Demo CD Review: Zubzero - Lost Sun (Thrash, 2022)

The flame has started to burn. As the cover already tells you this trash-filled silver disc spreads a lot of raw heat and melting metal.

The CD comes housed in a cardboard sleeve. The appeareance spreads warmth but also danger from all the splitter and flames spreading all around.

I love cardboard CDs like this one by zubzero.

I've carefully put the disc into my player and the display told me two tracks waited for me. What came out of the speakers? Track one "Lost" starts straight away wasting no time. The vocals and music present itself on midtempo pattern and with classic riffing.

The fine thing is that also it's a DIY demo the sound is professionell polished and great to enjoy. Vocals are rough and speaking of a traditional tone with song structures kept clear. But at times the riff is changed for variations yet this happens not too often. But when it does the ride becomes hefty and wild so the song shows a different face. 

"Liquid Sun" is different straight from the start. It comes with more push and drive. The sound changes into a faster tone and keeps morphing the longer the song lasts. Few elements of progressive thrash shine through on this track. A solo fast and hard ends the music as quickly as it came.

Order a physical copy through the webshop of Big Bad Wolf Records and support the further development of a brand new band. I think it's a good pick for tradtional likers of the thrash genre.

You can follow "Zub Zero" on Facebook to see the next steps - for instance the upcoming gig with stoners Pander and Grinner (Alternative Hard R&R) on 3rd of December 2022 in Leeuwarden (Netherlands). 

Single Review: All Depraved - Makes me blind and insecure (Thrash, 2021)

This band coming from the Austrian Alps (Kärnten) kicks it out straight forward taking no prisoners. 

Bandpicture of the band All Depraved, Photo Credit: Tom of All Depraved.

Sometimes when you get sends like this one it's hard to know what to expect. But this time a positive surprise came out of the bag. This gem which is yet to be released on May 2th 2021 features a frame of constant pushing drums provided by guest drummer Adrian Erlandsson (At The Gates, The Haunted). 

The air is filled with classic razor sharp thrash riffs that cut straight and direct. At the same time they feel slightly layered at some points which gives it it fuller sound structure. 

The vocals go a slightly growling way. Happily they don't go too deep so they are understandable. That's a big pro in my ears because it gives the refrain a hugh push and together with all the backing vocals it builds up to be a ear catcher. 

The whole song takes a turn when it changes to the solo section. I love those midtempo changes, it gives a new view on the main riff of the track and a chance for all those who love to headbang like a propeller.

This track works fine as a introduction. It also leaves me asking how the other songs the band is working on may sound like. "Makes me blind and insecure" will be released on all streaming plattforms on May 2nd 2021. 

Be sure to connect to the band on Facebook and YouTube to get a reminder of the single release. 

A full album is about to follow sometime in 2021, too.

EP Review: Persecutor - Persecutor (Thrash, 2020/2007)

Real thrash metal is timeless. But sure as it is it's not that easy to create and record this music genre properly. This underground EP by polish thrashers Persecutor suprised me with it's fine and outworked production as well as dedicated songwriting showing the solid skills of the band.

A shining thrash diamond has be re-issued in digital format these days.

Also it's first release dates back to 2007 it shows what a underground act with much engagement and heartblood can put out if they want to. While the start "Embryonic Lifeform" goes the typical rough way to hit the listener quick and hard the other tracks evolve. The songs go a midtempo route every here and there and the vocals given more time now show the full glow a dark voice can offer given it's place in the music. "Dogs Of War" is the best example for that.

"Dementia" shows the diversity the band has in themselves. The song structures change from part to part and are a shed of joy to listen to. "The Art Of Killing" closes the release with a slower edgy riffing songstructure and blasting parts.

These days's this little shing diamond has been re-issued the digital way on all streaming plattforms. Below you can find a direct link to listen to the music on Spotify. So sit back, relax and let this fine notes sink in to power you up once more. t just takes few minutes duration.

Fatal Opera to release final album after 20 years

Some bands are a bit legendary for me since they were using a sound formula not to be heard too often. It's like this with Fatal Opera, a band from the US that featured ex Megadeth drummer Gar Samuelson and his brother Stew Samuelson.

They had a jazz influenced way to set up the songs and the first album "Fatal Opera" to me personally also feels a bit as if Jimi Hendrix's feeling for exploring heavy guitar sounds mixed with various rhythm was continued by the band.

A old band picture of Fatal Opera, Photo Credit unknown after 20 years.

These days I'm surprised to learn that the band had a third album "Fatal Opera III" in the makings before Gar Samuelson died. Now 20 years later the results of these writing sessions are about to be released but in a special way with many upgrades and specials.

The street date for the LP has been announced to be Summer 2020 via Combat Records.

The album will include guest appearances from Megadeth’s Chris Poland and David Ellefson, who will appear on the track “The Raven”, which will mark the first time Poland, Ellefson and Samuelson have appeared on a track together since Megadeth’s seminal Peace Sells.. But Who’s Buying, as well as additional guest appearances from Poland, and New Yorkers bassist Robbie “Pags” Pagliari, marking the first time the original lineup of The New Yorkers (Poland and Samuelson’s pre-Megadeth Jazz/fusion project, also featuring guitarist Stew Samuelson) has appeared together on a commercial recording.

Also making a guest appearance on “The Raven” is Ellefson vocalist, and COMBAT Records A&R, Thom Hazaert.

Fatal Opera III, is the final chapter in the band’s legacy, featuring the final recordings of Samuelson, who passed away in 1999. Fatal Opera began work on a new album prior to Gar’s passing, and the tracks sat for almost 20 years, until they were finally revisited. Enough tracks were found to create Fatal Opera III, produced and mixed by Andy Freeman. The remaining members joined forces to finish the album that was started so many years ago, released in a fitting tribute and celebration to the legacy of Gar Samuelson, and Fatal Opera.

Vocalist Andy Freeman says, “It was a long time in the making, but it truly was a labor of love, putting together this final release. It was an honor and a privilege to work with David and Thom, who helped make this album possible, and getting Chris and David together with Gar once again brought the whole project full circle. We are very pleased that it will finally see the light of day, and hope that it will be an offering to our fans, and a fitting final musical tribute to Gar."

Megadeth bassist, and Combat Records owner, David Ellefson says, “Gar was one of the more unorthodox, unpredictable, and musically compelling drummers I've ever played with. His legacy continues to grow with the passage of time. So, it's an honor for me to have this posthumous performance with Gar, in honor of his incredible musicianship and legacy he left for us all to enjoy.”

Make sure to keep a eye on Combat Records Facebook page for further announcements of this release.

Video premiere: Intoxicate-Retention Rumba (Thrash, 2019)

Today we've got a premiere to hand to you. This time it's a thrash metal fast attack caused by swedens Intoxicate. They've a brand new longplayer coming up called "Cross Contamination" digitally on October 11th 2019.

Also the music is going down rough and dirty the music never misses to keep a melodic note throughout the whole duration. The constant vocal attack also feels as if it messages you directly to speak strongly to you.

Besides the fine music the lyrics have a strong meaning behind them asking the sense of free behind so many offers of today. The presentation in the background is excellent with computer screens and plenty of green colours and movements of various fitting objects to the topic. But enough said enjoy it for yourselves right here.
The whole album has 8 songs of fast & melodic Thrash-Metal from Gothenburg, Sweden!​
The album is mixed by Anders Backelin (ex-Lord Belial) and​ mastered by Andy LaRoque.
Cover art by Raimo K. layout by Daniel T.​
The band was formed in 1988 and was one of the first Thrash-metal​ bands from the area. Now they are back and stronger than ever!​

Intoxicate (SWE) - "Cross Contamination" (FALLCD043) ​
 ​
Digital out:11/10-2019​
CD out:tba!​
​
Pre-order of the record is available at Downfall Records.

www.downfallrecords.com

CD Review: Solitary - XXV (Thrash, 2019)

I need to admit that I had some initial starting problems with this band. Their newer output always felt a bit close soundwise to Metallica to me so I always choose to not review them. This brandnew EP changed that for the much better.

The cover of Solitry's upcoming anniversary EP XXV, (c) by Solitary

25 years are Solitary already thrashing around their brand of music. These days the band put's out a EP that celebrates this with three re-recordings of classics plus two live recordings of older material.  What convinced me this time so much? It's the high pressure the UK based band put's into their sound. I've seldomely come around any combo that set's such a massive bar when it comes to creating their noise.

It almost feels like using a high pressure cleaner. You know cleaning with water helps in normal situations. But this one blasts every little thing of dirt away. But it's not only the brutality. It's also the changes and little part's included with the songs. There are always intermissions present that give room for letting off some of the steam. They leave space to headbang all around. You know the change to a more midtemo format. It's all those stuff that makes you smile once you've gone through the tracks.

The live tracks "Architects Of Shame" and "The Diseased Heart of Society" are something special in my ears. It's one thing to be heavy in the studio but another one to be so live. Solitary prove with this unpolished tunes that they can give it live in the same brutal way.

I love the drums sound. This high pitched snare along with the much deeper bass drums kicks it the perfect way. Especially the last track shows that more complex and progressive structures are also something they learned to master in their long lasting carrer.

The EP will be released on August 9th. Currently there's no preview snippet available. Keep a eye on Facebook, maybe something will show up in the coming time.

Support the band with a pre-order of the EP through Solitary's own website. It will help them to tour more and put out more music. Next stops on the touring schedule are Aggressive Music Fest this weekend (19th and 20th July 2019) and Bloodstock Open Air 2019.

Single Review: Intoxicated Rage - Battlefield (Thrash, 2019)

Intoxicated Rage, boldly proclaims to be one of the most engaging and unforgettable acts in the New England heavy metal scene. Their name alone speaks directly to the experiences they provide in their music and live performances—anger, power, and entertainment.

Their mission is to force fans to “LET IT OUT”; when performing they want the audience to release all negative energy in a fun and positive experience. The group wants to highlight those raw emotions and take them out of people so they can be better off as individuals. Fans can be sure that after leaving an Intoxicated Rage show they will have an understanding of full on “F***ING RAGE” from headbanging, moshing, and laughter.

Intoxicated Rage released a new single today.

The new single "Battlefield" is the most wired track in Thrash Metal I've heard of in a long time. I love how the song slowly builds. But what I love even more are the riffs. They are played hard and hacked in a bit unusual way. It makes the whole track exciting and crawl slowly out of the speakers.

You can never be sure how it goes on and that make you listen closer. You want to know what comes next. Plus the singer takes this tune to a new level with the more melodic voice. Besides the heavier parts inside the vocals it also pushes a positivity into "Battlefield". It makes the whole song break up like the leaves on a tree in spring. The end is dark and hard and goes without mercy.

The new single is currently already available for stream/purchase on Spotify.


This makes me curious on how the band will move on. A look upon Facebook or their website is highly recommended to keep track of the next steps since a album entitled "Apocalpyse" has been announced.

CD Review: Wreck-Defy - Remnants Of Pain (Thrash, 2019)

Nothing had been announced before the release. Now Aaron Randall (vocals, ex-Annihilator) and Greg Christian (Bass, ex-Testament) both return to the scene with a oldschool thrash format that added all evolutional steps until today with it and also leaves room for cool moments and atmosphere.

The album cover tells us that some oldschool-vibe can be found inside of the package

Summary
This means that the songs are build up the way you are used to from your classics but some small pieces signalise that few but important parts changed for the better. First off the vocals rip it up. I love to hear what Aaron Randall can do with his voice. He's going on it the agressive way. Forget the commercial vox you've heard of him before. This one is real thrash all the way.

As for the all of the guitars and drums: they go a far more powerfull direction on this one. That's the modern parts I spoke of before. The whole album blows out the pure strength the musicians put inside of it. Today more of this can be captured than ever before. The producer Juan Urteaga did a great job on "Remnants Of Pain". This is raw energy going all the full album duration.

This goes especially for the drums. They are held a overall lighter way soundwise yet they give a heavy hitting note while listening.

Some tracks go a cool direction and a bit apart from the fast thrash blowing notes. "Art Of Addiction" is a groove-oriented one that share's a little easier feeling yet it's still thrashing stuff. Similar goes for "The Devide", a midtempo thrasher which sources much of it's fun through it's going straight all the way with a direct riff.  "Angels and Demons" also comes out of the speakers in a mixed way. Some parts are lighter while other times the riffs dominante, all packed in a more midtempo style.

All in all I would highly recommend this to all the thrashers out there. You'll get a lot of fun out of this one. While it's easy to quickly get into the sound of the CD it also leaves enough room for re-listening and discoveries afterwards. It's well worth your money and time.

Purchase-Link and Pre-Listening
"Remnants Of Pain" is sold the oldschool way on a CD with the typical look of such a thrash record (frontcover plus black backside with tracklist on it). You can order directly from Wreck-Defy via Facebook. One CD comes around for $15 CAD plus shipping and handling. If you're lucky enough you may receive it along with a free bumper sticker.

If you need to have it faster then there's the chance to pick up a download of the album through Bandcamp in a format of your choice. This means you can have the files at the same quality level like on a CD or in any other format that you prefer for mobile listening nearly instantly. Listen to the album right here.

CD Review: Dawn Ahead - A Trip Of Violence (Thrash, 2018)

A blasting pack of classic thrash mixed up with slightly modern touches.

The cover of the "A trip of violence" EP, (c) by Dawn Ahead

This mini album is a display of potential. You can feel at every corner that the band is giving full gas. Just do yourselves a favor and skip track one. It's the only weak track on here because it's simply to trivial and usual. As of track two and onwards the real journey begins.

It's a feast of classic pounding thrash numbers most of the time. Two songs also go the more midtempo direction something warmly welcomed to add some change. It's those numbers that the band shows that they can do more than thrash all on it.

From all the noise the vocals stand out. They go through the full range that a vocalist can do. It's this what I would describe as slightly modern in here. So you'll get it all from clear to grunty from loud to silent notes.

The other musicians do well, too. They add the classic thrash formula to the tunes. Think of old Testament in the style of the track "Apocalptic City" from the first effort of the Bay Area veterans ("The Legacy") and you'll quickly know what I'm writing about.

If you're in a agressive mood this one perfectly fits in. Pick up your copy for only 5 Euro plus shipping and handling from the band's homepage directly. I've been told that more is in the makings so keep some eye on Facebook. Dawn Ahead are surely a pack to see live. I hope I can check them on stage some other day.  As a teaser listen to the title track below.

Eyestral put out horror-themed lyric video

I haven't come across a Thrash Metal band that put's out such stuff in a long, long time. In fact I remember Megadeth put out such stuff way back in their beginnings (just had a look into the booklet of the Peace Sells album and that was a fine reminder of how they wrote song text in those days).

The nice thing about this particular one of french Thrashers Eyestral is that the video doesn't just show the song text but also changes in various ways throughout the song duration. The lyrics make me feel a bit scary at times with it's dark and bad setting. In addition it's great to have some progressive elements in the music. It rounds out the package with nearly 10 minutes of ripping guitars and powerhouse drums very good. It's a fine neckbreaker.

This first full song comes along as a sign of the coming release of Eyestral who will put out their first full length record "Beyond" on digital plattforms on October 25th. The longplayer will be available from November 10th in Europe. You may also pre-order the physical release straight away through the webstore of Music Records.

Just make sure to follow Eyestral via Facebook to be notified in your News Stream about further updates.

CD Review+Tourdates: Illyrian - Round 2: Fight! (Thrash, 2016)

A album as heavy and dark as black coffee: strong, refreshing and getting better with every sip you take.

Introduction
Illyrian came as a quick neckbreaker to me. The first time i've been introduced to them was the time they put out the video single for the title track of Round 2: Fight! The riffs beat me down and besides the unbelievable drums that hit my ears it was the tri-vocal attack I loved so much. This was for sure a album to have a eye upon. The longplayer finally found it's ways into my ears and here's what went through my mind while listening to this Thrash metal album.

The cover of the album Round 2:Fight!, (c) by Illyrian, used with kind permission

Summary
What a record! This is for sure a album for the lovers of strong thrash. If you're really deep into this genre of metal but other albums never were able to feed you completly you should try this riff hacker. It's heavy as hell! But the coolest part of it all is that after the first half the album get's even heavier.

The first five tracks put the foundation with building the foundation and introduction to the sound. They introduce most of the classic thrash formula (plus slightly modern elements on "Opulent & Imperial") with scream-along refrains plus tight guitars and even harder pushing drums. The drums have left me with a open mouth behind. It's few times you hear a drummer putting out so much energy on one album. Just check "Zeta Reticulan" to experience what I mean.

Track six "Mindbender" feels like turning the wheel. It's a midtempo thrasher with many changes and much diversity in it. The vocals become more sick this time they sound much more bad ass than on the first half of the CD. This set's the direction for the second pack of songs which are all kept smore riff-orientied, slightly more complex at times and cutting it more towards the rough edge. It's like in a fight: things have become heavier the longer it takes.

Album Stream and Purchase-Link
As for me this is a thrash sensation of 2016. Never thought I would ever come across something like this one. If you love the old thrash formula to be combined with vocals of changing rougher, darker and sometimes screaming nature along with pure energetic drums you should check this one out.


It's available for around 10 CAD from their Bandcamp page or you may pick it up from iTunes or Amazon. A CD version is available from their Bandcamp site.

Tourdates 2017
Best of all the band will hit the road in Canda in a few days. Don't miss out the chance to see them. I've checked out a live video on Youtube and that flashed me. 

April 20 – Calgary, AB – Nite Owl
April 21 – Edmonton, AB – DV8
May 2 – Banff, AB – Hoodoo Lounge
May 8 – Grande Prairie, AB – Better Than Fred’s
May 12 – Abbotsford, BC – Brothers Billiard
May 13 – Vancouver, BC – Media Club
May 14 – TBA
May 15 – Nanaimo, BC – The Cambie
May 17 – Vernon, BC – Record City
May 18 – Kelowna, BC – Chaos w/ NoMessisah Radio Show
May 19 – Prince George, BC – Fore Bistro
May 20 – Burns Lake, BC – The Dungeon

Contact Data
You can contact Illyrian on Facebook, Twitter or check out their homepage for all the latest.

Interview with Shallow Ground (Thrash, 2017)

We had a longer talk with vocalist/guitarist Keith Letourneau of the US thrash metal band Shallow Ground. They play classic thrash with slightly added elements of the progressive. Discover how the band goes along with today's digital age in terms of release formats as well as social media as a way of talking with fans. It also shows what music means to a heartfelt musician and at the very end he also give's us a glimpse into what you may experience while touring around...Have some music while reading the little interview in the player below.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: How did the band come together?

Keith Letourneau: We started out back in 1992 with a different line up. Took time off when my daughter was born in 98 and reformed in 2009. We just found each other , Thrash is a brother/sisterhood that just finds one another. And it was time Thrash call to you if you play it lol

Which sources do you use as inspiration for writing new songs?

Life both good and bad crap that happens! Look around there is inspiration in everything you see feel and can touch,  Just have to tap into it.

Do you feel that writing and performing music helps you to push on further with your own personal lifes?

Oh 100% yes!! It becomes part of your DNA, make's up your soul. It just makes me happy!

The cover of Shallow Ground's 2015 release "Embrace The Fury", (c) by Shallow Ground, used with kind permission

Social media surely plays a big role in the communication between a band and their fans. Do you feel that fans contact you more or less personally at gigs these days?

Social media is good.  I get a lot of Thrashers from all over the world hitting me up to BS" which i love" ! It diffidently makes it easier to talk to people all over the world. When we play a gig anywhere and someone comes up and says hay I'm so and so, Its awesome to really put a face with a name ! So I guess Social Media helps some people who are not to out going break there silence and enables them to talk to people they normally would not.  

Do you still prefer releasing music on traditional media like LPs, CDs and the like or do you feel the same satisfaction when putting out music digitally?

CD's its a thing you can hold and look at!! Then  use as a beer coaster after you down load it lol  I prefer CD's myself. Dig has its uses for a lot of people, right to phone and take it everywhere you go always have your tunes with u i get it !

Have you ever experimented with other styles over the years and thought about changing?

Well I was playing Thrash in the 80ies left that band. Started Shallow Ground with Tim and we were more of a speed/ power metal band back then ! But my soul swims in THRASH and im back where I belong PLAYING THRASH! As far as changing things up. I am not a flavor of the month kind of guy. if you know what I mean?  Thrash makes me happy I think no other music out there can make me as happy as Thrash does.

The band Shallow Ground,  (c) by Shallow Ground, used with kind permission

Did you come along points where you thought about leaving it all behind? If you reached that point: how did you keep the motivation up to move on?

Quit no lol I did walk away for around 10 years to be the best dad I could be. but I'm back lol .

How did I keep the motivation up to move on? Easy when you love playing !

What was the funniest story that came along your way when you performed live? Or did things happen that you would have never thought of to occur (not only at gigs but maybe anywhere else as well)?

Playing Warriors of Metal open air fest in Ohio. Myself and our old bass player Nick were sharing a hotel room. got woken up by screams and yelling! a hooker was getting beat up by her pimp bad. cops came and the dude got busted but he was saying he was going to kill the hooker to the cop wtf. Cop kept saying sir im going to have to bring you in if you keep saying that. Well he did and cuffed and stuffed the whole time before the cops got there was worried about a stray bullet coming thru the window. Cuz the guy had her pinned up against our window saying he was going to shoot her in the head. Wont forget that one lol

Make sure to stay in touch with the band using their Facebook page or see their website for info and the merch section where you can order their music.

OrckOut take us "Far away from all" to reach our Destination

Midtempo thrash can offer great tunes. It doesn't always need to be fast. Brazil Stoner Thrashers OrckOut have put out a fresh tune of their latest EP "Destination" with strong and clear rhythm which keeps the music in a sharp style and tonality. It's easier to go through the structure of the track this way.

In addition the dark and rough vocals are something that sticks in the mind of the listener. The music holds a little surprise towards the end: it's rounded out by a extensive and outworked solo section something which you wouldn't have expected after the previous form of the video single.

If you'd like to hear the full EP click on to Soundcloud. Make sure to follow the band further through their website or a like on Facebook.

The EP cover for OrckOut's "Destination" was designed by OrckOut guitarist Eder Munhoz, (c) by OrckOut, used with kind permission

MONSTER celebrates Halloween with livevideo single

This weekend there can be once again heard the call for trick or treat at the door. It's time for Halloween and many bands out there are doing gigs where they dress in proper clothes and play for the audience or are setting up some nice goodies for the fans.

The Halloween candlelight greets you!

The same thing may have been on the mind when MONSTER decided to do a recap of this years show at the Coast Rock Open Air and hand the output in form of a live video out to their fans out there. The cool thing is that they've picked the Track "Random Acts of Undead Empathy" as a song for the video single release.

That one has been amongst my favorites ever since the band dropped their first full length album "The Arrival" in 2014. As for me it's a perfect blend of the thrash classics of the 80s but in a completly "Take no prisoners" attitude. The songs shot out directly without too much solos and experiments all around. Plus there's the voice of Alex who keeps them in a dark and death-metal like style yet they are clear enough to be fully enjoyable and listenable. Then there is the fun factor. While it's hard music it never misses out to give you a good feeling in the end. That's what not many bands come around with. Just give their new video a spin and I think you'll quickly know what I mean.

MONSTER are offering their album as download completly free of charge on their Soundcloud account. Anyway I'd like to point you to there Facebook page where you can message them if you'd like to place a order for a copy on CD for only 5 Euro plus 2 more bucks for shipping and handling for residents in Germany or add 4 more Euro for worlwide shipping. You can also use their E-Mail to place your order more quickly and easy.

If you're living in Germany you may be happy to know that the band has two shows in coming. Here are the dates:

04. November 2016  J.V.A. Club, Ludwigsfelde
05. November 2016 Juz Klex, Greifswald

Illyrian share free beat'em up thrash anthem

As you all know Metal is my passion. But there are more things in my life that found my interest. One of them is gaming. I prefer the old plattforms. Games back in the day were more direct and straight forward. It was the fun that mattered most and you didn't needed to fiddle around so much or worry about system requirements and what not.

One genre that is very cool is the beat 'em up genre. There are many great games out there. They all have their own speciality to offer and you can unlock new stuff if you manage to beat a good many of opponents.

The cool thing is that the canadian thrashers of Illyrian have picked up the beat 'em up theme and formed the title track and cover of it for their upcoming album "Round 2: Fight!" that is coming up on October 7nd.

The cover of Illyrian's album Round 2: Fight!, (c) by Illyrian, used with kind permission

As a little teaser to the record the band has set up a first insight into what's to come with putting out a single of the same name as the album. Just look at the cool lyric video and if you like those games and music you'll quickly pick fire on the fighting characters shown at the beginning as well as on the music. It's thrash with some incredible progressive extras added to the sound formula and drums that are nearly impossible to replay in my ears. Plus they have this tri-vocal attack in their sound. I've not heard a band doing this before so it was one more reason for me to check 'em out. This refrain is a kicker and fits perfectly to the topic. I can already hear the fans screaming it out at the shows. I love the way the lyrics move forward during the song. It's like someone tells a mini-story and that's a good feeling to me.

If you like what you hear you'll be happy to read that you can pick up this song for free. The band has teamed up with PureGrainAudio to give you this nice freebie.

Make sure to see the band live on stage in the coming weeks and months and/or follow them on Facebook for more news on the album release.

October 1 - Calgary, AB - Distortion - CD Release Show - Facebook event info link
w/ Tyrant, Gales of Avalon, Leave The Living
October 22 - Medicine Hat, AB - Oly's Ale House
w/ WMD, World Class White Trash, Junkies Rush, Poke the Bear

Meshiaak melt old and newschool thrash on debut album

It's sometimes really surprising to see that supergroups can come along the way without any sign that has surfaced beforehand. It has been like this for me when I first heard about Meshiaak and their first album "Alliance of thieves" which saw the light of last last friday 19th August 2016 via Mascot Records. This band features Jon Dette (Slayer, Anthrax, Testament, Iced Earth) on drums and on the guitars we hear Dean Wells (Teramaze) & Danny Camilleri (4ARM) while Nick Walker plays the bass guitars. Danny Camilleri has also taken over the duties when it comes to the vocals.

So far some full songs of the record have already premiered and they can all be heard on the Facebook page of the band. As for me the song "Drowning, Fading, Falling" has been my favorite. It comes along as a cool classic thrash track with a calm core inside. I love to hear some variations inside the vocals, it's those notes that bring some relaxing moments to take a breath before the rollercoaster moves on.

It's also a good example on how old and new stuff can me melt into one piece. The band has also pointed out about that in a statement saying through the words of Dean Wells: "We went with keeping the sound as band-orientated and organic as possible, but with using a lot of modern technology,” explains Dean. “It’s a blend of old and new because we recorded to two-inch tape for the drums through an old Neve desk, but the rest of the album was produced in my home studio. We also went with a mixer named Jacob Hansen who is known for a lot more progressive music. But I think the combination really gives Meshiaak a new and fresher sound than most traditional thrash albums. And so we’ve tried to create something fresh amongst the guidelines of traditional metal and thrash with some progressive elements, although at the same time we wanted to make music feel like when we first discovered bands like Megadeth, Metallica, Machine Head etc., even Alice in Chains and Slipknot.”

The band Meshiaak, (c) by Karina Wells, used with kind permission

Let's speak with...Angerhead (2016)

The thrash metal genre is exploding these days. We see a lot of bands coming and some of them go in a more traditional direction while others seem to bring in some fresh elements or songwriting structures in their music.

Angerhead caught my attention through their straight forward mentality. Their songs kick in straight all on it and don't leave room for any discussion or soft notes - they make it completly clear who's playing from start to finish.

So as much as their newest output "Fueled by rage" made me bang my head as much was I eager to know how the guys would react to some questions. Read on and get to know what's on the band's mind when it comes to topics such as their search for a record label, inspiration for lyrics, how the mood and community feeling is like at a Bay Area show is and what can happen when you play a gig at a party and decide to have a drink or two...

The cover of the "Fueled By Rage EP", (c) by Angerhead, used with kind permission

Heavy Metal Underdogs: How did the band come together?

Angerhead: Paul and I (Eric) met at a Green Jelly show. I was opening the show in my other band. My vocalist had a high voice and i was looking for more of a growler. We decided to meet up the following week. Within 15 seconds of hearing him sing over some songs I had recorded I knew we had something.

Which sources do you use as inspiration for writing new songs?

Musically, it has to be heavy and powerful. I believe lyrically we always like to write about current messed up events or something that has irked us for a while.

Do you feel that writing and performing music helps you to push on further with your own personal lives?

We love to play and write. It's really breaks up the monotony of real life, work and all. We especially love to play the tunes live, in front of people. The heavy, loud music pumping people up is addicting.


Social media surely plays a big role in the communication between a band and their fans. Do you feel that fans contact you more or less personally at gigs these days?

We have a pretty constant and steady influx of friends and fans who come to our shows. Its a metal community in the Bay Area and everyone supports each others bands. Its really cool when we play shows and we get the local metal community coming out every time to see us play. It really is humbling.

Do you still prefer releasing music on traditional media like LPs, CDs and the like or do you feel the same satisfaction when putting out music digitally?

Since we have given out our music pretty much from day one, any way to reach a new fan is the right way. However, now we are looking to possibly sign a record deal, we have to back off with the free music to see where that goes. If we sign, then there will be push for people to buy the record. We plan on putting a lot of cool stuff inside the record so the fans will have something more that just the music when they buy it.

Have you ever experimented with other styles over the years and thought about changing?

Not really. We know what we do, and we know what we like. We are Angerhead. Thrash Metal Punk. It will stay that way.

Bandpicture from Angerhead, (c) by Angerhead, used with kind permission

Did you come along points where you thought about leaving it all behind? If you reached that point: how did you keep the motivation up to move on?

It happens from time to time. Its a lot of work keeping a band together. We have been through 3 drummers and this is our second bassist. I feel that this is the most solid lineup. When I'm feeling like giving up, I usually call Paul and he centers me again. I try to think about the live shows and the fans, that usually makes me realize I love it and don't want it to end.

What was the funniest story that came along your way when you performed live? Or did things happen that you would have never thought of to occur (not only at gigs but maybe anywhere else as well)?

Our last show, Paul got pretty buzzed. He never does that. It was hilarious because he was behind the music. It was a party and they had some really good, potent beer. Hey, this is metal and that was a fun party, so we just rolled with it.

Contact Data

Finally don't hesitate to get in touch with the band using their website or Facebook.

Angerheads band logo, (c) by Angerhead, used with kind permission

 

CD Review: Angerhead - Fueled By Rage EP (2016)

A oldschool thrash EP with slightly mixed in elements of other styles such as hardcore and classic metal. If you prefer your metal heavy and brutal like in the old days when thrash was directly going all on it without any ado then this recording is all for you.

Short Introduction

Angerhead is a San Jose, California based band that was started in February 2011 by Guitarist Eric Beard (Dr.Chunk, Xzanthus) and Vocalist Paul Hastey (Plaster), who expertly blend elements of Bay Area Thrash, Metal, Punk and Hardcore into the music they write.The band is rounded out by Bassist Jim Pegram (Mudface, Imagika, Skinner) and drummer David O'Neal (Stormy Strong).

In 2013, Angerhead went in the studio and recorded a 3 song EP, which featured the title track "Angerhead" with Paul sharing vocal duties with Steve "Zetro" Souza (Exodus, Hatriot).

In 2014, they entered the studio once again, this time with Juan Urteaga (Machine Head, Testament) and recorded the "Headful of Hate" 4 song Ep which has gained the bands even more fans.

2016 sees the band releasing their new new 5 song "Fueled by Rage" EP, once again with Juan Urteaga at the helm. The EP is currently available for free download from the band's Reverbnation page.

The cover of the "Fueled By Rage EP", (c) by Angerhead, used with kind permission

Summary

This EP comes directly to the point. No long debate, no questioning around - Angerhead are going in straight and make CLEAR what's on their mind. This is one of the kind recordings that fits best when you're filled with agression and negativity and need to let go of it. "Fueled By Rage" will help you to do so.

Sometimes in all the heavyness you'll witness potions that are mixed in of other styles of the heavy genre. But those elements are few and perfectly fit to the track. There is some variation in on this EP, it's not all just fast forward. So in all the obvious brutality that is perfectly expressed by the vocals and the heavy production you'll always have spots to discover. That's something that's not easy to get by. You need some rounds to come around all of those diamonds mixed in. Not many records out there have this.

For instance "So cold" obviously is a very heavy and straight number but the refrain is set in a bit slower form and tonality and gives some variation into the number. "Face the fear" is another good example for this. Typically direct to the point but the track is a bit more relaxed in it's structure and the refrain well worked into the way the hole song is build upon. The package is greatly rounded by a proper cover of Motörheads "Iron Fist" in Angerheads own formula - very cool yet very faithfull to the original.

Player / Purchase Link

It's a little sensation: a band put's out a brand new EP and gives it away for free as a download. It's hard to believe. I remember times where stuff like this one was up for purchase and it was the normal way to buy it if you wanted to own a copy. So without any further ado here's the link to Reverbnation where you can get your free download or stream the whole mini album directly from the player below.
Maybe you can reward the band with buying some merch or going to one of their shows. Remember that music needs your support to survive - it's your vote that counts.

Contact Data 

Stay in touch with the band by having a look on their homepage from time to time or let yourselves notify through Facebook about news from the band. 

Angerhead offer free download and insight from upcoming EP

How will things continue in the thrash sector in the upcoming months? The year is still young and for sure you thrash metal heads out there can't wait for brand new stuff to check out. :-)

Angerhead who are based in San Jose are currently working on their next EP with Juan Urteaga who is well known for his work with legends such as Machine Head and Testament. The output will be entitled "Fueled by Rage" and the band has released a nice preview into the record these days along with a free download of the Motörhead classic "Iron Fist" which will be part of the EP.

The cover of the upcoming EP "Fueled By Rage", (c) by Angerhead, used with kind permission

Angerhead guitarist Eric Beard previews the tracks of "Fueled by Rage" in a breakdown for each song:

"We decided to go back in with Juan Urteaga (Machine Head, Testament) for the new EP. He worked with us on our 2nd EP “Headful Of Hate”. Juan is metal through and through. He has worked with a lot of Bay Area bands and friends so its a good fit for us.

The EP starts out with "So Cold". This is probably our most sludgy song and also the last song in our live set. Downtuned, full of twists and turns, It is a definitely crowd pleaser and is heavy as fk!

The second song is one of oldest song I’ve written, "Face The Fear". The song has been a staple with me for a long time. I've done it in a few different ways and with other projects. I've even done it with a jazz feel and the song still holds up!! haha. I really enjoy the Angerhead version of it.

The 3rd song is called "Legacy of Hate". This is the longest song we’ve ever written. It was one that came together fully as a band and one of the favorites of the new EP.

The 4th song is "Take Me As I Am" and its a barnburner, kicks your ass from start to finish.

The Last song on the EP is a cover of Motorhead’s "Iron Fist". Paul and I loved this song, even before Ace of Spades when we were growing up, so we decided it was right. We have been seeing a lot of bands doing Ace Of Spades and wanted to do something different. RIP Lemmy. A True Legend!!"

You can download the track for free right here.

Make sure to stay in touch with the band about the upcoming release through their official Angerhead website and Facebook page.

For all streaming fans here's the Reverbnation player with the song:

CD Review: Fallen Angels - World In Decay (2015)

A superb thrash metal album mixing up the heavyness of the old days while adding a lot of today's songwriting techniques to it. The feast is rounded out with catchy hooks and lasting melodies all packed in a modern production without sounding overloaded with too much noise or uncapeable song structures.

Short Introduction

Seattle, WA thrashers Fallen Angels, return in 2015 with their third studio release 'World In Decay' produced by Grammy winning metal producer/engineer Michael Rosen (Forbidden, Testament, Death Angel, Flotsam and Jetsam, Tesla, Vicious Rumors) to follow 2011's 'Engines of Oppression' and 2008 debut 'Rise From Ashes'. 

The cover for World In Decay, (c) by Fallen Angels, used with kind permission

Summary

A hammer of a album is coming down with this one. I've loved thrash for a long time now but never thought that something like this would come around to me one day. This album is for sure what you would would have expected to sound a record like back at the end of the 80s. But to me it's far more.

It's a album that is setting the mark for thrash in the years to come. Why? Simply because nearly all the boundaries of this genre have been set and explored to the full in my eyes. This band has a different way to attempt things. They don't just look back to the old times with respect but move on forwards from there adding modern production and catchy song structures but in a way that you won't recognize it on the first listen.

These elements are worked in so clever that you'll just come around this some time after the first listen. It's outworked very well and what I like most of all is the fact that it's not overproduced. Sure it's like people expect metal to sound like these days. But it doesn't distort just everything to the max and leave you in a haze of confusion about the all and everything what's coming there but makes sure that it's still possible to realize the song structures and techniques the band used to write the album. If you're into thrash do yourselves a favour and buy this record. You won't be able to spend the money on a better one.

Album overview

The album opens up typically fast with a neckbreaker like "The Hammers blow" with a catchy as hell chorus. Classic formula's dominate the next two tracks as well. The real uniqueness of World in decay comes into play starting from track four onwards. "Leading the blind" for example comes as a midtempo number which spreads a lot of fun while listening.

"Fire At Eden's Gate" is a cool number going straight forward yet has a kicking effect of the listener. "Into The Abyss" goes back to a classic format with it's typical thrash riffer but offering a wide range of variations in them. A great tune! "The Hour Of The Time" is a riff shooter with midtempo rhythm to it before a short instrumental leaves us with a big smile behind.


Player and purchase link

There are four full songs out there up for listening. They give a good insight into the album.
The full CD is available for 10 Dollar plus shipping and handling from the band's own webshop or make sure to pick up a digital copy from the same location for 7 Dollar. You can also pick up single songs there if you prefer to have selected tracks of the record.


Contact data

Finally make sure to keep a eye on all the further activities of the band checking regulary in to their website or marking their Facebook or Twitter account with your follow signature.

Band looking for vocalist

Fallen Angels are currently looking for a new singer. Brad Kennaugh who performed on the "World In Decay" album will stay until the band has found a new one. The band describes the conditions the new vocalist should be able to meet with these words on Facebook:

"(...) Looking for someone in the vein of Symphony X's Russell Allen / Testament's Chuck Billy. Someone who can do that Hetfield growl, YELL IN KEY and hopefully can sing in key as well.(...)"

You can use the links from above mentioned in the Contact data section to get in touch with the band if you think you've got what it takes.