EP Review: The Great Lie - Burners (Hardcore/Punk, 2022)

Life is short. The Great Lie seem to have used this saying and put together a EP that goes straight to the meat.

The New York based band put's out a open stylistic EP called Burners.

It's main ingredient is a strong basis of heavyness. The tight drums and guitar sections make sure it all sticks rough and dirty together.

From it's stylistic "Burners" is a open release taking advantage of many styles of the heavy music genre. You can spot potions of Hardcore, Punk, Thrash and Metal all the way. The band makes sure the journey never becomes monotone because the five short tracks (the longest one is three minutes in duration) quickly change from one part to another. 

My favorite is the opener "Amputee" with it's change between vocals that stand alone in some moments and other segments where the rest of the band pushes in with all of it's sheer power bringing the whole song into a rush of fury. 

Partly It feels a bit like progressive Metal to me when I listen to the music on this EP. The dry production adds to this feeling. Happily the songs are very straight forward (just listen to "Winters Death") so things never become too complicated to follow.

You can pickup the digital release at a price of your choice from Bandcamp. As a alternative "Burners" can be added and listened to on Spotify. Please add them to your playlists so your friends can check them out, too.

Finally Facebook will help you to keep on track how the story of the band evolves further.

Album Review: Witnesses - Doom II (Progressive Doom, 2020)

Hardly any Doom Metal release touches me much these days. It's not that I dislike it. It's simply as if it feels like anything has been said and performed already.

Until one day this release of Witnesses reached me. It opened up my ears back again. How? Besides the traditional doom trademarks like the powerful guitars and the well known compact rhythm package that accompanies the music it has more to offer.

The album tells the story of a cursed plague-bearing ship that finds landfall at one unfortunate village. 

It's a good batch of feelings that shines at the right moments. The music becomes more sensible. Finetuned melodies find their way into the sound giving it a broken touch. It feels like the own sensible emotional world of a human comes in to bring a own color to the picture.

All tracks are total longplayers. You can easily loose yourselves a bit in them.
Happily they are not too long to become boring or make you skip easily.

There's a need for concentration but at the same time it's also headbang-compatible material so there's still enough fun and heavyness inside. Much dedication and detail-work can be heard. Sometimes you can find your own feelings in works of musicians. That's what happened at least to me with this release.

My faves are the opener "On this Black Ocean" for the epic feelings and "Worse with time" for the heavier side.

It's a independent release. Please consider a purchase of this directly through
the band's Bandcamp page. It's available as a download for just one dollar or more.

Keep in touch with Witnesses through Facebook or the growing popular platform Instagram.

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.

NYC music veterans re-launch Radio show Merciless

I hope this site helps all of you people out there to discover new music and stay up to date every here and there. Happily there are more people out there who also help to spread the word about our beloved music. This may be of interest to you since I know a lot of people still love to listen to radio. It's fine as a media to enjoy while you can have a eye on other things, too.

One of them is the radio format Merciless: the all things heavy and aggressive weekly radio show hosted by former In-Effect/Roadrunner/Zomba label A&R/Author Howie Abrams, and underground legend ILL BILL. This audio-based two hour show just made it's re-launch and here are some details. Make sure to tune in!

Longtime friends and sharers of musical interests, Howie Abrams and ILL BILL, have re-launched their popular weekly two-hour radio show, MERCILESS, at Bushwick Radio in Bushwick, Brooklyn after a year-plus at East Village Radio.

The hosts of the radio show Merciless: the all things heavy and aggressive weekly radio show

Merciless features classic, and what the guys refer to as “new classic” metal, hardcore, punk, thrash and crossover; complimented by unique insight and first-hand experiences from Howie and Bill concerning their respective and collective relationships to the artists they play.

Previous guests on Merciless include: Rob Trujillo (Metallica), Away (Voivod), Danny Lilker (Nuclear Assault, S.O.D., Brutal Truth), John Gallagher (Raven), Monte Conner (Roadrunner Records, Nuclear Blast), Tim Williams/Mike Kennedy (Vision of Disorder) and others.

Merciless can be heard every Thursdays from 3 – 5 PM Eastern at www.Bushwickradio.NYC; or on the free Bushwick Radio app, on TuneIn or Spreaker.

Here is some more info about the guys hosting the show:

Howie Abrams is a former music business executive turned author, who has worked with bands the likes of: Bad Brains, Nuclear Assault, Sepultura, Agnostic Front, Misfits, Madball, 24-7 Spyz, Shelter, Type O Negative, Biohazard, Dog Eat Dog and many others. More recently, Howie co-authored Finding Joseph I; An Oral History of H.R. from Bad Brains (Lesser Gods), as well as The Merciless Book of Metal Lists (Abrams Image).

ILL BILL is an emcee, producer and unabashed metal fanatic. He is well-known for infusing heavy metal and hardcore influenced lyrics into his work with Non Phixion, La Coka Nostra, Heavy Metal Kings and also as a solo artist.

Easter Egg: Spiritual Sickness hand album and EP as last goodbye

Happy Easter everyone! It's time to go and search for the colorful and tasty eggs again.

But wait this article is already one. Sadly it comes with a bitter news to be added to it.

American progressive power metal band Spiritual Sickness have announced the band's immediate break-up. The band played their very last show on March 25, 2017 at Blackthorn 51 in Elmhurst, New York fronted by special guest vocalist Veronica Freemen "The V" (Benedictum).

The Spiritul Sickness logo, (c) by Spiritual Sickness, used with kind permission

Spiritual Sickness founder / guitarist Ed Mischke has checked in with the following comment:

"It is with sadness and regret that I must announce that Spiritual Sickness is being put to ice. The band had a killer run full of heavy and hard hitting metal shows and I was lucky enough to play with some great musicians along the way such as Jeff Kohler, Brian Cahill, Jim Nola, Mark Zapata, Eddie Jucius, Veronica Freeman and Mike Festa. All stellar musicians, great people and excellent friends. Id like to give thanks to the bands we were recently lucky enough to tour with Cage and Ghost Ship Octavius..And a few other people not necessarily in any order.John Rup, Kevin Scondotto, Van Williams, Sean Peck, Rich Brymer, Nicki Camp, Video Uploader, Blackthorn 51, Bill Pollard, Bennett Montalbano, Billy Loney, Lori Eitleman and Wally Huggins. Actually there are probably a few hundred people that I actually need to thank and if Iid forget you please understand. Thanks to all the bands, clubs and internet radio stations. My wife Miljenka and my daughters Nicole Jamie and Taylor for being at every show possible and all the people who have supported us over the years from the bottom of my heart.Thank you. Just a parting note.Whats beginning to rise from the ashes is gonna be bad ass..I am far from done!!"

The band has decided to give away their 2011 debut album "Architects of Agony" and the follow-up 2014 EP "Spiritual Sickness" as free digital downloads for all to have and enjoy.

Make sure to follow the Spiritual Sickness Facebook page so you'll know what the members will do next.

Having heard the songs for the first time myselves it's hard to believe that this band calls it quits. It's great music and having heard the track "Beyond the wall of shame" I'm sure this is a combo with massive potential. It took me by storm.

If your're not shure if this is worth the download check out the song stream below to quickly check the band's abilities.

Kings Bounty preview album and open for Korn and P.O.D.

I like to have a sneak into new material from time to time.It's exciting to know things are in the makings out there and to have a thought what 2017 may have in store for us.

Kings Bounty from New York City give us a taste of the debut album "Broad Daylight" they are currently working on with Chris Collier who is known for his work with bands like Prong and Korn. The last mentioned band comes to my mind at the first run-through of the video but as quick as you realize they have something in common with them you also know they put in their very own personality. It's the special potion of heavyness I like so much in this one all along with the vocals changing all along the whole track. The drums are kicking in with much groove. A good positive push comes along with this one.

If you're quick enough you may be able to check out the band live as they've been picked to open up for P.O.D. and Korn this very weekend and the upcoming week:

Saturday March 4th 2017 – with P.O.D. Morongo Casino Resort Cabazon, CA
Monday March 6th 2017 – with Korn House of Blues Anaheim, CA SOLD OUT

The full album "Broad Daylight" is set for release during the latter part of 2017.

A live shot of Kings Bounty, (c) by Like no Other Photography, used with kind permission

Anyway, make sure to have a look at their brand new website which holds more album teaser material. Their social sites are available on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

Flames Of Fury look for bassist and release new video

A good band always needs proper people to be able to continue on their journey. Sadly from time to time band members have to leave because of various reasons and it's not always easy to find new musicians who fit musically as well as clicking on the human side of things.

The same goes for New York / New Jersey based female fronted melodic power metal band Flames of Fury who are currently on the lookout for a new bass guitar player. Vocalist Angelica Valkyrie has checked in with a statement about the change in the band and the requirements the new four string player should meet:

"We are now actively seeking a permanent bassist to join the band and perform on future tours. Currently Flames of Fury is performing with bassist Mike LePond (Symphony X / Mike LePond's Silent Assassins). We have been so happy and honored to have Mike LePond perform with us onstage as our guest bassist, as he's definitely extremely busy! So now, the band has come to a crossroads, where we really have to have a permanent bassist with us for future touring. So help us get the word out to all potential candidates, as we are counting on securing a worthy replacement to join the band permanently. Interested candidates can contact Flames of Fury directly at: info@flamesoffury.com "

The band Flames Of Fury, (c) by Flames Of Fury, used with kind permission

In the meantime the band is laying down the finishing touches to their debut full length album "Firestarter", which is scheduled for a independent release later in the year. To help skip the waiting time until more news about the release come in the band has set up a lyric video for the fan favorite "I Burn".

Valkyrie says about the video:

"We have wanted to give back to our loyal fans who have been with us from the very beginning, so we went back to our debut EP release and chose the song "I Burn" and immortalized it in a killer new lyric video. This song has been a fan favorite since our humble beginnings. Our desire has always been to create a video for it and now we finally have it. It's crazy, dark and Metal AF!"

Make sure to stay in touch with the band through their homepage or connect with them on Facebook.

Awaken The Shadow look on the darker side of relationsships

These days Facebook is often a source of food for thought for me. One of those pictures that was shared there a while ago said:

"So many people that are together are not in love
so many people that love each other are not together."

Thinking about it this painfull reality first came to my mind. As ever so often I moved on with the daily stuff to do but just recently this topic came back to me when I heard the new single of the New York based band Awaken The Shadow.

Singer Taylor Paul pointed out about the meaning of the track: “The Hunter is from the point of view of someone who may or may not realize they are in an abusive relationship, be it mentally or physically. The idea that you’re so in love with this person that you can’t see yourself ever leaving, but at the same time knowing this person could be poison. All the while your significant other is always on the hunt looking for their own self-gratification, and doing whatever is necessary to keep their partner mentally caged."

In addition to the lyrics I feel that the production on this one is somewhat special. The vocals as well as all the instrumental parts in the song go through so many variations that it needs some time to get through the many song layers and moods they represent completeley. It's massive what band's put inside of their music these days. It's becoming more dedicated than ever.

The cover of the debut record "Life Beyond The Curse", (c) by Awaken The Shadow, used with kind permission

"The Hunter" is taken from Awaken The Shadows debut album "Life Beyond the Curse" which has been released on March 11th. The 12 track full length was self recorded, self produced and mixed by Ali Hassan (the bass player of the band) and mastered by UE Nastasi at Sterling Sound. If you'd like to buy the album head over to the band's mech store for a CD or click on to iTunes for a mp3 download.

Make sure to follow the band further on via their website, Facebook or Twitter.

CD Review: Atropos Project - Towards Firmament

Short Introduction

Atropos Project plays instrumental music with a lot of progressive and metal elements in them. The band started out as a one man project and saw it's first release with the full length album "Equator" in 2013. In the meatime John Quarles, who writes and plays nearly all the music has created a follow up record called "Towards Firmament" in his studio in New York. The new album will see the light of day on December 1st 2015.

(c) by Atropos Project, used with kind permission

Summary / Player / Purchase-Link

I am very glad that this outstanding project survived the tides of time. In the two years since the first album Atropos Project developed the song-structures quite a lot. I mean the first album was great but this one shows a bit more precisely that John Quarles has learned a lot when it comes to writing songs. The new tracks that will be released soon have more structure, often follow more a main theme or topic as the songs on "Equator" did.

Still the great thing is that it doesn't miss the fun aspect of music. You can hear a lot of parts on the album where especially all the musicians amongst you out there can nearly re-feel the positive vibes and emotions that John might have been in when writing, producing and recording these songs. You can feel a lot of jazz vibe in the music and that's what makes this recording sound so different from other's that go into the same direction. It comes out with a jam-feeling to it, a great emotion to me. This feeling when everything seem's to come together in a good mood and everyone involved throw's in his power and talent to it.

It sounds very powerfull and hard but also melodic and very versatile when it comes to the playing techniques and styles of the various tracks. One can quickly point out that it's a typically Atropos Project recording you're listening to.

The first half of the album comes more direct while the second one needs more time to fully sink in. Don't let this stop you from buying. I would like to encourage everyone out there dedicated with the full heart and soul to music to buy this diamond. It's always surprising to see how intensive a record can be - this one will be a journey you'll love and enjoy. Just give it a try.

It's also a great idea for a christmas gift if you know someone out there that has this dedication towards music. It will be a great surprise and I think a album one will enjoy even more with every listen. Remember that Bandcamp also offers the possibility to gift someone with a download code directly through the plattform's shop system.

"Towards Firmament" will be available through the Bandcamp page of Atropos Project starting December 1st 2015. It will also be available through other digital merchants such as CDBaby, Itunes, including streaming at Spotify, Google Play, etc. There are no physical copies planned unless demand warrants it this time around.
Note:  I'll add the exact links to the purchase and streaming plattforms once they've been released so please check back if you're interested in buying or listening to the album. The same goes for the album stream. If it should go online I'll add it here, too.

Currently a preview can be accessed through YouTube that gives a good overview on the album with excerpts of each and every track. Just click on the player below, it only takes a few minutes to listen to it.


Update 01.12.2015: The full album stream is online so I've added it here as promised.  
Album Overview (Track-by-track review)

The Slide: The tracks starts with a few broken notes at the beginning and then goes over to a midtempo slower stomping track with full distortion. Sounds very powerfull and heavy. A keyboard intermission lights up the dark feeling of the track with a lighter melody. The track becomes faster and takes up some tempo. A intensive shred section dominates the last third of this opening song before it finally ends on some strange noise. A great opener!

Bent Crown: A rough and compact but also short intro section kicks us into the second number. It finally let's us fall onto some softer notes that finally form the main theme for this song. The rhythm changed to fit to the guitars. A lot of jazzy feelings in here. This is one of my absolte favorites of the album. The jam feeling comes a lot into play on this one. A new melody abruptly comes in giving it a dreaming theme in between just to be followed on a new part that wraps the melody into a rougher noise guitar vibe and rhythm. The melody continues to shine through. Beautiful part! Finally the rougher part get's more intensive and starts to dominate the track giving it a blistering intermission with a fitting rhythm section. The song goes back to the starting theme to start a little play-around with it before climating into going faster with every round further. I love this!

Block No Light: The opening riff makes it already clear that this track comes around a lot sharper and heavier than the previous one. The main theme morphs and forms a lot as the track progresses even further maintaining all the while it's rough style. Finally a new melody comes up giving it a more melodic and mysteric touch. A ghostly feeling comes up before a sharper midtempo riffer rushes in that opens up the way for some keyboard elements which give it a epic theme. The end comes fast and abrupt but also very fitting to the track.

Alchemist: The fifth album track starts out with some soft introduction notes before heading on to a straight rocking number. The short break with silence comes as a surprise but the melody rushes in even better afterwards. Throughout all the changes the song always remains heading straight on forward in a faster mood. The end presents a lot of distortion and drums playing along to it. It plugs out quickly but all of this feels as if it should be this way.

Expeller: This one opens up quite epic with walls of sound of guitar and keyboards. It transforms further into a midtempo number with heavily distorted guitars and a lot of shred formed into the sound. Finally clear guitars softly come in just to leave as fast as they came. The walls of guitars seem to reflect into the music once again before a string of clear guitar melodies form a soft touching outro to this outstanding track. You'll remember it often afterwards.

Towards Firmament: A rather unusual beginning for this Atropos Project tune with a soft arrangement of guitar strings along with few percussive elements at the start. Rough and dry guitars come in forming a pulsating noise gate that along with the constant rhythm sharps the heaviest track of this second album. It's a big surprise even if you're familar with the sound of this instrumental project. The end gives in some more relaxed parts that form a contrast to the first section that is overwhelming with it's sheer intensive power. Surely a track that set's a mark in the world of heavy instrumental music.

Sistine: This one starts out softly. It has overall a lighter feeling to it with percusson adding to it. Thoughout all the variations a main theme runs through all the parts giving this a heavy jamming attitude. It has a attempt like "Bent Crown" in it. The drumming is more versatile and faster but the guitars go more directly on it. A overall straighter number but with the slight progressive elements I like in this music so much.

Red Roads: We reach the final track of this album. It welcomes us with soft keyboards. The eight song plays around a bit before it comes to the next section - a riff hacking heavy track that has a epic keyboard theme with it that seems to form a echo for the guitars. The hacked notes come back in with much jamming added to it. It plays around a lot with the variations that can be made of it and John Quarles knows how to use them. It's great to see what can be made of single elements and this track shows the variations you can make of it. I hope the journey this album provides can be continued one day. I would love to go on. As for the first I'll put it on repeat and enjoy it a second time that's for sure.

Scorpions Show at Barclays Center on 12th September to be streamed for free

The liveshow of the Scorpions at Barclays Center, Brooklyn NY will be streamed for free on Sep 12, 2015, 9:05 p.m. ET. through the Yahoo Live service. You can see the show in the player below or check out the event page for more details on the stream.

CD Review: Atropos Project - Equator

Here we go with a new section on the Metalunderdogs Blog. I'd like to write down my thoughts on new releases that have been recently put out. If you have a own band or project that you think might fit in well here please do drop me a line or two here in the comments section or please see my profile for my E-Mail adress. I do appreciate new suggestions very much!

Today we start out with the actual album from Atropos Project called "Equator". It's a instrumental Progmetal one man project that is centered around John Quarles. He has written, performed, recorded, and produced all the stuff that can be heard on the album. On some of the tracks he has additional help with guitars, keyboards, Pedal steel, dobro and slide guitars from other musicians. John is mostly a self-taught musician who started out with drums, later going over to guitars and even having taken some lessons on the piano.

As for the structure of the review: I will first give a short summary of the album along with a embedded player so for all of you who dislike reading text from screens you can shortly go over and have a quick check on the content. Afterwards I will write down a track by track review showing you my thoughts on the single tracks.

Short Summary / Player / Download and CD Purchase Links

No doubt it's a great album. If you're into Progmetal and like instrumental songs I suggest you to check this out. I know no one like's to be compared to something but to give you a idea on what this is all about imagine the instrumental tracks from bands like Dream Theater, Vanden Plas, Threshold and the like along with a more straight forward songwriting. The songs are very progressive and do show the beauty and diversification of this musical style but always remain followable and don't loose thereselves into too complicated structures. They always give you the chance to take a breathe after a "hard attack" so your emotions and thoughts can sort freshly giving you new energy to go for the next push-on forward.

The album can be streamed for free so it's no hidden catch. Take the time and check out "F.A.C." or "Deadfall" for a very quick glance on what's this band is all about. Take some time to give the blasting "Spiralling" a chance as well as the slower tracks "A Curious Trip" and "Drudgery".
The album can be purchased as a download for only 8 dollar at the BANDCAMP SITE. There you can quickly get the album in high quality FLAC (File losless Audio Converter) format as well as in high MP3 format. John has also put together a beautifull CD version of the album so if you prefer to buy the album as a classic Compact disc, you can do so also via the BANDCAMP SITE. 
For all those of you who do prefer itunes and Amazon, just click on the site names to go to the direct download pages. Moreover CD baby is one more chance to get a copy of the album.
If you want to follow Atropos Project, you can do so on facebook or check out the band's website for further links and info.

Update 2014/11/03: The prices have been reduced! The download is now available for 4 Dollar as well as the Compact Disc that goes out for the same price but you have to add shipping and handling for the physical copy of course.

Track by track Review:

Before reading: don't let your enjoyment be spoiled. I will talk about some of the details of each track. Discovering music on you own might be much more fun. If you don't want to know before listening I suggest you to let the music do the talking instead of reading this.

"Inceptions Promise"
The slow intro track takes you away from reality to the start of a musical journey. Set up with clear guitars in a very own style it plays a bit around in the hight notes to take over to the first full song of the album.

"F.A.C."
A open and direct straight forward song taking you inside of the album. Shortly after the opening sequence a first solo part with a very own styled solo section. Very rhytmic track, lot's of variations in tempo and soft change over's. It show's also a very own trademark of Atropos Project: very own style and interpretation that give's the straight arrangement a remarkable own note.

"Deadfall"
The hardest track of the album in my eyes. Raw, direct and unfiltered first riff with dirtly crash cymbals. After the hard entrance a softer part with slower rhythm and piano playing awaids the listener. The permanent constant playing of the guitar while the piano does a little duell with the guitars take's it back to the harder intro riff. Finally a release at the end with a very straight forward riff. Short silence. Then a short hard riff. The piano take's to the end of this nearly ten minute long song. A jamming session in the end repeating the piano theme slightly from the middle section. A open end fading out of a great track. 

"Spiralling"
A song that opens up while a ghostly-feeling riff that gives you chills. It's followed up by a more complex Rhythm Section, that leads into another part underlayed with Keyboards. Sort of style I like very much. After some jamming finally a blast killer riff at the end that free's the compressed energy the previous parts did build up.

"A Curious Trip"Sort of very special track. It starts very slow and relaxed with some Piano. You feel lost in deep thoughts when listening to this. The end offers a very, very complex instrumentation while the bass keeps repearting a montone riff. The end comes very abrupt and leaves you behind with a surprise (a good one).

"And...Lift"
This one show's a lot of jazz elements with lot's of variations. The riff is very strong and pushes you hard in the forward direction. A lot of solo part's in here. In the end part a riff that open's up the song like a flower and shows several styles of this riff and the melody.

"Suspiria"
We start into the song with a slow section playing clean guitars that is seldom to find these days. Warmly welcomed by me. The rhythm builds a bridge to the main part of the song. Guitars playing at a high tone on this one. Powerfull guitars with a catchy riff and several repeatings then - silence. After a short break another power riff with a very straight ending.

"Drudgery"
Again a clear intro with a touch of sadness hanging in the air. The jam session that follow's leads into a good power riffing. The rhythm is very crawling and has lots of modern elements in there. The end takes you back to the starting intro melody and the end is soft and let's you slowly fade away.

"New Leaf"
A cool drum section opening up to clear guitars. Once more we go with a power riff while the drums keep being very dominating on this track. The bridge is a drum fill going over to a new pattern opening up to a piano section alonng with fitting beats. Some more jazzy elements and a small jam section go over to the final part of the album. After a short power riffing arrangement the CD comes to a end with a piano section putting a very decent ending to a strong first release of a project we hopefully will hear more of in the future.