COMMA
“Elusive Dreams”
Hammer Muzik
rating: 5 / 6
Honestly speaking, I could never conceive that one day I’ll discover such a CD in my mailbox. Prog metal from Turkey? Are you kidding…? I guess not. Actually, even if I won’t ever name myself a prog admirer, this one nearly made me get high. I bet that, once the first song is over, some of you would immediately reckon COMMA to the multitude of DREAM THEATER clones, however I wouldn’t be so sure. As a matter of fact, they deliver music of their own, and why the hell do I need to compare ‘em to anyone? What really surprised me, is the doubtless closeness to perfection when it comes to both musicianship and sound execution. Give a listen to “Cradle Of My Dreams” or “Mask Of Silence”, and you won’t dare to doubt these words of mine. Surprisingly or not, but the singer possesses an astounding voice (it’s obvious that he’s not Turkey’s own Fabio Leone, though). Consequently; no visible drawbacks but a tremendous piece of prog metal. Be you the fan of this kind of music or not, give this CD a chance anyway. (Herr Stalhammar)

CYDONIA
“Cydonia”
Metal Blade Records
(provided by Fono Records)
rating: 4 / 6
Honestly speaking, I’m getting a bit tired of this power metal boom. Sadly enough, I’m not the one to stop it or let it go on… Therefore; the only thing left for me, is to compose yet another review. Ok, CYDONIA comes from Italy, featuring few chaps from LABYRINTH, consequently I guess you already know what we have to deal with here? Yep, top-notch power metal with a pretty intriguing lyrical canvas and… no highlights. Don’t get me wrong, “Cydonia” appears as a splendid work with no visible drawbacks, however it’s a bit unmemorable – and it’s the only reason why I haven’t rated it with a highest mark.
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)

DESTINY’S END
“Transition”
Metal Blade Records
(provided by Fono Records)
rating: 3 / 6
As far as I recall, I almost fell in love with this US combo’s former CD, “Breathe Deep The Dark”. At least, I never arrange interviews with the bands I do not like. Actually, I wasn’t the one who chatted with these guys, but who cares anyway. What’s more important, I had to wait for almost three years to give a listen to their second work, and… well, I was disappointed. Or more likely, DISAPPOINTED. This is still that powerful mixture of speed and thrash metal the American way, however something’s wrong this time. All the songs off “Transition” are well structured, the singer is good, so are the other guys taking part in this venture, so is the producership. So what else do I need…? Dunno. I simply don’t dig this one. Not even one single tune off “Transition”, you see. NOT EVEN ONE. Probably my expectations were too high? That’s the reason? Maybe. And maybe not. Actually, I don’t even know whether I should recommend you this CD or not… So you’d better download at least a couple of tunes in the shape of mp3s and see if you like ‘em or not. That’s the best way to go, I guess.
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)

EIDOLON
“Hallowed Apparition”
Metal Blade Records
(provided by Fono Records)
rating: 3 / 6
Sorry, this review is not available in English. If you speak Russian, check it out by clicking here.

HELLOWEEN
“The Dark Ride”
Nuclear Blast Records
rating: 5 / 6
Saying something like “HELLOWEEN are back again” would be a terrible triviality, consequently let’s just say “HELLOWEEN managed to come up with yet one more excellent piece”. As a matter of fact, “The Dark Ride” differs a lot from all the former works by this Germany’s living legend, for they have distanced themselves from classic power metal rather drastically. If I was the one to define, I’d say it’s a fascinating mixture of heavy / speed metal and… prog. No, don’t skip this review! HELLOWEEN haven’t gone the wrong way, they just seem to be head for new horizons, and I guess they can’t be blamed for that. Starting with a haunting intro and one of “The Dark Ride’s” doubtless highlights, “Mr. Torture”, featuring Andi’s unique voice and genius refrain, this CD slows the speed down a bit, whilst the synths come in order to appear in the background every here and then – and yes, the ambiences they bring in, made me add the word “prog”. Nevertheless, “Mr. Torture” isn’t the only tune off “The Dark Ride”, genius enough to demonstrate all the poor beings out there that HELLOWEEN aren’t going to surrender. Dark and creepy “Escalation 666”, ballad-alike “If I Could Fly” heavily reminding of those “Keeper Of The Seven Keys” good old times, “The Departed (Sun Is Going Down)”, and finally, stupendous “Mirror, Mirror” -- doubtlessly dsetined to become a classic some day -- all of these tracks may be easily reckoned to the best songs HELLOWEEN ever composed. The only thing which weakens this CD a bit, is it’s length (especially taking into account the fact I got a special edition with two bonus tracks). I only wish it would be 10 minutes shorter. But in spite of this, “The Dark Ride” appears as a highly enjoyable work, much better than everything this act have brought forth the light last decade. (Herr Stalhammar)

FALCONER
“Falconer”
Metal Blade Records
(provided by Fono Records)
rating: 5,5 / 6
Sorry, this review is not available in English. If you speak Russian, check it out by clicking here.

ICED EARTH
“Horror Show”
Century Media
(provided by Art Music Group)
rating: 5,5 / 6
Sorry, this review is not available in English. If you speak Russian, check it out by clicking here.

LIONS SHARE
“Entrance”
Massacre Records
(provided by Art Music Group)
rating: 3 / 6
Sorry, this review is not available in English. If you speak Russian, check it out by clicking here.

MODUS VIVENDI
“The Power Of Suggestion”
self-released
rating: 5,5 / 6
Australia? Prog metal? PROG METAL FROM AUSTRALIA?! Are you kidding? This must have been a mistake. A mailman’s mistake. Someone else’s mistake. This kind of music can’t be delivered by anyone of Down Under, man. Never ever. But what the hell, it’s not a mistake at all. Nor a nonsense. Yes, this is prog metal at it’s best, prog metal of Aussie origin. And to tell you the truth, this is one of the few bands of this kind I got high; and more. Everything’s played in an unbelievably tight way, and hey, what’s most important, everything’s crafted and composed so well that one may wonder if DREAM THEATER’ve moved to Australia. Vocals? Perfect. Especially taking into account the fact this guy’s also responsible for drum tracks (which are, needless to say, brilliant as well). Musicianship? Well, a comparison with DREAM THEATER must have told you something, I suppose. Sound execution? Nothing to complain about. A multi-album deal? Definitely coming their way…
Email: modusvivendi@progrock.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

RHAPSODY
“Dawn Of Victory”
Limb Music Products
(provided by Mazur Public Relations)
rating: 6 / 6
Should I say that I’ve been awaiting for this one with more than just a great impatience (simultaneously being feared that the third work by this Italy’s premiere power metal act would turn out as a complete failure)? I guess not. Actually, I bet that it’s been the same with you. So, is “Dawn Of Victory” similar to “Symphony Of Enchanted Lands”? Yes – and no. Is it a pile of crap or yet one more masterpiece? Definitely the latter. This time Luca Turilli and co. came up with less classically influenced work, and I don’t see a single reason why this has to be considered a drawback. Fabio still is an outstanding singer (although he exploits lower registers this time… and that’s just great!), Luca still is a genius composer… and so on, and so forth. As to innovations (or a simple metamorphosis?), let me mark out few more differences: firstly, the last (obviously meant as most epic and sublime) tune (“The Mighty Ride Of The Firelord”) doesn’t last for eternity anymore. 9 minutes instead of 14, you see. Secondly, unlike the former efforts by RHAPSODY, “Dawn Of Victory” features an instrumental track – and what a track! “Trolls In The Dark” sounds utterly bewitching, man! Highlights? Well, all the songs off this CD are equal to each other in their doubtless bewitchment. Conclusive words? Come on, do you really need ‘em…? (Herr Stalhammar)

ROB ROCK
“Rage Of Creation”
Massacre Records
(provided by Art Music Group)
rating: 6 / 6
Sorry, this review is not available in English. If you speak Russian, check it out by clicking here.

SHUTDOWN
“Pray For War”
Resistance Records
rating: 4,5 / 6
Starting with a stoner-alike title track, later on it swirls into a severe cross between heavy metal and a different kind of “core” thing. Well, so what the hell is it? The easiest answer is, SHUTDOWN. What else? Hmm, it looks like Resistance Records definitely is an elite label for elite artists, at least how else one can explain that such notions as “top-notch”, “original”, “exciting” and “thought-provoking” fit all of the CDs they have released so far? But if it wasn’t enough, there’re no even two similar bands signed to Resistance, doesn’t matter what the genre is. Nevertheless, I didn’t expect they will ever spit forth the light anything like “Pray For War”. It’s TOO different, perhaps. Combining right-wing attitude (and not only attitude, I suppose) and no less than EXCELLENT lyrical canvas, musically SHUTDOWN are almost close to being indescribable. Whether it’s good or bad I don’t know – I only know that you guys better go and check this CD out. It’s worth your attention, even if you don’t reckon yourself to N.S. horde.
Website: www.resistance.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

SKULLVIEW
“Consequences Of Failure”
R.I.P. Records
rating: 4 / 6
If you’re new to metal music, and particularly heavy metal, you can’t find a better CD to get familiar with it all. This US combo seeming to live to “Metal is the law” motto, made their debut (?) with pretty exciting work, however in case you’ve already heard anything by GRAVE DIGGER, W.A.S.P., SINNER and RUNNING WILD, you definitely won’t consider “Consequences Of Failure” intriguing. Well crafted and quite splendidly performed, this CD varies from track to track, with one being a tribute to GRAVE DIGGER, another one – to RAGE, and so on and so forth. Just a cleverly compiled heritage (let’s cast aside the word “plagiarism”, ok?) of all the heavy metal gods, living and not. Therefore, I believe it’s you who should decide whether SKULLVIEW are worthy enough to be listened to, or not. If you choose the latter, I won’t disagree. Nor would I, if you consider “Consequences Of Failure” a marvelous effort… even if the truth is always somewhere in between.
Website: www.restinpeacerecords.com
(review by Felix A.Stalhammar; translated by Kai Mathias)

SONATA ARCTICA
“Ecliptica”
Spinefarm Records
(provided by Fono Records)
rating: 3 / 6
“I’m a bit tired of this power metal boom”… Isn’t it what I was saying quite recently? Well, now let me say “I’m FED UP with these power metal acts popping out here and there in quantities beyond enormous!”. SONATA ARCTICA appears as one more of a kind: tightly performed and well executed piece of commercial power / speed metal with few prog elements. Everything is just fine, but “Ecliptica” lacks any kind of drive, any kind of sincerity, thus staying just a regular piece of aluminum. Yes, “Destruction Preventer”, “Replica” and “Kingdom For A Heart” sound pretty good – moreover, if the whole CD consisted of the songs like these, it could turn out as rather enjoyable listening experience. Lyrics… well, they aren’t bad, but I just can’t stand the way they’ve been structured. Therefore let me remind you that CDs can also serve well as a prop for your tankard. Sadly enough, “Ecliptica” is nearly a failure, also being one of the most unsuccessful efforts ever released by Spinefarm Records.
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)

WARMEN
“Unknown Soldier”
Spinefarm Records
(provided by Fono Records)
rating: 5 / 6
Sorry, this review is not available in English. If you speak Russian, check it out by clicking here.

WISDOM CALL
“Wisdom Call”
Massacre Records
(provided by Art Music Group)
rating: 1 / 6
Sorry, this review is not available in English. If you speak Russian, check it out by clicking here.

WYTCHFYNDE
“The Awakening”
Demolition Records
rating: 1 / 6
I’ve heard only CDs released by Demolition Recs, and unfortunately I have to say that WYTCHFYNDE must be the weakest among them. First of all, I completely dislike it’s appearance – looks like Oskorei once again fucked the whole thing up in terms of graphic execution. But it’s not the worst thing to expect. “The Awakening” opens with “Hell Hath No Fury”, fairly enjoyable track but certainly not the best one to start the album with. And then, then we have nothing but second-hand heavy metal, irksome and motionless, with riffing below average, pathetic vocal lines and nearly ridiculous lyrics. “Blessed Be” seems to be the only song here worth listening, but it doesn’t save the CD from being flushed down the toilet. A perfect gift for your worst enemy.
(review by Felix A.Stalhammar; translated by Kai Mathias)

X-FACTOR
“X-Factor”
Phoenix Records
(provided by Metal Agen Records)
rating: 4,5 / 6
While certain Finns (see the review above) keep on delivering cheesy power metal in order to become regular rockstars, Sergey Novikov, the one of Russian origin, doesn’t strive for anything, but offering the music which is definitely of interest to each and every heavy metal freak – even if all of the songs off this CD were originally conceived and composed back in 1989 (!). I’ve never heard about this band before (neither back in early nineties, nor these days… until I got this CD), which, judging by what the bio states, later turned into what now is known as MORTIFER (check out the review on the latest work in the previous issue). Fortunately, everything has been re-recorded and mastered using modern pro-tools, however it still makes me wonder how one man (yes, the whole album was performed by Sergey alone!) could come up with 12-years old songs performing and interpreting ‘em in such an intriguing way! Even drummachine sounds nearly excellent… All in all, we have mostly mid-tempo heavy metal bearing a strong resemblance of hard rock, sung in Russian (vocals fit the music just perfect, and what’s no less important, also being quite enjoyable), well executed and well performed… however, still a bit outdated. Nevertheless, “highly recommended”.
Email: phoenixrec@mail.ru
(review by Herr Stalhammar)