EDGUY
“Mandrake”
AFM Records
(provided by CD-Maximum)
rating: 6 / 6
Before getting acquainted with the actual CD, I – the one fairly knowing what to expect – decided to check out “All The Clowns” video. And... holy hell, what is IRON MAIDEN doing here? Although... what happened to Bruce Dickinson? Why does he look much younger and how did he manage to grow long hair in such a short time? Well, now I know it's not IRON MAIDEN, but EDGUY. In my humble opinion, one of the best-ever power metal acts. At least, in comparison to other bands of the same kind amongst those who emerged from nowhere to become rock-stars lately. Yes, EDGUY sounds similar to the British godfathers of heavy metal, however it concerns one and only song – “All The Clowns”, which I’ve just mentioned above. In other respects, whatever makes the similarities pop up, it must Tobias’ voice, which, however, is pretty distinguishable. And I guess no one would dare to say he's no excellent singer. But back to the subject. EDGUY – the year of 2001 –  “Mandrake”. What we have here is classic power metal – ‘classic power metal’ surprisingly often breaking the long-term borders of this genre. No matter how hard I tried, I nevertheless couldn't find any goddamn drawback. “Hey, man, here I am! Drop a point!” No. I won't. I can't. Those who still didn't get what I mean, “Mandrake” is quite close to be considered a masterpiece. As to me, I already DO consider it a masterpiece. (Herr Stalhammar; translated by Herr Stalhammar and Ingvar)

JACOBS DREAM
“Theater Of War”
Metal Blade Records
(provided by Fono Ltd.)
6 / 6
Christians… And so what? Well, nothing. This time the music speaks for itself, and you’d better just don’t pay attention to lyrics replaced with pathetically miserable sermons. In case with “Theater Of War” we have top-notch heavy metal, heavily seasoned with prog, because of what some may easily draw parallels with early works by QUEENSRYCHE. No borrowings, however. JACOBS DREAM take everything maximally serious, but that’s not what’s most important. Unbelievable sincerity – that’s what made me a diehard fan of theirs. Just give a listen to “Sarah Williams” – unbelievably heartrending tune! – and you’d definitely share my point of view. These guys seem to turn their very souls inside out, sharing the most dear they have with us, exposing every single sensation formerly supposed never to see the light. It also regards David Taylor, truly an excellent singer – please, note I said “excellent” despite that I can’t stand high-pitched voices. The more I write down, the less you understand how tremendous “Theater Of War” is, I believe. Therefore, it looks like the only way is to go and buy the CD… and enter it’s charming genius. (Herr Stalhammar; translated by Herr Stalhammar and Ingvar)

SONATA ARCTICA
“Silence”
Spinefarm Records
(provided by Fono Ltd.)
3 / 6
In case you didn’t know, I like power. The same goes for heavy metal. However, be it good or bad, I have to admit that this music became almost of no interest to me as of late – and this loss of former attractiveness unsurprisingly coincided with this genre’s so-called ‘revival’, which took place in the end of nineties, when Europe became overflowed with similar bands considering their one and only aim is to play cheesy, commercial garbage. I guess no one would dare to name “Silence” a garbage, but it doesn’t change the fact it’s not the power metal I loved (and still love). Light, joyful, typically Finnish sound-wise (pick up any work by STRATOVARIUS, give it a listen, and you’ll get what I mean), with a singer possessing nice-sounding voice, who however seems to fail having time to sing the actual verse, and hence races through words and phrases, which, honestly speaking, doesn’t leave good impression. Marking out any particular song and naming it the best one is a pretty hard task since all tunes off “Silence” are quite equal to each other. Neither bad, nor good. Even if I tried hard, I wouldn’t be able to cavil at the way producer and sound-engineers accomplished their work… well, basically, the album is not bad, and consequently should be recommended to all those who can’t live any longer without NIGHTWISH and STRATOVARIUS. As to all the others… well, you’d better pick up the latest CD by GRAVE DIGGER.  (Herr Stalhammar; translated by Herr Stalhammar and Ingvar)

VOICE
“Golden Signs”
AFM Records
(provided by CD-Maximum)
rating: 4 / 6
If you think that once you told me Stefan Schwarzmann joined this or that band on drums, I'll give their latest work a listen right away... well, you must be wrong. I wouldn't buy “Golden Signs” even if I haven't got it's promo. It doesn't mean this CD isn't worth anything. VOICE aren't the worse band in the heavy metal universe. Probably even one of the best. However, despite that music is basically idearich, despite that Oliver sings pretty well (and sings like a MAN - i.e. this is not your daddy's HAMMERFALL), despite the addition of saxophone (!)... despite all this, “Golden Signs” didn't warm me up. Looks like it's sort of impossible to cavil at anything here, so let's finish this review with a short conclusion: powerful heavy metal spiced up with prog, aware of experimentation and certain innovations, excellently executed and no less excellently performed. But since each review's based on it's author's subjectivism, let me rate it with '4' out of '6'. Although... perhaps, I should give this work a second chance? What do you think? (Herr Stalhammar; translated by Herr Stalhammar and Ingvar)