DIPNOI
“FKDDD”
Moonza Records
rating: 3 of 6
This is quite young band coming from Brazil, whose style may be described as a mixture between METALLICA and early MISFITS with some DEAD KENNEDYS thrown in between… Speaking plainer, this is rather average thrash metal with plenty of hardcore elements incorporated. Vocals sound very close to that of METALLICA, although Ricardo’s voice seem to be hundred times rawer than Hetfield’s. All songs are quite short, so this MCD (which is basically a full-length), featuring eleven songs (six new tracks with five more added off their demo tape), lasts for only 33 minutes. Well, the music is not bad (especially taking “Benzine” and “Lack Of Me”), and the sound is nearly great, but “FKDDD” stays very mediocre release anyway. Well, this is solely my opinion; furthermore, this is totally not my cup of tea, so… (Herr Stalhammar)

IN THE WOODS…
“Three Times Seven On A Pilgrimage”
Prophecy Productions
rating: 5, 5 of 6
I decided to place IN THE WOODS… in “other stuff” section this time, since they’re no more black metal, or more likely, no more metal at all – although there’s nothing bad in it, believe me. IN THE WOODS… have chosen their own path – and they have succeeded. At least, I doubt if anyone will doubt my words if I say this is truly unique act. But ok, let me be short this time. “Three Times Seven On A Pilgrimage” is comprised of ten tracks: six of them appear as absolutely new ones, while other tunes were taken off IN THE WOODS’ previous efforts in the shape of 7”EP. Furthermore, one may discover four covers here, one from KING CRIMSON (“Epitaph”), one from PINK FLOYD (“Let There Be More Light”), one from JEFFERSON AIRPLANE (“White Rabbit”… which features almost perfect vocal lines, by the way) and one from Syd Barrett (“If It’s In You”). As some of you might recall, “Mourning The Death Of Aase” (in memory of Edward Grieg) originally appeared on “Heart Of The Ages”, however here we have new and improved version (recorded back in 1996, though) – and let me tell you that female voice sounds utterly heart-rending… well, actually, the whole song is heart-rending. As to the new ones… “Seed Of Sound” is only an intro, “Karmakosmik” didn’t impress me as much as it could – apart from “Empty Room” and “Soundtrax For Cycoz – 1st Edition”, solely instrumental track with a right title. I mean, it’s definitely “soundtrack for cycoz”! And yes, Jan Kenneth improved his singing skills incredibly! Oh… all in all, I’m awaiting all-new album by this outstanding band. (Herr Stalhammar)

KHALI
“Khali”
Academy Records
(provided by Scarlet / BL music)
rating: 6 of 6
Sounds unbelievable, but this CD is as perfect as “Square The Circle” by TRIANGLE, although perhaps it’s a bit less original… Anyway, I wouldn’t say it’s your regular prog-band cloning either FATES WARNING or others of that ilk. First of all, this album sounds enough metal, lacking that characteristic cleanliness most of contemporary so-called “progressive” acts bring in to their sound, thus making the production completely unbearable for non-prog listeners, such as me, for example. Secondly, “Khali” comes with eight songs, and each of them differs from it’s predecessor this way or another, simultaneously making it impossible to complete the whole musical canvas without including it. I hope you get what I mean. Vocals are just excellent (once again – EXCELLENT), I truly enjoyed listening to Folco’s voice… As to Nick (drums), Joe (guitars) and Lorenzo (bass)… well, in fact, there’s not much to be said in regards to their performance and technique, since I of course believe it could be better (there’s nothing perfect in this world, remember that)… but not this century and not this planet, that’s for sure. Well, maybe I’m overpraising this band, however it seems I still stay rather subjective. And what can I do if there’s nothing I could cavil at? All in all, this is brilliant CD. All the lovers of beautiful, emotional and (what’s most important taking into account the fact KHALI still is a prog band) energetic music shouldn’t miss it. (Herr Stalhammar)

NOXIOUS EMOTION
“Elements”
ADSR Musicwerks
rating: 5 of 6
Here we have a newest CD brought forth the light by the Seattle masters of EBM, NOXIOUS EMOTION. Once in a past I’ve arranged an interview with Mike (the mastermind) and the reasons was utmost simple: I love this band. Even though, they don’t have anything to do with metal, NOXIOUS EMOTION sound exciting – at least, that’s what my ears tell (and always told) me. This CD (as always, coming with a perfect, eye-staggering appearance and stunning concept, this time based around Air as one of the Elements) is a bit softer than “Symbols”, however it’s still as atmospheric, bewitching and mesmerizing… If you’re into EBM-scene acts and projects like FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY, FRONT 242 and others of that ilk, you’ll love it! Close-minded ones should avoid it like syphilis, though! (Herr Stalhammar)

SADIST
“Lego”
System Shock
(provided by SureShot Promotion)
rating: -
Oh… Someone please tell me I had a nightmare. Someone please tell me I had a bad dream and this SADIST is just one more namesake of that Italy’s killer death / black metal band! You see, I already got accustomed to various kinds of surprises (pleasant and not), however this album simply crossed all the limits… Now prepare yourselves for saying goodbye to regular band who changed their style in a truly drastic way! What we have here is FEAR FACTORY (or KORN… depends on you) going atmospheric. No trace of neither death nor black. Groovy attitude-metal, nothing more, nothing less. Rather grim (even reminding me a bit of latest KOVENANT) and definitely brutal as fuck, but still quite irritating. Just forget about that good ‘ol SADIST. Their “Above The Light” showed us some atmospheric and technical thrash / death / black metal, almost sympho-alike at times, with furious vokills and absolutely killer guitar work… “Tribe” appeared as CYNIC in black metal. “Crust” was far worse, though we could reckon it to extreme metal genres anyway. Two years passed and… we have pretty exciting, innovative and non-typical metal stuff – and if it was their debut work, I’d more likely give it a good rating. BUT. It was SADIST. And I liked SADIST. And it’s not a SADIST anymore. Hence, I don’t like it. Sounds confusing? Sounds stupid? I could care less. Of course, I always respected any sort of development, and perhaps we have certain kind of development here… and yeah, goddammit, it’s good album. But let me finish this review without giving any rating at all. Seems like I’m just too subjective. (Herr Stalhammar)

TRIANGLE
"Square The Circle"
Zizania Entertainment Group
rating: 6 of 6
When I first glanced at this CD, something (someone?) told me it's going to be different. And it is. First of all, don't you find it rather weird when certain band takes such a title for their CD? Secondly, look at the cover and through the booklet (which has undoubtedly tremendous appearance!)… and you'll agree with me at 100%. Musically, this is mild and soothing, incredibly beautiful, somewhat even ethereal progressive (rock?) with outstanding vocals (a bit similar to those of Eric Adams, although more low-pitched) and (seeming to be) strong lyrical concept (at least, that's what I thought after getting myself acquainted with some of the texts' content, which is, at least, unorthodox and philosophical… such as the one "The Saddest Show" is set to). It's not brutal or anything, just tranquil and atmospheric piece of art… the one you have to listen to, being completely alone, in a place you're able to attain the unity with nature… kind of lonely, small house near the shore of an ever-dreaming sea… I never was a fan of progressive rock or metal, however I became a TRIANGLE's slave in a moment anyway. And no, despite the songs' length (up to 13 minutes), this is not boring at all - THIS IS JUST BRILLIANT. Moreover, such tunes as "Chasing The Shadows" ARE JUST TOO PERFECT FOR A MASTERPIECE. (Herr Stalhammar)

XTERIA
“Outshine”
Scarlet / BL Music
rating: -
“Progressive” is the keyword. And that’s why this CD didn’t get any rating. Don’t get me wrong, I like some “progressive”-oriented items, like taking for instance KHALI or TRIANGLE (look for the reviews above), however I’m definitely not a prog fan. More likely, “not this kind of prog fan”. XTERIA performs mild, dreamy prog metal, and as QUEENSRYCHE and DREAM THEATER are the only legendary acts I’ve heard in this field, it might be obvious that I’ll compare this young Italian band to the aforementioned idols. Yes, the singer is (very) good, whilst other guys are definitely near perfection in terms of their playing skills, but... it’s too boring for my ears and my mind. Next CD, please. (Herr Stalhammar)

ЧЕРВОНА РУТТА (CHERVONA RUTTA)
“На Марс!!!” (“Na Mars!!!”)
Sound Age Productions
rating: 5 of 6
(I thought) I never liked this kind of stuff, but seems like something happened to me, since I got high on ЧЕРВОНА РУТТА! This is kinda post-punk stuff, pretty commercial (?), although extremely pleasant to listen to, especially when having a party or driving a car one (whether sunny or rainy) day. The singer has a good-sounding voice, the lyrics are well-written (should I say, alcohol-inspired…?), whilst the music itself surprisingly lacks primitiveness. Cheerful debut. (Herr Stalhammar)