ADOLF CASTLE
"Really Crazy Germans"
Valiant Music Productions
rating: 1 of 6
I still can't really understand, or at
least even suppose, why have Valiant Music re-released this piece of sincere
crap. Originally released back in 1994, this one turned out as a quite
successful effort, however I wasn't the one amongst it's admirers. No,
never. It's not even heavy metal, man! Ridiculously cheerful stuff to be
performed only when everybody's drunk, otherwise someone would definitely
flush this CD down the toilet. Lacking any kind of atmosphere and comprehensibility,
musically it's quite a worthless work, whilst vocals are definitely SOMETHING!
Senseless, eunuch-alike squealing, sometimes reaching the very bounds of
annoyingly delirious sickness. Haven't you ever attended an asylum, Dee?
I guess it's rather good idea of placing you there - since we'd get rid
of all those who're of unsound mind. They'd immediately commit suicide
once you've sung at least a couple of verses…………… Fuck this one, it's not
even worth my shit. (Herr Stalhammar)
AZRAEL
"Mafia"
Locomotive Music
rating: 2 of 6
As I've just told you in a CUSTARD review,
I can't stand all those high-"lost-my-balls"-pitched styled singers. And
unfortunately AZRAEL's frontman is one of them. Musically, this is pretty
enjoyable mixture of fast-paced power and speed metal, socially concerned
when it comes to lyrical canvas. Too bad for them, but "Mafia" didn't impress
me at all. Not an album to look for. (Herr Stalhammar)
BLACK STEEL
"Battle Call"
Friday 13th Promotions
rating: 5 of 6
Being comprised of ALLEGIANCE, SYZYGY and
TRILOGY ex-members, comes forth the BLACK STEEL, Australia's best power
metal act - at least, it's definitely the best one I've heard so far. Even
though "Battle Call" was originally planned for release in the shape of
demo work, I'd dare to name it a mini-CD, since both music- and sound-wise,
it overcomes most of heavy / power metal works released these days. "Battle
Call" consists of four tracks, none of them a mediocrity; more likely,
memorable, catchy and intriguing. I guess, BLACK STEEL hardly can be named
an original band, nor should they be blamed for copying anyone (MANOWAR
is the bandname I recalled at once while giving this CD a listen, though).
All in all, if you get high on METAL, don't miss this offering. As to me,
I'll be waiting for their upcoming full-length… listening to "Battle Call"
over and over again.
Email: friday13th@hotbot.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)
CAIN'S ALIBI
"Sanctified"
Nightmare Records
rating: 4,5 of 6
You know what? I prefer to get either black
or doom metal efforts. At least, they're easier distinguishable. Don't
get me wrong, CAIN'S ALIBI doesn't appear as someone's copycat, nor do
they get high on plagiarism. However, if you've heard this CD only once,
you'll easily forget what the hell it is a few hours (days, weeks) later.
"Sanctified" is a power metal effort, all pro-done (fortunately no drawbacks
here, when it comes to sound quality and performance's technique), but
the problem is, there're hundreds of bands similar to CAIN'S ALIBI (or
there're hundreds of "cain's alibis" similar to another hundred of power
metal acts), so if originality is the keyword for you, forget about this
work. Nevertheless, if you consider top-notch though unoriginal power /
speed metal work to be of value, get this one. Absolutely not bad, but
when it comes to Nightmare Records' roster, I definitely prefer DEFYANCE.
(Herr Stalhammar)
CHINCHILLA
"Madness"
Metal Blade Records
rating: 5,5 of 6
I've loved this CD at the first listen.
Hated at the second one. "Madness" still is among my favorites in the heavy
metal genre, though. What a weird kind of logical metamorphosis, so to
say. Well, actually, everything has quite simple explanation: "Madness"
appears as all top-notch piece of power (heavy? speed?) metal, bearing
an inimitable trace of German school, even though it's not that faceless…
however, it's almost solely based on cliches. Fortunately, in comparison
to HAMMERFALL's "Renegade", it doesn't literally smell with cheesy commercialism.
This is METAL, man. And as all of you out there probably know, it's nearly
impossible to reach anything outstandingly innovative staying within the
bounds of this oldest of the metal genres, let us simply forget about all
the cliche passages "Madness" is filled with. Let's better perceive it
as a piece of good music; let me repeat myself - METAL music. And yes,
it's sincere. By the way, isn't it time for all you HAMMERFALL freaks,
try to check out something much more appealing your tastes? CHINCHILLA
is here, so you'd better watch out.
If you can't find this CD being sold at
the music store nearby but nevertheless still interested in purchasing
it, email Fono Records at <metal@fono.ru>
or check out their official website at <www.fono.ru>
(this concerns only those who reside in Russia and CIS States, though).
(review by Herr Stalhammar)
CUSTARD
"For My King"
B.O. Records
rating: 4 of 6
This is a second offering from Germany's
CUSTARD, and I fear that I liked the first one much more. Well, honestly
speaking, the music is almost perfect. Mostly fast-paced though diverse,
perfectly executed and performed (a huge "hail to thee!" goes out to Chris
(the drummer), as well as Karsten and Dirk (guitars)). A monolithic wall
of sound it is; and being supplemented by sublime orchestration appearing
here and there, "For My King" seems to lack any drawbacks when it comes
to musical canvas (with an exception for originality, of course. I bet
you won't find anyone (well, maybe except those who take part in CUSTARD)
able to distinguish this band from the power metal majority…), however
it's the vocalist whose singing manner I FUCKING HATE. This is also the
reason "For My King" gets '4' out of '6' instead of the highest mark. You
see, I just CAN'T FUCKING STAND this godddamn falsetto-alike bleating!
Are you a man or a eunuch?! If man, then fucking sing with a normal voice!
You're capable of doing it, Guido, so what the fuck??!?! An attempt to
beat Mr. Halford? But that "guy" is a fag… do you want to become the same
worthless creature too?! Guido, you're an idiot - or what else should I
say if you almost utterly spoiled such an excellent album… What a bitter
disappointment. (Herr Stalhammar)
DEFYANCE
"Time Lost"
Nightmare Records
rating: 5,5 of 6
Even though it seems Nightmare Records'
staff doesn't always succeed in offering excellent pieces of power metal,
this time they DID succeed. At least, as far as I may recall, "Time Lost"
is one of the most impressive efforts I've heard lately within the bounds
of so-called "true (read - heavy) metal". They aren't as pretentious and
cheesy as HAMMERFALL, nor they are as brutal as GRACEPOINT, and finally
they're rather far from being reckoned to "progressive" (read - musically
graphomaniacal) scene. With this CD, DEFYANCE offer incredibly enjoyable,
memorable… well, just killer blend of power metal. A blend of their own,
y'know. Just listen to those acoustics "Turn To Yesterday" is spiced with,
or absolutely astounding tunes, such as "Shadows In My Mind" and "Unturned
Stone". I love this CD. (Herr Stalhammar)
DOUBLE DIAMOND
"In Danger"
self-released
rating: 4 of 6
If I'm not mistaken, this is the first
Belgium's heavy metal band I've got myself acquainted with. And… no, I
wasn't disappointed, although unfortunately "In Danger" isn't enough good
to get a mark higher than '4' out of '6'. In general, this is plain heavy
metal, well executed and well performed, even though (due to the production,
I guess) it a bit lacks the necessary power every power metal band (sorry
for the pun) has to possess. What else… The singer's good, so are the musical
solutions (i.e. structurally it's no crap). And yeah, of course, the heartrending
ballad is here too. Heavy / power / speed metal freaks definitely have
to check it out, whilst "don't bother" advice goes out to all the others.
Website: www.crosswinds.net/~belgianmetal
Email: DoubleDiamond@compuserve.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)
DREAM WEAVER
"Fantasy Revealed"
Secret Port Records
rating: 4 of 6
Don't you think that the time has come
to come up with "NWOGHM" abbreviation? What the hell is that? Well, didn't
you make a guess yet? Everything's utmost simple. "NWOGHM" stands for the
"New Wave Of Greek Heavy Metal". At least, it seems like this country's
heavy metal scene grows bigger day by day, whilst such acts as MUTINY and
ELSEWHEN already managed to prove the world they have the right to exist.
Now comes the third of a pack, DREAM WEAVER. Well… Yes, these guys definitely
possess that Greek sound, having nothing in common neither with Italy's
nor with Swedish or German school(s). They're Greek, and it becomes obvious
once you give a listen to at least one track off "Fantasy Revealed". I
only wish they could find a better studio next time… While now; not a masterpiece,
but doubtlessly an impressive effort.
Email: theodosism@hotmail.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)
EMPYRIA
"The Legacy"
Nightmare Records
rating: -
This is not the kind of music I usually
listen to, so better no marks this time. "The Legacy" is the second offering
from EMPYRIA, who managed to make their debut with a CD released under
the banners of legendary German record company, Noise Records. A couple
of years passed, the singer has been replaced… Stop! Let me wonder why
the hell did they decide that Phil possesses a better voice? What we have
here, is another guy with a great voice, who's spoiling the whole album
singing line a eunuch. What the hell, who told you that this way is the
best one? Moreover, who told you that WE, the fans / the listeners / the
whoever, will get high on it? I just hate this tendency - just look around!
PYRAMID, CUSTARD, EMPYRIA… All of these bands' latest efforts have been
reviewed in this issue, and all of them are really far from getting the
highest mark! But why?! Not because of the music, that's for sure. I hate
when the vocalist makes you forget a good album and never give it a listen
in all the possible future. Never ever. The same's with EMPYRIA. Oh man,
I'm tired of these fags… Anyway, those who CAN stand this bleating (besides
liking top-class power / progressive metal), check it out. Maybe you won't
have to vomit up your bowels listening to THIS. (Herr Stalhammar)
GRACEPOINT
"Science Of Discontent"
Nightmare Records
rating: 4 of 6
What would it sound alike if MEGADETH ("Peace
Sells…"-era) played heavy metal instead of thrash? In order to find out
the answer to such a question, you gotta give "Science…" a listen. It's
a bit thrashy heavy metal, fast and slightly brutal (… ?! …), whilst vocal
lines heavily remind me of sober Dave Mustaine. As usual with Nightmare
Records' bands, there's nothing I could possibly cavil at regarding the
album's quality in terms of production and performance's technique, therefore:
perhaps, it's worthy purchasing? (Herr Stalhammar)
HAMMERFALL
"Renegade"
Nuclear Blast Records
rating: 1 of 6
"Commercial and cheesy"? Well, someone
another would try to assure me that "Renegade" is the most successful and
impressive power metal album to date. But I really doubt if he succeeds.
Once again, "commercial and cheesy". In fact, why do we define power metal
as "power metal"? The answer's utmost simple: just look at the genre's
name. POWER. And I couldn't find any POWERFUL while listening to this CD.
Moreover, I couldn't find anything that I'd name METAL here. This "true
metal" trend arouse mostly thanks to HAMMERFALL, and it strikes as these
guys suddenly turned into the first victims of the disease they've made
come true themselves. "Renegade" is NOTHING. Just pure nothing. No good
songs, no heartrending ballads, NOTHING. Instead - cliches, cliches, and
once again cliches. It's all based on clichesque approach to music and
composition. Absolutely insincere and unmemorable pop-rock, not much heavier
than BACKSTREET BOYS' "We Will Rock You" cover. (Herr Stalhammar)
HIGHLORD
"When The Aurora Falls…"
Northwind Records
rating: 6 of 6
Probably this is what HAMMERFALL would
sound if they didn't suck so bad. Actually, this CD almost made me speechless,
just like in case with RAIN FELL WITHIN. I haven't heard such a stunning
blend of speed metal for a reaaaly looong time. And as Italy seems to be
a Mecca spawning a great number of power and speed metal acts, it's obvious
that one day RHAPSODY will have to battle at least few rivals. Well, in
fact, one of them is already here, going by the name of HIGHLORD. You know,
I can't even say anything comprehensible regarding this effort. This is
just speed metal at it's best, featuring a brilliant singer as well as
breathtaking keyboard passages. All of the songs are equally astounding,
consequently marking out the best ones undoubtedly would be nothing but
a waste of time. All in all, this is the band which is destined to become
a legend one day, therefore isn't it time to support this combo??
Website: www.northwindrecords.com
Email: info@northwindrecords.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)
INSANIA
"Sunrise In Riverland"
No Fashion Records
rating: 5 of 6
Wanna know why I rated this one with '5'
out of '6'? The only reason is, "Sunrise In Riverland" a) lacks any drawbacks
in terms of execution and musicianship, b) this CD comes with few definitely
killer tunes, such as f.ex. "Lost In Time" and "Tears Of The Nature". Speaking
plainer, I was hugely disappointed. Once (it was few years ago, at least
as far as I may recall) I almost started to consider this band a Swedish
power metal's scene highlight. Nearly a sensation, you see. They had all
the chances to become the one, indeed. However, due to the reasons unknown
to me (I wish I knew what happened…), INSANIA couldn't manage to stay a
distinguishable band, thus joining the legion of HELLOWEEN copycats. "Sunrise
In Riverland" strikes as somewhat artificial work, and that leaves me completely
embarrassed. (Herr Stalhammar)
LIZZY BORDEN
"Deal With The Devil"
Metal Blade Records
rating: 3 of 6
One more piece of heavy metal brought forth
the light by Metal Blade, and unfortunately, in comparison to CHINCHILLA,
"Deal With The Devil" doesn't excite me at all. More likely, it's plain
hard rock, heavy enough to be considered power metal. You know, Lizzy Borden
and co., as well as all their works, make me recall mid-eighties and all
those pseudo-heavy metal acts looking like fags, with a seemingly antisocial
kind of behaviour, in fact being "rock-stars" in the worst sense of this
word. Chemically deranged haircuts, "fuck you" attitude and unbelievable
greed. "$$$ UBER ALLES", y'know. This is a perfect example of commercialism
in heavy metal, and the only reason why I didn't really drag it into shit,
is the fact, "Deal With The Devil" features at least a couple of killer
tunes stylistically breaking the schemes of this glam-fag-metal crap. Definitely
not the kind of CD to listen to. Buying the newest offering by GRAVE DIGGER
would be much wiser; at least that's my opinion.
If you can't find this CD being sold at
the music store nearby but nevertheless still interested in purchasing
it, email Fono Records at <metal@fono.ru>
or check out their official website at <www.fono.ru>
(this concerns only those who reside in Russia and CIS States, though).
(review by Herr Stalhammar)
PYRAMID
"The Immaculate Lie"
Locomotive Music
rating: 3 of 6 (in general)
6 of 6 ("The Prodigal Son", in particular)
Usually I detest most of so-called "progressive
metal" acts, and I fear that PYRAMID won't be an exception. First of all,
they don't offer anything outstanding or anything that could be defined
as innovative or whatever alike. And again that high-pitched singer. How
can you guys get high listening to such a bleating?! I don't understand
it and probably never will. Nevertheless, despite the whole album's mediocrity,
it hides a pure jewel in the shape of the very last track, "The Prodigal
Son". In fact, it doesn't have anything in common with prog metal, as well
as any other kind of metal. Being neo-classically structured, this is a
stunning piece of orchestral music, composed and performed in a truly brilliant
way. Actually, this single song makes the whole CD worth buying. (Herr
Stalhammar)
QUARK
"Once Upon A Crime"
self-released
rating: 5 of 6
Prog metal from France? Honestly speaking,
I expected it to be a loathsome work - but luckily, I was wrong. Starting
with a stunningly sounding tune (whatta surprise), it goes on and on into
the realms of prog and power metal, revealing rather average singer (who's
enough good to keep the CD's rating as no less than '5' out of '6', though…
and fortunately, no falsetto here) and nearly (?) fantastic musical accompaniment.
All the songs may be easily recalled a year after you've gave this album
a listen - and isn't it an advantage? Furthermore, I guess I must admit
that the sound execution this CD comes with, is beyond any critics, what's
a bit strange due to the fact "Once Upon A Crime…" has been released on
their own. Anyway, this is undoubtedly a worthy effort. Check it out…
Website: http://quark.rock.free.fr
Email: quark.rock@free.fr
(review by Herr Stalhammar)
TIERRA SANTA
"Tierras De Legenda"
Locomotive Music
rating: 4 of 6
Lucky me, this one's much better than "Mafia"
by AZRAEL. TIERRA SANTA deliver pretty typical though simultaneously recognizable
power metal, this time (thank gods…) with a good singer and nearly stunning
musical accompaniment. "Tierras De Legenda" is pretty much similar to the
works by Germany's ABRAXAS and MOB RULES, being different in lyrical aspect:
like most of Southern Europe-based power metal acts, TIERRA SANTA mostly
deal with supernatural and historical matters. All in all, a worthy album.
(Herr Stalhammar)
VALHALLA
"Beyond The Underworld"
self-released
rating: 4,5 of 6
Spain. Definitely a nice country (even
though I hate when it's hot in Summer, man!), but in the same time definitely
not the one we'd call a metal outpost in Europe. However, there're plenty
of heavy metal bands emerge from Spain nowadays, at least that's what we
behold at the moment. Surprisingly, most of 'em appear as heavy, power
or speed metal ones, and I still can't figure really out what there're
so many HM combos, whilst black / death metal is represented with only
few acts. However, this is not the kind of questions I'd sacrifice myself
to know the answer, you see. Consequently, back to VALHALLA (have I ever
heard this moniker before?! Despite being rather unoriginal, it also makes
me wonder why did these guys named the band they take part in, this way?
"Valhalla" and "Spain" don't really have anything in common, you see).
Well, it's power metal… "at it's best"? Well, perhaps I'll tell ya if it's
wrong or write after the hundredth listen, and now, right after I gave
this CD a third listen, it seems to me, that VALHALLA definitely isn't
the kind of band to be missed or ignored, since they doubtlessly possess
a certain kind of potential. The musical canvas is well structured, and
nor does the musicianship disappoint me. If only they've come up with a
better executed work (in terms of sound quality, of course… it's rather
enjoyable, though), it would be a hell of an album. "Beyond The Underworld"
simply lacks powerful producership, and that's why I couldn't give this
CD a better mark. And yeah, the singer's really good! Seems like I'm lucky
this time. Check out "Aliens" and "Medieval Feast", as well as "Guardians
Of Metal", and if you don't care about the lack or originality (hey, show
me at least ten ORIGINAL power metal combos amongst the neophytes, and
I'll eat my own shit), caring about emotional and fascinating METAL instead,
this one is for you. As to me, I'll be impatiently awaiting a followup
to "Beyond The Underworld".
Website: www.arrakis.es/~pleanizb/vh/val_intr.htm
Email: gvbcobai@lg.ehu.es
(review by Herr Stalhammar)
ZERO HOUR
"The Towers Of Avarice"
Sensory, a division of the Laser's Edge
rating: 5 of 6
Nice piece of what I first confused with
a mixture of doom and power metal. It's prog metal, though. And as you
probably know already, I can't stand giving this sort of bands a listen
- however, it seems like ZERO HOUR is something different. First of all,
let me admit, that it comes with a truly astounding appearance, far from
being pretentious yet still enrapturing. Secondly, let me warn you that
this time we have to deal with TOP CLASS prog metal. Thirdly, and as I
just mentioned, it's METAL. Yes, heavily inspired by DREAM THEATER and
alike acts, but still METAL. Yes, featuring "Demise And Vestige", 15 minutes-long
saga, but still METAL. And it strikes as these guys aren't willing to stay
within the bounds of one and only genre, mixing elements borrowed from
enormous number of different styles, such as… yes, doom and power metal,
getting an astounding mixture on the outcome. And yes, let me SHOUT OUT
that finally we have a singer possessing undoubtedly powerful voice with
a rather wide range. Generally speaking, this is hell of an album (even
though it's still not really my cup of tea - that's why I rated it with
'5' out of '6' instead of giving it a highest mark), which most possibly
would suit all those who still care for METAL music. Check it out, man,
you won't regret.
Email: lasercd@aol.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)