AMORPHIS - AM UNIVERSUM (Relapse Recs. , 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered at Finnvox Studios, Helsinki - October/December 2000.
Produced by Simon Efemey
Engineered by Mikko Karmila & Simon Efemey
Cover Art / Design:
http://lahco.bombsquad.orgTrack List: 1- Alone, 2-Goddess (of the sad man), 3- The night is over, 4- Shatters Within, 5- Crimsom Wave, 6- Drifting Memories, 7- Forever More, 8- Veil of Sin, 9- Captured State, 10- Grieve Stricken Heart.
This is Amorphis new album !!! Starting were "Tuonela" left, this album has not big changes compared to that one, in fact it is like a continuation of the path started then. Maybe "Am Universum" is a little bit more melancholic, but without losing the strength that was manifested through "Elegy" or "Tuonela". The album opens with two killer tracks: "Alone" and "Goddess" showing all the elements that we know that Amorphis can use. Pasi Koskinen has now taken complete control over the vocals and lyrics (and that has made this aspect somewhat more introspective). There are also elements that can take us back to "Elegy" for example the beginning of "The night is over" with one heavy guitar and wah wah on the other, making that psychodelic sound that characterized the heavier songs on that album. Talking about introspection, I think that here is one of the most ethereal and introspecive songs in Amorphis career and that is "Shatters Within". Amorphis continues on the path they created. Favorite tracks: "Goddess (of the sad man)", "Crimson Wave" and "Veil of Sin" (with saxophone included). Contact:
www.relapse.com En Argentina: furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.
ANCIENT CEREMONY - SYNAGOGA DIABOLICA (Alister recs. , 2000):
Technical Data:
Recorded at Alister Studio - Letwen - April/May 2000.
Recorded and mixed by P. Schu and Ancient Ceremonies. Mastered by Markus Stock.
Cover Art / Design: C. Anderle and Jones.
Track List: 1- Synagoga Diabolica, 2- Forbidden Fruit Sapientia, 3- Soul Darwinism, 4- Choir of Immortal Queens, 5- Deorum Contemptor, 6- Crowned Child, 7- Exodus 10, 28, 8- Creeping Death
The cover art really fooled me this time: I though this was a gothic type band with all the elements that the style has, but instead I found an original black/death metal band with lots of keyboards (and some power metal elements, for example the first riff and keyboard phrases from "Forbidden Fruit Sapientia" made me remind Yngwie Malmsteenīs "Disciples of Hell" ). The amazing here is that the band prefers to use more interesting elements than mere speed, for example great riffs ("Forbidden..." (2:31), some of them reminiscent from eighties thrash metal) or whispering and spoken voices apart from the screaming ones, cleaner parts. "Soul Darwinism" is pure hatred at high speed but it has its subtle elements like for example the guitar/keyboard phrases at 1:12 that completely change the feeling of the song making it sound more epic. This is an album to prove to those who think that the genre is stagnant that they are wrong. The album also includes a cover of Metallicaīs "Creeping Death". Favorite tracks: "Soul Darwinism", "Choir of Immortal Queens" and "Deorum Contemptor". Contact:
www.Alister-Records.de or www.ancient-ceremony.de En Argentina: furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.
ANKHARA - ANKHARA II (Locomotive Music , 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded in.
Produced by
Cover Art / Design:
Track List: 1 - Jamás, 2- Mundo de Odio, 3 - Entre Tinieblas, 4 - Océanos de Lágrimas, 5- No digas nunca, 6-Buscando mi Camino, 7-Quema tu miedo, 8- Junto a mi, 9-Una vez más, 10- Tu sangriento pasado, 11- Ankhara
An acoustic guitar prelude takes us to the harmonic way of Ankhara and to the first song called "Jamás". Heavy/power metal with european sound is whatb this band from Madrid, Spain presents in this, their second offering. What I find specially interesting here are the vocal harmonies and the guitar riffs (check the one in the beginning of "Mundo de Odio"). The music here is also full of double bass drumming, full of solos and guitar phrases and brilliant vocals, courtesy of Mr. Pacho Brea (there are certain harmonies in "Mundo de Odio" that reminded me of King Diamond despite the musical difference). "Entre Tinieblas" is a song that could have been extracted of an Yngwie Malmsteen record (due to the classical guitar phrases and the rhythms). Very subtle arrangements can be find in songs like "Océano de Lagrimas" with twin guitars and interesting solos. A good record for lovers of heavy/power metal. Great vocals on this one, maybe a little more originality is needed. My favorite tracks: "Océanos de Lágrimas", "Buscando mi Camino" and "Una vez más". Contact:
www.locomotivemusic.com . In Argentina: furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.
ASHES TO ASHES - SHAPES OF SPIRITS (Independent , 2000):
Technical Data:
Recorded at Gordon Studio. Engineered by Thomas Sörlie
Produced by Michael Stenberg
Cover Art / Design: Björn Luna, asisted by Shagrath
Track List: 1- Shapes of Spirits, 2-Gabriel, 3-Castle in The Air, 4-The Mourning, 5- Dying Room, 6-Divide and Conquer, 7-Sacrilege, 8-Ad Infinitum
If I mention Norway: what would you expect? Black metal? Wrong !! This band is much more than that, we can label their music as atmospheric/doom/gothic metal (just to give some clue about their sound, I hate labelling musicians) with some symphonic elements. The trully distinctive element here are the combinations of male and female vocals. Starting with a beautiful instrumental intro called "Shapes of Spirits" to the next song, the powerful "Gabriel" with great vocal work (Randi Hoftvedt is a darker Liv Kristine) and a middle riff similar to the one in Deep Purpleīs "Perfect Strangers". And a middle section has a darker and more atmospheric mood. The songs are long and they allow the band to develop a style reminiscent of old Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, Anathema or Theatre of Tragedy (but with much more use of keyboards). This band succeeds in making the listener feel all the sensations that they wanted to transmit. A fundamental release. My favorite tracks: All the album. Amazing. Contact:
atoa@atoa.net
AVERSE SEFIRA - BATTLEīS CLARION (Lost Disciple Recs., 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded in Isotopia Studios, Austin, Texas
Produced by Stuart Lawrence and Averse Sefira
Cover Art: Jonzig, Layout / Design: Erika Swinnich (DS Design and Promotions)
Track List: 1- Battleīs Clarion, 2-Condemned to Glory, 3-Withering the Storm, 4- Deathymn, 5-The Nascent Ones (The Age of Geburah), 6-Argument Obscura, 7-The Thousand Aeon Stare, 8-Fallen Beneth the Earth, 9-Ablaze
I first listened to Averse Sefiraīs music in the Visionaries of the Macabre Vol. 2 Compilation (yes; the one I reviewed on last issue). The band got my atention because of the tightness in their playing and the use of electronic drums. Now, with the addition of a real drummer they develope their style of raw black metal with interesting atmospheres and riffs (check the beginning of "Condemned to Glory" to see some unconventional riffing and drumming). Really rotten vocals and an emphasis on dissonances and exotic melodies are what distinguish this band from others of the same style (check the melody at 2:23 of the above mentioned track to see what I am talking about. Tracks at full speed like "Deathymn" (great middle part at 1:02) are hand to hand with really calm tracks like the third one called "Withering the Storm" that is like an ambient interlude with some nature sounds. My absolutely favorite track in this album is "The Nascent Ones...", really atmospheric (some Slayer and Satyricon influences in there) with great sound like in all the album. A powerful release from this guys from whom I would like to listen more in the future. Favorite tracks: "The Nascent Ones", "Fallen beneath the Earth" and "Argument Obscura". Contact:
ALHuman@aol.com or www.lostdisciple.com
AZRAEL - MAFIA (Locomotive Music , 2000):
Technical Data:
Recorded in M.M. de Monachil Studios, Granada, Spain.
Produced by Azrael y Josué Martin
Cover Art / Design: Sirai.
Track List: 1-Vuela, 2-Tarde Ya, 3-Mafia, 4-Volver a Nacer, 5-Jehová, 6-No Muerto, 7-Alas de Cristal, 8-Saca la Cabeza, 9-Atrapado, 10-Vendiste tu propia vida, 11-El Inexpugnable ocaso del Laberinto de la Razón
What do we have here? Heavy metal directly from Spain, with some electronic touches (great keyboards) and a modern sound in the guitars. "Tarde Ya" opens with a more climatic intro (with heartful guitar solo) before getting into a Helloween-style galloping. Not too original but powerful. In this song the vocalist shines more (eventhough I donīt like him very much). The title track is quite more original in the beginning with some clean guitars. What amazed me more is the great sound that this release has, really clean and loud (I would put a little less flanger to the vocals in some places)!! "Jehová" is one of my favorite tracks because of the lyrics dealing with preachers that fuck people to get their money (includes a radio program sound with the voice of a preacher asking money to the people). My favorite tracks: "No Muerto", "Atrapado" and "El inexpugnable ocaso del laberinto de la razón". Contact:
www.locomotivemusic.com . En Argentina: furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.
BEHEMOTH - THELEMA.6 (Avant Garde Music., 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded and mixed in Hendrix Studios, Poland (July-August 2000)
Mixed by Nergal, Inferno and Arek Malczewski
Produced by Nergal and Behemoth.
Images and Sleeve Design: Graal
Track List: 1-Antichristian Phenomenon, 2-The Act of Rebellion, 3-Inflamed With rage, 4-Pan Satyros, 5-Natural Born Philosopher, 6-Christians to the Lions, 7-The Universe Illumination, 8-In the Garden of Dispersion, 9-Inauguration of Scorpio Dome, 10-23 (The Youth Manifesto), 11-Vinum Sabbati
Do you remember Behemothīs first album? Well, this is a completely different band, the ound in fact is completely different. More polished. The raw black metal spirit is there but done in a much better way with more original ideas. A great surprise is the great production that Nergal has achieved here that emphasize the power of the instrumentation and certain subtle ideas (like guitar lines that are in the background or some keyboards) that would not have had the same effect if the sound had been poorer. It is good to see the evolution of this band in a different way than a lot of others that radically change their style. In fact, the good thing about "Thelema 6" is that it has allowed the band to get better and at the same time evolve in the correct direction, one of originality, personality and better musicianship. Contact:
www.avantgardemusic.com . En Argentina : furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.
DARK FUNERAL - IN THE SIGN... (Necropolis Recs. , 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded and Mixed at Hellspawn/Unisound Studios - January 1994.
Tracks 5, 6 recorded at Abyss Studios - March 1996
Produced by Dark Funeral and Dan Swanö. Tracks 5, 6 produced by Dark Funeral and Peter Tägtgren.
Track List: 1- Open the Gates, 2- Shadows Over Transylvania, 3- My Dark Desires, 4- In the Sign of The Horns, 5- Equimanthorn, 6- Call from the Grave
I have to make a warning here: this is not new material from Dark Funeral. In fact this is the reissue of some difficult to find material from the band from the period 1994-1996. This recording shows us all the trademarks that Lord Ahriman and Company have developed through all this years (obviously in a more primitive way, specially on the first four tracks) raw and fast balck metal with screaming vocals: A thing that maybe was new in 1994 but obviously is not new nowadays. The tracks recorded in 1996 ("Equimanthorn" and "Call from the Grave") have a better sound were you can hear clearly the instruments. Here you can see the evolution of the band that uses more catchy riffs apart from the blast beats that are so common in black metal. Also the first of this tracks has a catchy chorus (screaming Equimanthorn) that reminded me a lot of certain Venom classics. This is a CD for black metal fans or fans of the band that want to have all their material. Favorite tracks: The two newer ones. Contact:
www.necropolisrecords.com En Argentina: furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.
DEATH SS - LET THE SABBATH BEGIN (Lucifer Rising Recs. , 2001):
Technical Data:
Disc One mastered at Nc Gravity Studios, Florence.
Disc Two recorded live during the "Panic Tour 2000" by Ale Dufalini. Mastered at 00 Studios, Pisa.
Produced by Death SS
Cover Art / Design: Steve Sylvester and Massime Dellucci
Track List:
Disc 1 (Studio): 1-Let the Sabbath Begin, 2-Rim of Hell, 3-Let the Sabbath Begin (Pandemonium remix), 4-Hymn of The Satanic Empire or The Battle Hymn of The Apocalypse, 5-Ishtar (Great Mother Goddess Sexy Mix)
Disc 2 (live): 1- Let The Sabbath Begin, 2-Baphomet, 3-Lady of Babylon, 4-Baron Samedi, 5-Equinox of The Gods/Ishtar, 6-Medley (Black and Violet/Inquisitor/Cursed Mama/Chains of Death/Where Have you gone?/ Family Vault), 7-Scarlet Woman
This is a classical band from Italy, whose mainman Steve Sylvester is a cult hero among metal fans of that country. Their record "In death of Steve Sylvester" is a classic. This two CD set is comprised of one disc of studio and remixes tracks and one disc recorded live on tour in the "Panic 2000 Tour". The Studio Disc has an interesting version (Pandemonium Remix) of "Let the Sabbath begin" very close to the original but with some more keyboard touches and faster than the original version didnīt had. For those who doesnīt know the band, they make an interesting mix of hard rock and heavy metal with strong eighties influences and a very modern sound (on keyboards and guitars). "Rim of Hell" is another track remixed here that has an interesting result.The live disc is more energetic but the sound is quite muddy. Thumbs up for the medley consisting in parts of six DeathSS classics and the "Equinox of the Gods/Ishtar" track (more than twelve minutes long) that show what this band can do in front of an audience. A classic band that is still kicking asses. Contact:
www.deathss.com
DEATH SS - PANIC (Lucifer Rising Recs. , 2000):
Technical Data:
Produced, Recorded and Mixed by Neil Kernon for Auslander.
Recorded at Rodgers Studios, Mantova.
Cover Art Concept: Steve Sylvester. Design: Enrico Lauricella
Track List: 1-Paraphernalia, 2-Let The Sabbath Begin, 3-Hi-Tech Jesus, 4-Lady of Babylon, 5-The Equinox of The Gods, 6-Ishtar, 7-The Cannibal Queen, 8-Rabies is A Killer, 9-Tallow Doll, 10-Hermaphrodite, 11-Panic, 12-Auto Sacramental
Strongest Death SS album up to the date, at least talking about riffs and sound !. A short intro called "Paraphernalia" with some keyboard sounds and voices in english and spanish leads us to "Let the Sabbath Begin" a song destined to be a new Death SS classic. The hard rock/heavy metal sound of this band is more evident here and the voice of Steve Sylvester takes new and very different directions (similar to Alice Cooper/Trent Reznor/Kevin DuBrow and many more). "Hi-Tech Jesus" is still more rock and roll with interesting double bass drumming (almost mechanical). I think that what makes this band really special are the hooks that their songs have, you listen to them one time and you are singing the choruses along the record. It is interesting to see how they can mix this more rocking songs with darker ones like "Lady of Babylon" (with Francesca Cassioīs female vocals) or "The Equinox of the Gods" (lot of keyboards here). Originality is what comes to my mind here, because nowadays there are only a few bands trying to do this style of music and trying to experiment with the songs at the same time. Favorite tracks: "The Equinox of the Gods", "Ishtar" and "Tallow Doll". Contact:
www.deathss.com
DIABOLIQUE - THE GREEN GODDESS (Orion Music Entertainment /Necropolis , 2001):
Track List: 1- On through the Night, 2- Remedy, 3- Innuendo, 4- White Nights, 5-Models, 6-Winter Blue, 7-All for You, 8- Elysee, 9-Snowblind, 10-Substancer.
Gothic, dark music with electronic elements and some pop sensibilities. This is how I would describe Diaboliqueīs music. Somber male vocals along with this rhythms designed to tap the floor with your feet are the constant here. On the first song called "On through the Night" you can also hear an encahnting female vocalist who helps to create the depressive atmosphere that reigns in Diaboliqueīs music. "Remedy", the second track made me think about Depeche Mode (this song could have been extracted from their CD "Ultra") because of the way the keyboards and electronics are used and because of the vocals that here are dangerously similar to Dave Gahamīs. The similarities disappear on the next track called "Innuendo" that is much closer to dark pop music than the others. I think this is an album for fans of gothic music and depressive atmospheres. Favorite tracks: "On Through the Night", "Remedy" and "All for You". Contact:
furias@ssdnet.com.ar or in Argentina calling 15-5333-9432.
DREAM DIVER - 606 (Independent, 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded in Soundforge Studios.
Mastered in Powerplay Berlin
Track List: 1-Genau Dies, 2-Headless Procheck, 3-Stonewall, 4-Devil, 5-Gesichtspfand, 6-7/4, 7-Phantom, 8-Tag in Deinem Leben, 9-Cristae, 10-Open My Eyes
The curiosity here is that this band plays somem kind of metal that is sang in german and in english in some places. The vocal harmonies in "Genau Dies Wollte Wohl Keiner " reminded me of Faith No more, od the "Introduce Yourself" album and for example on "Headless Procheck" Chris vocals made me remind Glenn Danzig. Something weird.. I like the overdriven sound of the guitar, who seems to have a lot of space here since the riffs are a cross between metal and grunge or punk. Heavy tunes but with a pop sensibility to construct the songs. I liked a lot the clean guitar in "Stonewall", whose whole feeling is close to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers but with less funky rhythms. Also, there is a weirder side like on "7/4" with the funny vocals and the chorus harmonies that contrast a lot with the sound of the guitar. Really interesting. Favorite tracks: "Phantom", "Tag in Deinem Leben" and "Headless Procheck". Contact:
hstahl@rz.uni-postdam.de
EASY RIDER - EVILUTION (Locomotive Music , 2000):
Technical Data:
Recorded in.
Produced by
Cover Art / Design:
Track List: 1-Blessed, 2-Wormwood, 3-Babylon The Great, 4-Evilution, 5-From the Tribes, 6-Crowns of Gold, 7-, 8-Hiking Mars, 9-Signs, 10-The New Jerusalem, 11-Blazing Fire Victory, 12-When the Thousand Years are over, 13-So Shall Be
Acoustic introduction, with clean vocals ("Blessed"), then heavier parts with good rhythms (the first one from " Wormwood" reminded me of Queenīs "Stone Cold Crazy"). This is the sound of Easy Rider, in the vein of Judas Priest (listen to the beginning of "From the Tribes" to see what I am saying), Primal Fear and bands of the style. Maybe their weak point is originallity (like most of power metal bands nowadays), but they are a really strong band. I think that they must exploti riffs like the ones in "Babylon The Great" or "Evilution" to set them apart from the other bands of the genre. The sound of this release is really a good one and is better than the one that some of the main bands of the style have. Maybe another point to think about is using Eugenio Garañedaīs vocals in a way not so close to Rob Halford in some places. A good release for lovers of heavy metal. Favorite tracks: "The New Jerusalem", "Hiking Mars" and "Evilution" Contact:
www.locomotivemusic.com . En Argentina: furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.
ETERNAL GRAVE - DEMO 15/8/99 (Independent , 1999):
Technical Data:
Recorded in rehearsals on August 15th , 1999.
Produced by Eternal Grave
Track List: 1-Las reglas de la Cordura, 2-Cardiofagia, 3-Nazareno; 4-La Evolución del dolor; 5-Sádico placer; 6-Síndrome de Reinfield
I must say that this Demo is not representative of the bands music anymore, because even if they are playing some of the songs presented here and the style is the same, the lineup that recorded this effort is not the same, having changed the vocalist and the bassist since then. And they have evolved a lot in their way of composing their music. The music contained here is death metal in the vein of Cannibal Corpse or Malevolent Creation, with emphasis on the technical side of the songs (listen to the killer drumming through all this release (and I must say that having witnessed this guy in rehearsal he has improved a lot). Interesting tempo and rhythm changes can be heard for example on "Cardiofagia" or in the beginning of "Nazareno". The two guitars are really tight, specially in the more rhythmic parts ("Nazareno" (0:57) (2:17)). The overall sound is pretty good for being the recording of a rehearsal two years ago. I am waiting for their new material that they told me they will record in August, with better sound and with all the evolution that this band has suffered in this time. Favorite tracks: "Nazareno", " La evolución del dolor" and "Síndrome de Reinfield". Contact:
http://eternalgrave.com.ar ;
EVANESCE - SOWER OF SEDITION (Retribute Recs. , 2000):
Technical Data:
Recorded at Philias Studios.
Produced by Eternal Grave
Cover Artwork: Emma Stuart, Steve Holland
Track List: 1-Inertia, 2-Sower of Sedition, 3-Pathogenia, 4-Autumnal Death, 5-Forever In Shadows, 6-Altars Burn, 7-Winters Sun 8-Second City of Empire, 9-On Wings We Tread, 10-Internal Decadence
A really heavy and strong album !!!! After the intro "Inertia", the title track with its Death-like music surprises us with its great riffs and screaming vocals (thumbs up also for the drumming, specially the parts where he uses the ride cymbal, that are very original. A reference for me here is Death in the Spiritual Healing era or Carcass in ther acclaimed record Heartwork (specially on the vocals) and some melodies, that is fast, melodic, heavy and technical, focusing on the track as a song instead of just throwing a bunch of riffs together. There are also faster numbers like "Pathogenia" with a great melody in the middle (0:40). I think that this guys have a lot of imagination and they can play very tight, just listen to the faster parts with blast beats. Also thumbs up for the great sound, specially on the drums that are really clear and can be appreciated in all their magnitude as in the beginning of "Autumnal Death" or the beginning of "Forever in Shadows (with cleaner guitars playing enchanted and somber arpeggios. A must have. Favorite tracks: "Autumnal Death", "Altars Burn" and "Winters Sun". Contact:
Retribute@aol.com or www.evanesce.co.uk
GB ARTS - THE LAKE (Pavement Music, 2001):
Technical Data:
Produced by Victor Smolski
Engineered and Mixed at VPS Studio, Hamm
Mastered at Pauler Acoustics, Nordheim
Track List: 1-A Voice, 2-The Surface, 3-Silver Rain, 4-Break Free, 5-My new World, 6-The Chosen One, 7-I Canīt Remember, 8-Shadows of faces, 9-Old Warriors, 10-The Darkest is Over
What we have here? A band from Germany playing classical/progressive metal in the vein of bands like Yngwie Malmsteen, Dream Theater, Stratovarius and even Fates Warning (Perfect Symmetry/Parallels era) with a terrible quantity and quality of keyboard/piano and guitars (excellent work of Andreas Beckmann and Andre Rasfeld). This album features also the participation of reknown guest musicians like Peavey Wagner (Rage) on vocals on a couple of tracks, Mike Terrana (Metalium, Yngwie Malmsteen, etc.) doing some narrations, Victor Smolski doing solos on two tracks and second guitar on two others. The sound is really good but I would have mixed the guitar higher and with a fatter sound to give still more power to the songs. What I found really original on this release are the vocal harmonies that are not like the ones used on the above-mentioned bands or in bands of the style (they sound more like harmonies from bands from the seventies, if you know what I mean). Favorite tracks: "Break Free" (some Kashmir-like keyboard parts), "I Canīt Remember" and "Old Warriors" (the most original song of the whole album with different vocals and guitars). Contact:
www.pavementmusic.com and pvmnt@aol.com
GRASS - CIUDADANO X (Locomotive Music , 2000):
Technical Data:
Recorded in Kirios Studios, Madrid, Spain.
Produced by Jesús Arispont
Cover Art / Design:
Track List: 1-Intro, 2-Animal Irracional, 3-Conversión, 4-Código Violento, 5-No hay Color, 6-Skankan, 7-Inocentes, 8-Ahora qué, 9-Mr. Hyde, 10-Tortura Temporal, 11- Yesterday
One of the most powerful bands from Spain, Grass mixes metal, rap, grunge and rock and roll getting one of the strongest sounds in modern metal. Talk about hooks? Listen to the chorus of "Conversión" (this song has a Machine Head like guitar riff) or to the riffs of "Animal Irracional" or the electronic elements and guitar rhythms on "Código Violento" to have just a small sample of what this guys can do. An excelent vocalist called Pekas gives a new dimension to the band (good vocalists that donīt abuse of high pitched vocals are really difficult to find). For those who love curiosities, this CD has an extremely heavy, Motorheadesque version of The Beatles "Yesterday" (full speed one, except on the chorus which sound quite funky with wah wah and stuff like that). If I had to describe this band with one word that would be original. Favorite tracks: "Conversión", "Inocentes", "Mr. Hyde". Contact: :
www.locomotivemusic.com . En Argentina: furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.
IMMUNOAFFINITY - SLAVES OF DNA (Prion Recs. , 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded at Fast Forward Studios - (September 10-14, 2000)
Produced by André Luiz, Leonardo Pagani and Mauricio Meloni.
Cover Art / Design : Andrei Müller
Track list: 1-Slaves of DNA; 2-Industrial Death; 3-Empty, 4-Sucubus; 5-Prion; 6-Involution; 7-Necrophagica; 8-Spiritual Disease; 9-R.Song
Brazilian death metal: brutal, extreme, full of riffs, speed and subtle things to make them unique. This and more is what you will find here. Interesting clean guitars with clever drumming can be find in songs like "R.Song" with a direct main riff and guttural vocals (keep on doing songs like this guys !!!) interesting change at 2:09 of this track with a rocking guitar riff and a really good bass twist. I think this band has a lot to offer, specially on the guitar department like in the riffs of "Necrophagica" or "Sucubus". Another thing that I liked a lot are the clean guitar/bass parts that start "Prion" (reminiscent of Johann Sebastian Bachīs most famous Bourreé) before getting into the heavier parts, also the rhythmic riff in the middle of that song is interesting as a point to get inspiration for other tracks. The vocals are combined with a voice speaking about disease and this along with the riffs give an interesting feeling of "old school" death metal to this particular track. Favorite tracks: "R.Song", "Necrophagica". Contact:
www.immunoaffinity.cjb.net or prionrecords@hotmail.com
ISKRA 1903 - FRANKFURT 1991 (Emanem Disc , 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded at: Portikus in Frankfurt am Main - October 1st , 1991.
Analoguie concert recording by: Rüdiger Carl.
Editing, Mastering and Design by Martin Davidson.
Track List: 1-Frankfurter Memories, 2-After the Interval, 3-Wachsmann Am Main - Solo; 4-Rutherford Am Main - Solo; 5-Guy Am Main - Solo; 6-To the End of the Tape
Iskra 1903 is a trio formed by Paul Rutherford on trombone, Philipp Wachsmann on amplified violins and electronics and the amazing Barry Guy (whom I interviewed a couple of issues ago) on amplified double bass. This recording was made in Frankfurt Am Main on October 1st 1991 and it shows the trio at its best. I think the whole concept of the album spins around "Frankfurter Memories", a track that is thirty three minutes long and it shows Rutherford, Wachsmann and Guy constructing melodies and improvisations against the foundations that each musician provides while the others are improvising. There are no holes in here, no spaces to fill, when one musician stops playing, the others start their games of superimpositions and complementations. I can call this CD a Course in Improvisation or maybe a PHD on improvisational skills. As you can hear in pieces like "Frankfurter memories" or the three solo pieces that are presented here, the skill of this people are above average and they know what they want to achieve. Open your mind and listen. Contact:
www.emanemdisc.com or emanemdisc@aol.com
JAMES BYRD - FLYING BEYOND THE 9 (Lion Music, 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded at Brian Hutchinson Studios, Strange Practical Productions.
Produced by James Byrd
Engineered by Brian Hutchinson
Cover Art: Photo: Robert Whitworth , Concept and illustration: James Byrd
Track List: 1-Flying Beyond the 9; 2-Dark heart; 3-W.T.O. (We Took Over); 4- Nevermore; 5- Everything to Me; 6-Unity (While You Were Sleeping); 7-Paradise Tonight; 8-All of Me (An Allegory); 9- Avianti suite Op.1, Nš63
Guitar God James Byrd has been shredding peopleīs mind with his amazing guitar playing skills since the eighties when he was the main guitarist in Fifth Angel. After Fifth Angelīs disolution he started a solo career with acclaimed albums like "Atlantis Rising" or "Octoglomerate". Now it is time for James to return to action with "Flying Beyond the 9" and this is not an instrumental album it is something in a hard rock vein like for examples Tony Macalpineīs album "Eyes of The World" but heavier. "Flying beyond the 9", the first song is full of vocal ahrmonies and the shredding of Byrd. Michael Flatters is a good vocalist for James Byrdīs music, he canbe commercial when he wants and stronger when the song need it. For those who donīt know Byrdīs guitar shredding, here are the elements that made him famous: fast scales, arpeggios, sweep picking, neoclassical runs and the use of harmonic minor scales and phrygian modes. There is a certain influence of seventies progressive rock in this album, specially on the vocals parts (some Yes in parts of "Nevermore" but drker) and certain Yngwie Malmsteen shades in Byrdīs playing too. There is in this recording also a beautiful instrumental called "Avianti Suite Op. 1 Nš63 with synthesized strings and Byrdīs tastefully playing along. My favorite tracks: "W.T.O. (We Took Over)", "Unity (While You Were Sleeping) and "Paradise Tonight". Contact:
www.lionmusic.com or www.jamesbyrd.com
JON BUTCHER WITH DEREK BAILEY AND RHODRI DAVIES - VORTICES AND ANGELS (Emanem Disc , 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded at: 1-2 The Vortex by Martin Davidson March 23rd, 2000
3-5 St. Michael and All Angel Church by Tim Fletcher May 24th , 2000
Editing, Mastering and Design by Martin Davidson
Track List: 1 -Low Vortex, 2-High Vortex, 3- Rhagymadrodd, 4-Pregeth, 5-Diweddglo
John Butcher, a musician dedicated to take new sounds and phrases from his saxophones (here he uses tenor and soprano saxophones), has joined this time experimental guitar master Derek Bailey (whose collaboration with the Vertrek Ensemble we reviewed some issues back) and harpist Rhodri Davies to make a travel into the weirdest world of sonic improvisation. "Low Vortex" kicks the ball and starts this CD with interesting dialogues between the three instruments, specially is interesting to see an extremely unconventional instrument like the harp being played in such an unconventional manner here. This track is almost twentyeight minutes long and it shows the chemistry between the three musicians (donīt expect classical pieces here because this is something completely different). Those who love experimental music would love this but other people who are not so accustomed could hate it. Favorite tracks: "Low Vortex", "Rhagymadrodd" and "Pregeth". Contact:
www.emanemdisc.com or emanemdisc@aol.com
LILITU - THE EARTH GODS (Vortex Motions Recs. , 2000):
Technical Data:
Recorded and Mixed by Adam Chandler in Athens, GA
Mastering by Blakk.
Track list: 1-Introduction/The Seventh Aeon, 2-Firmament, 3-To Burn Before the Sun, 4-Dead yesterday, 5-Rise and Fall, 6-The Earth We Shall Inherit, 7-The Earth Gods
How sublime and beautiful can be the arrangements that some bands make in their music !! Lilitu is one of this bands that apart from their great musicianship show great ideas and they can translate them to music with extreme quality. The Earth Gods is a record to listen time after time without getting tired of it...the perfect mix between black and gothic metal, full of keyboards, screaming vocals and deep vocals all over the songs. Here we have extensive songs where the band can get deep into your soul with their blackened melodies, with their dark arpeggios, with their obscured guitar phrases, with their black atmospheres and anguished vocals. Some influences of Amorphis, Anathema, Paradise Lost or early Katatonia can be heard here but all mixed down to get Lilituīs personality. The overall sound of the recording is good, bu there are like three sound qualities: one is the keyboard and vocals sound that are really good, another one are the guitars that are maybe a little thin for my taste, and the last one is the drum sound that is really opaque, specially on the snare drum. I think this guys would have shown better their great ideas with a bigger budget that would have allowed them to get a better mix. Apart from this I find this to be like the missing link between gothic metal and death/black metal. Favorite tracks: "Firmament", "To Burn Before the Sun" and "The Earth we Shall Inherit". Contact:
www.emerald-factory.com or www.vortexmotions.com
LOCKWELD - INDUSTRIAL REQUIEM (Dragon Flight Recordings, 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded at 20 Studios.
Artwork: Stephen Hasner
Track List: 1-Black resin, 2-Blue Collar Noose, 3-I know how long your legs are, 4-We Are all Sheep, 5-They are Lost, 6-Bleed through the Scriptures, 7-At the End of a Gun, At the Edge of a Knife, 8-Holy, 9-Industrial Requiem, 10-Stainless Steel, 11-A reading, a teaching and a Jihad, 12-Itīs not me, 13-Feast of the Assumption, 14-4:44, 15-Dissipated Existence
Ambient/noise/industrial would be the apropriate term to describe the sound of Lockweld. A recording full of noises, sound textures and strange climates with some electronic vocals but whose main goal seem to be to explore waves of sounds that can be obtained through electronics. Do not ask for melodies or heavy rhythms or guitars and conventional instruments. The fifteen tracks contained here are very similar and very different at the same time: they all have a similar structure that is developed through the whole track but each track explores a different aspect of the noise/ambient spectre. Only for fans of this kind of music. Contact:
www.holyterror.com/lockweld or www.dragonflightrec.org
LOL COXHILL - DIGSWELL DUETS (Emanem Disc , 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded at: 1-6 Welwyn Garden City (Diswell House) May 11th , 1978
7-16 Oxford (Museum of Modern Art) May 26th , 1978
Track List: 1-First Encounter Part I, 2-First Encounter Part II, 3-First Encounter Part III, 4-Side One Part I, 5-Side One Part II, 6-Additional Ending, 7-Side Two Part IV, 8-Side Two Part II, 9-Very Short Piano Solo, 10-Sode Two Part V, 11-Embraceable Who?, 12-Embraceable You, 13-Side Two Part III, 14-More Substantial Piano Solo, 15-Side Two Part I, 16- I Canīt Get Started
This is an album recorded in concert on May 1978. The first six tracks consist in duets between Lol Coxhill on soprano saxophone and Simon Emmerson on electronics and the other ten pieces in duets between Coxhill and Veryan Weston on piano. Eerie music is the one contained on this recording. Strange atmospheres and phrases are recreated by the musicians with strong emphasis on intuitive and improvisational techniques. The search for new textures to explore with their respective instruments is amaxing...Coxhill makes his saxophone scream, wail, whisper, howl and everything in between. Check as an example the beginning of "First Encounter Part three" to see the interaction with Emmersonīs electronics. For my taste I like more the results in the duets with Weston on piano because of their harmonic quality that it has more cohesion in the way they experiment with them. For example, pieces like "Side Two Part Four" or "Embraceable Who?" show a more melodic side of the duo and a betterinteraction. Favorite tracks: Embraceable Who?, Side One Part One, Embraceable You. Contact:
www.emanemdisc.com or emanemdisc@aol.com
LONDON IMPROVISERS ORCHESTRA - THE HEARING CONTINUES... (Emanem Disc , 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded at: Gateway Studios, London by Steve Lowe - September 4th, 2000.
Editing, Mastering and Design by Martin Davidson.
Track List:
CD 1: 1-Proceeding 3, 2-Concerto for Soft-Loud-Key-Box, 3-Mortonīs Mobile, 4-Fire-In the Air, 5-Dingos Creep, 6-How can you delude Yourself?, 7-Drop The Handkerchief
CD 2: 1-Proceeding 4, 2-Red Rose Theme, 3-Orphy: US, 4-Birthday Piece, 5-Music for Pianos, percussion & Harp, 6-Pulse Piece, 7-Prior to Freedom
I am not accustomed to listen to such big ensembles of improvising people and the feeling is quite strange for me, because I always thought that improvisers or intuitive music bands were smaller. But here they are this ALL STAR BIG BAND of improvisers musicians to demolish my preconcepts through this amazing two CD set. Saxophones, trombones, clarinets, bamboo pipes, violins are all present here to create this sonic symphonies that are presented here. Warning: People afraid of experimenting and not so open minded will be horrified by this music. I take my hat off in front of this group of musicians that can go through experimental tunes like "Proceeding 3" (wave like sounds) or "Concert for Soft-Loud-Key-Box" to name just a couple of tunes. Another thing that amazed me is the use that this musicians do of silences ( an overlooked factor in most musicians) and dynamics, despite being so many people in the orchestra. Open your mind and enjoy this new offering from this selection of amazing musicians. Contact:
www.emanemdisc.com or emanemdisc@aol.com
MÄGO DE OZ - FINISTERRA (Locomotive Music, 2000):
Technical Data:
Recorded in Estudios Box, Madrid, España.
Produced and mixed by Goyo Esteban
Mastered in Masterphonics, London
Cover Art: Gaboni
Track List:
CD 1: 1-Prólogo, 2-Satania, 3-La cruz de Santiago, 4-La danza del fuego, 5-Hasta que el cuerpo aguante, 6-El señor de los gramillos, 7-Polla dura no cree en Dios, 8-Maite Zaitut, 9-Duerme..., 10-Es hora de Marchar
CD 2: 1-Fiesta Pagana, 2-El que quiera entender que entienda, 3-Los renglones torcidos de Dios, 4-Kelpie, 5-Tres tristes Tigres, 6-A Costa da Morte, 7-La Santa Compaña, 8-Conxuro, 9-Astaroth, 10-Finisterra
A childīs voice talking about certain not so good charachteristics of humanity and the sound of a bagpipe start this Finisterra CD. Mago de Oz is a metal band from Spain with great arrangements in their music and with extensive use of instruemnts that are not so common in metal bands like violins, bagpipes, flutes, etc. This double studio CD is a masterpiece that will people that think that heavy/power metal is a stagnant genre. Here, apart from the obvious influences that any heavy metal band has there are melodies that have some oriental touches and some flamenco, gypsy and spanish music too. The more similar band that I can relate them to is Skyclad (eventhough Mago de Oz is completely different in their approach to music than this band). There are calm moments like on the beginning of "La Danza del Fuego" and faster songs and this makes the twenty tracks contained here really easy to listen and not boring. It is really interesting also, how this guys can touch really actual themes in their lyrics making a history through all the album. Really sarcastic lyrics to refer to modern problems along with certain defects that a lot of people have in their minds and souls. Favorite tracks: "La Cruz de Santiago", "Hasta que el cuerpo aguante" and "Los renglones torcidos de Dios". Contact:
www.locomotivemusic.com . En Argentina: furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.
MÄGO DE OZ - LA LEYENDA DE LA MANCHA (Locomotive Music, 1999):
Technical Data:
Recorded in Estudios Box, Madrid, España.
Produced and mixed by Goyo Esteban
Cover Art: Gaboni
Track List: 1-En un Lugar..., 2-El Santo Grial, 3-La Leyenda de la Mancha, 4-Noche toledana, 5-Molinos de Viento, 6-Dime con quien andas, 7-Maritornes, 8-El bálsamo de Fierabrás, 9-El pacto, 10-La ínsula de Barataria, 11-El templo del Adiós, 12-Requiem, 13-Ancha es Castilla
This is the Mago de Oz CD that was recorded before their magnum opus "Finisterra". The story that is told here is the one of Don Quijote de la Mancha a classic of the spanish literature. Violins, bagpipes, keyboards, flutes, everything is helping this spanish sextet to create their music and give them a much needed identity in the fields of heavy/power metal. There are influences here, of course, the most notorious ones are of Iron Maiden (in the twin guitars), Skyclad and Helloween (in the vocals). What I like more here is the heavy use of this unconventional instruments that are not used just to do effects but to make harmonies, melodies, phrases, textures. I find very clever the use specially of the violin (it seems to me that Mohamed the violinist is the key part of Mago de Oz). Another good point for this band are the really interesting lyrics through their songs. Fans of heavy metal and power metal will be delighted with this release. Favorite tracks: "Molinos de Viento", "El Santo Grial" and "El Bálsamo de Fierabrás". Contact:
www.locomotivemusic.com . En Argentina: furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.
MARDUK - LA GRANDE DANSE MACABRE (Blooddawn prods. / Regain Recs., 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded at Abyss Studios
Recorded and Mixed by Tommy Tägtgren. Produced by Marduk
Graphic Design by Roger Forslund
Track List : 1 - Ars moriendi, 2- Azrael, 3- Pompa Funebris 1660, 4- Obedience Unto Death, 5- Bonds of Unholy Matrimony, 6- La Grande Danse Macabre, 7- Death Sex Ejaculation, 8- Funeral Bitch, 9- Summer End, 10- Jesus Christ...Sodomized.
The CD starts slowly...Slowly? Marduk slowly? Yes !! The intro called "Ars Moriendi" is a really melodic and doom like way to begin the CD. But this only lasts a couple of minutes before getting in to the sonic avalanch of "Azrael". What has always amazed me of Marduk but more on each album is their capability of being chaotic and extremely technical at the same time adding more than simple aggression and speed to their songs (B War is one of the best black metal bass players, adding a lot of arrangements to Mardukīs music and the band is really tight and professional). The two instrumental tracks here show this and also a future classical "La Grande Danse Macabre". Obviously this will make short minded people and assholes alike to scream that Marduk have sold out but the fact is that they get better every time without limiting themselves. Favorite tracks: "La Grande Danse Macabre", " Bonds of Unholy Matrimony", and "Azrael". Contact:
www.marduk.nu or regain@telia.com En Argentina: furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.
MERENDINE ATOMICHE - THE HOLY METAL (No-Brain Recs. , 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded in No-Brain studios in Zianigo di Mirano (Venice) between may and august 2000
Produced by merendine Atomiche
Cover Art: Emanuele Tenderini (Godīs Hand)
Track list: 1-War or Peace, 2-Holy Metal, 3-The Truth, 4-The Guardian, 5-Mental Agony, 6-Cd-Rom track with "Holy Metal" video
Merendine Atomiche from Padova, Italy are a really good band that will make really happy to those fans of old and new thrash metal. Why do I think this? Because they have make an interesting alchemy of old thrash riffs in the vein of old Metallica, Testament, Exodus, Sacred Reich, etc. (listen the beginning of "The Truth"), a little bit of modern metal (Pantera, Machine Head, Sepultura) and they have added a modern sound to it (check the drum sound through all the CD ). "War or Peace", the first song has all this elements through its multiple parts and changes. Excelent job of Luca Zandarin on vocals, making a fusion of thrash, death and heavy metal singers, with a lot of personality (which I think is really important in this kind of bands). Excelent work of Luca Cerardi on drums and of David Bisson and Giulia Cerardi who constructs the whole tracks in a really powerful manner. They have also a "Tribute to Metallica" CD and a demo called "Demo 1997". I hope to hear more from them soon. Favorite tracks: "War or Peace", "The Guardian" and " The Truth". Contact:
www.merendineatomiche.no-brain.com or demonheart@libero.it
OF THE WAND AND THE MOON - EMPTINESS EMPTINESS EMPTINESS (Euphonious Recs., 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded at Soundscape Studio, Copenhagen, October 2000
Mastered at Sweep Masterling by Flemming Hansson
Photos by Lars Wahl - Layout by Søren Granhof Schjøtt
Track List : 1-Lost in Emptiness, 2- My Devotion will never Fade, 3- In a Robe of Fire, 4- Algir Naudir Wunjo, 5- Silver Rain, 6- Gal Anda, 7- Hereīs to Misery (A Toast), 8- Can I erase the Demon?, 9- Reficul
This is an album produced, composed and performed under the influence of alcohol and misanthropy as the booklet says. Of the Wand and the Moon is a project of Saturnus guitarist Kim Larsen. And is a really depressive one !! Depressive, but really well composed, since Larsen here is only asisted by other musicians on bass, cello, flute and percussion, and he has achieve a great result, plasmating his emotions on CD. Larsenīs vocals are the main factor to accentuate the sense of anguish, depression and loneliness that the listener gets while listening to this recording. Donīt expect blast beats, donīt expect heavy guitar riffs, donīt expect screaming or guttural vocals, here you have this music that can only be defined as Larsenīs soul reflection. Take as an example songs like "In a robe of Fire" with its slow tempo, with the violin melodie slithering underneath the vocals. The beauty of "Silver Rain" and its acoustic guitars and keyboards...Please, welcome emptiness with open arms !!. Favorite tracks: "Lost in Emptiness", "In a Robe of Fire" and "Gal Anda". Contact:
www.vow.dk/euphonious En Argentina: furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.
ONASSISīDAY - ONASSISīDAY (Locomotive Music, 1999):
Technical Data:
Recorded at Borsing Studios, Aarhus, Denmark.
Mixed by Jan Borsing
Track List: 1-Intro, 2-1000 Little Ways, 3-Domino Circle Effect, 4-4 F.F. (Fucking Freedom), 5-Hybrid, 6-Pockets, 7-Hate, 8-I, 9-Number, 10-Help Me, 11-X-Rules
I can see a lot of influences in the music of Spainīs Onassis Day but none of them are really so strong that you might say that they are a carbon copy: Biohazard, Machine Head, Korn, White Zombie, Alice In Chains, Tool, some other bands of "new metal", etc. I think that this guys want their music to be really direct with few subtle moments (I think the guitars and keyboards give the music in here their more interesting aspects). Good riffs remarking the rhythmic aspect of the music ("F.F. (Fucking Freedom)" is pure Korn 100%). The main feature and the point that I think this band should use more often in the future is the combination between the keyboard phrases with the ultra heavy guitars like in "Hate" (3:00). A promising band with a great sound. Favorite tracks: "Hate", "Hybrid" and "Number". Contact:
www.locomotivemusic.com . En Argentina: furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.
PAAL NILSSEN-LOVE - STICKS AND STONES (Sofa Recs. , 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded in Sofienberg Cgurch, Oslo - February 2001 by Thomas Hukkelberg
Produced by Paal Nilssen-Love. Co-produced by Ivar Grydeland.
Cover Painting: "Tangle" by Terry Nilssen-Love
Track list: 1-No way Out II, 2-Snap, 3-Sweet and Lovely, 4-Butterfly Wings, 5-Gulebøy, 6-Dots, 7-Spots, 8-Fast Colour, 9-B, 10-Hedda, 11-No Way In
Master percussionist/drummer Paal Nilssen Love recorded this CD on February of this year in the Sofienberg Church in Oslo. To express himself as can be heard through all this recording he used three different kits: a stripped down kit (consisting in hihat, snare and cymbal), a conventional jazz kit and an extended kit with additional cymbals, bells and stuff. What can I say? This guy knows how to express himself through his instrument and he has a great technique to play it. I find very interesting the difference between all the tracks here, some of them more complex, some of them less but always imaginative and creative. Tracks like "Sweet and Lovely" or "Butterfly Wings" show how much Nilssen-Love can explore and improvise with his instrument giving new meaning to the term drum playing. Recommended for drummers and fans of experimentation. Favorite tracks: "Fast Colour", "Spots" and "No Way In". Contact:
www.norcd.no/sofa or sofa@norcd.no
PROFANITY - SLAUGHTERING THOUGHTS (Cudgel Agency Recs. , 2000):
Technical Data:
Recorded at the Brickhouse Studio (August-September 2000) by Albrecht Felsenstein and Profanity.
Produced by Profanity
Cover Art and layout by Profanity
Track list: 1-During the Hours of Darkness, 2-Drowned in Dusk, 3-Soultornado - Hate Burn inside, 4-The Springs Within, 5-Giants of Void Vortex, 6-Soulitude, 7-Strangulated with Thoughts, 8-When Colour Becomes Pallor
Germanyīs Profanity have made a really heavy album. Death/thrash metal is the music they play full of souble bass drumming and no subtle things. Music design to crush you down like a ten ton hammer smashed on your head. Thomas Sartor vocals are guttural but at the same time understandable and fit perfectly the mood of the music that the band makes. It is amazing to see that this is a trio, because they have a really full sound, in fact I think that Martl has to make a lot of speed picking on his bass as a second guitar would do to fill every space. Profanity is a band designed to kick your ass and it seems to me that they have achieved their goals with this album (see "Drowned in Dusk" or "Soultornado-Hate Burn Inside" just to name a couple of the tracks presented here). Donīt ask melodies, donīt ask keyboards or female vocals. If brutality and power is what you wnat here is Profanity. Favorite Tracks: "Drowned in Dusk", "The Springs Within" and "Soulitude". Contact:
www.profanity.de or brutal@profanity.de
PYRAMID - THE IMMACULATE LIE (Locomotive Music , 2000):
Technical Data:
Recorded in.
Produced by
Cover Art / Design:
Track List: 1-Epilogue, 2-Hell Freezes Over, 3-Uthopia City, 4-Merciful Lies, 5-One of a Kind, 6-The Mastery of Flight, 7-Show Me, 8-Armageddon, 9-Virtual Superhuman, 10-The Prodigal Son
Pyramid is one of the most interesting bands from the Locomotive Music label: their music can be called progressive and because of the strength that their compositions have this is pure progressive metal. The album opens with a short piano instrumental called "Epilogue" before getting into "Hell Freezes Over with its complex riffs and changes (thumbs up for guitarist Tony Valles and keyboardist Javier Camps). The main influence for this band is obviously Dream theater (listen to the riff of "Hell Freezes Over" (3:32) that could have been extracted from "Images and Words". The main difference with the american band are the vocals from Javier Cespedes that sound really different from James La Brieīs (he made me remember of Toxikīs singer from the "World Circus" album) and the powerful guitar of Valles that is quite different from John Petrucciīs, even if they have a similar style. The songs in "The Immaculate Lie" are over five minutes long each one letting the musicians show all that they can do (specially on "Armageddon" that is almost fourteen minutes long with a lot of parts, changes and breaks). Excellent progressive band that I think in then future will find their identity and place in the progressive metal scene. Favorite tracks: "Uthopia Cry", "The Mastery of Flight" and "Armageddon". Contact:
www.locomotivemusic.com . En Argentina: furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.
QUATOUR ACCORDE - ANGEL GATE (1998-2000) (Emanem Disc , 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded at: 1,8,12 - Middlesex University by Joel Conde e Silva, June 23rd, 1998.
2-7 - Gateway Studio by Steve Lowe - July 14th, 2000 and 9-11 in concert at St. Michael and All Angels Church by Martin Davidson - July 17th, 2000
Track List: 1-One, 2-Slow Getaway, 3-The End of the Beginning, 4-Scraping Through, 5-Fermage, 6-Turnstyle, 7-Eye of the Needle, 8-Two, 9-St. Michaelīs Mount, 10-Not in Fitful Visions, 11-A Box of Lucifers, 12-Three
I am crazy for this experimental string quartet !! Their music simply can not be described with words. First of all, there is a warning: all the instruments here were used without amplification or other electronics. And they sound really electronic in some parts !! Amazing!! There are three double bass solos on this recording appropriately called "One", "Two" and "Three". It is really interesting to see how in some tracks the basis of the piece is constructed over the double bass and cello and in others over the violin and viola turning upside down the scheme of the songs. I think that in this recording the fundamental thing is the experimentation, to break musical boundaries, to explore, to create atmospheres that our ears are not so accustomed to listen. Check for example the phrases in "Slow Getaway" ( 2:50) to see how the instruments interact to give form to the musical piece or the cuasi-noises in "The End of the Beginning" to see how this musicians are always walking on the edge. This are twelve interesting tracks for lovers of total experimentation. Favorite tracks: "Scraping Through", "Turnstyle" and "St. Michaelīs Mountain". Contact:
www.emanemdisc.com or emanemdisc@aol.com
SANCTIMONY - ETERNAL SUFFERING (Father Productions , 1999):
Technical Data:
Recorded at Phoenix Studio - Riga, Latvia.
Recorded, Mixed and Engineered by Janis Levits
Cover Art / Design: Artur Berzins.
Track List: 1 - Christ Church, 2- the Castle Mound, 3- Autumn, 4- the Lost, 5- Eternal Suffering, 6-The Pray, 7- First Cross, 8- Satan Fallus
This is a band of death/black metal with some doom touches that comes directly from Latvia. Their sound is pretty brutal but they have some elements to point out that I think are what this band should use more often: first of all the guitar solos, really tasty, like the ones at the end of "Christ Church", second the more interesting riffs like the one in "The Castle Mound " (1:42)...those are elements that will set this band apart from others of the style. A third point to explore are the slower parts like the one at 2:29 of the same track (with excellent double bass drumming). Full speed is what we found in the beginning of "Autumn" and when we thought this was all in that track, a slower, more atmospheric part appeared (here is another element to explore, the tasty bass licks at 1:02). I donīt know if this band is recording new material but I would like to see how they have evolved since this recording. Favorite tracks: ""The Castle Mound", "Autumn", "The Pray" Contact:
Guntis@it.lv
SKYFIRE - TIMELESS DEPARTURE (Hammerheart Recs. , 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded at Abyss Studios,
Produced, Engineered and mixed by Tommy Tägtgren and Skyfire
Layout / Design: Chrille Andersson.
Track List: 1- Intro, 2- Fragments of Time, 3- The Universe Unveils, 4- Skyfire, 5-Timeless Departure, 6- Breed through me, Bleed for me, 7- Dimensions Unseen, 8- By God Forsaken, 9- From here to Death.
This is one of the albums of the month. One word comes to my mind when listening to this CD: grandiloquence !!! There are only few bands that can make a record like this mixing black/death metal with such perfect clasical orchestrations. It seems that this band has taken the best of the genres, you can listen black metal through all the album, power metal in the keyboards of "Skyfire". I really think that Martin hanner and Andreas Edlund that are in charge of the guitars and keyboards here are people that can be considered keyboard/guitar masters, in total command of the music of Skyfire and in complete control of their instruments. It is amazing the contrast between Henrik Wenngrenīs raw vocals and the subtle and sublime orchestration that the other guys construct around him. This CD will be a classic !!. Contact:
http://listen.to/skyfire or www.hammerheartamerica.com or info@hammerheartamerica.com En Argentina: Icarus Recs. icarus@ba.net
SOILS OF FATE - SANDSTORM (Retribute Recs. , 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded and Mastered at Subsonic Studios.
Produced by Soils of Fate
Cover Art: Jocke
Track List: 1-Life Hijacker, 2-Sandstorm, 3-.44, 4-Stripped Humanity, 5-Half My Blood, 6-Blunted on Reality, 7-Assassins
Form the first pinch harmonics of the beginning riff of "Life Hijacker" until the end os the recording you will find death metal here !!! With extremely guttural vocals that are almost a growl and make some rhythmic patterns in some places with short words, manic solos that could be longer for my taste and great riffs like on "Life Hijacker" (2:17) or "Sandstorm" (1:51) that I think is the point that the band has to explore deeper in the future, killer double bass drumming ( the bass drums sound quite electronic, maybe they are triggered or something like that I think) with our friend Jocke at the top of his posibilities. There are some odd tempos too, like in "Sandstorm" (0:50) and blast beats (just mention this for the fans of speed). The overall sound is good and I would have mixed the guitars a little bit higher with a little bit more of edge and presence....the best here is the bass sound that is really killer through all this release. I would point out songs like "Half My Blood" or the beginning of " Blunted on reality" that are paths for the band to follow in the future. Favorite Tracks: "Stripped Humanity", "Life Hijacker" and "Half My Blood". Contact:
Retribute@aol.com or http://come.to/soilsoffate
SPIRITUAL ECLIPSE - AMARANTH (Hailstorm Prods. , 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded in Five Records Studio - San José (May 2000)
Produced by Spiritual Eclipse.
Track list: 1-Sangue di lupo, 2-Manifesto, 3-Lamentations of the Lingering Soul, 4-Circle of VII
Interesting band of death/black metal from California. "Sangue di Lupo" is called the first track of this CD and it shows all the main features of the band: interesting riffs, melodies, speed in some places, brutality in others, various types of vocals (one growling type and another of the screaming kind). On the second track, "Manifesto", an acoustic intro opens the gates for a doom rhythm and intro, before getting in a full speed death metal track with an interesting riff at 1:29 (I want to hear more riffs like this one in the music of this guys). What I find more interesting in this band is their use of melodies in places where one would not expect it and the use of very slow passages like the above mentioned mixed with hyper speed blasts. Also, another feature to remark is their use of acoustic guitars and whispering vocals. I think they have a good mixture between brutality and elaboration, a godd equilibrium... My favorite tracks: "Lamentations of the Lingering Soil" (strange vocals in there, full of anguish), "Circle of VII". Contact:
http://members.nbci.com/SE7777 or spiritual_eclipse@hotmail.com
STEN SANDELL TRIO - STANDING WAVE (Sofa Recs. , 2001):
Technical Data:
Tracks 1 and 5 Recorded live at Blå, Oslo (November 1999) by Bjørn Magne Idland.
Tracks 2, 3 and 4 Recorded live at Munch-museet (October 2000) by Thomas Hukkelberg.
Produced by Sandell Nilsen-Love and Berthling. Co produced by Ivar Grydeland, Ingar Zach and Thomas Hukkelberg.
Cover Painting: "Flag IV" by Terry Nilssen-Love
Track list: 1-Mural, 2-Standing Wave, 3-Axel, 4-Edvard, 5-Elongate
The Sten Sandell trio is formed by three great musicians: Sten Sandell on piano, Johan Berthling on double bass and Paal Nilssen-Love on drums. From chaotic experimentation to jazz style phrases, this trio follow their path to explore new dimensions. I think this guys are taking as a basis a free jazz style format and starting from there are doing research and exploration on new possibilities. Improvisation and an open mind are essential here. What amazed me most here is the great coherence that all the material has, specially on "Mural" that is a full speed track with great piano lines and an amazing base conformed by Berthling double bass and Nilssen-Loveīs drums. "Standing Wave" starts with Nilssen-Loveīs drum experimentation before getting in a weird sounding passage with Sandell playing only vey high and very low notes and Berthling extracting sounds from his double bass. After this the trio gets into a textural piece with Sandell playing cascades of notes (Gyorgy Lygeti came to my mind). I specially liked here the longer pieces because surprise strucks you from every corner of this tracks. Once more: open your mind and listen carefully to this awesome musicians. Favorite tracks: "Standing Waves" and "Edvard". Contact:
www.norcd.no/sofa or sofa@norcd.no
STRATUZ - SPIRIT SEDUCTION (The LSP Company , 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded and Mixed by David Hernandez at Jam Studios, Caracas / Venezuela.
Mastered by manuel Amengual.
Cover Art / Design: Franklin Berroteran.
Track List: 1- Oh, Ala, Ojalá, 2- Swift Death, 3- Mula, 4- Sleeping Sins, 5- Into the Darkness, 6- Welcome to the Circle, 7- The Last Angel, 8- Return of the Souls, 9- Spirit Seduction
What a contrast !! This CD starts with an introduction with acoustic guitar and harp that sounds a little bit eastern sounding, a little bit latin, before getting into an extreme death metal track. This is death metal directly from Venezuela and they are really powerful, using double bass drumming through all the CD, original riffs and some percussion that enhances the feeling of the CD (like perhaps Sepultura, but more agressive, more guttural, more death metal). Another thing that I like from Stratuz and that I think they should make a trademark of it are the guitar solos that are melodic an technical giving another dimension to the tracks, also there are riffs like the odd-time in "Sleeping Sins" (2:29) that can be very important for Stratuz as an element of identity. To have more elements to consider, check the climatic "Into the Darkness" with excelent riffs and drumming and above all excelent sound (a characteristic of the whole release). Favorite tracks: "Swift Death", "Welcome to the Circle" and "Return of the Souls". Contact:
www.lsp-company.com En Argentina: furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.
SUPERKOLLIDER - SUPERKOLLIDER (Wonderdrug Recs. , 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded at New Alliance Studios.
Engineered by Ken Cmar & Ethan Dussault
Produced by Ken Cmar, Ethan Dussault & Superkollider
Cover Art / Design: Duncan Wilder Johnson, Shaun Mc Carthy and Mimi Boudreau.
Track List: 1-Resolution, 2-Transmission, 3-Mean, 4-Element, 5-Boldface, 6-Painstaking, 7-Human, 8-Blood, 9-Coffee, 10-Lust, 11-Hindsight, 12-Springtime, 13-Sleep
Looking to the over of the CD I expected a more pop sounding band or something more ethereal, but here is Superkollider making me eat my thoughts. Why? Because they make a really modern sounding metal (donīt worry !! This is completely different from bands like Limp Bizkit, no hip hop here). The band that came into my mind more often when listening to this was The Almighty in their heaviest format ("Crank" era), I think specially in the vocals parts and the hooks. The riffs are a cross between metal, hardcore and alternative music with a really fat sound in the guitars. Songs like "Transmission" and "Mean" have enough power to shatter your ears with their crushing riffs and fans of metal and hardcore would most likely be satisfied with this band. Songs like "Element" take a more metal approach in the vein of say Soulfly or Roots-era Sepultura. The thirteen songs here are totally certifuing that you will bang your head along them. Favorite tracks: "Transmission", "Painstaking" (really Almighty) and "Human". Contact:
www.wonderdrugrecords.com and www.superkollider.com
THE FORSAKEN - MANIFEST OF HATE (Century Media , 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded and Mixed at Abyss Studios, August 28 - September 15, 2000
Engineered and Produced by Tommy Tägtgren.
Cover Art / Design: Mike Bohatch.
Track List: 1- Seers Hatred, 2- Deamon Breed, 3- Betrayal Within Individuals, 4- Collector of Thoughts, 5- Soulshade, 6- Intro/Manifest of Hate, 7- Dehumanized Perspective, 8- Truth of God, 9- Incinerate, 10- Inseminated by The Beast
Why do you think that so many great bands come from Scandinavia? Is it a cultural reason? Is it the climate? Is it the history of their nations? I donīt know what really is but here is another great band from those lands, this time directly from Sweden. The band has a sound that is not that much original (I would call it like a more modern Gothenburg sound ) and they have the amazing Tommy Tägtgren mixing and producing this recording and that gives them an extra point and extra clarity in the way their instruments sound. This is one of those releases that have no mercy for the listener, going at full power from the beginning with "Seers Hatred" to the end with "Inseminated by the Beast". I find some similarities with At The Gates, and with Dark Tranquility ("The Gallery" era) but those similarities are not so evident. Perhaps they should emphasize riffs like the ones i"Betrayal Within Individuals" that are trully original and the twin guitar solos. Favorite tracks: "Collector of Thoughts", "Dehumanized Perspective" and "Incinerate". Contact:
www.centurymedia.com.br En Argentina: furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.
TRANSILVANIA 666 - IRON MAIDEN TRIBUTE (Locomotive Music , 1999):
Technical Data:
Recorded at Box Studios, Madrid, Spain - July/September 1999.
Engineered by Sergio Marcos
Cover Art / Design: Carlos Diez.
Track List:
CD 1: 1-Run To the Hills (Avalanch), 2-Flight of Icarus (Tierra Santa), 3-Charlotte the Harlot (Lujuria), 4-The Evil that Men Do (Azrael), 5-Wasted Years (Skunk D.F.), 6-Wrathchild (Grass), 7-Fear of the Dark (Demonios), 8-Revelations (Twilight)
CD 2: 1-Strange World (Mago de Oz), 2-The Trooper (Easy Rider), 3- Phantom of the Opera (Ankhara), 4-Powerslave (Pyramid), 5-Running Free (Tea), 6-Holy Smoke (Aerobitch), 7-Moonchild (Sentinel), 8-Children of the Damned (Dracon)
This is an Iron Maiden made by Spanish bands and the really interesting thing here is that each band interprets the Iron Maiden classics in really personal versions. For example Tierra Santa starts their cover of "Flight of Icarus" in a very slow way, very different from the opriginal, or Aerobitch makes a punk rock version of "Holy Smoke". I think this is much better than doing the classics in the exact same way than Iron Maiden did. It is good to see that the song choice has taken tracks from Paul Di Annoīs years in Iron Maiden. Obviously there are results that are better than others, for example Azrael make a good version of "The Evil That Men Do" (a little bit more thrashy), on the other side there is Skunk D.F. with a really modern version of "Wasted Years" (the vocals miss some of the feeling here). A very tasty tribute with excellent versions like "Strange World" done by Mago de Oz or "The Trooper" done by Easy Rider (perhaps the vocals here are a little bit thin for my taste). Contact:
www.locomotivemusic.com . En Argentina: furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.
TROLL - UNIVERSAL (Voices of Wonder / Head Not Found , 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded at Frogner Jern&Metall - February 2000.
Fiddled and Fixed by Sensei Ursus Major - Mastered by Neon Heart Inc.
Cover Art / Design: Enclave Design.
Track List: 1- Intro: My Sulphur Lover, 2- Rex Lamictal, 3- Sannhetens Plagiat, 4- President Besters Alimony, 5- Intermission 666, 6-Entering the Fluid Oxygen, 7- Color of Evil, 8- Fields of a new Sun, 9- Outro: Please the Pain
This is kind of a norwegian supergroup formed by Nagash (Covenent, ex Dimmu Borgir) who is called here Notorious Nagash and Hellhammer (Mayhem and a thousand more projects) with the help of Sinister Minister Twice, Sensei Ursus Major and Amon-D. The music contained here is almost indescriptible...a kind of death/black metal with a lot of industrial touches (in the background there are always present some weird noises and the vocals are completely deformed by effects). Songs like "Sannhetens Plagiat" are really chaotic and congruent at the same time (in fact this one has an interesting "calm" part before entering on the main riff) and the lyrics in third track are in Norwegian. I find this interesting because of the difference between this project and the others that this guys have, this is kind of weirder ( the more similar track to mayhem for example is "President Besters Alimony" but with vocals that are completely different). Fabvorite tracks: "Sannhetens Plagiat", "Entering the Fluid Oxygen" (reminded me of The Kovenant more electronic sound) and "Fields of a new sun". Contact:
www.vow.dk En Argentina: furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.
ULVER - PERDITION CITY (Jester Recs. , 2000):
Technical Data:
Conceived, performed and recorded by Trickster G. And Tore Ylwizaker.
Mixed by Tore at Beep Jam Studio
Cover Art Concept: Esben Johansen
Track List: 1- Lost in Moments, 2- Porn Piece or the scars of cold kisses, 3- Hallways of Always, 4- Tomorrow never knows, 5- The future sound of music, 6- We are the dead, 7- Dead City Centres, 8- Catalept, 9- Nowhere/Catastrophe
WARNING: This is not a metal album. And certain close minded fans of Ulverīs release "Nattens Madrigal" will be more horrified with this "Perdition City" than with its predecessor that was also swimming in the seas of electronics. For me this release is as excellent as all Ulver material and one thing that I like from this guys is that they do what they want without thinking about what people would say about them. The material in "Perdition City" (which was financed by the Norwegian Ministry of Cultural Affairs) is, like the subtitle says the music for "an interior movie" and that is how one must listen to this. There are no signs of black metal here, just excellent compositions with the use of keyboards, saxophones, guest musicians and female vocals. Anything here is done to give life to that movie: from the jazzy sounds of "Lost in Moments" to the techno like "Tomorrow never knows", to the clean vocals in some places , to the almost ambient beginning in "We are the dead". Favorite tracks: The whole album. Contact:
www.jester-records.com En Argentina: furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.
UNDROP - UPROOTED (Locomotive Music , 2001):
Technical Data:
Recorded in Undrop Govardhan Studios, Vrajamandala, Spain.
Mixed in kirios Studios, Madrid.
Produced by Tomas Rundquist
Cover Art / Design: Undrop, Locomotive.
Track List: 1-Lion, 2-Lets Take a Trip Down Memory Lane, 3-Moonlike Face, 4-Cyber Head, 5-The Mine Field, 6-1+1=3, 7-Elevation, 8-Without Roots, 9-Ragga, 10-Go Beyond Matter, 11-Calling Gopinath, 12-Live Today, 13-Crazy 4 U, 14-Positive !, 15-Mashed Potatoes Part II
A strange band. This the way I would define Undrop. While listening to their music some names came into my mind: Nirvana (listen the vocals in "Lion" specially when he screams Lioooon !!!) , The Police, Stone Temple Pilots, Soundgarden, Adrian Belew, Beatles, some old style jazz guitarist (Charlie Christian?) and many many more. The result here is a really melodic album with an emphasis on hooks and in harmonies (some of them more weird than what one should have expected...heavy use of flat fifths in some choruses and prechoruses). Listen to "Moonlike Face" for to see what I am talking about, they start with a simple punk style and then they gate into a more interesting poppish/ grunge style or maybe check the opening of "Cyber Head" with the use of tremolo bar in the guitars and clean arpeggios through the verses. There is also a use of MIDI Guitar in there that sound almost like a keyboard in some parts like in "1+1=3". Interesting. Favorite tracks: "Moonlike Face", "Elevation" and "Without Roots". Contact:
www.locomotivemusic.com . En Argentina: furias@ssdnet.com.ar or calling 15-5333-9432.