5/27/2019

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.

5/16/2019

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.

5/10/2019

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.

5/04/2019

Have a break from everyday troubles with The Rift

How to chill out and find relaxing atmosphere in these troubled times? Music has the power to bring you down. This new video is the perfect way to combine something to relax, to sing along to it and have a creative and retro-like time out.


It is meant as a  tribute to bands such as Metallica, Tool, Deep Purple, and 80's video games.

The Rift states, “We want listeners to escape from their reality for a little while. We want them to connect on a deep level, so they have something inspiring to fall into.”


The band recently inked a deal with Zombie Shark Records and has been hard at work creating new music for an upcoming release.

Front man Aris Anagnos adds, “We wanted to make songs that hit hard, but you can sing along to at the same time. Sometimes, we go bluesy-rock and other times there are tinges of punk and metal. We explore different styles while keeping a solid, real sound.”

Check the band's homepage for all the further things going on.