OVIF - Devast

OVIF - Devast

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 28 February 2009

OVIF " Devast "
( Mtlblast Records ) 2008.
CD
Thrash metal - CANADA

Out of Montreal, Quebec, Canada comes band Ovif . Practically a 2 persons consists formation - Eric Paquin & Jessy Bilodeau, and they did practically everything concerning on album creation and realization. Both musicians had a previous experience, and they were active in band Melodyact. Ovif is a new begining, and during the May of previous 2008 year , they have recorded a debut entitled "Devast".
Canadians are faithful to variant of thrash metal, influental by the late 80's and the begining of the 90's period. Productionally and technically, "Devast" has sounded as a modern album, maximally modern from this very moment. A productional work did a legendary Glen Robinson,
and for his job he deserve only respect. Judging by performing realizations, Ovif fellows has offered one agressive and brutal option, at the same time done without calculations. But, one of the possible exsisting problem is missings of originality, and another evident thing lays in fact that practically all of present songs are too similiar among them. Competitions around the scene is huge, and we'll see what the future brings for Canadians.

Rating : 6 / 10
C / o : www.ovif.ca
www.myspace.com/ovif

FARKUS - Thought You Should Know

FARKUS - Thought You Should Know

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 28 February 2009

FARKUS " Thought You Should Know"
( Self - released ) 2008.
EP CD - USA
Indie rock/art rock/alter rock/pop

A Chicago based band Farkus is a newer name on USA indie market, even that some of members had a previous working experience.
They work as a quartet, and during the 2008 year, they have released a debut EP, entitled "Thought You Should Know".
A few very positive reactions/reviews exsists on web portals/blogs, about mentioned offerings.
Through 6 present songs and little less than 24 minutes, a band has introduced own authors views. Musically, their materials balancing between several stylish/performing options as a art/indie rock, post grunge, dreamy and even noise pop, different alter variations and some other things in- between. A band is also infected by the 90's period, and its lirical visions posses emotional and pretty insightful threathening. A songs are different among them, but complete materials were done in precise and refine way.
Farkus songs posses analytic approach, and aren' t acceptable on first listenings.

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

MICHAEL STOLLAIRE - Holy Avanger

MICHAEL STOLLAIRE - Holy Avanger

Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 27 February 2009

MICHAEL STOLLAIRE " Holy Avanger "
( Platinium West Records ) 2009.
CD
Rock - USA

Michael Stollaire is a singer/songwriter and multi instrumentalist, active as a musician from his earliest age.His musical interests ranges variety of styles and genres, and he has included his performing and authors views in different fields. "Holy Avanger " is his actuelle full-length, before that he has recorded a 1 EP and 1 Demo issue.
" Holy Avanger" finds himself in position of so call one-man band, and he did all things by himself. Complete materials are consists of authors works, and Michael's songs reaches different areas. One rock option with pop includings dominates, but a mentioned rock variant is different from song to song. Some tunes are more heavier than others, some are more on power pop therithories, some posses a strongest playing in the back.... Unfortunatelly arrangments didn' t
satisfies, as same as production . Also, his materials will hardly find a loyal fan base nowadays...

Rating : 5/10
C / o : www.michaelstollaire.com
e-mail : info@michaelstollaire.com

DEEPLY CONFUSED - Isolated

DEEPLY CONFUSED - Isolated

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 25 February 2009

DEEPLY CONFUSED " Isolated "
( Self - released ) 2008.
EP CD - CANADA
Death/thrash metal

Out of Montreal, Quebec comes band Deeply Confused, founded back in 2005 year. They work in quintet formation. Firstly, they have released a 3 track Demo in 2006 year, and during the previous 2008 year, still actuelle EP with 7 tracks in, entitled "Isolated".
Canadians are on the field of melodic and technical death metal fullfield with some thrash includings and also with hint of classic metal tendencies as well.
Their approach also apsorbs some symphonic and darkwave elements too . A group is clearly influental by the 90's period, a some reviewers compares them with late DEATH legacies, but I would say that generally band accepts 90's influences as a leading inspiration.
"Isolated" is a well-produced and also modernly threathed EP, with well-done other technical includings as a CD cover design too. I didn' t find too much originalities in its authors offering, but in the other hand their performings skillness posses enough passionates and positive energy.

Rating : 7/10
C /o : www.deeplyconfused.com
www.myspace.com/deeplyconfusedofficial

Clipper - Make My Day

Clipper - Make My Day

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 25 February 2009

CLIPPER " Make My Day "
( Self - released ) 2007.
CD - ITALY
Americana/rock/indie/alt.country/pop

Clipper is Ancona, Italy based band, formed on the ashes of Arroyo group. As the band members explains, Clipper continiously follows up direction established in Arroyo days. "Make My Day" is still actuelle album from 2007 year, and band has received some positive reactions from its work. Clipper in own way tries to research americana and other american roots heritages, and in same way they offers own views.
"Make My Day" comphrises 11 tracks, and all of songs are mostly different among them. But, band hardly tries to offer one specific message through each of present tunes, and various stylish mood and performing aspects under the americana approach, circulate on album materials. Clipper members also shows respectable knowledge about american roots history, and its arrangments creativities on each songs separatelly belongs to convinceble side of its authors works. We'll see what the future brings in their case, but "Make My Day" as a album, satisfies in many aspects.

Rating : 8/10
C / o : www.geocities.com/clipperpeople
www.myspace.com/clippersound

Robb Hunt - Heavy Flute

Robb Hunt - Heavy Flute

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 25 February 2009

ROBB HUNT " Heavy Flute "
( Self released/RMHA Productions ) 2009.
CD
Fusion/jazz/instrumental - USA

"Heavy Flute" is very unique and eclectic actuelle issue of Robb Hunt. He did all flute playings, and his album he has recorded with 4 asistents/collaborators - Naim Satya, who was response for bass, Joe Delia, who performs piano on 2 tracks, and Alan Levine and Paul Distel who played drums. "Heavy Flute" are consists of 4 longest tracks - " Mah Jong" ( Shorter ), "Soul Eyes" ( Waldron ), " Israel " ( Caris ) and "Old Folks " ( Hill, Robinson ), but all of them were done in one unusual and untipical way. Complete materials has sounded with evident 70's flavours, and present groovy tendencies also trucked to mentioned period. It seems that all of present themes
also has sounded as a one imaginary soundtrack from mentioned era, and one pastiche from the past,describes complete Robb Hunt's offerings. I would add that production also reminds on 70's period, and as a result we have one unusual but at the same time interesting product. For all folowers of 70's jazz/groovy tendencies, and with flute as a leading instrument, this album is a real jewel.

Rating : 8,5/10
e-mail : rhunt@sonic.net

BLUE NEWS - Strange Light

BLUE NEWS - Strange Light

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 25 February 2009

BLUE NEWS " Strange Light "
( Self - released ) 2008.
CD-R
Blues /rock - USA

Blue News are Indiana based trio active some period on local and national circuit. The have released a 3 issues till now . "Strange Light " is a actuelle one. The band has also recently signed an agreement with "In Grooves Distribution & Licensing " ( CA ) for actuelle album.
Blue News performs variant of blues with strong hard edge, established on worldwide scene during the 70's period . They are very convinceble in its approaches, even that theirstyle knows to remind on Foghat or Savoy Brown performing options. But "Strange Light" as a album also comphrise some other elements, and band has communicated with many other details known from general 70's musical kitchen. A group didn' t fail in technically repeatable trap , and its arrangments offerings shows some other qualities. "Strange Light" relevantelly discover group as a potentially promising act with certain future.

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

THE FURA FURA MEGANE - Conversation Music

THE FURA FURA MEGANE - Conversation Music

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 23 February 2009

THE FURA FURA MEGANE " Conversation Music "
( Hiko - sen Records ) 2009.
CD - JAPAN
Psychedelic rock/blues/70's rock/ psychedelic

A newer interesting act comes out from Japan. They work as a classic trio, and called themselves - THE FURA FURA MEGANE. Their music finds inspiration and stylish traces in golden 70's period, and band also named a several influental acts, as a : Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Cream, Neil Young... They love improvizations, and oftenly do that, and its music is full of performing challengies. "Conversation Music" comphrise a 10 tracks. A band sung in Japanese, but realistically has showed its own capabilities.
A songs are different among them, and maybe surprisingly,their materials also posses evident melodic lines. A 70's period is main inspiration, and band also has putted productional realizations in same manner. "Conversation Music" is more than interesting product, and I would add that Japanese fellows has showed a respectable qualities.
Their music is equally inspirative and convinceble, so don' t hesitate and find band somewhere in Internet space, or eventually if you have a luck in concert atmosphere.

Rating : 8,5/10
C / o : http://homepage.mac.com/ararcky/furafura/ http://www.myspace.com/furafuramegane http://cdbaby.com/cd/furafuramegane

WARCHILD - Desire & Rage

WARCHILD - Desire & Rage

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 23 February 2009

WARCHILD " Desire & Rage "
( Self - released ) 2008.
CD - CZECH REPUBLIC
Black/thrash/death metal

Czech band Warchild is very well known act on domestic underground circuit.
They were founded back in 1997 year, and during the period of existence, they have released a 1 Demo and 2 full-lengths. A group has also participiated in few metal national and worldwide compilations.
Warchild's offering balancing between black/thrash and even death metal tendencies. Their approach also apsorbes some symphonic and darkwave elements as well. In its line-up are technically trained musicians, and there's no doubt that band knows how to organise and release its performing and authors messages. "Desire & Rage " comphrises mostly equalizing materials, where harsch and screaming vocal passages dinamize players duties. A songs are mainly done in same manner, with same present psychology and identical arrangments threathenings.
In my opinion, arrangments approaches didn' t satisfies in expecting way, but mentioned symphonic/darkwave elements are certainly better part of its authors visions. Warchild musically also finds inspiration in 90's black/death legacies, and that's evident after listening of its complete album materials.

rating : 6,5/10
C / o : www.warchild.name
e-mail : aleister@warchild.name
e-mail : marky@metalzone.info

HUNGRYHEART - Hungryheart

HUNGRYHEART - Hungryheart

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 23 February 2009

HUNGRYHEART " Hungryheart "
( Tanzan Music ) 2008.
CD - ITALY
Melodic hard rock/AOR

As a rumours says, Italian band Hungryheart should be a newer hope on national and worldwide melodic hard rock/AOR scene. A band has a respectable marketing team, and they did till now a lotta' efforts in promotional activities. They were founded in 1997 year, and band comphrises in its line-up a well-experienced musicians with longest previous carrear behind.
Their "S/t" album has introduced them as a group who is deeply on melodic hard rock/AOR therithory. "Hungryheart" album are consists of 11 tracks in, all of present songs are authors works, except closing one - "Gina", known from Michael Bolton's repertoire. Most of tunes were done in mid to mid-up tempo, but exists also a few ballads. They have offered also a pretty convinceble and modern productional work. One thing is also evident, after listenings of its complete album materials, and that's a fact that some of songs were done in too closest manniristic way to Bon Jovi's methods of performings/realizations, specially if we speak about ballads. In all other segments a group has showed a respectable profesionalism and interesting authors views.

Rating : 7/10
C / o : www.hungryheart.it
www.myspace.com/hungryheartofficial
www.tanzanmusic.it

NAME IN VAIN - Name In Vain

NAME IN VAIN - Name In Vain

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 23 February 2009

NAME IN VAIN "Name In Vain"
( Self - released ) 2008.
EP CD - USA
Heavy/power metal

Name In Vain are Providence, Rhode Island based band, active some period on domestick underground circuit. During the previous 2008 year, a band has recorded an EP with 4 tracks in - "Persecuted", "Pitbull Wings", Back Down" and "Crept".
Name In Vain plays variant of heavy/power metal with clear groovy tendencies. A strong vocals and powerful guitar riffs in the back characterize its pretty convinceble sound. There's no calculations in its vision and musical offerings, and band runnin' its ideas without compromises, directly and straight to the heart or head.Their songs posses less melodicity, but coherent band's performings generally could be a key weapon.
I couldn' t compare its approach with stylish options of any of better known groups, so Name In Vain confirms its originalities in every of 4 present tracks. That's a quite enough for now.

Rating : 8/10
C / o : www.nameinvainmusic.com
www.myspace.com/nameinvain
e-mail : name_in_vain_music@yahoo.com

Banshee - Cry In The Night

Banshee - Cry In The Night

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 19 February 2009

BANSHEE " Cry In The Night "
( Snowblind Records ) 2008.
EP CD - USA
Melodic power metal/hard rock

I have received from Rick Hill band's manager another issue from Banshee, and that's a EP - "Cry In The Night" .That was the band's self-released EP on cassete in 1986. Later on, material was re-released for "Metal Blade" records on LP and cassete in 1988. Also limited copies of CD's were pressed after the band's reunion in 2000 year.
Re-mastered version of EP is here and there, and band has offered in period of realizations a 5 tracks in. Melodic power metal with well-known hard rock includings was ( and is ) band's approach ..
It seems that some of present tracks were done in little so call heavier and unpolished way, specifically titles as a "Back Your Way" and " I Beleive". But, a slower one "The Stranger", was certainly a best part of EP. In period of releasation "Cry In The Night" has realistically introduced a band's forthcoming possibilities.

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

BANSHEE - Take' Em By Storm

BANSHEE - Take' Em By Storm

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 19 February 2009

BANSHEE " Take' Em By Storm "
( Snowblind Records ) 2008.
CD - USA
Melodic power metal/hard rock

A 4 guys from Omaha and Kansas City were formed a band called Banshee in the mid 80's. During the brief period of few years, a group has received a loyal fan base, and released a 2 albums, 1 EP and 1 Demo. Their carrear had a respectable status both in homeland and abroad, even that band didn' t reach a comercial success. But die hard folowers, journalists and collegues from other band's was very well informed about Banshee's qualities.
"Take' Em By Storm " album was originally released in 1992 year, for their own label "Snowblind Records" , but only a limited copies were made.
During the previous 2008 year, a band re-release mentioned album with one bonus track " Live For Music".
A Banshee's musical offering was tipical american style of melodic power metal locate in mentioned 80's period, fullfield with clear hard rock traces as well. Strong and clear vocal segments, and convinceble performing includings in the back, characterized its works. A band was pretty convinceble in its performing and authors views, and surelly they deserved a respectable status
More or less, "Take' Em By Storm" has offered an equalizing material, but 1 track in my opinion deserve a special attention, and that is "Out For Love ".

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

CHUMA SEGURA HOT BAND - Viejos Tiempos

CHUMA SEGURA HOT BAND - Viejos Tiempos

Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 18 February 2009

CHUMA SEGURA HOT BAND " Viejos Tiempos "
( Self - released ) 2007.
CD - SPAIN
Fusion/jazz/latin/rock/funk

A month ago I have received a CD's and promo DVD with live and studio fottages from Chuma Segura directly. He is well-educated guitarist, composer and with his band he runnin' some period continiously his own musical visions and views. In his formation are also well-known national artists/musicians, and I would also add that his musical offering is pretty enjoyable and tasteful.
"Viejos Tempos" has introduced himself and his band as a performers who are deeply in therithory of fusion/jazz/rock/funk and groovy tendencies, with clear and refine latin flavour includings. A emotional approach as same as intuitivities are important part of his band's performing threathenings, and there's no doubt that Chuma and his mates has given a lotta' efforts that all things looks in expecting way. Improvizations are also part of its performing creativities and one element is also evident after listenings of just few tacts, and that's a specific naturalities in all present aspects of albums materials. Chuma is original author and soloist, even that music of his band has something taken from the 70's music legacies, and especially exists some similiarities with Santana and his band offerings . "Viejos Tiempos" will equally loves a followers of jazzy/groovy tendencies and fans of so call latin options.
Absolutelly recomandable !!!

Rating : 9/10
C / o : www.chumasegura.com
e-mail : chumasegura@telefonica.net

KALKI AVATARA - Mantra For The End Of Times

KALKI AVATARA - Mantra For The End Of Times

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 16 February 2009

KALKI AVATARA
" Mantra For The End Of Times "
( Shaytan Productions ) 2009.
CD
Experimental metal - ITALY

A newer item in "Shaytan Productions" catalogue is "Mantra For The End Of Times" album recorded by Kalki Avatara. All vocals, electric and classical guitars, synths, programming were done by one man , Hell-10-Kabbalus. He is also a composer of complete present materials, and what is important to say member of groups Aborym and Malfeitor. This is also ancient epic saga, musically full of strange orchestral soundscapes, perpetual hypnotic rituals, mixing with several mostly extreme metal stylish options as well. A 4 tracks are on the album, duration a little less than 21 minute. A present materials has showed an interesting authors signiture, with expanding bunch of creative visions.

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

Dhul Qarnayn - Jilwah

Dhul Qarnayn - Jilwah

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 16 February 2009

DHUL QARNAYN " Jilwah "
( Shaytan Productions ) 2008.
CD - KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN
Eastern ritualistic ambient

Under the name Dhul Qarnyan stand a one -man Learza, who is responsible for every performing/releasing detail on album. "Jilwah" comphrise a little more than 27 minutes of music, but only 1 longest track is present here and there. "Jilwah" brings hypnotic, eastern ritualistic ambiental offering, also with spiritual challengies as well. As a press material explains - this product is listenable only for those that are willing to mediate upon the black book of Al-Jilwah, delving into the Ancient Eastern Atmospheres. A very strange soundscapes dominates through author views, where ancient rituals with monotonous repeateble rhythms occupies listener's ears. A music is full of unexpecting places, also a listener must be prepared to be in close contact with ancient and unnutural atmosphere. Anyway, "Jilwah" comphrises very unique works and offering ideas of mentioned Learza, who has introduced himself as a talented author and performer.

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

Al-Namrood - Atba' a Namrood

Al-Namrood - Atba' a Namrood

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 16 February 2009

Al - NAMROOD " Atba' a Namrood "
( Shaytan Productions ) 2008.
CD - SAUDI ARABIA
Black metal/crossover

"Shaytan Productions" is a Canadian label response for releasations of musics with Eastern ethnic elements/flavours . One of group/artists from its entire catalogue is beleive or not a band from Saudi Arabia, called Al-Namrood. Their name suppose to have a meanings translate in english - non-beleiver. A group are consists of 3 members, and they have offered a CD with 4 tracks in, duration of 20 minutes.
Al-Namrood delivers its vision of black metal with hidden death tendencies, but with oriental/middle eastern flavour. Their sound comphrise a strange blast beats with mentioned eastern spices, where tribally sounding percussion leads a songs/tracks structures. A frantic screamo voice is oftenly in oposite with offering sound tapestry, and mentioned element characterize all of present materials. I would also say, that production is a better part of whole album, and Al-Namrood didn' t sucesfully finalize its interesting ideas at last.

Rating : 6/10
C / o : www.shatanproductions.com
www.myspace.com/alnamrod

AXIOM - A Means to an End

AXIOM - A Means to an End

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 16 February 2009

AXIOM " A Means to an End "
( Circus Monkey Records ) 2008.
CD
Progressive metal/rock - USA

Axiom are Sacramento, California based band. They started out its carrear at the end of 2002 year and till now they recorded a 7 track EP in 2006 year called "Alpha-Omega", and in the second part of previous 2008 . an actuelle full-length " A Means to an End".
Axiom works in trio formation, and its line-up comphrise a well-trained musicians. I would also add that band really sounds as a team, and its offering album materials is also a well-produced, and generally well-done product. A band musically communicate mainly with progressive metal tendencies, fullfield with different untipical rock idioms. Some comparabilities in its offering leads to the groups as a Metallica from their second stage of carrer, but also Rush or Tool influences are present in Axiom performing and authors views. "A Means to an End" album are consists of 13 equalizing tracks, duration of more than 78 minutes, but at the same time its songs aren' t easy to acceptable on first listening. A band simply needs a special attention, and its materials deserve also a special analyzing mood. Axiom as a band also cover one 90's approach, even that generally they have offered own authors views and authentic performing realizations.

Rating : 7,5/10
C / o : www.axiomband.net
www.myspace.com/axiom
e-mail : contact@axiomband.net

Loveflowers - Loveflowers

Loveflowers - Loveflowers

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 15 February 2009

LOVEFLOWERS " Loveflowers "
( Mile Music ) 2008.
CD - SWEDEN
Country/folk/alter country/acoustic

A Swedish act Loveflowers comphrise in its line-up a three members , a 2 males and one female artists/musicians.All of them had a previous experiences, and a carrear behind. Loveflowes band should be open-up a new chapter in its carrear, and in the second part of previous 2008 year, a trio has released a "S/t album.
Loveflowers music are sung in two languages, both sweden and english. One peaceful and pleasent atmosphere dominates through its album materials, and they have penned mostly slower and so call half-balaad tunes.
Lovewlowers also delivers own variants of folk/country, fullfield with alter country includings. A 70's psychology is also dominate factor in its messages, so at the same time a band's acoustical performings could be comparabile with some of mostly British and USA acts from mentioned 70's era. But, originality is also evident in its music, as same as one tipical nordic pastiche. I suppose that followers of 70's acoustic/folk/country tendencies cound be find something tasteful in Swedish band's offering.

Rating : 7/10
C / o : www.loveflowers.se
www.myspace.com/loveflowersmusic
e-mail : info@loveflowers.se

ROXY PERRY - In My Sweet Time

ROXY PERRY - In My Sweet Time

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 15 February 2009

ROXY PERRY " In My Sweet Time "
( Blue Perry Hill Records ) 2008.
CD - USA
Blues/blues-rock/swing/jive/funk

A blues carrear of "New York Blues Queen" Roxy Perry started in the second part of the 80's, and throughout the following period , she never dissapointed her followers and blues freaks. She is a singer/songwriter, also harpist, and at the same time producer and arranger of her albums.
"In My Sweet Time" is actuelle one, released during the previous 2008 year, where we can find 12 tracks in. A music of Roxy and here band basically cover a blues variants, but also performing elements touches many other interesting fields as a rock, blues- rock, swing, jive, and even funk and groovy options. Her voice posses narative approach, but at the same time emotional threathenings and same shapes characterize presentations of offerings songs. As a singer she also reflects a unconvincional energy. Songs from "In My Sweet Time " album are expectingly different among them, and part of materials we could locate somewhere in the 50's, others in the 70's or 80's period, but even of that ,her band has delivered a fresh and at the same time modern sound, and what is more important a modern performing message.
"In My Sweet Time" as a album has a many inspirative places, simply needs to be discovered , and most of offering materials deserves again listenings. And one song in my opinion deserve a special attention, and that's a 5th track on album, called "Blues Comes To Call".

Rating : 8,5/10
C / o : www.roxyperry.com
www.myspace.com/roxyperrynybg
e-mail : roxyperry1@aol.com

Tracy Gang Pussy - Number 4

Tracy Gang Pussy - Number 4

Written by Branimir Lokner

Friday, 13 February 2009

TRACY GANG PUSSY

" Number 4 "

( Apcalypse Records ) 2009.

CD-R advanced copy - FRANCE

Sleaze/punk/punk rock/glam/rock

A French band Tracy Gang Pussy is continiously active from 2002 year. Their carrear has a brief history, rich of happenings and events. In their country TGP proudly keep a flame of sleaze rock/punk/glam tendencies, and till now they recorded with actuelle one, a 4 issues. "Number 4" is actuelle album, ready to deliver a band's frantic energy and portion of sleaze/punk/glam tunes. TGP has offered a short but hittish songs, with clear melodic lines and repeateble choruses. A band easily communicate with mentioned genres elements, and even of facts that they has sounded closely to well-established groups as a Swedish Backyard Babies, their album is well-produced, and comphrise a standards of our time. Nothing new if we speak about originality, but at the same time - modern. A band also " create " one optimistic attitude as same as energy, and that's a quite enough for this very moment.

Rating : 7,5/10

C / o : www.myspace.com/tracygangpussy

www.tracygangpussy.com

Strange Feelings - Fractality

Strange Feelings - Fractality

Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 13 February 2009



STRANGE FEELINGS
" Fractality "
( Self - released ) 2008.
CD - CZECH REPUBLIC
Death/power/thrash metal


A Czech band Strange Feelings started its carrear back in 2001 year, but all serious things was happened during the 2005 year. A year later, they did a first gig, and in 2007. a band introduced its works with promo CD offering, called "Jokebox". During the previous year, they recorded a debut full-length, and album "Fractality " group releases as a self-financed product.
Strange Feelings works as a quartet, and its offering shows that members from band posses evident performing compatibilities. They have offered a 8 tracks, duration a little more than 30 minutes. "Fractality" covers a mostly death metal approach, but at the same time with evident power and thrash metal includings. Some of its songs posses slower, down-tempo atmosphere and some associations also leads to doom tendencies, even that band didn' t communicate with mentioned form. A growl vocalizations are interestingly threathed, and I would add also different from usual death metal shouting comparazitions. "Fractality" as a album posses enough elements of originality, even of facts that some songs are evidently "better" than the others, or better to say a band didn' t sustain to finalize offering ideas in same manner. But, a most important elements of valuabilities in its case belongs to mentioned authors and performing
originality.

Rating : 7/10
C / o : http://www.myspace.com/strangefeelingsmetal
http://www.strangefeelings.estranky.cz/
http://bandzone.cz/strangefeelings

Lee Carlson - Essence Of Time

Lee Carlson - Essence Of Time

Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 13 February 2009

LEE CARLSON " Essence Of Time "
( Self - released ) 2009.
EP CD - CANADA
Instrumental rock/metal

Out of Calgary, Alberta comes a guitar virtuoso Lee Carlson. He's a musician with longest history behind. He started his professional carrear as a teenager, and till now, he has released with different groups/artists/projects - 8 albums.
Lee is well-educated guitarist and his playing skillness equally touches different stylish theritories. An important performing realizations belongs to rhythmic options, so his style also apsorbes something taken from personal natural energy. Even that most of influences comes out from 90's period and legacy of guitar wizards as a Satriani or Vai, Carlson has offered enough interesting views. His themes posses respectable arrangments realizations, and as a arranger he deserve only a strong positive reactions. A second very unique segment of his musical offering and presentation, belongs to mentioned performing motorizations and exsisting of many rhythmic challengies. All of 5 present tracks are different among them, but he surelly did a lotta' effort that all things sounds expectingly in final. "Essence Of Time " is also a well-produced EP, and generally followers of instrumental rock/metal tendencies could be find many interesting moments in Lee's offering.

Rating: 8/10
C / o : www.leecarlsonmusic.com
e-mail : lee@leecarlsonmusic.com

RzR - Thunder In A Bottle

RzR - Thunder In A Bottle

Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 13 February 2009

RzR " Thunder In A Bottle "
( Self -released ) 2008.
CD - CANADA
Rock/classic rock/70's/80's rock

Out of Vancouver, British Colombia comes a RzR band, comprised of two members - Ray Roper, who is vocalist, guitar and bass player, keybordist, and Jo Ziccardo, who is responsible for drumming. Both musicians had a longest carrear behind and respecatable experienced status. RzR as a band should be open up a new chapter in its carrear, and "Thunder In A Bottle" is its first discographical step.
RzR has offered a pretty enjoyable portion of songs with fine melodic lines and defined by simply but convinceble performings messages. RzR are musically somewhere in the period of golden 70's and also golden 80's, and its approach touches elements of classic rock, symphonic rock, melodic rock, AOR... A pop pastiche is also one of leading elements of group's views, and similiarities of legacies of acts as a Kansas, Styx, Supertramp, Foreighner, but at the same time Status Quo from mid period of British band's carrear are evident in RzR messages.Canadians has offered a 14 mainly equalizing tracks, and practically complete offering materials are acceptable for radio usings. I' m not sure that today "Thunder In A Bottle" could be a comercial product, but present songs surelly deserves a wider listeners attention.

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

Demencia Mortalis - No God Is Here

Demencia Mortalis - No God Is Here

Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 10 February 2009

DEMENCIA MORTALIS
" No God Is Here "
( Self - released ) 2008.
CD
Gothic metal - CZECH REPUBLIC

Out of Czech Republic comes band Demencia Mortalis, founded back in 2004 year. During the period of existence they have released firstly a Demo with 5 tracks in, entitled simply " Demo 2006", and finally at the end of previous 2008 year, a full-length album "No God Is Here" looked
the light of day. A band has recorded and release its actuelle issue with own forces. A general "dark" atmosphere could be dominate factor, if we start to analyze design of its CD's cover , but even of some evident melanholic traces in its realizations, their gothic metal isn' t less acceptable for possible fan basis and genre's followers. Demencia Mortalis tries to mix up classic gothic elements locate in glory 80's with death and thrash metal tendencies. Female falseto vocalizations makes constant dialogies with male growl includings, and each of present tracks posses a similiar screenplay. Some songs are done in mid to mid-up tempo, but also egzists a faster performing realizations. One interesting thing comes to mind after few listenings of its materials, and that's a fact, that band in general posses one more optimistic message. This is certainly a rare case if we speak about gothic acts. "No God Is Here" as a album has some not so important failurs, but untipical performing passionate ,and in the same line offering energy, are winning combinations at last.

Rating : 7/10
C / o : www.demenciamortalis.com
www.myspace.com/demenciamortalis

SKYRIDE - Skyride

SKYRIDE - Skyride

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 9 February 2009

SKYRIDE " Skyride "
( Self - released ) 2008.
CD
Melodic hard rock - SWEDEN

Swedish act Skyride was formed in 2005 year. During the period of existence, they have released one Demo in 2006 year, entitled "Join The Ride".
Three tracks from mentioned issue, a band has putted on actuelle album, released with own forces in previous year.
Skyride works as a quintet, and one old school approach is evident in its musical offerings. A glamourous image has followed its look, as same as 80's hard rock vision.. Their 8 offering tracks were done in manner of well-known psychology dated from mentioned period. Even of practically briliant performing and releasing qualities of members from band, its materials suffers from manniristic problems. A band has sounded too close to approaches of national 80's heroes as a specially Europe and Treat, but I have to repeat that thay have offered a fine portion of hittish and melodic songs recomandable for often listenings and radio usings. Technically, as
same as productionally we couldn' t find any weacker detail, and followers of melodic hard rock tendencies can be satisfied with band's offerings. But,Skyride's authors views suffers from lack of originalities, and band were also captured in mentioned manniristical problem.
That could be also a general problem for band in forthcoming future.
All other things shows its respectable possibilities.

Rating : 6,5/10
C / o : www.skyride.se
www.myspace.com/skyridetheband
e-mail : info@skyride.se

LE GRAND BATON - Le Grand Baton

LE GRAND BATON - Le Grand Baton

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 9 February 2009

LE GRAND BATON " Le Grand Baton "
( Self - released ) 2008.
CD - FRANCE/WORLD
Progressive/avangarde/fusion
/folk/crossover

Le Grand Baton is a brainchild of gutarist/composer/singer Jean-Christophe Maillard, also known as Mbutu, a native Carribbean and resident in France. A s/t album is a his latest issue, and as I saw from web informations, he did a lotta' effort in promotional activities, so his product has received a many mostly positive reviews/reactions. His band are consists of members from France, The Carribbeans and USA, and all of them has given a maximum efforts that all things in final get funkcionize as well.
As a well-experienced musician and author Jean-Christophe in some way has tested his creativities, communicated with many stylish and performing options. There's no doubt that he deserve only respect for his authors work and evident original views, so his "s/t album are full of unexpecting and in the same time challenging places. A present songs/themes were performed in different manner, and we can find here and there something taken from Frank Zappa legacies, King Crimson free avangarde/progressive kitchen, Primus plying "brutality", and all of that fullfield with folk/roots idioms. Overdriven and fuzzy guitar passages are mixing with national "slave drum" KA, so as a result we can hear many so call "strange" but at the same time inspirative sounds/reflections. A songs are mostly written in CREOLE language, where dinamic
motorization has followed practically complete materials. Le Grand Baton's "s/t issue could be a one of most original product released during the previous year if we speak about progressive/avangarde and generally crossover options.

Rating : 9/10
C / o : www.grandbaton.com
www.myspace.com/grandbaton

Venefica - Scarlet

Venefica - Scarlet

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 8 February 2009

VENEFICA " Scarlet "
( Ekleipsi ) 2008.
MP3 - SERBIA
Classical/darkwave/ambiental

Marko Sinadinovic is a Prokuplje ( Serbia ) based artist, and key person who stand behind band/project - Venefica. This is his brainchild, and he started to create and make music in 2005 year, after departured from several domestic black metal/gothic/doom groups.During the previous 2008 year, a formation added another member, a female acoustic guitar and piano perfomer - Amelia Klisinski.
"Scarlet" is a actuelle issue from mentioned 2008 year, released for "Ekleipsi" net label, and of course their album is free to download.
Together with Amelia, Marko has introduced his playing creations, mixing a few stylish elements as a classical training visions, darkwave psychology and ambiental/acoustic threathenings. Even that several of offering tracks are nothing than simply "transciptions" of well-known songs/compositions from classic music therithory, a mentioned unusual and unexpecting releasing atmosphere in most elements realistically describes its approach. "Scarlet" is a album of mainly equalizing materials, consisting of 9 tracks and little more than 34 minutes of music.

Rating : 7/10
C / o : www.myspace.com/veneficaproject http://www.last.fm/music/Venefica/Scarlet
www.ekleipsi.com

LIGHTNIN ROD - After The Storm

LIGHTNIN ROD - After The Storm

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 7 February 2009

LIGHTNIN ROD & THE THUNDERBOLTS " After The Storm "
( Lightning Bolt Records ) 2008.
CD
Blues/rock - USA

Out of Michigan come Lightnin' Rod and his Thunderbolts band. He is guitar player, singer and songwriter , and "After The Storm" is his second effort. A first album entitled "All-American Blues", and its important to say, that song from mentioned issue - "Dreamful Of Blues", was a number one song on internet blues radio. The Thunderbolts are also consists of well-experienced performers, with longest carrear behind.
" After The Storm" are consists of 11 tracks in, except "John The Revelator", all other are Rod's authors works. Rod posses a soulful and pleasent voice, even that in some places vocally he use to step up to "harder" therithories. With his band, Rod has delivered a portion of rock and blues songs where also we can find some ballads, or better to say half-ballads. "After The Storm" isn' t a album with expecting blues/rock atmosphere, and one more "cooliest" ambient dominates through Rod's tunes. In my opinion, closing theme, instrumental "Flight Of The Free Spirit" is recomandable for again listenings and replayings.

Rating : 7/10
C /o : www.lightnin-rod.com
e-mail : lightninrod@lightnin-rod.com

THE ELECTROPHONICS - Catch That Swing Train

THE ELECTROPHONICS - Catch That Swing Train

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 7 February 2009

THE ELECTROPHONICS " Catch That Swing Train "
( Retro Swing Records ) 2007.
CD - HOLLAND/BELGIUM
Swing/jive/r'n'b

During the period of existence Dutch/Belgium act The Electrophonics has received a respectable status on neo-swing/retro and blues therithory.
They have recorded just a 2 albums, a first one entitled "Fells Like Million" ( 2006 ), second and still actuelle "Catch That Swingtrain" ( 2007 ), was a real masterpiece and expands a group's activities. A mentioned album was recorded during the largest blues festival in Holland - "Moulin Blues", and we can find on CD a 13 explosive tracks. A band very easily communicate
with swing, blues, rhythm and blues, neo-rockabilly elements where central figure, a singer and harpist Stephen Hermsen with his uncompromise energy dinamize motorization of performing tunes, creating at the same time a fantastic atmosphere on stage. Colourful arrangments, precise performing duties of all members from band are another details which guarantee a real sastisfiction, if you are a part of crowd in audience , or simply listener of band's CD. Without a doubt, a band did a fine "live " album. As a rumours speaks, a band expects a new album at the first part of 2009 year.

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

Carlton Walker - Avery A Rock Opera

Carlton Walker - Avery A Rock Opera

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 2 February 2009

CARLTON WALKER " Avery A Rock Opera "
( Self - released ) 2007.
CD
Progressive - USA

Carlton Walker is a composer/musician and he has created a story of AVERY - "a guy who works a rock opera " . This is one untipical, but at the same time in most elements autobiographical story, and a rock opera within a rock opera. A key inspirtation for the themes/tales from album, he has received from the period of living in Central America where he did a foreighn study in archeology. A politics, ecology, human nature are also therithories of interests in his lyrical views. Carlton has offered a complexive album materials, but at the same time with strong performing includings and with the presence of inteligent arrangments works.
His vocal harmonizations are also a very valuable elements of general performing details . Musically "Avery..." finds a key inspiration in Genesis/Gabriel saga " The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" , and one mid 70's pastiche is present on tracks from album in general.Even that Carlton cites also a Pete Towshand/ "Quadrophenia" as a inspiration, I didn' t find some strongest comparabilities, with his views and messages. "Avery..." is promising and inspirative album, worth listeners attention.

Rating : 8,5/10
C / o : www.carltonwalker.com
www.myspace.com/carltonwalker
e-mail : info@carltonwalker.com

Hung - Progeny

Hung - Progeny

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 1 February 2009

HUNG " Progeny "
( Self - released ) 2007.
CD
Progressive death metal - USA

Hung is a New York based band, formed back in 2005 year. They work in quintet formation, but one of most interesting thing is that they have in line-up a violin as a also leading instrument. Lyris Hung is violin performer, and together with guitarist Evil Jon, she create an unusual performing approach. "Progeny" is their second effort, where we can find a 5 longest tracks duration a little less than 35 minutes.
Hung is on therithory of progressive death metal of older school, but mentioned untipical instrumentalizations, has created a specific sound.
A group has offered an interesting arrangments works, where influences comes out from different areas. But they are also faithfull to one evident underground psychology, and all of offering songs also posses something taken from so call minimalistic views.A darker and melanhollic atmospheres dominates through present songs, and it's worth to say that all of tracks posses equalizing valuabilities. "Progeny" is untipical death metal offering, but worth listeners attention.

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