ABRAXAS
"Tomorrow's World"
Limb Music Products
rating: 5,5 of 6
Yet another excellent release from Limb
Music. This time it's ABRAXAS with "Tomorrow's World", which is actually
comprised of digitally remastered tracks taken off "The Liaison" (the album
of theirs which has never been released due to various reasons) as well
as three bonus tracks (taken off ABRAXAS' demo works). It's twice as strange
that this CD (recorded back in 1993, whilst the demo tunes were brought
forth the light between 1990 - 1991) sounds much more impressive, intriguing
and fresh than most of this genre's albums released nowadays. Perhaps,
it's due to the fact these guys are utterly sincere in their approach to
music and stuff? Yeah, most likely that's the right answer. And let us
not forget all of them appear as talented musicians (with an addition of
nearly outstanding singer). Basically, this is power metal with slight
"progressive" touch (mainly because of the keyboard interludes and sudden
tempo changes in few compositions). Diverse and imaginative, somewhat even
fascinating. Even though "Tomorrow's World" lasts for more than 70 minutes,
you won't be able to stop listening to it until it's over. Brilliant. (Herr
Stalhammar)
AZTEC JADE
"Paradise Lost"
Adrenaline Records
rating: 5,5 of 6
"Paradise Lost"? Hmm… Have I heard that
somewhere before? Erh, in fact UK's legendary doom metal act doesn't have
anything in common with AZTEC JADE. Furthermore, I feel like I have to
say that this CD strikes as one of the best ones I've received this issue,
at least among those which may be reckoned to "melodic power / heavy metal".
Moreover, fantastic! Being comprised of seventeen tracks and lasting for
more than 70 minutes, it doesn't lull you to sleep with it's boredom or
whatever; quite the contrary: "Paradise Lost" keeps the listener intrigued
until the very end. Based of rather complicated, though far from being
nonsensical arrangements; astounding, incredibly clear and powerful vocals;
bewitching overall structures… this CD strikes as incredibly well-crafted
and thoughtout work, bringing forth the light at least four compositions
which are destined to become classics some day… "Mad Not Crazy", "Desperate
Land", "Atlantis" and "Requiem" be their names. I know, it's a bad review,
but so damn what?? BUY THIS CD NOW, ANYWAY!!! (Herr Stalhammar)
CASABLANCA
"Another Day"
self-released
rating: 3 of 6 (Herr Stalhammar)
4,5 of 6 (Silvanus)
One once again, the short review. I hope,
the CASABLANCA guys won't get angry because of that. So; this is heavy
metal. Being their forth full-length CD to date, it represents rather mature
band (that goes for every single thing; the artwork and overall appearance
as well… it's executed just hauntingly!). Actually, it's the first heavy
metal from Portugal I've got myself acquainted with so far, and fortunately
"Another Day" is NOT a disappointment. There's nothing I could really cavil
at (and what about the shitty sound? - Herr S.), therefore I'd gladly recommend
to purchase this CD to any loyal heavy metal fan. At least, "The Wind Will
Blow The Sands", "(This Is) The End Of A Day" as well as all-instrumental
"Another New Beginning" strike as pretty memorable and splendid (mediocre
- Herr S.) pieces.
P.S. It's a self-released item, so email
the band at: casablancas@geocities.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar and Silvanus)
CJSS
"Kings Of The World"
Pavement Music
rating: 5 of 6
If I'm not mistaken, CJSS is one of the
numerous projects by "guitar great" David T. Chastain, and here comes a
new CD, after a long-long wait. As the promo sheet says, the band "had
never officially broke up", however I believe it's nothing bad if one would
mention the word "reunion" in regards to CJSS. For those of you who still
do not know what kind of music they deliver, it's pretty impressive, powerful
and furious heavy metal… "at it's best", as I say sometimes? Well, perhaps.
More likely, definitely "yes", to be honest. Rather complicated yet still
enough easily perceived by the listener, "Kings Of The World" strikes as
a well thoughtout combination of power metal sublimity, heavy metal's harshness,
astounding harmonies and leads packed with undoubtedly splendid vocals
(not some Rob Halford's falsetto-alike crap, you see). The usual ballad
is here too, of course, going by the name of "The Fall Of Babylon". As
to this work's highlights, these are "Kings Of The World", "The Executioner's
Song" and "Cries Of The Dawn". I liked this one a lot; hope so will you.
(Herr Stalhammar)
DEADLY SIN
"Diamonds And Tyrants"
self-released
rating: 4,5 of 6
I always appreciate when certain band has
professional approach to their music and presentation. And here we have
a perfect example of how the promotional campaign should be arranged; and
also how the promotional materials should look alike. Unfortunately, the
music is not that impressive. It's rather plain, straight-forward Germany's
heavy metal surprisingly being heavily reminiscent of Finland's STRATOVARIUS.
Well, actually not that plain. And in fact, not that straightforward. It's
very well crafted and undoubtedly well performed (the same goes for sound
execution), although the sad thing is, it's somewhat unmemorable. And singer
could be better, too (even though, his voice sounds good and finely trained.
But I always crave for perfection, you see… Heh heh). All in all, this
MCD is far above average, especially taking into account the fact it's
only a self-released one. I guess, I won't be wrong stating that future
looks bright for DEADLY SIN.
Email the band at <contact@deadly-sun.de>
and visit their official website at <www.deadly-sin.de>
(review by Herr Stalhammar)
IVORY TOWER
"Ivory Tower"
Limb Music Products
rating: 4 of 6
This CD starts off a "One Life In Asia"
track, which I (despite ridiculous lyrics) like a lot, however later it
unfortunately transforms into rather pleasant progressive rock / metal
which I do not like. You see, I just can't dig that style - with few exceptions
of course. IVORY TOWER aren't bad, especially taking into account the fact
they add some power metal to their musical canvas, although it's still
a bit not my cup of tea. The singer is really good (even though I don't
like his parts on "Music"), and I can't really cavil at anything when it
comes to musicianship, but still this one is very far from being my favorite
album. Then why '4' out of '6'? Well, I simply can't put 'em lower mark
because of the highest quality this CD comes with - and that regards every
single thing. (Herr Stalhammar)
LANA LANE
"Queen Of The Ocean"
rating: 6 of 6
"Secrets Of Astrology"
rating: 5 of 6
Ah, and even though both CDs I'm gonna
review here, are solidly impregnated with so-called "progressive" rock
/ metal, I just love 'em! Or, at least "Queen Of The Ocean". This is my
first acquaintance with Lana Lane, and I must admit I couldn't expect her
music to appear as such genius (and genuine!) works of art! "Queen Of The
Ocean" hardly can be described at all, but I'll try anyway. If you want
me to be short, I'd say this is a perfect mixture of sorrowful yet romantic
power metal (?), progressive and / or art rock, as well as perhaps some
gothic, all spiced with astoundingly crafted and stupendously performed
symphonic arrangements as well as Lana's outstanding voice (strangely reminding
me of THE GATHERING's Anneke at times). Starting with symphonic introduction,
later it turns into undoubtedly tremendous piece of sensitively conceived
(!) metal with "Night Falls" and incredibly beautiful ballad-alike title
track (truly the album's highlight!). "Let Heaven In" sounds a bit jazzy,
probably because of the weird instrument named Chapman Stick's contribution.
"Frankenstein Unbound" easily could become a radio hit; and besides being
well-perceived by any person with any kind of music taste, it exposes Lana's
unmistakable and simultaneously incredibly powerful voice. And yes, here
we have unforgettable refrain, too. Well, enough discussing each song in
particular. Oh heavens, my words seem so poor… Honestly speaking, it strikes
as I'm almost helpless to describe the greatness of this unique CD. And
moreover - it's absolutely needless to mark out this song or that, each
of them appears as pure jewel, an artistic masterpiece.
But what about the latest CD by Lana and
co., "Secrets Of Astrology"? Unfortunately, it sounds a bit weaker to me.
The arrangements are stunning, yes. And yes, Lana still is an excellent
singer. The whole musical canvas is beyond any critics, again. But something's
lacking there. Maybe I perceive it this way, because "Queen Of The Ocean"
appeared as much more enigmatic, wistful… and "gothic", too. "Secrets…"
is more power metal, and that was kind of disappointment for me. Still,
it is a stunning work. At least, such compositions as "Secrets Of Astrology",
"Alexandria", "Tarot" or "Long Winter Dreams" are definitely outstanding
pieces. I believe, there is NO man who could state they are NOT.
Generally speaking, the music of Lana Lane
is a unique phenomena on the worldwide metal (and not only metal) scene,
thus offering the listener(s) something that no one else is able to offer.
When you give a listen to albums like these, you clearly understand what
the one who invented the notion of "art" implied under it.
(review by Herr Stalhammar)
MAGO DE OZ
"Finisterra"
Locomotive Records
rating: 6 of 6
Basically, "Finisterra" is "an album of
the issue" #2. This is just stunning. Amazingly tremendous and stupendously
mind-shattering, you see. First of all, I haven't heard neither anything
nor anyone MAGO DE OZ can be ever compared to; secondly, originality isn't
this CD's only highlight. Not quite a CD, sorry. More likely, a double
(fantastically designed) digipack CD. Let's take EPHEL DUATH, for instance.
Their stuff undoubtedly appears as an innovative one. But who cares if
it bores you to death after only second song's over? This one doesn't have
anything to do with the notion of boredom; even though it seems like "Finisterra"
lasts for eternity - but only when your CD player indicates it's playing
time. One would never imagine that this album lasts for so much time, giving
it a listen. Being comprised of nineteen compositions, this piece is a
unique one when it comes to it's stylistic description. Make an attempt
to conceive satanic power metal (!), sung in Spanish, with plenty of elements
borrowed from Spain's pagan heritage, and violin as one of the leading
instruments! Add both singers' astounding voices, numerous pieces where
guitars, bass and drums are being supplemented by piano, violin, flutes
(oriental and non) as well as few other traditional (and non) instruments.
I wouldn't say it's "as close to masterpiece" as I usually say. It IS a
masterpiece. You'd be a fool missing the chance to purchase "Finisterra".
(Herr Stalhammar)
MOB RULES
"Savage Land"
Limb Music Products
rating: 3 of 6
Finally, an unsuccessful CD released by
Germany's Limb Music. MOB RULES deliver traditional power metal, and honestly
speaking it does nothing for me. "Savage Land" lacks energy; structurally
it could be crafted in a much better way; and the lyrics aren't the best
ones. Nor is the singer. Actually, I prefer RHAPSODY, Lana Lane or ABRAXAS
when it comes to this German record company's releases. Requesting this
one was a mistake, I confess. (Herr Stalhammar and Silvanus)
OVERLORDE
"Overlorde"
Strike Zone Records
rating: 3,5 of 6
"Across the sea amidst the horizon, Overlorde
forever binds us!"… Yes, this is OVERLORDE, gone into oblivion in late
eighties and now fortunately back to life. And UNfortunately, the tape
I received is only a re-release of their 1987 EP, featuring three studio
and a couple of live tracks. You may wonder, what is their music alike?
Plain heavy metal will be my answer. Nothing more, nothing less. Fine musicianship
and fairly high-pitched vocals that, thank gods, do not irritate the listener
(at least, the singer's voice didn't irritate me, therefore this problem
shouldn't bother you. Since if I say this guy is ok (or even good) in singing,
another one will say he's just perfect). What else to say…? Nothing, I
guess. I'd better wait for their (upcoming?) full-length either CD or LP.
A special bonus goes for the lyrics, by the way… Those of you who're into
early IRON MAIDEN and stuff like that, contact the band at: ovrlrde@aol.com
(review by Silvanus)