Review:

In Extremo looks like a good, red vine: the older the better. New album called „Sterneneisen” is a explosive fusion with medieval folk metal, some alternative reality, oldschool German’s metal and a lot of powerfully melodic motives. Specific voice of IE’s leader included „hoarseness” which is one on The World. „Sternenisen” is a flow – some fire („Zigeunerskat”), some kicking ass (e.g. „Viva La Vida”), some surprising lyrics ballads but with „the claw” (e.g „Siehst du das Lich”), it is just something like alternative history based on medieval sounds but playing as contemporary folkmetal. In the one side - typical, solid German manufacturing, from the other hand - spontaneous outburst of power. The cover of „Sterneneisen” is a very good mirror of included music: old fighter from I World War as a medieval weapon - this is just In Extremo. A lot of positive pathetic, but a lot of good sense of humour – just in one. I World War as a neo-medieval point of view. Killer album !!! 

Limited edition version included a lot of bonuses, DVD edition too.

Reviewed by Vilcin

Rating: 10/10

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Band: KABAT

Country: Czech Republic

Title: Banditi di Praga

Label: EMI

Year: 2010

Style: Melodic Heavy Metal

Review:

Kabat from Czech Republic was formed in 1983 and at the beggining these guys played thrash metal. Today’s Kabat is a hard’n’heavy band with humorous lyrics about beer, sex, humoristic actions. Album „Banditi di Praga” is a just normal balance beetween urban folk atmosphere and old school heavy metal with hard rock influences. Some songs are based on thrash genre but playing as heavy blues pieces, some songs are old school heavy metal drives, one is stylised on Jaromir Nohavica’s song, he is a very known Czech singer. That’s all Kabat! Album is a good piece of rock, electric blues, heavy metal, hardrock and rockin’ urban folk - at the end of „Banditi di Praga” Kabat plays two extra ordinary urban folk songs. This is apparent monolithic, by intensive listening we can find a lot of different styles of interconnected (heavy) metal buckle.

Reviewed by Vilcin

Rating: 8,5/10

Bands: KIPIELOV 

Country: Russia

Title: Zhyt’ Vopreky

Label: Misteria Records

Year: 2011

Style: Heavy Metal

Review:

Valeriy Kipielov is a legendary person in russian heavy metal. Ex-vocalist of  the most known russian heavy metal band Aria,  found his band called Kipielov a lot years ago.  Fans wait fot this album a long time. Majestic intro and the first track aroused my appetite. Song „Zhyt Voprieky” is the best on this album and it connected melodic, russian heavy metal with progressive influenced sounds. Next track it’s a typical but good heavy from Russia, with power and melody. But in this moment „air escapes from the balloon”.  Next tracks are little commercial, I hear a lot sounds as I can hear in commercial-rock radiostations. But this album is not bad, this is just Kipielov. This is not Ariya’s copy, this is other kind of Russian heavy metal. The last track, in my opinion, is based on DDT band – Russian classic rock band, but this is my opinion, I don’t know. Hovewer, Kipielov recorded quite good album with three kicking ass tracks, the rest is the background to them.

Reviewed by Vilcin

Rating: 7.75/10 

Band: KORGULL THE EXTERMINATOR

Country: Spain

Title: War of the Voivodes

Label: Xtreem Music

Year: 2010

Style: Black Thrash Metal

Review:

Second full-length album for these Spanish maniacs, "War of the Voivodes" is, of course, a homage to the band that inspired them the most, Voivod, early Voivod. The 11 tracks listed here are 100% old-school Thrash Black Metal, a combination of early Voivod and Sodom with the necro feel inspired by Darkthrone. From the start till the end of this release Korgull The Exterminator is full on speed and aggression, repetitive riffs, a few razor-sharp solos here and there, important bass lines and above all a female vocalist that most probably is the best I've hear on such a band, very evil and horror inducing vocal timbre that creates a quite scarry atmosphere. Of couse this wouldn't be possible without a Necro old-school sound, so yes, I would recommend this to all old-schoolers out there.

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 9/10

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Band: KORPIKLAANI

Country: Finland

Title: Ukon Wacka

Label: Nuclear Blast Records

Year: 2011

Style: Folk Metal

Review:

First thought: humppa-metal? ;) The newest Korpiklaani’s album is a powerfully folkmetal attack with pints of beer in hands. This is a rural dance party with metal band. And this is the power of Korpiklaani, one of the best live folkmetal bands. „Ukon Wacka” included 100% folk in folkmetal, this is not keyboard pseudo-ethno effect given to blackmetal genre, this album is authentic FOLK-metal CD.These guys are a good musicians with balls between legs, not in their heads. Humorous lyrics (stylized folk chants), cheerful, authentically popular climate played as a metal style. „Ukon Wacka” will be better to listen to live, I think. I saw Korpiklaani in action on the stage, this is 100% live band.... and Motorhead’s cover „Iron Fist” kick ass, really kick ass !!!

Reviewed by Vilcin

Rating: 9/10 

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Band: LUGUBRE

Country: Holland

Title: Supreme Ritual Genocide

Label: Folter Records

Year: 2010

Style: Black Metal

Review:

Lugubre are around since 1999, but this is only their second album to date. Anyway, what we're treated with on this release is absolutely great, the music ranges from fast Black Metal to very fast and I could say hyper-speed Black Metal, but it has also it's (few, indeed), mid-paced parts that contribute with a majestic atmosphere. The compositions are very good, mature and expressive, so there's nothing out of place inhere. 9 tracks lasting for 40 minutes of pure hatred and rage, an album that needs to be in your collection. It's not often I find a band that inserts so well melodic and majestic parts in their music and still manages to keep it full of brutality and evil atmosphere. Killer album!

Not a good idea for me reviewing such a good album, I can't listen to anything else for the whole day. Eh, it means I'll stick with Lugubre Today and take a break. 

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 10/10

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Band: LYCANTHROPY

Country: Russia

Title: Black Christmas

Label: Glorious North Productions

Year: 2010

Style: Black Death Metal

Review:

First of all I cannot help on commenting on this one: I don't understand why a lot of Black Metal oriented labels nowadays are re-releasing materials from years back, investing a lot of money and effort, instead of releasing new materials when there are thousands of bands out there who are really looking forward to get such a deal. It's the labels' policy, it's their decision, but honestly I don't understand it. 

Anyway, let's talk about this album. Debut album of this Russian duo, "Black Christmas" is composed of 9 tracks, with a total playing time of a bit more than half an hour. The music is definitely based on Black Metal, old-school, raw Black Metal, but there are a lot of influences from old-school Death Metal also, and that's why I've labeled it Black Death. They (the band and label) say it's 100% Black Metal, but I don't agree, the American Old-School Death Metal influences are multiple. Passing over that the music is really good, very aggressive, brutal at times and served with a deep darkened and sinister atmosphere. The short melodic, semi-acoustic insertions are some very good additions also, and the general impression after listening to this album is quite favourable, if you're into '90's aggressive, raw Black Death Metal and you care more about the music than the sound quality, you'll pretty much enjoy this release as I did, everything sounds organic here, even the drum-machine, usually I'm bothered by its sound, but not here. The only fault I can find is the vocals sound that sometimes becomes overwhelmed by the instruments and you can barely hear it.

Reviewed by Adrian

Rating: 8/10

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