BLOKNER REVIEWS

BLACK SPACE RIDERS - Black Space Riders

2012-01-12T18:26:00.002+01:00

BLACK SPACE RIDERS - Black Space Riders

Written by Branimir Lokner

Thursday, 12 January 2012

BLACK SPACE RIDERS

" Black Space Riders "

( Sound Guerilla / da music ) 2010.

CD - GERMANY

Stoner/hard rock/space rock/psychedelic

Black Space Riders are 4 piece act coming from Munster, Germany, founded in 2008 year. They are pretty devoted to own musical views and interesting fields. During the May of 2010 year, a group has introduced themselves to wider audience with debut S / t release, full-length CD with 13 tracks in. Basically, Germans are on stoner therithory, influental mainly with the 70's movement, but its sound also capture some other forms and elements, as a : hard rock, space rock, psychedelic, and even some hidden kraut rock includings as well.

A songs are mostly different among them, but some freshy and positive atmosphere dominate through present materials. Their album exclude any boring moments, and songs under the mentioned genre's options are listenable and acceptable as well. Recomandable especially for stoner freaks and followers...

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.blackspiceriders.com

ANGER CELL - Haven For The Forsaken

2012-01-12T18:25:00.002+01:00

ANGER CELL - Haven For The Forsaken

Written by Branimir Lokner

Thursday, 12 January 2012

ANGER CELL

" Haven For The Forsaken "

( Self - released ) 2011.

EP CD

Death metal - FINLAND

Anger Cell are relatively newer 5 piece act. They are hailing from Finland, and continiously are in a saddle 4 years. A band are consists of previously experienced musicians, and during the 2009, they have released a first Demo.. " Haven For The Forsaken" is their second effort, and this is a CD with 4 tracks in. A Finnish fellows deliver some slower to mid up tempo death metal, influental by the 90's movement . Its sound also captures some thrashy details and classic metal idioms, less grind phrases, but mentioned 90's era is more than inspirative period for band members.

Nothing specially new, but with distant playing, solid performing harmonization, and relevant production as well. A second track " Wake Up Screaming" could be a favourable one from group's second product.

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.angercell.com

THREATENOL - Certain Shadows

2012-01-02T11:43:00.002+01:00

THREATENOL - Certain Shadows

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 02 January 2012

THREATENOL

" Certain Shadows "

( Self - released ) 2011.

Death metal - USA

A first steps of Sioux City, Iowa based band, started out in 2002 year. After some persoal changes, and with a new name, a group seriously started its story in 2005 year. Threatenol are quintet, and during the this 2011 year, they discographicaly debuted with full-length album, entitled " Certain Shadows ". They are expressive death metal act, influental equally with the 90's legacy, as same as with newer tendencies, but they also shows some own specific " tricks" and elements of originality. Their death metal is part atmospheric, part with so call technically driven details, and also with some thrashy includings as well. A songs are done with serious arrangments threathenings, and with relevant productional includings too. They have introduced themselves with 13 tracks, with mainly equal standardizations and performing approach..." Certain Shadows " is interesting debut of Iowa death fellows, worth listener's and also media attantion.

Rating : 7, 5 / 10

C / o : www.threatenol.com

THE LIMIT CLUB - This Is Cutthroat Business

2012-01-02T11:42:00.001+01:00

THE LIMIT CLUB - This Is Cutthroat Business

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 02 January 2012

THE LIMIT CLUB

" This Is Cutthroat Business "

( Phantom Cat records ) 2011.

Psychobilly punk - USA

The Limit Club are Phoenix, AZ band whose activities dated from 2005 year. They have also released with actuelle one a 3 items - " God Damn The Limit Club " ( 2007 ), " Phantom Cats " ( 2008 ) and " This Is Cutthroat Business " ( 2011 ). There's no doubt that under the musical interesting fields, they maniristically absolutelly satisfies, so we can find in its approaches strong psychobilly traces, many frantic, shaking, rocking performings includings, and some atmospheric " games" in between as well. Americans are also pretty influental by the 80's movement, and we can hear some echoes from Meteors or Cramps sounds. On the other hand, a group did a lotta' efforts to offer its own sound and style, as same as generally original view.Part of the materials posses clear and stronger melodic lines, part are done with more energetic and atmospheric includings...A present tunes are mostly different among them, and different atmosphere circulate around, but finally we can describe its music as a general Limit Club style. Recomandable tracks are : " Kick In The Eye", and closing one " Just A Mirage"...

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.limitclub.com

MISSISSIPPI LIVE & THE DIRTY DIRTY - Way Down Here

2011-12-23T17:55:00.001+01:00

MISSISSIPPI LIVE & THE DIRTY DIRTY - Way Down Here

Written by Branimir Lokner

Friday, 23 December 2011

MISSISSIPPI LIVE & THE DIRTY DIRTY

" Way Down Here "

( Self - released ) 2010.

CD - CANADA

Roots music/alt country/rock/rhythm & blues

Connely Farr aka Mississippi Live is a person who stand behind his following band The Dirty Dirty, consisting of his friends, and singer/songwriter with respectable forthcoming carrear. " Way Down Here" is his second album, released during the previous 2010 year, where we can find 11 thrilling, more than interesting and convinceble tracks. As a author and performer Connely communicate with roots tradition, alt country tendencies, rock and rhythm and blues variants, and many things in between as well. He also recapitulate the best elements from Neil Young and Crazy Horse legacies, earliest Bruce Springsteen or John Mellencamp works. His songs are different among them, judging by present atmosphere, and performing methods, but complete album materials posses one evident connective lines. His signiture reaches a 70's period as same as newer tendencies, and " Way Down Here" as a album hide many unconventional and interesting moments. Brilliant work and fine realization. Absolutelly recomandable...

Rating : 9 / 10

C / o : www.mississippilive.net

NEW LIBERTY - The Uninvited

2011-12-23T17:54:00.002+01:00

NEW LIBERTY - The Uninvited

Written by Branimir Lokner

Friday, 23 December 2011

NEW LIBERTY

" The Uninvited "

( Self - released ) 2011.

Rock/hard rock - USA

New Liberty are newer act, coming out from Philadelphia, PA, now locate in Califirnia. They are quartet, and " The Uninvited" is their actuelle album from July this 2011 year. A band has introduced themselves as a melody driven guitar rock act, pretty influental by the 80's movement, and less 70's period as well. Their self-financial album are consists of 11 mainly equalizing tracks, performed in the vain of rock and hard rock approach. Americans knows to remind on some well-known names from the past era, and I have found some similiarities with the earliest Deff Leppard style. A band " look" as a coherent team, and all of present songs posses strong melodicity, distant playings, relevant production, and generally accceptable and positive view as well. Nothing spectacular new, but with positive approach and attitude too.

Recomdable tracks are : opening one - " The Sever ", and " Hollywood ( x-rated ) "...

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.newlibertyrocks.com

RANDOM EYES - Light Up

2011-12-11T15:03:00.002+01:00

RANDOM EYES - Light Up

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 11 December 2011

RANDOM EYES

" Light Up "

( Random Productions ) 2011.

CD - FINLAND

Melodic/symphonic metal

A carrear od Finnish act Random Eyes, started out in 2001. During the years, and also after several line-up changes, a band has released with actuelle one a 3 full-lengths and 1 Demo. They have also received some international attemtion and recognitions. " Light Up" is their actuelle product from this 2011 year, and this is a CD with 10 tracks in, duration a little more than 35 minutes. A Finnish fellows are on therithory of so call sophisticate variant of melodic / symphonic metal tendencies, with some other additionals as a classic heavy and less power metal includings as well. A distant and certain vocalization, clear and coherent playings, and strong melodic details, characterize complete present materials.

A well-done arrangments and certain production also confirms that members from band did a good job. Random Eyes as a group, didn' t have a problems with so call manniristical " author views ", and thay have offered enough originality. " Light Up " is listenable and recomandable product.

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.randomeyes.net

ACCORDO DEI CONTRARI - Kublai

2011-12-09T10:24:00.001+01:00

ACCORDO DEI CONTRARI - Kublai

Written by Branimir Lokner

Friday, 9 December 2011

ACCORDO DEI CONTRARI

" Kublai "

( Self - released ) 2011.

CD - ITALY

Fusion/jazz-rock/progressive

Italian act Accordo Dei Contrari are consists of well experienced and trained musicians. They are quartet, and discographically debuted with " Kinesis" album from 2007 year. After four years of discographical inactivities, a group has offered a new product, a 6 track CD, entitled " Kublai". Musically, Italians are on the field of older school variants of fusion and jazz rock tendencies, fullfield with progressive includings as well. A period of late 60's and first part of the 70's is more than inspirative era for band members, but its offering also include many other performing variants and elements, as Arabian ethno variations, free jazzy views,and various progressive traces as well. Often keybord and guitar dialogues characterize its songs structures, but it's also clear that arrangments of present tracks are more than enjouable, and reaches a highest standards. " Kublai" is fine and inspirative product, worth listeners attention...

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.accordodeicontrari.com

MIKE GRAY - Middle Distance

2011-11-27T16:01:00.002+01:00

MIKE GRAY - Middle Distance

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 27 November 2011

MIKE GRAY

" Middle Distance "

( Self - released ) 2011.

CD - USA

Blues/roots music

Hailing from the Bootheel of Missouri, guitarist, vocalist and composer, Mike Gray having made music for two decades. He is musician with respectable experience behind, but also a relatively newer name on blues / roots fields. Discographically he debuted with " Middle Distance" album, from this 2011 year, and this is a CD ( also available in digital form ) , with 13 tracks in. Most of the things, Mike did with own " hands" and forces, and he has introduced himself as a blues performer, with strong country, and roots elements presents in his views as well. We can also find some boogie traces, some up tempo honky-tonk variants, but mentioned reckognizable style is present on materials form album. A similiar " psyhology", circulate around complete album materials, and Mike also treats arrangments in simple but clear way. Production isn' t modern, but in the other hand posses supportive and connective details , generally for Mike's sound. Finally, " Middle Distance" is a good discographical start for forthcoming Mike's carrear....

Rating : 7 / 10

www.mikegrayonline.com

HORNS of HATTIN - De Veritate

2011-11-27T16:00:00.002+01:00

HORNS of HATTIN - De Veritate

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 27 November 2011

HORNS of HATTIN

" De Veritate "

( Self - released ) 2011.

CD - AUSTRIA

Black/death/dark metal

Out of Austria comes a band Horns of Hattin, formed back in 2007 year, They have discographicaly started with " Demo" ( 2008 ), and during the this 2011 year, also with realization of full-length, entitled " De Veritate". Horns of Hattin are group whose interesting fields touches epic themes, ancient mysteries, and periods occupied by the the events of the Crusaders. They also explores eternal themes, as a relations between humans and religion.. Musically, their performing options are equally orientire to symphonic black metal tendencies, as same as to death and dark metal variations, and classic heavy includings as well. Some elements of 90's black metal movement are present in its music, but Austrians also has accepted enough modern views in its approach. " De Veritate" as a album are consists of 9 tracks/ themes, and this is also some sort of conceptual saga. " De Veritate" as a album isn' t so easy for acceptable, but Austrian fellows did a lotta' efforts that all things comes to a right place. A productional work is well-done, as same as the other technical details...

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.myspace.com/hornsofhattin

DAVE HOGAN - Fun Box

2011-11-23T09:04:00.001+01:00

DAVE HOGAN - Fun Box

Written by Branimir Lokner

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

DAVE HOGAN

" Fun Box "

( Self - released ) 2011.

CD - USA

Americana/alt. country/rock

A Bridgeport, Connecticut based songwriter, guitarist and vocalist, Dave Hogan is a veteran of three critically-acclaimed groups, as a : Red One, The Great Upsetters, and The Rafter Bats. He is a longest period in a saddle, and his carrear deserve respectations. He was colaborated and cooperate with numerous collegues and musicians, and began his solo career in 2006 year. " Fun Box" is his actuelle product, and this is a full-length Digi CD with 10 tracks in. Dave's musical styles ranges from americana and alt.country tendencies, to 70's rock and acoustic includings, and some additional elements in between, as well. His vocal interpretation posses a fresh energy, some very personal enthusiastic view, and what is also important to say, all of 10 present songs are listenable and acceptable for tasty and also " avarage" listener's ear. In some aspects his works reminds me on late James Taylor approach, but Dave as a songwriter has showed enough own " tricks" and repeatable melodies /details. " Fun Box" as a album satisfies in every aspects, and also is recomandable for old scholl and 70's music followers.

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.davehoganmusic.com

FADING CIRCLES - Cyber Whirlwind

2011-11-23T09:03:00.002+01:00

FADING CIRCLES - Cyber Whirlwind

Written by Branimir Lokner

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

FADING CIRCLES

" Cyber Whirlwind "

( Nail Records ) 2011.

CD - ROMANIA

Progressive metal/various metal genres

Fading Circles are Transylvanian trio, founded in 2002 year. After few Demos, numerous gigs across Romania, and realization of first full - length album, entitled " Soulburn", a wider audience recognazid them as a serious and promising act. " Cyber Whirlwind " is their second album, released for " Nail Records". Fading Circles are unclassical metal act, also untipical progressive metal band.

A group creates a songs full of different arrangments threathenings, many up tempo and rhythmical changes, even that most of present materials are done in mid, rarely faster mood. Basically, progressive influences occupies its sound, but a members from band create own sound, and what is more important own style. We can find in its music also hidden jazzy details, hidden so call stoner elements, many classic heavy includings, and many things in- between." Cyber Whirlwind" are consists of 8 tracks/themes, without of a leading song, but also without a less interesting moments. Their album is pretty inspirative product, recomandable not only for metal followers.

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.fadingcircles.com

BALERO - After The End

2011-11-12T09:00:00.001+01:00

BALERO - After The End

Written by Branimir Lokner

Saturday, 12 November 2011

BALERO

" After The End "

( Self - released ) 2010.

Stoner - USA

A trio from Wilkes - Barre, Pennsylvania, isn' t a new name on stoner fields. They were formed in 2002 year around guitarist Shawn Lopuhowsky. Their line-up are consists also of 2 brothers Comitz, Jay on drums, and Jim on bass. During the period of existence, a group released one " Demo" ( 2004 ) and EP " One Planet Short Of The Sun" ( 2006 ). " After The End" is actuelle product from previous 2010 year, where band introduces their opinions and attitudes through 7 instrumental themes/pieces and about 28 minutes of music.

Balero are stoner act, with hard rock riffing approaches, also with some bluesy present influences and hidden atmospheric and psychedelic realizations as well. We can find equally influences coming out from the 70's period, as same as newer tendencies in its sound, where fine arrangments includings and modern production, clearly shows that members from band manniristically satisfies in every aspect.

Balero music also poses hypnotic repeatable approach, and most of the present themes are simply pretty listenable. Recomandable...

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.balero.net

TRIGON - 2011

2011-11-02T13:41:00.001+01:00

TRIGON - 2011

Written by Branimir Lokner

Wednesday, 02 November 2011

TRIGON

" 2011 "

( Trigon Music ) 2011.

CD - GERMANY

Fusion/jazz-rock/progressive

Trigon are instrumental trio from Karlsruhe, whose activities dated from the late 80's. A line-up are consists of well-experienced musicians, and respectable instrumentalists, brothers Rainer ( guitar ) and Stefan ( bass ) Lange, and drummer Rudi Metzler. Actuelle " 2011 " CD is a first product since " The Zappanale" DVD from 2007 year. The CD features 13 tracks and 67 minutes of music, and this is a sort of retrospective item, with 11 older, but freshly rearranged, restored and remixed tracks , and 2 new numbers. Musically, we can describe Trigon as a powerful instrumental act, whose oriantations touches elements of 70's jazz-rock music, progressive details, as same as some hidden psychedelic variants as well.

A group also captures a " energy" of our time, and all of present tracks are full of constant uptempo changes, and " vibrant" but colourfull arrangments works. In the other hand, " 2011" is also a listenable album, without boring or less interesting moments. Most of present themes also posses some eastern flavours, and repeatable performing " themes", and finally members from band very wisely has accepted a standards of our time. What is more important, under the mentioned genre's forms, Trigon are modern and pretty convinceble band...

Rating : 8, 5 / 10

C / o : www.Trigon.in

ROSS SERMONS - King's Pool Room

2011-10-22T08:49:00.002+02:00

ROSS SERMONS - King's Pool Room

Written by Branimir Lokner

Saturday, 22 October 2011

ROSS SERMONS

" King's Pool Room "

( Self - released ) 2011.

Acoustic blues - USA

One of the undoubtly thrilling and interesting album whose oriantition touches acoustic blues fields, coming out from the kitchen of guitarist and singer Ross Sermons. Born in North Carolina in the 60's, during the forthcoming period of existence, he was inspired by the blues roots legacy of the 1920's and 30's period of previous century. But, he was also a musician with longest experience behind, and his carreare deserve respectation too. He has released and recorded materials for " King's Pool Room" album during the January, this 2011 year. We can find here and there 11 tracks, recorded practically " alive" in the studio, with minimal following instrumental additionals.

Ross performs mainly, but not only, well-known blues standards or classics, with specific acoustic feelings and emotionals.A pleasent atmosphere, as same as distant playings, dominates through all present songs. Ross has also reflected as a player and singer one optimistic feel, and productionally he also did a fine job. Recomandable tracks from album could be his instrumental " game " Redbelly Shuffle" , and " You Gotta Move"...

Rating : 8, 5 / 10

C / o : www.rosssemons.com

SENCELLED - Sencelled

2011-10-17T21:03:00.003+02:00

SENCELLED - Sencelled

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 17 October 2011

SENCELLED

" Sencelled "

(Rocket Songs/Sound Polution) 2011.

CD - SWEDEN

Melodic rock/AOR/power pop

Sencelled are a newer Swedish four-piece act, from a suburb north of capitlol Stockholm. Their freshly released a " S / t" album, is another pretty interesting and promising album from one Swedish group whose musical orientations touches elements of melodic rock and AOR tendencies.

There are a 10 tracks from album, and complete materials were written and arranged by band members and producer Ricky B. Delin.

Sencelled are pretty melodic group, and all of present songs are absolutelly listenable and acceptable for radio usings. Something taken from the 80's period can be recognized in its sound, from atmosphere, to the one unclassical energy, produced by all band members.

In some aspects they reminds me on USA 80's act - Riggs, partly popular in brief mentioned period, but Sencelled offers many convinceble fine moments in general. They reflects all the best from mentioned genres variants as a melodic rock, AOR, power pop in its musical views, and finally, their debut is more than promising product.

Rating : 8, 5 / 10

C / o : www.sencelled.se

HASTER - Searching

2011-10-04T13:29:00.004+02:00

HASTER - Searching

Written by Branimir Lokner

Tuesday, 04 October 2011

HASTER

" Searching "

( Self - released ) 2011.

EP CD - USA

Metal/metalcore/rock

Haster are relatively newer act, founded in April 2010 year. During the brief period a group started to write a materials, and they discographically debuted in May this 2011 year, with EP , entitled " Searching". A guys from Orange County, CA, are on theritory of metal / metalcore and rock tendencies, influental by the 90's period as well. Their songs posses agressivity, but in the same time melodicity is also present here and there. A production is modern, and it's important to say, that other technical elements funkcionizes according to plans. In some aspects they know to reminds on groups as a specially Deftones, Korn, less on Alice In Chains, and I have to add one more time, that 90's period is absolutelly inspirative era for band mates. A songs are certain, manniristically well done, and that's evident that USA act did a lotta' efforts, that all things satisfies in general. A 6th track, a slower one - " Take Me" could be a recomandable song for repeatable listenings....

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.haster.com

DAN LAMBERT - The Double Drum Trio

2011-10-04T13:29:00.002+02:00

DAN LAMBERT - The Double Drum Trio

Written by Branimir Lokner

Tuesday, 04 October 2011

DAN LAMBERT

" The Double Drum Trio "

( Coordinate Records ) 2010.

CD - USA

Fusion/instrumental/various genres

Dan Lambert is El Paso based guitarist/composer and musician with respectable carreare behind. His grandfather was born south of Belgrade, and he has also some Serbian and Balcan roots. " The Double Drum Trio" is his latest product, released during the December, previous 2010 year. A complete album material, Dan has recorded with two percussionists - Ricardo Amaya and Eric Hickerson.

On 12 instrumental tracks, Dan has offered his views, based on fusion varinats, middle-eastern influental music, Indian raga, as same as american folk and jazz. A present themes are very listenable, and complete album posses a special intuitive and pleasent atmosphere.

Dan has also connected a several musical periods, from mid 60's and flower-power variants to nowadays " urban" uptempo rhythmizations.

He also plays a middle eatern instruments as a : sarod, oud, ruan, so present arrangments are full of specific flavours. Some reviewers will maybe find similiarities with McLaughlin-Shakti music legacies, but Dan has offered something " expandier" and quite different.

I will repeat that really fine and pleasent atmosphere dominates through complete offering themes, and there's no doubt that Dan did a fine job. Absolutelly recomandable....

Rating : 8, 5 / 10

C / o : www.danlambertguitar.com

TOM BEIER - Atomic Hypnosis

2011-10-01T20:32:00.001+02:00

TOM BEIER - Atomic Hypnosis

Written by Branimir Lokner

Saturday, 01 October 2011

TOM BEIER

" Atomic Hypnosis "

( Beier Rhythms ) 2011.

CD - USA

Rock/melodic rock/progressive/power pop

Tom Beier is Boston, MA artist, sonngwriter, multi instrumentalist, arranger, producer, and musician with longest carreare behind.His works are also featured on records, televisions, as same as campaigns worldwide. " Atomic Hypnosis" is his actuelle product from June, this 2011 year, and this is a CD with 10 tracks in. Tom has offered a really interesting amalgam of variious approaches.Basically, he mainly communicate with rock as a leading genre, but in his songs are also evident elements of power pop, electronic, as same as hidden progressive tendencies as well.

Melodicity is also important part of his views, and all of present songs were done in serious, but pleasent and enjouable arrangments mood.

Tom is also influental by the 80's and less 90's period, but productionally his works touches a modern standardizations as well. Most of his songs posses a radio friendly usings, and I would recomand 8th track " You Shine Bright On Me" for repeatable listenings...

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.tombeier.com

THE TED VAUGHN BLUES BAND - The Ted Vaughn Blues Band

2011-09-26T15:34:00.001+02:00

THE TED VAUGHN BLUES BAND - The Ted Vaughn Blues Band

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 26 September 2011

THE TED VAUGHN BLUES BAND

" The Ted Vaughn Blues Band "

( Harbinger Northwest Records ) 2011.

Blues/revival - USA

The Ted Vaughn Blues Band are consists of well-experienced musicians, with respectable performing qualities. Frontman, vocalist and harpist, Ted Vaughn coming out from Salem, OR, and he is during the years also recognized as a certain performer and musician, in his area. He has also offered before actuelle one, a 2 solo products - " Born To The Blues " ( 2008 ), and " Uncertain, Texas" ( 2010 ).

The actuelle Ted Vaughn Blues Band " S / t" album are consists of 10 tracks in, 3 of them are penned by Ted himself, others are covers.

Musically, Ted with his compagnions are on therithory of blues/rhythm and blues/rock and roll//rockabilly, influental by the 70's and 80's blues movements as well. A strong energy is a key weapon of group, where also other eelements funkcionizes according to plans.

Melodicity, rhythmization, and generally one positive and optimistic atmosphere dominates through complete album materials.

All of present songs are absolutelly acceptable for concerts performings, and mentioned materials are listenable too. Fine product, and enjouable CD for worldwide blues followers...

Rating : 8, 5 / 10

C / o : www.tedvaughnbluesband.com

NEVEREVEN - The Progress Of Disaster

2011-09-19T12:35:00.001+02:00

NEVEREVEN - The Progress Of Disaster

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 19 September 2011

NEVEREVEN

" The Progress Of Disaster "

( Self - released ) 2011.

CD - USA

Melodic hard rock/progressive metal

Nevereven are Brooklyn, New York City based band, formed back in 2002. They work as a quartet, and activities of actuelle line-up continiously dated from 2004 year. " The Progress Of Disaster" is their actuelle album, where we can find 5 longest tracks in.

Author of complete materials is guitarist/singer Gary Pickard, and Nevereven has introduced themselves as a serious melodic hard rock/rock act, whose songs also touches elements of progressive metal and rock tendencies as well. Some influences in its views coming out from the 80's period, and I would mention a band MAGNUM, as a important influental act, but more or less, Nevereven has offered own visions and present songs posses quite enough original elements. A songs also posses emotional look and approach, and I would say that " softier" productional work also characterize complete album in general. In many aspects judging by evidental present atmosphere in its tunes, they knows to remind on groups from the 80's era, not only on mentioned Magnum, but Nevereven captures a standards of our time too. " The Progress Of Disaster" is pretty listenable album, without a weacker moments....

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.neverevenmusic.com

MUDDY HELMET - Caked

2011-09-13T14:03:00.002+02:00

MUDDY HELMET - Caked

Written by Branimir Lokner

Tuesday, 13 September 2011

MUDDY HELMET

" Caked "

( Right Hook Records ) 2011.

CD - USA

Thrash/power/heavy metal

Muddy Helmet are Bremerton, WA quintet, started out as a band in 2009 year. They are also a newer act on USA metal underground scene, and " Caked" is actuelle full-lenght offering , this is a CD with 10 tracks in. Judging by genres and performing options, USA fellows combines elements of thrash, power and classic heavy idioms, fullfield with some hidden death metal traces as well. All of present songs posses a touch of so call modern influences, and productinal work accepts nowadays standards. Present songs are done in mid, rarely in mid-up tempo,and some "doomy" atmospheres, also exists, but band didn' t communicate with mentioned genre form generally.

A lotta' energy they have included in arrangments threathenigs as same as in other tchnical elements and realizations. A cover artwork of CD is also interesting, followed by 12 pages booklet. Offering materials deserves repeatable " listening sessions", and without a doubt " Caked" is optimistic debut of USA band.

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.muddyhelmet.net

TEN YEAR VAMP - Don' t Act Like You Know Me

2011-09-08T13:48:00.001+02:00

TEN YEAR VAMP - Don' t Act Like You Know Me

Written by Branimir Lokner

Thursday, 08 September 2011

TEN YEAR VAMP

" Don' t Act Like You Know Me "

( Self - released ) 2009.

Power pop/melodic rock - USA

Ten Year Vamp is Albany, New York female fronted quintet, active some period on national scene. After realizations of some EP's, during the 2009 year, a group has released still actuelle full - length, with 12 tracks in, entitled " Don' t Act Like You Know Me". Ten Year Vamp are recognized as a pretty enjouable, optimistic, and convinceble act, whose songs posses a strong radio usings and aceptables. Musically, a band knows to reminds on 80's power pop acts, equally UK, as same as from USA, and one positive attitude also circulate around their music.

Energy is also important adut, as same as one unclassical optimistic view. " Don' t Act Like You Know Me" are consists of 12 equalizing songs, also acceptable for concerts threathenings. As a album " Don' t Act Like You Know Me", deserve constant and again listenings. There's no doubt that Ten Year Vamp around their interesting fields funkcionizes in best possible manner.

Rating : 8, 5 / 10

C / o : www.tenyearvamp.com

JACK DUPON - Demon Hardi

2011-09-03T09:05:00.001+02:00

JACK DUPON - Demon Hardi

Written by Branimir Lokner

Saturday, 03 September 2011

JACK DUPON

" Demon Hardi "

( Musea / Transit Music Group ) 2011.

CD - FRANCE

Avantgarde/progressive/progressive rock

Jack Dupon isn' t a single person, this is a name of the band, whose members coming out from France.A roots of this group going back to 2001 year, but later on, thay started to create own works seriously. With actuelle one, a French quartet have released a 2 albums, a first CD dated back from 2008 year. " Demon Hardi " is actuelle album, with 7 longest tracks in. Judging by musical approaches and offering concept, Jack Dupon's style is strange to describe. There's no doubt that French mates offers own vision and views, original and unique in many aspects. Some comparasions leads to Frank Zappa and King Crimson legacies, more in psychological and conceptual manner, than in performing realizations. But, present arrangments works are complexive, also touches many crossover details, and jazzy and fusion elements as well. " Demon Hardi" in the other hand are consists of mainly equalizing and convinceble materials, but not easilly acceptable for avarage listener's ear. Finally, their album hides enough unusual tricks, and band's offering could be specially interesting for avantgarde / progressive freaks .

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.jack-dupon-rock-progressif.net

SNAKE ALLEY - Blues In The Night

2011-09-03T09:04:00.001+02:00

SNAKE ALLEY - Blues In The Night

Written by Branimir Lokner

Saturday, 03 September 2011

SNAKE ALLEY

" Blues In The Night "

( Sound Dog Records ) 2011.

Blues - USA

Snake Alley are USA blues quartet, whose members posses a respectable performing experience. They are active some period, but what is more important, a musicians from band have cooperated with many well and less known names / acts during the previous years.

" Blues In The Night" is their actuelle album, with 11 tracks in, packed in Digi CD format. USA fellows performs own version of Chicago style, with upbeat rhythms and repeatable choruses. Some influences coming out from 70's period, but a Snake Alley has showed that as a band posses a energy of our time. Some of the songs are authors works of guitarist and vocalist Indiana Slim, and he is also responsible for productional works. A group also covered tracks from well-known authors as a Willie Dixon, Junior Wells, Ike Turner, Hank Ballard... but complete materials has sounded as a coherent and cohesive pieces. " Blues In The Night" is a pretty enjouable and listenable album, and there's no doubt that Snake Alley is also convinceble act in concert forms and variants....

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.snakealleyband.com

IF I WERE A GLADIATOR - Hallowed Antiquity

2011-08-29T09:06:00.001+02:00

IF I WERE A GLADIATOR - Hallowed Antiquity

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 29 August 2011

IF I WERE A GLADIATOR

" Hallowed Antiquity "

( Self - released ) 2011.

CD - USA

Progressive metal

Out of Seatlle, WA, comes a newer act with interesting name - If I Were A Gladiator. A group work as a quintet with female fronted singer in its line-up, and her name is Emily Ruth. Conceptually, If I Were A Gladiator has offered own vision of ancient roman progressive metal, as they use to explain.where key themes belongs to gladiators and their lifes in a period of Roman empire. Musically,a band tried to find own original performing formula, where important rola belongs to often keybord and guitar dialogues.A vocalizations of mentioned Emily oftenly accepts a falcetto variants, and most of the songs are done in similiar vein. " Hallowed Antiquity" are consists of 6 equalizing tracks, without leading song. A production is modern, but in some places a group suffers from manniristical problems. Evidentally, as a band they need a little more experience, but what is more important, they sucessfully offered own authors and performing formula.

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.ifiwereagladiator.com

DESTROPHY - Cry Havoc

2011-08-19T15:46:00.002+02:00

DESTROPHY - Cry Havoc

Written by Branimir Lokner

Friday, 19 August 2011

DESTROPHY

" Cry Havoc "

( Victory Records ) 2011.

CD - USA

Melodic hard rock/heavy metal

Destrophy are USA hard rock/metal quartet, formed back in 2002. During the years, they have released with actuelle one a 4 full -lengths and 1 EP. They changed a style during the period of existence, as same as performing formula, normally judging by metal views, and actuelle. album finds them in more so call - melodic mood. " Cry Havoc" are consists of 10 pretty meloduc tunes, done in 80's hard rock/metal vain, but with modern production includings as well. A songs are fresh, convinceble enough, absolutelly listenable, and acceptable for radio usings too.

We can also find some nu metal and AOR traces in its approach as well, but it's clear that " Cry Havoc" delivers many brilliant and fine hidden places in each corner of album. A band did a fine work and " Cry Havoc" is important album in band's discography.

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.destrophy.com

www.victoryrecords.com

TODD GRUBBS - Return Of The Worm

2011-08-15T22:39:00.002+02:00

TODD GRUBBS - Return Of The Worm

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 15 August 2011

TODD GRUBBS

" Return Of The Worm "

( Grubbworm Music ) 2011.

CD - USA

Instrumental rock/fusion

Guitarist and composer Todd Grubbs is a musician with longest experience behind. He's been active for 25 years, and during the period of existence, he has worked with many performers and artists. " Return Of The Worm" is his latest album, where we can find 11 instrumental tracks in. He has released album materials with team of respespectable colegues and performers. His guitar techniques as same as offering materials, varies judging by performing and genre's options and includings. So,we can find here and there " traditional" instrumental rock phrases, interesting funky rhythmizations, as well as unstandardized fusion improvizations,and some untipical psychedelic includings as well. A tracks/offering themes are different amom them, but some of present materials posses a enjouable atmosphere too. " Return Of The Worm" comphrises very fne works, and this is another musically sucessfull offering of mentioned USA performer.

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.toddgrubbs.com

FASTLANE FLOWER - Deadline

2011-08-15T22:37:00.003+02:00

FASTLANE FLOWER - Deadline

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 15 August 2011

FASTLANE FLOWER

" Deadline "

( Nordic Records ) 2011.

CD - NORWAY

Heavy/power/melodic metal

Fastlane Flower are sextet coming out from Oslo, Norway. A band started out seriously during the autumn 2008 year, and its line-up are consists of well-experienced musicians. " Deadline" is actuelle debut from this 2011 year, and this is a full-length with 9 tracks in.

Fastlane Flower combines many metal idioms as a classic heavy, power, melodic as same as some dark or crossover tendencies as well.

But, a key performing rola in a band, belong to female vocalist Eline Stolan. Her melodramatic voice, also performing energy are key elements in group's songs structures and arrangments threathenings. A mentioned performing energy of Mrs. Eline isn' t a usual case in nowadays modern metal world, and she really know how to impress and satisfy avarage listener's ears. A Norway band in the other hand has offered mainly equalizing materials, with no impressive, but certain production realization. Finally, this is a good discographical start for group, and we'll see what the near future brings....

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.fastlaneflower.no

LAZULI - 4603 Battements

2011-08-13T16:23:00.001+02:00

LAZULI - 4603 Battements

Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 11 August 2011

LAZULI " 4603 Battements "
( Self - released ) 2011.
CD - FRANCE
Progressive/progressive rock

French band Lazuli is another interesting act in progressive area, coming out from France. With actuelle one, a group has recorded a 5 albums, discographically started out in 2004 year. " 4603 Battements" a band did with own forces, and album looked a light of day during the May, this 2011 year. Lazuli is a band with respectable experince, in its line-up are well-trained musicians, and also is important to say, that judging by authors creations, a French act knows to offer many interesting ideas, with hints of originality as well. " 4603 Battements" are consists of 11 tracks in, and this is a Digi CD with additional 24 pages booklet. Musically they mixes electric with acoustic lines and parts, with addition of some interesting samples. Also we can find hidden folk, chanson, and avangarde elements as well in its arrangmants works. A production is modern, and generally their music posses many eclectic views. Complexivity ( in positive meaning ) is a middle name of present songs, and French act did a nice work in final. Pretty recomandable for progressive freaks and followers.

Rating : 8 / 10
C / o : www.lazuli-music.com

YUJI FUKUDA - Artifact

2011-08-11T21:54:00.001+02:00

YUJI FUKUDA - Artifact

Written by Branimir Lokner

Tuesday, 11 August 2011

YUJI FUKUDA

" Artifact "

( Leccia Records ) 2010.

Fusin - JAPAN

Yuji Fukuda is a promising name in a world of jazz and fusion tendencies. He learned guitar technique and theory in vocational training school like " MI Japan Nagoya ", and became a teacher at the school, at the age of 23 after graduating. With the team of also skillful collaborators and musicians, during the previous 2010 year, he has released an album, entitled " Artifact". Mr. Fukuda introduces himself as a well-experienced guitairst with gentle and sophisticate guuitar technique. He is also a instrumentalist who knows to " deliver" lotta' melodic phrases, even that his methods of performing, and also of his band, knows to remind on same previos periods, as a a specifically 70's era. " Artifact" are consists of 6 instrumental tracks, done in mentioned fusion mood, with evidental funk, groovy and jazz-rock tendencies as well. A flavour of past times occupies a whole album in general, even that judging by technical, and as same as productional tendencies, "Artifact" certainly touches a standards of our time too. Actuelle album of Japanese guitarist and his team is also enjouable product, acceptable equally for jazz and non jazz followers.

Rating : 8 / 10

http://yujiguitar.ashigaru.jp

NAILGUN - Paindustry

2011-08-11T21:53:00.001+02:00

NAILGUN - Paindustry

Written by Branimir Lokner

Tuesday, 11 August 2011

NAILGUN

" Paindustry"

( Self - released ) 2011.

Heavy/power metal - GERMANY

Nailgun are relatively newer act on national underground metal scene, coming out from southern part of country. They are sextet with 2 vocalists, and 2 guitarists in its line-up. They were formed in 2008 , and during the April this 2011 year, their debut full-length looked a light of day.

" Paindustry" , judging by cover artwork and design, is visually, as same as technically well " packed" CD, and I have to add, that also other technical elements, and specially a production, a band has threathed in a modern way. Musically, Germans has offered own vision of heavy/power metal, fullfield in some places with additional progressive and hidden industrial elements as well. Manniristically, a songs were released with similiar threathenings, and practically also with similiar realizations. Arrangmenst follows up a song structures, and members from band introduces themselves as a well-trained performers. A German fellows convinceble delivers own ideas, but also is truth to say, that manniristical " problems", are presents on whole album materials. Even of that, "Paindustry" could be a solid discographical start for German act.....

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.nail-gun.de

FRANCK CARDUCCI - Oddity

2011-08-02T02:06:00.001+02:00

FRANCK CARDUCCI - Oddity

Written by Branimir Lokner

Tuesday, 02 August 2011

FRANCK CARDUCCI

" Oddity "

( Vocation Records ) 2011.

Progressive rock - FRANCE

Multi-instrumentalist and composer, Franck Carducci is a musician with huge experience.During the years he cooperated with many groups, and rumours says that he was playing in 20 to 30 different bands, and was involved to recording beleive or not about 15 different albums.

" Oddity" is a solo project, released with respectable team of proffesionals. It is a sort of concept album, based on well-known Greek mithology. Musically, Franck and his colaboraters has offered a sort of classic progressive variants, influental by the 70s and 80's progressive movements as well. So, we can find here and there some clear Genesis musical traces, and Franck also has citied legacy of mentioned band, included on album song " The Carpet Crawlers". We can also hear touches of Camel or Pendragon works, but " Oddity" is a complexive and also very listenable product. A production has captured a standards of our time, and it's importsant to say, that all other technical elements funkcionizes according to plans. A fine album, probably also enjouable for prog fans...

Rating : 7, 5 / 10

C / o : www.franckcarducci.com

NORTHERN DIVISION - Projects Vol. 4,1

2011-07-26T16:19:00.002+02:00

NORTHERN DIVISION - Projects Vol. 4,1

Written by Branimir Lokner

Tuesday, 26 July 2011

NORTHERN DIVISION

" Projects Vol. 4,1 " Demo

( Self - released ) 2011.

EP CD

Heavy metal - FINLAND

Northern Division are quintet, coming out from Helsinki, Finland. They are relatively newer act, also as a band without previous experience, but with evidental forthcoming expectations. They have released in own home studio a Demo, with 6 tracks in. A Finnish youngsters performs own variant of heavy metal as a genre, fullfield with many crossing elements as well. In its songs we can find some hidden thrash traces, also progressive metal includings, and some core details as well. They posses a strong performing energy, and complete materials are full of melodic lines. I couldn' t compare them with any of well-known acts, and they surely did a lotta' efforts that all things get funkcionizes as well.A probably most interesting track from Demo is a song No. 3, entitled " The Serpent".

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.myspace.com/nortdiv/music

GALLEON - In The Wake Of The Moon

2011-07-26T16:18:00.002+02:00

GALLEON - In The Wake Of The Moon

Written by Branimir Lokner

Tuesday, 26 July 2011

GALLEON

" In The Wake Of The Moon "

( Aerodynamic Records ) 2010.

CD - SWEDEN

Progressive/symphonic rock

Galleon isn' t a newer progressive act, coming out from Sweden. They are active since 1985, and first album they have released in 1993 year, entitled " Lynx". A Swedish fellows works as a quartet, and during the years, they have toured around Europe, and released with actuelle one beleive or not, a 9 albums. Galleon are progressive /symphonic rock band, whose orientatoin captures many original detalis and elements, especially in arrangments threathenings.A songs are complexive, done in mid, rarely mid-up tempo.

Some influences coming out from 80's and 70's period, especially from British groups as a IQ, Pallas, Twelfth Night, Genesis and Camel, but Galleon is mainly original act, whose precise and distant playing, as same as colourful authors creations, reflects also a huge experionce of all members from band. " In The Wake Of The Moon" are consists of many inspirative places, and deserve repeatable listenings. I have to add that promotional activities of band's actuelle album in the net are also respectabile, and many webzines and sites have informed about their actuelle product. " In The Wake Of The Moon" is a recomandable album of Swedish band, equally interesting for older and newer progressive followers.

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.aerodynamicrecords.com

THE SICKLE - Hung Up To Dry

2011-07-21T22:49:00.002+02:00

THE SICKLE - Hung Up To Dry

Written by Branimir Lokner

Thursday, 21 July 2011

THE SICKLE

" Hung Up To Dry "

(Secondo Avento Records/New Model Label) 2011.

Power pop / melodic punk rock - ITALY

The Sickle are relatively newer "kids" in international music arena, and generally a fresh act coming out from Italy. They are trio, and " Hung Up To Dry" is actuelle debut, with 12 tracks in. As a press material announce, Italian fellows are on the field of several performing forms, with strong punk traces and meloding includings as well. Preciselly, I would ratherly separete their evident strong power pop dimension with also evident punk rrock elements. A both genre's forms exsists in its offering, but in unclassical way or in unclassical standardizations. But, that wasn' t a problem at all, or problem for band's members. The Sickle offers a strong melodicity, clear in every corner of each song, and punk rock energy, as same as punk rock " motorization" too. I wouldn't compare Italians, as the case was with some of my foreighn collegues, with any of well-known acts, Californian, or Europian, and The Sickle are mainly an original act, with clear authors views. The last 2 songs were done in accoustical mood, and in some way are different than others. But, " Humg Up To Dry" is pretty optimistic album, without a weacker places, and this is a pretty good discographical start for Italian youngsters....

Rating : 7, 5 / 10

C / o : www.thesickle.eu

e-mail : lorynml@gmail.com

DIRTY PASSION - Different Tomorrow

2011-07-17T02:18:00.002+02:00

DIRTY PASSION - Different Tomorrow

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 17 July 2011

DIRTY PASSION

" Different Tomorrow"

( Denomination Records ) 2010.

CD - SWEDEN

Hard rock/melodic hard rock

Dirty Passion are band coming out of Sweden. They were formed in 2006 year, and they are four piece act faithfull to hard rock tendencies.

" Different Tomorrow" is their debut from previous 2010 year, released for " Denomination Records". A quartet supported some well -known bands as a Saxon, Faster Pussycat and Enuff Z' nuff, to name a few. They have a brilliant vocalist - Emil Ekbladh in its line-up, and generally they introduced to the audience as a melodic hard rock act inspired by the 80's and late 70's movement and groups as well. A songs are done mainly in mid-up tempo, a certain and convinceble vocalization characterize a songs structure, as same as distant band playings in the back. " Different Tomorrow" are consists of equalizing materials, without any typical or leading song, but with materials acceptable for radio usings. This is a promising debut of Sweden fellows, probably more interesting for 80's hard rock fans...

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.dirtypassion.net

STORTREGN - Uncreation

2011-07-13T21:26:00.002+02:00

STORTREGN - Uncreation

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 13 July 2011

STORTREGN " Uncreation "
( Great Dane Records ) 2011.
CD - SWITZERLAND
Black/death metal

Stortregn are hailing from Geneva, Switzerland. They are four piece act, formed back in 2005 year. During the previous years, they have some personal changes, but they also released a 1 Demo in 2007, and EP " Devoured By Oblivion" in 2008 year. " Uncreation" is actuelle product, a full-length with 8 tracks in, released for " Great Dane Records". Stortregn are black/ceath act inspired by Nordic groups, and general by 90's black metal movement. Their sound also accept evident death metal traces and melodic includings as well. A lyrical approaches touches a themes of humanity desintegrations, human disorders and similiar views. A band has offered a distant performings, in many aspects with brutal and agressive playings, but also with interesting arrangments includings as well. " Uncreation" hides some interesting performing moments, and band has offered mainly equalizing materials. Nothing especially new, but Stortregn manniristically satisfies...

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

ATOMIC PLAYGROUND - Baal Perazim

2011-07-13T21:24:00.001+02:00

ATOMIC PLAYGROUND - Baal Perazim

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 13 July 2011

ATOMIC PLAYGROUND " Baal Perazim "
( A Bomb Records ) 2010.
CD - USA
Heavy metal/80's metal

Atomic Playground are relatively newer act, formed back in 2006 year. They are four piece act, hailing fom Orlando, Florida, but members from band are well-experienced musicians, with longest carreare behind. " Baal Perazim" are their debut, released during the November of 2010 year.
We can find 10 tracks here and there, done in so call old school way, with many 80's traces, and similiar variants as well. Musically, we can hear many influences, taken from succeasful groups as a Manowar, Tora Tora. or earliest Judas Priest, but band also has offered some own tricks.
A songs are done in raw way, without any calculations, and band also has offered a distant performings . A productionn reminds on 80's period, but that was finally a group' s choice. Atomic Playground are coherent team, and their album is mainly recomandable for old school and 80's metal followers

Rating : 7 / 10
C / o : www.atomic-playground.net

SONNY AXELL - Ready

2011-07-13T21:23:00.001+02:00

SONNY AXELL - Ready

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 13 July 2011

SONNY AXELL " Ready "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD - FRANCE
Funk/smooth jazz/soul

Singer, keyborder and songwriter Sonny Axell, born in St. Etienne ( 1982 ), is an interesting artist, whose musical occupation touches groovy tendencies, soulful jazz, funk, soul and similiar variants. During the previous 2010 year, he has released an album entitled " Ready", with 10 tracks in. With relevant production done by himself, certain and enjouable arrangments works, he has introduced as a musician also influental by the USA late 70's and 80's groups and artists, so in his songs we can find many elements nearer to Earth Wind And Fire, Chicago, Steely Dan, or Crusaders legacies. But, all of present songs posses a relevant dinamizations, and accepts a standards of our time too. Originality isn' t a middle name of this French artists, but in the other hand all things he did in best possible manner.
His songs are listenable, also acceptable for radio usings. He has also offered an equalizing materials, recomandable for the followers of funk , whote soul, smooth jazz and similiar genre's tendencies...

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

THE HOMEMADE JAMZ BLUES BAND - The Game

2011-07-10T14:29:00.001+02:00

THE HOMEMADE JAMZ BLUES BAND - The Game

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 10 July 2011

THE HOMEMADE JAMZ BLUES BAND

" The Game "

( Self - released ) 2010.

Blues - USA

The Homemade Jamz Blues Band are one of the youngest USA blues acts nowadays. This is also a family band, consisting of Ryan Perry, who is response for all guitars and vocals, Kyle Perry who is bassist, their sister Taya, she's a drummer, and don' t forget a father Renaud Perry who is harmonica player and key author.A group constantly receives recomandations from press and what is also importsant from colegues, and especially legendary B. B. King gaves a credits to band's entire carrear. " The Game" is their third album, consisting of 10 author's tracks, done in convinceble and also " dancable" mood judging by the standards of some previous periods. But Homemade Jamz Blues Band aren' t a retro act, their approach accepts many blues idioms, from delta and southern influences to the newer standards, where song dinamizations and energy dominates through complete materials. There's no doubt that Homemade Jamz Blues Band are group with modern views, certain performings, and also owners of pretty good songs. Absolutely recomandable and also very listanable...

Rating : 8, 5 / 10

C / o : www.hmjamzbluesband.com

CITADEL BESIEGED - The Winter Of Evermore

2011-06-27T23:41:00.001+02:00

CITADEL BESIEGED - The Winter Of Evermore

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 27 June 2011

CITADEL BESIEGED " The Winter Of Evermore "
( Self - released ) 2011.
CD - USA
Heavy metal/hard rock

Citadel Besieged are practically newer act, consists of two persons : Adrian Jeffreys, who is response for vocal rolas and drumming, and Tim Hall, who is guitarist, bassist. Together, they penned a complete materials. It's also interesting that mentioned tandem, teamed together in period of 1986/1987, under the name DARKHAVEN, but fnished album never looked the light of day. Actuelle full-length has introduced them as a band influental by the 80's movement and classic heavy and hard rock tendencies as well. Also some 70's aspects and approaches are present here and there. A songs are clear and raw at the same time, without presentations of doomy or stoner traces. But, metalized sound characterize complete materials, and that's element is leading detail of band's performing conception. A songs are done in slower mid to mid-up tempo, and some comparazitions leads to earlier Sabbath legacies, but USA fellows mostly introduces themselves as a original act.
" The Winter Of Evermore " as a album posses many elements of so call older school variants, acceptable specially for the followers of mentioned genre's forms....

Rating : 7 / 10
C / o : www.CitadelBesieged.com
www.myspace.com/citadelbesieged

RUSTY PACEMAKER - Blackness And White Light

2011-06-25T21:09:00.001+02:00

RUSTY PACEMAKER - Blackness And White Light

Written by Branimir Lokner

Saturday, 25 June 2011

RUSTY PACEMAKER

"Blackness And White Light "

( Solanum Records ) 2010.

Dark rock - AUSTRIA

Rusty Pacemaker is a dude from Austria, who started out his personal musical travelling in 2003 year. 7 years after, he has released with practically own forces, a debut full-length entitled " Blackness And White Light". I have to add, that he very seriously runnin' a promotional part of entire carreare, and many webzines, nationally, as same as abroad, follows up his activities. " Blackness And White Light": has introduced Rusty as a emotional writer, whose songs are mainly done in melancholic and darker mood. A lyrical approach is pretty insightful, and judging by musical options we can find dark rock traces fullfield with some gothic varients as welll. Rarely we can hear some other elements as a maybe doom or metalic includings, but evidentally, 80's and 90's influences are present here and there. Most of the songs posses a darker atmosphere, where arrangments strictly follows up a songs motorizations. Rusty has offered equalizing materials, without a any typical or leading song, but also without weacker momemnts..

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.rustypacemaker.com

SECOND WAY - Changing Times

2011-06-17T22:31:00.002+02:00

SECOND WAY - Changing Times

Written by Branimir Lokner

Friday, 17 June 2011

SECOND WAY" Changing Times "

( Self - released ) 2005.

CD - GERMANY

AOR / melodic rock

In our world still exists many hidden and uncovered groups and artists, and one of them are guys from German band Second Way. Second Way is a group with no short history behind. Previously, they were known as a 2ECOND WAY, and under mentioned name , they have released an EP in 2000 year, entitled " First Strike", Later on, they changed a name in Second Way, and during the 2005, they released a full-length : Changing Times", still actuelle in its discography. But one thing is important. A Second Way is really convinceble and brilliant AOR / melodic rock act, whose musical approaches are nearer to 80's psychology, and influental in some aspects by the USA acts from mentioned era, as well. Their sound is also a little bit complecxier, than the case was with other well or less known AOR groups, also pretty melodic with clever arrangments additionals, added with fine vocalizations as well. " Changing Times" are consists of manny listenable places, where most of the songs posses radio friendly usings.Hope that in the near future, we shall see a new products in their discography... If you are a AOR / melodic rock fan, Second Way is a band for your taste. Don' t hesitate to check' em.....

Rating : 9 / 10

C / o : www.secondway.net

ASTORYAS - Darkness

2011-06-17T22:29:00.001+02:00

ASTORYAS - Darkness

Written by Branimir Lokner

Friday, 17 June 2011

ASTORYAS" Darkness "

( Self - released ) 2010.

CD - GERMANY

Heavy/power metal

Astiryas are four piece act, coming out from German town Ludwigsburg. Their activities dated back from 2002 year, and till now a group has released with actuelle one, also 1 full-length album - " Follow The Sign" ( 2004 ) and 1 EP " Running Out Of Time" ( 2008 ). They are relatively known, and in metal circulation established. act in their homeland, but less in the other part of globe." Darkness" is actuelle CD, and this is 10 track album.A band has introduced themselves as a certain heavy/power act, influental by the 80's period as well. A screaming voices, and twin guitars playing characterize most of the materials from CD.. A songs are oftenly done in mid-up to faster tempo, and practically we can not find easier or so call " softier" tunes here and there. A production follows up a songs structures, and most of the tracks posses a similiar or same psychology and realization. Nothing specially new, but under the heavy/power vein, a band knows how to satisfy a listeners taste.

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.astoryas.de

TRACY TOWNS - Obliterate

2011-06-13T22:14:00.001+02:00

TRACY TOWNS - Obliterate

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 13 June 2011

TRACY TOWNS " Obliterate "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD
Heavy metal - USA

Tracy Towns is a guitar and bass player, singer and author of his own materials. In the past, he has participated in some groups, but in the latestt period he's running own carreare. In his studio he has recoorded a materials for 10 track album entitled " Obliterate".
With his wife Rita he penned a lyrics, and what we can find here is a version of classic and true metal variants, influental by the 80's period as well. Tracy is a convinceble singer and certain performer, and most of present songs posses a similiar approach and attitude.
Nothing specially original we can't find here and there, but under the genre's circulation, Tracy is convinceble enough. " Illusion" is possible a most interesting track from his actuelle album.

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

BARBARA RUBIN - Under The Ice

2011-06-11T11:59:00.001+02:00

BARBARA RUBIN - Under The Ice

Written by Branimir Lokner

Saturday, 11 June 2011

BARBARA RUBIN

" Under The Ice "

( Self released / BTF ) 2010.

Various genres - ITALY

Barbara Rubin is a Italian born composer, singer/songwriter and classically trained musician. Her debut album from previous 2010 year receives mainly a positive reactions and recomandations. She has recorded and released album with colaboration of her friends, also well-trained musicians, and what we can find on " Under The Ice" album are 11 seriously penned songs. Many different musical variants are present on album, from modern pop and rock, to progressive and symphonic parts as well. A vocal harmonizations, as same as songs arrangments, are nothing less than remarkable elements of comlete offering concept. In some way Barbara knows to remind on Tori Amos, Elkie Brooks, Kate Bush, Judie Tzuke, but she is absolutely unique author and performer." Under The Ice" hide a many intrigrant and enjouable places, and as a album is absolutely recomandable.

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.myspace.com/barbararubinmusic

INNER AXIS - Into The Storm

2011-05-25T23:20:00.001+02:00

INNER AXIS - Into The Storm

Written by Branimir Lokner

Wednesday, 25 May 2011

INNER AXIS

" Into The Storm "

( Coast Rock Records ) 2011.

Heavy/power metal - GERMANY

Inner Axis are newer German act, formed back in 2008 year by five " ready for action " members. They are deeply into heavy/power tendencies, mainly faithful to so call older school and older variants. Their actuelle debut from January this 2011 year - " Into The Storm " defines and proves, that band through 8 songs manniristically successful combine a strong riffs, distant and convinceble, but also agressive playings with melodic vocal includings as well. They knows to remind on well-known groups from 80's and 90's period, but also as a band shows some original authors views. A production is maybe not modern, but relevantly follows up a group's musical wantings. All of 8 present songs were done with precise and expandier arrangments includings, and in every place of album a Germans has introduced themselves as a serious act.

Quite enough for fine discographical start, and recomandable for mainly old school followers of heavy/power variants...

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.inneraxis.de

www.myspace.com/inneraxis

WADE LASHLEY - Come On Sundown

2011-05-23T22:04:00.002+02:00

WADE LASHLEY - Come On Sundown

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 23 May 2011

WADE LASHLEY

" Come On Sundown "

( Self - released ) 2010.

CD - USA

Country/roots music/americana

Wade Lashley is a musician with respectable experience behind , and he is a longest period in the saddle. He is a songwriter, but also he use to sing a Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams materials... During the years he has released with actuelle one a 3 albums : firstly acoustically orientired " In From The Wilderness " ( 2005 ), followed by " Someone Take The Wheel " ( 2008 ), and " Come On Sundown " from previous 2010 year. Wade is certain singer, and his musical orientation mainly cover a classic country and roots music idions, fullfield with americana traces as well. A songs are done in mid, rarely in mid-up tempo, where present atmosphere reminds on past periods and better life too." Come On Sundown" are consists of mainly equalizing materials, with certain realizations and relevant production.

" Come On Sundown" is a recomandable product firstly for all old school country and roots music followers....

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.wadelashley.com

www.myspace.com/wadelashley

MR. HUNTER - The Awekening

2011-05-20T22:24:00.001+02:00

MR. HUNTER - The Awekening

Written by Branimir Lokner

Friday, 20 May 2011

MR. HUNTER

" The Awekening "

( Self - released ) 2010.

EP CD - USA

70's music/progressive/soft rock

Mr. Hunter are five piece act with female fronted singer in its line-up, coming out of Hoboken, New Jersey. " The Awekening" is their debut EP with 5 tracks in. A band has offered maybe unusual stylish variants, where we can find some 70's music traces combining with soulful vocalizations as well. 70's rock and progressive are leading performing options, but present arrangments a group has threathed in " softier" way. A lyrics are based on life experiences, and most of the songs posses a pleasent and enjouable approach. A production is also done in 70's mood, but that was a final band's choice..In my opinion, an opening track " Corner" is a favourable one...

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.MrHunterBand.com

CASTLE - In Which Order

2011-05-18T14:37:00.002+02:00

CASTLE - In Which Order

Written by Branimir Lokner

Wednesday, 18 May 2011

CASTLE

" In Which Order"

( Van Records ) 2011.

CD - USA

Doom/heavy metal

I have received a couple of CD's from German label " Van Records", and one of pretty interesting item is album of USA act Castle.

A San Francisco based band work as a trio, with female fronted singer and bass player Elizabeth Blackwell in its line-up. Castle are fresh and convinceble doom metal act, and their approach also accepts classic heavy idioms. " In Which Order" ,actuelle debut full-length are consists of 11 tracks, well-performed, and produced.Castle aren' t a boring or repeatable manniristically recognizeble act, their approach under a mentined form is modern and colourfull. Other technical details also satisfies as well, and I would specially mentioned a cover CD artwork and following booklet. Fine album and promising band....

Rating : 8, 5 / 10

C / o : www.van-records.de

www.heavycastle.com

OF WRATH AND RUIN - Conquering Oblivion

2011-05-08T23:55:00.001+02:00

OF WRATH AND RUIN - Conquering Oblivion

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 08 May 2011

OF WRATH AND RUIN

" Conquering Oblivion "

( Apollyon Records ) 2011.

CD - USA

Power/progressive metal

USA act Of Wrath And Ruin started out in 2004 year. A group had some personal turbulations during the years, but key members Pat Brose and Joe Brannigan, finally have found the right members. " Conquering Oblivion" is a group's debut album from January this 2011 year, released for " Apollyon Records". A quartet from Gloucester, New Jersey has introduced themselves as a well-experienced and also well-trained cohesive and coherent team, whose musical orientation belongs to power and progressive matal tendencies. I would add that group equally accept power and progressive elements, and some 90's traces are also present in its music as well. We can find a 9 tracks on album, where technical performing elements dominates through songs arrangments. " Normal" and guttural vocalization changing places on present songs, and many interesting passages as same as performing tricks, USA fellows has offered here and there. Unfortunatelly, a production didn' t follow other well-done details, and mentioned element was a weacker part of complete final album's impression.

On the other hand, Of Wrath And Ruin could be interesting act for older and newer followers of power/progressive metal tendencies, cos' they have offered enough satisfying moments...

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.ofwrathandruin.com

www.apollyonrecords.com

TOUCH THE SPIDER - Dead @ Last

2011-05-08T23:54:00.001+02:00

TOUCH THE SPIDER - Dead @ Last

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 08 May 2011

TOUCH THE SPIDER

" Dead @ Last "

( Whereareyoufrom Records ) 2011.

CD - GERMANY

Doom/goth/darkwave/psychedelic/post new wave

A two frantic Germans- Unholy Ghost and Cosmic Energy are in the saddle again. They have a new album, entitled " Dead @ Last", and this is a forth product, released for last 2 years. A mentioned Germans constantly analyze a darker side of life, and actuelle album stay on same lavel, like the case was with previous CD's. But, it seems that weird atmosphere, more monotonous and doomy passages, as same as more psychedelic soundscapes are strongerly has supported in performing and authors variants, and its evident practically from first to the last segment of the album. A songs are maybe more cohesive, but on the other hand, experimental elements are less presents in actullle album materials. But, that was a choice of mentioned tandem. Anyway, judging by band's decision, " Dead @ Last" is evidentallly different album than previous three, even that band didn' t change basic concept and similiar final message....

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.touchthespider.com

www.myspace.com/touchthespider

GUARDIANS OF TIME - A Beautiful Atrocity

2011-05-07T15:17:00.001+02:00

GUARDIANS OF TIME - A Beautiful Atrocity

Written by Branimir Lokner

Saturday, 07 May 2011

GUARDIANS OF TIME

" A Beautiful Atrocity "

( Mayhem Music ) 2011.

CD - NORWAY

Heavy/power/progressive metal

A well-informed followers of power/progressive tendencies under the metal genre, knows about Norwegian band - Guardians Of Time.

They started out in 1997 year, and first discographical step was " Edge Of Tomorrow" album ( 2001 ), followed by " Machines Of Mental Design" from 2004 . After 7 years of discographical hibernation, a group promote actuelle product entitled " A Beautiful Atrocity".

GOT are on therithory of heavy/ power/ progressive metal, influental by the 80' s tendencies, especially by the Queensryche legacy, but Norway quintet also has introduced enough original tricks and performing views. There are 13 tracks on album, and practically complete materials posses evident melodicity, fullfield with convinceble playings, constant twin guitar dualities, and added with strong vocalizations as well.

A well-done production and brilliant arrangments works characterize album in general, and there's no doubt that band did a great job.

" A Beautiful Atrocity" is a very serious album, without uninteresting places or boring details....

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.guardiansoftime.no

www.mayhem-music.com

www.metalrevelation.com

FRANTIC AMBER - Wrath Of Judgment

2011-05-03T17:59:00.002+02:00

FRANTIC AMBER - Wrath Of Judgment

Written by Branimir Lokner

Tuesday, 03 May 2011

FRANTIC AMBER

" Wrath Of Judgment "

( Blue Freya media Group ) 2010.

EP CD

Death/thrash metal - SWEDEN

Frantic Amber are five piece all -female band, based in Stockholm, but in its line-up are also " ladies" from Norway, Denmark and Japan. Founded in 2008, and during the forthcming period, they attracted the attention of metal communities worlldwide.

" Wrath Of Judgment" is an actuelle 5 track EP. Frantic Amber delivers certain melodic death metal fullfield with thrashy includings as well.

A mixing elements of growl and " normal" vocalizations dominates through present materials. A songs are done in faster and loud mood, with rlelevant and modern production too. A girls are influental by the approaches of groups as a Gorefest or Voivod, but also its music posses many original details..The .3rd and 4th song from album " The Awekening" and " Unbreakable" deserves to my opinion again listenings...

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.franticamber.com

www.myspace.com/franticamber

HONEY FOR CHRIST - The Cruelty Of Great Expectations

2011-05-02T12:28:00.002+02:00

HONEY FOR CHRIST - The Cruelty Of Great Expectations

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 02 May 2011

HONEY FOR CHRIST

" The Cruelty Of Great Expectations "

( Rundown Records ) 2011.

CD - NORTHERN IRELAND

Heavy/dark metal

A Northern Ireland band Honey For Christ, isn' t a newer name on underground metal area. They were formed in 1998 year, and till forthcoming period a group has released a coulple of Demos, 1 EP and one 7' Inch issue. " The Cruelty Of Great Expectations" is their actuelle and first full-length, where we can find 8 tracks in. HFC are on therithory of classic heavy metal, also influental by the 80's movement.

But in its sound we can find a plenty of dark metal traces and doomy atmospheres as well. Also some other genre's variants are present here and there, as a specially thrashy includings. A group has offered a specific arrangments views of present songs, and it's evident that members from band did a lotta' efforts that all things get funkcionizes according to plan. " The Cruelty Of Great Expectations" are consists of mainly equalizing materials, without leading song, but also without a weacker place in general.

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.honeyforchrist.com

www.rundownrecords.co.uk

KINGSLEY - Digital Providence

2011-05-02T12:27:00.002+02:00

KINGSLEY - Digital Providence

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 02 May 2011

KINGSLEY

" Digital Providence "

( Self - released ) 2010.

CD - USA

Modern rock/melodic rock/power pop/pop

Kingsley are four piece band, founded back in 2007 year. They are hailing from L.A. and its actuelle full - length has received some positive reactions and recognitions. " Digital Providence" is a name of album, and Kingsley has introduced themselves as a pretty melodic act, with modern rock/pop includings in its approach. All of present songs posses refine melodicity, catchy choruses, distant playings, relatively modern arrangments, and good production too. On the other hand, we can not find here and there too much originalities, but a group provide enjouable three-four minutes songs, a general pleasent atmosphere and good vibes as well. L.A. fellows are influental by the British 80's and 90's pop movement, as same as USA 90's waves. Also some of post new wave traces we can hear in its materials.

But Kingsley aren' t a retro act, even that all of mentioned elements exists in its music. There's no doubt that they are a serious group, and we'll see what the near future brings...

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.kingsleylive.com

www.myspace.com/kingsleyla

HELLO ELECTRIC - Skychief

2011-04-26T21:37:00.001+02:00

HELLO ELECTRIC - Skychief

Written by Branimir Lokner

Tuesday, 26 April 2011

HELLO ELECTRIC

" Skychief "

( Spaceman ) 2010.

CD - USA

Post rock/psychedelic

A trio from Portland, OR, started out its life in 2005 year, founded by Kirk Ohnstad. Other members are Zack Bendt and Henry Gibson.

Their first discographical step was an " Pilot EP " from 2008 year. Actuelle full-length " Skychief" a band has released duing the previous 2010 year.

Hello Electric are one of those groups whose orientation is hard to describe. They are practically original act, with complexive performing views, and similiar realization. A songs/themes from album are different among them. A band accepts a post rock ideas, and psychedelic includings in performing variants. Most of the songs posses dreamy atmosphere in one part, and in the contrary, noise includings are also present in same themes. In some places methods of vocalizations dominates through arrangments views, in other playing noise characterize songs structures. " Skychief" is an interesting challenge, not only for the potential listeners population, and deserve a specific attention and concetration as well.

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.helloelectrick.com

www.myspace.com/spaceflight127

RUDIES - Rudies

2011-04-25T20:49:00.001+02:00

RUDIES - Rudies

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 25 April 2011

RUDIES

" Rudies "

( Blue Pie Records ) 2010.

CD - USA

Reggae/dub/ska

Rudies are Lexington, Kentacky, USA based reggae band, and releatively a newer act.A group works in quintet formation, fronted by singer Saint Jerrod. Their " S/t" album introduces them as a reggae band whose approach accepts lotta' elements of earliest ska and dub as well.

They are influental by the 70's and 80' reggae movement, but also posses an original attitude and approach. Prince Buster, The Skatalities, early Wailers, The Upseters are some of the influental names for USA fellows, whose materials also posses a strong social dimension too.

Some songs deserves again listenings as a " No Justice" and specially " Psycho Babylon" with interesting playing dualities between dub and psychedelic phrases...Part of the materials are consists of more ska, other of more classic reggae, or reggae / dub influental themes.

A full - length album of USA guys could be probably more recomandable product for old school reggae followers...

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.myspace.com/therudies

www.bluepierecords.com

SHEAR - In Solitude

2011-04-25T20:47:00.001+02:00

SHEAR - In Solitude

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 25 April 2011

SHEAR

" In Solitude "

( Self - released ) 2010.

EP CD - FINLAND

Melodic/power/symphonic metal

Shear is Helsinki, Finland based band, formed back in 2008 year. But complete line-up are consists of well-experienced musicians, cos' the members of Shear have played in many familiar bands, such as : Amoral, Omnium Gatherium, Imperainon, Elemium and Crystal Blaze.

Shear is also a female fronted a six piece band, and its first discographical arrival was an EP

from 2010 year, entitlled " In Solitude".

They have introduced with 4 mainly equalizing tracks, and complete materials were done with excellent productional work.A group is on therithory of pretty melodic metal, fulfield with power and symphonic traces as well. A group has also received a good response from several webzines and magazines abroad, and that's no doubt that their musiacal approach deserve recomandations. Complete present materials posses a similiar qualities, and songs are listenable, and in the same time enjouable, if you are fan of melodic metal tendencies. Nice work, and we'll see what the future brings for Finnish metallers...

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.shearofficial.com

www.myspace.com/shearofficial

FORGOTTEN TALES - We Shall See The Light

2011-04-17T12:03:00.002+02:00

FORGOTTEN TALES - We Shall See The Light

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 17 April 2011

FORGOTTEN TALES

" We Shall See The Light "

( Union Metal International ) 2010.

Heavy / power metal - CANADA

Forgotten Tales aren' t a newer name on power metal circulation. Till now, with actuelle one they have released a 3 albums. Firstly, " The Promise " ( 2001 ), followed by " All The Sinners " ( 2004 ) , and " We Shall See The Light" from previous 2010 year. A band from Quebeck work as a sextet, with female fronted singer in their line-up. Actuelle album has a 9, well-done produced songs, and group also shows equalizing standardizations in performing duties. Present songs posses strong melodicity, but Canadians suffers of so call manniristical problems, cos' complete album materials were done with expecting realizations. It's evident that sounds as a serious act, also coherent as a team, but with less originalities in author's presentations. I have to say, that other technical elements funkcionizes as well, beautiful cover artwork of CD, and also 16 page booklet, deserves recomandations....

Rating : 6 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.forgottentales.com

STAR FK RADIUM - Blue Siberia

2011-04-17T12:01:00.001+02:00

STAR FK RADIUM - Blue Siberia

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 17 April 2011

STAR FK RADIUM

" Blue Siberia "

( Self - released ) 2010.

CD - USA

Neo classical/acoustic/ambiental

Star Fk Radium are Washington DC acoustic trio, consists of : Bill Martien ( guitar ), Watt Clarke ( drums ) and Allisa Taylor ( violin ).

They have debuted with " Blue Siberia" album, from previous 2010 year. Star Fk Radium are pretty interesting and unusual group, whose musical orientation is not so easy to describe.. They have offered a 9 instrumental tracks, done in neo classical, maybe it's better to say in chamber mood. A themes posses a specific atmposphere, often structural changes, interesting and complexive playings....

Most of present materials accepts also a darker atmosphere, and in some aspects a " harder " ambiental mood. Psychologically, a group treats own performing formula as a classically trained act, and this is also one of specific details. Star Fk Radium has introduced to audience as a unique and original team, whose musical offering could be interesting for wider listeners populations...

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.starfkradium.com

M.I.C. - 3rd Degree

2011-04-12T17:21:00.001+02:00

M.I.C. - 3rd Degree

Written by Branimir Lokner

Tuesday, 12 April 2011

M.I.C.

" 3rd Degree "

( Mia Mia Records ) 2011.

CD - CHINA / WORLD

Melodic rock/melodi

c hard rock/AOR

M.I.C. are China based band, but in their line-up are multinational musicians, fronted by key person Canadian born guitar player and vocalist - Yvon Serre. As a band, they have started in 2004 year, and they are playing pretty listenable own version of melodic rock / melodic hard rock/AOR music, fulfield with other classic rock / rock and roll variants as well. " 3rd Degree ", actuelle album, delivers expecting perrforming offering and practically similiar formula, as the case was with two previous albums. There are 12 mainly equalizing tracks, done in modern productional mood.

A songs also posses evidental radio friendly usings, and most of them are acceptable for concerts threathenings, and playings " alive". M.I.C. carry on with positive reflections, and their actuelle product satisfies in many aspects....

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.myspace.com/madeinchina

www.yvonserre.com/mic

SWOON - Backwards & Forwards

2011-04-09T18:23:00.002+02:00

SWOON - Backwards & Forwards

Written by Branimir Lokner

Saturday, 09 April 2011

SWOON

" Backwards & Forwards "

( Vaulted Records ) 2011.

CD - USA

Indie/alter pop/rock

Swoon are New York based band, consists of 2 female and 2 male persons/musicians, fronted by Minnie Cho. She is key author, vocalist and she also play a guitar. Till now, with actuelle one, a band has released a 2 albums, firstly " Departures" from 2008 year, and " Backwards & Forwards" from February this 2011 year. A New York quartet has a lotta' fans and followers in musical circulation, and some of their collegues supports a group's work. Swoon is musically on indie/alter pop therithory, and its sound also has something taken from 90's indie / alter rock legacies. Knows to reminds on British late 80's and 90's acts, but most of present materials posses a clear authors signiture.

A group deliver a moody melodies, lush vocalizations, edgy guitars and pleasent and enjouable songs as well. Their tunes are pretty listenable and also inspirative in some way. " Backwards & Forwards " is an interesting product of New York band, worth listeners attention.

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.swoontheband.com

e-mail : info@swoontheband.com

PEGAZUS - In Metal We Trust

2011-04-07T17:04:00.001+02:00

PEGAZUS - In Metal We Trust

Written by Branimir Lokner

Thursday, 07 April 2011

PEGAZUS

" In Metal We Trust "

( Black Leather Records ) 2011.

Power metal - AUSTRALIA

Pegazus are Melbourne based band, and well-known act in power metal worldwide area. They started out its carreare in 1993 year, and as a band they are discographically active. " In Metal We Trust" is their newer product, and this is album with 11 tracks in. Pegazus are basically power metal act, but also melodic sounding group. Their music also contains some speed metal includings, and 80's trraces as well.

On actuelle album, a group also performs Judas Priest song " Metal Gods " and version of Aussie mates posses more melodic elements.

Also in song " Old School Metal Dayz", a group were joined by Ross The Boss ( Manowar ), David Shankle ( Manowar / DSG ) and Jeff Watson ( Ex Night Ranger /Mothers Army). Initially, Pegazus has offered mainly equalizing materials, but with some haunting tracks, as a for example " Road Warrior " and " Ghost Rider".

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.pegazusofficial.com

www.metalrevelation.com

e-mail : mario@metalrevelation.com

8 - IS - Frame Of Us

2011-04-06T08:11:00.001+02:00

8 - IS - Frame Of Us

Written by Branimir Lokner

Wednesday, 06 April 2011

8 - IS

" Frame Of Us "

( Hetaproduction ) 2010.

CD - ITALY

AOR/melodic rock/melodic hard rock

The roots of Italian band dated from 2009 year, when vocalist Marcello "Malcoun "Catalano and drummer Franco Casini decided to realize a project originally named FRAME. After some period, a group changed name in 8 - IS, and line-up of 3 persons, with some additional musicians started to recording an album. " Frame Of Us " originally released in August 2010 year, introduces Italians as a serious 80's influenatal AOR / melodic rock/ melodic hard rock act. A 10 pretty melodic and radio friendly tunes are present on their album, and what is more important, practically complete materials posses convinceble approach, a certain playings and same realizatins.

A group is also infected by the USA 80's groups ( Foreigner, Survivor, Toto ), but with some additional and typical Italian melodicity as well.

I have to say, that Italians also did a lotta' efforts in promotional campaighn of its actuelle album, and many worldwide webzines informs about band's activities. " Frame Of Us" is a promising debut, worth listeners attention, and specially recomandable for older and newer AOR followers.

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.8-is.com

www.myspace.com/8is

www.slwpromotions.com/tsm/index.htm

FOUR TRIPS AHEAD - The Memories

2011-04-04T12:32:00.001+02:00

FOUR TRIPS AHEAD - The Memories

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 04 April 2011

FOUR TRIPS AHEAD

" The Memories "

( 505 Records ) 2011.

EP CD - USA

Hard rock/modern rock

Four Trips Ahead are New York based rockers, active some period contioniously. They have recorded till now 3 EP's and 1 full-length from 2008 year. " The Memories" is actuelle product, an EP with 5 tracks in. A band is on therithory of hard rock, fullfield wirth evidental modern rock approaches, and 90's tendencies as well. A production is modern, a group performs songs in agressive way, but with clear melodic includings.

All of 5 songs posses equalizing elements, without a leading tune, but with same standardizations. I have to say that frontman Peter Wilson is certain and convinceble singer, and his vocalization in many aspects create a final look of present songs." The Memories " is without a doubt, a promising issue of USA fellows...

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.fourtripsahead.com

www.myspace.com/fourtripsahead

www.slwpromotions.com/tsm/index.htm

WD-41 + 2 - Temi Per Cinema

2011-03-21T10:04:00.001+01:00

WD-41 + 2 - Temi Per Cinema

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 16 March 2011

WD-41 + 2

" Temi Per Cinema "

( Self - released ) 2010.

CD - USA

Ambiental/free jazz/crossover

WD-41 are consists practically of two persons, a key member Willie Oteri who is responsible for guitar playings and loops additionals, and trumpeter Dave Laczko.They were joined by Dino J.A. Deane - lap steel dulcimer, beat jockey, and Scott Amenoola - drums and percussion, so in quartet formation they have recorded a 10 tracks album entitled " Temi Per Cinema". As a well-experienced musician, Otteri with his colaborators and assistents has offered an unusual travelling to the spheres of ambiental and free jazz fields. A present themes are also full of free style forms, with lotta' improvisating parts , and pulsating soundscapes elements as well. In some aspects, " Teri Per Cinema, knows to remind on earliest Tangerine Dream albums, as a specially " Alpha Centauri:, but more jazzy details, lead to some other place. A part of materials is absolutely unlistenable for avarage music follower ear, but it's also clear that Oteri and his colegues did a lotta' efforts in complexive arrangments threathenings, and general final realizations. I didn' t mention a psychedelic approach in its music, whose presentention is also evident, maybe little more in psychological than performing form.

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.myspace.com/wd41music

CINDER ROAD - Damage Control

2011-03-16T17:41:00.001+01:00

CINDER ROAD - Damage Control

Written by Branimir Lokner

Wednesday, 16 March 2011

CINDER ROAD

" Damage Control"

( Self - released ) 2010.

Rock /melodic rock - USA

Cinder Road are Maryland based rockers, frionted by leading person, songwriter and singer - Mike Ruocco. They discographically debuted in 2007 year wih " Superhuman" album, and mentioned CD has received a pretty fine compliments. In those times, a group has a major label behind them - " Columbia Records", and all the things seemed certain for USA act.. After a three years of constant touring and with more maturities, a band has offered a new album, entitled " Damage Control". There are 13 present songs, done in rock / melodic rock moods, with some faster up tunes, some half-ballads,some country flavoured songs, bluesy harmonizations, repeatable choruses and pleasent atmosphere as well. Most of the songs has a potentialy radio friendly usings , and it's also evident that members of band knows how to put right thing in right place. Nothing specially new, but Cinder Road as a band satisfies in general, and their albun coukd be a recomandable product for newer and older rock followers...

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.cinderroadmusic.com

www.myspace.com/cinderroadmusic

KATERGON - Endless Life

2011-03-16T17:40:00.002+01:00

KATERGON - Endless Life

Written by Branimir Lokner

Wednesday, 16 March 2011

KATERGON

" Endless Life "

( Dirty & Weird Music ) 2010.

EP CD - SWITZERLAND

Post metal/doom/psychedelic

Katergon are quartet from Biel, Switzerland, and also a newer act. They started out in 2007 year, and during the previous 2010, they have released an EP with 2 songs in, entitled " Endless Life". A duration of EP is 17 minutes and 34 seconds, and Swiss guys has introduced themselves as act whose orientation mixes elements of post metal, doom, and psychedelic variants as well. A both songs - " I' m The Sea" and " Endless life" posses a hard , deep atmosphere, with monotonous parts, organized arrangments includings, and relative simple, but distant playing. A production is so call modern and satisfies in general. It is an interesting product of Swiss band, specially acceptable for post metal maniacs....

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.katergon.net

www.myspace.com/katergon

www.dirtyandweird.com

e-mail : christian@dirtyandweird.com

RED ELECTRICK - Vine Lady

2011-03-03T15:39:00.001+01:00

RED ELECTRICK - Vine Lady

Written by Branimir Lokner

Thursday, 03 March 2011

RED ELECTRICK

" Vine Lady "

( Jagged House ) 2010.

CD - MALTA

Indie rock/alter rock/pop

Red Electrick are newer band, formed back a 3 years ago. They are locate in Malta, and during the previous 2010 year they have released an album, entitled " Vine Lady" for " Jagged House". There's no doubt that fellows from Malta has offered a quite interesting portion of music. " Vine Lady" are consists of 12 mainly equalizing and melodic tracks, done in indie pop / rock mood. A band is musically also influental by the 80's new wave movement, maybe more psychologically, and its songs posses something of mentioned pastiche.We can also find here and there some ska elements, as same as evident power pop and 70's glam rock traces as well. Most of the songs are listenable, and acceptable for radio usings. A group offers a fresh sound, good vibrations and distant playings. " Vine Lady" is recomandable product , and nothing less a modern album too....

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.myspace.com/redelectrick

www.jaggedhouse.com

PAIDARION - Haurus Silta

2011-02-28T12:33:00.002+01:00

PAIDARION - Haurus Silta

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 28 February 2011

PAIDARION

" Haurus Silta "

( Saecrest ) 2009.

CD - FINLAND

Progressive/crossover

Paidarion are Finnish band formed in 2006 year. They discographically debuted with " Haurus Silta" CD in 2009 year. Paidarion are serious, complexive and also band with original authors views as same as with certain performing realizations. Basically they are deeply in progressive fields, but its sound is influental by the gospel includings, and with some other crossing details, as a medieval, and 70's ambiental approaches as well.

They have offered a 12 tracks on CD, some of songs posses also a jazzy mood, and most of tunes are done in slower mid, rarely mid-up tempo.

A band sung in Finnish language, and I would especially mention a beautiful voice of female singer Kristina Johnson...Other technical details deserves recomandation,a production is quite modern, and its evident that band did a lotta efforts that all things funkciuonizes as well.

A group oftenly use flute as a leading instrument in present songs, and mentioned detail certainly create a final look of arrangments approaches.

A 9th song " Tuulensuoja" in my opinion is favourable one, even that band had offered mainly equalizing materials....

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.paidarion.com

www.myspace.com/paidarion

LARS BYGDEN - Family Feelings

2011-02-27T23:13:00.001+01:00

LARS BYGDEN - Family Feelings

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 27 February 2011

LARS BYGDEN

" Family Feelings "

( Massproduktion ) 2009.

CD - SWEDEN

Indie pop/alter rock

Lars Bygden is a Swedish musician and songwriter. He is 38 years old, and " Family Feelings" still actuelle album, is his second solo effort.

As a rumours and informations confirms, a mentioned album has received a mainly positive reactions, nationally and abroad.

In some way we can treat a " Family Feelings" as a conceptual album, deeply insightful and emotional, where feelings and self-expressions dominates through complete album materials.A darker atmosphere characterize most of the songs from album, and unusual but sugestive vocalizations creates a complete atmosphere. We can find in Lars songs something from late Tom Waits or Nick Cave lagacies, but only in fragments, most of songs posses an original views, and that's evident and clear. " Family Feelings" is also album where complete technical details and additionals funkcionizes in best possible manner. A fine album, also pretty hard to acceptable, but worth listener's attention.

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.massproduktion.com

www.larsbygden.com

www.myspace.com/larsbygden

THE SILENT TREATMENT - Passion In Progress

2011-02-27T13:48:00.002+01:00

THE SILENT TREATMENT - Passion In Progress

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 27 February 2011

THE SILENT TREATMENT

" Passion In Progress "

( Eschelon Records ) 2009.

EP CD - USA

Power pop/melodic rock

The Silent Threatment are Southern Californian quartet, active some period. Firstly, they have released an album, entitled " Sinful Acts Of Audio" ( 2008. ) and received a pretty respectable recognitions and critics. " Passion In Progress" is their second edition from 2009 year, and this is an EP with 4 tracks in : "Backseat Woman " , " Valentine", " Hush", and " So Naughty". With their absolutely fresh and convinceble sound, a group deliver a portion of power pop and melodic rock elements, fulfield with some retro 70's and 80's touches as well. Honestly, they knows to remind especially on USA power pop acts from mentioned era, but also accepts a psychology of our time. All of present 4 tracks posses radio friendly usings, distant melodicity and fine choruses. If you are fan of power pop and melodic rock tendencies, with some retro associations, don' t hesitate to taste the band....

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.myspace.com/thesilenttreatment

www.thesilenttreatment.net

ELIS CASADO - Crab In The Lamp

2011-02-20T21:34:00.001+01:00

ELIS CASADO - Crab In The Lamp

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 20 February 2011

ELIS CASADO

" Crab In The Lamp "

( Sile ) 2010.

CD - SPAIN

Jazz/fusion/funk/instrumental

" Crab In The Lamp" is a newer offering of keyborder Elis Casado, a musician from Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain. I had an oportunitty to review his previous album, so I already know what to expect. With cooperation of 3 musicians, Elis continiously follow his approach. So, in 7 present instrumental tracks, where 5 are authors creations and two of them are covers - " Enter The Dragon Theme" ( Lalo Schifrin ) and " Interplay ( Bill Evans ), Elis and his comrades delivers enough portions of jazzy instrumental works, locate somwhere in the 50's and 60's period from previous century. Hammond organ is a leading instrument, and groovy tendencies as same as funk and fusion elements dominates through present songs. A pleasent and enjouble atmosphere characterize album in general, and one more time, Elis certainly knows how to satisfy a listener's taste. Normally, if you are a fan of mentioned genre's forms. "Crab In The Lamp" is another fine album of Spanish keyborder and composer, acceptable not only for jazz, groovy and funk followers....

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.eliscasado.com

TOMMY RICKARD - Dream California

2011-02-20T21:31:00.001+01:00

TOMMY RICKARD - Dream California

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 20 February 2011

TOMMY RICKARD

" Dream California "

( Self - released ) 2010.

CD - USA

Americana/rock/pop/alt. country

Tommy Rickard is a songwriter and musician with respectable experience behind. He started out his carreare during the late 80's, and firstly played in glam rock band Vain, who were signed

to " Island" company, and toured extensively, opening among others for Guns ' n ' Roses, Poison

and Skid Row.He also cooperate with Michelle Muldrow in alt country band BloodRose, and

released a two albums.He was also a part of California country scene, recorded an album for

Michelle Shocked too....

" Dream California" is a serious album, with 10 tracks in, done in specific and enjouable mood.

As a author TR touches elements of americana, as same as straight rock/pop and alt.country

variants as well. He is a distant singer, most of presents songs are done in mid rarely in

mid-up tempo.In some aspects he knows to remind on Bozz Scags, and honestly some soullish

details also exists in album materials.

" Dream California " as a album also are consists of many radio friendly using tunes, and some

of late 70's atmosphere also dominates in his works. This is a very listenable product, without

a wecker place or less interesting songs...

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.tommyrickard.com

www.myspace.com/tommyrickard

JACK KETCH - Bringers Of The Dawn

2011-02-20T21:28:00.001+01:00

JACK KETCH - Bringers Of The Dawn

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 20 February 2011

JACK KETCH

" Bringers Of The Dawn "

( Transmedia Records ) 2010.

CD - USA

Death metal/progressive death metal

Jack Ketch are quartet from Southern California, active some period on national underground

metal scene. They have released a two albums, " Articulo Mortis" from 2009 year, and actuelle

one " Bringers From The Dawn" from previous 2010 year. Jack Ketch are convinceble and agressive act, whose death metal orientation are consists of plenty blast beats, progressive and

technical includings, and raw but certain playings as well. Its songs posses often uptempo

changes, different harmonizations, and sorts of nihilism too. Listening a complete album

materials of USA fellows, it's also clear that as a band they captures something from 90's

psychology too. A production work as same as all other technical variants satisfies in general,

and " Bringers Of The Dawn" could be a recomandable album for death metal followers....

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.jackketchkills.com

THE RABBLE - The New Generation

2011-02-13T23:16:00.001+01:00

THE RABBLE - The New Generation

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 13 February 2011

THE RABBLE

" The New Generation "

( Big Cheese ) 2008.

CD - NEW ZEALAND

Punk/punk rock

The Rabble are Auckland City, New Zealand trio formed back in 2001 year. During the latest period, they have received some mainly newer European press recognizitions, and several magazines/webzines writes about the band. Till now, with actuelle one they have released a 4 issues : " No Clue, No Future" ( 2005), " This Is Our Lives " EP ( 2006 ), " The Battle's Almost Over" ( 2007), and compilation entitled " The New Generation", consists of 13 included songs from mentioned 3 previous issues. The Rabble are pulsating and dynamic power punk/punk rock act. In its music equally exists southern Californian influences, as same as late 70's British traces. They are also a melodic act, even that most of their songs posses so call " raw" methods in performing realizations. The Rabble also shows that as a band captures a modern days standards/tricks, and most of their songs are easily available for concerts threathenings...

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.myspace.com/therabble

PROXIMAL DISTANCE - Proximal Distance

2011-02-13T23:15:00.001+01:00

PROXIMAL DISTANCE - Proximal Distance

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 13 February 2011

PROXIMAL DISTANCE

" Proximal Distance "

( Self - released ) 2010.

CD - USA

Progressive/progressive rock

Out of USA comes a newer project/band and progressive collaboration between Jeff Hamel of Majestic ( guitars, keyboards, bass, vocals ), and Greg Johns of Slychosis ( guitars, keyboards, bass, mandolin, vocals ). Joining them are Jeremy Mitchell and Todd Sears, both of Slychosis, and two female vocalists - Sarah Hamel and Jessica Rasche. I would also mentioned

additional person, who is responsible for great artwork of CD - Vladimir Moldawsky. Proximal Distance has offered a brilliant amalgam of several progressive elements in its album materials, as a 70's inspiring symphonic rock, space rock, and some Floydish influental traces as well. Fine and complexive arrangments, a certain playings, modern production and convinceble autrhors creations, characterize their self titled album.

A musicians who was responseble for final look of mentioned album, also posses a strong knowledge about progressive as a genre, and that's evident after listening just a few tacts from CD. Procimal Distance and their debut offering is must for every collection ,of all serious progressive followers...

Rating : 9 / 10

C / o : www.proximaldistance.com

www.majesticsongs.com

www.slychosis.com

HAUNTING HEATHER - One

2011-02-13T23:14:00.001+01:00

HAUNTING HEATHER - One

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 13 February 2011

HAUNTING HEATHER

" One "

( Self - released ) 2010.

Melodic rock / pop - USA

Out of Kansas City area comes a four guys from band Haunting Heather. They were formed in 2007 year, and during the forthcoming period performed a lot, equally own materials and cover songs. During the previous 2010 year, a band has released a debut album entitled simply " One".

With 11 tracks in, a group has introduced themselves as a vividly melodic rock / pop act with strong 80's and less 70's influences as well.

They knows to remind on specially USA power pop acts from mentioned 80's era, but

also shows some own tricks.

They are pretty melodic, some of its songs posses dancable elements ( in the meanings

of pop as a genre ), and their album is more or less enjouable product for potential listener's ear. Nothing specially new, but with distant old-fashioned message, and evident retro includings, Haunting Heather and its offering could be interesting for melodic rock/pop and power pop followers...

Rating : 7, 5 / 10

C / o : www.hauntingheather.com

www.facebook.com/hauntingheather

ANNIVERSARY CIRCLE - Saturated Feathers

2011-02-11T18:19:00.002+01:00

ANNIVERSARY CIRCLE - Saturated Feathers

Written by Branimir Lokner

Friday, 11 February 2011

ANNIVERSARY CIRCLE

" Saturated Feathers "

( Sun & Moon Records ) 2010.

CD - UK

Goth/darkwave/post new wave

Anniversary Circle are newer act on scene, whose musical interests touches goth and darkwave tendencies. A group are consists of two persons : Estelliane Kermagoret - vocals, and Martin Johnson, who is responsible for all instruments, vocals, authors works and production. They are hailing from UK, and few months ago they have released a debut album, entitled " Saturated Feathers". Anniversary Circle has offered a very interesting works, with many releasing influences. Basically, they are faithfull to goth/darkwave options, and specially to 80's legacies.

In many aspects, they knows to remind on earliest 80's acts, as a Fields Of Nephilim, Living In Texas, Bauhaus, Coctau Twins and other " 4 AD " performers, but present songs also announced that Johnson as a author posses a unique viiews too. A songs are also different among them, and it's also important to say, that Anniversary Circle did a lotta' efforts in arrangments realizations. A specific and unique atmosphere also characterize offering materials, and I would mention a 5th tune - " Take" as a primary example. " Saturated Feathers" as a album, discover many interesting places, and satisfies in general...

Rating : 8, 5 / 10

C / o : www.anniversarycircle.com

www.myspace.com/anniversarycircle

SATEVIS - Centralia

2011-02-11T10:42:00.001+01:00

SATEVIS - Centralia

Written by Branimir Lokner

Friday, 11 February 2011

SATEVIS

" Centralia "

( Self - released ) 2010.

EP CD

Black / death metal - USA

Out of New Yoirk comes a band Satevis. A members from group started out its life in 2003 year, and twice time during entire carreare changed a name. Also its music has been changed through times, and actuelle EP " Centralia" captured them as a band whose musical direction is faithfull to black / death metal variants. Satevis has introduced themselves with 5 tracks in, done in symphonic black/death vein. A songs are intense, structually expandier with presents of some hidden melodic lines. Lyrically thay are on therithory of universal black themes, as a evil,disaster, weirdness, but musically mostly accepts influences from 90's period as well. In the other hand, judging by performing realizations, they also sounds as a group with so call modern look. An opening track from band's EP " Endless Perdition", is to my opinion a favourable one ....

Rating: 7 / 10

C / o : www.facebook.com/satevismusic

e-mail : satevismusic@gmail.com

HION MARTELL - Will Cure Any Disease

2011-02-10T08:46:00.001+01:00

HION MARTELL - Will Cure Any Disease

Written by Branimir Lokner

Thursday, 10 February 2011

HION MARTELL

" Will Cure Any Disease "

( Viskningar och Vral ) 2010.

CD - SWEDEN

Rock/classic rock/melodic rock

Hion Martell is a Swedish five piece band, active continiously on national scene for several years. With actuelle one, they have released a 7 albums, a latest product for " Viskningar och Vral " label. Musically, Hion Martell mixes a several mainly 70's rock genres in their specific way, so we can find in its materials a glam rock influences, classic rock includings, and modern/melodic rock threathenings as well. A melodicity is imporatant part of its offering, and most of the songs posses a radio friendly usings. A musicians from band has showed a vivid performing experience, and all of present songs are done with fine realizations. A few tracks certainly deserves again listenings, and I would recomand a second tune " Built As A Boxer" , and 9th, Stones influental song " Don' t Mess". " Will Cure Any Disease", if you prefer older rock tendencies, transfered in modern rock and also productional way, could be a favourable album for your taste, in any other cases musical offering of Swedish fellows will not take your soul....

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.myspace.com/hionmartell

www.hionmartell.com

GHOST - The Engraving

2011-01-30T21:20:00.001+01:00

GHOST - The Engraving

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 30 January 2011

GHOST

" The Engraving "

( Self - released ) 2010.

CD - NORWAY

Heavy metal/80's metal/melodic metal

Out of Follo, suburb area of capitol Oslo, comes a guys from band Ghost. They started out its life in 2002 year, and till now with actuelle full-length, thay have also released an EP and Demo. A group work in quintet formation, and very seriously threats a media segments of entire carreare, so many European webzines writes about band. Actuelle album " The Engraving" introduces them as a 80's influental heavy/hard/melodic act. A present songs from album posses a strong melodic lines, excellent vocalizations, relevant production, and good playing. A members from Ghost sounds as a coherent team, and it's also evident that arrangments of each songs are colourful and surprisengly interesting.

Even that members from band are aged from 30 to 37 year, together they have showed a more than certain maturity, and its album sounds as a well-experienced and strong product.. " The Engraving is very recomandable CD, especially for the 80's metal followers...

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.ghosttheband.com

www.myspace.com/ghostrocks

APOLLOS - Awaken

2011-01-28T22:41:00.002+01:00

APOLLOS - Awaken

Written by Branimir Lokner

Friday, 28 January 2011

APOLLOS

" Awaken "

( Self - released ) 2010.

CD - USA

Metal/hard rock/gothic/psychedelic

Apollos is a unusual act with strange history behind. They started out firstly in 1987 year, and in those times band has released an album, entitled " Rising" A group has received a criticall acclaim from prestige British " Kerrang" magazine, and received a cult following.

After years of inactivities, a band turned a new chapter and during the November of previous 2010 year , announced its second arrival with album " Awaken". Apollos are definitelly original act with interesting authors ideas. Musically they are on therithory of classic 70's and 80's metal, fullfield with evident gothic and even psychedelic tendencies as well. They combines older and newer variants, and as a result, we have a quite unique releasing approach. A songs are intense, also mostly different among them, with many uptempo changes, and unexpecting arrangments includings. A 14 tracks are present on " Awaken" album without unnecessery technical includings, but with also specofic present atmosphere, evident on each place of album. " Awaken" is interesting product, worth listeners attention. ....

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : e-mail : leeapollos@gmail.com

JESSE BARISH - Restless Soul

2011-01-26T09:31:00.001+01:00

JESSE BARISH - Restless Soul

Written by Branimir Lokner

Wednesday, 26 January 2011

JESSE BARISH

" Restless Soul "

( Voidecho Records ) 2010.

CD - USA

Melodic rock /pop/soul

Jesse Barish is a veteran of many music wars. His carreare started out practically in 60's period, and during the years he has performed and toured with many known and less known musicians. He toured among others with Leon Russel, Freddie King, J.J. Cale, and cooperated with Marty Balin. " Restless Soul" is his latest effort from October 2010 year.Jesse was author, he played flute and harmonica, and complete album he was recorded with Jeff Pescetto. Jeff was responsible for all instruments and backing vocals. " Restless Soul " is a mature product of well-experienced author, with tons of emotional pictures, pleasent atmospheres, and fine harmonizations. His melodic rock/pop songs are fulfield with evident and clear soul pastiche. Many reminiscents of 60's and 70's periods are present on 18 songs from album. Most of the songs are acceptable for radio usings too. Finally, " as a album " Restless Soul offers a good feelin' and same vibrations. Recomandable for listening in night time....

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.jessebarish.com

BODINROCKER - Mysterious Man

2011-01-24T22:24:00.002+01:00

BODINROCKER - Mysterious Man

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 24 January 2011

BODINROCKER " Mysterious Man "
( Bearman Music ) 2010.
CD - SWEDEN
Rock / melodic rock

Anders Bodin aka Bodinrocker is longest period in the saddle. He is from Gottenburg, Sweden, and musically, he is faithfull to 70's rock legacies. I have to say that his entire carreare has a respectable promotional campaighn on net, and his actuelle album " Mysterious Man" has been introduced in many webzines, nationally and abroad. " Mysterious Man" are consists of 10 pretty listaneble and melodic tunes, done in mentioned 70's rock manner. His works knows to remind on Status Quo approach, equally vocally and judging by performing threathenings.
But, melodicity is a key weapon of Swedish rocker, and complete materials posses a radio friendly usings. Many of present songs are very, very listenable, and also acceptable for gig performings. Nothing specially new, but Bodinrocker offers a good feelin', enjouable songs and positive vibrations..

Rating : 7, 5 / 10
C / o : www.andersbodin.net
www.myspace.com/andersbodin
www.slwpromotions.com

AMAGORTIS - Intrinsic Indecency

2011-01-24T22:22:00.001+01:00

AMAGORTIS - Intrinsic Indecency

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 24 January 2011

AMAGORTIS " Intrinsic Indecency "
( Brutal Bands ) 2010.
CD
Death metal - SWITZERLAND

A Swiss quartet Amagortis isn' t a newer name in death metal underground community. They started out in 2001 year, and till now they have released with actuelle one, a third full-lengths. " Intrinsic Indecency" introduces themselves with 11 tracks in, done in pretty brutal death metal vain. They sound as a coherent team, also with some grind includings, but I would add that present materials comphrises also 90's death metal influences as well. Mannitristically, they also knows to remind on USA acts from late 90's and begining of the 2000's period, and in my opinion also more psychologically. Technically as same as productionally, some things looked unfinnished, and the weacker side belongs to identical productional threathenings in each songs from the album. Total running time of album is 30 minutes, and cover design of CD, done by Tony Koehi deserve recomandations.

Rating : 7 / 10
C / o : www.brutalbands.com
www.dirtyandweird.com
www.amagortis.ch
e-mail : music@dirtyweird.com

EXCRUCIATION - Thorns

2011-01-24T22:21:00.002+01:00

EXCRUCIATION - Thorns

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 24 January 2011

EXCRUCIATION " Thorns "
( Non Stop Music ) 2009.
CD - SWITZERLAND
Doom/various metal genres

A Swiss act Excruciation had a long hstory behind. They started out its carreare in late 1987 year, and finilized a first phase in 1991 year, after realization of one mini LP and one CD album .After a period of inactivities, a group started a new chapter in 2005 year, with different musical direction ." Thorns" are still actuelle product, released during the December of 2009 year. A Swiss fellows has offered a pretty convinceble variant of doom, fullfield with some other genres variants, as a death metal, less thrash and enough progressive includings as well. A present songs posses evident performing passionate, intensity and strong attitude. There's no doubt that other details also funkcionizes as well, so the production is pretty relevant as same as complete technical includings. Their authors approach is also fresh and modern, judging by genre's standardizations, so " Thorns " as a album satisfies in many aspects. Recomandable....

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10
C / o : www.nonstopmusic.ch
www.dirtyandweird.com
www.excruciation.net
e-mail : music@dirtyandweird.com

MORILD - Time To Rest

2011-01-21T09:57:00.001+01:00

MORILD - Time To Rest

Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 21 January 2011

MORILD " Time To Rest "
( Self - released ) 2010.
2 CD - NORWAY
Progressive/progressive rock

Morild are Trondheim, Norway based band, formed back in 2007 year. A group work as a quartet, and during the previous 2010 year, they debuted with 2 CD's materials, entitled " Time To Rest". It's also interesting, that Italian webzine "Progwards" - www.progwards.it , nominated them as a best foreighn act with debut album. Morild are musically deeply in the 70's period, but in their own way they recapitulize mentioned era, mixing authentic sound with nowadays prog. elements as well. They are also partly influental by the Nordic folk, their materials posses enough ambiental parts, many keybord driven passages, as well as colourfull arrangments includings. Their mainly longer songs are done in slower to mid, rarely mid-up tempo. A band has showed some original authors ideas, as same as some unexpecting performing details. Even of many fine present moments, a generally weacker element belongs to production works . A production simply must be better, even that we know that group has recorded an album materials for longer period. As a band Morild has introduced themselves as a original act, even that some comparisions could lead to British 70's acts as a Camel, Rennaissance or earliest Barclay James Harvest. " Time To Rest " is a relevant discographical start for Norway fellows, and recomandable product for progressive followers as well.

Rating : 8 / 10
C / o : www.myspace.com/morildprog

THE SUNWASHED AVENUES - Cult Of The Black Sun

2011-01-09T13:14:00.001+01:00

THE SUNWASHED AVENUES - Cult Of The Black Sun

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 09 January 2011
THE SUNWASHED AVENUES " Cult Of The Black Sun"
( Dirty & Weird Music ) 2010.
CD - SWITZERLAND
Death rock / crossover

Out of Zurich, Switzerland comes anarcho rockers - The Sunwashed Avenuas. They are active continiously some period, and firstly they have released an EP in 2009 year, followed by actuelle debut full-length " Cult Of The Black Sun" from December 2010. A Swiss fellows has offered a real musical croosover, where exists many places for hardcore, metalcore,punkcore, and even industrial elements. Some of present songs posses complexivities in arrangments views. Screamo and hysterical vocalization also dominates in band's offering, even that most of materials are structurally different among them. " Cult Of The Black Sun" as a album also comphrise some 90's elements in general conception, but definitelly a group has accepted a standards of our time as well.

Rating : 7 / 10
C / o : www.dirtyandweird.com
www.myspace.com/thesunwashedavenues

SNATCH MAGNET - Screw, Nut and Bolt

2011-01-09T13:13:00.001+01:00

SNATCH MAGNET - Screw, Nut and Bolt

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 09 January 2011

SNATCH MAGNET " Screw, Nut & Bolt "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD - USA
Rock/party rock/hard rock

Snatch Magnet are band with unusual and interesting name, active some period also as a party act in Hollywood area. A group work in quintet formation, and during the May of previous 2010 year, they have debuted with album entitled " Screw, Nut & Bolt". Even that they do not take themselves too seriously, their album are consists of 7 more good than worst tracks. Some of them are more powerful, part are pretty melodic, and group sound as a coherent team. Snatch Magnet delivers portions of rock/hard rock/party rock variants, and it's also evident that some of presents songs are different among them, judging by stylish includings. So, we can also find in some album places more funk includings, as same as beleive or not epic details, specially present in song " Call Of The Maiden". Snatch Magnet also recapitualtes 70's and 80's rock pastiche in own specific way, and what is more important, finally thay have offered enough original views....

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

NOISE CONTROL - The Room At The End Of The Hall

2011-01-08T06:52:00.001+01:00

NOISE CONTROL - The Room At The End Of The Hall

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 08 January 2011

NOISE CONTROL " The Room At The End Of The Hall"
( Self - released ) 2009.
CD
Rock / hard rock - CANADA

Noise Control is alter ego of Reggie Hache, musician/author/vocalist/bass player, and also his own band, supported by two members - guitarist Chris Robertson and drummer Kelly Stodola. He is on the saddle practically for 25 years, and with mentioned musicians, he has released an album with 7 tracks in, entitled " The Room At The End Of The Hall". With fresh and I can add a modern production, Reggie and his compagnions has offered an amalgam of rock/hard rock variants, fullfield with some stoner details as well. A songs are rooted in 70's and 80's era, but nowadays options are also presents here and there . . There are no unnecessery technical additionals, and some of the songs also posses evident melodic lines. Even that Noise Control is Reggie's project, he and his band fellows sounds pretty coherent. A second tune " NCR" could be a favourable one...

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

BETTER OFF DEAD - Girls Guns And Money

2011-01-08T06:51:00.002+01:00

BETTER OFF DEAD - Girls Guns And Money

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 08 January 2011

BETTER OFF DEAD " Girls Guns And Money "
( Garage Land Records ) 2010.
CD - USA
Rockin' blues/ rockabilly/revival

Out of New Jersey comes an really interesting attraction, a band Better Off Dead. Their first discographical step was a " S/t' album from 1997 year, followed by second entry " Girls With A Job'"from 2001-year. During the last days of April, previous 2010 year, a group has announced its third offering - "Girls Guns And Money". Better Off Dead are explosive and modern rockin' blues/revival act, but with evidental fresh musical views, perfect performings, and quite convinceble realizations. They have offered beleive or not 28 brilliant tracks, equaly powerfull and melodic at same time. Better Off Dead rooted deeply in the 50's, but all of present songs posses a modern look, so they aren' t a usual so call revival act.
" Girls Guns And Money" are consists of enough excelent songs, acceptable for radio usings and concerts threathenings as well. Their album is recomandable for listeners attention in every and any time...

Rating : 9 / 10
C / o : www.betteroffdead.com
www.garagelandrecords.com

BRIAN KAHANEK - One True Thing

2010-12-20T11:51:00.004+01:00

BRIAN KAHANEK - One True Thing

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 December 2010

BRIAN KAHANEK " One True Thing "
(Sidewinder Music Records) 2010.
CD - USA
Blues rock/rock/alt. country

Brian Kahanek is a guitar player and songwriter, raised in Ohio, and locate in L.A. During his entire carreare, he has released before actuelle one, a two albums - " Real Life" and " Suicide Kings", received many recomandations, and his work is recognize as a convinceble and sucessfull too.
" One True Thing" is a his third issue, released during the April this 2010 year. As a skillfull player, also engineer, and nothing less a certain singer, he introduces a variety of guitar oriantation options, based mostly on blues / blues rock level. His album also has a few alt. country includings, as same as some separate acoustic instrumental parts. In his own way Brian mixes 70's blues rock variants with modern views, and his songs are also fresh and modern. On his closing track " 63 Candles" he gave a special hommage to Hendrix legacy. " One True Thing" is also CD with convinceble productional look, where all other technical options satisfies in best possible manner.

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

BARRY MYERS - 7th Avenue

2010-12-20T11:49:00.001+01:00

BARRY MYERS - 7th Avenue

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 December 2010

BARRY MYERS " 7th Avenue "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD - USA
Songwritings/contemporary adult rock/pop

Barry Myers is a singer/songwriter locate in Lake Mary, FL. A some months ago, he has released a " 7th Avenue" album with 9 tracks in. He was supported by several musicians and performers on his album, who took the important rola in complete songs realizations.I would mentioned two of them - a legendary guitarist Pat Travers and drummer and producer and also co-writer of two songs - Sean Shannon. Barry has offered a 9 pretty melodic and insightful songs, very listanable and eclectic at same time. Complete materials posses a pleasent atmosphere, and in some places his authors method reminds me on late Al Stewart legacy. Most of present songs are done in slower mid to mid-up tempo, and practically complete materials posses radio friendly usings. Barry offers to potentional audience a really pleasent journey, and each of present songs deserves again listenings. " 7th Avenue" is absolutely recomandable product for all the followers of mentioned sort of music.

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

WAVES - Crashing On Face

2010-12-19T20:25:00.003+01:00

WAVES - Crashing On Face

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 December 2010

WAVES " Crashing On Face "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD - USA
Indie pop/ rock/alter

Out of Somerville/Brighton comes a band formed by key person, songwriter Ben Garrett. Waves are consists of five members, but also a several persons a group has included in its debut as a musicians. " Crashing On Face" is untipical product, where we can find a varieties of ideas, soundscapes, atmospheres, moods and emotionals. A songs posses a different approach, and judging by stylish options, there are a themes with west-coast style, a songs with dreamy pop pastiche, some alt. country reflections, as same as alt. reggae exdperimentations.
But album in general has sounded as a coherent part, and potential listener can enjoy in complete group's offering. " Crushing On Face" isn't a album for usual genre's freaks, but Garrett as a author has showed some potentials....

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

STILLLIFE - Requiem

2010-12-19T18:09:00.001+01:00

STILLLIFE - Requiem

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 December 2010

STILLLIFE " Requiem "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD - USA
Heavy / progressive metal

Out of North Michigan comes a band Stilllife, fronted by brothers Charbonneau - Eric singer and guitarist, and Jeremy - drummer. Firstly they started as a Metallica and Maiden cover act, and later on they have putted own materials in repertoairre. During the September this 2010 year, with own forces they have released a dubut, entitled " Requiem". This is a sort of conceptual heavy/progressive album, influental by the 80's and 90's traces.
Most of present songs are longer, and done in mid to mid up tempo, with many instrumental and atmospheric parts. A members from band didn't tries to show so call technical performings tricks or details, and more efforts they offered in arrangments duties. " Requiem" are consists of mainly equalizing materials, without presents of modern production, but with some evidental and interesting authors ideas.

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

DON RAY BAND - Lonesome Rider

2010-12-16T23:01:00.002+01:00

DON RAY BAND - Lonesome Rider

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 16 December 2010

DON RAY BAND " Lonesome Rider "
( Margdon Records ) 2010.
CD - USA
Rockin' blues/southern rock

Don Ray and his band are newer attraction on USA market, whose musical interesting spheres touches southern rock as a genre. Don is a singer/songwriter/percussionist, and he quickly established his carreare, firstly with well received debut " On Top Of The Heap " from 2009 year.
" Lonesome Rider" actuelle one, is his second offering, where we can find a 12 well-done, performed and produced songs. Maniristically, Don Ray Band accepts elements of 70's rockin' blues and traditional southern rock, but in the other hand psychologically, their approach deeply touches standards of our time. A songs are relatively short, group didn' t fail in technical performing " competitions", and melodicity is also their strong adut. Without a classic hittish tune, but with convinceble and equalizing materials, their album is more than recomandable issue for the mentioned genre's followers.

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

THE COMMANDER - IN - CHIEF - Battle For The Mind

2010-12-08T21:12:00.004+01:00

THE COMMANDER - IN - CHIEF- Battle For The Mind

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 08 December 2010

THE COMMANDER - IN - CHIEF " Battle For The Mind "
( Self - released )
2010.
EP CD - USA
Rock/metal/hard rock/melodic hard rock

The Commander - In - Chief are newer act based in Los Angeles, fronted by female singer/songwriter/guitarist with the same name ( not sure what her real name could be ). With her male assistents, she has released an actuelle EP, with 6 tracks in, entitled " Battle For The Mind", and she receives for mentioned EP mainly a positive reactions from worldwide press. With 5 authors songs and 1 cover ( pretty interesting and unique version of Black Sabbath classic " Paranoid" ) she introduced herself as a original ortist with interesting musical views. The Commander- In - Chief plays sort of rock/metal with modern approach, metalic soundscapes includings, and presents of melodic vocalizations as well. Even of evidental influental traces from 90's and less 80's period ( some comparabilities with Doro and Pat Benatar comes to mind ), the band is judging by releasing ideas, deeply in 2000's. A production of Eric Greedy also communicate with standards of our time, and generally " Battle For Mind" as a EP offers a more interesting challenges.

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