6 is poor!
66 is average!
666 is worth playing to the ANCIENT ONES!
Musik Reviews by Vulgardemon and Lucifera
Amen- We Have Come for Your Parents
(Virgin/I am Records)
Oh yeah! Some really extreme anti-christian, anti -government punk band with a very, very, very controversial stuff in the inlay sheet I’m not gonna give it away...if you’re into shock. I think this make Marylin Manson look less shocking, not that he’s shocking to begin with, no, these guys are the real deal good hard punk reminds me of all the good ol 70's punk bands ...more anti-christian stuff here than most black metal bands. Songs like opener CK Killer, Refuse Amen and Justified, just let out all this anger and aggression. Punk in the nineties to me was none existent ....but so far I have 2 new punk bands to my liking.....AMEN and Sweden’s WOLFPACK....this contains 14 tracks and this is their 2nd album ...a band here that I see reaching among the greats because of they’re original and their total anti-everything approach really punk might not be dead after all destroys anything the Misfits try to put out these days!!!!!!...INSTANT CLASSIC!!!!!!!
666
Vulgardemon
Antaneus-Cut Your Flesh and Worship Satan
(Necropolis Records)
Warlike-noise oriented brutal black metal! The album is an assault on your senses. Wild, fast, demonik, music with vocals that seem to be in the background, screechy and guttural. This is a must have if you’re into Black Metal. Storm, Set, Thorgon, Sagoth and MkM make a deadly combination.
666
Antaeus-6 Bis. Ave De St. Germaine, 78600 Maison Laffitte, France/
Contact: spikekult@aol.com
Lucifera
Antipathy- Estimated As Worthless
(Rut Records)
A hardcore/death version of SLAYER. Fast, brutal drum beats, strained vocals, and very moving music. This band plays excellent music. 4 songs of utter brutality. A kewl thrash metal band from NY.
66 ½ +
Contact: lukecelente@yahoo.com
Lucifera
As All Die/Veinke-In Vacuum of Blackened Space/ Destitution
(Dragon Flight Recordings)
This is split disc by both AS ALL DIE and VEINKE. As All Die has about six tracks on the CD. They sound like SCORPIONS WINDS and DEATH IN JUNE, they play ‘ethereal neoclassical folk music’ which apparent especially in their first track where you hear vocals, acoustic guitars and keyboards to add atmosphere to their music. Definitely inspired by BLOOD AXIS and PUISSANCE. The project contains 2 members, Clint Listing of LONG WINTER STARE and Greg Ball taking care of the synth programming and contra bass. The music is solemn, dramatic, and ritualistic, sometimes atonal. Veinke, the solo project of D. Marvin, is dark ambient music, where the instruments were purposely detuned. The music sounds like something out of a D’Argento movie. Very moody, very simple. It’s good stuff but after a while it gets boring. Good hallway music.
66 ½
Contact: dragonflightrec@yahoo.com
Lucifera
Astarte-Rise from Within
(Black Lotus Records)
The all-female black metal band from Greece, return with more dark symphonies for the godless listeners. Their music conjures a blend of the old black metal style with the new, it’s dramatic, mystical, and eerie. The vocals are those of a tortured ghost growling deep within ancient walls of time. Rise From Within the outro track on this CD reminds me of music by SCORPION WINDS, romantic, folkish, painful and melodic in style. It is excellent, beautifully put together, a tease of acoustic guitar and lovely keyboard playing.
666
Lucifera
The Atomic Bitchwax-self-titled
(Tee Pee Records)
Modern day BLACK SABBATH. The first track, Stork Theme was a bit too repetitive; therefore, not exciting. Birth to the Earth is the same as Stork Theme, only they added vocals and lyrics to it. Hey Alright sounds more fun in an upbeat rock style. The music here is best described as stoner rock bordering on punk music. I admit Crazed Fandango is really intense and also upbeat, yet it seems that one song is a continuation of another. If you love old Black Sabbath and are into stoner rock, with a twist, you will like this.
66
-Lucifera
Babylon Whores-Errata Stigmata
(Necropolis Records)
A CD x-tra sent to me from Necropolis. I don’t understand why some people don’t like Babylon Whore’s music, it’s the metal version of ROSETTA STONE. Excellent and refreshing music. Errata Stigmata is a great song itself, one which DJ’s at industrial/goth clubs can easily add to their playlist. There are two versions of Errata Stigmata and one of them is a previously unreleased version rather close in sound to the original. Another songs on this CD is St. Vitus Dance Mix, which is heavier than the original version, and yes danceable. Fey is a song along the lines of gothic metal and this includes a kewl video to the song Sol!
666
Lucifera
Behemoth- Thelema 6
(Avantgarde)
I’m still not over Satanica yet, it’s still so damn fresh to me since I brought it in 1999 and they have returned with just as powerful a release for late 2000. In this is CD you will find obvious influence from Morbid Angel to Deicide to Mayhem, combined with a touch of their own brutality. It’s right where Satanica left off, nothing really changed for the worse only for the better… Better production that is, and yeah I’d say a tad bit more brutal than Satanica but anyway most old fans of Behemoth will probably not enjoy this but then again....who gives a shit !!!! Fans of Morbid Angel to Mayhem can get into this easily...if your tired of your typical romantic crap...inject this in your veins and feel the rush of "Thelema 6" running in your blood, a total classic that will surpass the age of man...11 songs ...rare digi-pack also available with incredible artwork and layout form a very elite band!!!!!
666+
Vulgardemon
Betty Blowtorch-Get Off
(Foil Records)
The first song Betty Blowtorch Anthem made me think I was listening to the female version of MOTLEY CRUE, rowdy and bitchy music. The second song Fish Taco threw that notion out the window, in this song, you hear some Sonic Youth influences and raw rock ‘n’ roll crossover with punk. The songs on this album are short, the vocalist sings in a semi-growled angry woman shouted style. L7 also comes to mind as I listen to this CD. The lyrics deal with getting laid, being slutty, getting drunk, sexual abuse, and betrayal. Fun and punk. They should have played a show with MURPHY’S LAW. The music is a bit repetitive but overall it’s a good CD to have. Shut Up and Fuck should be a new anthem!
66 ½ +
POB 4231, Laguna Beach, CA 92652
Lucifera
The Black league-Ichor
(Nuclear Blast)
As for those who don’t know who is in this band it's T. Jarva, the ex-Sentenced vocalist who was on North From Here and Amok..it’s been a long time since his return I was wondering what ever happened to this guy since Sentenced, I thought "Amok" was such an amazing record and BAMM, he was gone, anyway 5 years and he's back leading on right were he left off with Amok...well...close anyway. The Black League is the name of the band ...Ichor being their first issue has me pretty impressed very hard metal with some rock influence with lyrics about certain philosophies the songs are somewhat less catchy and longer if that what you prefer...fans of "Amok'" will mostly accept this ...listeners of newer sentenced as well and TO DIE FOR (the band) can add this one to their collection...not a classic like Amok but we shall see with time. I enjoyed this one!!!! Welcome back Jarva it was worth the wait!!!
66+
Vulgardemon
The Bronx Casket Co.-self-titled
(Massacre)
A project or maybe a serious band? Featuring members of Overkill, ex-Misfits, and Metalium. Join up for this form of dark goth metal which may or may not appeal to fans of Type O Negative, but more to bands like Babylon Whores...anybody expecting some thrash or punk will not find it here...contains 11 songs including a cover of Metallica Jump in the Fire made doom/goth. Overall to me it wasn’t all that too impressive, songs begin to drag after the third track but it’s an album which requires a certain type of mood that your in. So it’s all up to you and your mood. A decent album from a decent band.
66 ½
Vulgardemon
Brujeria-Brujerizmo
(Roadrunner Records)
Yeah, I haven’t heard anything from this band since Matando Gueros but have put out stuff since then....it says that there are rumors that this project has members of Fear Factory (Dino) and maybe some other guys from Fear Factory, even Cradle of Filth. I thought I heard Dani in there somewhere. All lyrics are in Spanish...to me it sounds like Fear Factory b-side tracks but it’s cool to own cause it’s Brujeria. I think its pretty funny nothing that will amaze me musically but this is amuzement metal comedy to enjoy!!! LOL
66 ½ +
Vulgardemon
Cardiovascular Sub-Hypothermia-Pulmonary Descent
A four song demo of fast paced grindcore with shouted vocals in the hardcore style and excessive use of sampling in the song Ice Wound. Noizy, experimental mayhem. The music is rather involved and the cross-breading of musical influences such as death-hardcore-grind-noize and even some industrial keeps this demo from becoming too dull. The production could have been better. I didn’t like the use of the various shouted vocals in Self-Loss, aside from that, it’s a bewildering demo.
66 ½
Lucifera
Carpathian Forest- Strange Old Brew
(Avantgarde)
One of the Norway's last few true corpse-paint wearing bands are back and ready to stick an enema up your ass!!!!!...That's right the good old enema treatment...songs about s&m, suicide,hate,death, its all here in this package. Music is in the form of old Celtic Frost meets Motorhead. I equally enjoyed this release as much as Black Shining Leather which a lot seemed to like better but what can you expect from bands like these. The releases are only gonna get sicker. This features ex-Emperor bass player Tchort and In The Woods drummer A. Robro. No longer in the band is J. Nordavind who left awhile back due to what ..?? I have no clue. Carpathian Forest will continue w/ or w/o him.....as far as this release goes .....fukkin shed out for it!!!! It’s quality and true and the way real black metal must be played with aggression and hate, 12 songs of misanthropic black metal
66+
Vulgardemon
Chamber Metal-Neo-Classical Metal Guitar
(Dwell Records)
A 14 track instrumental compilation dominated by guitar solos influenced by classical music and other guitar gods such as Malmsteen and Schnker. Several guitar wizards are featured on this compilation: Josh Craig Podolsky, Milo ‘Dodo’ Dolezal, Honza Kirk Behunek, Paste, Jura J. Topos, Roman Krokus Kriz, and Stanislav Berka. The compilation is entertaining although somewhat mediocre, it needed better production. This is something power metal fiendz and guitar enthusiasts will enjoy but this is not something that will be on heavy rotation on my CD player. The cover is outstanding, it overwhelmed the music itself. The "superb" fantasy cover was created by Dorian Cleavenger, make sure to check out the cover art if anything.
66 ½
DR-POB 39439, Los Angeles, CA 90034
Lucifera
Chaostar- Chaostar
(Holy)
Side project of Septic Flesh members...this is not metal at all!!!! It’s music that will appeal to the very few opened minded individuals!!! Classical music that has a soundtrack feeling to it like The Omen soundtrack meets the Bram Stoker’s Dracula soundtrack as well as Conan the Barbarian, if you like anyone of those that I have mentioned hunt this release down!!!! In one of the songs there is even a touch of some industrial techno in one of the songs that is called Time Was Running Outwhich blends in very well and pretty original....8 chapters of true art!!! Fans of Elend take note as well!!! Chaostar is shines upon us!!!!
666
Vulgardemon
The Chasm-Procession to the Infraworld
(Dwell Records)
Mexico’s obscure and bizarre death metal band are great musicians. Their music is distorted and melodic. The music builds itself into explosions, the vocals are growled almost in the background of the music. The melody helps keep the music together because as the band has aptly named themselves, the music quickly changes, creeks, cracks, chaps or will instantly reach a hiatus and head through another part of the abyss. Eight songs such as The Spectral Sons of Mictlan, The Scars of My Journey and Architect of Metancholic Apocalypse. This is definitely for those into HATE ETERNAL, NILE, and MORBID ANGEL.
666
Lucifera
The Cold, The Silent-DFR Compilation
(Dragon Flight Recordings)
A compilation of excellent symphonic doom/ black metal, darkwave, and ambient music. NOCTURAH delivered an excellent intro A Dirge for the Approaching Season. DREAM INTO DUST continue with haunting instrumental chaos and pain-ridden vocals, in the gothic style, somewhat like a quieter version of Rozz Williams. The music on this compilation is an excellent companion for those reading some H.P LOVECRAFT stores or WEIRD TALES magazine. Some of the other projects featured are: AS ALL DIES, CANAAN, SIGN OF APOCALYPSE, NOVEMBERS DOOM, EMBER, SHELLYZ RAVEN, NINGIZZIA and KRIEG.
666
-Lucifera
Core Device-self-titled
Five metal fiendz from New Jersey with an interesting musical blend. The drumbeats are reminiscent of those heard in deathcore bands, the guitar style is somewhat lost in the production of this demo, the bass is more predominant but sounds fuzzy. The vocal style used is excellent. They actually sing! God and Man was an impressive intro. My main problem is that it’s too difficult to get into of the production but this band has the right elements to bring them attention. The guitars sounds much better in Raped, very cold and distant style. The band has thought provoking lyrics and a lot of potential. I’d pass on this demo, it does the band no justice and await a well-produced album. 5 song, if you’re really curious, do check them out. I really like this.
66 ½ +
POB 305-Middletown, NJ 07748, contact: CoreDevice@aol.com
Lucifera
Cradle of Filth- Midian
(Music For Nations/Koch)
Hahaha!!! Love ‘em or hate ‘em, this band or maybe just Dani,but oh well, Midian is the new one by this very popular band, my favorite still being Principles and Vempire. I can place Midian next to those. A lot of people did not like this new one but obviously I did like it more than Dusk and Cruelty to me it’s like Principles with a new sound and better production but what more is there to say about this band 12 songs of commercial vampiric black goth metal. By the way Paul from the first album has returned to be in midian Cradle fans already have this to those who don’t know the band, try it. Maiden melodies with goth overtones and black metal speed at times with screechy vocals......enough said
66+
Vulgardemon
Cryptopsy-and then you'll beg
(Century Media)
The most brutal band on earth have returned only to become more brutal than ever. This lays whisper supremacy to waste!!!! The thing about these guys is that they are so accurate at what they do, excellent musicians I'm very impressed by flo, their drummer, who can match Pete Sandoval dare I say and Eric their bass player. Definitely the best bass player in death metal since Alex Webster of Cannibal Corpse!!! Even Mike Disalvo on vocals just rumbles the speakers. They put their best in each release a very tight focused band like this that puts out quality releases each time is destined to conquer. As to who they compare to if you might ask. I’d tell you nobody, they fukkin sound like Cryptopsy ....not Cannibal Corpse!!!.9 no fuckin compromise songs of just anger. Even fans of hardcore might get into this. Beware !!! Beware!!! Beware !!! Soon I see the whole death metal scene beg!!!!! Hail Cryptopsy's and then you'll beg the only album to match Morbid Angel's gateways for me!!!!!
666+
Vulgardemon
Dead Zeppelin-A Tribute to Led Zeppelin
(Dwell Records)
The bands that have collaborated with Dwell to put this death metal Led Zeppelin tribute together are: SILENT STREAM OF GODLESS ELEGY, ARIES, SOLUS, ANNO DAEMONICUS, VLADIMIRS, POST MORTEM, WASTELAND, DOXOMEDON, MALAMORE, ASSISTING SORROW, ORANGE MOON, and BLACK DEBBATH. Silent Steam of Godless Elegy’s rendition of Kashmir although a little sloppy, sounds really good, Arise’s Communication Breakdown pushes the speed limit while growling and chopping their way through the song faster than a chef with a jingsu knife. Solus’ cover of Rock n Roll is so badly butchered, I have to listen to the original to remember what it sounds like. Anno Daemonicus’ definitely gave Immigrant Song a black metal feel to it, good cover, almost haunting. Vladimirs, now these guys are interesting, they cover In the Light, instead of Led Zeppelin, I thought of Danzig, at times the vocalist sounds like Glenn Danzig, and they establish their version as playfully spooky. Post Mortem’s version of Ocean also reminded me of something other than Led Zeppelin, in this case I thought I was listening to Motorhead covering Led Zeppelin, then it turns into growling madness. Doxomedom-Living Loving Maid screechy, semi-shouted vocals, the music is good, the exact rendition, just a bit faster. Overall it’s a good album, nothing amazing.
66 ½
Lucifera
Deepskin- Judas
(Dream Catcher)
This band features ex-Moonspell bass player Ares, remember him? Wolfheart anyone? Ok this is nothing like Moonspell of old or even new, Deepskin doesn’t even sound metal to me it’s more of this Depeche Mode meets NIN. Some might say cool, but it’s not a record I’m sure not even Moonspell fans could get into it just too light yet some dark stuff in here....it doesn’t cut it....but just don’t count him out it’s only his first CD with Deepskin, he might progress later ..but let’s not wait for that to happen. Moonspell including Daemonarch are so ahead in comparison.....strictly only for the curious!!!! 8 songs of techno rock like Rob Halford’s TWO ha ha.
6
Vulgardemon
December Wolves-Completely Dehumanized
(Wicked World)
Fast progressive black metal. No nonsense music, it attacks you from the start like a fighter that won’t five anyone a chance to get up once he/she has started pounding! Dual black metal vocals, some shouts, musical militaristic assault. Black metal from the U.S.A., strong, intense and evolved!!! Highly Recommended!!
666
Lucifera
Destroyer 666-Phoenix Rising
(Season of Mist)
It’s been a long time for this band they have been pretty quiet. Picking up right where Unchain the Wolves left off but faster more of a death metal edge. Still maintains a distinct 80's thrash influence also a redoing of the eternal glory of war which was in their first CD is excellent ...some songs still remain epic like on Unchain the Wolves songs like I am the Wargod(ode to the battle slain) and Lone Wolf Winter are classics. If you enjoyed unchain, do yourself a favor and pick this one up. 8 battle hymns of hate & revenge, not for the weak hearted!!!! May the elite indulge !!!!! Hails to Destroyer 666 for showing what real metal is all about!!!
666
Vulgardemon
Diabolique-The Green Goddess
(Necropolis)
The new album fits into the world of dark electro-synth music. It’s hypnotic and picturesque, even danceable. It made me think of gothic nite clubs, fiendz dancing through thick fogs and making out with a sweet luscious stranger, especially as you listen to White Nights. This album has 10 good songs for those quieter moments in your life. Not the best, but enjoyable. It’s a bit too sweet, it needs a little more work but it’s a good album.
66 ½
Lucifera
Doro-Calling the Wild
(Koch Records)
The Queen of Heavy Metal returns with a really heavy album. Terrorvision has strong music and Doro’s well-known vocal style. She sings beautifully, in a border between sweet yet aggressive. Although this album will never be as excellent as my beloved Triumph and Agony, it sure got my attention. The cover of Billy Idol’s White Wedding was great! The album features guest appearances by Slash, Al Pitrelli, and the infamous Lemmy Kilmister. One of the best songs on this album is I Wanna Live, a song filled with conviction.
66 ½ +
Lucifera
End It-promo
(Black Soul Music)
Hardcore/death metal with growled, almost barked vocals. The first song Skull Issues was unoriginal and repetitive. Maybe I’ve heard too many things that sound like this. They do have some different elements here and there. They probably work up a good mosh pit in a live show. You can hear some SLAYER and PANTERA songs they get better, more creative and rather expressive. Churning out music with a steady beat. Give them a chance. Fast, aggressive, and worthwhile. 6 songs.
66
contact: endit@angelfire.com
Lucifera
Evil Incarnate-Blood of the Saints
Unholy turbulent death metal. Extremely, guttural vocals with blasphemy spewing out of every syllable. The tempo of the music changes from fast to slow tempo and back up to speed. 10 songs of ear bleeding musik. 666
Lucifera
Evoken-Quietus
(Dwell Records)
Doom Metal from NJ, a CD from a worthy band with music that slowly claws it’s way through the shadows and into your ears. I’ve waited ling to hear this CD and it as come at an appropriate time. Listen to Where Ghosts Fall Silent on a cold, winter day and you feel the music slowly crush you. The vocal/chants were bitter, distant but deep, simply accompanying your sorrowful thoughts until at last you hear Atrementous Journey and realize that Evoken has given you power through pain. Pick it up, feel it.
666
Lucifera
A Fist Full of Rock-n-Roll-Volume 1
(Tee Pee Records)
A compilation of underground punk rock bands. This is a goody for those who were in love with the 80’s heavy metal hair bands. The bands on this CD reminded me of AC/DC, Faster Pussycat, etc. This compilation comes with a history of Rock-n-Roll by Sal Canzonieri of ELECTRIC FRANKENSTEIN. It sounds good but on the down site the first five bands sound the same. I feel like I’m just listening to one band. Volume 1 has a great cover by Alan Forbes. There are 15 bands on this CD and some are: ELECTRIC FRANKENSTEIN, CANDY SNATCHERS, EL DIABLO ( these guys brought to mind Motorhead but with vocals by Henry Rollins and an AC/DC influence, in the song Set it on Fire), MULLENS, ZEKE, ACTION SWINGERS, and MAD CITY MANGLERS. It’s ok but after a while, I just want to listen to something else. If you like regular Rock-n-Roll with punk influence, this is for you.
66 ½
Lucifera
A Fist Full of Rock-n-Roll-Volume 2
(Tee Pee Records)
The second compilation, with more punk rock bands that sound like they came out of the Trailer Trash Culture. More Rock-n-Roll history, this time by John Mark King of ROCKET CITY RIOT. Excellent front and back cover by Johnny "Ace" Garcia. Most of the bands on this album have vocals like the singer from Faster Pussycat?! This volume brings you SUPERSUCKERS, LA DONNAS, CHICKEN HAWKS, SNAKE CHARMER, SILVER TONGUE DEVILS (where the vocals are a mix of the aforementioned and Dicky of Mighty Mighty Bosstones), PILSNER (a very heavy metal punk, blues, garage band from Pennsylvania) and DEXATEENS. In total 15 bands. The history and art added to these compilations makes it a good collectors item.
66
Lucifera
A Fist Full of Rock-n-Roll-Volume 3
(Tee Pee Records)
The cover art on this album is done by the excellent artist, Jeff Gaither, so far all these covers have been really kewl. Yeah, there are 15 bands here too. TOILET BOYS, VALENTINE KILLERS, JEDFF DAHLI, STUNTMEN (these guys sound like they’re influenced by Misfits and Motorhead), STITCHES, ADZ, NEW AMERICAN MOB, LIVERTINE, FUMES, ROCKET 455, JOHNNY BLACK & ASSASSINS, SINISTERS, THE BULLYS, HOOKERS, LAZY COWGIRLS. Howie Pyre of NYC writes about the period of Rock-n-Roll between 1959 and 1963, and finally mentions girl bands with attitude. His article shows that a lot hasn’t really changed much in regards to music history and our the American government,. Unfortunately, there's nothing amazing here. Most of the bands sound like they are whining and are much too repetitive. Some of the bands were good.
66
Lucifera
A Fist Full of Rock-n-Roll-Volume 4
(Tee Pee Records)
The only band I’ve heard from this bunch is D GENERATION. Anyway, the cover art is by Dirty Donny Gilles. They have really great covers for these compilations but I already said that. Some of the bands in this one are: MURDER CITY DEVILS, PULPIT RED, AMERICAN HEARTBREAKERS, GRAVEYARD SCHOOL, HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS, STILLETO BOYS, etc. The rock-n-roll era written about here is the 1960’s, once again by Sal of Electric Frankenstein. This compilation brings us more experimental punk rock bands. This compilation is better, it has more variety in the music.
66 ½
Lucifera
A Fist Full of Rock-n-Roll-Volume 5
(Tee Pee Records)
18 punk rock bands are in this compilation. Cover art by Marco Almera, I didn’t think his art was anything great but it’s cute. This volume has an interactive CD Rom with band links. The bands featured are: THE DWARVES, WEAKLINGS, THE SNATCHERS, MOONEY SUZUKI, MAD DADDYS, UPSETS, THE GOS, BAD LUCK CHARMS, AEROBITCH, THEE STP, UPPERCRUST (AC/DC clones), ZEN GUERILLA, and others. Punk with Christian Death influence to it, some bands are heavier than the previous albums. The article continues with some information about the late 1960’s which was written by Joe ‘Tex’ Selby of CA.
66 ½ +
Lucifera
A Fist Full of Rock-n-Roll-Volume 6
(Tee Pee Records)
Cover by Spine, 18 punk-n-roll bands inside, and Sal continues his writings in rock history, in this volume he writes about the early 1970’s. Bands featured are: BOBBY TEENS, 440 SIX PACK, PLUNGERS, GLUECIFER, TV KILLERS, HELLRIDE, MUSCLE CAR, and more. Punk fiendz will surely enjoy these 6 volumes of raw punk rock.
66 ½
Lucifera
Gandalf-Deadly Fairytales
(Wicked World)
This isn’t a new album but for those of you who haven’t heard it, do check it out. Heavy metal with growled almost screeched vocals. Heavily guitar oriented, melodic, and aggressive. The most outstanding song here is one you may have already heard. The Cradle, a great song. 10 songs from this quintet from Finland.
66 ½ +
Lucifera
Godflesh-Us and Them
(Earache?)
Funky, psychedelic, grind, industrial metal. Danceable, memorable, a bit repetitive but totally enjoyable. The music can be sometimes bombastic and at times sludgy. 12 good musical tracks.
66 ½ +
Lucifera
The Leftovers-667; The Neighbor of the Beast
(Necropolis/Fueled Up Records)
Good ol’ punk rock. Wild, loud, and raunchy. The guitar style has a lot of metal influence to it. Not something I expected Necropolis to release, but it’s listenable.
66 ½ +
Lucifera
Linea 77-Ketchup Suicide
(Earache)
Hardcore punk with music with shouted and sung dual vocals. Something that you’d expect to hear on Krock in NYC. They do add strange elements to their music, they add something haunting to the background vocals which is heard in the song Ketchup Suicide, as if a banshee wailing away in midst of chaos, it was well mixed because it actually fits the song. The singing style in Smile gets annoying, the vocalist trying to talk too fast in the beginning and then getting melodic, doesn’t work for me. Cacao uses mantra chant vocals in the background, during the beginning but then they fucked up by turning it almost into a hip-hop rock thing. And they do a horrible cover of an already horrible song by The Bangles, Walk Like An Egyptian.
66
Lucifera
LS-TTL -(el*es*tee*tee*el)
(Dragon Flight Recordings)
Dark ambient, synth oriented, ritualistic/meditation music. Strange hypnotic, "the soundtrack for the untitled film of the mind". All this controlled chaos is sampled and sequenced by Brian Coffee. For some this may get boring but for others it has its uses. Could be better though. The first musical piece bored me after a while.
66
DFR-780 Reservoir Ave, PMB 299, Crasston, RI 02910 USA
Lucifera
Long Winter's Stare-Before the Dawn, So go the Shadows of Humanity
(Dragon Flight Recordings)
Dark/ doom ambient music with two different vocal styles, one is sung with complete sadness and boredom, the other is sung in the black metal style, low-raspy growls. Blood of the Nazarene is an excellent atmospheric piece. On He is Insane the vocals get even better it’s more predominant and powerful, except for the guy that sounds like Marvin the Martian singing towards the 2nd half of the song, the keyboards bring in the more emotional and the drums add strength. The is great material by LWS, created by the paganistik duo Madrigal and Scarab. 8 enchanting tracks, and an unexpected cover of Carry On my Way Ward Son, originally done by Kansas.
66 ½ +
Lucifera
Mahavatar-Demo 2000
"Mind hypnotic vision towards revolution". Hardcore/punk, metal, rock all mixed into one. Semi-growled vocals by Lizza Hayson that at moments turn ghost-like. The music is great, daring and creative. They also have thought provoking life-oriented lyrics such as The Time Has Come which is a dark and intriguing song. A little bit sludgy at times but good. Check these three women warriors out!
66 ½ + -Lucifera
Red Giant-Ultra-Magnetic Glowing Sound
(Tee Pee Records)
Stoner rock, laid back music reminiscent of Black Sabbath, but even mellower. It’s a tad too laid back for my taste and too repetitive. If you need something to listen to when you’re spaced out, Red Giant will ease you through the journey.
66
RG-POB 360871 Cleveland, OH 44136 USA
Lucifera
Rhapsody- Dawn of Victory
(Limb Music)
If you still don’t know what this band is, they are power metal mixed with classical music adding live cellos and violins to their metal. I can say like Therion. but Therion are much darker. I got into this band when Symphony of Enchanted Lands was out a friend introduced me to this band and CD. Which I still think is a very amazing CD. Very tight musicianship, very, very talented band, which can easily compete with the big boys..meaning Dream Theater and Helloween, Malmsteen...but dare I say Maiden that I will not hold my breath for...either way ...Dawn of Victory is their latest not as impressive as their last CD which was Symphony of Enchanted Lands....not any changes in the music they are talented like I said but for this new record I see no progression...I think they lack creativity in their lyrics and trying to put out a catchy song like Holy Thunder Force which totally fails ...its the same old wizards and fairies and swords bull shit that keeps them in the middle for me....or just a bit below. Any maniac of Blind Guardian, Helloween, Malmsteen would love this in their collection and I like those bands. I have it!!!!...but after a few plays. I’ll tell you it will start collecting dust!!!!!...I’m disappointed in way...but oh well I’m crankin some old Maiden just about now
66 ½ +
Vulgardemon
Septimus-Time Trials
(Strawbridge Records)
A Canadian band with female lead vocals and rhythm acoustic guitar by Pamela Bryan. I would describe them as a mellow acid metal band. Room of Insanity a dull song. The music of this band can be described as "safe". There isn’t enough aggression to make me feel anything. It’s typical heavy metal, the musicianship is good but not good enough to keep an audience captive. There are some hot guitar solos in a few tracks. The CD sleeve has the lyrics along with an explanation of each song. Septimus leaves much to be desired. For those who prefer their music safe and calm with occasional outburst, this is it. The highlight of this album has to the really good cover of JUDAS PRIEST’s Diamonds and Rust.
66
S.R. –12206-123 St., Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA T5L-OH6 or
septimus_can@hotmail.com
Lucifera
Simon Says-Shut Your Breath
Alice in Chains with Speed. They eventually slow down. This is also something you would hear on Krock’s radio station. Playful vocals, heavy music. 2 sample tracks.
66
Lucifera
Sinergy-To Hell and Back
(Nuclear Blast)
Heavy, power metal starting with the title track The Bitch is Back, yes she is, and she’s raising hell with this 2nd album! She utilizes her beautiful, sultry voice to capture attitude and enhance the power metal musik the bands kicks forth. The guitarist has this Malmsteen style going which is quite good. Although I preferred her first album, this is not far behind. Kick-ass! 9 hellish tracks.
666
Lucifera
Soulfly-Primitive
(Roadrunner)
Some are you might be wondering why the fuck I'm reviewing this but who cares, I think this is Cavalera's 2nd record with Soulfly I haven’t heard the first one so can’t say if he’s changed a direction.....but here goes...I think Soulfly should be put to rest.....there’s one song on here which is cool...and it’s a song he sings with Tom Araya but other than that it’s like a bad Roots record...even though Roots wasn’t the best Sepultura record...still it was more interesting...I think the Cavalera brothers should kiss and make up and do another Arise record...but when? who knows?...but reunions seem to happen a lot these days ...contains 12 songs with 4 bonus tracks on the digi-version which 2 are live for the appeal of fans of Roots, Slipknot and any new metal joke band out there.
6
Vulgardemon
Theatre of Tragedy-Musique
(Nuclear Blast)
Theatre of Tragedy’s signature style sweetly blended with goth/ industrial/synth "musique". An excellent, memorable, beautiful album that I will definitely play more than once. The music is engaging, deeply moving and imaginative. If you enjoy this combination of all the best of our musical genre, then hells, pick this up now! 12 devilish tracks.
666+
Lucifera
