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.  

Sense Of Fear shot a new single out of nowhere

Sense of Fear is one of the oldest active heavy metal bands based in Northern Greece. I know they had a lot of trouble getting the first releases ( a EP and their full-length album titled "As the Ages passing by") together which took them a long time to get it all done. In fact they have my deepest respect that they sticked to what they wanted to archive no matter how bad things went.

So today I was very surprised to find the newest single in my inbox. The music also goes a fast and straight forward route taking a more thrashy style this time. If you're after something going straight for the kill - this track has it all.

But soundwise it also comes with specials in it. The vocals are held a bit in the background but step to the front at the proper moments. It feels balanced this way for me but may sound strange at the first listening round.

No one can tell what the future holds. Maybe more is to come, maybe not - I think we'll have to stay in connection with Sense of Fear to find out.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/senseoffearband/

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/SenseofFearOfficial

Reverbnation http://www.reverbnation.com/senseoffear

SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/sense-of-fear

EP Review: Sirius - Wings of Fire (Heavy Metal / Power Metal)

A fine EP that is a good pick to party in it's first half and much more thought out in the second. 

This band serves the power metal straight the way I like it. The opener "Wings of Fire" has a fine stomping bold midtempo rhythm and the riffs and vocals present the track as a solid start into a EP full of metal hymms. The "Shadow in my heart" builds upon a longer riff that winds through the whole track. Along with the drums this serves as a uplifting heavy rocker. The vox come down in strings that add a special note to this tune. 

Next is "The Last Angel" - it's more complex than the previous two. It's riff is changing in tonality throughout the duration. The playing around with guitar effects dominates this one. Surely one for a re-listen. The last track already follows with "The Fury Within". It's once again deeper thought-out. The vocals wear a Judas Priest touch. A cool mixture of the easier first tunes of the EP but worked out wider into it's depth. This needs time to sink in and deserves more attention but I think it's great, too.

 

Make sure to pick a copy from Bandcamp for few bucks and follow the steps toward the first full album on Facebook.

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.

Chania Rock Festival - your metal vacation 2019

The outdoor season slowly comes closer. Many Open Air Festivals offer what we love most - having a good time outside and enjoy music while having some fine food and drinks with it.

This paticular festival called Chania Rock could be some secret place not too many know of yet.

The logo of the Chania Rock Festival, (c) by Chania Rock Festival, used with kind permission

Having seen a round up of a previous edition on YouTube I was flashed and thought: you need to go there. The ancient fortress close to a harbour is by far the most thrilling and relaxing surrounding I've seen a festival taking place in. Just check it out for yourselves and read a closer description of the event.


Chania Rock Festival  takes place in the beautiful island of Crete, in Chania, on the 5 the and 6 of July 2019. The festival exists since 2002 and many great metal bands have  played so far, such as Blind Guardian (GER), Sabaton (SWE), Kreator (GER), Paradise  Lost (UK), D-A-D (DEN), Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons (UK), W.A.S.P. (USA) and  many more.

This year’s billing, includes some more great bands. Demons & Wizards, the  brainchild of Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian) and Jon Schaffer (Iced Earth), Tarja, Rotting Christ, Uli Jon Roth and Carthagods plus more acts to be announced. All these, will take place in the most picturesque landmark of the city of Chania, an  ancient fortress by the old harbor, San Salvatore.
Weekend ticket costs only 55 euros. Payment is possible with Paypal and Visa Card.
https://www.chaniarockfestival.gr/en/tickets

It also aounds like a good possibility to arrange your summer holidays in one of the most beautiful islands of the Mediterranean and combine it with two days full of heavy metal music.

More details can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/ChaniaRockFestival/ and
https://www.chaniarockfestival.gr

Mega Colossus European Tour starts tomorrow

Some news come in late. This one reached me saying that traditional heavy metal masters MEGA COLOSSUS will embark on a European tour starting already tomorrow. The tour will see the band playing shows in Germany, Austria, Slovenia and Greece.

A look up the Mega Colossus "V" EP cover, (c) by Mega Colossus

The band will release their latest EP "V" independently in North America on March 2. So you'll surely be able to pick up a copy of this one at their shows. One more reason to go.

Mega Colossus 2019 European tour dates:

March 2 - Hell Over Hammaburg festival, Hamburg, Germany
March 3 - MTS Records, Oldenburg, Germany
March 6 - Arena Beisl, Vienna, Austria
March 7 - MC Pakerna, Maribor, Slovenia
March 8 - Legends Lounge, Olching, Bayern, Germany
March 10 - P8, Karlsruhe, Germany
March 12 - Szenario, Marburg, Germany
March 14 - Up the Hammers pre-show, Athens, Greece

For updates on these dates and closer info check out the band's Facebook page.

Here's a little snippet so you can quickly check out their music. The band can be described as a mixture of Iron Maiden with Thin Lizzy.

Leftover Bullets show us how it is to be confused

Christmas draws near. I think a lot of you guys out there (including me) feel stressed of all the things to do in preparation of the festivities. Sometimes you feel as if it is simply too much of all of it. You feel as if you could turn nuts.

Greek rockers Leftover Bullets have prepared a brand new video speaking out of a soft cell. The band performs the new single with the bands full dedication that is a mark they set on all of their tunes I've hard so far.

The logo of Greece Hard Rockers Leftover Bullets makes it clear of what to expect of the band's sound

You'll quickly feel their dedication in how the track builds up, the way all the instruments come together and the vocals set to fit in.

On some parts the band is shown in black and white clothes changing properly to the bounce of the single. It's fine metal with sharp tuned riffs that lead you into the mood. The guitar solo reminds of bigger names like Guns 'N' Roses showing how much vital skill the band has in it's hand's. Make sure to watch the full vid, the end is well worth a look. :-)

Leftover Bullets have a Bandcamp page. It has a T-Shirt with the logo from above to offer for a small price in various sizes as well as the first full album in digital format. Remember that you can gift someone with that. You can build a nice gift card and print it out to hand it to the lucky one. You may also email the card as a alternative.

Have a click on the like button of their Facebook page to keep in touch or go the oldschool route having regulary a look on the band's website.

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: God In A Cone - Earth my prison (Experimental, 2018)

This project has become a surprise bag for me everytime I look inside. You can never know what comes next - this time around it's more of the heavy side along with much positive vibes.

The front cover of God In A Cone's Earth my prison Artwork : Ble Logo : Daniel Goudelis, (c) by God In A Cone, used with kind permission

Summary
Nick Marinos is the head and creative force behind God In A Cone. He works constantly on new material and it sounds like he has a lot to say to the world. All the previous releases already proved that he is able to write material of very different kind of styles. It's his open-mind attempt that is biggest strength in my eyes.

For this round of songs the more slightly heavier side seems to have influenced Marinos songwriting. But the songpackage is also far more treated with good vibes than ever before. The cool thing is that the tracks remain to catch your ears so quickly that listening is a massive joy straight from the first minute.

Track-by-Track breakdown
The intro "Necrology" spreads irritation with it's spoken parts and few rhythm patterns but the second one "Relief" goes straight to the strong meat. It surprised me with it's gothic hard guitar attack and dark vocals.

Happily it also shows that the fine tradition of earcatchy refrains is not gone.  But you'll have to get on further to track two to get this clearer. From there on the record shows it's openess far more. Good vibes start to spread and give me a kick to start into the day.

"Sell a life" sounds like the first acoustic attempt from Marinos. I love to hear that. It's just great. It's not sadness but easyness coming along through my speakers.

Follow us "River Down" and have a party. This track invites you to have a good time. Light instruments touch you before some heavyness comes shining in. "XFool" will let you dance with it's pumping rhythm and light keyboards. The refrains want's you to sing along to it.

"Inside the globe" gives a slower to the end. You'll come down to this one without being let down. A great way to close and round out a great time - once again a slightly more heavy way like on the beginning of the disc and also the longest track.

Purchase-Link and Preview-Track
This release will come around for the first time on a Compact Disc. Make sure to have a eye on the God In A Cone Facebook page for the exact release date and where to order your copy.

This is a release not to be missed - it's the soundtrack to your great summer of 2018. Well worth some bucks. Make sure to let your friends know about it.  

Music is pure positive power against worries and this record proves why.

CD Review: Riffocity - Under a mourning sky (Thrash, 2017)

We had a blast! Sometimes this saying can be spotted at posts on social media once a band has completed their set. I can confirm that this album of greek thrashers Riffocity gave me several highlights and left me more than once with complete astonishing behind.

The cover of Greece thrasher Riffocity debut full length, (c) by Riffocity, used with kind permission

Summary
Speaking of secret gems this one surely is one to have the closer look upon. If by any chance thrash is the metal style of your choice I'd like you to check out this release. At first glance you may smile about the band name but be sure once it reaches your ears you'll want more of it. It's not often I use this term but to me this disc is a little sensation in the thrash sector with it's many, many releases. It's hard to believe I never heard of this band before. Now that I know I'll keep my eyes on them that's for sure.

Where other bands take years to reach for perfection Riffocity gives it to you with "Under a mourning sky". Most of the tracks start the classic way with a introduction in a softer way or some first short riff introduction before the full part comes in. The band has a modern attempt on the genre but keeps the direction mostly straight forward but also put's in a lot of variations into each and every track.

It's the diverse use of a combination of power, fast rhythm, hard vocals but also clear structured songs and riff arrangements plus some softer sectionsthat gives this silver disc it's special power. Some of the tracks have been upgraded further with guest performances which add to the already strong basics mentioned.

Tips for quick check-out
Two songs stood out for me. It's the softer "Arnis Oblivion" which gives short moment for relaxation before the thrash goes back on track. But most of all "Perish Unloved" got me. Such a massive heavyness and the duration of seven minutes feels as if the track goes on forever. 

Purchase-Link and Preview-Track
I've listened to this step by step on various sessions. The fine thing is: it only becomes better with each run. So make sure to tune in to the teaser given below and pick up your copy of this thrash sensation directly from the band for 10 Euro plus shipping and handling.

Contact Data
The band has set up outlets on Facebook and YouTube so that's where you can get in touch with them or find more songs for pre-listening their debut album.

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...

God In A Cone turn the cube at the shore

Do you remember the Rubik's cube that came out in the 80's? It was a cube with small color fields at each side. The mission was to have every side in one single color.

Thinking back of this puzzle I often feel like the cube could be a symbol for life. Everyone tries to have the same fine and good color on each side (of their life) but no one really ever reaches that aim. Or in other words: everyone tries to have everything tuned fine in their life but there's always something left that doesn't fit.

The open experimental sound project God In A Cone seems to be of a similar opinion and has created a fine new video for the track "Obscurist" of the album "Parasitoid". Besides a cool car ride to the shore it also has the cube with it. I like the good light guitar and vocal feeling that this one features yet there is this slight heavyness at the end.

Make sure to follow God In A Cone on Facebook for everything new that is happening all the while. And there's a lot of stuff going on over there...

CD Review: God in a cone - Agrypnia (2016)

This album sounds as if it is dedicated to the open minded metalheads out there. It's half a metal album while the other half is focussed on electronic and atmospheric parts.

Introduction

God in a cone is the side project of Nick Marinos. You may know him best of his vocals for the gothic metal band Slitherum from Greece. This record however is a solo project effort and in many ways much different from what Nick produces with Slitherum.

The cover of the first God in a cone CD "Agrypnia", (c) by God in a cone, used with kind permission

Summary

Agrypnia is a album that comes around with a lot of melodies and harmonies that you can directly access. They often form a structure that is easy to follow and has a clear tonality and message. This means most of the material isn't that heavy. Nick Marinos mostly seems to have had atmosphere and groove more on his mind than to record brutal songs right here.

As I said before you need to be open minded to enjoy this one. Many people out there may be reminded of Paradise Lost's album "Host" when they listen to this record. I know those songs of the british icons was discussed many times by the people out there. I like it and it still rotates in my CD player from time to time.

The same may happen with the first God in a cone effort. Agrypnia is full of electronic effects. I know this may be something purists don't like at all. But if you open up to the melody and just focus on the beauty of the music you won't recognize this anymore. This album doesn't leave my ears each time I listen to it and that's a sign that this piece of music left something in me behind.

I can only recommend you to give it a try - but please don't expect the usual metal sound right here. If you like the songs of Sisters Of Mercy you may also find this album a pleasure. It also has partly something of Korn but only if you compare it to the slower material of Korn. Sit back, relax a bit and I think you will enjoy this, too.

Player

Some tracks are up on the YouTube channel of the project. As for this review I've decided to pick "Cold Feeder" as a preview track for you. It got me into the record and I think it's the best way to discover the music of God In A Cone.


Purchase-Link

If you would like to purchase the album on CD add Nick Marinos to your friendlist on Facebook. He has some of the silver discs left in store and you can buy them via Paypal directly from him.

Contact-Data

You can find more info on the project and get in touch with them via Facebook.

Demo Review: Souldrown - Evil Of War (recorded 2000 / released 2016)

Sometimes things happen that seem to have been lost in time... A demo release in the style of early Helloween and Stratovarius but evolved further to a much more complex and diverse style.

Introduction

Souldrown has its origins back in 1993. They began as heavy-power band, mainly influenced by bands like Accept, Helloween, Stratovarius etc. As the years went on, they radically changed the style towars a darker, more complex and progressive direction, mainly influenced by Tool, Dream Theater etc.

Unfortunately, the band never gave themselves the chance to have an official release.

Souldrown recorded some stuff in the late 90's-early 00's, for a demo release, from which some rough mixes have survived. This is what can be heard on the "Evil Of War" demo right here which finally sees the light of day in 2016...

The cover of Souldrown's "Evil Of War" demo, (c) by Souldrown, used with kind permission

Summary

This is a demo with two sides of the story. The first two tracks are clear in the structure, high vocals and dominant bass guitars. Tracks 3-5 are a bit different. Those are much more complex in the structure and sound and it needs some time to get to the point of them. I see some potential in this band since they have not only sticked to the sound of their favorites but dared to evolve it further. I think this kind of music needs some fresh kick and this band could provide it. It would be great to know what this band has on their minds after all these years.

This goes especially for the vocals. The vocalist keep them in a high region but also makes sure to keep them a bit more in the middle peak which makes them enjoyable and keeps the voice authentic. This prevents the tracks from being destroyed by a too loud noise that would make the melodies not identifiable anymore.

In detail Evil of War is clear and round for me. A grooving rhythm pushes throughout the full track duration and makes it a lot of fun to listen to it. The vocals are high and the refrain comes with various layers something not many bands work with. The bass guitar sets apart in the sound straight from the start. Last Hours is my favorite on the tape. A double bass cracker with fine keyboard parts packed in a roundly sounded package. It's typical melodic power metal. It feels more as a story than a song but it's something I like.

Track 3 Talk Hard offers more variations in the rhythm section while the overall speed is set to midtempo. Melody is set on top again but it comes around differently when you look at the style of it. More keyboards to be found in this one. The fastest track on the digital tape is called Dragons Lair. It's the hardest to get by anyway. A complex song structure makes it hard to get a grip on the sound. The vocals form a guiding light through the whole song.

See The Signs closes the release. This one is more complex than the previous track and comes with a high-tempo format. We hear the typical high notes in the vocals that seem to be a trademark of Souldrown. Some vocal effects can be heard, too. Those give the vocal performance some more variation and will hark back. They sound unusual so you'll want to re-listen after a first round.

Player / Purchase Link

The whole tape can be streamed for free here in the player. You can download a digital copy for only one euro on Bandcamp so please give the artist a sign that they should continue.

Contact Data

You can keep in touch with Souldrown via Bandcamp.

CD Review: Slitherum - Godbox Suicide (2016)

A great gothic metal album with slightly industrial elements showing that compact riffing and straight rhythm can offer a fine mixture without sounding monotone. The harsh vocals add a good potion to the music that you don't want to miss anymore once heard.

Short Introduction

Slitherum formed in 2015 in the city of Athens, the trio comprised of Nick Marinos on vocals, Giannis Kalamatas on guitars, bass and synths, and Antonis Kanaras on drums. They instantly began to work on the first material that has been released under the title "Godbox Suicide" in the beginning of 2016.

The cover of Slitherums first album "Godbox suicide", (c) by Slitherum, used with kind permission

Summary

What's so great about this band is that they've taken this sort of direct and sharp guitar riffing back to the surface of today. I miss this a lot in the music scene of today. Combined with the straight rhythms the music comes together in a form of constant expression that's so intense through's it's constanty. Yet it always evolves a little bit with every step it takes on further. Just keep a ear on the little elements and how they add and change. It's intensive enjoyment for all the metal enthusiats out there that love to go in deep and fully concentrate on the message of the music.

The vocals are sharp and harsh but never sound to rough or not suiting to the material. Moreover I found out that they are a good way to widen the band's unique music. My favorite is "Vulnus" which plays around with the riffing and it's up and downs. It's a good first pick if you want to quickly check in to the band's sound.

While the first five tracks are more straight forward numbers the last two offerings show that the band is also able to create softer songs as well. "Child" surprises with a much more slowed rhythm mixed up with soft toned guitars and touching vocals. The music unfolds slowly as the track builds up with each moment passing until the end releases some pressure and closes finally back with the more silent way the track began.

"Cure" closes out the record in a more industrial way with it's constant, cold beat. Anyway this little piece of music adds to the atmosphere with it's unusual riff towards the song middle and the repeating song theme.

Purchase-Link

You can pick up a hardcopy of "Godbox Suicide" by getting in touch with the band through their Facebook page. The record has been released in a limited number of copies. You can choose between a vinyl version in a special package that is limited to only 8 copies or get your hand on one of the 100 CD's that have been manufactured of this great first release of Slitherum.

Player

Check out the band's sound through the Youtube player below. I've picked the track "Vulnus" which is one of my favorites of Godbox suicide. More tracks can be heard on the bands Youtube channel.


Contact-Data

The band can be reached through their Facebook page and also has a account on Youtube.

Exarsis helps people in need with care packages

Instead of talking about crisis and problems greece Thrashers Exarsis have decided to do something against the problems that really need a solution. They invested the mony they got for shooting their second video clip "Change of Plans" into food and other stuff that people living in the streets (immigrants, homeless etc.) desperately need and went out to share the care packages.

The whole action was filmed and is meant to be a motivational example for all the people watching it. It should engage people to follow the band's idea and help those who are in need. That's in short the message behind the clip like the band pointed out in a statement underneath their post of YouTube.
Heavy Metal Underdogs would like to support this great idea with sharing the video all around. I hope many people will pick the idea up and start something similar usefull like the band did with their time and money.



Exarsis are going to hit the road in a few days playing shows all across Europe together with Suicidal Angels, Lost Society and Fuelled By Fire. Check the flyer below for a city near you.

(c) by Exarsis, used with kind permission

The track is the second single release of the current output "The human project". For more information on the band make sure to see their Facebook page or keep a eye on the band's website.

CD Review: Addiction - Addiction (2015)

Short Introduction

Addiction are a Classic Hardrock / Glam formation that is based in Athens, Greece. If you like 80's / 90's bands from that era you'll love them. They're one of the biggest surprises for me this year. They came out of nowhere and immediately struck me like heavy metal thunder with a lot of  positive power. :-)

(c) Addiction, used with kind permission

Summary

Let's have a party - let's have a good time! That's what the tunes on the Addiction album seemed to call at me when I turned on the music. While most of the metal music out there seems to talk about the darker aspects of life and seems to express all the hardships we face this album pushes you up. It's a good dose of positive power and wants to engage the listener to take his life up in a positive attempt.

It comes around with a lot of positive vibes and good feelings, sometimes more sometimes less heavy when it comes to the musical view but always with "Keep pushing forward" attitude. Most of the tracks are set in midtempo format so they can easily used to sing along to them. There also a ballad that made it's way on the album. That one is for the times when you think a lot or just need to relax a bit. It's a fitting difference on the record, a moment to stop from the pumping heavyness for a while. For a quick start and overview on the bands sound I'd suggest you to go with the video for "Bad Addiction". If you liked that make sure to check the samples in the Soundcloud player, "Saturday Night" and Paradise" are good picks.

If you dig Classic Hardrock and Glam Rock from the 80's or 90's you should definitely check this release out. This goes especially if you've been one of those individuals that used to see the german TV show "Hard 'n' Heavy" on Tele5 back in the 90's. I was one of them and I remember that a lot of these bands were shown off back in those days. There was a lot of good feelings hanging in the air which was often was caused by videos of bands like this. Hit the play button and enjoy being in those moments again - also if it's only for one videoclip. Enjoy it anyway - you can never know what comes next in life. 

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Purchase Link and Contact Data

You can purchase the CD or a download in high quality wave format directly from the homepage of the band so you're going to support the artist directly if you decide to pick up a copy.

You can follow the band through Facebook or check in to their homepage from time to time to stay up to date about the band's activities.

CD Review: Sorrows Path - Doom Philosophy

Band Introduction
 
Sorrows Path was formed by Takis Drakopoulos (bass) and Kostas Salomidis (guitar) back in November 1993. The doom metal band from Greece is inspired by bands like Memento Mori, Solitude Aeturnus and Candlemass. After many ups and downs the band finally found back to it's form and has released the full-length album "Doom Philosopy" in 2014 via Iron Shield Records.

(c) by Sorrows Path, used with kind permission

Summary

The album is a definite fest for all the dedicated fans of the doom metal genre. It offers 11 in-depth studio tracks that have been worked on with love and passion. The songs range from the midtempo open "Tragedy" over to a fast hacking  "A Dance With The Dead" that finally builds a bridge to a slower middle part of the record which consists of a good buch of slower tracks. Finally the record comes to an end from the start of "The Venus And The Moon" with more faster tracks which bring back the more rough edge of the sound. The final instrumental song "Damned (O)fish-L.S.D." is a absolute killer, bringing the technical abilities of the band up to the point.

If you love to listen to your music very closely and intensively you should give this band a listen, it's music coming from the heart and you can hear that the band put much heartblood and effort in making this record a reality.

Album-Overview

As for me personally I prefer the faster tracks of the record since the slower one's can feel a bit lenghty at times. The track "Epoasis" is a good example for that. The longer, slow introduction together with the hard, ripping guitar riff gives the track a special note. It's cool to have two solo sections in there. The same goes for the song "Tragedy". It has a cool rhythm with it that reminds me a lot of the good old Memento Mori. "A Dance With The Dead" hits it very hard, pushing the band's sound to the heavier limit. 

Anyway two songs of the slower part need a special mention in my eyes. First of "Everything can change". It features guest performances by two well known names in the metal universe, you can hear Snowy Shaw (King Diamond, Therion, Dream Evil e.t.c.) and Edgar Rivera (ex-Solitude Aeternus) on this one. I like the message of the lyrics. The song is outworked the very well, I think the band added some unique elements to the traditional doom sound on this one.
"Epoasis" will last in your mind for it's longer, slow introduction together with the hard, ripping guitar riff that gives the track a special note. It's cool to have two solo sections in there.

Player  

There isn't a full album stream available but I put the two official videos for the album up here. Those should give you a good first impression on the band's sound. The other tracks can be heard as short previews for instance on Amazon which gives you a 30 second glimpse on each track.
Purchase-Link / Contact Data

You can purchase the album at the band's website for 10 Euro plus shipping and handling as a physical CD or get a digital copy on stores such as Amazon or CD Baby.

Currently (December 2015) the band also has a special offer up and running. It contains the CD along with the official T-Shirt as well as a patch for free altogether going for the price of 20 Euro plus 5 Euro shipping and handling in a registered mail. The package is available through Paypal, orders can be placed through the merchandise-subsite of the band's officlal Headquarter on the World Wide Web.

If you like to stay in touch with them, make sure to see the band's Facebook page.

Omen to tour Europe and new song from Hammer Damage online

The legend Omen will show up in Europe! Yeah, I was also very surprised when I got to know from their Facebook site that the band is going to do a round of headliner shows already in March 2015!
Here is the list of tourdates, supportact will be Masters of Disguise:

07.03.2015 Athen (GRE)
08.03.2015 Athen (GRE)
12.03.2015 Jam, Koblenz (D)
13.03.2015 Little Devil, Tilburg (NL)
14.03.2015 German SwordBrothers Festival, Lünen (GER)
15.03.2015 UJZ, Uelsen (GER)
16.03.2015 7er Club, Mannheim (GER)
20.03.2015 Schlachthaus, Dornbirn (A)
22.03.2015 Rockfesthall, Hamme (B)

And there's one more good message: the band has uploaded a new song from the long awaited new album "Hammer Damage". Countless obstacles kept the band from releasing the album including a change of the singer plus a water damage at the studio the band was recording resulting in a loss of stuff which had to be re-done by the band.

Anyway, enjoy the new track "Hellas" which is a pure pleasure for me to listen to. Just thing of the good old times, I think this one will perfectly fitt into the long list of classics the band has put out so far.