Album Review: SpiteFuel - Flame To The Night (2019, Metal)

Dark, darker, Flame To The Night. A album that reflects upon the feelings of anger and agression.

This record calls for the prize of being as brutal, tricky and heavy as can be. But at the same time there is still a light in the dark in the mood of the music as well.

The skull finally is alive on the album cover of SpiteFuel's "Flame To The Night"

It started out with "Machine" that I realised that the band has made a complete turn with "Flame To The Night". It's a beast of a song with a punishing refrain. I think this will go down extremly heavy on stage also it's hard to imagine that it could get any more bone crushing like on the album.

The new vocalist Phillip Stahl adds a much metalcore-like note to the sound. His growls are blackening the whole sky. But he also adds a twist with a little psycho touch in songs like "Trick Or Treat" - one of the most going under the skin going tunes of 2019.

The second half of the twelve tunes calls out to the older fans of the combo.

"Bad Boys" is one of the them. It's a midtempo rocker with sing-along refrain.The same goes for the compact number "Two-Faced". But they all sound with updated soundpackage through your speakers along with modern refrain structures. This said it's clear that SpiteFuel have changed to a up-to-date soundformat on the new longplayer.

"Firewater" is one of my favorites. It shares big bright riffs brought garned with lots of groove. This feels great and relaxed alltogether. "Silent Guard" goes more straight-forward but has at the same time special in it that will make it hang on the listeners mind later on. It's this feeling of emptiness in it mixed with slightly agressive moments that makes the track stand out.

It all comes to the close on "Try to hate me". It feels like a mixture of new brutality mixed up splitters of melodic elements. This one melts both worlds of the record into one piece of music.

Listen to the heavier side of the album as a teaser right here.

You can pick a copy from the MDD Records / Black Sunset webshop. Since the label has distributors all around the globe I think you can also get it at a local retailer / mailorder which may save you shipping and handling.

Video premiere: Calibre - The Agony (Metalcore, 2019)

We often forget how important freedom of speech is. In countries like the one I live in (Germany) it seems normal but there are others were it's dangerous to express your opinion. So it's a great honour for me to be able to present a premiere of a band based in Tehran, Iran today.

These guys dare to live their dream of metalcore music. And they do it with much passion. The video shows how detailed and precise they go to work when crafting new music in the studio is on the schedule. Besides the great riff filled music it's the range of vocals that impressed me most.

It's great to hear cleaness in all the darker toned vocals and it adds a lot to the atmospheric feeling. There's so much expression in those parts that it made me watch the digital single "The Agony" again and again. The sound production is great and you can hear all of the instruments and details very well. That's not to be heard everywhere.

Calibre (metalcore) is one of the best bands out of Tehran, Iran (!) ,​ the band was formed in 2015 by Hamid Saleh. ​

After three instrumental shows during 2015-2016, Amin Yahya Zadeh joined the band as vocalist, and the band had more sold-out shows in 2017-2018. ​

In early 2018, the band started to work on their own stuff leading to Calibre’s debut album The Storm Inside. It took almost a year.​

The Storm Inside contains 8 tracks and will be released worldwide through Downfall Records in late December 2019.​
Their sound is loaded(!), with catchy riffs, heavy drums, growls and clean vocals!​
-Their songs and lyrics are about human feelings, and the struggles we all have inside. ​

Make sure to keep a eye at the band Calibre on Facebook or through a look at the website of Downfall Records.

Video Preview: Nhibitions - Hourglass (Metalcore, 2018)

A hourglass is often used to symbolize that something won't be endless. How does such strong metapher sound if it is transfered into the metalcore universe?

The release of the single "Hourglass" is not far away anymore...

Nhibitions have crafted a powerful debut single along with a proper lyric video to bring the message out to the listener. First of the heavyness dominates the sound with it's bold guitars and even stronger drums. The vocals of Chris Fronzak are loud, clear and of dark tonality. The overall feel is dramatic and could talk of a soul that has taken a lot of hurt in his lifetime. The performance is great since he changes the mood throughout the whole track duration. Every section comes with it's own tonality.

But there's much more. Something special comes down as the refrain takes it's place in the song. It's different you can feel from the start. It feels like cut out and from a different look upon the same scene. It won't take long and it will stick into the listeners mind. I've not come across such metalcore track so far so the surprise was there and it touched me deep inside.

As for the music: it's a sharp riff hacker going in straight. Nevertheless it's still feeling slightly complex to me as it's not easy to quickly get a idea of how all of this was done. A sign that re-listening to this one pays off.

All in all "Hourglass" makes curious about what else Nhibitions are about to put out in the forthcoming time. As for the first be sure to mark your Facebook calenders (or any other one you may use). On September 21th 2018 the full song and video are going to be revealed. On that day check the Ghost Killer Entertainment Youtube page to hear the full song (the band has teamed up with them to share the video to a wide audience).

To skip the waiting time surf to the band's Facebook page. That's where you can check a little teaser snippet of the video.

CD Review: Counterfeit Culture - Deathwish (Melodic Metalcore, 2017)

A melodic metalcore release doing things a different way. I was surprised listening to this one.

Having looked through this blog I've noticed lately that there isn't any metalcore up yet. So as the chance came around to review this one I packed it with both hands since the description sounded promising. A band mixing metalcore with several influences like alternative was something I had not experienced before so I gave it a shot.

The cover of Counterfeit Culture's EP "Deathwish", (c) by Counterfeit Culture, used with kind permission

Summary

Of course there are the typical elements to be found - the bold sound, the heavy vocals and hard drums. But beside that there are a lot of variations and unusual things to be found. It starts with the way the songs are build - I've not heard metalcore songs with such a span of variation before.

It starts already with opener "Apothecary". The first half has only slight and softer guitar parts with it. The track turns and evolves to a more heavier piece of music. Anyway it's still different - the track remains a bit slower in terms of tempo and the vocals also provide change all the while.

"Second Soul"  starts out more metalcore typical but won't do so for a long time. The drums give a fresh whirl before things begin to become static. The whole pattern changes in the last third to a more slower formula. I like this for all the way the drums show that they can dominate a track at times and push it into a new direction every here and there.

The EP closes out with "X".  It mixes a rough edgy beginning just to move over to some soft notes. To me it's the most intensive song of the three-song-pack. It's a fine demonstration how to go a slower and more below-the-line attempt in a melodic metalcore song.

Preview Track and Purchase-Link

I've picked one song out of the release for you as a quick check out track. Make sure to support Counterfeit Culture with a purchase of the EP at the band's webshop. The EP comes out 1st August 2017. You can pick up the tracks digitally right now on all standard plattforms such as Apple Music or Spotify if you don't want to wait until August.


Contact Data

Tune in to the social channels of the band at Facebook or Twitter.

Defences stand up against negativity

In these times much too much negativity is floating all around us. This cannot go on. We need the positive power to move on and positive throughts are the most pure form of energy! So I appreciate more than ever that there are bands around putting out messages and videos that can have a uplifting effect on you when you feel down.

One of those examples just recently came along in the form of a brand new video of the metalcore formation Defences. Here is a quote about the meaning of the new moving picture:

“The song inspires the idea of not giving up when life’s got you down, getting back on your feet and coming out stronger than ever,” say the band.

“The accompanying music video applies the uplifting message behind the lyrics of the song to a real-life situation, in which we see someone re-evaluate, regroup and finally reclaim their independence in the face of adversity.”



I like the way the song is written and performed. All the elements work together. This starts with the vocals that add to each other - the raw as well as the softer elements. The same goes for the drums and all the guitars that are up. It feels like they surround each other. It's seldom that Metalcore tracks come around formed like this one does. It's fine-tuned metalcore sound, not only pure brutality going all the way through the music.

A promo shot of the band Defences in 2017, (c) by Defences, used with kind permission

Formed in Hertfordshire in 2013, Defences draw on electronic and stadium rock influences to offer a brand of alternative metal distinct from other modern rock acts. The group offers a fresh take on the female-fronted metal genre, with frontwoman Cherry Duesbury’s voice being described by Kerrang!’s Alex Baker as “deliciously androgenous”. The band heavily emphasise positivity, acceptance and self-improvement in their sound.

Make sure to stay in connection with them to keep track of the upcoming release of their debut album in May 2017 through social channels such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Rock out with Santa Claus on free Incendia Music Compilation

So Santa Claus comes early this year and since you all out there were so kind to follow my blog so regulary and support me with music and information, here's a early present I can hand to you thanks to the nice people of Incendia Music Management and PR company.

This FREE sampler holds 15 bands that Incendia was working with over the last year, and bands they're excited to be working with in early 2017.

Examples include Agent, Brutai, Defences, Elbrano, Empire, Voyager and more....

The cover of the Incendia Music Christmas Compilation '16, (c) by Incendia Music

Some of those bands have been featured here on the blog as well but it should be mentioned that the compilation also includes tracks of bands that have not been mentioned yet.

I think of The Dreamer Within for example who created a exciting mixture of metalcore with synth-elements in their sounds. Very powerfull and unique music. There are The New Device up for listening, a hard rock act reminding of classic rock in the style of the 90s. Music that keeps you going through the day. In short this sampler features great music for all that would like to discover new music. You can check it out in the stream below or go straight on over to Bandcamp to download your copy.

If you'd like to get in touch with Incendia Music Management check out their homepage or see their Facebook account.

CD Review: Heat Of Damage - Open Fire (2015)

Short Introduction

Heat of Damage writes and performs an edgy and eclectic mix of rock, metal, and alternative music. Their debut EP Orenda was self- produced in the drummer's garage and was released in 2013.

Since then, the band has performed at numerous venues in the Sacramento area. The group released their second EP, the Lifestyle EP, in September 2014. The title track was featured on Sacramento’s 98 Rock Local Licks show for three weeks running. Lifestyle's "Apocalypse" was released soon after and earned the 2nd spot on 98 Rock's Local Licks Most Liked Songs of 2014 Countdown Show.

Following the local success of the Lifestyle EP, including two 2015 Sacramento News & Review SAMMIE award nominations for best teen band and best hard rock band, the band entered the studio with with producer Matt Thomas in Sacramento to record their first full-length album, Open Fire, which was released in October of 2015.

(c) by Heat Of Damage, used with kind permission

Summary

This band introduces a great mixtures of elements of Metalcore (vocals on some points), classic 80's metal (guitars), alternative metal (production) and also a lot of atmosphere from American punk bands and lifestyle. In fact it is one of the biggest surprises that came my way in a long time. While listening to their material is sort of relaxed and uplifiting yet very powerful it also expresses a lot of aggression partly through the vocals, something that give's the listener and writer of these lines a redemption feeling.

It lives from the tension between the heavy riffs, hammering drums on the one hand and the easier feeling that comes along through the vocals in most of the vocals, except for most of the refrains (the mentioned Metalcore heavyness steps in at those parts).  Looking at the fact that this is their first full length release this seems to me one of the bands that could really contribute to the further development of Heavy Metal music without leaving all the roots behind.


Album Overview

If you wanna get quickly started I can suggest the first single "Judgment Day" to you (it's song number two in the album stream below). It's a blast with a lot of drumming that made me speechless. The drummer really hammers and nails down each and every single whole that ever was. Meanwhile the guitars maintain a sound with much volume and classic metal guitar songwriting. Overall you'll hear what the vocalist has to offer. Does this give you as much positive vibes as it does to me? Then don't move, just relax and listen further.

The next track "Accessory" keeps the pushing and heavy tonality up. It's maybe one of the roughest tracks of the package giving you the "let the pressure burn" feeling. After all you may want to relax a bit. The half ballad "Fade Away" will give you a moment to breathe. Happily it's not too flat, while the music is much softer than before it still has a lot of atmosphere in it. The feeling keeps authentic transporting a lot of emotion through the music.

The second batch of the album track offer more complex tracks. "Veil of Authority" stands out with it's diverse vocal performance. The motions change nearly with every single text line so does the music goes with it through all the up and downs until a blast scream sends some salvation at the end. "Osprey Drive" goes with a similar feeling but is parltl lighter than the previous number.

Katie Robinette contribute's some guest vocals to "Heaven", a slightly easier song before "The Greeding Party" gives you yet another kick in the face and the hymn "Any other way" with a typical earcatching hookline marks a proper closing line to a great album.

Player and Purchase-Link

Thankfully the band offers a full album stream via YouTube giving everyone the fair chance of listening to the whole album without any risk in advance. Hit the play button and enjoy listening to a great new band you don't want to miss anymore once heard.

The album is up for purchase as download on sites such as  iTunes, CDBaby or Amazon.




Contact Data

Also make sure to see the band's social domains of sites such as Facebook, Twitter or check in to their homepage since the band has some shows coming. Here are the next one's that have been announced so far:

Jan 30th
Saturday at 7:00 PM
The Boardwalk
Orangevale, CA

Feb 3rd
Wednesday at 6:00 PM
Ace of spades
Sacramento, CA

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

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

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

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

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

Diamonds Are Forever return with storybased videoclip from the upcoming album

One of the things I always enjoyed about Heavy Metal and all it's corresponding styles is the redemption feeling it gives. It often has some sort of "cleaning and healing" effect on me and in some way this song perfectly fits as a example for that. After listening to this one I often feel empty but good. Somehow it has a similar effect like Slayer has for me. Their superior musical brutality somehow cuts bad feelings and emotions and keeps you going this way. Let's see how you feel about this band and song.




No more than 3 years ago, the metal band Diamonds Are Forever made their fist appearance on the underground metal stage in their local town of Cluj-Napoca, RO.

Now, after two EP-s released and a live DVD, the band published a first look into the upcoming full length album with the video for "My fragile heart will feed the darkness". The bands next live appearance will be tomorrow 11th October 2014 in their hometown of Cluj-Napoca, Romania at the Flying Circus Pub.

For all of you who are new to this band, they are a metalcore band. Their music is a bit different than common metalcore bands out there, since a lot of their style is based on a combination of powerful vocals and guitar riffing with a lot of melodic riffing in between. You may say a lot of metalcore bands do this too, but Diamonds Are Forever don't use a default song pattern. They don't have one! Most of their songs are formed of non-repeating riffs. That's a bit unusual, but it seems they have found the way to manage them into their style.

Their songs are like a story that takes the listener from point A to point B, but when you reach that final destination, they make it worth you followed.

At the moment the band is preparing their first album and here's a little snippet of what is to come...



If you want to keep a eye on the band have a look on the band's website as well as on Facebook and make sure to check their Youtube channel every here and there.