Wednesday, October 29, 2008

AZMAVETH - Strong As Death


AZMAVETH - Strong As Death

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 29 October 2008

AZMAVETH " Strong As Death "
( Bombworks Records ) 2008.

CD

Black/death metal - PUERTO RICO


Hailing from Puerto Rico, a band Azmaveth has a actuelle album "Strong As Death", released for "Bombworks Records". They are coming from city Ponco, and started its carrear in 1999 year. They also had some discographical experiences, and firstly S/t album "Azmaveth" in 2004. looked the light of day, and later on, in same year, also a Demo identically named was followed.
Azmaveth are christian black metal act, and that formulation is ideal for different variants of
verbal polarizations and polemies, but that isn' t a main theme of this texture. Its sound is also full of symphonic elements, but hidden thrash details are present here and there too. It's interesting and unusual at same time, that some of group's songs has "expandier" concept, than the others, pretty shortened, consists of only a few unconventional tacts. As a album "Strong As
Death" oftenly went outside genre's maniristic options, and that's a positive element if we speak
about black metal acts. A band from Puerto Rico has offered in some places, some unusual but original creativities, succesfully avoided manirism as a final course. Surelly, as a band they have potentials, and we'll see what the future brings.

Rating : 7/10
C / o : www.bombworksrecords.com

www.artistworxx.de

HOLY BLOOD - The Patriot


HOLY BLOOD - The Patriot

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 29 October 2008

HOLY BLOOD " The Patriot "
( Bombsworks Records ) 2008.
CD

Folk/black/death metal - UKRAINE


Out of Ukraine and capitol Kiev comes band Holy Blood, well-known to followers of newer tendencies under the folk metal as a genre.They were founded back in 1999 year, and till now released a 3 albums. A first one "The Wanderer" ( 2002.) was more orientired to death/black metal, where the following "Waves Are Dancing" ( 2004.) had more polished sound with folkie elements, but still with agressivities of black and death metal.
Actuelle album "The Patriot" has more folkie orientations than previous two issues. A band seriously did the realization of whole album, and some months ago videoclip with S/t track "The Patriot", circulated around the net. A Ukrainian band works as a quintet, and musically offered an interesting arrangments views, where under the electric performing concept, ancient and natural traditional instruments, in some sort of dialogues - coloured the sound.So, as a result we have in one side agressive vocal parts as same as energetic and frantic performings, than in the other as a contrary we can hear a warm and emotional passages. Even of growing ambitious of band's members in realities, today's folk/pagan metal scene is rich of better and more original band's, than the four guys and one lady from Holy Blood are. But, "The Patriot" with 9 present themes + bonus multimedia, is seriously done issue, with respectable technical includings.

Rating : 6,5/10 C / o : www.bombworksrecords.com www.artistworxx.de

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

DELIVERANCE - River Disturbance


DELIVERANCE - River Disturbance

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 22 October 2008

DELIVERANCE " River Disturbance "
( Collector's Edition )

( Retroactive Records ) 2008.

CD - USA
Hard rock/heavy metal/progressive metal


A veterans of USA christian metal scene Deliverance are back in the center of activities, cos' its cult album from 1994 year "River Disturbance" is reissued for "Retroactive Records". A band was founded back in 1985 year, and started as a thrash act, but during the following period, in some aspects has changed a direction.Actuelle reissue are consists of new artwork creation, a fully remastered songs, and additional bonuses of 4 tracks.
"River Of Disturbance" is some sort of saga, rich of strong emotional statements, colourfull arrangments realizations, and made of excellent hard rock and progressive metal elements. A group of Jimmy P. Brown in the time of first album relaization, has offered a many innovative details under the prog. metal as a genre, and "River Disturbance" today sounds equally fresh, like the case was in mentioned 1994 year. Practically, album didn' t show any less interesting parts, or less convinceble elements, so still stand strong with all previous valuabilities.

Rating: 9/10
C / o : www.retroactiverecords.net

www.artistworxx.de

www.musicbuymail.eu

JUPITER Vl - Back From Mars


JUPITER Vl - Back From Mars

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 22 October 2008

JUPITER Vl" Back From Mars "
( Retroactive Records ) 2006/2008.
CD
Classic rock/alter/70's rock/70's glam - USA


Out of Las Vegas, Nevada comes act Jupiter Vl fronted by Jimmy P. Brown also author, vocalist and guitarist from respected band Deliverance."Back From Mars" album , a band has recorded in 2006 year, but these days is actuelle a European premierre of same issue with 1 bonus track recorded on German language, and dedicate to German group's fans. A mentioned song is title track "Back From Mars", with German translations named "Zurick Von Mars" Jupiter Vl are surelly interesting act, and musically they cover one retro approach and this is mainly a British variant of 70's glam. A group is specially close to Bowie/Ziggie/Spiders From Mars period, and also to approach nearer to first phase of Marc Bolan's T.Rex carrear. There are certainly exists some other additionals belongs to alter variants, but generally 70's flavour is present here and there. A productional works also were done in same manner, and songs band has performed mostly in mid to mid-up tempo. Finally "Back From Mars" could be a recomandable issue for 70's glamsters and other similiar retro freaks.

Rating : 7/10

OVERHEADSPACE - Beyond The Scope Of Days


OVERHEADSPACE - Beyond The Scope Of Days

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
OVERHEADSPACE" Beyond The Scope Of Days"
( Iron Lion Records ) 2007.
CD
Hard rock/rock/classic rock/various rock & metal genres - USA


During the 2005 year, a brothers Rik and Joe formed a band Overheadspace. In the same season they have released an EP issue, entitled "Working Class", followed by its concert activities.Overheadspace works as a trio, and they succesfully has offered own views of performing concept, rooted in rock and hard rock therithories. In its conception also exist elements comes out from the 70's period, as same as from 80's metal legacies, but also enough classic rock idioms are present here and there, as same as some mostly hidden grunge options. Their lirical approach posses wise message with humean prefix. A songs from the album are different among them, but equally listenable and acceptable as well. A productional work of Tim Rice and members from band is pretty unique, and didn' t failedin so call time boundaries. So, as a result we have an impression that band's materials posses flavour of the past periods, even that its music modernly communicate with standards of our time. "Beyond The Scope Of Days" are consists of little more than 53 minutes of quality musical offerings, whichsuccesfully recomand a Detroit act to potential listeners populations.

Rating : 8,5/10

Pure Hatred - Choking On The Sweet Air Of Freedom


Pure Hatred - Choking On The Sweet Air Of Freedom

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 22 October 2008


PURE HATRED" Choking On The Sweet Air Of Freedom"
( Self - released ) 2007.
CD
Metal/hardcore/thrash - USA


Out of Seattle, Washington comes act Pure Hatred. Their line-up are consists of 4 members and during the previous year, they have released a debut issue entitled "Choking On The Sweet Air Of Freedom".We could threat its sound as a pretty strange combination of metal, hardcore and thrash elements. Some basic details as same as so call roots in its approach we can find in 90's period, and influences comes out from such acts as a : Prong, DRI, Antharx, Pro-Pain... Their concept is also chaotic and psychotic, and consist of some sort of often vocal dialities, followed by the principles of questions and answers. Its materials also characterize often tempo changes as same as performing deviations. Pure Hatred sound posses tendencies to be a genre in genres, and also is clear a group's DIY conception andpsychology. There are 17 shortened offering tracks, but similiar among them, judging by productional threathenings.


Rating : 7/10

DARK INTENTIONS - Destined To Burn


DARK INTENTIONS - Destined To Burn

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 22 October 2008

DARK INTENTIONS" Destined To Burn "
( Deity Down Records ) 2008.
CD - HOLLAND
Thrash metal/hardcore/crossover


Out of town Breda comes band Dark Intentions, active on domestic scene from 2002 year. Judging by the facts that all the members from band had the different musical backgrounds, in group's genre's offering also exists a few different influences comes out from several areas. Their carrear also passed with continious followings, as same as discography. Firstly, a band release in 2004 year Demo with 3 tracks in, entitled "Survival Is Not An Option", and later on, in 2005 year EP with 5 tracks in, entitled " Remorse Will Die Today", for "Pure & Simple Records". Actuelle album is a first full-length, released for "Deity Down Records", entitled "Destined To Burn", and looked the light of day on 30th June this year. Dark Intentions are band whose genre's approach are consists of few elements, and we can characterize its options as a sort of crossover. But they are also a modern act, and its performing variants are consists of thrash metal idioms mixing with strong 90's hardcore, and hidden death metal traces. A songs posses an intense atmosphere,where often tempo changes characterize practically a complete offering materials. "Destined To Burn" with 11 tracks in, and little more than 28 minutes of music, introduce a Holland fellows as a certain and convinceble band.

Rating : 8/10

Mad Shadow - Mad Shadow


Mad Shadow - Mad Shadow


Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
MAD SHADOW" Mad Shadow "
( Self - released ) 2008.
CD
70's hard rock/classic rock - CANADA


Out of British Columbia comes an interesting act and also hope of a newer Canadian scene, quartet Mad Shadow. Some months ago, they have released a S/t debut, as a self-released, independent issue. A 10 offering tracks clearly describes its aduts, and that's a strong hard rock and rock elements, nearer to 70's period, also psychologically deeply on mentioned field.Some associations in its approach logically leads to the groups such as a : Led Zeppelin, Bad Company or Humble Pie. In its offering also are evident similiarities with The Black Crowes legacy, specifically judging by the threathenings of rhythm and blues heritages. Also in some traces band has accepted a 90's influences, and some hidden associations leads to Soundgarden as a main influence. But, a Canadian fellows posses a energy of our time, they are pretty convinceble, and also its songs has strong melodicity. Technically, as same as visually, its CD cover also associate on 70's period. Finally, Mad Shadow are promising act and their album materials deserves only recomandations and positive reactions.

Rating : 8,5/10

Monday, October 20, 2008

INSIDE - Impaled By Your Soul


INSIDE - Impaled By Your Soul

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 October 2008

INSIDE "Impaled By Your Soul"
( Self - released ) 2007.
CD

Progressive death metal - ITALY


Italian band Inside was born from the fusion of 3 groups from the south of Italy, and its carrear continiously funkcionized from the 2001 year. Till now, band released 2 Demos, and in previous year still actuelle full-length "Impaled By Your Soul". Italians works as a quartet and musically are faithfull to one form of progressive death metal. A band has very tipical vocal line done by the frantic growling capabilities of singer and guitarist AGO. On the other hand all the members from band performs compactly, and I have to say that arrangments options are similiar from track to track.

The same opinion stay if we speak about productional work. A members from Inside delivers a lotta energy and enthusiasm, and there's no doubt that they did a lotta' effort in final realizations. Also, a professional technical details follows its musical message, and I have to mention an interesting packages of digi CD which they offered to audience. I can not find more elements of originality in group's approach, but its music didn' t dissapoint at last.

Rating : 6,5/10
C / o : www.insidecrew.it

www.delirionconcerti.it

e-mail : infor@delirioconcerti.org

GODYVA - Planetarium


GODYVA - Planetarium

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 October 2008

GODYVA " Planetarium"
( Razar Ice Records ) 2008.

CD
Gothic metal - ITALY


Out of Bari comes comes Godyva a band whose carrear dated from 2000 year. Through all these years they practically didn' t change a formation. In line-up band has female fronted singer Lady Godyva, and her method of interpretation in many aspects create a song structures. Their discography contains of 2 full-lengths and 1 Demo. Actuelle CD "Planetarium" band released in April this year for "Razar Ice Records". Godyva introduced itself with 13 themes on album, and musically one clear direction leads to gothic metal sources. Some comparative elements leads to Gathering legacy, but melodicity and performing expressions has showed band own identities.

"Planetarium" as a album cover many interesting details and quite good songs, but for my taste a members from band generally follows up one certain maniristic line. A production didn' t "react" on modern tendencies, and more concentrates on melodic side of group's approach. Finally "Planetarium" has sounded as a issue with more so call "romantic" elements then situation is in many similiar goth/metal albums, and probably it could be interesting for the followers of band.

Rating : 7/10
C/o : www.godyva.it
www.delirioconcerti.org

e-mail : info@delirioconcerti.org

VRISAK GENERACIJE - Brewed In Novi Sad


VRISAK GENERACIJE - Brewed In Novi Sad

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 October 2008

VRISAK GENERACIJE "Brewed In Novi Sad"
( SKC Novi Sad ) 2008.

CD

Punk/Oi - SERBIA


In the months of 25 years anniversary celebration of exsistence, a Novi Sad legends Vrisak Generacije are here with new album issue. Their publisher is "SKC Novi Sad" again. Predrag-Gaga Jandric frontman and author still lead actuel line-up, and with him are also bass player Marko and drummer Pedja. They recorded materials in all-time friend and collaborator Micke's studio. After some period, Gaga decided to return to roots, and to sound which defines it's carrear in first phases. So, there's no additional acoustic details, also pop elements are missing, and one strong punk/oi approach dominates on whole album.

A production, as same as psychology cover one earliest period, and knows to remind on second part of the 80's. A band performed all of 20 present tracks compactly, and it's evident that group has sounded as a coherent team. "Brewed In Novi Sad" as a issue satisfies die hard and oldest fans of group, showing that Vrisak didn' t change its basic direction and performing formula.Technically, a productional work didn' t satisfies, and in my opinion, even of genre's circulation and needings, band finally has sounded more as a act who comes from the past.But, that was group's decision, and surelly, Gaga knows what is the best for him and his band.

Rating : 7,5/10
C / o : www.skcns.org.yu

www.vrisak-generacije.tk

www.myspace.com/vrisakgeneracije

GRUPA DAIRE - Vrti mi se sve


GRUPA DAIRE - Vrti mi se sve

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 October 2008

GRUPA DAIRE " Vrti mi se sve "
( Komuna ) 2008.

CD
Pop/rock - SERBIA


As the informations confirmed from their webpage, Grupa Daire started its carrear in 1990 year in small Bosnian town Sanski Most. Unfortunatelly tragically war happenings part of band relocated to Novi Sad, which became their constant destination.They constantly circulate around clubs in Novi Sad area, and posses performing experince as well. A few months before a Belgrade based label "Komuna" release a band's debut entitled "Vrti mi se sve". Grupa Daire performs variant of pop/rock nearer to folkie tendencies, and approach to music established on specialized places as a -RAFTS, and similiar alike clubs. So we have here very tipical maniristic approach, as same as offering psychology nearer to taste of so call wider listeners population. A band works as a quintet, and introduced itself with 8 tracks in, recorded in Novi Sad "Positive" studio, under the productional leaderships of Pedja Pejic and Mario Tomic.

A lyrical themes has expecting lover approaches, and songs itself balancing between easiest pop rock to balaads, which standards during the years established acters from so call Sarajevo school ( Hari Mata Hari, Merlin... ), but also Novi Sad groups as a Ulicni Svirac or Apsolutno Romanticno. Honestly, in some places a band has offered a strongest hard performings, but finally nothing has been changed at all. "Vrti mi se sve" as a album could be interesting for listeners population, whose orientations mainly accept mentioned musical vision. Unfortunatelly, band's author's offering is mainly poor, and in my opinion isn' t reacheble to wider audience's basis.

Rating : 5/10
C / o : www.grupadaire.com

NEW PONY - More Fire


NEW PONY - More Fire

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 October 2008

NEW PONY " More Fire "
( Self - released ) 2008.

CD
Blues/funk/roots music - USA


Out of Philadelphia, PA comes band New Pony, and plays in own way variant of music established in New Orleans area during the years. So, I have in mind blues, funk, roots music, and many things in-between. A group was formed by the key member, singer, guitarist and author Chris Devenney, and his collaborators are well experienced musicians and professionals. From the day of foundation, and that was in 2006 year, they are constantly in the saddle, and in the begining of the 2008, they release a debut, entitled " More Fire". In their music are evident influences comes out from the 70's period, and first associations leads to well-known Little Feat.

Through its approach a band has accepted all the known elements, which characterize New Orleans sound, as a funk, blues fullfield with accordian playing, so there are also hidden zydeco elements, and some traces surelly comes to Neville Brothers legacy as well. But, all of 11 offering themes posses evident listenable dimension, where well-done arangments creations, speaks about huge experience of all acters from band. As a album "More Fire" is equally acceptable for older blues fans, and followers of newer jam rock groups.

Rating : 8,5/10
C / o : www.newponyonline.com

www.myspace.com/newponyblues

e-mail : newpony1@gmail.com

RYCHUS SYN - Rebirth


RYCHUS SYN - Rebirth

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 October 2008

RYCHUS SYN " Rebirth"
( Photon Records ) 2008.

CD

Heavy/power/thrash metal - USA


Out of Long Island, NY, comes band Rychus Syn, whose first steps dated from 1983 year. Unfortunatelly, they didn' t offer to much to audience except mini LP from 1989 year. But, still in those times, a group were noticed by loyal fan basis, and received from them a respectable cult status. As a title announce, "Rebirth" suppose to be a new begining, and album has recorded by four members from band. There are 10 tracks on album, also group has putted a 5 songs from mentioned mini LP, but judging by whole picture, a complete materials looks like a coherent concept.

"Rebirth" is a recomandable issue for all followers of the 80's metal and older school, and we can find here a strong riffs offering, a powerful screaming vocals, a shorter but convinceble songs, and effective guitar passages.And also a remarkable production. So, Rychus Syn are in the saddle again, and what is more important, they have to offer a positive attitude and relevant performing option. They could be quite satisfied with album, and promotional campaign will follow on forthcoming gigs.

Rating: 8,5/10
C / o : www.photonrecords.com

DESERT CLOUDS - Dharma Bums


DESERT CLOUDS - Dharma Bums

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 October 2008

DESERT CLOUDS " Dharma Bums "
( Self -released/Kick Agency ) 2007.

EP CD
- ITALY
Indie/folk rock/psychedelic


Italian act Desert Clouds is active from 2000 year. A group work in quintet formation, and during the last days of previous 2007 year, they introduced itself with Demo EP, entitled "Dharma Bums". They cooperate with well-known "Kick Promotion Agency", and as I have been informed by the internet news, their issue is well introduced in national media portals. "Dharma Bums", a strange title for EP, introduce Italians, as a act who combine elements of indie rock, folk and psychedelic.And their mixing musical elements also communicate with different periods.

In offering songs we can find traces of post new wave era, 60's psychedelic and national folk rock. Their songs also posses dreamy atmosphere, as same as some sort of dark pastiche. Also, all of 6 present tracks are structurally mostly different among them.I have to say, that I' m not so familiar with band's message, and have to add that in some places they offered some good ideas, but finalization isn' t acceptable in expecting form.

Rating : 6/10
C / o : www.desertclouds.net

www.kickagency.com

e-mail : media@kickagency.com

ARMORY - The Dawn Of Enlightenment


ARMORY - The Dawn Of Enlightenment

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 October 2008

ARMORY " The Dawn Of Enlightenment "
( Self - released ) 2007.

CD

Heavy/power metal - USA


Out of Townsend, Massachussets comes Armory, founded back in 2001 year. From the very begining they threathed its carrear seriously, and in next phase they creates own approach which is combination of traditional metal and European power metal. In 2004 they recorded a first version of "The Dawn Of Enlightenment" album, but with final realization, a members from band wasn' t satisfied at all.
Also a promotional campaign failed. During the 2007 year a band re-record and release an actuelle version of "The Dawn Of Enlightenment" issue with new mix and production, and this time complete finalization satisfies group. Armory works as a sextet formation, and sound they had offered is colourful and vivid, and there are 10+2 bonus tracks on album.Also we can find here an interesting cover version of well-known Iron Maiden hymn "Flight Of Icarus".

Armory performs one variant of heavy/power metal with clear melodic includings, but also with influences comes out from the 80's period.They knows to remind more on European then USA acts, but they certainly seriously has threathed complete realization of album materials.Their arrangments are expandier and production is modern and convinceble enough, so I could add that there' s no weacker places on album.
"The Dawn Of Enlightenment" also includes epic and progressive elements as well, with coherent teaming performings of complete line-up.Judging by Internet informations, their album covers a relevant promotional campaign, and we can expect that band will find possibilities to come to wider audience population.

Rating : 8,5/10
C / o : www.myspace.com/armorymetal

e-mail : armory@faithinsteel.com

PRIME SINISTER - United In Violence


PRIME SINISTER - United In Violence

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 October 2008

PRIME SINISTER " United In Violence "
( Sins Records ) 2008.

CD
- FRANCE
Industrial metal/stoner rock


A French trio Prime Sinister is a newer act on scene. They started carrear at the end of 2006, but many happenings followed up it's expansion. After just few months they released a Demo, and their approach has been noticed by critic and public. They had oportunitty to introduced themselves not only on national area, but also abroad.Actuelle full-length looks the light of day at the end of March this 2008 year.
Prime Sinister in modern way tries to expand its performing horizons, and in their musical visions exist enough places for industrial metal and stoner rock as well. But, also we can find in offering music option many things in-between, maybe more psychologically, and legacies of acts as a Sigue Sague Sputnik or Zodiac Mindwarp aren' t unknown for band's authors challenges.

Prime Minister performs directly, with lotta' energy includings. Their sound is frantic, but in the same way disciplinized, and I would add - modern. All of present songs sounds coherently with similiar arrangments approach. Track "In Guns We Trust", band also offered as a video clip, and helps them in promotional campaign. "United In Violence" is interesting and optimistic album by French fellows, and surelly deserve recomandations.

Rating : 8,5/10
C/ o : www.primesinister.net

www.myspace.com/primesinister
e-mail : primesinister@hotmail.fr

MICK MASHBIR - Keepin The Vibe Alive


MICK MASHBIR - Keepin The Vibe Alive

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 October 2008

MICK MASHBIR " Keepin The Vibe Alive "
( Self - released ) 2007.

CD
Rock/hard rock/classic rock - USA


Guitarist Mick Mashbir is a long-time period in the saddle. During the 70's he was part of Alice Cooper's band, and he played on "Billion Dollar Babies" and "Muscle Of Love" albums, and also toured on mentioned issues promotional concerts.He also toured with FLO & EDDIE, and in 1985 he was part of legendary The Turtles band. "Keepin The Vibe Alive" is a debut solo effort, where we can find something of his interesting fields. Mick also authorized his huge experience in all of 10 present tracks, whose psychological threathenings belongs to 70's period as well.

Offering material is something between classic rock, 70's rock and hard rock, and honestly author didn' t avoid glam period, as same as something from IGGY-Stooges legacy. All followers of mentioned music forms, can find many pleasent and interesting moments in Mick's album. "Keepin The Vibe Alive" are consists mostly of coherent songs with clear and evident mesages.

Rating : 8/10
C / o : www.mickmashbir.com

e-mail : mick@mickmashbir.com

NOTTURNA - Le Tue Ali


NOTTURNA - Le Tue Ali

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 October 2008

NOTTURNA " Le Tue Ali "
( Musical Box ) 2005.

CD

Melodic rock/hard rock/progresive rock - ITALY


Out of Trieste comes band Notturna. They work as a trio, and key person in band is guitarist, vocal and author Michelle Rizzi. They were founded in 1987 year, and till now released 2 issues : "Illusion" ( 1998 ) and still actuelle "Le Tue Ali" ( 2005 ). Judging by its musical choices, a band succesfully has offered an original options, even that their performing forms, are more or less usuall on nowadays scene. Their music are consists of mixing elements where exists enough places for melodic rock and hard rock, with clear progressive rock traces. But, their key weapon is melodicity, and its songs posses narrative and emotive look and approach.

A band members are skillful performers, and each songs from album are done with respectable efforts and convinceble realizations. I have to say that Notturna is one of the most melodic outfits with I had face it in last few months, who performs that sort of music.And mentioned melodicity surelly helps them to spread its ideas to different listeners populations. "Le Tue Ali" as a album are consists of mostly coherent songs materials, without any specific one.

Rating : 7,5/10
C / o : www.notturna.net

www.myspace.com/notturna

VENGINCE - As It All Sours


VENGINCE - As It All Sours

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 October 2008

VENGINCE " As It All Sours"
( Self-released ) 2008.

CD

Metal/hardcore/thrash - USA


USA act Vengince is active on scene a longest period, and till now they performed a more than 300 shows around the state. A band has also shared a stage with many genre's established acts. A first "Vengince" s/t album a group released in 2003 year. "As It All Sours" is actuelle issue, and mambers from band has a lotta' expectations. Vengince are on the field of modernly performed metal, combined with agressive hardcore and thrash elements. A vocal is constantly between screaming lines and grouls phrases. I can say that group draws some influences from the 90's period, but mentioned details are skillfully performed through nowadays standards.

There are 10+3 bonus tracks on album. It seems that productional work is perfectly done, but I would add that in some places a songs has sounded a little more overproduced. A key element of mentioned songs is also a often tempo and mood changes. A band should promote on stage "As It All Sours", at the end of a year in Europe, so this is a good chance that audience in continent face them alive.

Rating : 7,5/10
C / o : www.vengince.com

www.myspace.com/vengince

NIGHTFALL - Kao da niceg nije bilo


NIGHTFALL - Kao da niceg nije bilo

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 October 2008

NIGHTFALL
" Kao da niceg nije bilo "
( Automatik Records ) 2008.
CD
- SERBIA
Heavy/power/progressive metal


During the February this year a Belgrade act Nightfall release a full-length. Previously, they offered to audience a 2 Demos, and it's important to say that band is winner of "Zajecar 2007" fest. Musically, Nightfall performs in Serbia very often variant of heavy/power/progressive metal, they sing in own tongue, and in line-up has a well-trained musicians, where in my opinion a key attention belong to visually interesting frontman Marko-Maks Capljic. As a part of jury in mentioned festival, I had an oportunitty to face band alive few times, and I want to say that their basic qualities lays in atractive and convinceble stage performance. A little different view, I have after listening of band's album. A part of materials, group recorded in same repeatable manner, judging by arrangments realizations.It seems that band haven' t had enough breath to offer a same qualities of complete song materials in general.

NIGHTFALL - Kao da niceg nije bilo There are 10+2 tracks on album, and I would mention an interesting cover version of song "Opsesija", from dance band Beat Street repertoire. Maniristically "Kao da niceg nije bilo" expectingly satisfies, and also all other technical details more or less, funkcionized as well. "Ona ne cuje bol" as a song posses evident listenable qualities, radio and concert acceptables, and could be a favourable one from whole album opus. Unfortunatelly, Nightfall didn' t materialize its winner status from "Zajecar 2007" fest, and also band's promotional campaign failed in previous months, as same as after realization of "Kao da niceg nije bilo" CD's.

Rating : 6,5/10
C / o : www.automatik.co.yu

THE GRAND - The Grand


THE GRAND - The Grand

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 October 2008

THE GRAND " The Grand "
( The Grand Recordings ) 2007.
CD

Rock/blues/psychedelic - NORWAY


Out of capitol Oslo, comes a newer Norway national hope - band The Grand. They work as a quartet, lead by Amund Maarod, guitarist and singer, and person with previous musical and discographical experience. Before the realization of still actuelle full-length, a band has released an EP issue.
The Grand on pleasent and original way succesfully connect idioms comes out from the 70's period, as a rock, blues and psychedelia, with stoner and other hard variants. Their sound is vivid and colourful, and also is important to say that production is nearer to psychology of 70's period, than to nowadays options.
Arrangments are different among songs, but complete offering materials are listenable and acceptable. The Grand are convinceble in its ideas and concept, and deserve the public attention. I would also mention an interesting design of its CD cover, who is also done as a digi pack.

Rating : 8,5/10
C/o : www.thegrand.no

SOURCE OF SILENCE - Reborn


SOURCE OF SILENCE - Reborn

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 October 2008

SOURCE OF SILENCE " Reborn "
( Self - released ) 2008.

CD

Progressive metal/heavy metal - GERMANY


In the formation of German act Source Of Silence, exists a members whose carrear dated back from 1990 year.
In May of this 2008 year, a band had released actuelle full-length "Reborn" followed earlier by the Demo issue.
A German quintet is on the field of older school of heavy metal, where exists many elements of progressive details, as same as melodic variations.
But its progressive approach ins't basically orientire to structural changes or performing acrobations. Its concept mostly communicate with so call "darker" atmospheric arrangments dimension, where songs receive monotonic views, and band has recorded them in slower performing up tempo.
There are 10 tracks on album profesionally done, as same as technically, but its offering materials finally are consists of some more and some less convinceble songs. That's a reality and basic characteristic of "Reborn" album.

Rating : 6,5/10
C / o : www.source-of-silence.de

e-mail : d.s@source-of-silence.de

Sunday, October 19, 2008

ROJEH BAND - Warrior


ROJEH BAND - Warrior

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 October 2008

ROJEH BAND " Warrior "
( RMRecords ) 2007.

CD

Rock/arena rock/melodic rock/power pop/post new wave - USA


A newer name on USA scene belongs to group ROJEH BAND, whose formation are consists of four members, leading by frontman Rojeh Gino and guitarist/multi instrumentalist Shaun Drew.A some period ago, they released album entitled "Warrior". Judging by lirical offerings, American band on emotive and socialy defined way showes its interesting spheres.
Musically many forms finds its place through their sound, and we can find here rock/arena rock/power pop/ post new wave ... elements as well. There are 10 tracks on album, done with evident arrangments/producing complexities. After listening of complete album, I have to say that band maybe accedentally has accepted influences comes out from British post new wave/pop period, dated in crossing time between first and second part of the 80's.

A musical legacies of Nick Kershaw and Howard Jones comes to mind firstly, but also we can find another similiar traces."Warrior" as a album are consists of not so easy to acceptable materials, even that band had offered a lotta' effort in complete realizations. 2 tracks I would mention as a favourables : "Shades Of You", and closing theme "Forever".

Rating : 7/10
C / o : www.RojehBand.com

e-mail : management@RojehBand.com

BASTARD NATION - Birth Of A Nation


BASTARD NATION - Birth Of A Nation

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 October 2008

BASTARD NATION " Birth Of A Nation "
( Self - released ) 2008.
CD

Heavy/power metal - GERMANY

A German based band Bastard Nation, started its carrear in 2000 year. They work as a quartet formation, and till now released a 2 Demo issues, and also one Promo before the realization of actuelle full-length. Bastard Nation are on the field of heavy/power metal with clear epic and traditional metal elements. A strong influences comes out from the 80's period, and more from so call European then American school. "Birth Of A Nation" is a 10 track album, duration a little longer then 52 minutes, and I can say that band realistically has promoted own interesting spheres.

Historical and epic themes, and pretty coherent performings, characterize an album materials in general. One thing isn' t convinceble enough, and I think about productional work, which threathenings are little old-fashioned, and didn' t communicate with nowadays standards. But, other technical and releasing details funkcionized as well, and followers of mentioned genre's form could be quite satisfied at last. Finally, I would mention in my opinion titles of 2 favourable tracks - "Kill The Lion" and "Vinland".

Rating : 7,5/10
C / o : www.bastardnation.de
e-mail : bastards@bastard-nation.de

MEMLAH - Memlah


MEMLAH - Memlah

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 October 2008

MEMLAH " Memlah "
( Self - released ) 2005.

CD-R

Nu-jazz /electronic/ rock/dub /various music genres - SERBIA


A Zrenjanin based band Memlah, its first performances started back in 2001 year. Their line-up are consists of experienced musicians, where most of them participate also in various other groups/acts. A band performing conception are orientire to instrumental solution, whose authors choice isn' t tipical on nowadays scene.
In its musical offering we can find elements of several genre's forms,among others - nu jazz, dub, electronic, rock, but technically, a members from band are faithfull more to one so call rock vision, then to expecting electronic options. A band has recorded complete album materials in Zrenjanin "Fat Factory" studio, during the 2005 year, and introduced itself with 8 instrumental themes, duration little less then 49 minutes.

Melodicity, a vivid arrangments creations, and skillful performings chahacterize offering material, and I would add, that under their style a band showed a respectable qualities. Finally, "Memlah" is recomandable issue, not only for the listeners who prefers a divirsities in genre's forms, but also for the fans of electro and dub heritages.

Rating : 8/10
C / o : www.myspace.com/memlah
e-mail : memlah_zr@yahoo.com

MITESERS - Na rubu propasti


MITESERS - Na rubu propasti

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 October 2008

MITESERS " Na rubu propasti "
( SKC Novi Sad ) 2007.
CD

Punk/ hardcore/ melodic punk rock - SERBIA


A Novi Sad based band Mitesers are act with longest uncontiniously activities. They were formed back in 1991, but many followers has threathed them ( and still threat ) as a side project of two active Atheist Rap members - Dulles and Radule. During the mentioned period they participated in several cassetes compilations, and as the rumours confirmed, a band did in their own one DVD home made issue. In the previous 2007 year, a first full-length "Na rubu propasti" band release for "SKC Novi Sad".
A 15 offering tracks duration little longer then 28 minutes, are done for 10 days work in studio, between December 2006 and March 2007 year. All except one song "Nada" ( Descendents - Gajic ) band penned as a own authors results. Mitesers combines elements of punk, easiest hardcore and melodic punk rock. Their lyrical options varied between local, even lover themes, to socio-political attitudes. It seems that complete materials a band has done in one breath, and the songs itself posses the same energy and performing approach.

It's interesting that in Novi Sad, same as some parts in Vojvodina, a band received a cult status, but in capitol Belgrade, and also in other parts of Serbia, band is absolutelly unknown, or known cause mentioned participations of Atheist Rap members. A present CD material mostly communicate with psychology of 90's period, and that's clear after litening of just few songs. A further steps of group are practically unclear, and depends of other activities of its members. "Na rubu propasti" in some way mostly promote band from its 90's days, when energy followed up youth ideals and attitudes.

Rating : 6,5/10
C / o : www.skcns.org.yu

www.myspace.com/mitesers

SYNTHETIC BREED - Catatonic


SYNTHETIC BREED - Catatonic

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 October 2008

SYNTHETIC BREED " Catatonic "
( Faultline records ) 2008.

CD

Industrial/death metal/crossover - AUSTRALIA


We couldn' t say for Synthetic Breed that they are newcomers, cos' its carrear started in 2000 year. During the mentioned period, they recorded a 3 EP's, 1 "live" album and actuelle full-length "Catatonic". Aussie fellows tries on modern way to equalize industrial approach with death metal pastiche and crossover realities. Their methods of playing is vividly agressive, and same elements follows up a vocal segments.

A similiar atmosphere characterize album in general. 11+1 themes are produced according to standards of our time, with evident presence od some minimalistic as same as hardcore details. They played all the tracks from album in furious up-tempo, and one uncompromized statement characterize them as a group in general.

We can agree that under the mentioned genre's form exists on nowadays scene several interesting acts, but we couldn' t eliminate a convincibless and uncompromisingness of Aussie mates. I will recomand for a special listener attention a 6th track from album, entitled "Modification And Replacement Of Inner Soul Circuitry".

Rating : 7/10
C / o : www.syntheticbreed.com

e-mail : info@syntheticbreed.com

FAITH IN SHADOWS - Shadows Of My Mind


FAITH IN SHADOWS - Shadows Of My Mind

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 October 2008

FAITH IN SHADOWS " Shadows Of My Mind "
( Xplosive Joseph Music ) 2008.

CD
Rock/rap/alter - USA

Out of Nashville, TN comes Faith In Shadows, band consists of 3 male and 1 female members. They were formed back in 2005 year, and it's interesting that the father of Jessie Wooten, a key person in group - Joseph is well-known songwriter and performer. Judging by its youth status, a members from band haven' t had a problem of offered musical direction. And band's option belongs to one untipical combination of rock, rap and alter elements.

Melodicity and pleasent vocalizations characterize its opus, and its also evident that enough influences comes out from the 80's, as same as from the 90's period as well.

As a band they sounded pretty coherent, and completelly they were done a good arrangments creations. But, it seems that production is pretty "thiny", and generally productional work is weaker part of complete realizations. There are 12 tracks on album, and in some places we can find interesting male-female dualities. If we exclude a mentioned weaker production, "Shadows Of My Mind", is a good start for band.

Rating : 7/10
C / o : www.faithinshadows.com

www.myspace.com/faithinshadows

e-mail : bookings@faithinshadows.com

MARTYRS SHRINE - Martyrs Shrine


MARTYRS SHRINE - Martyrs Shrine

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 October 2008

MARTYRS SHRINE " Martyrs Shrine "
( Soundmass ) 2008.

CD
Death/thrash metal - AUSTRALIA


Two former members of legendary act Mortification, Mike Forsberg and Michael Carlisle, started a new project - Martyrs Shrine.The begining dated from 2005 year, and culminate in some way these days, cos' their debut will be release worldwide on 18th July 2008. I suppose that old scholl die hard fans could be quite satisfied with the debut of aussie fellows.So expectingly, we can find here death metal full of brutal, as same as melodic details, established during the first part of the 90's period, and added with evidental thrash spices.There are 8 pretty coherent recorded tracks, duration little longer than 51 minutes.

It's interesting that production, as same as arrangments are done in one older way, but finally complete realization isn' t in crossing with nowadays standards. "Martyrs Shrine" album materials confirm continuation of authors credibilities of mentioned acters, and follow up with valuabilities, standardized in previous periods.

Rating : 8,5/10
C / o : www.soundmass.com

e-mail : info@soundmass.com

FULL FLAVOR - Pun ukus


FULL FLAVOR - Pun ukus

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 October 2008

FULL FLAVOR " Pun ukus "
( Automatik ) 2007.

CD

Rock/alter/fusion/pop - SERBIA


A Belgrade based band Full Flavor is active continiously from 2004 year. As a certain concert act with strong performing background they received a respectable status from audience and fans. A talented fellows also reach a status of winners on traditional "40th Zajecar" anniversary festival, and "Automatic" label release its debut during the 2007 year. Musically, a Belgrade band playe pretty original variant of alter rock with pop pastiche, and clear fusion additionals, where better impressions audience can receive from them listening its songs in concerts atmosphere. Even that they are still young, musically are well-educated, and their talent is undoubt judging also by authors potentials.


But, unfortunatelly they didn' t equalize strong concert performings with studio realities, and most of offering materials aren' t interesting enough. Some of present songs also suffers of boring details, and it seems that band finally didn't have enough breath, and maybe studio experience. They also failed with poor and unsatisfied promotional campaighn, and winnering status from "Zajecar festival" looks like as a "one day" in a life. A band didn' t capture energy from "live" performances in studio frame, and that's a sad reality.

Rating : 6,5/10
C /o: www.automatik.co.yu

HEAVY JACK - Multiply


HEAVY JACK - Multiply

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 October 2008

HEAVY JACK " Multiply"
( Self - released ) 2008.

CD
Hard rock/rock - CANADA


A group Heavy Jack are consists of three brothers Falk : Ben, Adam and Jon. And band also work in same formation - that was very often line-up looking back in the 70's. A music of mentioned fellows communicate with the flavour of 70's period, and band' s orientation is variant of hard rock and rock with strong blues roots. But, Heavy Jack aren't bunch of uninteresting immitators, and as a band they offers own view and formula. They introduced itself with 8 tracks on album "Multiply", where among them we can find 3 covers : - "Jumpin Jack Flash" ( The Rolling Stones ), "Bandits In The Night", and "Fly Away" ( Black Crow ) - last two recorded "alive". A band has sounded pretty strong and convinceble, and their materials are listenable and acceptable as well.

I couldn' t clearly compare them with any of popular band on today's scene, even that we can confirm that some of songs from its repertoire sounds known and "familiar". But Heavy Jack belongs to sort of groups which I would always ratherly recomand. Under the mentioned musical options "Multiply" is a promising album, whose valuabilities covers a respectable potentials of members from band.

Rating : 8,5/10
C / o : www.heavyjack.com

MAGNIFICO - Grande Finale


MAGNIFICO - Grande Finale

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 October 2008

MAGNIFICO " Grande Finale "
( Arih d.o.o.) 2007.

CD

Modern pop/balkan beat/rock/world music - SLOVENIA


Actuelle Magnifico album from previous year in Slovenia had been distributed through magazine "Delo" distrobution chains. During the last decade, Magnifico did a lotta' effort in self promotion and artistic popularization on Ex-Yu therithory, and to be honest, excluding Slovenia, when he is a real star, he moved up something positive. In his way "Grande Finale" one more time recycle and analyze his basic authors views, evident on practically his complete discography opus, and one logical line, clear in musical, and as same as on lirical field, is present here.

When he parody Balkanian so call ethno pastiche, he shows a higher ground of originality. Even that you will certainly receive a clear perception, when you hear a few tracks what you will get through following songs, cos' the same formula he repeats from album to album, Magnifico songs aren' t boring, or uninteresting at all. It seems also that this time, he didn' t suffer of so call overproduction, and in my opinion productional work is more acceptable to audience , then in some of previous cases.

Rating : 8/10
C / o : www.magnifico.info.

e-mail : info@magnifico.info

HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES - Restroom Tales


HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES - Restroom Tales

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 October 2008

HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES " Restroom Tales "
( Jack Records/Music From The Liar ) 2007.

EP CD
- ITALY
Sleaze rock/80's hard rock

Italian band Hollywood Vampires is active on scene some period, and I had an opportunity to face them with their previous materials. They are also continiously present on Internet medias whose ocuppations belongs to sleaze/glam acts. "Restroom Tales" is their actuelle EP, comes out from previous year, with 5 offering tracks in. A group members penned a complete materials, consists of strong performing sleaze/hard rock songs, clearly influental by the 80's period. Maniristically, Hollywood Vampires has offered an expecting portion of music. Offering material is also well-produced, and I would mention 2 in my opinion strongest tracks as a : "Ordinary Man" and "Shot You Down".

"Restroom Tales" expectingly trace a clear direction evident on its first issues, and there's no any unknown newer details. Under the mentioned genre a band did maximum efforts and profesionalism. Finally, a band certainly need a little more originalities, so in that case I suppose , their status on worldwide sleaze scene could be better.

Rating : 7,5/10
C / o : www.hollywoodvampires.it

www.myspace.com/hvampires

e-mail : info@hollywoodvampires.it

FERNWOOD - Almeria


FERNWOOD - Almeria

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 October 2008

FERNWOOD " Almeria "
( Self - released ) 2008.

CD

Acoustic/ambiental/progressive - USA


Todd Montgomery and Gayle Ellett, 2 skilfull and well-experienced musicians stands behind band/project Fernwood. A mentioned fellows has offered unique and unclassical musical concept. They played materials on complete album on instruments made of wood, so they delivered a specific atmosphere which consist of special pastiche nearer to psychology of so call ancient times, as same as to psychology of newer ethno influences. Album materials has recorded in Malibu & Topanga ( California ) under the productional direction of mentioned Fernwood persons and Wayne Yentis. A 12 themes and about 48 minutes of music characterize often atmospheric changes and travellings to different so call ethno locations.

And we can find here and there influences comes out from Mediterranean, Russian, as same as Middle-East theritories. Todd and Gayle knows how to combine through same approach a different instruments as a mandolin, irish bouzouki, sitar, harmonium... and its a real pleasure listening a complete album materials. As a album "Almeria" deserve your attention, so if you have a chance to face it with Fernwood message, don' t hesitate...

Rating : 9/10
C / o : www.virb.com/Fernwood

www.myspace.com/montgomerytsingh

e-mail : topangamusic@netzero.net

SONIC ORCHID - Love & War


SONIC ORCHID - Love & War

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 October 2008

SONIC ORCHID " Love & War "
( Self - released ) 2008.

CD

Melodic rock/power pop - CANADA


Out of Regina, Saskatchewan comes band Sonic Orchid. They work as a quartet and in formation have a female fronted singer Christine Gasparic. Her vocal capabilities are respectable, and she certainly also posses a very pleasent and colourful voice. They are active from 2002 year, and during the 2005, release an EP "Sonic Orchid". "Love & War" is an this year actuelle issue. A group is on the field of melodic rock and power pop, where we can also find elements of softier hard rock and pop metal. Sonic Orchid mostly covers 80's period, and as a band they sounds maniristically nearer to mentioned decade. Some associations in its music also comes to acts as a Lee Aaron and Sue Saad And The Next.

Melodicity is its key weapon, and its evident on all of 9 offering tracks.Some of songs are balaads, but complete materials posses listenable status and radio acceptables. Generally, I have an impression that better solution for Canadians could be "relocation in past" in mentioned 80's, where and when that sort of music had a certain worldwide threathment. It seems also that band's message is closest to older than to younger listeners population.

Rating : 8/10
C / o : www.sonicorchid.com

e-mail : info@sonicorchid.com

VICTOR BRAVO - Sky Full Of Messages


VICTOR BRAVO - Sky Full Of Messages

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 October 2008

VICTOR BRAVO " Sky Full Of Messages "
( Self - released ) 2008.

EP CD

Garage punk/noise/core - USA


A group Victor Bravo are consists of 2 guys from Maine relocate in New York. They have offered an unusual performing option with only guitar,drums+vocal, but that doesn't confuse it's authors views. Musically, they deliver uncompromised variant of garage punk with clear noise and hardcore additionals.

A songs itself posses agressive approach followed-up by monotonous performing matrix, but luckilly without boring elements. A followers of earliest Stooges & Dead Boys legacy, but also a fans of Mudhoney & Husker Du can find enough interesting traces and motives in Victor Bravo's approach. " Sky Full Of Messages" are consists of 7 tracks, and my personal favorite is 6th one - "Motherfucker".

Rating : 7/10
C / o : www.victorbravo.com

www.myspace.com/victorbravo

NUESTROS DERECHOS - Struggling With The Dark


NUESTROS DERECHOS - Struggling With The Dark

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 October 2008

NUESTROS DERECHOS " Struggling With The Dark "
( Self - released ) 2007.
EP
CD

Thrash core - HOLLAND


Out of Holland city Utrecht comes band Nuestros Derechos. They work as a trio, and in line-up have one female member, bass player Janet, and she also share a vocal duties. They are active some period ago,and they aren't unknown in underground community. Their concept is absolutelly DIY, so with own forces they released an actuelle "Struggling With The Dark" EP CD. A Dutch act is on the field of thrash core, and its music cover elements of thrash metal, hardcore and punk.
They are infected by the 80's and the 90's period, but as a formation posses a energy of our time, and also they threats own songs through one modern view. A songs are mostly done in faster-up tempo, and its important to say that band also has offered a clear lirical attitude. Their songs are sounded absolutelly realistically and raw, without any polished moments. "Struggling With The Dark" covered them as a convinceble act with clear and distance message.

Rating : 8/10
C /o : www.nuestrosderechos.nl

GRIMLORD - Blood Runneth Over


GRIMLORD - Blood Runneth Over

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 October 2008

GRIMLORD " Blood Runneth Over "
( Self - released ) 2007.

CD-R

Various metal genres - POLAND


Out of Wroclaw, Poland comes act Grimlord, founded in 1999 year under the monicker Vallachia, and in those period they were faithfull to black metal. During the time, they changed-up own directions and interesting spheres, and through previous years they released a several Demo issues. "Blood Runneth Over" is its first full-length, and I have noticed that Polish fellows did a lotta' effort in promotional activities,cos' net is full of reviews of their album. Grimlord work as a trio, and as a band deserve some sort of respect, cos' all of members posses special pasion to own music legacy.

On the other side, their album, where we can find 11 tracks in, conceptually, and judging by offering genre's options, are consists of unusual mixture, where exists a free places for different metal and rock variants, from power metal, to softier variants of thrash and progressive, but also classical hard rock and heavy metal elements are present here and there. A method of threathening vocal lines is nearer to approach of progressive metal acts realizations, than for example, the case is in power metal performers, and band's expandier arrangments creations, also knows to escape of metal as a genre. I can add, that band created its arrangments as a experienced act, but also is evident that technically, album materials failed in few places. "Blood Runneth Over" is untipical album, and that will be interesting face it with its carrear in forthcoming times.

Rating : 7/10
C / o : www.grimlord.eu

www.myspace.com/grimlordbreslau