DARK AVENGER
“Dark Avenger”
Scarlet / BL Music
rating: 4, 5 of 6
Guess where did they take their bandname, huh? Something tells me it’s a song by MANOWAR. Nevermind, though. These guys come from Brazil and their style is heavy metal. Yes, again. It’s less commercial and tight than ANGRA, also less tranquil, and I guess that’s for good. Mario, the singer, has an extremely good-sounding voice, although sometimes he contrives to sign in a rather irritating manner; and I guess it’s needless to say that guitar passages as well as rhythm section are all worked our very carefully playing- and sound-wise, so I wouldn’t say this CD has any shortcomings on musical side. Shame on them if they had, actually. The songs appear as one common canvas, although it doesn’t mean they’re similar to each other. Most of ‘em possess their own atmosphere, performed and composed differently, especially such tracks as “Ghost Divinity”, “Madelayne” and “Green Blood”. While the opening one, “Armageddon”, as well as “Who Dares To Care” really suck, let me tell you that. Obviously, this album gets better in the end, and that’s definitely a weird thing… however, “who dares to care” anyway, heh heh… If METAL CHURCH didn’t fail miserably with their “Masterpeace”, they could sound like this. I hope their second effort will be more complex and “complete”, though. And while now – only ‘4, 5’ of ‘6’. (Herr Stalhammar)

IS PAIN
“1999”
Goldtrack Records
rating: 5 of 6
Carrying such a weird name (Spain – “Is Pain”…?) comes the neophyte (born in 1997) band from Pyrenean peninsula, city of Madrid. Their style is melodic atmospheric heavy metal at it’s best. Furthermore, I would dare to say that it’s nearly 100% original (almost a nonsense in heavy metal!), although reminding of US’ MAGNITUDE 9 at times (similar choirs, similar synths…) Daniel Garcia has a pleasant voice, a bit husky, though still clear (however, his singing is far from Eric Adams’ or Joacim Cans’ perfection… more close to that of Kai Hansen (circa “Powerplant” by GAMMA RAY)). The sound is absolutely amazing (and that’s no surprise, because “1999” was executed in one of the best Spanish studios and mixed and mastered by Timo Tolkki (!) at the Finnvox place), and I feel that I should say the same regarding musicianship, especially if talking about Ismael Luengo (keyboards) and Javier “Lucky” (drums). Most of the songs have rather complicated structures, featuring memorable melodies and refrains in the same time, just listen to “Two Days In Paradise”, “Moving Over” or “Not From God”! Well, in general, I believe that “1999” is one of the most successful releases by Goldtrack to date… moreover, I’m sure that IS PAIN is one of the most strong and serious pretenders to the European heavy metal throne. A MUST. (Herr Stalhammar)

RHAPSODY “Symphony Of Enchanted Lands” /
LUCA TURILLI “King Of The Nordic Twilight”
Limb Music Products
rating: 6 of 6 (both)
I don’t see a single point why I can’t give these CDs a highest mark. Both are just perfect, you see. And furthermore, I don’t see a single point why I can’t write a so-called “combined” review this time, since Luca Turilli is the mastermind behind RHAPSODY anyway. Ok, let’s start with “Symphony Of Enchanted Lands”. It’s appearance was the thing (not the last one, though!) that shocked me. Y’know, I haven’t seen albums looking in such a magnificent way for centuries! It’s useless to describe either artwork or layout, since this is the kind of art one should behold with his own eyes. And yes, the music this CD features is as fantastic as it’s appearance. To put it short, this is symphonic power metal, but this is the kind of case when human language becomes too poor, unable to describe the uniqueness of this work. Sublime, epic and majestic, featuring original Russian Don Kosaken and the Helmstedt Chamber choirs, female baroque voice, lutes, oboe, violins, viola and more stringed instruments like cello and contrabass, as well as cembalo, mandolin and balalaika, and lyrically based upon the saga “Legendary Tales” (the CD they made their debut with) had once started: a story of the quest of the Warrior of Ice, the quest for legendary sword hidden within the Dark Tower of Abyss (verbally supplemented with sublime narration), packed with masterly composed neo-classical arrangements and stunning musicianship as well as a singer possessing incredibly powerful voice, “Symphony Of Enchanted Lands” is pure artistic masterpiece! As to “King Of The Nordic Twilight”, it’s a solo project formed by Luca Turilli, the mastermind behind RHAPSODY (as already told above), the one responsible for such instruments as guitar and keyboards. Just like “Symphony…”, lyrically this CD is also based on a conceptual story telling of Kalgor, a northern land reigned by certain tyrant namely Saroth. The oppression, terror and bondage is what the Kalgor’s world is alike when Atriel, the son of Saroth, is born. He turns away from his father and is forced to escape the nativeland… Finally, he reaches the land named Thalaria where he becomes a king. By the way, “King…” appears as the first of part of so-called “Virtual Odyssey Trilogy”… “three CDs, three worlds, three different locations at the opposite extremes of space and time, three stories so different yet with something in common: a universal love so strong that it can overcome all frontiers and battle cosmic obscurity”, quoting Luca’s own words. Musically, “King Of The Nordic Twilight” is less complicated in comparison to “Symphony…”, however it’s no less exciting, that’s for sure! Regarding guest musicians here, these are: Icelandic opera diva Rannveig Sif Sigurdardottir responsible for the solo female vocals, Northern Germany’s opera choir as well as various individuals playing piano, flute, violin, viola and cembalo. And of course, Luca couldn’t leave narration “over the board”. This work is a bit more straight-forward and more power / heavy than speed metal, featuring two astounding ballads (“Princess Aurora” and “Warrior’s Pride”), while, of course, “metal” songs are as well memorable and exciting, such as “Lord Of The Winter Snow” or “The Ancient Forest Of Elves” for instance… Anyway, RHAPSODY and LUCA TURILLI are very close to each other simultaneously being rather different and it’s really hard to answer “why”… To say the least, I doubt if there’re more than 10 albums ever released that are more perfect (and original! – let’s not forget this) than these ones. Definitely, this is a classical music for 21st century! (Herr Stalhammar)

SHADOW HOST
“Downfall”
Shadow Art Productions
rating: 1 of 6
Yeah, this is the kind of band which definitely will get “most pathetic wannabes” prize this time! While their previous work, “Twilight Legend” MC-album, was not so bad (despite the fact that it was a total BLIND GUARDIAN rip-off), “Downfall” sucks. This MCD comes with six tracks of extremely irritating power metal, incomplete, naive and incomprehensible, mostly due to the horrible sound (fuck TEF Studio!). The singer is not bad, so are the musicians (with an exception for that female keyboadist), as well as the layout, but what the hell! The compositions themselves suck – just listen to “Galadriel” track! It’s not even funny, guys! Let me flush this crap down the toilet, ok? (Herr Steel Hamster)

STEEL WARRIOR
“Visions From The Mistland”
self-released
rating: 4 of 6
Here comes yet one more band from Brazil – yet one more act who embarked on the path of pure melodic power metal… Well, to be honest with you my precious reader, it happens very rare when I get either CD or tape from Brazil and it turns out the way that it’s really worthy. Thanks god in hell, this one IS worthy. STEEL WARRIOR’s style (as I already said above) is straight-forward power metal, (mostly) lacking any keyboards or orchestral arrangements unlike most of contemporary bands who play similar stuff. Usually, it’s rather difficult to find an appropriate singer, however I guess these guys succeeded in finding the guy with a pleasant voice. Well, I wouldn’t say that Andre is an outstanding singer, but his voice sounds enough impressive. “Son Of An Eagle”, “Blind Faith” and ballad-alike “Wind Of Sorrow” strike as most exciting, while others lack something… The atmosphere? Maybe. But I guess, the thing is that they sound not enough powerful, lacking memorable melodies, riffs and harmonies. By the way, in future STEEL WARRIOR should find a better studio, since Clinica Audio Productions is not the best one, at least in my opinion. While vocals and drums sound great, guitars’ tracks also seem to be ok, but they’re somewhere in the background anyway, hence this CD lacks POWER. And it goes for both, “power production” and “power riffing”. By the way, I guess I should say few words in regards to the artwork and layout – they’re done in a “fantasy-books” style and look nice, although it’s often hard to read the lyrics because of the colors set. Oh… anyway, STEEL WARRIOR is a promising band, so keep your eyes (and ears) open. (Herr Stalhammar)

WHITE SKULL
“Tales From The North”
Nuclear Blast Records
rating: 5 of 6
Well, well, well… What to say here? I already told you what WHITE SKULL is all about in the former issue while reviewing their “Asgard” EP… so what should I add? Everything’s the same here. The songs are as perfect as their were, and yes, Chris Boltendahl of GRAVE DIGGER added his genuine voice to few tracks as it was on “Asgard”. If you’re looking for true, original and powerful heavy metal with harsh though somewhat beautiful female voice, stunning performance and arrangements, this is for you… as well as for all the lovers of heavy, power and speed metal at it’s best. Just listen to “Asgard” (the only track taken off the previous MCD), “Gods Of The Sea”, “Viking’s Tomb” or “The Killing Queen” and you’ll realize that this CD will become a classic soon.
P. S. … although I can’t get into one single thing: why do most Italian bands deal with Northern mythology in their lyrics?! (Herr Stalhammar)

WOLF
“Wolf”
No Fashion Records
rating: 2 of 6
“Wolf” is the second heavy metal work released by No Fashion Recs, however I consider this CD their weakest release so far. The singer’s squeaky voice becomes irritating very soon, while the music in the whole (with an exception for a couple of really exciting tracks like “The Sentinel” and “Electric Raga”) captures you with boredom… It lacks atmosphere, catchy riffs and harmonies, and overall, it’s not memorable, nor exciting. Sorry, guys, but I’ve got used to tell the truth. (Herr Stalhammar)