CD Review: October Thorns - Circle Game (Deluxe Edition, Progmetal 2022)

This is the ultimate version of a legendary demo. It's faithfully re-stored and reworked to today's standards. 

All of October Thorns work can be enjoyed on one CD now.

The listener get's to hear eight progmetal gems that are a blast. It's permanent powerfull playing power overwhelmed me. All the songs call out the full dedication and detail work anyone can imagine to be a trademark of this genre.

Sure it's progmetal all the way but there are elements woven into the sound that need to be discovered first. With every round you'll get to hear more of them. I think that's why it's nearly listenable infinite times because it takes much time to fully get into October Thorns sound. I myselves thought I had it all after just one walkthrough but having heard "Soul Forge" for a second time opened my eyes for all the detail work.

Of the studio songs the tracks Jihad and Soul Forge stand the strongest on my mind. Along with the title track I think they already show why a purchase of this disc is worth it. But the release as a whole wears this typical highlight feeling that comes to my mind of listening to progmetal. The power of the music along with all the memorable hooklines is hard to resist and pushes me everytime.

The bonus demo tracks show music that has been held back. Those songs are not fully produced of course but in good condition ayway. Thinner sound flows through the speakers but the power remains the same. I guess these tunes didn't fit to the others at the time of the demo release.

But they are great anyway. They just need more patience to be enjoyed compared to the first nine offerings on "Circle Game". They are not so straight-forward in terms of music but show a more experimental side of October Thorns.

The release comes with a detailed 20 page booklet. It holds the full lyrics to the album. There are plenty of photos showing the band at several phases of the existence at promotional shootings as well as a collage with many live shots of the shows the New Yorker played.

Finally a good batch of reviews reflects on the media echo the band got upon release of the demo and playing shows. They are presented with the original typo and media logos. Some reviews come as original pages taken of music magazines.  

A all new interview with vocalist Paul LaPlaca offers a in-detail look into October Thorns art of creating decicated music and how the band came together and broke up.

Make sure to pick up a copy on the website of Divebomb Records. Fans of the genre get music for weeks to discover and enjoy in their ears and hands.

October Thorns is still active on Facebook these days.  

EP Review: Hereafter - Fires Of The Flame (Groove Doom, 2022)

Mean vocals, tight riffs and great hooks on this EP. 

A lot of fun awaits the listener.

Hereafter features vocalist Chris Natalini (former Blood Feast), drummer Mad T (Corners of Sanctuary), bassist Robert Bigler (Burned in Effigy) and guitarist/producer Mick Michaels (Corners of Sanctuary).

The riff fest starts out with the midtempo opener "Different Kind Of Something". It spreads a lighter vibe with a riff and tone that is a bit unusual. Anyway I like the way the vocals keep on a neutral way. The drums constantly follow the pattern and fit tight.  

"I Can Feel The Power" continues where the opener left off but with a meaner attempt. Vocals come on a sharper note and the whole package has a more pushing and compact note. This is underlined by the constant repeat of the refrain that should be a fine verse to sing along to for the audience. A song that let's you quickly get into and enjoy is something I like a lot.

Next to go is the title track. The tempo is raised up and so does the straight and more heavier guitar play. Anyway it reflects on the heat of the cover so the pure and organic sound continues but with few guitar riff lines running out every here and there - this may surprise some listeners including me.

"Devil By Your Side" closes the mini album. It keeps the fast speed up and the vocals become meaner than ever before. The hall effect fits to the vocals. It keeps the old school flag flying high. Reminds me so much of the days I started to listen to metal music. 

Make sure to listen to some fine tunes like in the days you began headbanging. The duration of the EP is short so it fits if you have few time to spare.

Have a quick overview with the YouTube player and listen to the full EP on a digital service of your choice.

A limited run of Compact Discs is available through a direct Paypal order. Your money helps the musicians to keep creating new music so it's well spent.