FKDDD - Dipnoi (Moonza Rec., 1999)
:This is a MCD from the brazilian band DIPNOI. The band practices a thrash metal style that may bring to the mind some of the great thrash bands of the eighties. Particularly the songs seem to be influenced by bands like Exodus, Anthrax (pre-Sound of the White Noise era) or Testament. There is also some Ride The Lightning-era Metallica influence. The guitars are really tight (Mario Izzo and Marcos Mello are a crushing team with big rythms and tasty solos) and the bass and drums are totally precise in its work. Ricardo Matsumoto´s vocals remind me sometimes of John Bush (Anthrax, Armored Saint), sometimes of the more melodic Chuck Billy (Testament) and also of Phil Anselmo in some parts (this style of vocals I think that can give a lot of identity to the band). Also the rythms and choruses are really catchy and it is no surprising that you will be singing them while you are listening the CD: for example in "Iron". It seems that the band is recording the follow up to this MCD. We will see the evolution of Dipnoi after "FKDDD" to see where the band is heading. This is a great record for fans of thrash metal. Check something about the band at: www.dipnoi.com. My favorite tracks: "FKDDD" and "Iron"
Eclectic Collaborations - Echosilence (Independent - 1998): I have to admit that this four song CD blew my head off. This is an instrumental and extremely technical band. Their sounds remind me of the great CYNIC sometimes and sometimes to bands as Pestilence, Death, Believer or Chick Corea Electric Band. But this guys are really original in what they do and you can see the big influence that jazz have in their music. I have not listened to bands that can mix styles with metal in such a good way as this guys from Estonia. The band is really tight and there are passages where their technical skills really overwhelm you. Since I am a guitar player myself I have to really admire Marek Kivi and Mart Karu guitar work. Also Risto Mötus is a monster behind the drumkit and Arian Levin plays the fretless bass that gives a different touch to their music. Only one thing: We want more !! It seems that they have also an older nine song demo called "… And Sorrow" and they used to have a female singer. I would really like to listen that material. I take my hat off for this superb and young musicians. My favorite tracks: All the CD is amazing. Four songs for lovers of people that can obtain the most from their instruments. www.echosilence.ee
Antipop - Primus (Interscope - 1999): This latest offering from primus shows the band perfecting what they do: this kind of experimental rock with extreme predominance of the bass (courtesy of Les Claypool) with guitars that give power and texture to the band in a Robert Fripp style. Some of the tunes are better composed than others but the overall result of the record is extremely good . The band is in well shape as always and show their skills in every songs. The only thing that I think that they can do better are the vocals but they have made the a lot better than in other albums such as "Pork Soda" or "Frizzle Fry". My favorite tracks: "Eclectic Electric" and "Dirty Drowning Man".
The Gathering - Testament (Burnt Offerings/Spitfire - 1999): The first thing that strikes you of this record is the great sound that it has, courtesy of the mixing of Andy Sneap. Testament has changed his musical approach since "Low" ,the first one after guitarist Alex Skolnick departure, becoming a heavier band with subtle use of melodies and guitar solos. "The Gathering" is the real follow up to "Low" since "Demonic is quite different and more raw. What marks the similitudes between "Low" and "The Gathering" is the presence of guitarist James Murphy rejoining the band. His solos are always great but in this album he seems a little bit restrained, like he could have done much more if he had participated in the composition process. Vocalist Chuck Billy is as versatile and powerful as always (going from death like growls to more melodic stuff with no difficulties) and guitarist Eric Peterson is as always the foundation in which Testament´s music is based. This record has also the appearances in all tracks of Dave Lombardo (Grip Inc., exSlayer) on drums that provide the beats for this powerful music and bassist Steve Di Giorgio (Sadus, exDeath) that shines through all the records (and can be appreciated thanks to the clear sound that the record has. My Favorite tracks: "Riding The Snake", "D.N.R. (Do Not Resucitate)" and "Allegiance".
www.testamentlegions.com
Crowning of Atlantis - Therion (Nuclear Blast - 1999):
After two great albums (three, if we count "A´Arab Zaraq Lucid Dreamin") like "Theli" and "Vovin" comes this MCD consisting in new material from Christofer Johnnson plus three live songs ("To Mega Therion", "Wings of the Hydra" and "Black Sun"). The new songs are quite similar to those that can be find in any of the two above mentioned album with orchestral and chorus arrangements and a lot of female vocals that contribute to the climates in the songs. Particularly interesting are the collaborations of Waldemar Sorychta (Grip Inc.) (solos in three songs plus additional guitars) and Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear, exGamma Ray) that cointributes to the vocals in the Manowar song "Thor". This is a great MCD and leaves you expecting more from the band as always. My Favorite songs: The three live tracks and "Clavicula Nox" (Acoustic version from the song from "Vovin").
Genuine Parts - Wasteland (Independent, 1998):
This is a great thrash metal band from Wolfsburg, Germany. Their style is close to the one practiced by Kreator (Endless Pain, Pleasure To Kill, Terrible Certainty era) with lots of guitar riffs over anguish vocals. Some riffs remind me also of two other great german bands: Sodom and Destruction.
The CD starts at full speed with "Infernal" but the best songs are the ones were the band plays kind of more catchy and rythmic riffs with the guitars, such as in "Heart Winter" or "Mania". There they live a lot of breath for the songs and for the drums to be listened at full capacity. I liked a lot the drumming in this CD, it is clear, rythmic and original and gives a lot of power and speed. Also the guitars and bass are really tight and the songs seem truly rehearsed. A must for fans of german thrash metal. You can buy a CD by sending $12 to Frank Neuberger, Heidkamp 21, 38422 Wolfsburg, Germany. Also you can check information on the band at
Symphonica Millenia - Zanister (Leviathan Records, 1999)
I would be lying if I tell that this is what I was expecting from a group that features guitar masters David T. Chastain and Michael Harris. I expected more from this duo. The music in the CD is good but lacks something and I think that most of the guilt goes to vocalist Brian Sarvela. Comparing him to two great vocalist that were in Chastain´s band such as Leather Leone and Kate French, he clearly looses the battle. I think thatb the band needs a more versatile vocalist that can give the music what it deserves vocally. The rest of the bands is really precise (there is not much room in the music for bassist James Martin though) and there are good solos from both guitarists. There are certain moments that remembered me clearly of Chastain´s main band (like in the opening in "Fighters in the Sky") and others that brought to my mind shadows of Helloween and Yngwie Malmsteen. My favorite tracks: "The Edge of Sanity" and "Feed the Fire".
www.leviathanrecords.com