CHAOS THEORY
"Chaos Theory"
Chaos Theory Inc.
rating: -
Unbelievable! Three CDs in the package, and two of them appear as worthless ones. Well, actually, this one's not really worthless (at least, in comparison to WOLFPAC) - more likely, it's rather enjoyable hardcore stuff (thanks god in hell, no gangsta rap attitude here!), BUT only for those who dig this sort of stuff. I don't. (Herr Stalhammar)

MORBUS KITAHARA
"Where Joy May Dwell"
Alice In… / Scheintot
rating: 4,5 of 6
"Darkest pop band in Germany"? Well, not exactly, although not really far from that. Such tracks as "Wet Bed" (my absolutely favorite tune off this CD!) or "Angry Water" definitely hide the somber ambience behind the compositional facade. MORBUS KITAHARA (weird name, by the way) is comprised of two individuals, the guy behind the keyboards and the girl doing the vocals (sounding good, but it could be better anyway). Well, all in all, it's not exactly "pop", more likely a stunning mixture of pop, EBM and electro dark wave. Something like that, y'know. For open-minded only. These ones will love it… others - detest. But what can you do, it's the common fate of all the talented and controversial bands.
Website: www.morbusmitahara.de
Email: mail@morbuskitahara.de
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

REPTILICA
"Nurse"
Lens Records
rating: -
What the hell… Sometimes you just can't give a mark to certain record, y'know. This is so fucking weird, man. REPTILICA's former CD (the one they made their debut with) was an utter piece of shit, however this one is not. Musically, this is extremely depraved mixture of pop / rock, gothic, dark wave and first and foremost (noise)industrial. "Nurse" definitely is an original and perhaps innovative (?) work, however it's so goddamn sick. So decide yourselves whether you need it or not.
Email: lens@lensrecords.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

ROBERT JACKSON
"Personal Jesus"
AIF Records
rating: 4,5 of 6
I prefer P(ersonal)C(omputer), y'know. And what the hell is "personal jesus", afterall?! Nevermind. Have you ever heard of Mr. Jackson before? Nor did I. But giving this CD a listen, I even regretted a bit for I was not acquainted with his works earlier - since "Personal Jesus" is just perfect to listen to while you're driving the car. Mild and gentle hard rock accompanied with enjoyable (obviously, "clean") vocals and stuff, y'know. Not really convincing, but who told you that my verdict should be considered a supreme truth? In fact, I don't really like this sort of music, or more likely, I just don't listen to it, so why should I be objective? "Objective", "subjective"… erh… Anyway, buy this CD: either your girlfriend or your grandma would listen to it doubtlessly with pleasure. (Herr Stalhammar)

SLIGHTLY MIFFED
"One Leg Too Many"
Slightly Fishy Records
rating: 4,5 of 6
What a weird CD it is! Starting with a strangely distorted riffing, supplemented with deliriously programmed bass lines and drumset, as well as plenty of intriguing leads and stunning vocals (the "clean" ones, of course…  … ???…), SLIGHTLY MIFFED contrived to come up with the very special kind of music, sort of "never heard before", y'know. It's almost (?) impossible to define 'em stylistically; in fact, I'm strongly convinced that these guys can't figure out what the hell are they playing themselves. Although: it's exciting. Although: it's original. Although: damn it, it's just interesting!
Email: slightly@miffed.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

TRACY MARIE
"Sheik European Assassin Woman"
self-released
rating: 4 of 6
This one's an interesting work, indeed. And even though "Sheik European Assassin Woman" doesn't fit my mag at all, I'm gonna review it anyway. Appearing as a solo project of Tracy (formerly a singer for BABY BLUE and FEED ME SEYMOUR), it's a mild mixture of so-called "country" music (more) and hard rock (less), rather pleasant to listen to. Perfect for relaxation, y'know. "Sheik…" definitely is a versatile effort, at least you won't find even two similar compositions here. Each one's different, and I doubt if it's a drawback. When it comes to my favorite tune off this CD, "Piano" definitely is the one. Charming sounds of piano accompanied by heartrending violin ambience and Tracy's enrapturing voice make this song an outstanding piece of ethereally anxious sort of art. By the way, what's most amazing here, is the fact that Tracy was born with dysplasia of the joints, a disease which causes wearing and arthritis on the joints at a very young age, making walking a difficult task - and I guess you must have a unique strength of will in order to become a multi-instrumentalist severely suffering from such a disease… Even if Tracy's music is not the one I'm getting high on, I'd like to wish her all the best in all of her future efforts. I'd never be able to overcome myself, you see. And I deeply respect those who ARE capable of doing it.
Website: www.tracymarie.com
Email: emailme@tracymarie.com
       Zadie77@aol.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

WOLFPAC
"Evil Is…"
Megaforce Records
rating: 1 of 6
I guess, this effort's appearance is the only thing worth mentioning - simply because it lacks anything that could be named after "music". Worthless rap metal (??) in the vein of LIMP BIZKIT and other scum, however this time even less aggressive and less "metal". (Herr Stalhammar)