ACCOMPLICE
"Accomplice"
Adrenaline Records
rating: -
I don't like progressive neither rock nor metal, goddammit! Few exceptions (PENDRAGON, TRIANGLE, MOON OF STEEL and KHALI) only prove the principal rule, as all of you probably know. Taking influences from QUEENSRYCHE (or does it only seem to me…?), this combo delivers pretty good and well-crafted music… highly enjoyable, tremendous and atmospheric… but what can I do. Prog-rock(metal) lovers will get high on it, but (un?)fortunately I'm not one of them. Sorry guys. I won't give this album a rating this time, since I consider this CD a VERY good work, anyway. It's just a bit not my cup of tea, y'know. (Herr Stalhammar)

ANOMOS / STEALTH
"From Here On…"
NPO Records
rating: 0 of 6
WHAT THE FUCK?! I was often wondering if people ever really know where are they sending their stuff to, but this one just breaks all the possible limits! Two niggers "playing" shitty rap (but hey, are they capable of "performing" anything else besides rap…?). Do you need any more comments?? (Herr Stalhammar)

ANTISILENCE
"Sufferhits"
Hammer Muzik
rating: 4,5 of 6
All hail Turkish death metal! Ooops, sorry - seems like this is not really a death metal band. More likely, a "crossover" one, as Hammer Muzik describe it. Well, I guess they're right at this point, since it's rather difficult (or should I say, nearly impossible?) to figure out what the hell is this CD all about. First of all, "Sufferhits" comes with a stupendous layout, which already adds some bonus points; but music is what we should care about in the first turn, isn't it? Well, Turkey's ANTISILENCE deliver pretty impressive musical canvas, amalgamating death metal, hardcore, industrial and few other styles, thus getting TOO various work on the outcome. Actually, incompleteness is the only thing I'd cavil at, when it comes to "Sufferhits", since this piece seemingly lacks drawbacks. Check out "Da H8 Song" and "Let's Consume", the best tunes off this CD… as well as rather thought-provoking lyrics. Actually, ANTISILENCE won't be the best way to spend your money, if you reckon yourself to musical orthodox, however those who crave for certain refreshing and somewhat innovative kind of stuff, should purchase this one immediately. (Herr Stalhammar)

ARSYN
"Degeneration"
RSE, Inc.
rating: 5,5 of 6
This CD surprised me a bit. I thought RSE release only hard rock and alike acts, however ARSYN is nothing like that. This foursome deliver highly exciting and enigmatic music, which may be fairly described as enigmatic combination of alternative, hardcore and some kind of pre-apocalyptic thrash metal. Harsh yet groovy, incredibly well-crafted and somewhat fascinating. No real drawback to be discovered here, you see. Drumming sounds gloomily weird, although it only adds positive points to ARSYN's overall sound, "enlarging" their charisma. Actually, most of the songs are potential radio hits. In fact, I'd prefer to hear ARSYN on the radio than some worthless OFFSPRING or any crap like that. Lastly, I guess I have to mention that "Degeneration" also features two remixes, and both sound a bit similar to METALLICA's perverted tunes, devised and performed by DIE KRUPPS. Generally speaking, this is definitely worthy enough to be noticed. And moreover - praised. (Herr Stalhammar)

CEOXiME
"CEOXiME"
self-released
rating: 4 of 6
Yet again I start to compose a regular review knowing not what should I say in regards to it's subject. Even though I get high on electronic music, it's always somewhat difficult for me to describe what the hell is this or that effort all about. The same case with CEOXiME, if you didn't notice it earlier. "CEOXiME" features seven (as well as three bonus) tracks of mild, even serene at times, yet atmospheric electronic music with celestial female voice. No doubts, this combo (?) contrived to come up with a truly unique form of ambience, however… However, I don't really know if I know what I have to say here. Sorry for the pun, ladies and gentlemen.
Email: headaque@yahoo.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

DESTRUCTION
"All Hell Breaks Loose"
Nuclear Blast Records
rating: -
Yes, here we behold one more legendary band's triumphant comeback… Rave reviews worldwide, follow-up inties, live shows gathering maniacally tempered individuals… But that's not for me. DESTRUCTION is not for me, this is what I wanna say. No doubts, it's a cult band, whose early works influenced a lot of contemporary thrash, death and black metal acts (actually, some of them perhaps would be never formed if DESTRUCTION didn't exist)… Yes, yes, yes. And no. I don't like it, you see. Thrash metal at it's finest, lacking any archaic characters, but… I've listened to it once, and actually I can't really say if I will ever play it in my stereo again. Let thrash metal (and DESTRUCTION's) fans praise this band and let's say it would be a worthy purchase if you like this kind of music… but let's better finish this goddamn review. (Herr Stalhammar)

EVIL WINGS
"Colors Of The New World"
Adrenaline Records
rating: 3,5 of 6
Nice prog-rock spiced with few power / heavy metal atmospheres as well as pretty enjoyable, though far from being perfect, vocals. Is it really surprising if the first track is the one I like most of all? Or let's better say "the first track is the only one I like"… Nothing more to say. IT'S NOT MY KIND OF MUSIC. (Herr Stalhammar)

FATAL BLAST WHIP
"Constellation"
Blacklight Records
rating: 4,5 of 6
Yeah, this one's definitely better than TEMPLE OF THE TIMES! It seems like FATAL BLAST WHIP have enlarged their lineup (or am I mistaken?), and perhaps that's the reason explaining the fact "Constellation" is slightly different from a former work of theirs, "Seduction" maxi-MCD. Call it "space industrial" and perhaps you'll be right. In my view, "Constellation" delivers pretty exciting mixture of trance, ambient and… yes, as I already said, that "space industrial". It's not as straightforward as f.ex. TORN SKIN and less complicated and bizarre in comparison to BLACKHOUSE (taking other Blacklight's artists), although they definitely developed a style of their own. You may wonder, why then didn't it get a higher mark? Well, due to the fact this CD offers rather unmemorable music. Exciting, yes. But don't forget that there's a chance of forgetting what you've been listening to, once the CD's over. (Herr Stalhammar)

FUELED BY IGNORANCE
"Widow"
self-released
rating: 4,5 of 6
When I first glanced at "Widow's" appearance and checked out the song titles (such as "In The Dusk Of December"), I thought it would be some kind of dark metal. Doom, death, black or whatever. When I discovered a photo, I knew it would be some kind of either hardcore or so-called "alternative" stuff. But actually, it's the word "Slipknot" that flashed in my head right after the first song off "Widow" was over. Yes, FUELED BY IGNORANCE are quite similar to those weirdos judging by the stuff they deliver, although FBI's sound also bears a trace of certainly personal approach to music. Firstly, the lyrics. They're much more comprehensible and poetic (?), if comparing 'em to the ones by SLIPKNOT. Secondly, "clean" voice. It appears much more often, also being highly impressive. The thing SLIPKNOT can't boast with, you see. And finally, the arrangements. Way more thoughtout, also crafted in an incredibly better way. And with such tracks as "Echoes" and "Widow", they should leave SLIPKNOT and others of that ilk far behind.
Email: fueled250@hotmail.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

GHOST IN THE MACHINE
"The Haunting Begins…"
self-released
rating: 5,5 of 6
Brilliant! "Splendid", "astounding", "splendorous", "excellent", "stupendous", "breath-taking", "stunning"… Use the epithets you prefer, that doesn't really matter. The one and only truth consists in the following fact: GHOST IN THE MACHINE unleashed such an effort that's definitely worth anyone's attention. Delivering an inimitable amalgamation of industrial and gothic metal (yes, "metal" is the keyword!), this duo managed to bring forth the light almost a perfect recording. My stereo already seems to be tired off playing "Death's Second Self", but what the hell can I do… Nothing, I assume. All the electronics and programming on this magnificent CD are done in a very skillful way, being undoubtedly well-crafted… with addition of thought-provoking, somewhat ironic and equivocal lyrics, as well as haunting passages when it comes to vocal department… Well, it's a killer CD. I'd love to interview these guys, believe me or not.
P.S. Also check out a video "The Haunting Begins…" comes with. Some kind of "GHOST IN THE MACHINE's past, present and future, portrayed in a cinematic way".
Email the band at: gitm@gitm.net
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

HEAVEN'S BURNING
"Heaven's Burning"
self-released
rating: 3,5 of 6
Not much to say here, really. Certain mild rock music with female voice - rather pleasantly sounding, that's for sure. This MCD (released back in 1998) comes with five songs lasting for 20+ minutes, and those who're into suchlike stuff should get high on it. Not me, though. Since for me, it's just mediocre effort, also definitely being not my cup of tea. I wouldn't say I didn't like it or whatever… I wouldn't say anything else, actually…
Contact the band at: heavensburning@juno.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

KISS OF DEATH
"Stronger Than Before"
self-released
rating: 5 of 6
Once I said that Greece seems to be some kind of a new Mecca for power metal… Well, the same goes for Italy, although it spawns more and more worthy bands of a THRASH metal genre. No doubts that KISS OF DEATH is one of them. "Stronger Than Before" strikes as the CD they've finally made their debut with, however I may be mistaken. Anyway, Max and three other guys deliver rather excellent piece of art, kind of a perfect combination of raw thrash and power metal mixed into one. Being comprised of eight tracks, this CD definitely would attract any sort of listener due to the sincerity it breaths with, diversity it's impregnated with, spiritual excitement it comes with. Reminding me a bit of METAL CHURCH and MEGADETH, it's still pretty original, delivering plenty of innovative and "freshly composed" ideas, also bringing forth the light inimitable atmosphere. Of course, other musical sources' influence may be discovered here, too. For instance, few tracks off "Stronger Than Before", such as "Mindfucker" or "Rising Fear" bear a strong (or not?) resemblance of semi-hardcore scene represented with acts like HELMET, also adding somewhat "modern" sound, therefore all you fans of SLIPKNOT and others of that ilk, won't be disappointed either. However; I guess I must to admit that these influences are only few here. It's nothing like all these KORN-copycats or whatever, you see. Each song has a certain personality, while musically (and skillfully) this foursome appears as a very well trained one. Don't really know if there's anything left to be added… Just buy it. I don't like thrash metal but damn it, I like KISS OF DEATH!
Email the band at: kissofdeath@tiscalinet.it
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

MOON OF STEEL
"Beyond The Edges"
Adrenaline Records
rating: 5,5 of 6
After giving a listen to EVIL WINGS, I didn't really expect that any of Adrenaline Records' releases (among the ones they've sent me) would impress me. And actually, I was mistaken. Me fool. How could I prematurely bury MOON OF STEEL as "uninteresting and unexciting prog" before listening to it?? Me very fool. Unfortunately, it's a mini-CD only and perhaps that's why it gets only '5' out of '6' instead of the highest mark. In fact, it's also the kind of music which may be reckoned to so-called "progressive metal", and just like EVIL WINGS, with addition of some heavy / power metal put in here and there. It comes with four tracks, among which "You Not Me" is a (brilliant) cover from DREAM THEATER, whilst "Tonight" appears as acoustic version. Two others, "Did You Hear My Voice?" and "We're Nothing" strike as the songs whose copyright MOON OF STEEL definitely owns; besides that, in contrast to "Tonight", surprisingly they seem to come with a "pure METAL feeling", if you get what I mean. I'm not saying that I get high strictly on metal music, however prog is not my favorite genre, that's for sure. And that is why the fact I just love "Beyond The Edges" is a surprise to me. In the whole, the musical canvas is pretty mild and serene, yet harshly atmospheric, bewitching and somewhat gloomy. Sarah Bonetti is the girl who's responsible for vocal department, hence it's twice as different to f.ex. EVIL WINGS (oh poor them… it looks like I mention this band too often while composing this review). Her voice is both fascinating and a bit hoarse at times, making me to recall WHITE SKULL, although of course Sarah and Federica possess absolutely different voices. Guitars and rhythm section do not deliver anything I could possibly cavil at, while keyboards and cello force almost unique atmosphere… I bet, this MCD would be highly acclaimed by prog- and power metal lovers, simultaneously being praised by those who're into doom / gothic and dark wave genres. Pure excellence! (Herr Stalhammar)

ORDAINED
"The Second Coming"
Sinternational Records
rating: 4,5 of 6
Too much thrash metal this issue, don't you think so? Anyway, here we have second "official" work by US ORDAINED, also being their first full-length effort so far. Well, it's MUCH better than their former "Let Us Pray" MCD, to be honest. Actually it's good - while that one was nothing but a sincere crap. Coming with 13 (of course!) tracks of intense, varied and rather well-crafted combination of raging speed and dreary thrash metal. Quite similar to early ANTHRAX at times, it's still fairly original, although the only (but huge) drawback regards Reverend's singing. These fag-alike scream leave me utterly bored, and furthermore - annoyed. I guess, he should make his voice's registered at least lowered a bit… otherwise ORDAINED would never get a good review in my mag, heh heh. Anyway, check out the songs "Let There Be Death", "Beloved" (truly a surprise!), "Destroyer" and "Perversery Rhymes". (Herr Stalhammar)

OVERSUN
"Tragedy Of Time"
Nostradamus Records
rating: 5 of 6
What a marvelous effort! "Tragedy Of Time" already is a second offering from this Moscow region-based duo, however, whilst "Pinnacle's Obsession" appeared as a pretty mediocre work, this one shreds! Actually, it's nearly impossible to figure out what style or genre OVERSUN may be reckoned to… A couple of tunes are similar to what we call "industrial", others are more on the gothic / EBM side, while few are definitely METAL. But what kind of metal, eh? Seems like you don't know. And nor do I. Ok, generally speaking, this is definitely an experimental work, although it never becomes incomprehensible or whatever. All the sounds are treated skillfully, while most… well, why "most"? ALL of the structures are incredibly well-crafted thus turning "Tragedy Of Time" into a passionately thoughtout offering. To mark out the highlights, I'd mention "Worst Kind Of Vampire", "Something Better Than Me", "Torture Tower" as well as a unique interpretation of SLAYER's "Reign In Blood". I'm strongly convinced that this CD will appeal to both, die-hard metal freaks (these ones should check out "Electro Felo De Se") and those who get high on electronics. Last but not least, "Tragedy Of Time" features truly stunning appearance, so… I can't really understand what the hell are you waiting for??
Email the label and the band at: ens_cogitans@mtu-net.ru
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

RADICAL NOISE
"Plan - B"
Hammer Muzik
rating: 3 of 6
A piece of aggressive HC with difference. Not exactly my cup of tea, however all those who're into this kind of stuff definitely will dig it. (Herr Stalhammar)

SHARON
"Edge Of Time"
Limb Music Products
rating: 4,5 of 6
Strangely, a hard rock release from Germany's Limb Music. Well, actually it bears a strong resemblance of heavy metal at times (simply give a listen to opening "Sweet Family"), so that's not such a big surprise. I mean the fact that Limb Music included this band to their roster. Once they had won "Best Newcomer Rockband 1993 of Baden Wurttemberg" title at some kind of competition held by German Rock Musicians Union, so SHARON isn't the kind of band we could joke upon. Actually, even if hard rock isn't really my favorite genre, I liked "Edge Of Time". Not a masterpiece, but still a CD to be noticed. (Herr Stalhammar)

SKW
"Techno-Logical"
Adrenaline Records
rating: 3 of 6
I've just wrote a review on "Deserts Of Desolation" by DIABOLICAL, and as you probably noticed before I'm not so fond of composing short reviews… However, this one will be a second one this time. Especially taking into account the fact there's not much to be said here. Thrash metal with, let's say, "variety". Top-notch sound and a good drummer… although it seems like he's using stewpots instead on the drumkit. Few technologic (see the parallel with the album's title?) advances in terms of sound and additional sfx's. A cover from METALLICA, "For Whom The Bell Tolls". All in all, pretty boring. (Herr Stalhammar)

TEMPLE OF THE TIMES
"Requiem For The Lost Children"
Blacklight Records
rating: 3 of 6
I have waited for the Blacklight's new releases for such a long time… And at least this one wasn't really worth my wait. First of all, I won't ever support the band with a negro taking part in it. Call me a racist or whoever, I don't care. He hasn't done a good job, anyway. TEMPLE OF THE TIMES deliver pretty good, all pro-done, sometimes even exciting mixture of industrial and, let's say "dark techno" (even though this definition sounds somewhat ridiculous), but FATAL BLAST WHIP (also on Blacklight) and especially BLACKHOUSE (at least, when it comes to this record company's newest releases) float high above TEMPLE OF THE TIMES, offering much more fascinating and enigmatic stuff. I wouldn't say "Requiem…" is a worthless CD, but there're plenty of better recordings. Sorry. The only suggestion I have, check out the review on "Constellation" by FATAL BLAST WHIP and BLACKHOUSE's "Dreams Like These". Those works ARE the ones to be purchased. And this one… Erh… I don't know. You'd better try to download a couple of mp3's by this duo and then… everything depends on you. (Herr Stalhammar)

UNSCARRED
"Ruthless"
self-released
rating: 4,5 of 6
Now you see, eh? Italy, again. And thrash metal - again. They claim it to be a demo of theirs, however due to the fact this CD (not a CD-R!) is all pro-done (starting with an overall appearance, and also regarding the layout packaging as well as musicianship and execution (which could be better, though)), I'd better review it as an "official" effort. Ok, this is thrash metal, and since OVERKILL's monicker may be found somewhere in the depths of the thanx list, it's obvious that UNSCARRED is heavily influenced by that legendary combo. Thank gods, it's neither METALLICA, nor some "modern metal" in the vein of KORN this time. All in all, these guys contrived to deliver more or less original sound, adding "clean" vocals (which are good) and mixing 'em with typical harsh singing (which is not good); furthermore, few keyboard lines may be discovered here and there. I guess the opening song ("Hurt Yourself") also is the best one off "Ruthless"… Check it out. Although, I doubt if you'll get high on UNSCARRED if thrash doesn't appear as one of your favorite genres…
Email: atlas.uforobot@tiscalinet.it
       cyberpava@tiscalinet.it
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

VITAMIN F
"Flo[w]"
Tye Dye Entertainment
rating: 4 of 6
Quite good hardcore / alternative-styled effort from a young US trio. I would lie saying I liked a lot their previous effort, however this one is really far from being bad. Being comprised of three scary dudes (obviously, two of them are Latinos), VITAMIN F deliver pretty imaginable, diverse and intriguing stuff, and what's most important - they sounds somehow different from most of those acts who, stylistically, may be reckoned to the same genre. "Clean" vocals appear as undoubtedly good ones, so is the overall musicianship, so is the sound execution. The only thing I completely dislike, is John's (singer) "christianity-promoting" crap. (Herr Stalhammar)