Corners Of Sanctuary close the year with free new EP

We're close to go into a new year and decade. What do we leave behind on this way? That was one of my thoughts when I heard that traditional metallers Cornerns Of Sanctuary are about to put out their newest EP entitled "What we leave behind" between the years.

The newest output comes around as a free download. The Metalheads Forever Magazine is offering the files for a limited time only.All tracks were mastered by icon Bill Metoyer who add's his special extra to the music.

The coverartwork somehow fits to my thoughts of 2019 and the stars in the sky carrying hope for 2020.

If you'd like to support the band you can purchase a copy of the mini album on a physical CD. It's available at shows of the band at the merch table. The silver round holds three extra live tracks not available with the download version. Metal Machine, On The Hunt and Wrecking Ball are the live songs that have been recorded on the recent West Coast Tour of the band.

For all the latest show dates make sure to see Corners Of Sanctuary's Facebook page.

Album Review: Held Hostage (feat. Ripper Owens) - Epic (Classic Metal, 2019)

You can't keep a good man down! This goes especially for Tim "Ripper" Owens who thankfully refuses to give up. Instead he contributed guest vocals to a album for all the straight rockers out there that goes into the ears at the first listen already.

Held Hostage have shown themselves with a varity of guest musicians in the past. They also shared parts of the income they were able to earn this way with veterans in need. Both things combined sounded like a album well worth checking out to me.

The hammer comes down on us with Held Hostage's new record "Epic".

I wasn't disappointed giving my time to check "Epic" out. This record that is yet to be released (December 15th 2019. digitally, CD January 17, 2020 via Metal Mania Records / MVD (Music Video Distributors) gives the good feeling of listening to classic metal from the first seconds of duration all the way to it's end.

To be precise it opens with "Lightning" going straight, short and to the point. "Tonights The Night" calls for sing-along and makes sure that every day is the right one to do what you ever wanted. I love the repeat of the refrain at the end. I'm still having it in rotation on my mind.

The album turns it's tides on the upcoming two tunes. Both a bit rougher, louder. The guitars make me nervous and shaking while the vocals show the darker, more subtile parts Ripper Owens voice is able to perform. This makes such a voice stand out in my ears.

"Turn The Light" brings the listener down back again with a little more relaxed atmosphere. This doesn't last long as already "It's all over you" turns out to be a riff-ladden song that shares a strong 80s AC/DC vibe but with more agressive vocals inside.

Number seven "Hot Night" is a solid one. Nothing too special here but you'll go along with a solid rock track. All the other tracks go a much riff-based way with excellent vocals on top. They all feature hooklines that invite you to sing along.

This album is a perfect fit for all those looking for straight Rock 'n' Roll that goes quickly into your minds and hearts. Ripper Owens performance gives the songs the extra something. I think the people out there will love this silver disc once they heard it. Please don't miss this one out.

As a preview here's the track "Lightning". Please check Held Hostage's Facebook page for more details on where exactly to order "Epic" on CD or how to get it digitally starting December 15th 2019. The CD will be released January 17, 2020 via Metal Mania Records / MVD (Music Video Distributors).

Serenity redefine sound on upcoming album The Last Knight (Europe dates inside)

I remember that I first saw Serenity live the time they opened up for Morgana Lefay in 2007. They played a sort of progressive metal with lots of heartfelt melodies and lyrics that spoke from my heart.

After the show I had the chance of speaking to Georg Neuhauser and get some autographs of nearly the whole band. That experience lead me to follow Serenity through more symphonic times and now they are about to send a new album out to the world called "The Last Knight".

The album talks about the life of the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I..

The first appetizer sounds like a much heavier form of the band's sound yet some of the above mentioned heartfeltness is still to be found in there. All in all it's more based on riffs and the refrain hangs on my mind. The newfound power in the music is a kicker and teases me a lot towards the new material. "The Last Knight" will be out on January 31, 2020. Pre-Order is available here.

Also make sure to show up to the coming tour.         

SERENITY on Tour:
w/ Rage
05.02.20 DE - Mannheim / MS Connexion Complex
06.02.20 DE - Hamburg / TBA
07.02.20 DE - Siegburg / Kubana
14.02.20 IT - Milan / Legend's Club
15.02.20 DE - Memmingen / Kaminwerk
16.02.20 DE - Nuremberg / Hirsch
18.02.20 CH - Pratteln / Konzertfabrik Z7
19.02.20 AT - Vienna / Szene
20.02.20 SK - Kosice / Collosseum
21.02.20 SK - Zvolen / Dom Kultury Zsr
22.02.20 CZ - Prague / Nova Chmelnice
23.02.20 DE - Bochum / Zeche

w/ Ad Infinitum, Dynazty, Victorius
01.04.20 DE - Munich /Backstage
02.04.20 DE - Berlin / Nuke CLub
03.04.20 DE - Weinheim / Cafe Central
04.04.20 DE - Essen / Turock
05.04.20 NL - Haarlem    / Patronaat
07.04.20 NL - Enschede / Metropool
08.04.20 BE - Aarschot / De Klinker
09.04.20 DE - Rüsselheim am Main / Das Rind
10.04.20 CH - Luzern / Schüür
11.04.20 AT - Wörgl / Komma

Check the band's Facebook for updates on these shows.

Lets speak with...Haiduk (Black Metal, 2019)

How far can one man alone come when he put's all of his passion into music? Haiduk crafts a special form of Black Metal. His songs are short but always feature some melody with it that can be remembered once heard. It leaves something on your mind but listen for yourselves.


Heavy Metal Underdogs had the honour to speak to Haiduk about the beginnings, inspiration for his special way of crafting music and how people react to his music at liveshows.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: What does the name "Haiduk" stand for?
Haiduk: Haiduk is the death metal solo project. The name is based on ‘hajduk’ - a warrior from the forests of Europe.

Can you remember the time you started the project Haiduk? What happened in those days?
In the early 2000’s I wrote a lot of material but then abandoned it. The songs sat dormant for years until I finally revisited and recorded them in 2009. That became the demo ‘Plagueswept’.

I would say that one of the marks that sets Haiduk sound apart from similar music are the little melodies you can find in each track. Are those coming to your mind in special situations or do they find you while working on the material?
It all comes from playing and coming up with riffs and combinations.

The cover of Haiduk's latest album "Exomancer"

 
So far you've put out 3 releases. Would you say that there are connections between those records? Having checked out them on Bandcamp I somehow felt like they could be related to each other.All albums are based on black magic and fantasy set in the realm ‘Callost’ which I’ve been developing. Every release delves into some aspect of that world.

The lyrics are held very short. Do you feel that short messages get more attention than longer one's?The vocals are there to reinforce the theme, not to grab attention. My focus is on the music. Music is more powerful than words.

Do you have plans to play live shows with the new album "Exomancer" ?
There have been shows for 'Exomancer' and there will probably be more.

A shot of Haiduk at one of his live performances.

Would you say that people react different at your liveshows compared to other bands of the dark genre?
Yes, I’ve seen a lot of strange reactions, but always a lot of support.

How important are CDs these days in your eyes? Do you think people prefer to pick music the digital way?
Physical format is best because it lets you add more to the album; extra texts, artwork, maps, stories, etc., and push the album concept further.

Can you give us please a little insight into the creation process of new songs?
I usually pick a key and tempo and start writing riffs in that style. The best riffs are arranged so the song builds momentum and atmosphere. When things align, the song takes a life of its own.

Have you built alliances to be able to write and release music or how do you go along?
Haiduk is a lone wolf. I work with no one.


Keep in touch with Haiduk through these links:
www.haiduk.ca

www.facebook.com/haidukmetal

www.youtube.com/haidukplague

Preview: Last Frontier - Aether (Atmospheric Power Metal, 2020)

I'm missing keyboards in the sound of many metal bands of today. One of the few bands that still works with this instrument to raise some atmosphere in their sound at Italy's "Last Frontier".

After longer last the band has wrapped the third longplayer "Aether (Equivalent Exchange)". A preview player for the albm has been installed on the website of Revalve Records. That's how I got the chance to hear something of the new songs in advance.

The cover already shows that something different is about to be released by Last Frontier.

Track Analysis
It reveals that the agressive elements the band worked on so hard in the past have been kept in the sound. Besides that there's also a lot of room in the songs for the mentioned keyboards. "Fields Of Thetis" and most of all "Flames of Moloch" speak like from the bottom of my heart that it's great to have such elements in the sound.

Other tracks like "Shahar" have a slightly majestic feeling with it and also add the keys to power up the music. "The Wilow" shows that the band can put a lot of pressure into the sound to go a rougher direction if needed. Track number seven feels like a mixture of majestic, power and atmospheric elements.

Preview-Summary
It looks like a album with much detailed work on feelings has been created. It comes with a modern heavy sound yet it holds the tradition up as well. If everythings goes fine the new album will be out on January 24th, 2020 via Revalve Records.

Tracklist  "Aether (Equivalent Exchange)"

1. Toward the Last Frontier
2. Cults of Cargo
3. Fields of Thetis
4. Flames of Moloch
5. Wings of Stone
6. The Willow
7. The River
8. The Brier
9. Shahar

Follow the band through their Facebook page for all the next steps towards the album release.

Tourdates Overlook 11/2019-Start 2020

Nothing is compareable to the intensity of a live show. Please support your local venues and go there to see great bands giving you unpayable memories. Here's a uplisting of shows in the next days and months along with a short band description at the beginning to give a idea of the band's sound and genre.

Some of the tourposters that belong to the dates listed below.

Make sure to listen to some Jinjer in the background while going through the list. It's the perfect soundtrack - raw energy mixed with intensive sensitive moments. Just imagine that live.


JINJER just released their newest modern metal milestone, Macro and there’s no stopping them now. They will present songs cut from their new album, as well as fan favorites – proving once more that they are one of the best live bands around.
JINJER LIVE
special guest: THE AGONIST
supports: KHROMA, SPACE OF VARIATIONS
13.11.19 CZ - Prague / MeetFactory
14.11.19 DE - Berlin / Lido *SOLD OUT*
15.11.19 DK - Copenhagen / Pumpehuset
16.11.19 DE - Hanover / Musikzentrum
17.11.19 DE - Hamburg / Knust
19.11.19 LU - Esch-Alzette/ Kulturfabrik
20.11.19 DE - Frankfurt / Das Bett
21.11.19 DE - Leipzig / Hellraiser
22.11.19 DE - Annaberg-Buchholz / Alte Brauerei
23.11.19 DE - Cologne / Gebäude 9
24.11.19 DE - Bochum / Zeche
26.11.19 NL - Amsterdam / Q-Factory
27.11.19 NL - Eindhoven / Dynamo
28.11.19 NL - Antwerp / Zappa
29.11.19 UK - London / Heaven
30.11.19 UK - Birmingham / Asylum
01.12.19 UK - Newcastle / University
03.12.19 UK - Manchester / Academy 2
04.12.19 UK - Bristol / Thekla
06.12.19 FR - Paris / La Machine
07.12.19 FR - Annemasse / Chateau Rouge
08.12.19 FR - Toulouse / Le Rex
10.12.19 ES - Murcia / Garaje
11.12.19 ES - Madrid / Mon
12.12.19 ES - Barcelona / Salamandra
13.12.19 FR - Toulon / Omega Live
14.12.19 IT - Milan / Magazzini Generali
15.12.19 CH - Zürich / Dynamo
16.12.19 DE - Munich / Backstage Werk
16.12.19 AT - Graz / Dom Im Berg
18.12.19 AT - Vienna / Simm City
19.12.19 HR - Zagreb / Tvornica Kulture
21.12.19 SK - Bratislava / Majestic
22.12.19 HU - Budapest / Barba Negra
# w/ The Agonist only

The pioneering German Gothic Metal band CREMATORY will release a new album, which they will accompany with the upcoming tour. In their 28 year long career the band released 14 studio and three live albums, played hundreds of shows around the globe and they are still hungry for more.
CREMATORY LIVE
09.04.20 DE - Hamburg / Logo
10.04.20 DE - Berlin / Nuke Club
11.04.20 DE - Hagen aTW / Stocks
12.04.20 DE - Cologne / Helios37
01.05.20 DE - Leipzig / Hellraiser
02.05.20 DE - Munich/ Backstage Club
08.05.20 DE - Trier / Mergener Hof
09.05.20 DE - Kaiserslautern / Kammgarn
21.05.20 DE - Frankfurt a.M. / Nachtleben
22.05.20 DE - Erfurt / From Hell
23.05.20 DE - Zwickau / Club Seilerstrasse
30.05.20 DE - Lindau / Club Vaudeville
31.05.20 CH - Bern / Gaskessel

When good friends invite you to a birthday party, you don't think long: As co-founders of the “Neue Deutsche Härte”, MEGAHERZ  went straight up and rocks the boat with a new chapter of their very special live shows! And also present: the well-known german punk rocker SERUM114 - if you want to experience their explosive energy, you have to see them live!
MEGAHERZ & SERUM 114 LIVE
w/ Hämatom
29.02.20 DE - Geiselwind / Event Zentrum
06.03.20 DE - Osnabrück / Hyde Park
07.03.20 DE - Hamburg / Grosse Freiheit 36
13.03.20 DE - Leipzig / Haus Auensee
14.03.20 DE - Berlin / Huxleys
19.03.20 DE - Frankfurt / Batschkapp
20.03.20 DE - Cologne / Carlswerk V.
21.03.20 DE - Munich / Tonhalle
27.03.20 CH - Pratteln / Z7
28.03.20 DE - Stuttgart / LKA Longhorn
02.04.20 DE - Memmingen / Kaminwerk
03.04.20 DE - Memmingen / Kaminwerk

The German Melodic Black Metallers THULCANDRA will support Obscura on their Diluvium Tour throughout Europe. The band marches through different sound-landscapes, garnished with mystical moments of tranquillity. THULCANDRA is more than ready to prove this live on stage again!
THULCANDRA LIVE
w/ Obscura, God Dethroned, Fractal Universe
15.02.20 CH - Zug / Galvanik
16.02.20 IT - Bologna / Locomotiv
17.02.20 SL - Ljubliana / Orto Bar
18.02.20 AT - Graz / Explosiv
19.02.20 BH - Tuzla / Palma
20.02.20 BG - Sofia / Mixtapes
21.02.20 RO - Bucharest / Quantic Club
22.02.20 SR - Belgrade / Bozidarac
23.02.20 HU - Budapest / Dürer-Kert
24.02.20 SK - Bratislava / Randall
25.02.20 CZ - Prague / Futurum
26.02.20 PL - Krakow / Kwadrat
27.02.20 PL - Warsaw / Proxima
28.02.20 LV - Riga / Melna Piektdiena
29.02.20 EST - Tallin / Tapper Club
01.03.20 FI - Helsinki / Tavastia
03.03.20 SWE - Stockholm / Klubben
04.03.20 NO - Oslo / John Dee
05.03.20 DK - Aarshus / Voxhall
06.03.20 DE - Essen / Turock
07.03.20 DE - Landshut / Rocket Club

THE NEW ROSES are back on tour presenting their latest release Nothing But Wild with strong and energetic Rock’n’Roll live on stage. After successful live appearances all over the world, lately playing with the legendary Scorpions, THE NEW ROSES is ready to hit the stage.
THE NEW ROSES LIVE
w/ Fighter V, Stray Train
13.11.19 AT - Vienna / Szene
14.11.19 HU - Budapest / Dürer Kert
15.11.19 AT - Wörgl / KOMMA Veranstaltungszentrum
16.11.19 DE - Wiesbaden / Kulturzentrum Schlachthof
21.11.19 DE - Munich / Backstage München
22.11.19 DE - Leipzig / Hellraiser
23.11.19 CZ - Zlin / Winter Masters of Rock
30.11.19 UK - London / Borderline
05.12.19 DE - Aschaffenburg / Colos-Saal
06.12.19 DE - Osnabrück / Rosenhof
12.12.19 NL - Weert / De Bosuil
13.12.19 NL - Hoogeveen / Het Podium
14.12.19 NL - Amsterdam / Melkweg
15.12.19 BE - Ittre / Zik-zak
07.02.20 ES - Barcelona / Sala Bóveda
08.02.20 ES - Madrid / Nazca Club
15.08.20 DE - Balve / German Kultrock Festival

POWERWOLF's history of success is a true metal fairytale! With their last three records all hitting the TOP 3 of the German album charts, two of them at #1 POWERWOLF prove: Metal is religion! They are on tour with their Power Metal label colleagues GLORYHAMMER.
POWERWOLF LIVE
w/ Gloryhammer
13.11.19 DK - Copenhagen / Amager Bio
15.11.19 NO - Oslo / Rockefeller
16.11.19 SE - Stockholm / Fryshuset
17.11.19 SE - Gothenburg / Traedgarn
19.11.19  FI - Helsinki / The Circus
20.11.19 EE - Tallinn / Rock Cafe
22.11.19 PL - Gdansk / B90
23.11.19 CZ - Zlin / Winter Masters of Rock
24.11.19 PL - Wroclaw / A2
25.11.19 PL - Krakow / Studio
27.11.19 RO - Bucharest / Arenele Romane
28.11.19 BG - Sofia / Music Jam
29.11.19 GR - Athens / Piraeus 117 Academy
30.11.19 GR - Thessaloniki / Principal Club Theater
02.12.19 SK - Bratislava / Refinery Gallery
03.12.19 AT - Graz / Orpheum
05.12.19 AT - Linz / Posthof
06.12.19 AT - Innsbruck / Music Hall
07.12.19 CH - Bern / Bernexpo

Portuguese dark metal pioneers, MOONSPELL, will embark on an extensive European Tour with ROTTING CHRIST. The finest metal package will travel two months literally all over Europe, including dates in the UK, Spain, Turkey, Scandinavia and many more!
MOONSPELL LIVE
w/ Rotting Christ, Silver Dust
15.11.2019 TR - Istanbul / If Performance Hall
16.11.2019 RO - Bukarest / Quantic Club
17.11.2019 BG - Sofia / Mixtape 5
18.11.2019 HR - Zagreb / Mochvara
19.11.2019 AT - Graz / Dom im Berg
20.11.2019 SK - Bratislava / Majestic Club
21.11.2019 AT - Vienna / Simm City
22.11.2019 HU - Budapest / A 38
23.11.2019 CZ - Zlin / Winter MOR - Euronics Sports Hall
24.11.2019 PL - Krakow / Kwadrat
25.11.2019 PL - Warszaw / Progresja
26.11.2019 PL - Gdansk / B90
27.11.2019 LV - Riga / Melna Piektdiena
28.11.2019 EE - Tallinn / Tapper
29.11.2019 FI - Helsinki / Tavastia *SOLD OUT
30.11.2019 FI - Tampere / Klubi *SOLD OUT
01.12.2019 FI - Turku / Apollo
03.12.2019 SE - Stockholm / Slaktkyrkan
04.12.2019 NO - Oslo / Parkteatret
05.12.2019 DK - Kolding / Godset
06.12.2019 DK - Roskilde / Gimle
07.12.2019 DE - Berlin / Columbia Theater
08.12.2019 DE - Hanover / Musikzentrum
09.12.2019 DE - Mannheim / MS Connexion Complex
10.12.2019 LU - Esch Alzette / Kluturfabrik
11.12.2019 CH - Geneve / PTR
12.12.2019 CH - Pratteln / Z7
13.12.2019 DE - Leipzig / Hellraiser
14.12.2019 DE - Würzburg / Posthalle
15.12.2019 DE - Munich / Backstage

NANOWAR OF STEEL, masters of paradoy metal, hit the stage on their European Reggaton Tour. Known for their extraordinary live performances, while mixing contrasting musical styles like ska and true metal into a genre fluid fun formation, NANOWAR OF STEEL is back on stage.
NANOWAR OF STEEL
NANOWAR OF STEEL LIVE
28.11.19 GR - Athens / Gagarin 205
29.11.19 GR - Thessaloníki / Eightball Club
30.11.19 BG - Sofia / Mixtape 5
01.12.19 RS - Belgrade / Klub Fest Zemun
02.12.19 HR - Zagreb / Boogaloo
+ more to be announced

Known for their intense high-energy and beer-soaked Rock`n`Roll live shows, MAMMOTH MAMMOTH will be hitting the road again. With a heavy touring schedule to follow:
MAMMOTH MAMMOTH LIVE
w/ Dead City Ruins
14.11.2019 DE - Cologne / MTC
15.11.2019 DE - Frankfurt / Das Bett
17.11.2019 DE - Weinheim / Café Central
18.11.2019 DE - Nürnberg / Hirsch
19.11.2019 DE - Bochum / Rockpalast
20.11.2019 DE - Hamburg / HeadCrash
21.11.2019 DE - Berlin / Musik & Frieden
22.11.2019 DE - Erfurt / Museumskeller
23.11.2019 DE - Leipzig / Bandhaus
26.11.2019 DE - Munich / Backstage Club
27.11.2019 DE - Stuttgart / Goldmarks

Single Review: The Outsider - Suicide Is Progress (Advant-Garde Metal, 2019)

From Symphonic Death Metal to Advant-Garde Metal? This sounds like a transition of a longer road. But one to be worth giving a listen.

The cover introduces a new logo and a "sigil" of The Outsider.

This one man project is called "The Outsider". It started out with several releases on the Symphonic Death Metal sector. Those included guest appeareances and this tradition is kept up in the newest single that should work as a teaser to the new direction the project is going to take on the upcoming yet untitled album.

The song starts with a unusual drum pattern and lot's of spoken words. Such song structures remind me of the 90s metal where spoken samples were built into songs to underline the statement the lyrics should send out.
Agressive drum fills and heavier vocals come in that show that this stems indeed of older Death Metal roots. They've not been forgotten but work now a different way.

"Suicide Is Progess" takes the next step with a Saxophone solo performed by Jørgen Munkeby. Once again something raising the attention of the listener. It comes out like Jazz music but surely is a warmly welcomed idea to the reviewer.

The agressive drum pattern und vocals come in once more to bridge to a finally Rock guitar section. It shines beautifully but also raw and marks the burning end of a release that made me curious on more to (hopefully) come.

Unusual from start to finish but a wave of fresh air in todays music scene I would like to invite you all to listen.
Finally grab a copy at Spotify or iTunes / Apple Music and follow the next steps of The Outsider on Facebook.

Video premiere: Calibre - The Agony (Metalcore, 2019)

We often forget how important freedom of speech is. In countries like the one I live in (Germany) it seems normal but there are others were it's dangerous to express your opinion. So it's a great honour for me to be able to present a premiere of a band based in Tehran, Iran today.

These guys dare to live their dream of metalcore music. And they do it with much passion. The video shows how detailed and precise they go to work when crafting new music in the studio is on the schedule. Besides the great riff filled music it's the range of vocals that impressed me most.

It's great to hear cleaness in all the darker toned vocals and it adds a lot to the atmospheric feeling. There's so much expression in those parts that it made me watch the digital single "The Agony" again and again. The sound production is great and you can hear all of the instruments and details very well. That's not to be heard everywhere.

Calibre (metalcore) is one of the best bands out of Tehran, Iran (!) ,​ the band was formed in 2015 by Hamid Saleh. ​

After three instrumental shows during 2015-2016, Amin Yahya Zadeh joined the band as vocalist, and the band had more sold-out shows in 2017-2018. ​

In early 2018, the band started to work on their own stuff leading to Calibre’s debut album The Storm Inside. It took almost a year.​

The Storm Inside contains 8 tracks and will be released worldwide through Downfall Records in late December 2019.​
Their sound is loaded(!), with catchy riffs, heavy drums, growls and clean vocals!​
-Their songs and lyrics are about human feelings, and the struggles we all have inside. ​

Make sure to keep a eye at the band Calibre on Facebook or through a look at the website of Downfall Records.

Chris Poland to release new solo album in 2020

The music that Chris Poland put out while he was playing the guitar for thrashers Megadeth has become iconic. A little lesser known is that he released a solo album in the time after the departure.This text tells the story of that time. It is a long read but all worth it - it's sort of mini-biography and holds many details unknown to me so far.

The very end of the text reveals that a brand new solo record will see the light of day in 2020. Let's have our fingers crossed that everything will turn out well until then.

Says Poland, “I was out of Megadeth, and went through rehab and had gotten clean. I had no gear, and I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to ever play guitar again. Friends started bringing me gear; guitars, amps, pedals, telling me, “you have to play again.” So, I started playing. Andy Sommers, Megadeth’s agent, heard I was clean and doing well, and the Circle Jerks needed a bassist, so I toured with them for over a year, playing bass. And while I was doing that, I was in the back of a 16-passenger van, writing the songs that would become Return to Metalopolis.”

“I didn’t have a drummer, so I asked my brother Mark to play on it. I said, “We’re gonna make a record, and I need you to play drums.” He agreed, and we started doing demos. Janie Hoffman shopped it and we got a really good deal with Capitol Records, but shortly after we did the deal, for whatever reason, we get a call from the A&R guy who says they can’t do the deal on Capitol, but they offered me a deal on Enigma. So that’s where it came out.”

Poland continues, “I just feel like it’s timeless. I don’t listen to it and think that it’s some dated 80’s bullshit. It’s not like that for me. Of course, I’m super close to it, and I love it, but I really feel like it has held up well.”

The cover of Chris Poland's "Return To Metalopolis".

The Return to Metalopolis reissue will be released on November 22nd on double CD, and digital, and in December on limited edition double LP, and Cassette, remastered with bonus material, including live tracks that originally appeared on the out of print 2007 release Return to Metalopolis Live, plus 3 brand new tracks recorded in 2019, featuring the rhythm section of Carlos Cruz and Chase Bryant of Warbringer.

Pre-order now at the following location: http://empmerch.com/?submit=&s=chris+poland&post_type=product

Note of the author of the blog: The link seems to be down at the moment. Not sure what's happening there but no other link is available right now. As soon as I have more info I'll add it here.
Update 10/30/19: The page is back online again.

After over a decade with Metal on the backburner, despite guest appearances with Lamb of God, Tourniquet, Redemption, and more, with Poland focusing his energy on playing and recording with his Jazz fusion trio OHM, which also featured late former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza, and the Chris Poland Resistance, another fusion project being released by the eclectic Modern Jazz-centric Ropeadope Records, Poland has also announced work on the long-awaited follow up to METALOPOLIS, to be released in 2020 on COMBAT.

“I never really got away from Metal, I’ve always been a Rock guy. And even the stuff we do with Ohm is really heavy and dynamic. But when I started playing with Nick (Menza) he really put a fire under my ass to write new, heavy music. I was over at his house every night after work, my wife told me I was having a “bro-mance”, but I couldn’t stop writing songs. Nick and I had hooked up with James Lomenzo (ex-Megadeth, White Lion), and we were actually going to start a band together, which didn’t work out, but I had literally hours and hours of ideas for songs that me and Nick were going to do together when he passed away. Now I’m working on putting them all together for a new solo release that will also come out on Combat.”

CD Review: Chout - Dogwater (Alternative Metal, 2018)

A album with two heads. The one being rough, direct and with many creative solo sections. The other one is slower, deeper and more thought-filled.

The cover may look strange but don't let this keep you from listening.

Sometimes it's just small pieces that point me towards a band. Chout were rocking it out directly with the video for "Seasons". They got me fast. The solo section was creative with the drums and guitars nailing it to the point. It was the first time that the guitarist and the drummer formed a unit together for a solo part. That was something new to me. I had to hear the full thing.

So what's inside of the full record? The first four tracks are real smashers. They hit you hard into the face and provide the heavier side of the alternative genre. The solo's are rough and the drums live and loud. The production takes no prisoners here. Besides the mentioed "Seasons" it's "So long long gone" that finally convinced me of the band with it's uptempo beat.

Starting with track five we go into a deeper and less hard direction. The band takes it not easy at all. Surely those songs were hard to put on tape but they let you relax more. The ballad "All has been done" is a much welcomed breathtaker in the otherwise rough sounding package. The last track "To lose" is very slow and creeping and shows how much variations the band is able to deliver on the first offering already.

Anyway it's the full package that counts and it's great. Don't let the cover art keep you from ordering a  copy at the band's webshop. "Dogwater" may look somehow strange on the first look but the music on the inside has been done with dedication. The booklet is small with few bandshots and contact data but allright. I think you'll want to focus on the music anyway instead of the package.


Follow Chout on socials like Facebook or Instagram.

Video premiere: Intoxicate-Retention Rumba (Thrash, 2019)

Today we've got a premiere to hand to you. This time it's a thrash metal fast attack caused by swedens Intoxicate. They've a brand new longplayer coming up called "Cross Contamination" digitally on October 11th 2019.

Also the music is going down rough and dirty the music never misses to keep a melodic note throughout the whole duration. The constant vocal attack also feels as if it messages you directly to speak strongly to you.

Besides the fine music the lyrics have a strong meaning behind them asking the sense of free behind so many offers of today. The presentation in the background is excellent with computer screens and plenty of green colours and movements of various fitting objects to the topic. But enough said enjoy it for yourselves right here.
The whole album has 8 songs of fast & melodic Thrash-Metal from Gothenburg, Sweden!​
The album is mixed by Anders Backelin (ex-Lord Belial) and​ mastered by Andy LaRoque.
Cover art by Raimo K. layout by Daniel T.​
The band was formed in 1988 and was one of the first Thrash-metal​ bands from the area. Now they are back and stronger than ever!​

Intoxicate (SWE) - "Cross Contamination" (FALLCD043) ​
 ​
Digital out:11/10-2019​
CD out:tba!​
​
Pre-order of the record is available at Downfall Records.

www.downfallrecords.com

SpiteFuel return with a Flame To The Night in November

After the release of the outstanding concept album "Dreamworld Collapse" last year, moving months lie behind SpiteFuel, which caused a lot of unrest among their fans with the departure of their frontman and the introduction of the new singer Philipp Stahl.

Without a long creative break the songwriting machine of the guitarists Eurich and Pflüger continued to run at full speed and created 11 tracks which have opened a new chapter in the history of the band.

"Flame To The Night" is the name of the new longplayer which was produced in summer, again at the Gernhart Studio Troisdorf under the direction of Martin Buchwalter and will be released on November 8th via Black Sunset/MDD.

So how is the new album going to sound like? The record company states: "The guys combine on their new album well-known trademarks of the band like the technically sophisticated guitar riffing and a lot of feel for melody with a new, more "snotty" attitude to a wild, rocking, metallic mixture, which shows that there is only one direction for the band: Full speed ahead! Be prepared!"

I'm looking forward to what SpiteFuel has made of a precious situation like this. Many big stories in Metal history have proven that it can be a chance for a change. I'll keep a eye on them on Facebook to see how the story goes on.

Voyager gives live-preview to coming album "Colours In The Sun"

Open mindeness combined with their own dream-like style sound. This band has found a place in the world of sounds that expresses everything they've ever dreamed of I suppose. So far the cover of the coming full length has been revealed along with the first single and tourdates.

All of Voyager's covers are different. This one is no exception of that.

As for me I can only say that the mixture of rough and sharp riff packed power parts along with clear sections and silk vocals are what I've always searched for. Enjoy every single second of this new single taken of the coming album.

Also make sure to see them live in Europe these days. They'll give a preview to the upcoming record "Colours In The Sun" (available to pre-order from https://smarturl.it/Voyagerinthesun ) at these liveshows so that's one more massive reason to go.

TOUR DATES
21st September - Space Rocks - Indigo 2 - London (featuring Anathema)
22nd September - 229 - London  (Intimate headline show)
23rd September - The Lanes - Bristol
24th September - The Flapper - BirminghamI
25th September - Satan’s Hollow - Manchester
29th September - Euroblast Festival - Cologne, Germany*
4th October - Progpower Europe, Baarlo, Netherlands (Headline set)
6th December - Good Things Festival, Melbourne, Australia**
7th December - Good Things Festival, Sydney, Australia**
8th December - Good Things Festival, Brisbane, Australia**

*(w/ Car Bomb, Between The Buried and Me, Dead Letter Circus)
**(featuring Parkway Drive, Karnivool, Coheed and Cambria)

Updates and more info on these shows can be found at the band's Facebook page.

In Sanity promote album with free entry acoustic shows

This is something unusual that crossed my way. In Sanity are a melodic death metal band. They have a new album coming on 18th October 2019 called "Welcome To The Show" via MDD Records. So normally you would think that a promotional tour would consist of a full blast metal show.

Instead of that the band decided to head out on the road for a string of acoustic shows here in Germany! The entry is free on all dates. Starting time is 20h, so make sure to be there on time. Here is the list of dates:

13.09. Kump - Brilon
14.09. Stud - Offenburg
20.09. Kulte Paderborn
21.09. Heartbreaker - Erfurt
27.09. Zigeunerkeller - Bad Hersfeld
28.09. Nordpol - Schwelm

The flyer for the acoustic promo tour of In Sanity.

Talking of further details on the fresh record it can be said that it was recorded and produced by Seeb Levermann at Greenman Studios (Orden Ogan, Brainstorm, Almanac, a.o.). The album features 12 tracks which will undoubtedly be the highlight of the sextet's musical work so far.

Listen to a very short snippet of the new album below and connect with the given links at the end of this blog post.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insanitymodernmetal
Website: https://insanitymetal.com/

Movie Review: Date From Hell (Horror Short, 2019)

Some dates are horrible. That's the way it looks like with the pair that can be seen in the beginning of the horror short movie "Date From Hell". The two have a little controversity going on (like so many have) and finally the man stands up. He had enough and leaves. She follows him and he disappears in a sideway.

The excellent cover for the horror short "Date From Hell"

Afterwards the movie starts a life of it's own. I won't spoiler anything here just saying that it will keep you shocked, laughing and wondering behind once you finish the full movie. I never thought it would be possible to do such a strong film in such a limited duration.

But this is in fact way better than many movies I've seen that last for the standard 90 minute format. This is even more surprising for me as I'm not the strongest horror movie fan at all - please take this as a sign for a strong recommendation to check "Date From Hell" out. For a first teaser I can give you a small look inside with the official trailer. You'll get a idea of what it is all about.

"Date From Hell" Horror Short Teaser Trailer from Amadon-Shannon Media Group on Vimeo.

I could even imagine this to be a new trend since time is always limited but sometimes you have a few spare minutes on your hands. That's the moment people may seek something like this. Anyway, make sure to visit a screening near you or stream it of the official sources.

The first screening will be September 13th 2019 at GAS MONKEY Bar & Grill in Dallas, TX, as part of their CORPSEPAINT SHOW PARTY benefiting FOUNDATION 45 Powered by FANGORIA, where the film can be viewed alongside "Satanic Panic" and "Road Trash".

The second screening, coinciding with the film's official release on ALTER, will be September 16th 2019 at Independence Brewing Company in Austin, TX. This will be coupled with the official INDIGNANT DOG FILMS formation party, celebrating the creation of IDF whose founders (Ven Scott, Brandon Torres, and Tracee Beebe) were thrown together for the production of Date From Hell.

New David Ellefson track feat. legendary hip-hop MC Darryl “DMC” McDaniels

News coming in from the David Ellefson camp. The title track of the new album has been uploaded to YouTube. It's a great pushing track that helped me to move on with my life on a day when things seemed to be down all the way. You know these situations when things don't turn out the way you want them to and you just sit there thinking of how to change for the better.

David Ellefson at the set of the "Sleeping Giants" video

At this moment the song came in. Music is like fuel for me. Nothings goes without. It centers me when I don't know where to go. Make sure to stay on the screen once the song finishes. It's well worth and a fine smiler.



Besides all of these good news even more showed up. They say that the album will also come out in Europe in November 2019 and shows over here in Europe are in a planning stage for that time frame!

Next week will see the Ellefson troop moving around in America showcasing more live music and looks behind the scenes of David Ellefson's career with Megadeth and his other projects.

BASSTORY MORE LIFE WITH DETH 2019 DATES

Thursday 9/5 – Fullerton, CA – The Slidebar (w/ SYMBOLIC)
Friday 9/6 – Ramona, CA – Ramona Mainstage (w/ SYMBOLIC)
Saturday 9/7 - Phoenix, AZ - Joe's Grotto (w/Fatal Malady)
Tuesday 9/10 – Phoenix, AZ – Changing Hands (Book signing/Q&A)

Attention! Chris Poland will perform live with David Ellefson Thursday, September 5th in Fullerton, CA at The Slidebar, as part of David Ellefson’s BASSTORY tour.

See David Ellefson's Basstory Facebook page for further info and updates.

Tulip add more groove to symphonic metal / US Tour Aug. 2019

Some bands add few but important elements to a existing sound. This time symphonic metallers Tulip got me. They add a fresh dose of dry and well thought-out groove to the well known and popular symphonic metal world.

This working style gives a more calming element into the sound. That's something I think postive of. It makes the music more actionable. Try it out for yourselves with the music video of "Total".

It's great to see that the band that isn't around for too long has secured a opening slot on a package with Evergrey and Shattered Sun starting end of August 2019 in the United States.

8/23/2019 Los Angeles, CA The Satellite

8/24/2019 San Jose, CA The Ritz

8/25/2019 Sacramento, CA Holy Diver

8/27/2019 Portland, OR Bossanova Ballroom - TBA

8/28/2019 Seattle, WA Club Sur

8/30/2019 Salt Lake City, UT Metro Music Hall

8/31/2019 Denver, CO Marquis Theater

9/2/2019 Dallas, TX Gas Monkey Bar & Grill

9/3/2019 Austin, TX Come and Take It Live

9/8/2019 Toronto, ON Velvet Underground

Pick the flyer for a reminder to the shows and visit Tulip's Facebook page for updates and more info.

Tulip will open up for swedish melodic metal band Evergrey.

Single Review - BI·AS - Hesitation (Alternative / Nu Metal, 2019)

Fear can be a powerful feeling putting you down. This brand new single talks about that and how to overcome it.

The cover of "Hesitation", (c) by BI·AS

BI·AS is a new formation featuring David Silveria (original drummer of Korn). The single is a preview to their much-anticipated debut EP due out in 2020.

What I like so much about the track is the mixture of the heavyness with lot's of softer notes flying in between them. In detail the track opens up with a short drum intro and direct start of the melodic vocals.

It's those vocals that have heavily been worked on that give the tracks it's characteristic extra note. Here and there few guitar notes come in and finally the roughness kicks in but only with as much heavyweight as needed not breaking you down.

The second half of "Hesitation" goes a slightly rougher route. The drums already announce the new path with a dry electronic snare. Finally the track breaks all barriers at the end giving the full energy outload to the listener. It's like it's just there to give you the power you need to overcome anxiety.

I'm looking forward on how the band will move on. For the first here are some dates the band is going to play. BI·AS are currently booking shows till the end of the year.

Aug 23 - Costa Mesa, CA - Tiki Bar
Sept 26 - Logan, UT - The Cache
Sept 27 - Pocatello, ID -  Bannock County Fair Grounds - Elk stage

You can purchase the single at iTunes and Google Play just to name two. More links and the lyrics can be found at the description below the YouTube video. Follow the band on Facebook to stay up to date.

Redwolves show positive apects of life in dark times

Besides the great melodies it's the lyrics in the music that always keep me coming back. If you take a closer look upon them you'll often spot thoughts and situations you've been in. It helps to know you're not alone. 

Sometimes there's advice on how to move on and this particular one of heavy psych rockers Redwolves from Denmark keeps rotating on my mind. Their record "Future becomes past" talks about the times of being down in life and what to make of it.

The band says: Even though many of the songs origin from this depressive state, one still senses a path towards the light in the music, and it is this adamant hope that the record will remind you of. As the good sides of life can put depression, hopelessness and contingency into perspective, the negation of life can also put perspective on joy and light: “Especially because we all will perish soon, we must insist on living, partying, loving and not to be conquered by darkness, hate and destruction.” The band explains. “And thus, we must necessarily seek to journey out of the dark again.”



The music the band offers has it's own tonality. It's hard to define but it comes around as if they've put together a own soundscape of dedicated guitar-playing to transport their message. Step by step you'll unfold what's inside so listening once more sheds a new light on the sounds heard already before.

After all keep in touch with Redwolves. The website offers all the info on just one site. It's recommended for a quick overview. Facebook helps to keep constantly updated on what's going on further.

Crossing Rubicon perform in a wrestling arena

Does Wrestling and Metal music have something in common? A lot of people agree. What's certain is that there are many cooperations out there between the fightting and the music gangs.

This particular one is a appetizer to the new Crossing Rubicon record. The music video was filmed in partnership with the forthcoming documentary about famed ECW wrestling star Justin Credible that will also feature the track.

This is how the new Crossing Rubicon record sleeve for "Seeing Red" will look like.

Musically it gave me a strong reminder to the classic times of metal music. Especially the drumming picked my interest. It's build the way it used to be in those times holding a basic pattern that is held straight forward. Throughout the duration there are variations of this pattern but it doesn't leave the trace.

The whole song is packed in a modern sound shell but without the mastering set to high. The volume level is kept on a moderate level. This makes it more enjoyable in my eyes.

The track is part of Crossing Rubicon's new album, Seeing Red, that has been pushed back to August 9th. The band, which features a former All That Remains member, also announced that pre-orders for the album are now live on iTunes. Also keep a eye on Facebook for future updates on liveshows etc.

CD Review: Solitary - XXV (Thrash, 2019)

I need to admit that I had some initial starting problems with this band. Their newer output always felt a bit close soundwise to Metallica to me so I always choose to not review them. This brandnew EP changed that for the much better.

The cover of Solitry's upcoming anniversary EP XXV, (c) by Solitary

25 years are Solitary already thrashing around their brand of music. These days the band put's out a EP that celebrates this with three re-recordings of classics plus two live recordings of older material.  What convinced me this time so much? It's the high pressure the UK based band put's into their sound. I've seldomely come around any combo that set's such a massive bar when it comes to creating their noise.

It almost feels like using a high pressure cleaner. You know cleaning with water helps in normal situations. But this one blasts every little thing of dirt away. But it's not only the brutality. It's also the changes and little part's included with the songs. There are always intermissions present that give room for letting off some of the steam. They leave space to headbang all around. You know the change to a more midtemo format. It's all those stuff that makes you smile once you've gone through the tracks.

The live tracks "Architects Of Shame" and "The Diseased Heart of Society" are something special in my ears. It's one thing to be heavy in the studio but another one to be so live. Solitary prove with this unpolished tunes that they can give it live in the same brutal way.

I love the drums sound. This high pitched snare along with the much deeper bass drums kicks it the perfect way. Especially the last track shows that more complex and progressive structures are also something they learned to master in their long lasting carrer.

The EP will be released on August 9th. Currently there's no preview snippet available. Keep a eye on Facebook, maybe something will show up in the coming time.

Support the band with a pre-order of the EP through Solitary's own website. It will help them to tour more and put out more music. Next stops on the touring schedule are Aggressive Music Fest this weekend (19th and 20th July 2019) and Bloodstock Open Air 2019.

Rev Jones films new video on iPhone

How much can be done with having a iPhone at hand when it comes to filming a new music video? Rev Jones has done this experiment and the result is impressive in my eyes. Never thought that such kick-ass music clip can be realized with such a limited ressource.

The cover of the album "Bakwash" by bass guitar player/vocalist Rev Jones, (c) by Rev Jones

The music is going straight and gave me a good push of power I needed. The refrain is catchy and once heard it's not going to leave your mind so quickly. Sometimes the song reminds a bit of Motörhead but this only adds to the fun of listening. The bass playing techniques shown in this video are great and should be a inspiration to all the four string heads out there. Same goes for the drums and guitars which show some nice tricks every here and there (Jim Dofka on guitar, Jeff Martin on the drums).

Rev Jones is known in the rock world for his amazing bass techniques & his crazy energetic stage presence, as seen onstage all over the world with several major acts, Steelheart, Leslie West, Michael Schenker Group (MSG), Mountain, Fuel, George Lynch, Paul Gilbert, Kottak, Black Symphony, Blasted To Static, Gundriver, Texas Hippie Coalition, and Forte, just to name a few.

It's the title track of album with the same name "Bakwash" that Rev Jones put out earlier this year. Be sure to pick a copy while having a look on his homepage that also holds more listening samples of the album.

Darkwell bridge time with intensive performance video

Symphonic metallers Darkwell released their album "Moloch" to positive reactions some time ago. As the band told me they're currently back in songwriting mode having taken a break before.

The cover of Darkwell's "Moloch" already shows that something different from all the other is going on with the sound of this band.

To help skip the waiting time until something new surfaces the band has taken the chance to put out a live video of the "Moloch" track "Clandestine". That one picked my attention. It captures the joy but also the full concentration the musicians put into their performance really well. It also shows the reactions of the audience starting positive but let's say in a waiting way. They move over to realise the quality of the material and finally giving back with positive feedback.

Make sure to keep track of what's going on further with a like click on Darkwell's Facebook page or see the band's website for updates.

David Ellefson to tour with new solo album and memoir

Want to hear how the new David Ellefson solo record "Sleeping Giants" sounds like in advance? Do you have questions regarding his bassplaying techniques?

You are in luck. You can have both. A new leg of the "Basstory" tour has been announced for the US in July 2019 .

The shows will feature a Q&A/discussion, with co-author and partner Thom Hazaert, about Ellefson’s upcoming memoir MORE LIFE WITH DETH, in stores 7/16 via Jawbone Press, and a full live-band set including songs from the companion album SLEEPING GIANTS, in stores 7/19 via COMBAT RECORDS. Have a very short 30 second preview on three album tracks:
Plus you can check out some bands from the label roster of the EMP Label Group in live format. Please check local show listings for info which band will perform at your town. So far WRATH, Archer Nation, Last Crack, Bleed/Crawl, Voodoo Terror Tribe have been confirmed.

The show that FatBoy Authentics presents on July 27 in Indianapolis promises to be something special. On that evening they will be unveiling the “Masters of the Bass” Series which David Ellefson will be the first to be featured! These cards will be available at FatBoy Authentics table while supply’s last.

Get  your tix here for the Indianapolis show.

2019 BASSTORY: More Life After Deth Tour

 Satuday 7/6 - Providence, RI - Fete Music Hall
Sunday 7/7 - Long Branch, NJ - Brighton Bar
Monday 7/8 - N. Branford, CT - Strangeland (Book Signing)
Wednesday 7/10 - New Bedford, MA - Vault Music Hall
Thursday 7/11 - Waterbury, CT - Shamrock Pub and Grill
Friday 7/12 - Halethorpe, MD - Fish Head Cantina
Sunday 7/14 - Long Island, NY – Revolution
Weds 7/17 - Lakewood, OH - The Winchester
Thursday 7/18 - Pekin, IL - Twisted Spoke Saloon
Friday 7/19 - Lombard, IL – Brauerhouse
Sunday 7/21 - Green Bay, WI - SV2
Monday 7/22 - Rockford, IL - Whiskey's Roadhouse
Wednesday 7/24 - Tama, IA - Tama Ballroom
Saturday 7/27 - Indianapolis, IN - Citadel Music Hall
Monday 7/29 - Minneapolis, MN - Turf Club
Tuesday 7/30 - Mankato, MN - What's Up Lounge
Saturday 9/7 - Phoenix, AZ - Joe's Grotto (w/Fatal Malady)

More dates TBA. See the Facebook page of Basstory for all the updates and links to purchase tickets.

CD Review: June 1974 - Nemesi (Instrumental, 2018)

This record is one of the unusual kind. All the songs, the sound and the long list of guests make it stand out.

The cover of June 1974's "Nemesi" record was done by Natalie Shau (Cradle Of Filth/Sopor Aeternus).

Such packages of music seldomely ever arrive at my inbox. Certainly "Nemesi" comes out of the hand of composer Federico Romano. He had something special in mind with this one. It starts out with the cover - it all comes around like art, like a picture. But one you hardly come around. The sound is clear and direct but you need to unravel the message every track shares for yourselves.

There's no given muster - each one is a unique crafted piece of sound yet all in all the tracks fit together for a album. It feels more like traveling having a listen to "Nemesi". The sounds are often styled with soft tonality but the there's a pushing rawness the drums in the background provide.

It may also work as a soundtrack for a motion picture offering a story with many turns and twists. Just let the sounds form your own journey to this outstanding longplayer.

The guests performing on this first longplayer of June 1974 are mostly known for their work in much heavier acts. Here is a complete list:

“Sognando Klimt” featuring Gionata Mirai (Il Teatro Degli Orrori)
“Inoubliable” featuring Tommy Talamanca (Sadist)
“Narciso” featuring John Cordoni (Necromass)
“Home” featuring Francesco Conte (klimt 1918)
“Panorama” featuring AndyLaRocque (King Diamond) and Tommy Talamanca (Sadist)
“Nothing Man” featuring Jørgen Munkeby (Shining/Ihsahn)
“Death Note”featuring Patrick Mameli (Pestilence)
“Arcadia” featuring Paul Masvidal (Cynic/Death)
“Creed” featuring James Murphy (Obituary/Death/Testament/Cancer/Gorguts/Disincarnate) “Beloved” featuring Francesco Sosto (The Foreshadowing)

In this space they show that their skill can be used a different way. My personal favorite is "Creed" with James Murphy on guitars. Sure there is this special extra that only such a dedicated person can add with his playing technique in the introduction. But it's also showing his solid playing skills in a more common environment. As the atmosphere of the music evolves further he fully gives in to it. Everyone should have heard this one at least once.

The other tracks offer for instance unusual drum pattern like "Home" does. It's such a "playing-with- the-beat" around way to do that you won't get it out of your mind. "Narciso" has the most agressive drumming giving massive double-bass power and filling the track with thick volume. It's a album to sink in deep and to relax to. A highlight that hopefully will not be overseen.

You can download a copy of the album of "Nemesi" from Bandcamp in a format you like.

Reason Define sort sound with deviding sections

Some bands have this something in their sound. It feels to me as if a song is sorted into sections through a devider that works as a bridge. That's something fine in my ears. It's like you can clearly spot that one part already finished and which part is going to be played as next  Looks like this all-female Charlotte/North Carolina based 5 piece had something similar in mind when they put together a new video single.

Reason Define have a package of great riffs for you. The band photo was taken by Obscvre Photography.

Reason Define did this in a special way for me. The track "Pointing Fingers" has many sections in that are build up the way I described in the column before. Besides that the music is power filled and breathes the fire of blazing riffs in them. The drums are straight and pushing but always clear to follow. In addition a nice story has been build into the music video but just see for yourselves...

Make sure to check the website and socials since this is only one song of the new package "In Memory" that has been released in March 2019 already.
https://www.reasondefine.com/

https://www.facebook.com/reasondefine/

https://twitter.com/reasondefine

CD Review: The Tronautas - Olovörgo (Doom, 2018)

Is it all just doom and gloom in this world? At least when it comes to the music of The Tronautas I feel a ray of light shining into my flat.

The cover of the EP shows that a band with own ideas is going to blast your ears. (c) The Tronautas

These three guys come from the far away country of Mexico. What they share with us is a bold and impressive pack of doom metal in various tempos. What stands out are the vocals that come around a bit broken like those Ozzy Osbourne presents to the audience.

The bass guitar also shines bright with it's constant ripping. These bass sounds stand out a bit and there are many times you'll spot them. Not too many bands do it this way. The dark tonality of the drums fits properly forming the shell for the music with a good groove.

From all of the tracks "Eternal Gloom" got me quickly with it's constant re-calling refrain. I thought more than just once that it fits so well to the world we're living in these days. Happily it made me feel comfortable knowing that I'm not the only one out there feeling this way.

The other offerings from this EP are differently. The last track "To destroy a beautiful thing" stands out with it's bold sound and it's two big parts each forming a different atmosphere. The opener "Last days" is hard to get by through it's slow and dark woven riffs. Few melodic guitar glimpses show up every here and there. This may need more rounds to come to fruition in your mind.

"My god" goes all the way up and down with it's constant riffing guitar. The spoken sample surprised me while the overall sound is bright and pushing.

Finally if you're after classic doom songs filled with slightly modern effects rounded out with parts needing closer re-listening this EP is it. Just hand some bucks to the band on Bandcamp and you're having great new noise. Plus like 'em on Facebook to stay up to date for further updates.

CD Review: Final Coil - The World We Left Behind For Others (Progressive Metal, 2019)

Finally a album that gives a carthasis! That's what I thought when I finished listening to the newest output from England's prog heads Final Coil. It's like a rollercoaster ride to a inner fight between good and bad. Happily at the end you'll feel fine and refilled with new energy to move on with your own life.

The cover of the new Final Coil album was created by Andy Pilkington, (c) by Final Coil.

 
Changes in the band's sound
But what happened since the first full length album "Persistence Of Memory"? I think most of all the sound has taken a more sharper and clearer form. All of the sound ingridents come out strong and direct to you. The most remarkable sign speaks of the drums that set the beat heavier this time.

The new album also see's a lot of progress on the vocal site. Phil Stiles and Richard Awdry outworked their parts much more. You can feel more of the story through the vocal performance. Last of all the guitars show up more diverse than ever taking it with more surprise. The silver disc holds much moments that will have you raise an eyebrow since sounds come in you won't expect. Finally all the tracks vary. It's never a montone record but always one that keeps you on the stereo. Each song feels like a journey in itself.

More changes? Yes, "The World We Left Behind For Others" features intermissions. Some tracks seem to be composed as bridges between tracks so it will be one big artwork in the very end.

Track Overview / Analysis
It's hard to pick favorites for me but "Scattered Dust" was the most emotional moment for me. I love the softness mixed up with hammered powerparts that have been worked in. "Keeping going" comes around a bit like a electronic effect ladden song with open minded style. It's catchy and a bit of Depeche Mode shines through.

Some tracks are softer, feel dreamlike. Take "Imaginary Trip" and it will send you to a land far away. The title track is a good mixture of soft and slightly heavier parts. The ten minutes duration are gone before you'll notice it. The monotone setting of "Convicted Of The Right" is great along with the more creepy rhythm.

Conclusion / Purchase-Link / Stream
Finally if you're after a good progressive rock/metal album that is diverse and gives great feelings while listening you've found it. Be sure to pick the Deluxe Bundle. It has a bonus cassette tape with it holding not only three demo tracks of album songs but also one additional one not used for the record that is not available anywhere else. I bet this is going to be a collectors item many people will hunt after one day. All formats are available directly from the Bandcamp page of Final Coil.

Single Review: Intoxicated Rage - Battlefield (Thrash, 2019)

Intoxicated Rage, boldly proclaims to be one of the most engaging and unforgettable acts in the New England heavy metal scene. Their name alone speaks directly to the experiences they provide in their music and live performances—anger, power, and entertainment.

Their mission is to force fans to “LET IT OUT”; when performing they want the audience to release all negative energy in a fun and positive experience. The group wants to highlight those raw emotions and take them out of people so they can be better off as individuals. Fans can be sure that after leaving an Intoxicated Rage show they will have an understanding of full on “F***ING RAGE” from headbanging, moshing, and laughter.

Intoxicated Rage released a new single today.

The new single "Battlefield" is the most wired track in Thrash Metal I've heard of in a long time. I love how the song slowly builds. But what I love even more are the riffs. They are played hard and hacked in a bit unusual way. It makes the whole track exciting and crawl slowly out of the speakers.

You can never be sure how it goes on and that make you listen closer. You want to know what comes next. Plus the singer takes this tune to a new level with the more melodic voice. Besides the heavier parts inside the vocals it also pushes a positivity into "Battlefield". It makes the whole song break up like the leaves on a tree in spring. The end is dark and hard and goes without mercy.

The new single is currently already available for stream/purchase on Spotify.


This makes me curious on how the band will move on. A look upon Facebook or their website is highly recommended to keep track of the next steps since a album entitled "Apocalpyse" has been announced.