Album Review: Ravenoir - Dark Wings of Eternal Blasphemy (Death Thrash Metal, 2020)

It's a production with a very own idea of how it should vibrate through your speakers. The sound centers more on the performance of the riffs and gives it a extra kick through the deep heavyness of the drums.

The drums accompany close to the guitars. Vocals are set to dominate the sound. It would have been great to push the voice a bit more to the background in the mix but sure purists will prefer it to be like this.

The album starts with "Ravenoir". A typical rough riding riff thrasher but one with some fine notes. The ending holds some keyboard-notes that surprised me to hear. Well done! 

Full speed riffs are coming your way on the second offer, the title track of the record. It's boldly presented with a bright chorus giving a push. You can feel the massiveness of the track in every second. 

"In The Sign of the Horns" continues this bold attempt but puts the guitars a bit back into the background and set's the vocals to the very front.

it's followed by a surprise track. "From The Shadows of the Dead" is a laid back, slower instrumental intermission spreading lots of dark and deadly atmosphere. It's a welcomed way of taking a break from the riff-fest going on. 

"Dark Vision" shows the ability of Ravenoir to put out pressure-filled songs in a midtempo pattern. 

It's a typical death metal record mixed up with fine thrash elements. I think traditional metal people will love this. Listen to the song "Hellfire icon" below and you'll get a idea of it. 

The album is available through Gothoom Shop as jewel case CD, USB stick and in a CD & Shirt bundle.

https://gothoomshop.com/produkt/ravenoir-the-darkest-flame-of-eternal-blasphemy-cd/

Drop Oblivion release wicked performance video

It's a difference for me if I listen to music alone or watch a video with it. Most of the time I feel more drawn towards the music every time I watch the music video that belongs to the track.

It's been this way with the brand new video of death 'n' thrashers Drop Oblivion. While the visuals set a dark and wicked theme the music holds a constant push.

The cover of the single "Damaged Good", (c) by Drop Oblivion

What I love so much about this particular one is that the guitars move so slowly and constantly inside. The riffs remain creeping in more and more with the duration going on. Plus the small guitar effects towards the end give it a more ears up while watching. The cool thing is that in all the dark theme the video holds the ending makes me smile and it leaves a good feeling in me behind.



Make sure to pick a copy of the track on Bandcamp. Or pick the whole EP "Narcissistic Counselor", you won't regret. It's all well worth your full hard earned coins. Finally follow the project further on Facebook.

CD Review: Drop Oblivion - The War Within EP (Death 'n' Thrash, 2019)

The second part of the dual EP will be out February 2019. Is it better than the first one or just a collection of fillers?

The cover of "The War Within" EP of Drop Oblivion, Artwork done by Barnaby Oakley at Crossfade Productions

Introduction
Having two releases out in a short period of time was something that found it's way into the record market in the 90s. Just think of Guns 'N' Roses "Use your Illusions I & II" albums. Or Iron Maidens two part live release with "A Real Live" and "A Real Dead One".

Now these days the Death 'n' Thrash project Drop Oblivion gives us two EPs in a two months release frame. The first cut was a rough and loud fest of dirty riffs and growling monsterous vocals mixed up with a lot of fun.

Atmospheric midtempo Thrash
These days "The War Within" reminds us of how fine Thrash can be in midtempo mode. The EP starts with a mysterious and darkened intro just to shot us in with "Monster". This particular one is the fastest and heaviest one of the package. It's rude and with a raw note. Most of the other songs on this one happily follow a more midtempo shakin' pattern. I love that. It leaves more room for atmosphere and a brighter display of feelings. The pressed situation of going in fast and loud is left behind.

It's replaced with the fun of going deeper into the riffs itself. They can breathe far more. Happily it's never monotone and also has enough agression under it's surface. You'll be satisfied if you already liked the other offer Narcistic Counsilour. The EP expresses and widdens deeper the inner fight of good and bad in all of us that has been started out with the first EP just a month ago.

"The Last Goodbye" is the best example for that. With it's different voices/vocals in it you'll feel the twisted emotions. The refrain is a wave of redemption. The title track "The War Within" is kept compact. Line by line it's going on with a closing pattern at the end. It explodes in a quick and direct ending giving a good feeling being through after all. 

It's hard to pick favorites but the track "Inner Empire" always pushed the fun factor to the highest point in me. It's this constant riffing along with the drum pattern going step by step through the whole duration.

The last one "Dark Passenger" fades the EP properly. It's the most atmospheric and haunting one. It shows that it's possible to have dark vocals in a clear surrounding and midtempo drums going hand in hand.

Purchase-Link & Prelistening
You'll get the full riffing attack possible. That's why I can recommend to pick up a copy from Bandcamp (registered users on Bandcamp can re-download all purchased music. Make sure to be logged in when buying your copy). This one is one you'll want to keep safe from any possible loss. It'll be online 1st of February 2019 on Bandcamp.

So far one track "Dark Passenger" is online for listening. Listen to it below.

Mark the Facebook page of Drop Oblivion to keep a eye on how this project will move further.

CD Review: Drop Oblivion - Narcissistic Counselor (Death 'n' Thrash, 2019)

The previous singles were a blast. Now a dual EP release. Something new to me. So how has the first one turned out?

The cover of Drop Oblivion's upcoming EP "Narcissistic Counselor", (c) by Drop Oblivion

The introduction "Into The Dark" opens the curtain like opening up to a classic concert. It's darker toned for sure but helps to get into the mood. Happily not too long in duration to stress the listener.

"Damaged Goods" sounds good providing a boost of heavy hitting grunts and dirty riffs.
Enjoy the full details the track has to offer with it's many highs and lows on the guitar and drumming kicking it out to the door. It's a full duration endless runner talking how riffing should be in Thrash Metal. It's explodes into a blast of energy towards the end. The devil's mask, the mascot of Drop Oblivion comes to life this way.

"Detached" brought in the riff-fun with going up and down making the ride nearly endlessley. It's showing how to work a compact song keeping the energy inside without using the fast double bass formula. The biggest strength is it's constant changing all the while. It never becomes boring also having heard it numerous times. The end came as a surprise offering more relaxed notes. 

The title track is the center of this release. "Narcissistic Counselor" mixes the strengths of the previous tracks but takes it down even heavier. It has this finetuned mixture of catchy riffs and rhythm mixed up with rawness and abrasive vocals. A unusual use of high notes comes in as a surprise. Those high pitched moments knock into your head from the first listen. They dominate the last third of the track. A wicked tune from start to finish speaks out a darker language but I think the slower part leaves room for hope...

"Dreams are made broken" is the most dirty track of the pack throwing you in without further ado. It's a fast thrasher changing to midtempo parts on and on. Yet there's always this slice of melody and moreover fun on playing with the riffs that set the music apart from other bands. Don't turn off the player too fast at the end. Maybe a hint to the second EP coming in 1st February 2019 ? 

Pre-Order Link
This EP is a good christmas present. Just make sure to pre-order it right now on Bandcamp. It'll be up for download on the very first day of 2019. You can use the "Send as a gif" option on the linked Bandcamp website to do so. All you need is the Email of the lucky one.

Mark the Facebook page of Drop Oblivion with a like for more info on the upcoming second EP "The War Within" that is about to come up February 2019.

Preview-Track
Have a listen to "Detached" for a good insight into this release.

Album Preview: Cut The Architect's Hand - Thus Always To Tyrants

Some time ago we featured the US thrash 'n' death band Cut The Architect's Hand on our Facebook page. The guys offered a blast of furious thrash anthems on their Bandcamp page so it was a fast decision that they should be presented on there with a post.

In the meantime the combo entered he studio once again to bring on new blasting tracks in the form of the "Thus always to tyrants" album. We had a ear on two of the new tunes and here is what came along.

The cover of the new Cut The Architect's Hand record, (c) by Cut The Architect's Hand, used with kind permission

The whole thing starts out with a typical number called "Tried by war, decided by victory". It's a smasher, direct in your face attack that reaches your ears. The band reminds me of Testament as the San Francisco thrashers were in their Demonic era but with a bit more dirty and rough sound. This should be warmly welcomed by all those looking for a way to let all their agressions out in a positive way to have a redemptive feeling in the end. 

The second one "Surrounded By Ghosts" does it quite different. While being powerful and feeling riff-packed it plays around with tempo variations and throws in unusual bass guitar elements. This comes around a bit more detailed and finer woven and calls for a re-listen. It's sort of progressive thrash at times. I have not heard such structure in a long time and it was a big pleasure to find something like this. It's my favorite of the two preview numbers and makes me curious to hear what the new record will sound like in the end.

The new record is set for release on 23 March 2018. Finally follow the gang further on Facebook to be notified of upcoming shows and more news regarding the release.

Here is a stream of the new thrash tunes:

Music Records announces new releases ahead of CrossRoad Fest

Music Records has celebrated one year of existence a few months ago. They released a quality sampler called "Compendium 1 A Metal Quintessence". It featured a brief overview on the mostly very heavy and agressive bands the label has been working on in the first twelve months along with a extra booklet giving a overview of the bands.

These days there is still a lot going on at the French independent record company. Here's a overview on two of the next albums that come very close to it's release along with some touring info and events that have been set up to celebrate those new silver discs. At the end of the article there's a nice drum cam playthrough of Mexican band Mezcla you surely don't want to miss out.

U-Bilam [Urban Core] release their 1st EP " Evolutions of Mind ":
- September 30th, 2017 on the digital platforms
- October 20th, 2017 as physical edition in shops in Europe

This is a release worth a look if you enjoy bands such as Emmure, Whitechapel, Attila, We Butter the Bread with Earth up.

It is possible to pre-order the EP on the site of the label Music Records: https://store.music-records.fr/cd-dvd-merch/15775-u-bilam-evolutions-of-mind-9702304505007.html

The cover of the upcoming U-Bilam release "Evolutions of Mind", (c) by Music Records, used with kind permission

Of course it will be able to pick up the EP at the stand of the band at shows.

Update 29.09.2017: A very short first trailer for the EP of U-Bilam has been uploaded to YouTube by the label.

U-Bilam will participate in CrossRoad Fest 1 on October 28th, 2017 and will be on tour in France and Europe in the year 2018.

Event CrossRoad Fest 1: CrossRoad Fest 1 on October 28th in the Bar Phew to Cholet
Ticket: https://store.music-records.fr/cd-dvd-merch/15774-crossroad-fest-ticket-de-concert-prevente.html

*****

Eyestral [ Progressive Thrash Metal] release out their 1st album " Beyond ":
- October 14th during Release Party with Arcania and All is Dust

Their album will be available in shops in Europe and on all the digital platforms.

This is a release worth a look if you enjoy bands such as Death, Megadeth, Dream Theater, Coroner, Symphony X.

Event: Release Party in October 14th in Rouen in D3 Studio

Eyestral will participate in CrossRoad Fest 1 on October 28th, 2017 and will be on tour in France and Europe in the year 2018.

Event CrossRoad Fest 1: CrossRoad Fest 1 on October 28th in the Bar Phew to Cholet
Ticket: https://store.music-records.fr/cd-dvd-merch/15774-crossroad-fest-ticket-de-concert-prevente.html

*****

Thibaud, drummer from Mezcla [Death Metal - Flamenco], realized a video drum cam on the song " L’Usurpateur ".

This song is extracted from their last album " Metalmorfosis "


The album is available:
 On their stand
 cultural shops France and Europe
 digital Platforms
 Webstore de Music Records: https://store.music-records.fr/cd/13849-mezcla-metalmorfosis-9780201379624.html

Dates :

06/10 : MELUN

20/10 : PARIS w/ Psychoid & Voice of Winter

21/10 : ROUEN w/ Psychoid & Voice of Winter

23/10 : TBA w/ Psychoid & Voice of Winter

28/10 : CHOLET au CrossRoad Fest #1 | event Facebook : CrossRoad FEst #1 - 28 OCTOBRE 2017

18/11 : ROUEN w/ IMPUREZA

CD Review: Unothera - Broken EP (Doom/Death Metal, 2016)

A EP rooted in both genres - Doom and Death Metal with extraordinaty vocal performances packed in classic songwriting format.

The cover of Unothera's "Broken" EP, (c) by Unothera, used with kind permission

Summary

This silver disc reminds me of classic gothic metal releases of the traditional acts such as Paradise Lost in their beginnings. It lives of the contrasts in the sound. On the one hand many clear and lighter sound-textured parts are part of the songs while other sections are held much heavier, darker with growls and lot's of distorted guitars rounded out with midtempo grooving drums.

On above all of this mixture melodic splitters are put inside that give a softer tonality or dominate with their high notes some heavier sections as if they were put there to light those parts a bit up. 

The high vocals deserve a special mention. They vary a lot through the whole EP and spice the whole release up. "Winter" is a good example for this. Everything is held in classic songwriting format but the slight additions mentioned above make this one to point to later on again. It sounds different from other releases of the same genre. If you're into this sort of metal I recommend you to check this EP. It may be a fine surprise to you.


Purchase-Link & Preview Track

This five track disc can be purchased directly through the Facebook page of Unothera for 5 Euro plus shipping and handling. You'll receive a burned silver media in a small slipcase but with a professional, sharp layouted small booklet that holds the lyrics of the release. That's not very common for such offerings. The disc itself comes labeled with the motive of the cover but in a different incarnation. Nice gimmick that is not to be found too often.

One track of the EP found it's way online so I've added it here as a preview track.

Contact Data

You can get in touch with Unothera via there online presence on Facebook.

Tethra to play and stream live show on empty venue

I dislike to complain. It's useless to me in life. But facing the fact that it's hard to make people attend a live show these days needs to be talked in my eyes. I know from self experience that we are all cut short of money.

But only attending performances through a livestream? I stream a lot here on the page through embeding stuff.  But it's all just to give everyone a quick check in to music.

At least one show at a time should be able to many people. So this experiment of Italy's melancholic doom/death metallers Tethra found my attention. This should help us all to get the focus on the topic.

The band says in their own words: "In recent years, many small and medium-sized clubs dedicated to metal music have closed or changed their genre because of the low attendance at the concerts.

It's a global phenomenon that, if it does not have a clear turnabout, will oblige all industry employees to make drastic decisions.

We would like to raise awareness among all fans of the genre, assuming a catastrophic scenario for the next future: what will happen when the last live club closes its doors? Will emerging bands play no more or will they totally rely on aseptic live streaming from rehearsal studio and improvised venues?

For this reason, Thursday 8th June at 22pm (CET time), we'll play a full set Live Streaming show in a real live venue open just for us, furthermore, to give everyone the opportunity to participate in this event, we'll keep the video online for 24 hours.

You can follow the event through our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/TethraHell

The flyer for the Tethra show at a empty venue, (c) by Tethra, used with kind permission

This is our particular contribution to the cause, hoping to be able to induce a reflection before this catastrophic scenario becomes a reality, because that night we will create a paradox that more than one band has had to endure in its career: playing in an empty room ... will you be with us?"

If you don't know the band yet here's their current lyric video:

CD Review: Dö - Tuho (Dark Stoner Doom Metal/2016)

This album has a calming and positive effect on me. It helps you to distress from things and besides that comes with much variations in the songs.

Introduction

Dö is a dark stoner doom trio from Helsinki, Finland. The origins of the band go all the way back to 2007, but the current style has been developed only for a few years. The men behind the wall of sound are Deaf Hank (Bass & Vox), Big Dog (Guitar & Vox) and Joe E. Deliverance (Drums & Vox - 'E' stands for 'Epic')

The band's music is a genuine combination of stoner, doom, sludge with death/black metal twists here and there.  "Tuho" has been released in April 2016 and is the second release of the trio.

The cover of Dö's album "Tuho", Cover Art by Big Dog, (c) by Big Dog, used with kind permission

Summary

The record that comes under the title of "Tuho" (meaning Devastation) has a dark basic tonality no question. The vocals are black and doomy but the music has a constant movement and note inside of it. It's this continuous song structure that makes me feel positive about it. It's like that the songs go slowly but they always move along. They may never take big steps but you feel all along that they keep the direction. It's this permanent movement that makes me feel so good about it.

The first two tracks are typical for this style. The production is heavy and strong but there's also much clearness in the sound. The drums for example shine through fine and clear something that cannot be found too often in these musical style. Everblast II (The Aftermath) is a bit faster, yet it's still midtempo, something much welcome to me in times where music often tends to be played all just too fast.

Ex Oblivione is a surprise It's a slow track with a great melody inside and feels as if it has been written in a jamming session. But beware: it's a great song that unfolds slowly just to blast you away towards the end. One of the best tracks I've heard in a long time!

Kylmä is a bit mixed to me. A rough and edgy track but I somehow dislike it. I doesn't feel so harmonic through it's various parts in it so I don't like it as much as the other numbers on the record.

The album closes out with the shortest and the longest songs of the whole release. The first one Hail The Fire comes as a short clear guitar intermission - a welcome pause after the rough music in the track before. Forsaken Be Thy Name reminds me the most of the longtracks that Black Sabbath did release back in their early days. A mighty riffer with a jammed melodic and clear intermission part. You nearly don't notice when it's over that it was about twelve mintes long. A great way to round out a fine release.

Album stream

The full record can be heard from the Bandcamp widget below.



Purchase-Link

The album is available as a paid download on Bandcamp. If you decide to give a few bucks more you'll have the chance to get your hands on one of the CD-R copies. The price includes worlwide shipping so it could be a nice addition to your stoner/doom collection. It's well worth the money since I guess a lot of the fans of the mentioned genres will pick the album up often to have another listen and relax from the daily stress.

Contact Data

Be sure to keep in touch with Dö using Facebook or Twitter, maybe you'd also like to add them to your watch list on Spotify. They are looking for a label to release the album on vinyl so if there's someone interested out there - don't hesitate to contact them!

MONSTER celebrates Halloween with livevideo single

This weekend there can be once again heard the call for trick or treat at the door. It's time for Halloween and many bands out there are doing gigs where they dress in proper clothes and play for the audience or are setting up some nice goodies for the fans.

The Halloween candlelight greets you!

The same thing may have been on the mind when MONSTER decided to do a recap of this years show at the Coast Rock Open Air and hand the output in form of a live video out to their fans out there. The cool thing is that they've picked the Track "Random Acts of Undead Empathy" as a song for the video single release.

That one has been amongst my favorites ever since the band dropped their first full length album "The Arrival" in 2014. As for me it's a perfect blend of the thrash classics of the 80s but in a completly "Take no prisoners" attitude. The songs shot out directly without too much solos and experiments all around. Plus there's the voice of Alex who keeps them in a dark and death-metal like style yet they are clear enough to be fully enjoyable and listenable. Then there is the fun factor. While it's hard music it never misses out to give you a good feeling in the end. That's what not many bands come around with. Just give their new video a spin and I think you'll quickly know what I mean.

MONSTER are offering their album as download completly free of charge on their Soundcloud account. Anyway I'd like to point you to there Facebook page where you can message them if you'd like to place a order for a copy on CD for only 5 Euro plus 2 more bucks for shipping and handling for residents in Germany or add 4 more Euro for worlwide shipping. You can also use their E-Mail to place your order more quickly and easy.

If you're living in Germany you may be happy to know that the band has two shows in coming. Here are the dates:

04. November 2016  J.V.A. Club, Ludwigsfelde
05. November 2016 Juz Klex, Greifswald

Progdeathmetal band Infernal Outcry release foreboding filmclip

I always wonder how far even female voices are prepared to go. This one here is from the more brutal end of the metal spectrum. It's the progressive death metal band Infernal Outcry who gifts us with a special filmclip. And one word in advance: the music is just great! A perfect balance between progressive elements and straight death metal passages while the vocals are for sure set in the deep region but nevertheless they are understandable and express the message with agressive and fitting vocal lines.

The video itself comes around as an epic Five and a Half minute short film. The clip shows a man's struggle with time and humanity's reckless destruction of the Earth via it's nonchalance and ignorance. A man literally out of time. A foreboding message about the over-population of the Earth and the reluctance to care for the Planet which sustains us... but for how long?

Infernal Outcry’s debut "Mass Extinction Requiem I" was produced by legend of the Australian Metal scene, Joe Haley (Psycroptic) and released on 18th March 2016, thanks to a grant from Tasmanian Regional Arts Fund. You can purchase the song of the video as well as the full EP both digitally and as a physical copy in the shop of the band's website or on Bandcamp.

The band Infernal Outcry from Tasmania, (c) by Infernal Outcry, used with kind permission

Also make sure to stay in connection with Infernal Outcry using the social outlets on Facebook or Twitter. 

Manach Seherath to play first show with new guitarist

Happily Symphonic Heavy Metal Band Manach Seherath found a new guitarist after some time of rehearsing several candidates. The new man on the guitar is called Joe Dardano (ex-Marshall; ex-Heavenshine).

In addition to this already great news the band announced their next live show, which is going to take place on 30th of September 2015 at Hades Pub in Naples. The band will play stuff from their first demo as well as give a insight into the upcoming album. There will be no entrance fee taken so don't miss out this show and band. See the promo poster for all the details of this event.

Posted by Avernus Media on Dienstag, 1. September 2015

The opening act on this evening will be thrash-black metal outfit Terrorfront, a band from Naples,too. They have a EP coming up called "We don't come in peace" and will kick in to the evening with a very raw and heavy package of music. The single for the EP already sounds promising so get ready for them.

Make sure to let the people out there know that you'll take part on the show through the Facebook event page and invite all of your friends to this special night full of metal!

In the meantime check out some music from both bands in the player below.

Interview with coverartist Roberto Toderico (todericoart.com)

Here we go with a brand new interview in the series of talking to coveratists who should be afforable also to small bands out there in the Heavy Metal cosmos.

Introduction

Roberto Toderico

This time we had a word with Roberto Toderico, known as todericoart out there. Located in south Italy, Roberto mostly focusses on doing artworks for extreme metal bands. Amongst the most famous cover he did so far you'll find some works for bands like Sinister and Asphyx.

Contact Data

If you'd like to get in touch with Roberto Toderico please use one of these links.

Email Roberto Toderico
facebook.com/todericoart
www.todericoart.com

The Interview

Heavy Metal Underdogs: What were your first steps in painting / creating artwork? Did you already work on this in school?

Roberto Toderico: I started drawing as a child... Then my first "step" was classic vandalism at school: drawing logos, skulls and stuff on desks and walls... with markers, pens, knives, fire... i was pretty creative! eheheh Then quit art for more then 10 years cause of my job in graphic and advertising... but i was really un-happy with that job, i'm glad i stepped out of it!


Why have you specialised in extreme music? Is there something that you favor in this music direction compared to other styles in Heavy Metal?

I think it's not only about the music since i listen to all kinds of metal (not only the extreme), much probably it's my taste for horror and supernatural that pushed me to stay focused on extreme metal... But right in this period i'm working for various act in classic heavy metal (Tygers of Pan Tang for example) and even prog/aor projects, I enjoy testing my fantasy in various directions.

Looking at some of your works on Facebook you seem to prefer the more black-and-white painting technique. Do you prefer it or is it that the bands ask for it?

The so called "old school" art, those grim lineworks in black ink, are deeply radicated in Death Metal as much as in me: it's a raw form of art, very instinctual, very effective...
I don't have a preferred style but, if i have to create something the traditional way, then i totally stick to black inks!



Which painting techniques do you prefer overall?

Acrylic painting actually but hope to have enough time to test oil painting one day!

What does inspire you to paint? Are there different sources where you draw it from? How much input does come from the bands you work with?

With no doubt I am the classic metalhead of the 80's: i'm all into horror movies, comic books, videogames... and Metal does the rest! Many great artists of the 80's inspired me and even if i produce a lot on digital art, i feel like my approach is not "modern" at all...When discussing with bands about concepts i'm opened to all ideas: even the worse one can be developed in a good artwork using the right style and creative approach...

Many of your works show monsters or mutilated humans. Could you also imagine to work on real life stuff?

Sometimes I do work on real life stuff... but reality kinda bores me. I do real-life mostly for practicing.
I'm not really into gore horror even! my favourite kind is surreal art with dark-occult atmosphere... but if the bands ask for gore... they'll get it for sure!

You recently held a exposition at Faust Fest VI. How did you choose the artworks for the event? Can you already say when the next exposition will take place? Is there maybe also a way to meet you personally at a festival or something?


Well my art expos are really rare cause i spend most of the time producing art and when i have a break i prefer to stay in the moshpit... this is how i intend a vacation! :D
For the Faust Fest VI expo i've choose a series of traditional arts made on classic poster paper, i like the rough impact of gig posters, i totally love them!
The easiest way to meet me is to check my page on facebook and see all the gigs i'll try to attend douring the year: it worked pretty good at Party.San 2015 i love to have good time with people at gigs! Anyway, art expos are still in plan for the next year... so stay tuned! ;)

Can people buy prints of your work?

I'm working hard on it and soon will be possible, the best way to be updated on my projects is my facebook page www.facebook.com/todericoart  , i'm also working on a personal brand for merchandise and tons of more things, i love to keep myself busy 24/24 ! ;)

Contact Data

If you'd like to get in touch with Roberto Toderico please use one of the links below.

Email Roberto Toderico
facebook.com/todericoart
www.todericoart.com

Female fronted Death Metal band Halo Creation working on first album

So far not much Death Metal has been up here on my page. It's simply because this style of the Metal Universe didn't found my like too much. It's because of the often monotone style of the songs and the vocals that are often also very equal and growled that much that you cannot understand a single sentence in a song.

Well, this time it's different. What we have here is a Death Metal combo from Austria. The demo that I've heard from them is different in my ears. It's more more diverse for me. Of course there's this typical overwhelming brutality in the songs but there are changing parts in the songs. Plus they have a woman performing the vocals. That's something that not many bands of that genre would try out. Here it works fine. The band reminds me a bit of Bolt Thrower, who are sadly no more.

(c) by Halo Creation, used with kind permission

After having released a four track demo in 2014 Halo Creation are currently working on their first full length album which is scheduled for a release in 2015. Until then check out the mentioned demo in the player below. My first pick was "Fading sun" which turned out a positive surprise. You can download the demo for free from the Reverbnation page of the band.

Keep an eye of them by following them via Facebook, YouTube or Backstage Pro (a social network in german language especially for contacts in the music-scene / music business / liveclubs etc.).

Email newsletters for bands at ReverbNation.com

Inner Sanctum unleash lyric video for new song Wake of Destruction

The metal scene in India seems to be great as far as I can see on the Headbangers India portal. It's cool to see there are so much talented bands that play our beloved music in this country.
So today we are going to take a closer look upon the band Inner Sanctum.

Death/Thrash metal heavy weights Inner Sanctum from Bangalore, India have just released a video for ‘Wake of Destruction’, their first single from their upcoming release ‘Legions Awake’, the follow up to the critically acclaimed EP ‘Provenance’.

The track blew me away! Very powerful, yet versatile and with a very fine note of melody mixed in. I enjoyed it very much! It's a very hard song no doubt. Anyway it is not that hard to listen to and you feel not that stretched afterwards. The mix and structure makes you feel good and it leaves you with a refreshing feeling. But best of all just check it out for yourselves:

About the Band

Inner Sanctum was awarded the "Band of the Year 2007", "Band of the year 2009" and “Emerging Band of the year 2010”. So far the band has 

Inner Sanctum supported metal band Metallica, Slayer, Testament, Carcass, Sikth, Karnivool and Periphery to name a few. In the summer of 2013, Inner Sanctum embarked on an 8 city tour of Europe with festival appearances at Metalfest Poland and a slew of club shows across Germany.

(c) by Inner Sanctum, used with kind permission

Album Production

Inner Sanctum has continued its association with award winning producer/engineer Lasse Lammert, LSD Studios Germany, for the new record who is renowned for his stellar production with thick punishing guitars and massive yet crisp drum sound. Lasse Lammert has worked with Alestorm, Svartsot, Halcyon Way, Synarchy, Trials etc.

Video Production

For the video, Inner Sanctum commissioned Igor Omodei from Uneven Structure, the French progressive metal band. Igor is one of the most sought after designers whose arrangements are gorgeous and breathtaking to say the least. Igor Omodei has worked with Basick Records, Euroblast, Xerath, Escape the Cult, The Dali Thundering Concept etc.

Links

Website: www.innersanctum.in

Facebook: www.facebook.com/innersanctumindia

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/innersanctumindia/videos

Twitter: https://twitter.com/innersanctumblr

BandCamp: www.innersanctum.bandcamp.com

St. Nicholas Day: Gentrification giving away full album for free

Today it's St. Nicholas Day. Have you all written up your wishlists and prepared some food for the Nichlaus and his hungry horse? :-)

Okay, then here's your present: Get the full "Deviance" album from the band Gentrification as a free download! It's music for the fans of Kreator, Carcass and the like (Death Metal, Thrash Metal and Metalcore).
The download comes with full digital booklet incl. lyrics, cover artwork and bonus track.

Listen to it right here and don't forget to head over to Bandcamp to pick your free download! Also visit the band's website as well as their account on Facebook to follow them.

You can order the album at the very same Bandcamp page also as CD completely manufactured without plastic. Includes a 12-page booklet printed with plant-based colors on recycled paper. Each CD is numbered by hand, limited to 500 copies and costs only 5,99 Euro. There's also a version bundled with a T-Shirt available for 12,99 Euro.

Relapse Records handing out free Sampler with unreleased songs

Do you remember the good old Relapse Records Label? It's the legendary label that brought some classic records to you. One example I remember very well is one of the very first Amorphis albums, Tales from the throusand Lakes. The album really brought some progressive elements to the realm of Death Metal and it made me more aware than ever of this musical style in the Heavy Metal world that I mostly ignored before.

Happily the label is still around and active and provides us this fall with a fresh, annual label sampler that's been set up for free download. You can listen to the full 26-tracks big pack below. Besides already released stuff you'll also get to hear some tracks that give a first impression of upcoming releases of the label featuring Gruesome, Publicist UK, and Ecstatic Vision. If you want to download the songs just go to the Bandcamp site of the record label and do so.

CD Review: MONSTER - The Arrival

Note: If you have a own band or project that you think might fit in well here for a review or as a presentation / introduction please drop me a line or two in a E-Mail.  Please see my profile for my E-Mail adress. I appreciate new suggestions very much!

If you're having troubles writing in English please send me a E-Mail in your preferred language or use the free Google Translator to transfer your message to English. I also use that tool, it's of course not perfect but I think it will mostly likely work out for our purposes.

Short introduction

MONSTER started as a band in the summer of 2011. All members had some experience that they brought in from their previous bands so they knew they wanted to do something in the Thrash metal direction. They released their first demo back in 2013 as a free download through the streaming and download plattform Soundcloud. After some time guitarist Dimi Weis left the band but was replaced some time after with Klaas Olthoff. The band has released their first full length album in Juli 2014 on Souncloud also free of charge for everybody to pick up.

Short Summary / Player / Download Link

The album is great, there's absolutely no doubt for me. They remind me a lot of the old Slayer but with a sound of today's Testament and some decent Death metal influences. The sound is heavy, dark but also melodic and most of all it is a very diverse and versatile record if you give it some proper rounds of listening.

You will discover that besides the obvious brutal elements there are a lof of fine subtile elements put inside this piece of music that make it well worth your time. Even if you have a limited download amount I strongly recommend to pick it up. It's fully professionell produced and recorded and comes without taking a cent out of your pockets.


Update 2014/11/20: Finally there's a chance to get a original copy of the album on a physical CD! You can order your CD by sending a Email to the band at monsterorder@gmx.de  One CD will cost you 7 Euro including shipping and handling when you live in germany, worlwide higher shipping fees have to be count in. A CD costs 9 Euro when you order to a adress outside of germany.

Please also consider to share the word on it and/or give the band's Facebook page a like at least in return. They also have proper band T-Shirts and girlies to order for a low price so you may support the band that way if you like. You can ask them directly via E-Mail for more details. Besides that you can also follow them on Soundcloud.

Premiere of new Asphyx song now online

Looking around here I realised that Death Metal is a style of our beloved music that I've led out so far. No problem, this can still be changed. :-)

As for Asphyx it's interesting how I got to know them. I remember I saw them for the first time live back in 2000 at my first Bang your Head festival. They played as a opening slot for Cannibal Corpse at the warm-up show the evening before the main event started. I never heard them before so I was pretty amazed that they did play Death Metal mixed up with a good portion of Thrash and melody, a mixture I started to like pretty much.

By now the band has had it's revival after some years of silence and is currently working on a new album which is set to be released on 02/24/2012 entitled "Deathhammer". The german monthly magazine RockHard is currently exclusively streaming the title track at this side, it's a typical song by the band. Go in here to find out if you like their style of Death Metal:

Asphyx Song "Deathhammer" Stream at Rock Hard magazine