Album Review: Herman Rarebell - Nip In The Bud (1981/2021 Hard Rock)

Did you know that Herman Rarebell (the longtime former drummer of The Scorpions) recorded a solo record 40 years ago ? Neither did I. The bigger was the fun of having the chance to listen to this gem in a remastered version of "Nip In The Bud" now.

The artwork was created by Storm Thorgerson’s team at Hipgnosis.

The sound on the album sticks to a compact yet pressure-filled structure. From the eleven tracks on offer "Rock your all" stands out with it's broken riff structures. It's a typical rocker going straight but the riffs present it a ear-splitting way. What a wild song!

"Triangle" follows on this route. It's a more rhythm-oriented number with drums being dominant and the guitar following a shredding way. The last third plays with effects. You won't get this out of your head too fast once listented to it.

"Slob" presents a wild and vicious voice rocking out a similar way Brian Johnson does in AC/DC. The instrumental side is more of a slightly inconstant drum pattern mixed with a direct riff attack. 

The journey continues with more of this. "Junk Funk" comes around put together in a jam session. You can feel the spontaneous vibe of the moment it may have been created. I love to hear such elements - it's hardly ever spotable on albums.

A typical stomper follows. This may be a track a bit closer to typical Scorpions songwriting so it's food that appeals to more people. It's still rude enough so don't think of any commercial song in here.

Track nine introduces more riff-fun all the way. I think it may have been done the direct and fast way, too. It's a no-pain track in three minutes duration spreading fun all the way.

Finally it's time to listen to "I'll say goodbye". As the name suggests it comes with a more hymm like format. It's not in a sad way. It's more of remembering good times in a "glad to have had it" style. The fade out keeps hope for a continue some other day.  

The remastered version will be available through Aviator Management on August 27th 2021. A pre-save link for the album is also available if you want to have it in your digital collection the day it comes out. Have a little pre-listen with the single "Rock you all" and keep in contact with Herman Rarebell through Facebook.

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.

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.

SpiteFuel return with a Flame To The Night in November

After the release of the outstanding concept album "Dreamworld Collapse" last year, moving months lie behind SpiteFuel, which caused a lot of unrest among their fans with the departure of their frontman and the introduction of the new singer Philipp Stahl.

Without a long creative break the songwriting machine of the guitarists Eurich and Pflüger continued to run at full speed and created 11 tracks which have opened a new chapter in the history of the band.

"Flame To The Night" is the name of the new longplayer which was produced in summer, again at the Gernhart Studio Troisdorf under the direction of Martin Buchwalter and will be released on November 8th via Black Sunset/MDD.

So how is the new album going to sound like? The record company states: "The guys combine on their new album well-known trademarks of the band like the technically sophisticated guitar riffing and a lot of feel for melody with a new, more "snotty" attitude to a wild, rocking, metallic mixture, which shows that there is only one direction for the band: Full speed ahead! Be prepared!"

I'm looking forward to what SpiteFuel has made of a precious situation like this. Many big stories in Metal history have proven that it can be a chance for a change. I'll keep a eye on them on Facebook to see how the story goes on.

Reason Define sort sound with deviding sections

Some bands have this something in their sound. It feels to me as if a song is sorted into sections through a devider that works as a bridge. That's something fine in my ears. It's like you can clearly spot that one part already finished and which part is going to be played as next  Looks like this all-female Charlotte/North Carolina based 5 piece had something similar in mind when they put together a new video single.

Reason Define have a package of great riffs for you. The band photo was taken by Obscvre Photography.

Reason Define did this in a special way for me. The track "Pointing Fingers" has many sections in that are build up the way I described in the column before. Besides that the music is power filled and breathes the fire of blazing riffs in them. The drums are straight and pushing but always clear to follow. In addition a nice story has been build into the music video but just see for yourselves...

Make sure to check the website and socials since this is only one song of the new package "In Memory" that has been released in March 2019 already.
https://www.reasondefine.com/

https://www.facebook.com/reasondefine/

https://twitter.com/reasondefine

Spiritual Sickness is looking for a vocalist (m/f)

Wonders happen. Often in those moments when you expect them the least. It has been like this when this news reached my inbox about this killer power metal band based in New York that already said goodbye some time ago. It looks as if the band has picked up fresh energy and is now hungry for new deeds. But they need a new vocalist to continue their way. That's your chance - pick the microphone and show them you're the one they're looking for.

Here's what it takes:

Spiritual Sickness are poised to land on big stages across the world. With a new record well on its way to completion, the band needs a strong vocal presence to complete the vision.

The aspiring vocalist needs to be dedicated in his or her approach, with a strong voice, good range and a vivid imagination. Someone who is willing to hit the road and crush audiences around the world. A team player who wants to help propel this band towards its Destiny.

Spiritual Sickness has a wealth of musical talent, dedication, a strong work ethic, a love of metal music,and a deep well of experience on stages, in studios, and on the road.

If your musical goals align with ours, put your name on the list and let’s get to
work. You can get in touch with the band through Facebook.

Here's some music to listen to:

Finally this is what happened recently in the band's camp:

A four-piece heavy metal band with many diverse influences, Spiritual Sickness Is looking for a vocalist to complete their lineup. The band is building on the success of two killer releases (their 2011 debut album "Architects of Agony" and the follow-up 2014 EP "Spiritual Sickness") and is getting quite the reputation as an aggressive, hard working, innovative heavy metal outfit.

Spiritual Sickness has been creating opportunities for themselves by impressing national touring headliners, managers, tour managers, and everyone who has worked with them.

The band has toured with Ghost Ship Octavius, Cage and most recently as direct support for The Three Tremors on their first European tour, with Spiritual Sickness touring as Benedictum with the infamous Veronica Freeman at the helm. They have already been invited to do it again in 2019, this time as Spiritual Sickness and have many more other opportunities looming.

Metal Singles & Dating Community Bound By Metal opens it's doors

Do you often feel lonely and left behind on your own with all the stuff life provides? A new love is like a new life they say. Sure it's not sunshine all the way when you have someone by your side (I spoke about the darker sides in the previous post) but going all alone in solo mode surely can also negative effects with it. We all need a bit of uplifting at times I think.

But where to find your significant other? The internet has become a big place to look and find. The Metalmusic plattform Bound By Metal shows a heart for singles and has opened up a free and open Single and Dating platform to show yourselves and your likes in metal music.

A look at the Bound By Metal website

It has been proven that new partners often speak about music in the first time while they
get to know each other. So this could be your chance! Visit www.boundbymetal.com to sign up and start getting to know other Metal maniacs. Over 1000 people have already joined the community.

The use of this service is free of charge and will remain this way. In addition to that
you'll take part in a raffle automatically with joining the site. The prices are given away
in waves each time a new total number of members is reached. So make sure to notify others of this great new opportunity to find your loved one's and unlock the next raffle stage quicker together.

P.S. The Bound by Metal portal also supports nearly all the Metal bands out there and introduces them with full discography and videos. One more reason to join forces with them.

CD Review: Metalsteel - Beyond The Stars (Clasic Heavy Metal, 2017)

A concept record taking things back to basics. No heavyweight production, no special effects overload. Just pure music crafted directly of the instruments of those loving Heavy Metal music

The wonderful frontcover artwork for Metalsteel's "Beyond the Stars" album, (c) by Metalsteel, used with kind permission

Summary
This album has set a view on the power of the songs alone. You can feel that the composers of the slowenian band Metalsteel prefer their art to be pure and to be delivered this way to the listener.

Thus said the songs need to stand stronger than ever to reach the audience and they do with much ideas, variations and sing-along choruses. The last element like all the music stems from the musicians themselves. There are no choirs pushed up to sound big on this record but the backing vocals introduce the message with such emotion that they will adress you instantly and invite to sing along. Think of being at a show and you just can't help but need to add the choir all around you.

The songs span a wide sort of feelings, from softer half-ballads (End of the World) to straight midtempo tracks but most of the duration the double bass power set's the motor for the music and keeps it coming fast. The lead vocals change on some parts to the more rough direction, something warmly welcomed because it brings in a fresh touch.

My favorites are the title song making me imagine being on a journey beyond the stars myselves and the track "Materialist No More" with it's more edgy guitars and hard riffing mixed up with variations ranging from fast to midtempo and even soft parts.

Purchase-Link & Preview-Track
Fans that love the pure but also modern sound will welcome this silver disc the same way I do. Let's have some good feelings and rock out to this straight. The hardcopy in a beautiful digipack package comes around for ten Euros directly out of the band's hands at www.metalsteel.net

Listen to one track with the video below to get a idea of Metalsteel's sound.

Contact and Tour Dates
Make sure to see them live starting end of February 2018 in their homecountry Slowenia. All dates are up on their homepage or tune in to the social world of Facebook to be notified of a show near you.

Christmas Gift: Are you ready to rock Vol. 3 sampler

Merry Christmas to each and everybody out there!

There are many bands I was able to write about in 2017. But as always time is short so it's not possible to have a post about all the great bands out there. 

Happily ONLINE METAL PROMO (United States), BREATH FRESHER webzine (Japan) and MARIC MEDIA (Australia) have joined forces to offer a free online digital download promotional music compilation titled "Hello Tokyo...OMP, Are You Ready To Rock?" featuring 53 songs from some of the hottest established and rising rock / metal bands from the United States and Australia.

The front cover for the free online download compilation "Are you ready to rock Vol. 3"

This package is a good and easy way to discover some of the new band's for yourselves. Here is a list of the band's that are featured:

ARTERIES - Australia
AZRAEL'S BANE - United States
BLASTED TO STATIC - Australia / United States
BURN RIVER BURN - United States
CAGE - United States
CANEDY - United States
COBRA - Australia
CORNERS OF SANCTUARY - United States
CROSSON - Australia
CROWN OF EARTH - United States
DEADSPACE - Australia
DEATH DEALER - United States / Australia
DEVIL ELECTRIC - Australia
DIAMOND LANE - United States
DREADNAUGHT - Australia
ENVENOMED - Australia
ETERNAL VOYAGER - United States
FRANKENBOT - Australia
GODS OF EDEN - Australia
HELD HOSTAGE - United States
HELLEVATE - United States
HELLSCREAM - United States
HEMINA - Australia
IN DEATH - Australia
LOVE N WAR - United States
LUNAR - United States
MALICE - United States
MASQUED - United States
MATREKIS - United States
MEGA COLOSSUS - United States
NIGHT LEGION - Australia
NIVIANE - United States
NUCLEUST - Australia
OUR LAST ENEMY - Australia
PETER GRAIGS - United States
RAVAGE - United States
RIFF RAIDERS - Australia
SALEMS LOTT - United States
SCARS OF GRACE - United States
SCREAMKING - United States
SEVENTH CALLING - United States
SHALLOW GROUND - United States
SILENT KNIGHT - Australia
SPACE VACATION - United States
ST. JAMES - United States
SYNAESCOPE - Australia
THE RODS - United States
THEM - United States / Germany
TO AN END - Australia
TOWER OF BABEL - United States / Europe
TUBEFREEKS - United States
VANLADE - United States
YUGEN - Australia

Download the free songs, compilation artwork and track listing directly at this Dropbox link.

Raptore take us on board for a Night On Fire

This is oldschool heavy 'n' speed metal with a cool vibe and catchy chorus in it coming all the way from Argentina. The band takes a journey through the night and I like the way the video is done in a simple self-filming style. The cuts taken of a show at a small club with few light in it add to the 80s feeling this one strongly spreads around. Come and join the band on their way until the dawn breaks.

The whole album “Rage n' Fever” is held in this traditional way but with variations. There is room for Accept and early Scorpions influenced heavy metal, speedy elements of Exciter, vibe of 70s rock n roll, thrashy aggression and of course appeal of NWOBHM. While listening to it it's hard to believe that this one has been created and recorded in these times we're living in and not way back in the 70s or 80s.

The re-issued album contains two bonus tracks and can be heard at the Bandcamp page of their label Witches Brew. It comes with a cover version of Venom’s Witching Hour and Charger’s Desperadoes (a lost but underrated NWOBHM gem).

Make sure to tune in to their Facebook page to stay up to date.

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...

Chasing Dragons show new video of Faction: Prologue EP

In the recent months it became a bit more silent in the Chasing Dragons camp. They spoke about a upcoming teaser EP as well as a album that's in the making but nothing concrete was to be seen or heard.

That has come to the end. The band has put out a brand new track and video for "Bare Knuckle Lover" on their Youtube channel. The new video single has the classic trademarks the band is so well known for but also has a good potion of finetuned development of their style in it.

There are not too many new things to be found in the sound but those that are in make the track worth listening to it. It's the combination of old classic melodies with the fresh attempt in songwriting like it can be heard in the refrain that make's this female fronted band such a joy.

The track is taken of the new EP "Faction:Prologue" which is available as a very limited physical edition in the band's webshop. Here are the tourdates for the next months:

May 13 Upload FestivalSnooty Fox Club
Wakefield, ENG UK

May 26 Dumfries, UK

July 01 The Bobbin
Lancaster, UK

Jul 22 Amplified Festival
Gloucestershire, UK

Sep 16 Redemption Festival 
Wakefield, UK
with In Search Of Sun, Falling Red, and 7 others

Make sure to check their homepage or Facebook or Twitter site for updates. The homepage streams one more new track at the bottom of the page so head over there to hear more of the new release.

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.

Free sampler "Deliberately Loud" features bands from New Zealand

So it's cool to see that Heavy Metal is a music that is played and enjoyed around the world. One corner I've not heard too much of is New Zealand. What's going on there? Now with this free sampler we happily have the chance to check out some of the bands that come from so far away. 

ONLINE METAL PROMO and the CACOPHONY radio show (New Zealand) are proud to offer a FREE online digital music compilation download titled "Deliberately Loud" featuring 39 songs from some of the hottest established and up and coming hard rock / heavy metal bands in the United States and New Zealand music scenes.

The cover of the "Deliberately Loud" sampler, (c) by Online Metal Promo and Cacophony radio show, used with kind permission

Here is the bandlist of the compilation:

1. Alsatia
2. Angerhead
3. Awakened Inferno
4. Azrael’s Bane
5. Blasted To Static
6. Bow Messiah
7. Broken Teeth
8. Canedy
9. Chris Violence
10. Corners of Sanctuary
11. Decode The Design
12. Destructatron
13. Diamond Lane
14. Dire Peril
15. Empires of Eden
16. Eternal Voyager
17. Faith and Bullets
18. Flames of Fury
19. Helion Prime
20. Gundriver
21. Hellevate
22. Heterodox
23. Human Teenage Bonesaw Massacre
24. Ignitor
25. Lords of the Trident
26. Love & War
27. Malevolence
28. Malice
29. Maxxxwell Carlisle
30. Odiusembowel
31. Seventh Calling
32. Shallow Ground
33. Sorizon
34. St. James
35. Tainted
36. The Rods
37. Threshold of Terror
38. Vanlade
39. Zephaniah

Download the free songs, compilation artwork and track listing at this location.

To give you a little sneak peak into the compilation package here is one track up for streaming of one of the New Zealand bands that are featured.


Also make sure to have a look at the Facebook pages of Online Metal Promo and Cacophony radio show that kindly provided us with this gift for our readers.

Medevil mix thrash of the 80's with classic metal and razorsharp vocals

Today it is more than ever a exciting time that see's a lot of new bands emerging that are offering a wide variation of styles, influences and mixes. Today's metal scene has become more diverse and colourful than ever in my eyes offering a bandwith like never before. It's like the best is yet to come so we all should do our best so the metal scene can continue to evolve and survive and bring us all the music we love and need.

So how would it sound like if you mix up elements of old thrash classics of Metal Church, comine them with a songwriting attempt in a style of old Iron Maiden albums and round it all out with raw vocals reminiscent of Udo Dirkschneider? Well, Medevil is the answer in my ears. The new album of them is straight around the corner and set for release on 26th August 2016. In support of the release the band has set up three tracks as a prelisten and I'd like you to check out their newest video of the track "Nightwalk" which is the opening track of the record. You can pre-order the album "Conductor Of Storms" through the band's website. 
You can find the other songs on the Youtube channel of Medevil.


Medevil will play some shows these year. See the flyer below for the exact dates and the album cover.

The flyer for the Medevil tourdates 2016, (c) by Medevil, used with kind permission

Make sure to connect with them for updates via Facebook, Twitter or their homepage.

Let's speak with...Seventh Calling (2016)

Seventh Calling came to my attention through their mixture of old school styles on their album "Battle Call". The band is a good package of traditional metal elements along with slight parts of thrash mixed in that is rounded out by anthemic refrains. The production and songwriting of the music is kept in a more modern package so it is nice mixture of the best of the traditional roots all along with what today has to offer.

We spoke with Steve Handel, vocalist and guitarist of the band about the inspiration to the band's lyrics as well as the effect that being a musician has on the private lifes of the bandmembers and what happened when two ladies had a few drinks too much at a show of the band...

Heavy Metal Underdogs: How did the band come together?
Seventh Calling: 'This particular lineup happened from the result of getting together and jamming on cover songs first.  Then it progressed into doing the recording of the Battle Call album.'

The cover of the Battle Call album, (c) by Seventh Calling, used with kind permission.

Which sources do you use as inspiration for writing new songs?
'Well in some instances I use realism in life, or news that we will hear in the morning on tv, radio or read in the newspaper.  The song Perfect Silence on the new record is such a song.  Then there are other times such as in our song Battle Call, which is the title track, that is a strong anthem type song calling for all traditional metal heads to rise and stand strong in their beliefs in the metal.'

Do you feel that writing and performing music helps you to push on further with your own personal lifes?
'It certainly has a way to keep you focused by having the life of music to enjoy.  It is a way of getting together with friends and having a good time playing on some music or simply having conversation about random things that happened in the passing day.'

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?
'As far as coming up and speaking to us after a show fans speak to us usually.  We encourage it actually.  But yes we are contacted regularly through our social sites and it helps out alot for fans to look us up and find us.'


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?
'We prefer to do both.  Yes, having the actual release of an album in my opinion, is much better.  It is nice to read the words inside our booklet when I forget the words! HA!  Seriously however, we do prefer physical releases as compared to digital only.'

Have you ever experimented with other styles over the years and thought about changing?
'We have experimented with different styles within our genre surely.  However we still end up coming out sounding like Seventh Calling!  A call to the traditional or classic style heavy metal.'

The band Seventh Calling, (c) by Seventh Calling, 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?
'Never.  I haven't ever thought of not performing.  It has simply been a way of life for myself since I can remember.'

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)?
'The funniest thing I have ever seen at a Seventh Calling show was one night we were performing in Superior, Wisconsin I believe. Anyhow, there were 2 ladies that were having way too much fun at the club.  Must have been a long day at work.  HA! But! As we began our set, these 2 lovely ladies walked up on the stage and proceeded to pull their pants down!  HOWEVER! What they did after that was awesome! They both took a run at the end of the stage and jumped off the stage trying to reach this pole that was about 15 feet off the front of the stage right in the middle.  They did not reach this pole.  Both of them bounced very hard off of the floor like in throwing horseshoes!  Needless to say, both got up and continued about the evening like nothing had happened.  Except it took them awhile to get their pants up! HA!

Contact Data

Check out Seventh Calling's social accounts on Facebook and Reverbnation to get in touch with them. 

The logo of the band Seventh Calling, (c) by Seventh Calling, used with kind permission

GC Project Album shows drummers part in music

How much a drummer contributes to the music of a band? A lot I think. But I would agree to say it with Mike Portnoy's words that the stuff the drummer adds to a bands sound has to come at the decent time. He or she should know when to play more in the front row or better to stay in the back.

Here's one recording I came along that reminded me of what Portnoy said. It features Giacomo Calabria who's vita is quite impressive. But before going into the details just let the music speak and listen to one of the tracks of his recent progressive and diverse output "Face the odds" that covers many genres of music.It's this mixture of so many playing techniques in Calabria's drumming that make this music so exciting. It feels as if it is changing all the way through the song.

Giacomo Calabria has been on the scene since 1992. Once graduated at University of Music in Rome, he played live and recorded demos with several bands from the Naples rock/metal scene. He played on the album "A New Day" from Silent Field, for Nocturnal Music label, followed by a live tour. After moving to Ferrara, he recorded "Rock, Groove, Sexy & Funky" (2004) with Alias, "Misteriosevoci" (2005) and "Rebus" (2008) with Barock Project, for the french Musea Records label. He recorded two songs with GOS (Ivano Zanotti, Vince Pastano, Giorgio Santis) in 2006. Official drummer for Rain from 2011 to 2014, he played in "XXX" tour, "Mexican Way" album and the following 9-months tour. Member of Ypnos (actually in studio recording their first album) and Coda (Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin tribute).

Giacomo Calabria, (c) by Giacomo Calabria, used with kind permission

On September 2014 he started writing songs for his solo project, the GC Project, the Giacomo Calabria's solo project. After three years on tour in Italy and Europe, studio recording and many sessions, his desire is to play music that includes many genres, progressive, hard rock, heavy metal, blues, latin, and play with several artists who are friends too, to create an album with different kind of sounds, attitudes and interplay, All songs and lyrics are written by Giacomo Calabria.

The album is titled Face the Odds, released on december 7th 2015 by Sliptrick Records, and contains 11 original tracks and one ghost track, The Black Page #1, tribute to Frank Zappa, and it's available in stores, on Itunes, Deezer, Amazon music, Google play, Musimania, KKBox and others platforms.

Make sure to stay in connection with him via Facebook or follow him on YouTube.

The Birthday Party gift: "Metal of Oz" download music compilation

Yeah, today it's my birthday. Time goes fast. I'm a year older and maybe a bit wiser. ;-)

And how could we celebrate this better than with music? Here's the soundtrack to the party: a free download sampler featuring fourty tracks mostly held in the style of good old 80's metal.. I think this should keep us going for a good amount of time. :-)

Enjoy and have a good time and thanks for checking in and showing interest in the stuff I post here.

(c) by Online Metal Promo, used with kind permission

Online Metal Promo, Focus on Metal podcast (USA) and Maric Media (Australia) have partnered to offer "Metal of Oz", a free digital download music compilation featuring a mix of 40 past, current and unreleased original songs from established and up and coming bands from the United States, Canada and Australia.

Legendary Australia rock / metal industry publicist Chris Maric has checked in with the following statement:

"Australia’s impact on the global scene is at an all time high and in the last few years the quality of musicianship coming out of our country has been world class. The bands represented on this compilation cover so many of metals intricate genres that Im sure there is something there for everyone. Enjoy!!"

Bands featured on the compilation include:
1. Arcane Saints
2. Azrael’s Bane
3. Blackened Angel
4. Blasted to Static
5. Broken Teeth
6. Canedy
7. Corners of Sanctuary
8. Daemon Pyre
9. Diamond Lane
10. Envenomed
11. Eternal Voyager
12. Flames of Fury
13. Gods of Eden
14. Gundriver
15. Hasta La Muerte
16. Hazmat
17. Heaven The Axe
18. Jimmy Lardner Brown
19. Kara and the Dam Band
20. Killen
21. Killrazer
22. Lillye
23. Lord
24. Lords of the Trident
25. Love N War
26. Maxxxwell Carlisle
27. Melody Black
28. One Kingdom
29. Orpheus Omega
30. Our Last Enemy
31. Outlaws & Moonshine
32. Platinum Brunette
33. Rabid Assassin
34. Segression
35. Shallow Ground
36. Silent Knight
37. The Arbitrary Method
38. Vanlade
39. Whoretopsy
40. Witchcross

Download the free songs, compilation artwork and track listing at this location.

Solution Cycle to play second show at church in Germany

Last year I wrote about the Metal band Solution Cycle that played a show at a church in Nortrup (Germany). It was sort of a experiment. The local priest wanted to know if it is possible to mend elements of Heavy Metal music with the message and the content of a workship service.

This year will see the second installment of this event on 6. November 2015 at the Dorotheenkirche (located near Osnabrueck). Following the success of the last year the same band will contribute music again. But there will be a difference. This years edition will focus on a special topic - it's all about death. In the dark ages the death was represented by the reaper. He was dancing with helpless humans to lure them to hell.