PEACE SANCTUARY
«Defy The System»
MIA Records
This fucking sucks my ass.
This has to be the worst metal album of this decade, as it defies all of
which metal stands for. Crappy ass boring power / muscle metal which
makes me want to fucking puke. These people are a complete waste
of life, and deserve nothing but complete and total extermination.
Someone should build a concentration camp for pathetic souls such as these.
A nice attempt by MIA to make some quick cash off a wanna-be commercial
band. I vomit on these worthless Christian cocksuckers. (AndyHarris)
PUNCTURE
«Puncture Immune»
MIA Records
Following the release of their
rather generic sounding s/t a couple years back on Century Media, PUNCTURE
have returned with «Immune», basically an album offering much of the same.
All the typical and tired industrial requirements are in check: crunchy
guitar riffs, drum machines providing a dance edge, and let's not forget
the most important element, the oh so angst ridden distorted vocals.
This album isn't a complete snore, songs like «Constrict Command» and «Pipe
Fitter» do entertain, but it's not enough to save the whole thing.
It really is too bad to see the once innovating and flourishing industrial
scene grow so damn stagnant. (Dallas Elmhurst)
PURITY
«Built»
Black Mark Productions
This is a curious release from
Black Mark Productions, as it seems to point more towards mainstream heavy
metal. One would think Black Mark to be persuing a course like Metal
Blade in their pusuit of picking up cheese bands, but I am weary of this
release once again (like the WORLD OF SILENCE release). This bands
tends to want to sound mainstream, and they do, but I feel they do it with
integrity (like WORLD OF SILENCE). PURITY seems to compose in the league
of power metal, hard driving metal, et al. I rather like the vocals
here, although they sometimes remind me of the new and pathetic METALLICA
sound. The layout in the CD packaging is also quite original and
impressive as well. I think this is a good release and I feel Black
Mark has made a decent decision in signing this Finnish act. (Mike
Riddick)
THE ROCKING DILDOS
«On Speed»
Kron-H
rating: BULLSHIT
Here is a release coming from the
avant-garde side label of France's Osmose Productions. This is a
very odd release I feel... perhaps an attempt to revive some dead form
of heavy metal? This sounds like old-school hard core mixed with
some old metal influences. There is a slight touch of humour embodying
this work, perhaps akin to the work of past bands of this nature. Songs
like «Race With The Devil» and «Vegetarian Cunts» purveys this idea quite
well. These people seem to be obsessed with sexuality in their lyrics
and other lame things (like M.O.D. or something). It is apparent
that some simple minded heavy metallers are behind on this act (it’s
just hollow-minded Mika of IMPALED FUCKING’NAZARENE - ED), or
perhaps they are faking their stupidity to inculcate an atmosphere long
gone in the metal scene? Judge for yourself and listen. (Mike Riddick)
SPITINK DEVILS
«For Buttsuckers And Other Fuckers»
Diehard Records
And in this corner, busting out
some brutal hardcore jams, Denmark's SPITINK DEVILS! Danish hard
core??? Hey, who says a genre has to be exclusive to a certain region
of the world? Actually, to say that SPITINK DEVILS play run of the
mill hard core would be an unfair and untrue remark. What makes their
hard core - punk approach different is the incorporation of a slight industrial
edge. Luckily, it's tasteful and only adds to their already hyper
hard core attack. Check out the cool cover of the RAMONE’s tune «The
KKK Took My Baby Away». (Dallas Elmhurst)
STRAPPING YOUNG LAD
«City»
Century Media
Upon receiving this CD, I first
expected some corny alternative trash coming from the Century Media office,
however, I was quite surprised to discover otherwise! This CD devastated
my stereo with a heavy onslaught of powerful electronics, distorted guitars,
and viscious sampling / vocals. This has to be one of the most well
produced, rawest, and heaviest discs in my collection. A superb production
permeates the entirety of this release! This is absolute diversity which
links metal qualities with those of the industrial genre. The frontman
of this project, Devin Townsend is already well received by his past work
with acts like Steve Vai's band, FRONTLINE ASSEMBLY, IR8, WILDHEARTS and
G/Z/R. I recommend this quality release to any fan drifting between
the death genre and that of the hard industrial scene (ala FEAR FACTORY,
et al). This will make your ears bleed! (Mike Riddick)
QUORTHON
«When Our Day Is Through»
Black Mark Productions
rating: 1 of 6
Woah! I was quite shocked
when playing this MCD out of Black Mark. It is understandable that
Quorthon would be released via Black Mark due to the BATHORY relation to
Black Mark Productions, etc... though when I played this disc I thought
I had accidentally turned my radio onto the local alternative radio station!
Though this is well played and performed, I must say that this music has
nothing to do with either black metal or death metal, let alone any sort
of hard metal all together. This is music that you would hear in
the background of Beverly Hills 90210! So I suppose if you are interested
in this sort of thing then by all means pick up Quorthon, otherwise do
not let the past BATHORY conceptions trick you into purchasing this.
I can picture Quorthon up there with bands HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH, SMASHING
PUMPKINS, et al. One tasteful note about this MCD is the excellent
copper coloured layout and overall packaging. (Mike Riddick)
TAD MAROSE
«A Mended Rhyme»
Black Mark Productions
Sweden's answer to FATES WARNING
are back with a vengeance and blazing a trail with a new album that's sure
to make them popular among the progressive metal set. «A Mended Rhyme»
is nine tracks of melodic metal and flourishes under new vocalist Urban
Breed who has a different delivery than his predecessor Kristian Andren.
Breed has more of a Dio rock 'n' roll style delivery and fits well with
the slightly more aggressive style of the band. «The Dragon Tide» shows
Breed at his best in one of the heavier songs on the albums as well as
displaying his vocal range with melodic meanderings to sub-sonic screams.
For those fans that like it a little softer check out the title track.
It's a song that implements keyboards and sound heavily influenced by DREAM
THEATRE but is still performed well and is one of the albums gems. The
albums not all tea and roses though as «Time Of No Sun» shows nothing new
by the band and the electronic element of the music, keyboards, etc., is
actually overbearing and overused. However one bad song does not an album
make and for the most part «A Mended Rhyme» will be the worth the price
you paid for straight ahead melodic metal. (Alex Ristic)
SAGITTARIUS
«Jole’s Joke»
Voices Of Wonder
rating: 4, 5 of 6
Well, now this is something we
should call «progressive». Really long songs, clean vocals (sounding a
lot like Swithjod’s of IN THE WOODS) and intelligent, melodic music with
pleasant guitar solos and definite variety. I’m not the one, who knows
this kind of music as good to judge if SAGITTARIUS are original or not,
nor did I hear their former CD - therefore I can’t say much about innovations
which this Norwegian guys brought into their music with second album...
«Jole’s Joke» is not a sort of music I listen to every day, but sometimes
it can be listened with pleasure... despite the fact that it happens very
rare. (Herr Stalhammar)
ICED EARTH
«The Dark Saga»
Century Media
rating: 2 of 6
What the fuck is this shit?
I never liked this pathetic band and I feel as if I never will. Every
LP is more laughable than the last. How does Century Media sell this
poser crap? What a waste of space. (Andy Harris)
CAPTOR
«Drowned»
Diehard Records
This is typical muscle metal as
commonly found on Diehard. Nothing new or exciting here. Once
again a genre which I hate and simply despise in all aspects. If
you like muscle metal in the vein of CROWBAR or MILKFISH, you'll like CAPTOR.
I fucking hate it. (Andy Harris)
KILLING SPREE
«Terror From Beyond Space»
Napalm Records America
rating: 5 of 6
This band first caught my intriguing
with its line-up featuring Rob Nicholson (ex-cult speed / core metal band
CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER) and bassist Vince Dennis (who has worked in the past
with PRONG). Though some of you may be familiar with the two aforementioned
acts, I must say that KILLING SPREE comes off sounding nothing like the
two, as they maintain their own unique blend of pseudo industrial influenced
death metal. Sometimes reminiscent to the likes of WHITE ZOMBIE,
though still far from it, KILLING SPREE bombard the listener with a variety
of sound samples, effects, heavy guitars, and powerful tribals (sometimes
deviating from the conventional drum kit). This CD has a high quality
production with a pristine and tight sound. To further add to the
unique nature of this band, there is a mild concept involved regarding
alien invasion and abduction themes... incorporating 1950's theatrical
themes and modern reports (i.e., alien autopsy, etc). This is emphasized
with the interesting packaging (sometimes humorous though still dramatic)
and the blunt design of the 'schwa' alien head icon on the CD (in textured
print!). I must say that this is a superb release and I feel it can
compare and compete with the larger bands of the genre. A well produced
effort from this talented group of individual musicians. (Mike Riddick)
GRIP INC.
«Nemesis»
Metal Blade Records
With a great first product GRIP
INC. and Dave Lombardo in particular proved that they were a forced to
be reckoned with in the heathendom of heavy metal. With there sophmore
release «Nemesis» GRIP INC. show that they can evolve as well. The same
brutal skin pounding and writhing guitar are evident in the opening track
«Pathetic Liar» but a groove has been introduced. The songs are more catchier
and while they're not going to get any AOR attention it does make a lot
of tracks more powerful with the effect of making you want to mosh in time
to the music. Even with slightly slower tracks like the purposed first
video «Scream At The Sky» show that GRIP INC. is using different song writing
techniques, incorporating keyboards and a slower tempo to produce a different
kind of good and heavy music. The power of tight writing hasn't been lost
on GRIP either as the album clocks in at just over 37 minutes showing their
compatriots in SLAYER that GRIP can write quick hard hitting music, and
actually compared with the latest SLAYER offerings GRIP does it better.
(Alex Ristic)
THE MIST
«Gottverlassen»
Repulse Records
rating: 5 of 6
When a band comes from Brazil it's
inevitable that SEPULTURA comparisons arise, but what happen when you were
actually a member of SEPULTURA? Obviously influences have carried over,
but not as much as you think. THE MIST owe just as much to SLAYER as they
do to Sep, which is minimal. They rely mostly on their own complained
is that the songs are a little to long as their musical ideas are a bit
on the simple side. (Dallas Elmhurst)
MORTALITY
«Structure»
Warhead Records
These blokes play some pretty harsh
and heavy hard core music. They have a very metalic production which
kind of gives them a Panteraish sound, but don't get me wrong; they blow
PANTERA away! Not that PANTERA is anything to rave about anyhow.
If you are ever in the mood for some hateful music then buy «Structure»,
its sure to get someone hurt! (Mark Riddick)
DRILLER KILLER
«Fuck The World»
Osmose Productions
rating: BULLSHIT
What the fuck is Osmose doing now?
DRILLER KILLER is some kind of crappy fucking hardcore bullshit outfit
which I never expected to be label mates with the likes of MARDUK, INFERNO,
BEWITCHED, etc. Now I like the changes Osmose has done so far with
INFERNO, GEHENNAH, etc., but this is just too fucking stupid. With
more releases like this, we shall see Osmose as a thing of the past. (Andy
Harris)
ERASE
«Mental Overdose»
Morphine Records
I'm starting to get sick of all
of these crew cut / shaved head tattooed muscular guys playing pointlessly
lame I wanna-be BIOHAZARD pseudo hard core / death crap. I don't
know who the hell buys this trash and why labels release it but it happens
and it's flooding the metal scene like a plague. Don't waste your money
or time on this overloaded rehashed boring dung. (Mark Riddick)
GUILT
«Further»
Victory Records
Guilt are on Victory , but they
are definitely not hardcore. This is weird, sometimes mellow, sometimes
rowdy indie rock from Kentucky with something to say. Since this
is a EP their are only six songs, ironically they are all named «Untitled».
(Rodney Pawlak)
WORLD OF SILENCE
«Window Of Heaven»
Black Mark Productions
When first playing this CD I had
very mixed thoughts about it. It seems Black Mark initially released
many excellent underground death metal bands, though they seem to occasionally
release items that fit in the likes of what Century Media works on (i.e.,
an occasional cheese sounding band). Initially, I thought WORLD OF SILENCE
was another to fit the defintion of 'cheese' though my thoughts altered
after listening to this album for a short while. Though this band
does have a very mainstream sounding edge (perhaps very akin to the style
of QUEENSRYCHE), I would have to say that WORLD OF SILENCE execute a rather
original style (and sound on occasion). This album is quite varied, with
very good muscianship present. At times it reminds me of old style
heavy metal (ala DIO, SCORPIONS, etc.). This band is actually quite original
and I do not think Black Mark has made a mistake in picking them up.
Another bonus is the talented cover artwork by Juha Vuorma. If you
are a fan of well produced and tight, melodic metal music then this is
definitely fitting. (Mike Riddick)
BLACKMORE'S NIGHT
«Shadow Of The Moon»
BMG / RCA
rating: 5, 5 of 6
This is an excellent folk album
featuring DEEP PURPLE’s guitar extravaganza, Ritchie Blackmore, and Candice
Night on vocals with an excellent minstrel hall consort. The music
is played with electric and acoustic guitars, bass, mandolin, drum, tamborine,
keyboards, recorder, trumpet, french horn, cello, viola, and violin.
The music is dominated with a medieval folk fashion with some self composed
songs and some new versions of traditional songs. I recognized the
music in «Magical World» as it is exactly the same as FAITH & THE MUSE’s
«A Winter Wassail» contribution to the Projekt Records «Excelsis» Christmas
compilation. Blackmore's Night takes on an eighties rock feel in
the track, «Writing On The Wall» which has the typical epic synth sounds
in it. Every track on this album is praise worthy. I recommend
that you pick up the American version instead of the Japanese import because
it has a remix of «Minstrel Hall» as a bonus track. This is a must
for anybody who is fascinated by the middle ages! (Mark Riddick)
EXXPLORER
«ColdBlackUgly»
Massacre Records
This is shit! Okay, who sucked
who's dick to get this band signed? Poser fucking crap which sounds
like they're trying to be TOOL or something. I cannot believe anyone
could listen to this! Stay far from this pathetic band! (Andy Harris)
8-RED
«Undervalued Feelings»
DieHard Music
Good production and catchy songs
make this a good hardcore album. 8-RED are a band that I would love
to see live. This is a cool album from start to finish, but I have
to admit that the acoustic intro to start the instrumental title track
«Undervalued Feelings» took me by surprise. Perhaps that's why they
chose it to close the album. (Rodney Pawlak)
FLOODGATE
«Penalty»
This is definitely not what I was
expecting FLOODGATE to sound like, considering that singer Kyle Thomas
was the vocal executioner for the near legendary EXHORDER. «Penalty»
is really nothing more than retread Southern fried blues / doom metal in
the vein of DOWN and latter day C. O. C., minus any sort of originality.
It's hard to believe that this is the same guy that released the insane
«Slaughter In The Vatican». (Dallas Elmhurst)