BETO VAZQUEZ’ INFINITY
“Beto Vazquez’ Infinity”
NEMS Enterprises
(provided by Fono Ltd.)
rating: - / -
Sometimes the anticipation of a certain holiday might turn out sweeter than a holiday itself, don't you think? This CD is a perfect proof to it. Tarja Turunen (NIGHTWISH), Candice Night (BLACKMORE'S NIGHT), Fabio Lione (RHAPSODY) and Sabine Edelsbacher (EDENBRIDGE) all participated in the recording. Sounds tasty? Unfortunately, it fails anyway, both in terms of vocal department and music itself. As a result, we have incomprehensible cross between power metal, neo-classical, prog and hell-knows-what-else. Voices? Ha! Fabio once again proves he should work more and more, improving his more or less pathetic skills. Others don't sing, but howl. Bitterly artificial. On the other hand, musicians did their best, so everything sounds good, but so what? Strange album. I doubt if “Infinity” will enter my stereo ever again, although that doesn't imply the utter worthlessness of this effort. It's not bad. Nor it is good. Mediocre? I guess not… Unfortunately, it's exactly the kind of case when I don't know what to write down… what to say… what to think. I’m totally embarrassed. (Herr Stalhammar; translated by Herr Stalhammar and Ingvar)
 
TUATHA DE DANANN
“Tingaralatingadun”
Heavy Metal Rock
rating: 3,5 / 6
Believe me or not, but I could never understand non-European (as well as South-European) bands which seem to have found their main source of inspiration in Scandinavian and / or Gaelic heritage. Why? What for? This band comes from Brazil, and doesn’t Portugal has it’s own history? Ridiculous? No. “Funny” might be the better word. Perhaps “Tingaralatingadun” (try to spell it at once. At least I failed) shouldn’t be reviewed in this section, for it doesn’t have anything in common with black metal. Almost. The first work (self-titled) did, though. It’s the only reason why you see a review on “Tingaralatingadun” (damn, I’m tired of typing it over and over again!) here. In other words, it’s power metal, quite irritating at times, mostly due to the singer who, despite possessing more or less impressive voice, fails to spell the verses he has to, in time AND – although you may doubt my words – irritating rhythmical transitions. The whole concept in certain cases draws laughter, too. HOWEVER. “Tinga…. No, enough. Let’s just say, “this album”. So, this album strikes as pretty distinguishable piece, and if you like the latest works by CRUACHAN, you’d definitely love… or just like it. Folkish power metal served with blackish screams. Lastly; what’s most amusing and most embarrassing, drum tracks sound like they’ve been recorded at Finnvox. No difference at all. (Herr Stalhammar)

THE SCARR
“Animalenemy”
Spinefarm Records
(provided by Fono Ltd.)
rating: - / -
Absolutely incomprehensible work. Or, more likely, the one impossible to get into. Horrible stylistic melting pot. In fact, probably it would be easier to say what it lacks… Heavy metal, industrial, gothic… Mostly “clean” yet harsh vocals, however growling (!) also enters the execution at times. M-mm, and now, how should I perceive it? Nowise. Download mp3s and make up a decision yourselves. Few things worth mentioning in the end, though. Firstly, the man having “the Scarr” handle is responsible for all both music and lyrics (with an exception for “Every Breath You Take”, originally performed by Sting), however he only sings, whilst music is being played by session musicians. Secondly, Mr. The Scarr surprisingly went to France (SoundSuite Studio, to be exact) in order to put this album on tape. Weirdo. Definitely weirdo. And thus a weird CD.
P.S. The opening song, “Holy Wars”, is just excellent!
P.P.S. And a stunning voice he has…
(review by Herr Stalhammar; translated by Herr Stalhammar and Ingvar)

WARMEN
“Beyond Abilities”
Spinefarm Records
(provided by Fono Ltd.)
3,5 / 6
Everything’s the same? At the first sight (listen?), yes. But no, nothing is what it seems. Just like “Unknown Soldier”, “Beyond Abilities” features quite a lot of instrumentals, no less astounding in terms of uniquely masterful performance, just like “Unknown Soldier”, it features piano interlude (sounding suspiciously similar to “Space Dye West” by DREAM THEATER), however “Beyond Abilities” and the CD these Finns made their debut with, are still different. Firstly, there’re more vocal lines. This time it’s not only Kimberly Goss (“Hidden” and “Alone”. The latter is a cover from HEART… definitely not the best choice possible), for she’s being accompanied by Timo Kotipelto and Pasi Nykanen, who contrived to make an amusing mixture of MARILLION and ENTOMBED out of “Dawn”. Secondly, like it’s already been mentioned in many reviews, it’s not a pure power metal anymore. “Beyond Abilities” sounds more like a hard-rock piece at times, and please don’t ask me whether this change is better or for worse. “Unknown Soldier” is much more intriguing work, that’s for sure. (Herr Stalhammar; translated by Herr Stalhammar and Ingvar)