Preview: Last Frontier - Aether (Atmospheric Power Metal, 2020)

I'm missing keyboards in the sound of many metal bands of today. One of the few bands that still works with this instrument to raise some atmosphere in their sound at Italy's "Last Frontier".

After longer last the band has wrapped the third longplayer "Aether (Equivalent Exchange)". A preview player for the albm has been installed on the website of Revalve Records. That's how I got the chance to hear something of the new songs in advance.

The cover already shows that something different is about to be released by Last Frontier.

Track Analysis
It reveals that the agressive elements the band worked on so hard in the past have been kept in the sound. Besides that there's also a lot of room in the songs for the mentioned keyboards. "Fields Of Thetis" and most of all "Flames of Moloch" speak like from the bottom of my heart that it's great to have such elements in the sound.

Other tracks like "Shahar" have a slightly majestic feeling with it and also add the keys to power up the music. "The Wilow" shows that the band can put a lot of pressure into the sound to go a rougher direction if needed. Track number seven feels like a mixture of majestic, power and atmospheric elements.

Preview-Summary
It looks like a album with much detailed work on feelings has been created. It comes with a modern heavy sound yet it holds the tradition up as well. If everythings goes fine the new album will be out on January 24th, 2020 via Revalve Records.

Tracklist  "Aether (Equivalent Exchange)"

1. Toward the Last Frontier
2. Cults of Cargo
3. Fields of Thetis
4. Flames of Moloch
5. Wings of Stone
6. The Willow
7. The River
8. The Brier
9. Shahar

Follow the band through their Facebook page for all the next steps towards the album release.

20 Years of Autumns Eyes - new album sneak peak

"Musicians are the only rich people who share something of their wealth." (Quote, Author unknown)

I found these words some time ago on Facebook. They sticked in my mind. I can't tell you guys out there how much energy, truth and life experience music holds. It's a pure treasure to me. It was like that back in the day and it seems it is more important than ever to me now.

Solo metal band Autumns Eyes already adds since 20 years to the metal scene. These days Daniel Mitchell presents what these years album will sound like with a 5 minute preview video coming directly from the studio.

Daniel Mitchell creating new heavy music for all of us.

I can't stop from watching guitar players playing. Plus these rough riffs are my faves. These sounds are so much fun and fun is fuel for life. It kicks me. Besides the music snippets it also comes with Daniel talking about how old logs, dark sounds, and creepy crunchy guitars will help shape the follow up to the 2017 release.

Make sure to follow the Autumns Eyes social channels on Twitter and Instagram for further updates. Or click the official website for sweet offers like a green (!!!) T-Shirt for a few coins to help musicians to be able to further spread their knowledge with all of us.

Onydia brings a surreal dream to life

Shortly before we leave 2018 behind many of us think of what the new year (hopefully) will bring. First let me wish all of you out there a good and safe going over into the new year.

New releases are already knocking on our door. The name of the band Onydia was created from two greek words, oneiro(dream) and diafanìs (transparent),”the display of a surreal dream in the real world, a mystical dream, our emotions when creating art.”

The album art of Onydia's upcoming album "Reflections", (c) by Onydia, used with kind permission

 After the release of the latest single Dyaphany and the videoclip for the song A New Safe Path, the female prog metal band is ready to release their debut album Reflections via Revalve Records on February 1, 2019.

Reflections is an imposing opera of modern female prog metal consisting of 8 tracks that range through melodic and evocative passages emphasized by the sweet and powerful voice of Eleonora Buono, to reach complex instrumental and guitar solo steps that surprise the listener!

You can preview the whole album with 30 seconds samples from the website of Revalve Records. Preorders are open starting January 11th online at the subpage created by the record company holding more details of the upcoming record.

CD Review: Drop Oblivion - Narcissistic Counselor (Death 'n' Thrash, 2019)

The previous singles were a blast. Now a dual EP release. Something new to me. So how has the first one turned out?

The cover of Drop Oblivion's upcoming EP "Narcissistic Counselor", (c) by Drop Oblivion

The introduction "Into The Dark" opens the curtain like opening up to a classic concert. It's darker toned for sure but helps to get into the mood. Happily not too long in duration to stress the listener.

"Damaged Goods" sounds good providing a boost of heavy hitting grunts and dirty riffs.
Enjoy the full details the track has to offer with it's many highs and lows on the guitar and drumming kicking it out to the door. It's a full duration endless runner talking how riffing should be in Thrash Metal. It's explodes into a blast of energy towards the end. The devil's mask, the mascot of Drop Oblivion comes to life this way.

"Detached" brought in the riff-fun with going up and down making the ride nearly endlessley. It's showing how to work a compact song keeping the energy inside without using the fast double bass formula. The biggest strength is it's constant changing all the while. It never becomes boring also having heard it numerous times. The end came as a surprise offering more relaxed notes. 

The title track is the center of this release. "Narcissistic Counselor" mixes the strengths of the previous tracks but takes it down even heavier. It has this finetuned mixture of catchy riffs and rhythm mixed up with rawness and abrasive vocals. A unusual use of high notes comes in as a surprise. Those high pitched moments knock into your head from the first listen. They dominate the last third of the track. A wicked tune from start to finish speaks out a darker language but I think the slower part leaves room for hope...

"Dreams are made broken" is the most dirty track of the pack throwing you in without further ado. It's a fast thrasher changing to midtempo parts on and on. Yet there's always this slice of melody and moreover fun on playing with the riffs that set the music apart from other bands. Don't turn off the player too fast at the end. Maybe a hint to the second EP coming in 1st February 2019 ? 

Pre-Order Link
This EP is a good christmas present. Just make sure to pre-order it right now on Bandcamp. It'll be up for download on the very first day of 2019. You can use the "Send as a gif" option on the linked Bandcamp website to do so. All you need is the Email of the lucky one.

Mark the Facebook page of Drop Oblivion with a like for more info on the upcoming second EP "The War Within" that is about to come up February 2019.

Preview-Track
Have a listen to "Detached" for a good insight into this release.

Single Review: Drop Oblivion - Damaged Goods Reworked (Thrash, 2018)

I reviewed and introduced this track already some time ago. Ian Mortimer, the man behind the project has constantly worked on the song since then. Can a good piece of music still be upgraded?

The cover for Damaged Goods, artwork created by Barnaby Oakley Crossfade Productions, (c) by Drop Oblivion

Reworked for the better
The answer is: yes it can! It is nearly unbelieveable how different the new version sounds compared to the previous version. It feels as if a new song comes out of the speakers right now.

In detail "Damaged Goods" sounds much sharper and clearer now. Most of all the different parts and sections come out to the front. Now it's clear how many riffs and finer undertoned effects this track has in it. The guitars are much louder on this version.

A new drum sound also supports the easier understanding of the track - it's like it's putting marks and properly pointing parts into their direction now. It feels easier to get a fast grip of what the song is all about now.

The guitars got some new riffs in them I think. One section is brand new - the one where the guitars are quite for a few seconds.

The vocals have been completly re-done. They have a more constant line in them now. The overall tonality of the demonicness feels like one layer being constant through the whole duration now.

It's fascinating to hear how much one track can change with such a overhaul. Very well done!

Purchase-Link & Album Crowdfunding
Pick up a copy from the digital plattform Bandcamp. It costs 2 GBP. More platforms will follow in the coming days. I'll add them as them come in.

Currently a full album is in it's finishing stages. Please help to cover the expenses for mixing, mastering and worldwide release with pre-ordering a digital copy of "Narcissistic Councilor" for 10 GBP via Crowdfunder.

Contact Data
Be sure to follow this project further through the Facebook band page of Drop Oblivion.

Album Preview: Cut The Architect's Hand - Thus Always To Tyrants

Some time ago we featured the US thrash 'n' death band Cut The Architect's Hand on our Facebook page. The guys offered a blast of furious thrash anthems on their Bandcamp page so it was a fast decision that they should be presented on there with a post.

In the meantime the combo entered he studio once again to bring on new blasting tracks in the form of the "Thus always to tyrants" album. We had a ear on two of the new tunes and here is what came along.

The cover of the new Cut The Architect's Hand record, (c) by Cut The Architect's Hand, used with kind permission

The whole thing starts out with a typical number called "Tried by war, decided by victory". It's a smasher, direct in your face attack that reaches your ears. The band reminds me of Testament as the San Francisco thrashers were in their Demonic era but with a bit more dirty and rough sound. This should be warmly welcomed by all those looking for a way to let all their agressions out in a positive way to have a redemptive feeling in the end. 

The second one "Surrounded By Ghosts" does it quite different. While being powerful and feeling riff-packed it plays around with tempo variations and throws in unusual bass guitar elements. This comes around a bit more detailed and finer woven and calls for a re-listen. It's sort of progressive thrash at times. I have not heard such structure in a long time and it was a big pleasure to find something like this. It's my favorite of the two preview numbers and makes me curious to hear what the new record will sound like in the end.

The new record is set for release on 23 March 2018. Finally follow the gang further on Facebook to be notified of upcoming shows and more news regarding the release.

Here is a stream of the new thrash tunes:

Single Review: Drop Oblivion - Damaged Goods (Thrash, 2017)

The last days of the year are running but there's still something going on. This time it's a brutal piece of heavy music coming our way giving a idea of how 2018 could sound like.

The single cover for "Damaged Goods" without background and title, (c) by Drop Oblivion, used with kind permission

Introduction
Drop Oblivion is the brain child of UK based solo composer Ian Mortimer. After getting into the local Metal scene in 2006 performing with various bands over the years, he started an outlet in 2014 for his own heavy creations with Drop Oblivion.

Originally conceived as a “just for fun” project, Ian began working with other musicians on some initial demo tracks,  and created an entire album of material over the course of a few days. As Ian progressed and focused on performing with his other ambient project “Skin For A Canvas”, Drop Oblivion took a back seat for a few years until 2017 when new demos were taken into full production at his home studio in England. The first single taster track for the new album was released in December 2017 titled “Damaged Goods”. The completed album is expected for release late 2018.

Summary
It's a plaesure to see that one man can give heavy music a push into a new direction. The fine thing about this single track is it's continous push it gives. I like the constant going of the drums and the overall song-structure as composed to sound as one piece. Guitars are riff-oriented but not too loud making the listening experience smooth.

It's also fine to hear that the vocals take part on this journey and also it remains sounding as one bold metal track it also changes in it's way of dark tonality. There are many various undertones of the dark vocals that are presented with various pressure. The end comes a bit surprising with a guitar solo offered as part of the song structure instead of forming a own part as usual.

Track-Stream & Purchase-Link
If you're into experimental heavy, let's say mostly thrashy music this one is a ear to keep upon. Devin Townsend came to my mind but also slight comparsions with Trivium rushed in every here and there. Expect raw heavyness mixed with little surprises and lot's of riffs with modern sound well produced for your listening pleasure.

Pick up a copy from the digital plattforms such as Bandcamp, CD Baby and Spotify
Have a listen by checking the visual video below.

Contact-Data
Make sure to follow Drop Oblivion on Facebook. The full album is set for release late 2018.

Sonic Prophecy give a high pitch vocal performance on new video

As for me it's a pleasure to see bands continue what began in the early days of Heavy Metal. Having grown up myselves with the classics of bands such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and the like it feels just great to know younger bands take up the torch and preserve and evolve fruther what has been seeded by the legends.

Such a thought came across my mind when I checked the newest video of Sonic Prophecy, While the band lays a continuous basic with it's relentless guitar energy and pushing and powerfull drums it's the vocals that raised my attention with it's high pitch. They are presented in various high forms in short distance following one after each other. That's something not easy to perform at all. It gives this track something to be remembered - hard to get out of your mind once heard. But have a ear for yourselves and enjoy the moment.

This single comes around as a first sign for the new album "Savage Gods" that will see the light of day via Rockshots Records on January 19, 2018 as one of the first releases of the upcoming year. Here I've got the artwork and tracklist for you to check out. Pre-Order is already up on Amazon. In the meantime you can also buy the single "Night Terror" on iTunes and Amazon.

The cover of "Savage Gods", (c) by Sonic Prophecy, used with kind permission

1. Savage Gods (6:44)
2. Night Terror (5:38)
3. Unholy Blood (5:13)
4. Dreaming Of The Storm (4:55)
5. Man The Guns (5:04)
6. Walk Through The Fire (7:09)
7. A Prayer Before Battle (5:46)
8. Iron Clad Heart (5:24)
9. Man and Machine (6:44)
10. Chasing The Horizon (6:14)

The band has plans for a tour after the release in North America, Europe and beyond.
Make sure to keep a eye on them using social plattforms such as Facebook and Twitter.or give the good old homepage a shot.

Flames Of Genesis gives first hints to the upcoming mysterious release

I love to see these days so many ways to express yourself are open to so many people. One of them has decided to open up his chest of knowledge in aspects of secrets and new musical soundscapes with us.

Flames Of Genesis is the creative chalice in which the mysterious entity, known only as The Voyager, distils his blend of music and knowledge and threads through the elixir the quicksilver of secrets brought from beyond the farthest stars. Nameless and faceless he has arrived with his entrancing, all consuming music, offering insights to mystery and a listening experience like no other.
He brings a sound, a vision, a key...

A picture of The Voyager, (c) by Flames Of Genesis, used with kind permission

Interstellar Transmigration Part I: A Bridge To Further Realms is formed of seven soundtracks to enlightenment, seven revelations woven within sonic tapestries, seven wonders to be discovered. The grand, layered, cinematic sounds enthral the listener, wrapping them in the cold embrace of space, opening the mind’s eye to sights from the very edge of the universe...and for those whose inner eyes are open, those whose souls listen deeply there are pathways to knowledge, to worlds beyond the distant edge, kingdoms that lie in the void beyond dreams...a bridge to further realms.

The Voyager has many secrets to share and today he has revealed the first hints of all he has to offer.   Seek the first clues within the images and be ready, with open minds and eager ears on November 10th because the debut album from Flames Of Genesis, Interstellar Transmigration Part I: A Bridge To Further Realms, will be released by Minotauro Records on that very day. Make sure to follow The Voyager further through his website or Facebook page.

Tower Of Babel give razor-sharp preview to coming album

Some bands come around and you've never heard of them before and they surprise you with music blowing you away. It's been like this with Tower Of Babel for me.

This band features vocalist Csaba Zvekan (Exorcism, Raven Lord, Metal Machine), virtuoso guitarist Joe Stump (Raven Lord, HolyHell, Reign of Terror), bassist Nic Angileri (Exorcism, Jorn), keyboardist Maestro Mistheria (Vivaldi Metal Project) and drummer Mark Cross (Tainted Nation, Outloud, Firewind, Helloween, Metalium) and has released the first full track of the upcoming album "Lake of Fire".


The song comes along with great razor-sharp guitars that really nail the riffs. It's mixed loud and this adds a good potion of agression to the sound in my ears. The vocals are also standing out since they are held in a higher, lightly screamed yet clear way - something you don't hear everyday. It adds a great feel to the track.

It's surely a song for all the lovers of classic Rock 'n' Roll in the way of the 70's/80's. I had to think of early Axel Rudi Pell mixed up with ingridents of Yngwie Malmsteen while listening to this one.

Tower Of Babel will put out their album Lake of Fire on July 20th.

The cover of Tower Of Babel's upcoming record "Lake of Fire", (c) by Tower Of Babel, used with kind permission

Make sure to stay in connection with the band via Facebook so you won't miss out the next steps until the album will drop.

Album preview: Vortex - The Asylum

Ok, let's sneak a bit into a upcoming record. We haven't done this in a whle here on the blog but this new album trailer of the canadian metal band Vortex somehow got me.

The band Vortex, (c) by Vortex, used with kind permission

Besides the growls there's something in the compact and pure sounding recordings that found my attention.

I think it's the coolness of how the band performs the different song segments. It's also the many changes in the song structures that made me like them. It doesn't get montone so quickly and most of all with the lighter overall feeling the sound remains enjoyable while still staying in a heavy tonality.


The brand new record "The Asylum" will be shipped out on Friday the 13 via their label PRC music. You can pre-order the silver disc on the website of the label. So it looks as if that day will hopefully not be a black friday. :-)

Check out Vortex's Facebook page to see a video for a first full song of the album.

New Ignitor EP only available on Ragnarokkr Festival May 6th

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

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

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

Vocalist Jason McMaster has checked in with the following comment:

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

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

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


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

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

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

May 21 - South Austin Brewery (Austin. Texas)

May 31 - Grizzly Hall (Austin, Texas)

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

New Jeff Healey song surfaced and lost album announced

Jeff Healey came to my attention several years ago when I started exploring more and more bands. I was surprised to see him playing the guitar laying on his knees while I knew that he was in fact blind. He nevertheless managed to get some outstanding effects out of the guitar and developed a diverse and impressive playing technique. I also liked his songwriting which ranged from agressive tunes up to slow songs. At some times he reminded me a bit of Jimi Hendrix.

It's sad to know he died much too early on March 2, 2008 at age 41 after a three-year battle with sarcoma cancer. He would have turned 50 this year and it's a gift we can still enjoy his tunes.

Moreover as of now we can also listen to some new songs from him, thanks to the efforts of the Jeff Healey Estate. The long lost album "Heal My Soul" will be released soon. But first of all enjoy the new song "Daze of the Night" right here:


In a joint statement, Jeff Healey Estate Co-Administrators Cristie Healey and Roger Costa said, “Heal My Soul is a project that we have wanted to tackle for years. A 'lost' album, it contains material recorded during one of the most creative periods in Jeff's rock career. Until now, it has never seen the light of day. Jeff was very proud of this work and it features some of the most powerful and impassioned performances he ever committed to record. With complete creative control we've laboured hard, tracking down recordings, identifying the right performances, restoring them to their proper stature and mixing and mastering them from the ground up. This has been a true labour of love for us from beginning to end and we're absolutely thrilled to be able to finally share this significant release with the world.”

Pack shot of the new album "Heal My Soul" (C) by Jeff Healey Estate, used with kind permission

Healey is remembered as one of the most outstanding guitarists and performers of the past 30 years. He lost his sight during early childhood due to retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer. Playing guitar since the age of three, he developed the distinctive lap-style guitar technique that helped bring him international attention by his late teens. A Grammy nominee and JUNO Award winner, his five releases with The Jeff Healey Band totaled millions of sales worldwide. Over the course of his career, he also shared stages and earned the admiration of countless other musicians including B.B. King, Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, George Harrison, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the Allman Brothers Band.

You can see the Album trailer here:

The tracklist of "Heal My Soul":

01.Daze Of The Night
02.Moodswing
03.Baby Blue
04.I Misunderstoo
05.Please
06.Love In Her Eyes
07.Temptation
08.Kiss The Ground You Walk On
09.All The Saints
10.Put The Shoe On The Other Foot
11.Under A Stone
12.It's The Last Time

Release Date
March 25, 2016

Available formats
2LP+Mp3, CD and Digital.

Jeff Healey Online

www.jeffhealey.com

www.facebook.com/jeffhealeyofficial

www.twitter.com/jhealeyofficial

www.youtube.com/jeffhealeyofficial

Album preview: Van Halst shows diversity of female voice

After a longer period you can find more bands out there that are centered around a female voice these days. While I like these bands a lot I missed one little element: the use of the whole spectrum that women are able to sing. Edmonton based Goth Rock Metallers Van Halst seem to be of a similar opinion.

It's cool to hear that Kami Van Halst dominates as the vocalist performing both growls and soaring vocals in their sound. It's also great to hear that the music shows a bit more of ups and downs which makes listening to their music much more exciting. The first single of the upcoming album "Save Me" is a good way to start discovering this great band.

The second single "World Of Make Believe" continues where "Save me" left off and gives even more room for the voice and puts the musical elements in bit a softer spotlight so the voice can breathe through clearer.

I'm looking forward to this release which will see the light of day on March 4th. The album can be pre-ordered via Van Halst's Bandcamp page.The album cover looks already promising. Who know's what lies beyond the portal the person is about to enter? Well, I think we'll find out on another day...

(c) Van Halst, used with kind permission

If you want to follow the band on the journey to the album release don't hesitate to check in at their social plattforms such as Facebook or Twitter.