EP Review: Chipper - Reality Check (Stoner Rock,2023)

Music has the power to overcome many bad things. Chipper, a band out of Greece had to face many troubles but they made it through. The Reality Check EP as a result hands the power further to the listener.

Chippers new EP comes with a gloomy artwork.

What I like so much is the combination of heavy power riffing mixed up with a lot of groove portions and easier parts putting in a lot of fine work on the instruments showing the talent of the four musicians. You can quickly check this out for yourselves by the first full song "Terror 'n Fame". The vocals are rough and dirty but keep listening - there's far more to come.

But there's more than "only" heavyness to be found on the EP. Already it's next track "Remedy Light" comes in a lighter package and tonality. It changes it's format from verses with lighter guitar playing up to a heavier refrain that put's in more of the raw powered sounds. It's the working with so many different sounds and moods that makes this release stand out.

The "Oldschool Rocket Army" is a slightly faster and more harder number with great chorus that invites to rock along to it. I like the more open and clearer vocals in that section.

Finally "Under No Gods Cloud" closes the release with rough notes but lighter vocals. There's a section towards the end which plays around with sound possibilities - a fine way to give more life into the music.

Make sure to take a teaser with the player below. A digital copy is available for five Euro on Bandcamp which will help the band to create new and more music for you.  

EP Review: Lady Beast - Omens (Power Metal, 2021)

Are musicians always in need of a big budget to get something great done ? The brand new Lady Beast EP has a basic sound but not a big production behind it. 

The cover invites to think about it's meaning.

Nevertheless the band put together great songs. They feel like very different parts flow into each other without cutting edges.

The music also feels outworked more - take the vocals as example. They are more fine tuned this time and often show many different aspects and approach on high singing in a different way compared to similar material of other bands.

In fact I have to listen to these songs multiple times to fully get inside. That surprised me a bit. The good side is that it didn't kick me away at first listen so I kept trying another time and was rewarded with the discovery of the mentioned refined work on their music.

If you're into classic power metal you'll quickly get this started but it will do something with you. Maybe you'll feel the way I did - thinking wow - this is somewhat different than music I've heard before. This goes especially for the songs "Blood For Blood" and "Kill The King".

The guitar solos go deeper. They are highlighted through a significant higher toned sound and stand out of the sound. It's like this on all of the songs of this EP.

Pre-Order the CD (10 bucks) or LP on screen printed black/white splatter vinyl (20 euro) 

http://shop.reapermetalproductions.com/products?utf8=%E2%9C%93&search=omens

Preview the mini album with the opening track right here.

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.

EP Review: Silver Nightmares - The Wandering Angel EP (Prog AOR, 2019)

A wonderful EP that invites to dream away of your everday troubles but also shows the inner fights we all have to struggle with.

The cover already let's you think of another world.

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The strongest part of this italian release is it's fairytale like concept. It's already the packaging that tell's you that something different awaits inside. Maybe it's the old tree that reveals truth and it may guide us through the minutes of listening.
 
The Silver Nightmares EP shares a wealth of instrumentation with the listener, even a flute like on "Dick Dastardly" or the trumpet on "David The King" have been put inside. 

It's not a common thing to have two vocalists but it works fine here.
They come around to me as if they both stand each for one side. Maybe it's the light and the dark with both fighting against each other. 

It's a rough experience so be prepared that listening this piece of music is challenging at times. Overall it's deeply rooted in the AOR music style with many high notes flying around. My favorite is the title track for it's heavyness and song number four "David The King" with the groove and wide sound inside.  
 
A epic balladesque feeling comes in at "Dame Nature" and marks a point of reloading of energy. Warmly welcomed.
Overall you can listen to this many times, there are always new things to discover.  

The only thing that I've found being negative is the mid-quality of the sound. It would have been nice to have more clarity.

Please support the band with a purchase so they continue to create more fine tunes for all of us. Physical copies are available at Bandcamp as well as the download both at a very fair price (7 Dollar CD, 3 Euro DL).

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CD Review: A Light Within - Epilogue (Post Metal, 2018)

A far more accessable record compared to the both previous releases. Yet it's far from being mainstream.

A Light Within Epilogue EP cover, (c) by A Light Within, used with kind permissio

A Light Within are a band with a own sound. Their music comes around more centered of feelings than of planed structures. It's all about the message and the expression. The music takes you to other places no question.

Summary
This EP has put a heavy eye on loud and more direct sounds. The tunes put the sound more to the front of the listener. You don't need to dig that deep anymore to get to the point. Anyway there's still room for a lot of sounds in the silence. Working for the first time with producer Paul Malinowski (Season to Risk, Shiner, The Life & Times)  and directing mastering duties to Acle Kahney (TesseracT) surely helped to develop the band's sound further.

The best example as for me is the opening number "Shells". It's loud and rough but taking a close ear to the vocals touching in to the sounds they give a deep message with it leaving a aftertaste of feelings in the broad waves of music. It's those moments that you'll soak up what makes A Light Within so special and stand out.

"Chemical Drive" invites to enjoy the moment and let yourselves drift. The melody and main-theme comes around relaxed. Maybe the most beautiful track that builds up slowly piece by piece to end in much rougher spheres. The drums are coming clearer and the bass on "An Educated Gentleman" surprises with raw attacking. It's a unusual tempo the band presents on this one. Compared to the older material songs like this one come quicker to the point plus there's more feeling of movement in them.

"Surrounded By Astronauts" is the most complex song of the package. It's sound feels like the elements are fighting a bit against each other. It makes it hard to get to the core with the massivity of the sounds reaching your ears.

Purchase-Link and EP-Stream
"Epilogue" comes in three formats. The download in a format of your choice from Bandcamp or a handy Digipack CD are a good pick to every lover of music. They come for the fair pice of 4 or 7 US Dollar.

But the best is the limited tin case. Having checked out the quality of it from "Body Matter" (the previous EP) with my own hands and eyes I can say it's handmade but professionell and with high quality materials. Be quick those gems are going fast and these one's are limited with handwritten numbers on the backside. It's also available from the band's Bandcamp store.


Finally follow the band with Facebook to see how the journey will go on.

CD Review: Gungnir - Ragnarök (Viking Metal, 2018)

It's time to go into the brutal direction. But this band sneaks in lot's of fine tuned elements that you  normally wouldn't expect of such a release that has been heavily inspired by the classic Bathory albums.

The cover of Gungnir's debut EP "Ragnarök", (c) by Gungnir, used with kind permission

Introduction
Gungnir were formed by Yngve (Flames, Deviser, ex-W.E.B.), along with long-time friend and bandmate in other projects Jim havok (Chained And Desperate), on October 2016. Inspired by Bathory's legacy they created a band with the sole purpose of reviving ancient sagas and myths, found in the Norse mythology and the Eddas.

After taking all of 2017 slowly composing and recording, they recruited Ithonas from the Hellenic black metal band Dizziness to handle the vocals for the EP. Zel from the mighty Ancient also appeared as a guest vocalist for the cover in Bathory's "Enter the Eternal Fire" cover.

Summary
The soundshell is held in the absolute classic direction. This means it's pure and direct in-your-face metal all the way. The band doesn't fiddle around too much with setting up but lay's it down heavy and raw.

Anyway while listening to the EP and banging to the rough notes you'll spot little but important changes in the sound taking you away from the dominating songwriting freshing up the sound. It's those moments that you'll open your ears and wonder what's going onthere. It's the unusual use of rhythm and/or guitars that come in at points where you wouldn't expect them.

For instance there is the track "The Wanderer". The drums go a disctinctivly different direction. First I wondered a lot how that should fit to the direction chosen. But similar to the vocals they are more versatile not only brutal. A bit of battle glory feelings and a bit of the noise of the battlefield can be imagined this way.

"Fenrir" is wrapped in a more compact soundcase. I helps to keep the agression level up. The vocals are fat in here. Again a nice contrast to the other tunes.

Preview-Track-Stream and Purchase-Link
As a quick introduction I recommend to go with the track "Fenrir".



Please take this as a recommendation to pick up a physical copy - you'll be rewarded a cover of Bathory's "Enter the Eternal Fire" as bonus material. A picture of the tape on Facebook already looks tasting with it's white styled sleeve and the white-housed tape inside.

The CD will be released through Metal Throne Productions (limited to 500) and the tape will be spread by Mercyful Hell Prods (limited to 150). While typing this the physical edition of both CD and tape are sold out from the band directly but can still get them from the labels. Meanwhile the digital version of the EP is still available from Bandcamp.

Keep in touch with the band through Bandcamp or Facebook or even Google Plus.

CD Review: Terra IncΩgnita - Sign With Blood (Epic Heavy Metal, 2016)

Let's discover the Terra IncΩgnita and find the unseen in form of melodic yet very heavy and groove oriented music highlighted by vocals ranging from dark tones to high notes and also some develish laughs can be heard.

Good things come your way when you least expect them. So it happened to me with this 4 track disc of greece-based band Terra Incognita. They crossed my way at a moment I felt down but the band gave me the power to push on forward.

The cover of the EP "Sign With Blood", (c) by Terra IncΩgnita, used with kind permission

It felt to me just as if I was discovered them at one of those moments you know while being on a summer Open Air festival and you hang with people near the stage. Out of nowhere there are these songs in the background and you turn around because they've caught your attention. You want to know who the heck is singing so high and is able to keep these high notes standing for such a long time while the band grooves and powers throughout the whole duration...

Summary

So what has made me curious? Sure thing the band takes what they feel fits best together. This ranges from the classic rock metal anthem formula up to dark classic metal parts but also throws in modern guitar effects every here and there. Sometimes there is also softer part in it giving a moment to breathe just to be back with more heavness shortly afterwards.

The strength of this EP comes from it versatile formula. The music never becomes one-direction styled. Instead it moves and changes withing few moments. It's a high art nevertheless because it sounds like one piece and never loses it's direction so you don't feel as if it's just pressed to be this way. It maintains a natural style.

It's fine to see the agression is finetuned and placed at the proper positions so it always underlines the expression of the music. The vocals round out the great feeling these tunes gave me. They change and besides the great high pitched classic vocals they take forms like speaking, laughing, whispering at times. It's a pleasure to follow the band and while I'm typing these words the music of Terra Incognita is running once and again in the background.

Preview Stream and Purchase-Link

Make sure to tune in to the video of the track "Conqueror" offered below. More can be heard at the Spotify channel of the band or see their Youtube page for some live recordings.

You can pick up a copy as download over at Amazon Music or Google Play.

Contact Data

Please keep in mind that these EP is a teaser to the coming album “Fragments of a Ruined Mind”. So make sure to follow Terra IncΩgnita further on Facebook or check their homepage so you won't miss out on how the story continues...

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.

OrckOut take us "Far away from all" to reach our Destination

Midtempo thrash can offer great tunes. It doesn't always need to be fast. Brazil Stoner Thrashers OrckOut have put out a fresh tune of their latest EP "Destination" with strong and clear rhythm which keeps the music in a sharp style and tonality. It's easier to go through the structure of the track this way.

In addition the dark and rough vocals are something that sticks in the mind of the listener. The music holds a little surprise towards the end: it's rounded out by a extensive and outworked solo section something which you wouldn't have expected after the previous form of the video single.

If you'd like to hear the full EP click on to Soundcloud. Make sure to follow the band further through their website or a like on Facebook.

The EP cover for OrckOut's "Destination" was designed by OrckOut guitarist Eder Munhoz, (c) by OrckOut, used with kind permission

CD Review: Alluvion - Reverberations (Melodic Metal/2016)

A hefty EP incorparting as many styles of the heavy genre as one could imagine.

Short Introduction

Alluvion are a metal band located at Fredericksburg, Virginia. They mix elements of metal, rock, prog-rock, and shoegaze into there own brand of music. Alluvion has been a band for about 10 years recording several albums and performing regionally. The "Reverberations" EP has been released in October 2016.

Alluvions's "Reverberations" EP cover, (c) by Alluvion, used with kind permission

Summary

This release surely speaks out to the one's being open to travel between various sounds.You can take this as a sign that the music never get's boring or one-dimensional throughout the whole duration. But there's even more variation in them.

What I'd like to say is that the EP changes it's mood without warning. While the EP starts up rather epicly with the longer track "Exodus" it cracks you down quickly already with the second song "Heel of the Boot". It feels as if you're sitting in a rollercoaster. At one moment it was all fine and good but just around the corner the heavyness just kicks straight into the face. The next round goes to the title track that provides you with a moment to take a breath just before another ride start's with "Drop It" but this time more midtempo. It's the song with the most positive note on the whole record. "Critters" gives you a massive "kick-me-out" feeling with it's heavyness once again. Anyway I guess many of you'll want to follow the band once they'v had taste of it.

The cool thing in the band's style is that they added some shoegaze to their typical metal sound. If you like that style but prefer it to not dominate the band's sound with it's typical slowness and multi-layered song structures but instead have more typical metal elements with the music I think Alluvion's "Reverberations" are the definite place for you to check out. Just check the songs "Exodus" and the ending of "Critters" for more details on this.

Purchase-Link and Album stream

The whole package comes free of charge. I'd like to ask you to give some bucks if you like it because making music ain't free. Artists have a lot of costs to cover just to entertain us the way they do so giving back is never a wrong thing.

Besides that this is the first download I came across that comes with MP4 files in them. Those nice goodies are short live video clips the band shared as preview items on their Facebook page. They show the live power and atmosphere of the band so they are a nice addition to the release and give a idea if you consider going to one of Alluvion's live shows (please do show up to give them your support).

On my Smartphone the cover as well as the lyrics were integrated into the mp3 files so they were displayed automatically upon selecting them with my player app. That was a cool surprise to me to have everything at hand with just one single click. The lyrics are rough and direct and speak clearly. If you want to have a message straight - this band provides it. Here's the EP stream for you to quickly check it out.


Contact Data

The band is up for contact on Facebook as well as on Youtube and Instagram.

Living Dead Girl creates a world of virtual simulation

I'm always impressed to see how creative people are that write and record music. What I'm talking about is the fact of how simple the elements are that musicians use. If you take these and look at them separately they look as if they aren't much or could be enough to work out something bigger with them.

It's like this with this video of the dark electronica duo Living Dead Girl. The way the song starts out seems to be just a little song fragement. But the duo works out the track further with every minute throughout the whole song duration so in the end it grows and vibrates like a big song. It's a outstanding track. The same goes for the video. The electronica duo uses simple visuals but the way they combine and cut them make this moving picture something special.

You can pick up "Simulation" as a single download or along with some more tracks on the "Autumn" EP for a small price from the Bandcamp page of Living Dead Girl.

Jessica English (vocalist of Living Dead Girl) explains the meaning behind the song in these word: "It imagines a world where virtual stimulation strips us of personal interaction and expression, leaving us without a sense of realism or self. The song explores the search for humanity amongst the artificial. After a long search for the right director to work with, we went with fashion photographer and videographer Vasilisa Forbes, who helped us bring our imaginings to life. The video juxtaposes a clinical, plain setting with a bright, vibrant, simulated world. The two begin to blur as the video progresses, asking us to question which one is more real.”

A scene of the video of Simulation, (c) by Living Dead Girl, used with kind permission

Also make sure to follow the duo via Facebook, Instagram or add them on Spotify.

Ways. portrait their musical contrasts in beautiful video

Ways. are a post hardcore formation from France that incorporates many different elements in their music. Some are of the traditional harsh and brutal nature, some have their origins in softer and melodic regions but this band has the ability to melt all of them into a sound that feels as if it has been always like this for them.

The newest video that comes fresh of the video cutting table of the band uses intensive and outstanding romantic as well as rough video recordings of nature phenomenons to express the varity in their musical spectrum. This video will give you a relaxed as well as kicking start into the new month.

The band will play a couple of shows in September 2016 in Spain (!) and France. Just check the flyer below if you can make it to one of their performances.

The tourposter of the upcoming Ways. shows in September 2016, (c) by Ways. , used with kind permission

A look on the bands internet plattforms such as Bandcamp or Facebook is a good idea if you'd like to find out if the other songs of their debut EP "Warching from afar" match your musical taste.

Let's speak with...Angerhead (2016)

The thrash metal genre is exploding these days. We see a lot of bands coming and some of them go in a more traditional direction while others seem to bring in some fresh elements or songwriting structures in their music.

Angerhead caught my attention through their straight forward mentality. Their songs kick in straight all on it and don't leave room for any discussion or soft notes - they make it completly clear who's playing from start to finish.

So as much as their newest output "Fueled by rage" made me bang my head as much was I eager to know how the guys would react to some questions. Read on and get to know what's on the band's mind when it comes to topics such as their search for a record label, inspiration for lyrics, how the mood and community feeling is like at a Bay Area show is and what can happen when you play a gig at a party and decide to have a drink or two...

The cover of the "Fueled By Rage EP", (c) by Angerhead, used with kind permission

Heavy Metal Underdogs: How did the band come together?

Angerhead: Paul and I (Eric) met at a Green Jelly show. I was opening the show in my other band. My vocalist had a high voice and i was looking for more of a growler. We decided to meet up the following week. Within 15 seconds of hearing him sing over some songs I had recorded I knew we had something.

Which sources do you use as inspiration for writing new songs?

Musically, it has to be heavy and powerful. I believe lyrically we always like to write about current messed up events or something that has irked us for a while.

Do you feel that writing and performing music helps you to push on further with your own personal lives?

We love to play and write. It's really breaks up the monotony of real life, work and all. We especially love to play the tunes live, in front of people. The heavy, loud music pumping people up is addicting.


Social media surely plays a big role in the communication between a band and their fans. Do you feel that fans contact you more or less personally at gigs these days?

We have a pretty constant and steady influx of friends and fans who come to our shows. Its a metal community in the Bay Area and everyone supports each others bands. Its really cool when we play shows and we get the local metal community coming out every time to see us play. It really is humbling.

Do you still prefer releasing music on traditional media like LPs, CDs and the like or do you feel the same satisfaction when putting out music digitally?

Since we have given out our music pretty much from day one, any way to reach a new fan is the right way. However, now we are looking to possibly sign a record deal, we have to back off with the free music to see where that goes. If we sign, then there will be push for people to buy the record. We plan on putting a lot of cool stuff inside the record so the fans will have something more that just the music when they buy it.

Have you ever experimented with other styles over the years and thought about changing?

Not really. We know what we do, and we know what we like. We are Angerhead. Thrash Metal Punk. It will stay that way.

Bandpicture from Angerhead, (c) by Angerhead, used with kind permission

Did you come along points where you thought about leaving it all behind? If you reached that point: how did you keep the motivation up to move on?

It happens from time to time. Its a lot of work keeping a band together. We have been through 3 drummers and this is our second bassist. I feel that this is the most solid lineup. When I'm feeling like giving up, I usually call Paul and he centers me again. I try to think about the live shows and the fans, that usually makes me realize I love it and don't want it to end.

What was the funniest story that came along your way when you performed live? Or did things happen that you would have never thought of to occur (not only at gigs but maybe anywhere else as well)?

Our last show, Paul got pretty buzzed. He never does that. It was hilarious because he was behind the music. It was a party and they had some really good, potent beer. Hey, this is metal and that was a fun party, so we just rolled with it.

Contact Data

Finally don't hesitate to get in touch with the band using their website or Facebook.

Angerheads band logo, (c) by Angerhead, used with kind permission

 

CD Review: Ways. - Watching From Afar EP (2016)

In short a hardcore EP with a clear aim: to bring in fresh elements to a well known genre. Ways. carefully thought out their songs and created a listening experience both being familar and surprising alltogether.

Short Introduction

Ways. are a rock / metal / alternative band from Paris, France. In April the band released their debut EP Watching From Afar. The band first came to my attention when I saw their video for the song "Misty Hope" which made me more than looking forward to their first record. A great track and teaser to this EP.

The cover of "Watching From Afar", (c) by Ways. , used with kind permission

Summary

Listening to this very first release of Ways. quickly will let you identify it has a music of the hardcore genre. The typical elements like the harsh vocals and the strong and strict song structures are easily identifiable.

But it's also clear after a short time that the band ever had the idea in their mind to give new impulses to this. There are hacked riffs in there as well as timing variations ("My Blue Stain"), you'll be confronted with silence packed in the loud message of "Misty Hope" just to reach a hardcore half-ballad with "Something to say..." and come to the end with "Twenty First Sectuary" which closes the release with the classic hardcore style but mixed up with a slight fun-riff. I think you'll be surprised to hear how this sounds but it will leave you with a smile and the good feeling behind.

If you still prefer to stick to some old hardcore sounds don't worry: the second track "As A Duty" offers this so the old core of the genre is not forgotten from this band at all.

Player / Purchase-Link


The EP comes around as a pay what you want offer on Bandcamp. Sure you can pick it up for free but please keep in mind that young bands need a push at the start so they can progress further. If you help them out with a few bucks who knows how their next release may sound like? Or how the tracks sound live? You can help to make this happen by giving a amount of your choice.

Other places such as Spotify, iTunes and Google Play can also be used to stream and buy the "Watching From Afar" EP.

Contact Data

Ways. have some nice social outlets up and running out there, you can choice between Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

New Ignitor EP only available on Ragnarokkr Festival May 6th

A lot of you people out there surely know how it's like to take hold of something special that has only been available at a certain place and at a certain time. These collectors items (often CDs, T-Shirts or posters) will later remind you a long time of a special event and hopefully a good time you had in your life. It will be moreover valueable at moments when things will not shine so brightly...

One of these rare items will be released by Ignitor, the Austin, Texas based classic heavy metal band featuring vocalist Jason McMaster. This time a new limited edition EP will be available at the 2016 Ragnarokkr festival to be held in Chicago, Illinois on May 6-7, 2016.

The cover of the upcoming Ragnarokkr festival EP, (c) by Ignitor, used with kind permission

Vocalist Jason McMaster has checked in with the following comment:

"Ignitor cannot wait to introduce the new line up and play with legendary true metal bands. We are excited about the new material and are giving a peek into our current recordings with a special edition ep exclusive to the festival attendees."

EP Track Listing:
1. Haunted
2. Throw Them From The Cliff
3. No Sanctuary
4. Hung, Drawn & Quartered (Raven cover)

Check out the latest video for the song "No Sanctuary".


As for me the band positively reminds me of good old Judas Priest times and that's a good sign.

The band will play more shows in the upcoming time here are the dates:

May 6 - Reggie's Rock Club - Ragnarokkr Fest 2016 - Chicago, Illinois
(Tygers of Pan Tang, Jag Panzer, Jack Starr's Burning Starr, Leather Leone and others)

May 21 - South Austin Brewery (Austin. Texas)

May 31 - Grizzly Hall (Austin, Texas)

For the latest Ignitor band news and show dates, visit their official website or connect with them through Facebook.

CD Review: Angerhead - Fueled By Rage EP (2016)

A oldschool thrash EP with slightly mixed in elements of other styles such as hardcore and classic metal. If you prefer your metal heavy and brutal like in the old days when thrash was directly going all on it without any ado then this recording is all for you.

Short Introduction

Angerhead is a San Jose, California based band that was started in February 2011 by Guitarist Eric Beard (Dr.Chunk, Xzanthus) and Vocalist Paul Hastey (Plaster), who expertly blend elements of Bay Area Thrash, Metal, Punk and Hardcore into the music they write.The band is rounded out by Bassist Jim Pegram (Mudface, Imagika, Skinner) and drummer David O'Neal (Stormy Strong).

In 2013, Angerhead went in the studio and recorded a 3 song EP, which featured the title track "Angerhead" with Paul sharing vocal duties with Steve "Zetro" Souza (Exodus, Hatriot).

In 2014, they entered the studio once again, this time with Juan Urteaga (Machine Head, Testament) and recorded the "Headful of Hate" 4 song Ep which has gained the bands even more fans.

2016 sees the band releasing their new new 5 song "Fueled by Rage" EP, once again with Juan Urteaga at the helm. The EP is currently available for free download from the band's Reverbnation page.

The cover of the "Fueled By Rage EP", (c) by Angerhead, used with kind permission

Summary

This EP comes directly to the point. No long debate, no questioning around - Angerhead are going in straight and make CLEAR what's on their mind. This is one of the kind recordings that fits best when you're filled with agression and negativity and need to let go of it. "Fueled By Rage" will help you to do so.

Sometimes in all the heavyness you'll witness potions that are mixed in of other styles of the heavy genre. But those elements are few and perfectly fit to the track. There is some variation in on this EP, it's not all just fast forward. So in all the obvious brutality that is perfectly expressed by the vocals and the heavy production you'll always have spots to discover. That's something that's not easy to get by. You need some rounds to come around all of those diamonds mixed in. Not many records out there have this.

For instance "So cold" obviously is a very heavy and straight number but the refrain is set in a bit slower form and tonality and gives some variation into the number. "Face the fear" is another good example for this. Typically direct to the point but the track is a bit more relaxed in it's structure and the refrain well worked into the way the hole song is build upon. The package is greatly rounded by a proper cover of Motörheads "Iron Fist" in Angerheads own formula - very cool yet very faithfull to the original.

Player / Purchase Link

It's a little sensation: a band put's out a brand new EP and gives it away for free as a download. It's hard to believe. I remember times where stuff like this one was up for purchase and it was the normal way to buy it if you wanted to own a copy. So without any further ado here's the link to Reverbnation where you can get your free download or stream the whole mini album directly from the player below.
Maybe you can reward the band with buying some merch or going to one of their shows. Remember that music needs your support to survive - it's your vote that counts.

Contact Data 

Stay in touch with the band by having a look on their homepage from time to time or let yourselves notify through Facebook about news from the band. 

CD Review: Amelia - Amelia EP (2015)

What happens when two women dedicated to music come together to express their musical abilities? I think the answer is a quite hard but also melodic direct sounding Rock / Hardcore experience like Amelia deliver with their first EP.

Short Introduction

With strikingly similar styles fueled by passionate musicianship, Jenn Elizabeth’s (vocals/guitar) and Tessa Breitbach’s (drums) collaboration forged the rock/hardcore band, Amelia. With their energetic sound just breaking the horizon, the band based out of Oregon, stands to become an inspirational staple to the current music scene.

In March 2015, the band ventured to Michigan to record their first EP “Ameila” with producer Josh Schroeder. 

Amelia’s focus is on creating more than just an aggressively unparalleled sound, but a distinct voice. Jenn articulates the theme illustrated throughout the album, “The EP is about individuality – never giving up on what you love – your true passion – despite any perceived obstacles. Simply, just being true to yourself.”

The cover of the first Amelia EP, (c) by Amelia, used with kind permission

Summary

The five tracks on the first EP feature a hard and edgy sound. It's kept hard, direct and live sounding. The tracks show a lot of variations in them. You'll need to make several rounds to get to all the details that are put inside the music. You'll feel the agression, the energy that these both women have layed down on tape. It's really crushing und pushing all the time.

Through all the heavyness you'll still be able to catch up a lot of fine melodies and lot's of precise rhythm patterns. At some points I've asked myself how they've put all of this together. It must have really taken a lot of time to get to this tight form. It's a modern sounding recording no question The vocals range from softer tonality up to a rougher range up to the darkest growling at some points. I love all of the rough energy you can feel when listening to Amelia. It's as if they've captured their rawest and purest of emotions upon the disc sharing it along with their points of view.

EP overview

The EP has a very diverse structure. The first two tracks are a more complex thing as they feature a lot of variation in them. They'll won't kick you on the first listen but will grow with every spin more you give to them. It goes over to a rather more easy style with "Let Them Fight For It". The climax is reached with "The Truth Is" which will throw you upside down with all it's rhythmic heavyness along with great sing along and hard guitar riffing. The last number "Before The End" throws it out the roughest and hardest just at the very end of the EP. 

Player / Purchase Link / Tourdates

The album is up for free listening on Soundcloud. If you would like to have a copy then you can get a download of the EP on itunes. You can also grab it from digital stores such as Amazon or Spotify.

There also the possibility to purchase a physical copy on CD for five Dollar plus shipping and handling at the band's online merch store. There are also beautiful shirts and EP bundles up so don't miss this chance.


Amelia will do some local shows in the upcoming time, here are the dates.

3/12 Hawthorne Theater Lounge, Portland, OR
3/18 Tony V's Garage Everett, WA 
3/18 Studio Seven Seattle, WA
3/22 Analog Cafe and Theater, Portland, OR
4/14 Black Forest Eugene, OR
5/13 The Night Light Oakland, CA 

Contact Data

Stay in tune with Amelia: facebook.com/ameliamusic | Ameliatheband/Twitter

CD Review: June 1974 - Atlantide (2014)

I've seldomely ever heard that someone managed to change between various styles in such a cool way. But this instrumental one man project of Federico Romano really gives me hope that breaking barriers between various genres isn't that hard to get by. Read now what I've found out while listening to the "Atlantide" EP.

Short Introduction

June 1974 is the musical project created in late 2009 by Federico Romano,an underground writer of poems and short stories.His kind of music is indefinable because every song embraces different styles from dance to rock to classic/ hip hop  music. So June 1974 is 360 music degree only for open mind listeners.Till now June 1974, has published more than 250 songs(singles+ep+albums) available on all digital stores worldwide thanks to Visionaire Records (his record label) .

Atlantide is the title of this EP published in November 2014 that cointains two songs in rock electro classic post shoegaze style mastered in Iceland by Birgir Jon Birgisson at his Sundlaugin studios ( Sigur Ros / Alcest / Mum ) available on all digital stores worldwide by Visionaire Records. Meanwhile June 1974 has published other singles in 2015 and now is working hard on the new album that will be avalaible in middle of 2016.

Cover artwork by Soey Milk (c) by June 1974, used with kind permission

Summary

The EP is a cool surprise item if you're looking for a gift to someone you know that is completly open to all sorts of music or just yourselves if you like to listen to all possible styles of music. This said it's sure that this release contains a good potion or Rock music with slightly heavier parts in it as well as soft parts of the more ambient direction.

But it's far more than that. You'll listen to pop elements as well as have your ear on some nice electronic elffects in it. Some sounds give a ghostly feeling while others sound very experimental and it's hard to say how that effect might have come together. Sounds like the composer tries out effect stuff and various set-up's while creating his music. Some melodies will stay in your mind for some time due to it's strangeness or typical melody.

EP Overview

The record starts with the slower and soundwise softer "Follia". It starts out slow but just wait a little and the track moves on and starts to evolve through it's duration. You may not think that it will be very different throughout the whole track but just relax and enjoy. Have you ever listened to something similar like this? I love people who create such soundscapes for all of us.

The second number "Atlantide" is of the more abrassive way of music. It comes with more distortion. You'll easily point it out as a rocking track. It has less of it's haunting moments but takes it's energy more of the heavier riffs that are built in. The rhythm patterns are also chosen in a much heavier way. Nevertheless it has also a outworked song structure which let's us discover various moods throughout the musical journey so it's not just a Rock song all the while.

Player & Purchase-Link

The EP consists of two tracks. That seems not to be much but please keep in mind that those tracks come along with a duration of 24 minutes alltogether. The download costs 2 Euro for the whole EP on Bandcamp but looking at the whole diversity and big musical bandwith it covers should be a good pick for fans of various genres. Enjoy the stream to find out if the EP meets your taste of music.

 

Contact Data

If you enjoyed the music make sure to see the other releases of June 1974 on Bandcamp and make sure to keep a eye on the Facebook page of Visionaire Records for all the upcoming info on this project.