HEADEND - Sensoria

HEADEND - Sensoria

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 28 December 2008

HEADEND " Sensoria "
( Meniscus Music ) 2008.
CD
Progressive/progressive rock/fusion/experimental - USA

A newer important progressive adut could be a band Headend. Ray Bontempi and Joe Halgas are only members in formation. They hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and have spent a five years performing together, and three years in the making/creating album materials.
"Sensoria" is their debut issue, released during the October, this year. Many various and in the same time common things had occupied interests of Headend members. Ray and Joe has offered own vision of progressive music, where exists many things in-between, as a fusion, hard rock,
grunge, jazz-rock and many alter options. In some moments we can hear a "known" sequences comes out from earliest Pink Floyd or Rush legacies, but also breaking phrases known from Primus or in the other hand Dream Theater kitchen. Headend also has threathed arrangments approach in one specific way, and many so call "strange" or unexpecting challengies are presents on songs from a CD. As a album "Sensoria" is acceptable on first contacts and easily occupies listeners attention. But, also many hidden details simply need to be discovered. Under the progressive as a genres form, Headend has recorded an innovative and promising debut.

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

MASS ECHO - Oblivion

MASS ECHO - Oblivion

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 27 December 2008

MASS ECHO " Oblivion "
( Self - released ) 2008.
CD
Psychedelic/alter - CANADA

A Hamilton, Ontario, Canada act Mass Echo, are consists of 2 persons - Michael David Stricker and Sebastian John Jurowski. They are 2 friends practically from childhood days, and its musical vision is some sort of post modern visionary. Actuelle full-length "Oblivion" could be their second
effort, a first one entitled "Musings In Between", also traced its performing ideas.
Practically, a mentioned fellows communicate among each other, and its performing options and musical views, are concentrate on some sort of unusual improvizations and general playing dialogues. We can find in its legacy, influences comes out from older period, as same as some newer tendencies, but older approach taken some advantages. Mass Echo delivers a tons of
psychedelic soundscapes, some monotonoues parts knows to reminds on kraut rock groups and its performing methods, but also some sort of genres and stylish crossover is evident in group's offering.
15 themes from album are done in different mood, even that songs are conceptually, but most psychologically similiar among them. "Oblivion" is interesting testament of two Canadians, worth listeners attentions.

Rating : 7,5/10
C / o : www.massecho.com
www.myspace.com/massecho
e-mail : massecho@live.ca

Confused 5 - Out Of Confusion

Confused 5 - Out Of Confusion

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 27 December 2008

CONFUSED 5 " Out Of Confusion"
( Sellaband ) 2008.
CD
70's rock/blues rock/rock/various rock genres - AUSTRIA

A Salzburg, Austria based band Confused 5 are comprise of well-experienced and long runnin' members. A group was formed first time in 1981, under the name Frust, and reunited in 2003 as a Confused 5. During the July this year, they have relased an album for "Sellaband" -Internet label, entitled "Out Of Confusion".
Austrian veterans are faithful to general one rock form, but its approach also has accepted a different other rock elements.Basically, they are orientire to 70's rock option, fullfield with blues rock and even soul and funk rock details. A presents songs are mostly done in mid to mid-up tempo, and generally one "coolie" and laid back atmosphere dominates through complete album materials.
Technically, as same as productionally, all things are done in professional manner. Most of present songs posses strong melodic includings and threathenings, and Austrians also lotta' energy has given in vocal harmonizations.
Finally, "Out Of Confusion" are consists of materials whose general message is mostly dedicate to midlle-age and older rock followers.

Rating : 7/10
C/o : www.confused5.com
www.sellaband.com

Arbra Hill - Stand Tall

Arbra Hill - Stand Tall

Written by Branimir Lokner

Friday, 26 December 2008

ARBRA HILL

" Stand Tall "

( Self - released ) 2008.

EP CD

Indie/pop/rock - CANADA

A Winnipeg based band Arbra Hill is active on national indie scene from 2002 year. Till now, they have released a 3 issues : "Taste Test" ( 2004.), "Evolution Of Note" ( 2007.) and actuelle one "Stand Tall", dated from July this 2008 year. They are very active concert act, and on domestick therithory they performed a lot. Arbra Hill offers crafted pop songs with variety of emotional statements. Elements of British and as same as USA indie pop/rock traces are evident in its authors creations.Also we can find here and there something taken from jazz therithory as same as from country fields. A pleasent arrangments and fine female voices has occupied a songs structures on practically complete materials from its EP . All of 5 present tunes are nearer judging by psychological threathenings. For all fans of dreamy and catchy songs with strong emotional moods, Arbra Hill's musical offerings could be surely important.

Rating : 7,5/10

C / o : www.arbrahill.com

www.myspace.com/arbrahill

The Bastards - Scheming In The Backroom

The Bastards - Scheming In The Backroom

Written by Branimir Lokner

Friday, 26 December 2008

THE BASTARDS

" Scheming In The Backroom "

( Self - released ) 2008.

CD-R

Rock/crossover - HONG KONG

The Bastards are "veterans" from Hong Kong, formed back in 1990 year. During the years, they have received a specific status on homeland scene, as same as in the some parts of South East Asia. A first album " Welcome To The Royal", a band has recorded in 1996, and actuelle one looks the light of day, a some months ago. The Bastards are faithful to generally rock option and rock views, nearer to psychology of 70's period. But, its performing option also communicate with many other genre's variations, as a garage rock, 60's rock and many things in-between. Their sound also posses one raw approach evident equally in performing as same as in vocal threathenings. A production also isn' t "polite" and producer Rob Porter mostly has threathed its sound closest to so call garage variants. Finally, The Bastards did a lotta' effort that all things funkcionize acording to its musical visions, and they haven't too much reasons for dissatisfaction.

Rating : 7/10

C / o : www.thebastards.hk

e-mail : info@thebastards.hk

BRADFORD - The Ninth Ring

BRADFORD - The Ninth Ring

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 24 December 2008

BRADFORD " The Ninth Ring "
( Self - released ) 2008.
CD
Instrumental rock/metal/fusion - USA

Out of Denver, Colorado comes Bradford, a long-runnin' profesionals and instrumentalist. As a guitarist he has performed with many groups/artists during the years, and he posses a huge experienced status. A some period ago, he decided to start a solo, and during the August this year he has released an album materials, entitled "The Ninth Ring".
All things on album Bradford did with own forces, and all instruments except drums he performed by himself. "The Ninth Ring" are consists of 12 instrumental themes, similiar psychologies and with equalazing offering standards. Bradford is refine performer, he is not schreder, and he also posses a well-education about studio techniques/equipments. A main concentration of his performing/authors views he did in general arrangments harmonizations, as same as in melodicity. A mentioned melodicity is also an important adut of his genreal offering views. As a album., "The Ninth Ring" is plenty of pleasent moments/details, fullfield with strong
arrangments threathenings and modern productional realizations.
There's no doubt that "The Ninth Ring" deserve a recomandations and more than a positive reactions.

Rating : 8,5/10
C / o : www.bradford-music.com
e-mail : bradford@bradford-music.com

HOLYLAND-L.I.F.E.

HOLYLAND-L.I.F.E.

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 24 December 2008

HOLYLAND " L.I.F.E. "
( Rising Works ) 2008.
CD
Heavy/power/melodic metal - ITALY

Italian act Holyland isn't a newer metal exponent on national scene. They started carrear back in 1996 year, and during the years, they have released a several Demo issues and actuelle full-length. In their native Florence a band secured a respectable status, and excluding Italy, they also performed in Bulgaria.
Holyland are certain heavy/power act with clear melodic includings. In its line-up group has very refine and convinceble vocalist/frontman, and his name is Gianni Miccinesi.Even that band has offered in many album places convinceble performing parts, as same as strong arrangments
works, its materials also suffers from evident maniristic problems. A band has threathed production in expecting way, a songs are generally similiar among them nearer to established genres standards, and mentioned elements could be a possible problems for die hard followers.
Holyland has offered a clear message, but musically they also have lack of originality.

Rating : 6,5/10
C / o : www.holyland.it
www.myspace.com/metalholyland

THE VAGRANTS - Be True

THE VAGRANTS - Be True

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 22 December 2008

THE VAGRANTS

" Be True "

( Self - released ) 2008.

CD

Power pop/rock - AUSTRALIA

Out of Melbourne comes a band The Vagrants. They are very active concert act, and during the previous years they have played in many places around domestic therithory and abroad. Till now, they have released a 2 EP's and 2 full-lengths. "Be True" is a newer one, and last few months band did a lotta' promotional activities to introduce its work to wider audience. As a band, The Vagrants are faithfull I would say equally to power pop tendencies and rock options. An interesting and convinceble rola in its approach belongs to female fronted singer Renate Ludwig, and her method of vocalizations posses evident energy as same as emotional statements. In some aspects, musically The Vagrants knows to reminds on classic rock acts from the 70's and 80's, and in the other side on power pop groups, comes out from the post new wave era period.Its offering materials posses similiar valuabilities, without weacker places, but also without some tipical hittish tunes. One general pleasent atmosphere, as same as vibrations has offered Aussie band, and "Be True" even of planty of positive moments, as a album is mostly nearer to 80's psychology than to nowadays options.

Rating : 7,5/10

C / o : www.thevagrants.com.au

ELIS CASADO - Ripples

ELIS CASADO - Ripples

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 18 December 2008

ELIS CASADO " Ripples "
( Sile ) 2008.
CD
Jazz/fusion/instrumental - SPAIN

Out of Bilbao, Basque Country comes a keyborder, piano player and composer Elis Casado. He is well-experienced musician, and his first musical steps he did at his youth age. A first lessons received from his father, but during the years he has included himself in many projects/groups
and recordings. With his following band, comprise of 3 adding musicians, as a : guitarist Mikel Sasia, basist Rik Barnabe and drummer Aritza De Castro during the end of September, he has released an album materials, consists of 6 instrumental themes, entitled "Ripples".
With his colaborators, Elis has offered a fine portion of instrumental themes, balancing between classic jazz, fusion and groovy tendencies.
Elis has also drawed elements of 50's jazzy approach, where many aduts has given to some sort of so call atmospheric threathenings of present themes. There's no doubt, that we can find here and there refine work of Elis and his friends, and surelly his authors offering is absolute recomandable.

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

Andrew Roussak - No Trespassing

Andrew Roussak - No Trespassing

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 18 December 2008

ANDREW ROUSSAK " No Trespassing "
( Mals ) 2007/2008.
CD
Progressive/symphonic rock

There's no doubt that Andrew Roussak is nowadays one of the most prolific keyborder/pianist on progressive therithory. Born in Russia, and relocate to Germany in 2001 year, he is active as a free lance artist, studio musician, and composer. He won the "German pop & rock award as the best keyborder and instrumental soloist in 2006 year. He is classically trained performer, but his technique also clearly communicate with modern musical heritages. "No Trespassing" is his debut, recorded in various studio locations in France, Germany and Russia.
Together with his collaborators, he has created an album materials full of colorfull themes, a fine keybord passages, and more than convinceble arrangments creations. His progressive/symphonic offering finds inspiration in 70's sympho rock legacy, and as a performer Andrew also use to name it his older collegues - Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson as a leading
influental tandem. I would also like to mention another keyborder as a possible comparabile to Andrew's performing style and that's a nowadays maybe underrated Dutchman - Rick Van Der Linden from TRACE/EKSEPTION fame. Except two classical transpictions, complete other
present materials belong to Andrew's authors work.
In very refine and inteligent way Andrew knows to connect 70's period with nowadays options, and his album clearly confirms that opinion.
"No Trespassing" is more than recomandable issue, acceptable also for the followers of older as same as newer progressive tendencies.

Rating : 9,5/10
C / o : www.andrew-roussak.com
e-mail : andrew_roussak@yahoo.com

THE SQUIRES - Fiction & Theory

THE SQUIRES - Fiction & Theory

Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 16 December 2008

THE SQUIRES " Fiction & Theory "
( Vesper Records ) 2008.
CD
Rock- USA

Even that they are practically 4 years together, The Squires are newer band on USA scene.A some months ago, they have released a debut, entitled "Fiction& Theory" for "Vesper Records". A main thing about band is their line-up,comprise of 4 teenagers. They aren't a classical teenage band ( judging by established views of teenage acts, comes out from the past ), but they likes to performs and create music with general positive messages for teens. They have offered one primary rock approach, where exists also some evident melodic and vocally narrative aditionals.A songs are under the mentioned view different among them, but some of present tracks posses an interesting arrangments threthenings. As a band they surelly need more experience, but its first discographical step has showed evident potentials and some positive
details at last .

Rating : 6,5/10
C / o : www.squiresrock.com
e-mail : booking@SquiresRock.com

THE DOGZ - Let It Burn!

THE DOGZ - Let It Burn!

Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 16 December 2008

THE DOGZ " Let It Burn!"
( SKC Novi Sad ) 2008.
CD
Garage rock/garage punk/rock - SERBIA

A Sremska Kamenica/Novi Sad based band The Dogs a some months ago has released actuelle full-length, entitled " Let It Burn!". The Dogz, formerly Mighty Dogz are active on local/national garage scene last few years, and they are well-known to followers of domestic garage tendencies.
A new album brings some different tendencies, if we can compare with its previous recordings. They are still faithfull to garage rock/garage punk options, but maybe more with some so call "normal" rock additionals as well. A productional work of band's old friend and collaborator Comandant Adam ( preciselly he did production with members from band ) in his well-known
studio is maybe "softier" than potential follower could expect, but finally that was a group's decision. A songs are done in faster, to little more faster-up tempo, in same manner, and in some motorization. A band has offered own materials, whose members has given a strong effort in each tacts of present songs. A new Dogz album is little less distinctive than its previous recordings, but without doubt, they steped out in wanting therithory.

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

Vexillum - Neverending Quest

Vexillum - Neverending Quest

Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 16 December 2008

VEXILLUM " Neverending Quest "
( Self - released ) 2007.
EP CD
Epic/power/heavy metal - ITALY

A few days ago, I have received a Demo EP from Italian act Vexillum, active on domestick scene from 2004 year. They were formed by 2 guys, Luca "Akira" Torelli and Michele Gasparri. Actuelle Demo issue with 4 tracks in, has followed in 2007 year, and band received a many mostly positive reactions from national press/webzines. They are still unknown outside Italy, and it's also importat to say, that after a realization of EP, a band has added some new names on its line-up.
Vexillum are on the field of epic/power metal with clear heavy additionals and melodic includings.A melodicity is, like the case is with many other national acts , a band's important adut, even that I couldn' t find any weacker details in its performing offerings. But, a weacker side of offering materials lays in productional threathenings. A production is mostly maniristically threathed, with many failures in taping of rhythm section.
Many refine parts in its performings, has suffered of unquality production, and that's a reality. All of 4 tracks are judging by performing and stylish options similiar and comparabile among them. Cover artwork of its EP also deserve positive opinions and reaction, but mentioned production amortize complete view of band's debut.

Rating : 6,5/10
C / o : www.vexillum.biz
www.myspace.com/shadowvexillum

Pete Herzog - Homestyle

Pete Herzog - Homestyle

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 11 December 2008

PETE HERZOG " Homestyle "
( Hartkop Productions ) 2008.
CD
Blues/roots music/bluegrass - USA

Out of Trail, Oregon comes a guitarist/songwriter/troubadour - Pete Herzog.His carrear is mostly unknown, but there's no doubt that his performing style and general musical background, posses evident experience. During the years, he has performed solo, as same as with the bands, but one day, he decided that best solution for him is to perform alone with his instrument. He is faithfull to blues and roots music, even that most of his materials he has penned as a author. Pete uses bootleneck technique, but in my opinion a key element of his performing capabilities lays in specific vocalization, full of atmospheric and mood changes.So, as a result we can oportunitty to hear, that each song from album has sounded specifically, and different among them, judging by various emotional statements. "Homestyle" are consists of 18 themes, where three of them are traditional covers.
Most of listeners will surelly accept Pete's version of song "House Of The Rising Sun". As a album, "Homestyle" is full of pleasent moments, unexpecting atmospheres, and without any weacker places.

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

Kingdragon - Fire In The Sky

Kingdragon - Fire In The Sky

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 10 December 2008

KINGDRAGON " Fire In The Sky "
( KD/ZAR Music ) 2008.
EP CD
Melodic hard rock/AOR - GREECE

A Greek web pages are full of informations/reviews about Kingdragon band last months. A key reason could be that band is fronted by veteran of national metal scene, keyborder and vocalist - George Aspiotis, well-known not only on domestic field. Kingdragon's first discographical effort is
EP with 4 tracks in, entitled simply "Fire In The Sky". A band has introduced themselves with 4 coherent tracks, nearer to psychology of 80's/90's melodic rock/melodic hard rock, and also close to legacy of American heroes from the past - Foreighner, Survivor, Toto... A productional work is professionally done, and all things get funkcionized as well. But, maybe too maniristically to my taste. It's probably the only real exsisting problem, evident on its EP issue. A Greek mates has offered enough certain and expecting moments, but with very few present elements of originality. In spite of that, "Fire In The Sky" posses other details, whose valuabilities could be pleased a followers of melodic rock/AOR tendencies.

Rating : 6,5/10
C / o : www.kingdragon.gr

FROMUZ - Overlook

FROMUZ - Overlook

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 10 December 2008

FROMUZ " Overlook "
( 10 T Records ) 2008.
CD
Progressive/progressive rock/jazz-rock/fusion - UZBEKISTAN

Out of Tashkent, Uzbekistan comes pride and joy of national and world progressive scene, a band FROMUZ. They were formed back in 2004 year.
Its line-up are consists of technically well-trained instrumentalists, equally convinceble in authors creations. During the 2007 year, they have released a CD/DVD issue "Audio Diplomacy", and some period ago, an actuelle second effort - "Overlook".
"Overlook" is absolute instrumental album, consists of 5 longest themes, where we can find really exciting performing moments, done by members from band. Fromuz are deeply on therithory of progressive/progressive rock, but with many fusion/jazz rock includings and threathenings. They are skillful arrangers and complete offering material characterize often tempo and mood changes as same as performing challengies. A production of Jeff Hodges is modernly threathed, and band has sounded as a modern act, even of many includings and influences from so call older school/options.
"Overlook" is quite convinceble album, and band surelly did a good job.

Rating : 9/10
C / o : www.fromuzband.com
www.10trecords.com

NERONIA - Blue Circles

NERONIA - Blue Circles

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 10 December 2008

NERONIA " Blue Circles"
( Self -released ) 2008.
CD
Progressive rock - GERMANY

German act Neronia was formed out of the ashes of band Ulysses. Through previous period under the actuelle name, they have released one Demo, full-lenght album "Nerotica" ( 2003 ), and actuelle "Blue Circles" CD.
A band has offered quite interesting portion of progressive/neo progressive music with fine keybord threathenings. A songs are done mostly in mid to mid-up tempo, with clever realizations and pretty promising arrangments includings. In some cases, Neuronia approaches reminds me on performing phrases, comes out from legacy of well-known Canadian act Saga, but "Blue Circles" as a album also offers quiet interesting themes as same as authors creations. A followers of progressive tendencies can find here and there many challenging moments. I also haven't too much places for dissatisfaction, but possession of little more originalities, could be better for German fellows at last.

Rating : 7/10
C / o : www.neuronia.eu
e-mail : falk.ulmann@neuronia.eu

STONE CARPET - Silence

STONE CARPET - Silence

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 06 December 2008

STONE CARPET " Silence "
( Self-released ) 2008.
EP CD
Rock/melodic rock/grunge/hard rock/alter - SWEDEN

A newer adut on national Swedish scene could be a band Stone Carpet.It`s carrear started back in 2006 year, but under the different name.
During the brief period, a group suffered of some personal problems, but at the same time, they worked hardly on a songs, and soonly an EP has followed.
A Swedish guys has introduced themselves with 5 coherent tunes, well produced and done. Basically, its approach covers melodicity as a main thing, then in the other side, judging by stylish options, a members from band are faithfull to rock forms. Their materials are listenable, and at the same time acceptable, but we can find here and there also some other influences, comes out from grunge and alter rock therithory as well.
In my opinion, a s/t track "Silence" and song " Still I Am Mine", are maybe "stronger" than others, but generally "Silence" as a debut issue relevantelly discover its aduts.

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

FALLEN SILVER - Blood In Blue Eyes

FALLEN SILVER - Blood In Blue Eyes

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 19 November 2008

FALLEN SILVER " Blood In Blue Eyes "
( Self - released ) 2007.
CD - AUSTRALIA
Hard rock/melodic rock/pub rock/boogie

There's no doubt that Aussie rockers Fallen Silver as a band posses many qualities, and its performing stylish option offers enough attractive moments, judging by musical traces from debut "Blood In Blues Eyes". Unfortunatelly, a band is placed in actualle millenium, where quiet different regulativities exist in nowadays worldwide scene, than the case was, in for example 80's period.
It's important to mention, cos' band's offering belongs mostly to hard rock/pub rock/boogie tendencies, similiar to legacies such as acts as a : Rose Tatto, The Angels, and finally "softier" AC/DC . A band definitive reminds me on earliest Rose Tattoo, and its 80's sound invasion, but Fallen Silver's offering also has accepted some other evident elements, as a melodicity as a primar quality. 80's flavour in its sound is practically present on whole album materials, and most of songs also posses radio acceptables. Fallen Silver are convinceble in its vision and album materials deserves positive reactions, but 80's tendencies and retro approach surelly has amortized offering creativities.

Rating : 7,5/10
C / o : www.fallensilver.com.au
e-mail : twosidemoon.promo@ntworld.com

LEFT TO ROT - Bathe In Blood

LEFT TO ROT - Bathe In Blood

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 19 November 2008

LEFT TO ROT " Bathe In Blood "
( F.P. Music ) 2007.
CD
Death/grind - USA

A New Mexico horde Left To Rot started its carrear in 2004 year. During the period of existence
their line-up suffered from some personal changes, but gig activities has announced a band's presence on underground circuit in its area.
"Bathe In Blood" is its actuelle album, where we can find an uncompromised portion of brutality and sickness. Death with grind elements, similiar to psychology of older scholl and nearer to legacy of groups as a : Suffocation, Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, are present on 22 minutes of album. Practically, all things are clear after listening of just few tacts, and same atmosphere has followed through complete songs materials. Left To Rot play with constant passion and energy, growl vocalizations are also fullfield with screaming additionals, and only production is more orientire to 90's period, than to nowadays options. Fans of extreme and brutal metal tendencies will be "pleased" with "Bathe In Blood" album.

Rating : 7,5/10
C / o : www.myspace.com/nmlefttorot
e-mail : nmsickness@lefttorot.net

Kevin Mark - Cuttin' Loose

Kevin Mark - Cuttin' Loose

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 18 November 2008

KEVIN MARK " Cuttin' Loose "
( Blue Hog Productions ) 2007.
CD
Blues - CANADA

A previous year certainly was the period of confirmation of Kevin Mark status on blues area. His album "Cuttin' Loose" was another sucessfull product after "Rolling The Dice" from 2004 year. A guitarist, shouter and songwriter with his friends and collaborators has offered on album 14 tunes, where 11 belongs to authors work. Kevin's musical offering are consists of hard driven blues timelly located in different periods, and different performing backgrounds dominates through his authors legacy. He simply has standardized own style, which is combination of 50's blues, 80's rhythm and blues, swing, 70's rockabilly and many in-betweens. He also has offered a specific joy and positive vibrations, and practically all of present tunes posses mentioned mood.
"Cuttin' Lose" is a simply masterpiece, recomandable also for non-blues followers.

Rating : 9,5 / 10
C / o : www.kevinmark.com

Bernie Shanahan - You

Bernie Shanahan - You

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 18 November 2008

BERNIE SHANAHAN " You "
( Self - released ) 2007.
CD
Midwest rock/americana - USA

A songwriter Bernie Shanahan during the previous year has released still actuelle album "You". That isn' t his first effort, and back in 1989, he has recorded album for "Atlantic Records"."You" are consists of emotionally driven tunes and same atmospheres. Mostlly balaads dominetes through his authors mood, and in some way offering materials reminds me psychologically on issues comes out in music industry from the late 80's period. I couldn' t compare Bernie with some possible similiar artists, and his authors view is unique , even that musical pastiche circulate through well-known areas. "You" is evidentally listenable album, and Bernie's old-fashionable manirism realistically reflects his creativities.

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

Malecoda - The Hordes Of Annihilation

Malecoda - The Hordes Of Annihilation

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 17 November 2008

MALECODA " The Hordes Of Annihilation "
( Self - released ) 2008.
EP CD
Death metal - USA

Certainly, a newer hope of USA underground metal scene should be a band Malecoda.
They work as a trio ( even that momentally in formation missies a drummer ) , and some months ago they have released with own forces an EP with 5 tracks in entitled "The Hordes Of Annihilation".
Malecoda are on the field of death metal, with influences comes out from the 90's, but very wise and clever arrangments works, and absolute missings of any boring elements equally in performing options, as same as final realizations, shows that they are promising and interesting band.
Growl vocalizations, as same as backing performings, oftenly were done in slower mood, and group threats mentioned details in similiar way, like the case is with doom acts. Bit in finalization, americans has given an interesting and unique mix. In presents songs also are evident often atmospheric and mood changes, and each track separatelly is different among them. I would mention a personal favorit from its issue as a better one - "Inhuman Suffering". So, without a doubt a band's debut respectabelly promotes its ideas.

Rating : 8/10
C / o : www.malecoda.com
www.myspace.com/malecodausa
e-mail : Info@malecoda.com

Method To Madness - Human Nation

Method To Madness - Human Nation

Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 14 November 2008

METHOD TO MADNESS " Human Nation "
( M & M Productions ) 2008.
CD - USA
Rock/progressive/progressive rock
/hard rock

Out of Sanford, North Carolina. comes act Method To Madness. They work as a trio, and in own production have released a some period ago album entitled "Human Nation" Musically, MTM covers rock and progressive rock elements with strong hard includings.Some influences comes out from the legacies of acts such as a Rush or Kings X, and also are evident traces of 70's period. MTM didn' t offer technical supremacy as a case is with many genre's similiar acts, but its vision more effort gives to authors creativities.Their songs were done mostly in mid to mid-up tempo, and one "coolie" atmosphere dominates through album materials in general. There are also many unexpecting performing transformations, as same as acoustic additionals, and mentioned elements make comparizitions with Canadian legendsRush more realistically.It seems that production, a band has threathed in one so call "old fashioned" way, but that was their choice. "Human Nation" as a album, isn' t easy to acceptable on first listening, and also a band has offered a specific mood with its songs. Even that "Human Nation", isn' t a superior issue, offering materials describes band's visions and shows clear potentials.

Rating : 7/10
C / o : www.method-to-madness.com

BLACK SKIES - Hexagon

BLACK SKIES - Hexagon

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 06 November 2008

BLACK SKIES " Hexagon "
( Self - released ) 2008.
EP CD
Doom/stoner/sludge metal - USA

A North Carolina trio Black Skies, a some months ago has released an EP issue, untitled
"Hexagon". Actuelle EP was followed a year before with Demo material. Black Skies belongs to that sort of groups, whose musical options you will prefer and support, or simply-hate. Their sound is faithfull to doom/stoner/sludge variants, and as a band they are nearer to older school. They are infected by the Black Sabbath, Melvins and even Saint Vitus influences. Musically they delivers : hard, hypnotic, and at the same time monotonous sound, but as a band stands proudly, with clear offering attitude. Its vision is uncompromised, and it's evident after listening of EP's materials, where exists 6 tracks in, with little less than 23 minutes of music.
Black Skies are manniristically defined, and its option relevantelly connect 70's, 80's period with nowadays genre's tendencies.

Rating : 7,5/10
C / o : www.blackskies.us
www.myspace.com/losblackskies

Fancy Frogs - Son Of Earth

Fancy Frogs - Son Of Earth

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 06 November 2008

FANCY FROGS " Son Of Earth "
( Insurrection ) 2008.
CD-R
Dark rock/goth rock - SERBIA

Fancy Frogs are Pancevo based band, a longest period active on domestic and national scene. All of luckiest followers who have opportunity to face them "alive" can confirm that band gaves the best part of their capabilities on stage and offers a specific devotionals. During the 2002 year, they release a debut for "Active Time", and some months ago a second effort entitled "Son Of Earth".
Fancy Frogs are orientire to variant of dark/goth rock, established on continent in the first part of the 80's. They work as a quintet, where specific place in their approach belongs to arrangments threathenings. A band seriously and conceptually comunnicate with mentioned arrangments, and in that conception, a keybord rolas dinamized atmospheric lines in songs.I would also mention a frontman/lyricist Branislav Jokic, whose monotonous/hypnotized vocalization has given unstandardized tour de force and strength to other band members.
"Son Of Earth" is an album consists of 7 tracks in, and surelly band had offered some sort of conceptual creation.Practically, we can not find any weacker details, even that screenplays of songs itself are different among them. A group also offered an interesting album artwork with 20 page booklet includings.
As a band, Fancy Frogs constantly shows a progress, and actuelle album confirms mentioned
opinion.

Rating : 8,5/10
C / o : www.darkrevolution.org
www.fancyfrogs.org
www.myspace.com/fancyfrogs

THE VENGEFUL FEW - The Vengeful Few

THE VENGEFUL FEW - The Vengeful Few

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 06 November 2008

THE VENGEFUL FEW " The Vengeful Few "
( Beagleator Music ) 2008.
CD - USA
80's metal/heavy metal/hard rock

USA band The Vengeful Few originated from 2004 year, and were formed by two key members
and guitar players Tom Catuosco and John Zambri. They were sick of actuelle metal happenings and genre's offerings, and decided to create their style to form which were established during the glory 80's.
A group released a CD in their own, and S/t album contains of 8 equally threated tracks. 7 songs are penned by T.Catuosco and 1 authorized J.Zambri.
In my opinion band are faithfull equally to European as same as to USA influences comes out from the mentioned 80's. Even that they noticed Maiden, Priest, and Dio as a main influental acts, I would add that they have offered own view. Thery aren' t so original in general, but I couldn' t compare them with any other more or less known acts. Their materials posses progressive elements as well, and members from band has taken a lotta' effort in arrangments threathenings.
A production mostly follow up their 80's approach, but also communicate with nowadays
standards.The Vengeful Few album deserves a listeners attention, and consists of several interesting and convinceble parts.

Rating : 7,5/10
C / o : www.thevengefulfew.com
www.myspace.com/thevengefulfew
e-mail : info@thevengefulfew.com

Hatred - Live 2007...Promo

Hatred - Live 2007...Promo

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 06 November 2008

HATRED " Live 2007"...Promo
( Self - released ) 2007.
CD-R
Death/thrash metal - ITALY

I have received a promo CD-R from Italian act Hatred, whose drummer Valentz also perform in band Dark End. Hatred offers a quite diifferent musical option than mentioned Dark End, and their style can be described as a sort of death/thrash metal. The hiatus of band was created in 2001-year, and in 2006, they release a 4 track Demo material. "Live 2007..." with 6 tracks in, introduced them as a death/thrash band mostly influental by the older school, comes out from the 90's period. Even that exists more influences in their sound, a best part of their approach belongs to performing energy, so they have sounded quite furiously "alive". I couldn' t add that band members are technically well-trained, but evident enthusiasm and mentioned energy took the best part of them. Not so original, but vividly ready to taste their possibilities in contact with audience...

Rating : 7/10
C / o : www.hatred.it
www.myspace.com/hatredextrememetal
e-mail : Band@hatred.it

DARK END - Damned Woman And A Carcass

DARK END - Damned Woman And A Carcass

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 06 November 2008

DARK END " Damned Woman And A Carcass"
( Necrotorture ) 2007.
CD
Symphonic black metal - ITALY

Dark End are six-piece untipical black metal band whose carrear dated back from the end of 2005 year. After some line-up consolidations, they started to prepare a materials for debut album, whose realization looked the light of day in previous 2007 year. Even that we can face it with facts that black metal as a genre drowned in deep crises, listening a Dark End album comes to mind that Italian fellows haven' t a mentioned sort of problem. A band had offered own views
of symphonic black metal influental equally by the newer and older school. A special interesting thing comes to lyrical approach. A complete materials except one song - " Love Will Tear Us
Apart " , penned by Joy Division, are taken from the Baudelaire's books - "Le Fleur du Mal" and "Spleen" .
So, Italians hardly tried to sound realisticly and convinceble, and their album mostly confirms that statement. Some of offering songs are done in mid-up tempo, some are more atmospheric,
other are furious and faster. Finally, we have here one intereting issue, recomandable for black metal followers.

Rating : 8,5 /10
C / o : www.darkend.it
www.myspace.com/darkendband
e-mail : Valentz@darkend.it

Leb I Sol - Itakanataka

Leb I Sol - Itakanataka

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 06 November 2008

LEB I SOL " Itakanataka"
( PGP RTS - Hammer Production ) 2008.
CD - MACEDONIA
Fusion/jazz-rock/world music

Leb i Sol are active again with new studio album. Actuelle issue looked the light of day some days ago, and are done by two original members, bass player Bodan Arsovski i keyborder Koki Dimusevski.. Guitarist, leader and frontman Vlatko Stefanovski didn' t want to participate in actuelle reunion phase, and the same situation stay with original drummer Garabet Tavitjan. Probably, the best Macedonian band ever, is one of rarest who can not face it with so call authors problem. As we know, Dimusevski and Arsovski are skillful composers and they confirmed own capabilities in older Leb I Sol albums, as same as in their solo efforts, released during the last 18 years. It's also in my opinion important to mention, that carrear of Bodan Arsovski before and
after of realization of masterpiece " Endless View" had respectable international taste.
A new line-up are consists of band members old friend and collaborators - guitarist Dimitar
Bozikov, and Belgrade drummer Srdjan Dunkic wanted studio and seshn worker in last few years. But, surely most interesting place belongs to Dado Topic, who has taken a vocal rolas, and certainly intrigueted media personals. A several interesting quests participate on album too, among others Slobodan Trkulja and well-known actor Sergej Trifunovic.
"Itakanataka" is an expecting album done in the Arsovski and Dimusevski kitchen. A band
mostly follow-up the tradition seen on their oldest albums realizations, and I' m not surprised at all. There are still present one eclectic combination of fusion, jazz-rock/world music elements, with expecting ethno flavours.There's no doubt that Dado Topic perfectly done the interpretation of "Si zaljubiv edno mome", a song supported by actuelle video clip.
All technical details are done professionally and refined, and members from band one more time here showed their huge experience. "Itakanataka" is an album with 9 tracks in, and band's die hard fans can be satisfied also, cos' the instrumental tracks are taken the biggest part of complete materials.
Musically, "Itakanataka" without Stefanovski in my opinion is one of the better Leb I Sol album in group's complete carrear. Leb I Sol are in the saddle again, and we'll see what the future brings...

Rating: 8 / 10
C/o : www.pgp-rts.co.yu
www.hammerproductions.com

NO RESTRAINTS - In The Left Lane

NO RESTRAINTS - In The Left Lane

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 06 November 2008

NO RESTRAINTS " In The Left Lane"
( Self - released) 2007.
CD
Progressive - USA

No Restraints are USA based prog. band, lead by Mark Smith, songwriter, singer and producer. With his group collaborators he recorded an album full of strange and untipical atmosphere, orientire to legacy of progressive music dated back in 70's period. His voice, as same as offering music mostly knows to remind on Peter Gabriel,Genesis works, and another undoubtly influental act - Peter Hamill's Van Der Graaf Generator. 10 present songs are done in slower to mid tempo, where mentioned atmosphere create a songs structures. A very few nowadays active groups sounds nearer to Mark Smith's band and we can say that his author's orientation is unique."In The Left Lane" also we can judge as a concept album who needs a specific listeners attention. "In The Left Lane" is mostly recomandable product for 70's prog lovers.

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

Banditz - Sensation Seeker

Banditz - Sensation Seeker

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 06 November 2008

BANDITZ " Sensation Seeker "
( Self - released ) 2007.
CD
Rock/metal/hard rock - ITALY

Out of Verona, Italy comes an interesting act, named Banditz. Their carrear is constantly up, after the period of Summer 2006 year, and consolidations of formation.Nicotine Sam ( all guitars ), Fabian ( bass ) and female-fronted singer Jade, nucleus of band joined forces and during the previous 2007 year, recorded an album materials, consists of 8 newer tracks, 3 are taken and arranged from the Demo "Human Phobia", and one song is taken from the first Banditz promo "Dirty Gamez".
"Sensation Seeker" is a modern issue where elements of rock, metal and hard rock travels together in one direction.A band has offered a furious energy, some power pop spices, and clear performing message. A female singer Jade knows to remind on Pat Benatar in some details, but her frantic vocal transformations in practically each songs are band's maybe strongest weapon. There's no doubt that Banditz are original act, and their album didn' t fail in any classic trap. Their songs are also listenable and recomandable for no-metal/hard rock orientire fans.

Rating : 8 / 10
C / o : www.banditz.it
www.myspace.com/hardrockbanditz
e-mail : banditz@tiscali.it

MITIGATE - Welcome To Our World

MITIGATE - Welcome To Our World

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 06 November 2008

MITIGATE " Welcome To Our World "
( Self - released ) 2007.
CD
Death/thrash metal - AUSTRIA

Mitigate are trio, originated in Austria, active on scene from January 2006 year. As a band they performed in national and local area, and has some support by national metal press. During the previous year, they recorded an album entitled "Welcome To Our World".
Austrians are on the field of death/thrash metal, fullfield with strongest symphonic elements. Their sound is full of blast-beats, strongest backing performings and solid combination of growl vocalization and so call "normal" singings. I would add that they are influental also by the 90's period as well, but thay hardly tried to offer own vision. "Welcome To Our World" contains of 12 tracks, with similiar valuables. In my opinion a band deserve wider attention, but it's evident that they have to do a lotta' efforts in marketing and promotional field, outside national area.

Rating : 7,5/10
C / o : www.myspace.com/mitigatemetal
e-mail : kontakt@mitigate.at

Mambo Loco - Mambo Loco

Mambo Loco - Mambo Loco

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 06 November 2008

MAMBO LOCO " Mambo Loco "
( Self - released ) 2007.
CD
Latin - USA

Locate on Long Island's East End, Mambo Loco are band active on so call latin scene in their area. Consists of well-known and established performers and professionals, they are facing with latin challenges, and certainly all the job's they did with respectable approach. A music on their S/t album band mostly dedicate to the latin classics which originated in Cuba and Puerto Rico during the golden period between 1940's to 1960's.As a skillfull musicians complete materials a group played with elegant style. Some of the materials posses jazzy flavour and acters didn' t hesitate to include themselves in improvizations. Arrangments are threthed in expecting way, and we can also say that production can communicate with the standards of our time.
Mambo Loco CD contains of 8 listenable tracks, and little more than 36 minutes of music. Their CD you can buy directly form band or from largest indie web store CD Baby

Rating : 8/ 10
C / o : www.mamboloco.com
http://cdbaby.com/cd/mamboloco

BLUT AUS NORD - Odinist

BLUT AUS NORD - Odinist

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 06 November 2008

BLUT AUS NORD " Odinist "
( Candlelight Records ) 2007.
CD
Black metal - FRANCE

A well-known band on black metal field, Blut Aus Nord, during the last part of 2007 year
recorded "Odinist" for "Candlelight" label. A French trio, active on scene from 1994 year, till now are released 7 CD's, 2 split issues and 1 EP. "Odinist" isn' t maybe a expecting album of band, but many connective elements are present here from the past. "Odinist" with 7 offering themes sublime pure black metal elements with industrial and goth parts. Atmospheric details also are different from song to song, so production at last uniqually didn' t communicate with standards of our time, but surelly didn' t relocate to past tense.
"Odinist" in many places tries to find another exit from classic black metal standards, and as a
result we have band's original views and surelly interesting travelling with it's offering options.

Rating : 7,5/10
C / o : www.candlelightrecords.co.uk

SEAR BLISS - The Arcane Odyssey

SEAR BLISS - The Arcane Odyssey

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 06 November 2008

SEAR BLISS " The Arcane Odyssey"
( Candlelight Records ) 2007.
CD
Black metal - HUNGARY

A Hungarian underground legend Sear Bliss are active again with their 6th studio effort, entitled "The Arcane Odyssey". This time, their publisher are personals from "Candlelight" label.11 years were gone after their album "Phantoms", but a band still have enough inspirations for further development.
As a many of their fans expected, a band one more time offer own vision of black metal, expandier with doom, epic and progressive parts as well.
Strong arrangments threathenings, refine production, one more time tastefull added elements of
brass includings, with convinceble and effective vocal growls, as a result has another succesfull product. 8 tracks are present on "The Arcane Odyssey" and it seems that some elements of conception posses complete materials in general.Sear Blisss continiously runnin' its carrear in best possible way.

Rating : 8,5/10
C / o : www.candlelightrecords.co.uk
www.myspace.com/searbliss

WHERE ANGELS FALL - Marionettes

WHERE ANGELS FALL - Marionettes

Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 04 November 2008

WHERE ANGELS FALL " Marionettes "
( Self - released ) 2008.
CD
Goth metal - NORWAY

Norway act Where Angels Fall is active on scene from 2004 year. A same year they have released an EP "Dies Irae", discographically followed by full-length "Illuminate", released in 2006 for "Edgerunner Music". In the 2008 year a band parted ways with mentioned "Edgerunner" label, and actuelle issue release with own forces, as a self-financed album.
A Norway act have in formation a female-fronted singer Eirin Bendigtsen. She has a pleasent
voice, and her method of vocalizations mostly create an atmospheric elements of each songs. WAF plays own variant of goth metal, where electronic elements coolide with classical and standardized performing options.Its songs also posses melanholic dark rock traces, but generally, a melodicity is main element of offering songs. A present tunes also posses equall qualities, and production is also modern. It's interesting that Norway act less energy gives to so call extravaganza or glamour, and untipically for that sort of groups are nearer to one natural emotional approach. As a album"Marionettes" surelly deserve a wider audience attention, not only from so call genre's die-hard followers.

Rating : 8/10
C / o : http://www.whereangelsfall.com
e-mail : mail@whereangelsfall.com

WICKED DREAM - Perversion From The Ashes

WICKED DREAM - Perversion From The Ashes

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 02 November 2008

WICKED DREAM " Perversion From The Ashes"
( Self - released ) 2007.
CD - ITALY
Heavy/thrash/death metal

Out of Termoli, comes act Wicked Dream, founded in 2003 year. A basic inspiration for its name, was Black Sabbath song "Wicked World". In 2004. they released a S/t demo with 5 tracks in, and during the previous year an actuelle full-length. They suffered of some personal changes, but we can confirms, that domestic underground metal community knows as well about the band.
Wicked Dream performs variant of heavy/thrash metal with clear death includings. They are pretty infected by the 90's period, but judging by instrumental performings ( not in vocal threathenings ) its sound also knows to associate on 80's legacies. "Perversion From The Ashes" are consists of equally standardized materials, but also its offering didn' t show technically skillness or convincebles of members from band - but finally they sounded according to its wishes. A productional work is monotonously threathed, and all of 8 present songs, sounds similiar among them. "Perversion From The Ashes", with 25 minutes of music, isn' t a album
whose materials will be specially remembered, but a band has offered some potentials at last.

Rating : 6/10 C / o : www.myspace.com/wicdre e-mail : wickeddream@libero.it

IRON DRAGON - Open The Gates

IRON DRAGON - Open The Gates

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 02 November 2008

IRON DRAGON " Open The Gates "
( Self - released ) 2008.
CD
Instrumental metal - CANADA

Iron Dragon is a Canadian band/project, brainchild of guitarist/author Ryan Crouse. He is also a owner and creator of "STAR VERSE" comics. With friend and bassist Sam Derkatch he has recorded an album "Open The Gates". This is his second effort, this time done as a fully instrumental album.
In some way "Open The Gates", is a sort of epic story/saga, where whole concept has promoted Ryan's interesting performing fields.But, this isn't a typical or classical guitar orientired metal issue. As a guitarist, Ryan didn' t show elements of virtuosity, but conceptually his album is full of often tempo or mood changes, as same as atmospheric or emotional diversities. We can not find well-known and established maniristical elements on his album, and all present things sounds also as a sort of musical experiment.It's also evident that "Open The Gates" accepts progressive influences, even that technically/productionally a present themes are poorly done. There are 11 tracks on album, and we can also threats them as a connective parts.
Finally, we can face it with interesting challenge, whose realizations deserve a listeners attention.

Rating : 7/10 C / o : http://www.sterverse.ca/irondragon http://cdbaby.com/cd/irondragon

Pavic- Unconditioned

Pavic- Unconditioned

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 02 November 2008

PAVIC " Unconditioned "
( Anteo Records & Publishing ) 2008.
CD - SERBIA/ITALY
Melodic hard rock/AOR

A Belgrade guitarist Marko Pavic last years relocated in Rome, during the September this year has released his second effort, an album titled "Unconditioned". A first CD, "Taste Some Liberty", dated back in 2005 year. With his friends and collaborators he has recorded a material strictly nearer to melodic hard rock and AOR forms. A mentioned genre's variant is specially in expansion last few years, and we can follow a constant invasion of Scandinavian acts. "Metal & AOR Heaven" label mainly push a newer/older names from mentioned field.
Pavic and his band has offered technically acceptable and relevant album, also a very listenable, judging by authors work. But, at the same time his album suffer from maniristical problems, where as a result we have a less of originalities in presents songs. Unfortunatelly, this reality will mostly create a status of album in general, on actuelle melodic hard rock and AOR market.

Rating : 6,5/10 C/o : www.markopavic.com www.anteorecords.com

AZMAVETH - Strong As Death

AZMAVETH - Strong As Death

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 29 October 2008

AZMAVETH " Strong As Death "
( Bombworks Records ) 2008.
CD
Black/death metal - PUERTO RICO

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

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