ALLISON
“Symmetry”
Goldtrack Records
rating: 5 of 6
I’m wondering what is happening to me…? Eventhough I never was into this kind of music (crossover / hardcore stuff), I’m giving ALLISON a good mark… and they’re not the first ones. Can you explain me the reason for that? Perhaps, it turned out the way that MUSIC is more important to me now, than STYLE or GENRE? Anyway, here’s a debut CD from a highly impressive Spanish band, whose stuff varies from brutal, grinding parts with STRAPPING YOUNG LAD-alike vocals to more mid-paced passages with stunning “clean” voice. Sometimes, the singer begins to bleat in a rap-manner, and that’s the sort of thing I like, although it doesn’t irritate the listener that much. Listen to “Newborn In A New World”, the best track here, in order to form your own opinion of ALLISON. There’s only thing I know for sure – this stuff will appeal to all metal fans, be they into black, death, hardcore or anything else… (Herr Stalhammar)

ANISA MURPHY
“Shift”
self-released cassette EP
rating: 2 of 6
Ha, it’s always funny to get such stuff as this one! We already have a review on Jaye Foucher’s CD here, and here is Anisa Murphy, one more woman pretending to be ‘guitar hero’… or am I mistaken? Anyway, getting closer to “Shift” music-wise: this is rather mild (soft?) hard rock with female vocals – no more, no less. Anisa played all instruments and produced this tape herself – and I should say that she’s undoubtedly talented musician and good sound engineer, however her ‘angelic voice’ (according to the flyer) just ruins everything!!! She can’t sing a shit, and it’s truly a pity because if only not her voice, “Shift” could be much more impressive recording. Although, not TOO impressive. Unfortunately, the music lacks catchiness as well as not memorable enough… You know, it’s like –
- You’ve heard Anisa Murphy’s tape lately, right?
- Yep.
- So what is this stuff all about?
- Whose stuff?
- Well, I’ve just mentioned her name… Anisa Murphy.
- Whom…???
(Herr Stalhammar)

BYTET
“First Bite” (Bytet Music, 1993)
BYTET / VIOLET BLACK ORCHID
“KSM Split Single” (KSM Records, 1997)
rating: BYTET – 4, 5 of 6
        VIOLET BLACK ORCHID – 5 of 6
Usually, I never review old CDs (especially, the ones released SIX years ago!), however Robert have sent me “First Bite” anyway so I think I have to give it a review. This CD is a very first one from BYTET, ‘gothic / techno’ formation from USA, formed back in 1992 as a one-man project by RG Geiger. “First Bite” features some dark and wicked stuff, mesmerizing, disturbing and quite atmospheric… atmospheric in a sombre, anxious way. Everything seems to be done on various synths with plenty of programming-stuff, however… something lacks here, and don’t ask me ‘what’ exactly. I don’t know. It just sounds somehow incomplete. The split single features two songs from BYTET, “Anything” and “Tension” (this time even more weird, featuring Diamanda Galas-alike female vocals, also more ‘gothic’ and, therefore, less ‘techno’ than the “First Bite” tracks), and one track by Canada’s VIOLET BLACK ORCHID, whose style is that widely spread club music, dark ‘gothic / techno’ stuff, featuring singer with a mysterious-sounding voice, some gloomy atmosphere, also appearing as a product of modern technologies, which means that you won’t ever find any ‘live’ instruments here. All in all, both of these CDs are good, but I fear that I like VIOLET BLACK ORCHID better. In the end, I’d recommend these CDs to all those who care about the Atmosphere. Those who’re into BLACKHOUSE-alike bands should check out BYTET and VIOLET BLACK ORCHID as well… (Herr Stalhammar)

CAULDRON
“Tampering With The Unnatural”
Headrush Records
rating: 1 of 6
WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS????? Kick out the singer immediately! I just can’t stand his PEARL JAM-alike bleating… If there was another guy singing, I’d call it death / thrash metal, but with these disgusting vocals… Dammit, I don’t know… I don’t even want to waste my time on reviewing such a piece of crap… (Herr Stalhammar)

ENUFF ZNUFF
“Paraphernalia”
Stoney Records / Spitfire Records
(provided by Chipster Entertainment)
rating: 3 of 6
Well, actually something tells me that Chipster Entertainment somehow made a mistake by sending me this CD. The answer to your ‘why?’ is utmost simple. I never liked BON JOVI and alike bands, playing that sugary, sickly-sweet pop / rock thing… too happy, too ‘anti-atmospheric’ stuff for me (despite that I really like lots of TRUE hard rock and rock’n’roll bands like SABU, ZZ TOP or MOTORHEAD, for example). It’s perfectly recorded, perfectly played and perfectly arranged CD, but you see I just dislike that ‘I love you / So what we gonna do’ attitude and lyrics (“Ain’t It Funny”, “Believe In Love” and “Baby You’re The Greatest” are some of the song titles). However, in spite of the afore-said, “Paraphernalia” has some really good tracks, featuring some powerful rock’n’roll-alike stuff – such as aforementioned “Baby You’re The Greatest”, few ‘just pleasant to listen to’ tracks (“Invisible”) as well as a couple good ballads like “Unemotional”. Most of the tunes off this album are made in the vein of usual American ‘hard rock for girls’, though (to my big surprise) I discovered “Save Me” here, a song which sounds a lot like Seattle-wave bands’ creations… As a conclusion: “Paraphernalia” is good to be listened to while driving the car (especially, somewhere in the countryside) or when your girl-the-metal-hater visits you to have a sex… (Herr Stalhammar)

FATAL INFLUENCE
“World Unbalanced”
Migraine Records
rating: 5, 5 of 6
In fact, this MCD really surprised me! You see, I just didn’t expect to see a band playing such splendid thrash metal nowadays! But here it is, anyway. I don’t know what about originality (actually, it looks like they aren’t too original – at least, “World Unbalanced” often reminds me of METALLICA (circa “And Justice For All”) and METAL CHURCH), however the music still stays highly attractive. It’s very powerful in terms of production, as well as perfect when it comes to performance. This MCD doesn’t feature any hackneyed ‘ala thrash metal’ stuff (which is very popular now, I believe), no, it’s rather complicated though extremely brutal thrash, in the same time very well throughout, with brilliantly crafted structures and harmonies. Also, there’re two more interesting facts here to mention: firstly, three guys out of seven are brothers (singer, guitarist and drummer) and, what’s rather strange (and once again reminds me of METAL CHURCH), the songs are quite long. Anyway, this is highly recommended!
P. S. “Darkness (Red Death)” and “Infanticide” are the best tracks here… (Herr Stalhammar)

GLASS EDEN
“Glass Eden”
Reality Records / Black Noise
rating: 2 of 6
You know, it often happens that you get a CD which begins with a killer tune and you’re already going to praise this album to the skies, but later… it suddenly turns into dull, commercial stuff… the second track is absolutely worthless one, then there’s another one the same with second song, and another one, and another… “Give Up” is simply a killer track, but others… Damn it! Early MINISTRY was more brutal than this crappy, commercial and cheesy pseudo-industrial… (Herr Stalhammar)

INSANIA
“World Of Ice”
No Fashion Records
rating: A MASTERPIECE
During last few years everyone of us had a chance to behold more and more newborn power / speed metal bands emerging from Sweden. And since I appear as a diehard fan of true metal music, I always welcomed this ‘revival’. NOCTURNAL RITES and HAMMERFALL were the ones whom I considered most splendid power metal acts coming from the lands of the North – just read the reviews on their stuff in the former issues – however… here comes INSANIA (surprisingly released by all-blackmetal label, No Fashion Records) which totally blows away both aforementioned bands as well as thousands other acts playing suchlike stuff! This stuff is just fucking brilliant, moreover – perfect! Of course, there’re no originality here at all (too much Malmsteen’s reminiscences, I believe?), but should I give a damn about that if: a) the singer has a perfect voice; b) guitar passages and leads are also perfect; c) bass played by Tomas Stolt sounds nearly splendid; d) Mikko is one of the best drummers I’ve ever heard in modern power metal; e) various synthetic arrangements as well as plenty of additional instruments such as trumpet, harpsichords + few keyboards solos sounds amazing; f) recorded in the Sunlight Studio, this CD (guess what I’m going to say?) features magnificent sound and execution. Add more variety (even taking into account the fact that “World Of Ice” already appears as a rather diverse piece of work), catchy riffs and melodies + absolutely killer tracks like opening “Fighting My Tears”, “Forever Is A Long Time” and brilliant pseudo ballad-alike “Forever Alone” and you’ll understand that this CD is undoubtedly a must for each of us… (Herr Stalhammar)

JAYE FOUCHER
“Infectious Licks”
FUISM Records
rating: 3, 5 of 6
This is a debut CD from a female guitarist, namely Jaye Foucher, who seems to be rather arrogant person. At least, that’s what I thought after reading through her bio. “Infectious Licks” isn’t a 100% instrumental album, since it features Jaye’s voice here and there – quite pleasant voice, by the way. But of course, most of songs appear as strictly instrumental tunes. Unfortunately, I can’t say that this CD impressed me. You see, when it comes to guitar music, I’m into only two kinds of it. The first one is blues-rock stuff or something quite close to it, i.e. mostly slow or mid-paced, romantic and heart-rending (Marty Friedman, Gary Moore, etc.) The other one is represented by such persons as f.ex. Yngwie Malmsteen, i.e. the ones who’re able to masterly handle their instrument at the ground-breaking speed… Jaye’s music can’t be reckoned neither to  first, nor second type. It’s something in the vein of Joe Satriani. And I never liked his albums… (Herr Stalhammar)

N.O.T.
“Searching For The Eternal Life”
rating: 2 of 6
N.O.T. (I’m wondering what does it mean…?) hails from Brazil and their style appears as a mixture between ‘progressive’ stuff and traditional heavy metal. Unfortunately, the lyrical concept represented on this CD (“The memories of an immortal man” as it stated on the cover) is the only thing I could mark out as an advantage. Besides, I guess the lyrics themselves could be much more poetic… Actually, both – musicianship and production – are splendid (especially when it comes to drums and keyboards), however I wasn’t able to give ‘em better mark anyway. You see, it’s just too weak in terms of composition as well as too typical… Also, despite that five bandmembers of six do sing, no one of them can do it enough good to be defined at least as a ‘good’ singer. It’s a pity, but I can’t find anything impressive here… (Herr Stalhammar)

NOXIOUS EMOTION
“Symbols”
ADSR Musicwerks
rating: 4 of 6
Well, this is not even industrial – “Symbols” is completely synthetic CD, sounding more like a EBM mixed with some techno, lacking any usual ‘metal’ instruments like e-guitars, for example. In fact, there’re enough reasons why I liked this CD. Firstly, few songs (like “Inertia”, “Entropy” or “The Sum Of…”) feature bizarre ambiences, forcing extremely obscure atmosphere of post-human world. I also appreciate that anti-christian attitude (verses like “I don’t need your christ / And I don’t want your fucking son” really make me to respect this band even more than I could before). Sometimes, the music becomes almost bewitching with that magic programming and recognizable, anxious vocals… Basically, NOXIOUS EMOTION is a trio, although this CD also features Kelly Williams of NINTH CIRCLE, R. Wilhelm of FOCKEWOLF and Sean Ivy of SMP. Packaged in a brilliant way, and possessing truly outstanding design and layout, this album will please a lot of dark souls… although, this stuff is not for everyone. (Herr Stalhammar)

ORDAINED
“Let Us Prey”
self-released
rating: 1 of 6
This is ‘80s thrash metal and it sucks. No, it doesn’t mean that I don’t like thrash – I do. But I don’t like the way ORDAINED compose and play it. And sing it. The singer’s voice is “clean”, although it’s not impressive at all, being a weak copy of Tom Araia’s vokills. Those refrains (praised by some reviewers) did nothing for me, except for irritating… Guitars are not bad, as well as the rhythm-section – but please, try to understand that COMPOSITION is what I cavil at, not their MUSICIANSHIP. Lyrics mostly deal with satanic themes, although they’re too primitive for me to admire with ‘em. Hence, since I couldn’t discover any good sides here, “Let Us Prey” was rated the way this band deserves. (Herr Stalhammar)

SEASONS OF THE WOLF
“Seasons Of The Wolf”
S. O. T. W. Tunes / Earth Mother Music
rating: 4, 5 of 6
“SEASONS OF THE WOLF – progressive, gothic, new age metal band”… Seems like this is the way they describe their music? Well, I wouldn’t say there’re much gothic elements here. In fact, this CD sounds more like splendid atmospheric power metal piece. Lots of influences can be found here; “Seasons Of The Wolf” reminded me of bands like ACCEPT, SOLITUDE AETURNUS and W. A. S. P. in the same time, while Wes’ voice is somehow reminiscent of Blackie Lawless’ singing manner and someone else whom I can’t recall, although they contrive to stay enough original to attract me. The music is more mid-paced, being quite grim and even sublime at times (check out the beginning of “Long Cold Winter”, for example), featuring acoustic passages here and there as well as magnificent synth-parts. Such tunes as “Victim Of Darkness” and “October Moon” just shred my mind! I hope that their forthcoming “Lost In Hell” CD will be as great as this one… (Herr Stalhammar)

VITAMIN F
“3. 0”
Tye–Dye Entertainment
rating: 3 of 6
“VITAMIN F deliver hard-driving grooves with bi-polar melodic vocals with a positive meaning. It is a lyric-type that seems to have slipped through the fingers of today’s self-pitying hard-music genre. VITAMIN F feel compelled to bring it all back in a new way. Some subjects of songs attack issues on dealing with spiritual conflicts, relationships and consequences of indulgence. It’s music with depth” – that’s a small excerpt from their bio. Should I agree with it or should I become enough malicious to drag them into shit? Actually, I don’t really know. VITAMIN F’s stuff lies somewhere within the bounds of thrash / hardcore scene, sometimes heavily reminding me of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY with their ‘progressive’ hardcore, and sometimes being enough original to get rid of any comparisons. Besides afore-said, I guess I should say that this three-song promo CD brings some undoubtedly DIVERSE music, however I just didn’t get into it… (Herr Stalhammar)

YEAH RIGHT
“New Era”
self-released
rating: 4, 5 of 6
I believe that some of you have already read a review on Brave Words And Bloody Knuckles mag’s compilation, the one which featured YEAH RIGHT’s track among others? As far as I remember, I didn’t discover anything special in it, being rather confused due to the lack of possibility to define their style. Now I’m able to do that, I guess. YEAH RIGHT play certain kind of alternative / hardcore thing mixed with some heavy metal disseminations. All the vocals were sung by a girl namely Rinat (I guess her Israeli origin explains why she has such a strange name), sometimes oh so fucking harsh and raw, sometimes almost angelic. Unfortunately (in spite of the fact that they have a drummer) there’re no live drums here, only programmed ones, although they sound fine enough. Bass lines seem to be quite impressive, while the guitar riffs are truly brutal (even too brutal for such genre…) – and that’s what excites me here a lot. Variety is an inalienable part of YEAH RIGHT; while tunes like “Do You Want” or “Forget About It” stand rather close to such bands as HOLE, for example, carrying a lot of hardcore influences, others, such as “I’d Rather”, “New Era” or “Dreamland” bring back the memories of good ‘ol heavy metal. All in all, this is intriguing enough… (Herr Stalhammar)