EP Review: Shulaak - Rubedo (Heavy Metal, 2020)

Music has the possibility to share truth and great stories in my ears. Shulaak put these thoughts into good practice with the release of the "Rubedo" EP shortly before 2020 came to it's close.

The music on this mini album reminds me back on the classic days of metal. This sort of music shared a mystical truth for me. So besides the great melodies there was a chance of having truth revealed. Sometimes in a direct and clear way, other times you had to dig deep into it to find out for yourselves.

Shulaak are more of the last sort. Their songs tell of mans hunger to do great and glorious things only to see them end in death and depravity. This is packed in songs that are classic metal like those of Judas Priest and Omen to me. The riffs are set on softer tonality yet they fit well to the metal style.
 
The groove follows the compositions on the guitar. The high-toned voice set's the crown to the four songs plus one spoken intermission. Those vocal elements take the most part of the sound. They come out in a wide range. Sometimes they are high pitched, other times they transcend into the raw regions and finally end in dark style. "The Azoth" which is presented in two parts stands out for me.
 
While "Ancient Sins" and "Scourge of Aeons" take the direct path with straight riffs and the more high notes it's the last two tracks that need the closest listening to fully spread out their atmosphere. Be sure to be prepared because they will take you on a ride of emotions with it's complexity of melodies and multi-layered vocal work.   
 
The music is well worked out with much eye on details. It may not be the longest playing time this EP provides but the intensity is great so 5 Euro is okay to hand for a download of the Rubedo EP on Bandcamp.

More info on the band can be found on Shulaak's homepage.

Follow them on Facebook for all the latest updates.

CD Review: Static-X - Project Regeneration Vol. 1 (Nu Metal, 2020)

Sometimes there are these tunes that give you hope. This happened to me as I heard the new Static-X album "Project Regeneration Vol.1". One of the good sides of listening to music is that it is a source of good feelings. These came up quickly as I had these songs pumping out of the speakers.

It's the mixture of the heavy riffing with the driving force of the drums on the one hand that gave me good feelings. But all of this was topped by the vocals that always kept going up and down and always shining through in deep emotional shapes. It feels as if at times my feelings could speak through the noise that can be heard.  

Most of the time it's pure aggression coming out but on some tracks like "Bring You Down (Project Regeneration)" it also comes in waves of fear and sometimes despair. Few electronic effects underline this. That's something I love to hear.

A track like "My Destruction" illustrates the band's potential to transform today's merciless society's behaviour through straight and rough thrashing. It has lot's of mean laughs in it that sound like the evil showing it's face in it's many incarnations. Impressive to hear that music can make such things visible to the human ear.
 
The keyboards on "Something Of My Own (Project Regeneration)" follow more positive vibes, yet it has broken feelings in it the track shines a more lighter and better note out of it.
 
These are my favorites of the album. What are your faves ? Let me know in the comments below.
Make sure to buy a copy out of the band's hands.

Victoria K offer live DVD for pre-order

One more idea to enjoy some live music these days is grabbing your trusty DVD player, put in a disc and there you go.

These option for sure goes more for the bigger bands since they often have live recordings on hold that they can put out now. But I was surprised to read that the symphonic metal newcomers Victoria K are about to put out a Digital Versatile Disc as well.

Victoria K surprise us with a live DVD release in January 2021.

 

The release is called "Live Isolation Concert". It was recorded during the pandemic crisis and includes all the songs from the debut album "Essentia" unleashed during April 2020.

The music of the band is for dedicated fans of symphonic metal with intensive female vocals inside of it. It's emotional and sensible all the way. 

The DVD is available for pre-order here: https://bit.ly/VictoriaK_DVD

The live show will be also released as a digital album on the major online stores.

Track Listing:
1. The Haunting
2. Mist Filled Sky
3. Forsaken
4. Humanity
5. Surreal
6. Freaks
7. Shroud of Solitude
8. Lacuna
9. Freedom Uncharted
10. Matrix 

Update 22.01.2021: 

Finally one full track called "Freaks" has been put out for preview. I think it underlines that the DVD priced at 12,99 Euro plus shipping and handling could be well worth it. 

 

"Freaks" is also available for stream and immediate download
Spotify - http://spoti.fi/3q3ezmX
Apple Music - https://apple.co/35pSYgo 

Melodeath Alliance posts massive supporter thank-you single

Here in Germany a part-lockdown is currently going down. It's said to last for one month. Once again all the venues have been closed. We can only hope that all those affected can survive this time. No one knows how it all with go on further...

I hope the Underdogs can at least help a little bit to skip this hard situation. Recently a massive 14-band Melodeath Alliance united "(...) to create a special single as a thank you to all those supporters, fans, friends, family, people that have been there for all of us artists and supported us in those challenging times.
Without YOU, there’d be no US!
Thank you!" You can see a exact list of the participating bands at this picture.

The Heavy Metal Underdogs is very glad to be included into this circle. The song is a massive force of raw power. At the same time it holds many surprises in it like female vocals, acoustic segments and also some midtempo thrashing. It must have been a lot of work to put this ten minute monster alltogether in remote. Enjoy some great melodeth music.

CD Review: AlogiA - Semendria (Symphonic Power Metal, 2020)

Finally after some time a brand new AlogiA album see's the light of day. What happened in the four years since the last release?

The cover creates a positive feeling in me.

I think a lot of work and re-thinking has gone into the creation of "Semendria". First of all the sound underwent changes. This time around it's far more compact and dry. It's not that pumped and blown-up anymore. This makes the tunes lighter to enjoy. The new tunes are compact in duration. A eye was held on a limited tme frame so the tracks come to the point.   

New sound meets tradition

Most of the songs are sourced of traditional symphonic power metal sounds. This lays down a classic foundation to the sound. This impression continues with the vocals that add more high screams than ever before.  

But "Semendria" is far from being a "standard" or one of the many albums out there. This becomes evident on clearer moments that shine through. Just listen to the verses of "The Calling" - they slowly build from softer to faster/harder each verse-round.

The title-track is a good example for the evolution. While lyrically and in the basics a classic track it's the fine elements like the flute or the acoustic guitars that give it a special touch.

Refrains like the one on "Visantia" are outworked with a finetuned melody - leave your ears open and you'll recognize.
Finally piano passages make "From East to West" stand out of all of the tracks. A nice way to end the record in a softer style.
 
All in all I'd like to point out the newest output of AlogiA to your attention. It has more to offer than ever before. It has got a lot of variation in it that is a welcomed aspect. Listening becomes a joy. The shorter way to present the music prevents boring lengths and also gives the music a chance if you're cut short on time.   

Also guest performances of Tim "Ripper" Owens, Mark Boals and the fantastic organ of Fabio Leone make it a even bigger highlight than it already is.

CD and Vinyl available
Make sure to pick a phystical CD copy of the album directly of the online shop. Currently a limited vinyl edition of the record is up for pre-order through Elevate Records at a lower price (20 Euro, will be 24 Euro later. Both prices plus shipping and handling.

Single Preview: Salava - Remorse (Melodic Doom, 2020)

Can such a traditional genre such as doom be updated with modern elements? The new Finnland based powerhouse duo Salava gave it a try and came to great fruition in this preview to their first single.

The bandphoto of Salava was shot by Risto Vauras.

The single starts a classic way but shortly afterwards the vocals of Jukka Salo give the first freshness in the music. The voice has a much more melodic range in it giving room for emotional versatile expression in lighter ways without letting the guiding voice fall away. It's these finer elements that give a extra shine to stay on the stereo.

The songwriting reveals modern splitters in the ongoing progress of the track playing around with guitar riffing in ways that halt the riffing for the moment just to let it roll few seconds later. There are many little of solo passages build in. They mix the track heavily through this way and add more excitement. It's all turned to 11 this time so prepare for a massive guitar attack.

Be sure to pick up a digital copy on Bandcamp for just 50 cent or add the track to your Spotify collection. 

I'll keep a eye on Salava on Instagram or Facebook.

Tony Martin returns with brand new solo album

A much underrateed vocalist in my ears. Just listen to "The Hand That Rocks The Cradle" from Black Sabbath and you'll know what I'm speaking about.

photo credit: Rob Billingham

Wow some days hold positive surprises without question. This one came in at a point I never expected it to be. But sure as that the song "The Shining" which features Tony Martin as the vocalist of Black Sabbath still often rotates on my mind. I'm very happy to read that he continued to sing and that a full new album is going to see the light of day. 

Tony Martin, former Black Sabbath singer, signs with Battlegod Productions and Dark Star Records for the release of Tony Martin’s new solo album featuring Scott McClellan on guitar. Talking about the new album Tony had this to say, "This new album is probably the most “Tony Martin” a Tony martin album has ever sounded!! Its got several surprises that will lift people’s eyebrows I am sure. Largely but not entirely based around the riffs of Scott McClellan, new to the world scene he has proved to be a worthy partner in crime for this release...

I was able to make some great songs out of the riffs he was coming up with which is very similar in the writing sense to that which I experienced with Tony Iommi. Different sound and style but the riffing talent that someone like Scott has is very cool. It is diverse, melodic, powerful, thought provoking and of a standard high as ever i have worked on. I believe there are stories still to tell, songs still to be sung and with this album I feel its achieved everything i could have wished for.

Grateful to the people who have given their extra talents in appearances on this recording, its been a challenge in COVID lockdown, getting everyone’s performances from across the world, but in another way it was a perfect opportunity to get it done."  

The new album will feature Danny Needham (Venom), Magnus Rosen (HammerFall), Scott McClellan (who helped co-write the album) and Greg Smith who performed with Alice Cooper, Rainbow, Blue Öyster Cult, and many more!

Battlegod Productions will handle distribution in Australia, Asia, Europe and Japan, while Dark Star Records will handle distribution in all of North and South America including both physical and streaming. Look for the new album to be released toward the end of the year.

For More info go to: Tony Martin Official Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/Tony-Martin-311422092205243

www.battlegod-productions.com 

www.DarkStarRecords.net

Livestream-Review: Anvil - L'Anti Bar, Quebec City 04.07.2020

Can a livestream event really fit properly to showcase a band's abilities? Anvil proved that it is possible.

Anvil at the very beginning of the set.

The Canadian legend Anvil is well known for all their classics. Recently the band dropped a new full length called "Legal at last". Like so many other bands they had to cancel the already booked shows. The guys behind the L'Anti Bar invited the band for a livestream performance. People who wanted to attend needed to purchase a virtual ticket in advance but were rewarded very well for their money.

The band opened up with a blast of a instrumental intro. It gave a taste that a well balanced and crystal clear sound has been set up. They were on fire that night.

You could see that Anvil had a lot of fun. They smiled all the way through the set, most of all Lips who once more showed why he is a solid frontman. Bassist Chris Robertson choose to move back and forth to the whole songs while showing grimace every here and there. Very cool!

The band showed that they had a lot of fun performing live.

Other times the band showed some guitar-posing in the form of Accept. Applause was added to the sound as no real audience was allowed to show up but the text responses in the chatbox spoke for themselves. They were some lags in the beginning of the stream. Maybe a control panel to change the quality of the steam could help out to prevent such things the next time.

Lips had his typical humor and short banter with him. He had a great high-toned voice on that night. I liked the band introduction. Everyone was allowed to do a solo starting with bassist Chris Robertson. Robb Reiner was unbelievable on that night. He showed a precise drumming that sharply followed the guitars on every step. His drum solo was one of the most entertaining one's I've heard and seen in a long time. Finally Steve Kudlow gave his well known dildo-guitar performance. It was a lot of fun.

Robb Reiner performed a impressive drum solo and overall performance.

The band played for a good ninty minutes and rounded the set with a blasting cover of "Born to be wild" and the iconic classic "Metal on metal". I can only hope they will do more live shows in the near future. I would choose to see them every time again.

Keep a eye on the band's Facebook page. Let's hope we're lucky enough to see the band performing live in the future again.

Livestream Calendar opens it's doors

Currently the only way to have liveshows for musicians goes over the route of the World Wide Web. In the course of the recent days I got some info for upcoming shows I'd like to hand further to you.

Most of the performances are offered for free. If you can somehow support the musicians and / or organizers please do so with handing some bucks through the donation channels mentioned on the event pages.

Upcoming shows

17.7.2020 22h CEST Victoria K. (Symphonic Metal), free
https://www.twitch.t0v/rockshotsrecords

18.07.2020 Bang your head Open Air Online Special. Start time 16h CEST, free
Music clips, full shows, talks, behind the scene material from past years and more.
www.youtube.com/user/byhfestival

18.07.2020 Dance Gavin Dance (Post Hardcore), paid
https://www.dancegavindance.live/

18.07.2020 18:30-23:30 GMT Wolf Jaw, Hollowstar, Black Tree Vultures and False Hearts (Rock), £12.50 per Ticket
Live-Performances and Interviews and interactive Q&A sessions. The event will be hosted by Pete K Mally and Natalie Asteria.
https://www.wegottickets.com/event/502115

If you have info on upcoming shows please don't hesitate and send them my way. 

You may also leave a comment below or send stuff with a message through the Facebook page for the Heavy Metal Underdogs blog.

Past shows

Jupiter Hollow (Prog Metal), free
29.06.2020 (8:00 pm - EST)
30.06.2020 (8:00 pm - EST)
01.07.2020 (6:00 pm - EST)*
02.07.2020 (8:00 pm - EST)
* (Show on Canada Day will only be 50-60 mins)
Facebook.com/JupiterHollowOfficial 
IInstagram.com/jupiterhollow_

Candlemass (Doom Metal), paid
03.07.2020 20-22h CEST
https://blackbox.solidtango.com/live/candelmass-live-from-studio-grondahl?utm_source=Press+News&utm_campaign=1cb52f86ef-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_05_24_09_58_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7e4e555b47-1cb52f86ef-26346391

Monte Luna (Doom), free
July 3rd at 6:30 pm PDT
https://youtu.be/F404rOYGJ_A

03. & 04.07.2020 Lost Horizon - Festival, free
feat. Tallah (Nu Core Metallers with Max Portnoy on drums)
https://www.losthorizonfestival.com

The logo of the Lost Hoizon Festival

04.07.2020 Anvil (Thrash), paid
The event will begin at the following times: Saturday, July 4th at 5pm (EST), 10pm (UK), 11pm (CET) and Sunday, July 5th for 6am (JAP), 7am (AUS).
https://thepointofsale.com/tickets/d7p200704001

Until July 14th there's a chance to see the show (again) if you missed it out or want to watch it a second time (it's still a paid stream).
https://thepointofsale.com/tickets/abs200707001

04.07.2020 Space Of Variations (Modern Metal),
8:00pm Kyiv time/7:00pm CET, free
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAcsDTlPlUZmBBcdpqRRMCA

09.07.2020 Jinjer (Modern Metal), concert recording, free
www.knotfest.com

10.07.2020 Trivium (Modern Metal), paid, 20h CET
http://live.trivium.org

11.07.2020 Leatherjacks (Rock), free 06:00-09:00 UTC-03
https://www.indiestarradio.com/

11.07.2020 Magistarium (Power Metal), free, 20h CET
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyBR46IB-zQ

Let's speak with...Molitoth (Dark Ambient Rock, 2020)

Kyle Brandt is known as the vocalst of the ambient rock band A Light Within. Some time has passed since the last release "Epilogue". Vocalist need to use the organ continually to keep it in motion and the muscle strong

So what did Kyle do? He recorded some new tunes for his own project "Molitoth". The first album "The Tribunal" is going to be released on June 26th 2020.

We had the chance to speak with him in advance about a couple of thoughts that rushed through my head when I read the first hints of the album without having heard a single note. Here's the first single that came out after this interview was already done. It has a cleaning and healing effect on me. Let your soul breathe and close your eyes while listening.

The album concept let's the listener embark in an emotional chronological timeline of regrettable actions and consequence, resulting in five stages of grief.

Furthermore it's meant to explore condensed meditation techniques to help balance the anxieties  that stem from feelings of accusation, entrapment, and confinement.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: Do you practice meditation yourselves or where did you get the inspiration for the topic from?

Kyle Brandt: Yes! I discovered it a few years ago as I was looking for methods to help breath more efficiently from my diaphragm (to help me become a better singer). I came across some breathing meditations which really helped me out, and of course I went down the rabbit hole into deeper meditations and hypnosis.

Many musicians say that they never took any lessons to train their skills. Do you think it's possible to go over a certain limit without that?

“Lessons” can come in many forms in my opinion. I think a lesson could just be watching and learning from someone regardless if it's formal instruction or not. I pretend like any Live musical event I attend is some type of “lesson” for me, as I am watching and learning what TO do (or what NOT to do).
I'm unsure if I believe in “natural” or “God-Given” talent, or if talent is just a product of hard work, passion, and environment. I think that if given the chance, anyone who has an interest in something should be open to learning from someone else, as we all go through different experiences.

Kyle Brandt speaks about the dark concept behind "The Tribunal" LP:

The description of the upcoming Molitoth record centers on emotions like regret and grief. Do you think everybody has made decisions in his life that have led them to those feelings? Is it impossible to live without that?

I would hope everyone has made decisions leading to these natural feelings... if not we may have a perfect human being in existence. Or not even human at all! Aliens!?!? haha

Could the lyrics of "The Tribunal" also be seen as a retrospective on psychological therapy sessions?
Visit any favorite band media page and you will see fans talking about how their music “Changed their life” or “helped them from a dark road”, etc.

I've had influential bands really make me feel therapeutic just based on the deep relations to the lyrical content.

So I typically try and write based on ideas that a broad audience can relate to, with a goal to write metaphorical enough that the audience can adapt in their own way.

The logo of the "Molitoth" project.

Do you think the text can help people in similar situations to get a fresh look upon their own situation?

I can only hope, and if not... I wish they find something else they enjoy within “The Tribunal”. Whether that be the overall sound, vocal melodies, production value, or the guests musical additions that are featured on the album.

Thank you for your time and ears!!

Molitoth

Make sure to follow the project through these social pages:

facebook.com/molitoth.audio

instagram.com/molitoth

twitter.com/molitoth

bandcamp.com/molitoth

soundcloud.com/molitoth

twitch.com/molitoth

EP Review: Corners Of Sanctuary - For COS and Country (Traditional American Metal, 2020)

The newest output introduces a new vocalist. Did that change the band's well known sound formula?

War is a topic that is covered through many songs of Corners Of Sanctuary.

Well, it all start's suprisingly with a fast paced track. "Victoria" holds a strong riff from start to finish with a short but in-the-ear biting refrain. The new frontman introduces a traditional organ with classic metal characteristics. It's a short track but gives a good kickstart to get into the mood.

Track 2 "The Raid (For God and Country)" reduces the speed to midtempo. This piece of music shows more diversity added in terms of riff variation, drum pattern as well as vocal presentation. It's warmly welcomed by the reviewer. There's so much saturation of the sound that stems from the vocalist that it may feel overwhelming on the start. Sure a track worth many rounds of listening - so many details to discover in here.

The "Desert Angel" is a even more complex thing. Once more the tempo is set slow and the intensity of the vocal work goes a heavier route. It partly makes use of more modern vocal touches - the longer hold of higher parts for instance. The many guitar splitters and effects worked in here make it a special one. It all made me push the repeat button - I needed to find out how all of this comes together.

The next one comes around faster. "Sandstorm Salvation" is a more straight forward number with powerful shout out refrain. It's all built to let some energy fly around - short in duration and guitars and drums all set a more easier way. Warmly welcomed after a potion of complexity.

A instrumental closes the EP. It's a short collage of guitar sounds. It would be great to know how this is can be played on the guitar properly.

Finally to answer the question from the start I'd dare to say the band has put more eye to detal on "For COS and Country". Most of the package needs a closer listen and the vocals contribute a even deeper part as ever before.

For all of you guys out there with a faible of traditional material that like to re-listen with a close ear a strong recommendation.

Here's the opener of the EP "Victoria".

Purchase the music as Compact Disc through the band's own webpage with a paypal payment.

Single Review: Moonscape - The Throes Of Desperation (Atmospheric Prog Metal, 2020)

It's distressing music that features many relaxing moments in it. The new single output gave me medieval thoughts and imagination on many parts of it's duration. In the beginning it feels slow and less moving but please give it some time to unfold it's effect on your ears.

"In The Throes Of Desperation" slowly unfolds it's possessions and leaves a little film soundtrack feeling behind in me.

The cover gives a nice idea of the sound inside, Cover artwork by Dark Days Design.

The guitars are cleverly mixed under a dark atmospheric soundpackage at the start. They give room for a faster solo section that surprisingly fit's into the otherwise slow formula of the single release. The end is the fastest part with drums coming in. It all comes to a abrupt end that is a good teaser like in a TV series when it comes to a solution.

"The Throes of Desperation" is an excerpt from a longer piece of music that will be released on the next Moonscape album, hopefully later in 2020.  I'm looking forward to what hopefully is about to show up in the coming time. Until then mak sure to connect to the project on plattforms like Facebook https://www.facebook.com/moonscapenorway/ or take a look at the homepage. http://www.moonscapenorway.com/

Album Review: Leatherjacks - Extremly Dangerous (Rock, 2020)

The new record is by far better than the previous effort "The Lost Arks of Rock 'N Roll". What has changed so much?

The coverart invites to think about it's meaing, It was done by bandhead Mauro Cordeiro.

Sound
First of all it's the sound and production. It comes around much more clearer and sharper. This adds a lot to the pleasure of listening. All instruments rush loud and clear through my speakers. The vocals are set a bit louder on the overall mixing, that's something some people may not like that much.

Songstructures
The next point are the far more easy soundstructures. In times of complexity and overload we're living in it's a pleasure to relax and rock out to something straight from the first listen. It helps to breathe fresh air into my soul. In many parts the straight material on the record feels like classic Rock tunes but with a far more finetuned level when it comes to playing the songs on guitars.

Also at times you may first think that some tracks like the title track "Extremly Dangerous" may be held in a way too simple style but beware. I had a look upon the preview video to the album on the Leatherjacks Facebook page and it revealed that a lot of skill is needed to fullfill the guitar parts used on this tune.

Fun-Factor
All tracks come with great hooklines and fine outworked melodies as well as decent placed riffs in them. The music never get's to one-dimensional or monotone, they it always moves onwards.

The songs never get boring but there is always this itch of wanting to listen to one more song. Not many records have this on board. I think this stems of the pleasure the artist is able to transport through the music over to the reviewer and hopefull you, too.

Purchase and Contact Link
Finally please support the brasilian band with a purchase. Artists are faced with many costs they need to pay in advance of album releases. It's not easy at all to get that money together. In the end your money can help a artist to be able to release new tunes that in the end give you fresh joy. I think it's more important than ever before in these uncertain times.

"Extremly Dangerous" is set for release on 10th April 2020. Proper information on how to pick up a copy will be spread the coming days on the official Leatherjacks Facebook page. 

Here are some snippets out of the new release.

Leftover Bullets underwent intense odyssey period

In times like this music gives me more strength than ever and I hope it does the same for you. Remember to stay home whenever possible and follow the guidelines of social distancing. You take care for yourselves and others as well.

Some days ago Greece rockers Leftover Bullets once again touched me more than ever with the half ballad for "Might be miles away" of the debut record "Virtue and vice". It's the mixture of sensible guitars touching the ground along with powerful drums and bass guitars laying the basics for the rough vocals transporting the message so intensively that I couldn't get it out of my mind.

The band used the time after the album release well for new compositions but seems to have undergone a long journey throughout this process.

As the band states, there are 9 songs loaded with hard rock emotion that emerged after an intense odyssey period that lasted from the beginning of the compositions until the end of the recordings.

The cover for the upcoming Leftover Bullets album was created by artist ViktoЯia.

The album "Tell mama we're doing ok" will be released in digital and physical form right from the beginning - CD & LP (vinyl will include the album on CD)
on April 27th under the seal of Soldout music records. Arrival of vinyl will be delayed due to worldwide conditions.

Tracklist:

1. Wasted Silence
2. Confused
3. Free Speech For Sale
4. Trailless Smile
5. Sleazy Vibration
6. Nancy
7. Really Not There
8. It’s Alright
9. Till Next Time

The cover has been drawn for the second time by artist ViktoЯia with a 100% handmade Daza (the heroine of the LB cover art) and the digital editing of the album by Nikos Kitsos.

In the near future all the contributors of "Tell mama we’re doing ok" will be announced as well as pre-order information for the album.

Check Leftover Bullet's Facebook page for constant updates towards the album release day.

M.U.S.I.C.Records offers discount on services for musicians

When it comes to creating music every cent counts. Sadly making music is not free and all steps to finish a full fledged product are expensive.

So I was all ears when I got the info that until March 31, 2020, Rock Metal Market and Music-Records offer a discount of 10 percent on all products including services (Recording studio, CD pressing, Media promotions, ...).

Simply enter the Promo code: mars2020 on https://www.rockmetalmarket.com/

Pick the flyer as a reminder to this special offer.

This code also goes for all who like to order music (CDs, Vinyl, Shirts etc. ) on the shop's website. They deliver everywhere in France and internationally. Shipping costs are free for all orders of 99 € in total. With each order, a gift is offered to you.

What can this be useful for? For instance you can order the upcoming Trash Heaven record "4 Heads for a Crown"  (set for release in April 2020) this way for less bucks. The first full song already promises a blasting old school thrash package.

Another special offer is the 3 CD Box. Choose from the following list 3 CDs for 20 Euro plus shipping and handling. From all of what I've heard so far I can say that a lot of quality can be found in there. (Lebowskii reminded me of Grip Inc., Eyestral got many influence of Death and U-Bilam dares to mix many different styles to a exciting own mixture).

Make sure to order together with your friends. That way you can save a lot of mony if you use things the clever way. Listen to songs on the YouTube channel of M.U.S.I.C Records.

MEZCLA « Metalmorfosis » – Death Flamenco
VOICE OF WINTER « Childhood of Evil » – Progressive Death
ASHES TO FIRE « Still Waters » – Metalcore/Djent
OVER NEMESIS « Wink » – Sludge Metal
PSYCHOID « Thrash Impact » – Thrash Metal
EYESTRAL « Beyond » – Progressive Thrash
U-BILAM « Evolutions of Mind » – Urban core
LEBOWSKII « Liquidators » – Thrash Metal
BLACK JUJU INC. « Crosses and Crossroads » – Cold Wave Metal
HELLIXXIR « A Dull Light Around » – Thrash Black
TORMENTOR BESTIAL « Supplicium Plus Quam Bestia » – Heavy Thrash

Single Review: Crystal Faith - Pain (Metal, 2020)

Some bands can put a subject so much on point it's just unbelievable. These words ran through my head when the newest Crystal Faith single came in.

The cover already teases what's inside.

It's the rushing agony that is spread through the constant push in the first part of the song that let's me sink deeper into the track. The next step comes with the lyrics pumping in with the constant knocking of words - expressing so much of what a person in this situation is thinking and wishing for.

I hardly know of any band that keeps translating feelings and thoughts into music like Crystal Faith do on "Pain". It's a symbiosis of words and music forming a bold message that changes and forms all the way through this digital release.

Finally there's a message at the end that I cannot second enough. I hope more people will think about it having seen and heard this great track.

You can purchase music from the website of the band. Every cent helps them to keep going. Follow them on Facebook for info on all the stuff to (hopefully) come.

David Ellefson and Chris Poland reunite for Japan/Australia Tour in May

This sounds like a tour that won't happen ever again!David Ellefson and Chris Poland will hit the road in May 2020 for a double headliner tour featuring full sets from Ellefson and Poland,  with an epic finale any thrash fan will not want to miss.

If it wouldn't happen in Australia and Japan I would like to attend these shows myselves.

The tourposter for the Australia leg of the Ellefson / Poland tour package.

Here are the exact dates of the Ellefson / Poland tour.

JAPAN
Sunday 17 May - Trad, Osaka
Monday 18 May - Liquid Room, Tokyo

AUSTRALIA
Friday 22 May – Max Watts, Melbourne
Saturday 23 May – Manning Bar, Sydney
Sunday 24 May – Crowbar, Brisbane
Monday 25 May – The Basement, Canberra
Tuesday 26 May – Enigma Bar, Adelaide

Tickets & VIP upgrades on sale
www.destroyalllines.com

In addition to these great news it has been announced that the first Chris Poland record "Return to Metalopolis", celebrating its 30 year anniversary in 2020 will see a reissue from Ellefson’s Combat Records, in stores in the US, and digitally worldwide on Friday 2/21.

To skip the waiting time listen to the single "Hammer comes down" of the David Ellefson record "Sleeping Giants" that features Chris Poland on guitars.

EP Review: Persecutor - Persecutor (Thrash, 2020/2007)

Real thrash metal is timeless. But sure as it is it's not that easy to create and record this music genre properly. This underground EP by polish thrashers Persecutor suprised me with it's fine and outworked production as well as dedicated songwriting showing the solid skills of the band.

A shining thrash diamond has be re-issued in digital format these days.

Also it's first release dates back to 2007 it shows what a underground act with much engagement and heartblood can put out if they want to. While the start "Embryonic Lifeform" goes the typical rough way to hit the listener quick and hard the other tracks evolve. The songs go a midtempo route every here and there and the vocals given more time now show the full glow a dark voice can offer given it's place in the music. "Dogs Of War" is the best example for that.

"Dementia" shows the diversity the band has in themselves. The song structures change from part to part and are a shed of joy to listen to. "The Art Of Killing" closes the release with a slower edgy riffing songstructure and blasting parts.

These days's this little shing diamond has been re-issued the digital way on all streaming plattforms. Below you can find a direct link to listen to the music on Spotify. So sit back, relax and let this fine notes sink in to power you up once more. t just takes few minutes duration.

Fatal Opera to release final album after 20 years

Some bands are a bit legendary for me since they were using a sound formula not to be heard too often. It's like this with Fatal Opera, a band from the US that featured ex Megadeth drummer Gar Samuelson and his brother Stew Samuelson.

They had a jazz influenced way to set up the songs and the first album "Fatal Opera" to me personally also feels a bit as if Jimi Hendrix's feeling for exploring heavy guitar sounds mixed with various rhythm was continued by the band.

A old band picture of Fatal Opera, Photo Credit unknown after 20 years.

These days I'm surprised to learn that the band had a third album "Fatal Opera III" in the makings before Gar Samuelson died. Now 20 years later the results of these writing sessions are about to be released but in a special way with many upgrades and specials.

The street date for the LP has been announced to be Summer 2020 via Combat Records.

The album will include guest appearances from Megadeth’s Chris Poland and David Ellefson, who will appear on the track “The Raven”, which will mark the first time Poland, Ellefson and Samuelson have appeared on a track together since Megadeth’s seminal Peace Sells.. But Who’s Buying, as well as additional guest appearances from Poland, and New Yorkers bassist Robbie “Pags” Pagliari, marking the first time the original lineup of The New Yorkers (Poland and Samuelson’s pre-Megadeth Jazz/fusion project, also featuring guitarist Stew Samuelson) has appeared together on a commercial recording.

Also making a guest appearance on “The Raven” is Ellefson vocalist, and COMBAT Records A&R, Thom Hazaert.

Fatal Opera III, is the final chapter in the band’s legacy, featuring the final recordings of Samuelson, who passed away in 1999. Fatal Opera began work on a new album prior to Gar’s passing, and the tracks sat for almost 20 years, until they were finally revisited. Enough tracks were found to create Fatal Opera III, produced and mixed by Andy Freeman. The remaining members joined forces to finish the album that was started so many years ago, released in a fitting tribute and celebration to the legacy of Gar Samuelson, and Fatal Opera.

Vocalist Andy Freeman says, “It was a long time in the making, but it truly was a labor of love, putting together this final release. It was an honor and a privilege to work with David and Thom, who helped make this album possible, and getting Chris and David together with Gar once again brought the whole project full circle. We are very pleased that it will finally see the light of day, and hope that it will be an offering to our fans, and a fitting final musical tribute to Gar."

Megadeth bassist, and Combat Records owner, David Ellefson says, “Gar was one of the more unorthodox, unpredictable, and musically compelling drummers I've ever played with. His legacy continues to grow with the passage of time. So, it's an honor for me to have this posthumous performance with Gar, in honor of his incredible musicianship and legacy he left for us all to enjoy.”

Make sure to keep a eye on Combat Records Facebook page for further announcements of this release.

Chris Poland to play Megadeth classics at Induction into Metal Hall of Fame 2020

Happy new year! 2020 starts with a bang of a event. Chris Poland will perform some Megadeth classics at his own induction ceremony into the Metal Hall of Fame. I think this is one of the rare chances to hear tracks of "Killing is my business" and "Peace Sells" with the legendary guitar player in a live version.

Chris Poland will be inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame 2020, Picture Credit: Melody Myers.

The non-profit charity Gala takes place on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at the Marriott Delta Garden Grove in Anaheim, CA.

Proceeds go to bringing free therapy services to special needs children at specific health facilities and community centers throughout the United States.

Geoff Tate, Don Dokken, Stephen Pearcy, Graham Bonnet, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Metal Church will be joining Chris Poland in person as 2020 Metal Hall of Fame Inductees. Various bands and Inductees will be performing as well.

The Gala will be hosted by iconic television and radio personality Eddie Trunk, and co-hosted by Whiskey A GOGO Ultimate Jam Night / Almost Fama Show Host Jes Fama.

Poland will also be performing Megadeth classics live at the Gala with special guests Thöm Häzäert, vocalist for Megadeth bassist David Ellefson's eponyous solo project, who performed vocals and co-produced Ellefson's recently released debut release 'Sleeping Giants', (including the hit Metal radio track "Hammer (Comes Down)", which also features a guest appearance from Poland, along with Mark Tremonti), and guitarist Dave Sharpe and drummer Opus Lawrence of Dead By Wednesday, who also recently toured with, and performed on the Megacruise, as part of Ellefson's "Sleeping Giants" backing band, and appear on the 'Sleeping Giants' track "Vultures".

Tickets: 45.00 at the door / 35.00 in advance.

Pre-Order and more information on the event here:
www.thehallofheavymetalhistory.org