Kyuss tribute album with 20 tracks to be released soon

Kyuss are often mentioned as one of the first bands to perform Stoner Rock or as they called it Desert Rock. The downtuned guitars and the partial use of bass guitar amps for the amplification of the electric guitars were the trademarks of the combo.

The band already broke up in October 1995 and it seems very unlikely that they will come back to release new music. Happily they influenced a lot of other bands with the music they released and some of them have come together on a compilation called “Spaceship Landing: A Tribute to KYUSS”

A Kyuss tribute album has been announced. Cover art by Captain Maoos: Stoner & Co.

Sometimes bands can add a lot of own sound to a existing classic. I remember having heard the two Judas Priest tribute albums that were released in the mid 1990s while the british metal band was on a break. 

Some of those songs (just think of the slower version of A Touch of Evil by Lion's Share or Doom Squads modern version of Burnin' Up, and Leviathans fragile and heart touching take of Night Comes Down) were really strong new interpretations so I'm very excited to hear what the following acts will add to the Kyuss material that also offers space to play around with the fuzz-sounds.

Amammoth (Australia) – Son of a Bitch

Mörkekraft (Norway) – Writhe

Sonic Wolves (Italy) – Thumb

Rhino (Italy) – Green Machine

Gurnslinger (Jersey) – Molten Universe

Void Cruiser (Finland) – 50 Million Year Trip (Downside Up)

King Howl (Italy) – Freedom Run

Rainbow Bridge (Italy) – Apothecaries’ Weight

Fuzz Evil (USA) – Supa Scoopa and Mighty Scoop

3 Wheeler Band (Mexico) – 100°

DoctoR DooM (France) – Space Cadet

Poste 942 (France) – Demon Cleaner

ISAAK (Italy) – Odyssey

Folwark (Italy) – Whitewater

Abel Blood (USA) – Caterpillar March

Epic Down (Germany) – Hurricane

Loose Sutures (Italy) – One Inch Man

Wet Cactus (Spain) – Phototropic

Wolfnaut (Norway) – El Rodeo

Mercure (France) – Size Queen

The tribute sampler is going to be out on October 31, 2025 by Witching Buzz. Due to licensing restrictions, the release will be available on all major digital platforms in the USA only, while Bandcamp will offer worldwide access.

In the meantime we can follow the Witching Buzz Bandcamp page to make sure we'll be notified when the compilation drops.

CD Review: Neocracy - Who To Blame? (Rock, 2024)

This band had a huge surprise in it's bag at the time they came around with the first full album. It took a long time until the new record "Who to blame?" could be finalized but it was worth the wait.

Neocracy teased this album with the highly addictive single and video for the track "Torment". Once heard it was nearly impossible to let the refrain go out of my mind. It kept in rotation for a long time. 

The cover of Neocracy's second album "Who to blame?"  

Now that the second longplayer had it's time I can say that the band once again had a lot to say. The fragileness of the first album release is still there. While the band often lays down a rocking performance it's the vocals of Fraziska Stolze that add a layer of deep emotions to each track. But there's far more in there. The guitar riffs come from various sources, from rocking to metal-classic. Sometimes they come to the front of the sound but often they also stick to the background.

So what's new in the new album? It's the vocal contribution of bassist Tim Pannek. He added on nearly half of the tracks his growling organ which put's a good contrast to the female voice. It's feeling like light and darkness when you hear the new songs. 

Maybe it's a bit unusual at first listen but with every round you'll become more familar and will enjoy the album on a deeper level. I've done so on three to four completed run downs of "Who to blame?" and have never regret to spent a moment at all.

The drums have become heavier, too. They sound like pushed to the maximum but never become boring. There's a good balance in them so they don't ruin the sound.

"Who to blame?" comes with fine production. It's not feeling overloaded. Instead it centers on leaving room for atmosphere and so the album breathes and lives - something I'm very happy about.

I'll give a strong recommendation out on this one. If you don't listen and buy this gem you'll miss out one of the finest releases in recent months. Ask the band via Facebook or Instagram messages for the physical edition - I'm sure you'll want to be able to hold the CD in your own hands also the download is fairly priced at 8 Euro on Bandcamp. 

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.

EP Review: Out Of Darkness - Seize The Day (Modern Metal, 2020)

Brent Smedley is widely known as the longtime drummer of Iced Earth. I was surprised to learn that he has a side-project with vocalist/guitarist Eric Barrios called Out Of Darkness. The seven songs that he has put out via Bandcamp are heavy music no question. But they are far more.

Can the release shed some light into your day?

They offer a look outside of the box. The opener "OH MY" already spreads this open mindness. Other tracks like "I surrender" are heavier material with a very modern metal take to the sound. I disliked the high-toned sound. It's way to harsh in my ears. 

Happily it's not the common sound of the release. The title-track "Seize the day" features rough vocals but riffs lighter through the speakers. It's going more into the groove metal style. It's also modern but not stressing my nerves like so many modern releases only going for brutality. 

"KNTRL" varies between direct and straight metal notes and more vocal heavyness. I like the moments when it's lighter with melodies flying around. My favorite of the EP since it has a slightly calming effect on me.

A ballad is also present of this first attempt. It's called "Freedom to be free" and shines with spoken elements at the proper moments. But the refrain is big and massive as you would expect of such a track with multiple vocal layers as a special in here.

Finally a midtemp song closes the package. It's riffs keep it compact and and the duration short so it may have been the last ideas the guys had at the rehearsals. Anyway it shows that this is a release of the moment - a authentic one.

All in all a solid release that opened my ears. The former duo surely has ambitions and I'm curious to see where this project may go to in the future. The album is available as download or CD on Bandcamp.

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.

Album Review: Wax Mekanix - Mobocracy (Rock, 2020)

Intensive from start to finish with many, many parts put inside. A well crafted sound collection not to be found that often out there.

Which record would you expect looking at the cover?

Wax Mekanix is an American musician, songwriter, performer, producer, and founding member of NWOBHM cult rockers Nitro. (Not to be confused with the Hollywood band).

In recent times he put out a brand new record. He can be heard on "Mobocracy" performing Lead and Backing vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Drums and Percussion.

The result surprised me least to say. It's a fully rocking release showing that music needs to be anything but one-sided. A breathe of fresh air went through my ears as I listened to this. It has more in mind with modern Rock sound. So many ideas have been put inside - all you need to be is a bit of opened minded to enjoy this.

Track by Track

Blood in my eyes starts the release with a rough rocker and has a wide calling refrain. It's a little bit rock radio compatible.

Victorious - goes in the easiest of the songs,rocks away, straight and surely a fest for fans of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Many repeats of the chorus towards the end - this may be a bit boring at times.

All Freaks rocks it out a more hacked way. The ripped riffs crawl out of the speakers, many guitar effects and experimentation but straight all in all.

Mad World comes with compressed guitars, different song structures than before, and a dizzy atmosphere. It needs closer listening, brightest sound so far.

Ghostland is a darker themed tune,much detail work on vox and guitars,sounds like one voice broken and burst into many different ones

Black unfolds as a acoustic ballad,deeply touching,tells a great tale of all the lifes grey zones,voice transport so much of it's content,guitar drums-great!

All in all it's anything but a casual record. It's not too long in duration but the content provided is so intensive that running it a second time and even more reveals more and more of the many details worked in. 

This surely has taken it's time and effort to put together so it's well worth a purchase in one of the many packages with fine merchandise attached to the music (also the tracks are available as download alone) on Bandcamp.

The artwork stands out. The unsharp optic and the use of red color at the front may seem strange at first sight but it packages the unusual music performance of the record well.  

The lyrics have been detailfully taken care of. I think I've not read so dedicated and own worded texts in a long time. 

You can connect to Wax Mekanix on Facebook and Twitter Network to see how things move on.

CD Review: Krokodil Dental Plan - Feed my Krokodil (Stoner, 2020)

The music of the french stoner combo gave me hope and power on a cloudy day. Which route does the band take? It's the mixture of direct riffs that leave the speakers a unpolished way to lay the foundation for dirty Rock 'n' Roll.

 

Next to go is that groove that pumps relentlessly and will keep you rockin' out to the music. It makes you want more of the same once you've had taste of it. The second track "Die A Million Times" brings this on point. 

Finally the vocals are rough and mixed more to the background but it's welcomed. I think it would ruin the sound if taken too much to the front.

The biggest strength however is the many faces the band shows during performing it's music. Each of the six tracks has been worked on in detail. While sure it's loud and rude music it's also that Krokodil Dental Plan fine-tuned each number on the EP. 

 

"Né Pour Perdre" for instance is keen on giving you the extra of rough guitar sounds. It centers well around those loud notes but doesn't have the groove monster under it "Die A Million Times" presents.

The title track itself seems to focus on speedy vocal performance but surprises with a softer jamming solo-section. The bass guitar rules "Hot Served Enemy", a straight Rocker with slightly guitar-driven variations. The last song "Old Man of Sorrow" closes the release with midtempo slower music but with the distinct sound that makes this band remarkable for me.

The EP is well worth the money for the many sides of Dirty Rock it provides. The CD is shipped out for 5 Euro plus shipping and handling while the download comes at the same price at Bandcamp.

 

Single Preview: Salava - Remorse (Melodic Doom, 2020)

Can such a traditional genre such as doom be updated with modern elements? The new Finnland based powerhouse duo Salava gave it a try and came to great fruition in this preview to their first single.

The bandphoto of Salava was shot by Risto Vauras.

The single starts a classic way but shortly afterwards the vocals of Jukka Salo give the first freshness in the music. The voice has a much more melodic range in it giving room for emotional versatile expression in lighter ways without letting the guiding voice fall away. It's these finer elements that give a extra shine to stay on the stereo.

The songwriting reveals modern splitters in the ongoing progress of the track playing around with guitar riffing in ways that halt the riffing for the moment just to let it roll few seconds later. There are many little of solo passages build in. They mix the track heavily through this way and add more excitement. It's all turned to 11 this time so prepare for a massive guitar attack.

Be sure to pick up a digital copy on Bandcamp for just 50 cent or add the track to your Spotify collection. 

I'll keep a eye on Salava on Instagram or Facebook.

Single Review: Moonscape - The Throes Of Desperation (Atmospheric Prog Metal, 2020)

It's distressing music that features many relaxing moments in it. The new single output gave me medieval thoughts and imagination on many parts of it's duration. In the beginning it feels slow and less moving but please give it some time to unfold it's effect on your ears.

"In The Throes Of Desperation" slowly unfolds it's possessions and leaves a little film soundtrack feeling behind in me.

The cover gives a nice idea of the sound inside, Cover artwork by Dark Days Design.

The guitars are cleverly mixed under a dark atmospheric soundpackage at the start. They give room for a faster solo section that surprisingly fit's into the otherwise slow formula of the single release. The end is the fastest part with drums coming in. It all comes to a abrupt end that is a good teaser like in a TV series when it comes to a solution.

"The Throes of Desperation" is an excerpt from a longer piece of music that will be released on the next Moonscape album, hopefully later in 2020.  I'm looking forward to what hopefully is about to show up in the coming time. Until then mak sure to connect to the project on plattforms like Facebook https://www.facebook.com/moonscapenorway/ or take a look at the homepage. http://www.moonscapenorway.com/

Single Review: The Outsider - Suicide Is Progress (Advant-Garde Metal, 2019)

From Symphonic Death Metal to Advant-Garde Metal? This sounds like a transition of a longer road. But one to be worth giving a listen.

The cover introduces a new logo and a "sigil" of The Outsider.

This one man project is called "The Outsider". It started out with several releases on the Symphonic Death Metal sector. Those included guest appeareances and this tradition is kept up in the newest single that should work as a teaser to the new direction the project is going to take on the upcoming yet untitled album.

The song starts with a unusual drum pattern and lot's of spoken words. Such song structures remind me of the 90s metal where spoken samples were built into songs to underline the statement the lyrics should send out.
Agressive drum fills and heavier vocals come in that show that this stems indeed of older Death Metal roots. They've not been forgotten but work now a different way.

"Suicide Is Progess" takes the next step with a Saxophone solo performed by Jørgen Munkeby. Once again something raising the attention of the listener. It comes out like Jazz music but surely is a warmly welcomed idea to the reviewer.

The agressive drum pattern und vocals come in once more to bridge to a finally Rock guitar section. It shines beautifully but also raw and marks the burning end of a release that made me curious on more to (hopefully) come.

Unusual from start to finish but a wave of fresh air in todays music scene I would like to invite you all to listen.
Finally grab a copy at Spotify or iTunes / Apple Music and follow the next steps of The Outsider on Facebook.

CD Review: Final Coil - The World We Left Behind For Others (Progressive Metal, 2019)

Finally a album that gives a carthasis! That's what I thought when I finished listening to the newest output from England's prog heads Final Coil. It's like a rollercoaster ride to a inner fight between good and bad. Happily at the end you'll feel fine and refilled with new energy to move on with your own life.

The cover of the new Final Coil album was created by Andy Pilkington, (c) by Final Coil.

 
Changes in the band's sound
But what happened since the first full length album "Persistence Of Memory"? I think most of all the sound has taken a more sharper and clearer form. All of the sound ingridents come out strong and direct to you. The most remarkable sign speaks of the drums that set the beat heavier this time.

The new album also see's a lot of progress on the vocal site. Phil Stiles and Richard Awdry outworked their parts much more. You can feel more of the story through the vocal performance. Last of all the guitars show up more diverse than ever taking it with more surprise. The silver disc holds much moments that will have you raise an eyebrow since sounds come in you won't expect. Finally all the tracks vary. It's never a montone record but always one that keeps you on the stereo. Each song feels like a journey in itself.

More changes? Yes, "The World We Left Behind For Others" features intermissions. Some tracks seem to be composed as bridges between tracks so it will be one big artwork in the very end.

Track Overview / Analysis
It's hard to pick favorites for me but "Scattered Dust" was the most emotional moment for me. I love the softness mixed up with hammered powerparts that have been worked in. "Keeping going" comes around a bit like a electronic effect ladden song with open minded style. It's catchy and a bit of Depeche Mode shines through.

Some tracks are softer, feel dreamlike. Take "Imaginary Trip" and it will send you to a land far away. The title track is a good mixture of soft and slightly heavier parts. The ten minutes duration are gone before you'll notice it. The monotone setting of "Convicted Of The Right" is great along with the more creepy rhythm.

Conclusion / Purchase-Link / Stream
Finally if you're after a good progressive rock/metal album that is diverse and gives great feelings while listening you've found it. Be sure to pick the Deluxe Bundle. It has a bonus cassette tape with it holding not only three demo tracks of album songs but also one additional one not used for the record that is not available anywhere else. I bet this is going to be a collectors item many people will hunt after one day. All formats are available directly from the Bandcamp page of Final Coil.

Marc Vanderberg's You and I goes straight to the heart

Is there time for love in these days? I think we take to few time to listen to what our heart tries to tell us. There's simply too much noise all around us all the time.

German guitar wizard Marc Vanderberg released a great half ballad with his latest record "Phoenix from the Ashes".

The cover of Marc Vanderberg's "Phoenix from the Ashes" looks breathetaking in my eyes.

I've not heard such a wonderful piece of music in a long time. It touches my heart with it's softer guitar notes. The refrain is big but fits into the other song structures so it doesn't ruin the atmosphere. It has made me curious what the rest of the album might sound like so I'll take a listen for sure.

Listen to the fine tune right here or head over to Marc Vanderberg's Spotify channel and listen to it along with more tracks of him.

The album is up for purchase for only 5 Euro from Bandcamp in any digital format you may desire. You can follow his further activities on Facebook.

Iris gives a look insight through her voice

From time to time I'd like to point readers of this blog to other musical styles. There's so much good music out there that isn't metal.

Iris comes from Italy. She's a singer songwriter and has released a full album on Bandcamp. In recent times  we were able to follow her activities on YouTube where she uploads covers of songs that she feels related to. The latest videos featured tunes in italian language something that made me even more curious since I've not heard too many of those songs before.

Iris while working on a new cover, (c) by Iris, used with kind permission

Her biggest strength in my ears is the possibility to express her inner feelings with the voice. Iris can let go of her emotions and boundaries and share it through music. Her expressive face speaks out so clearly to me how she feels.

It's one more time in my lifetime that I feel understood by music. It often feels as if it talks about what I want to say, too. Maybe this is one of the many reasons why music has the status it has for me. I hope it will stay forever. Come and have a taste in the player below.

Curious how the story goes on? Follow Iris via Facebook or better subscribe to her YouTube channel directly.

Voyager set a Brightstar at Australia

Some bands are giving me exactly what I need. Voyager, a progressive band mixing up metal with pop-like elements has brought a brand new (video) single to life.

The cover already gives a idea that something special is about to come your way...

It demonstrates once more the band's ability to express softer, melodic elements that touch the soul and give room for dreams and atmosphere. On the contrary there are always rougher corners showing up making clear how much of the agression, raw power and heavyness also lives in the soul of the band. Along with bright pictures of nature and technique it's a overwhelming feeling that floats through me listening to "Brightstar".

If you're living in Australia don't miss out the chance to see Voyager live these days. They hit the road with the excellent Twelve Foot Ninja, a crossover act that also didn't leave my mind once I heard them.

Here are the dates:

Friday 8th March - ANU, Canberra

Saturday 9th March - Download Festival Sydney

Monday 11th March - Download Festival Melbourne

Friday 15th March - Miami Tavern, Gold Coast

Saturday 16th March - The Valley Drive in, Brisbane

Saturday 23rd March - The Gov, Adelaide

TICKETS - http://twelvefootninja.com/shows

The single is up for purchase from Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon Music and more.

Check the band's Facebook for updates and more info.

CD Review: Midnight Blackout - Hangover (Post Hardcore, 2018)

Heavy to the brim. But still slightly melodic so it remains tasty enough to listen to it.

The cover says it all what the topic of the EP talks about.

Post Hardcore seems to be a style many bands aim at these days. The only downside in my eyes is that the overall heavyness often tends to make the music less enjoyable. Happily Midnight Blackout have not chosen to go this way.

Instead they composed their music to be more melodic and most of all straight forwards. That's also a point I love. Whilst other Post Hardcore tunes are a bit complicated when it comes to song structures this french based formation keep all the power going directly from the mind to the music without fiddeling all around. This means that you can easily headbang to the stuff like you used to do in the older days of metal.

The only weaker aspect for me was the overall too loud mastering of this record. Sure listening the loud way helps to push the mood but here the guitars scream it out a bit for me. Less of the high notes would make listening a more silk and less rough experience. 

My personal favorite is the song "In Sheep's Clothing" that the band also picked as a single for the promotional music video.

Also this one comes around as a EP the duration feels like it's goin forever. You get a good bunch of music for your money served directly onto your favorite device through the band's Bandcamp page. But listen here for yourselves.

Make sure to create a account on Bandcamp before purchasing. The excellent plattform for up and coming bands let's you re-download music you once bought there. This means that as long as the service is up and running you can always download a copy if you lost your old one or changed your device (e.g. bought a new smartphone and forgot to transfer the tunes to the memory card before the old device broke down).

Finally check out Midnight Blackout's Facebook page and give 'em a supporting like on over there.

CD Review: Drop Oblivion - The War Within EP (Death 'n' Thrash, 2019)

The second part of the dual EP will be out February 2019. Is it better than the first one or just a collection of fillers?

The cover of "The War Within" EP of Drop Oblivion, Artwork done by Barnaby Oakley at Crossfade Productions

Introduction
Having two releases out in a short period of time was something that found it's way into the record market in the 90s. Just think of Guns 'N' Roses "Use your Illusions I & II" albums. Or Iron Maidens two part live release with "A Real Live" and "A Real Dead One".

Now these days the Death 'n' Thrash project Drop Oblivion gives us two EPs in a two months release frame. The first cut was a rough and loud fest of dirty riffs and growling monsterous vocals mixed up with a lot of fun.

Atmospheric midtempo Thrash
These days "The War Within" reminds us of how fine Thrash can be in midtempo mode. The EP starts with a mysterious and darkened intro just to shot us in with "Monster". This particular one is the fastest and heaviest one of the package. It's rude and with a raw note. Most of the other songs on this one happily follow a more midtempo shakin' pattern. I love that. It leaves more room for atmosphere and a brighter display of feelings. The pressed situation of going in fast and loud is left behind.

It's replaced with the fun of going deeper into the riffs itself. They can breathe far more. Happily it's never monotone and also has enough agression under it's surface. You'll be satisfied if you already liked the other offer Narcistic Counsilour. The EP expresses and widdens deeper the inner fight of good and bad in all of us that has been started out with the first EP just a month ago.

"The Last Goodbye" is the best example for that. With it's different voices/vocals in it you'll feel the twisted emotions. The refrain is a wave of redemption. The title track "The War Within" is kept compact. Line by line it's going on with a closing pattern at the end. It explodes in a quick and direct ending giving a good feeling being through after all. 

It's hard to pick favorites but the track "Inner Empire" always pushed the fun factor to the highest point in me. It's this constant riffing along with the drum pattern going step by step through the whole duration.

The last one "Dark Passenger" fades the EP properly. It's the most atmospheric and haunting one. It shows that it's possible to have dark vocals in a clear surrounding and midtempo drums going hand in hand.

Purchase-Link & Prelistening
You'll get the full riffing attack possible. That's why I can recommend to pick up a copy from Bandcamp (registered users on Bandcamp can re-download all purchased music. Make sure to be logged in when buying your copy). This one is one you'll want to keep safe from any possible loss. It'll be online 1st of February 2019 on Bandcamp.

So far one track "Dark Passenger" is online for listening. Listen to it below.

Mark the Facebook page of Drop Oblivion to keep a eye on how this project will move further.

CD Review: Reclvse - Restless One's (Doom Split-EP with Lucifer's Fall, 2018)

Directly from the instruments to the tape - that's how the newest Reclvse effort sounds like. Having checked out the two previous records of the doom band I can say that this one is the most ambitious and technical one to date.

The cover of the split release of Reclvse and Lucifer's Fall

Reclvse contribution
Released as a split single with Lucifer's Fall the song starts out slow just to move up to a more riff-ripping tune. It comes out clearly but the sound remains as direct as on the other band's releases so you'll be able to capture the music as if the band is standing in front of you performing the music. It forms out as one piece making it a more dynamic track.

The new more compact form of the drums adds along with the riffs the basic for this. I would go as far to say that the band put together a new dynamic form of their sound that has been enriched with few new elements. If you loved the previous Reclvse releases you should love this one, too.

Lucifer's Fall contribution is a more agressive and uptempo piece of sound. They keep it faster on their side while the sound recordingwise goes a similar direction like Reclvse. The mix is louder but sadly the drums miss the clearness. It would have been great to have that changed along with a overall less pushing sound. The vocals stand out a bit. They feel like expressing how it is to be "Trapped in Satan's Chains" and wanting to escape this.

Pick the digital split single release from Bandcamp page of Reclvse and have a listen directly in the player below. Join Reclvse on Facebook for further updates.

Ninth Sphere looking for vocalist and share album for free

Dallas, Texas based Symphonic band Ninth Sphere have put out their album "Zenith". Ninth Sphere is the brainchild of guitarist Brian Cravey, one of the original founding members of The Browning, and is heavily influenced by artists such as In Flames, Born of Osiris, Betraying the Martyrs and Architects.

I just had a quick listen into the release and it's fantastic. It gives a redemptive feeling. In addition it shares a lot of positive and dreaming vibes. The tracks have a compact duration so they never feel lengthy or make you feel stressed and overloaded with all the noise. Instead the atmosphere constantly keeps intact also the tracks evolve and change inside each other so much. But they can be followed easily because they always keep the focus on one element at a time. I think that's something not to be found out there too often.

The cover of the "Zenith" album of Ninth Sphere, cover art produced by Nick Baxter

I was so surprised to read that you can pick it up for free but I would love to see people leaving at least a donation for this fine recording. You can listen and download it up from Bandcamp, Soundcloud and the band's own homepage.

In addition to this it's surely a great challenge to all vocalists out there looking for something new and fresh to work on. Currently the band is on the outlook for a person to take over the vocal duties.

Therefore the band is holding open, public auditions for a vocalist. To be considered the band is asking for potential candidates to choose a song from the album and make an audition track and/or video. Submissions can be posted to any of the bands social media accounts like Facebook or emailed to ninthsphereofficial@gmail.com

Have a listen to the music right here.

Ninth Sphere is planning a physical re-release of the 'Zenith'  album once a vocalist is found. They have even more plans for the future. Brian Cravey states, "“After leaving The Browning in 2011 and accomplishing some life long goals outside of music, I decided it was time to get back to a music project.

I’ve been writing this material for a couple of years and finally found a few like minded musicians to join the band. Travis is a true visionary artist and he will create the imagery for the band, as well as holding down bass duties. Dylan is a professional live sound engineer and an amazing drummer. We have big plans for this band and tons of music written. Once we find the perfect voice to finish our sound we will take things to the next level. Expect some live shows and videos very soon!"

CD Review: Interdrive - EP3 (Alternative Stoner Metal, 2016)

This came in at the right time on a stressy Monday evening - what a healthy cure.

The cover of Interdrive's "Aetheral" EP, (c) by Interdrive, used with kind permission

Summary
On a first listening this is typical brutal release. But as always a second look pays off. It's those moments when you take a closer look that you'll spot what makes this so special. It's the many ups and downs this EP provides that gives the music this mark - here comes something special to you.

I love those mixed vocals. The roughness of the dark toned voice just suits good to the agressive structured parts while the softer voice gives those melodic sections it's silk moments you need to be balanced. It's further great to hear that no moment lasts all too long in here. Just like in real life it changes quickly all the way throughout the duration of the whole material. The tempo is different on all tracks so it should offer something for all tastes out there.

A additional plus is the drummers work. Without ruining the music he moves like a shadow underlining the songs with the proper groove - that's not to be found all too often. Every here and there like in the opening track the songs changes over and moves to a time off - taking a time out of the usual structure. This feels refreshing and re-news the attention to the music. Overall the productionis fat and modern but not feeling overproduced or unreal.

Purchase-Link and Album-Stream
With every purchase you help a band to grow further. So spending a few spared bucks on this one will give you a calming down everytime you need it. Buy the digital version at Bandcamp or iTunes.

Contact
Connect with Interdrive on Facebook to keep a eye on the further progress. It's a pleasure to seesomething grow so it's well worth following them.

Autumns Eyes give seasons change a sound

We're going closer towards the cold days. Halloween marks the point between the last warmer moments and the going over to the less well-feeling times. How does this change sound in the world of music?

Autumns Eyes have given these season a own treatment with the release of the single called "Death Of October". Musically it cracks the borders of boundaries and limitations. It recalls some modern Paradise Lost songs in my mind, think of the "Host" album or the self-titled record of the same english formation and also Type O Negative can be heard.


This one comes around as a teaser to the full album "Ending Life Slowly" that's going to see it's release at the very end of October - exactly on Halloween 2017.

Pre-orders are now online at https://autumnseyes.bandcamp.com/album/ending-life-slowly and the album's track listing is as follows:

1. Death of October
2. Break the Skin
3. Your Last Day
4. Moments Into Memories
5. The Honest Liars
6. Couldn’t Hold On
7. Far Away From Fading
8. Internal Arson
9. Open Your Eyes, Not Your Wrists
10. Under the Skin of the Sun

Follow this band further using the links below:

http://autumnseyes.com/
https://twitter.com/autumnseyes