CD Review: October Thorns - Circle Game (Deluxe Edition, Progmetal 2022)

This is the ultimate version of a legendary demo. It's faithfully re-stored and reworked to today's standards. 

All of October Thorns work can be enjoyed on one CD now.

The listener get's to hear eight progmetal gems that are a blast. It's permanent powerfull playing power overwhelmed me. All the songs call out the full dedication and detail work anyone can imagine to be a trademark of this genre.

Sure it's progmetal all the way but there are elements woven into the sound that need to be discovered first. With every round you'll get to hear more of them. I think that's why it's nearly listenable infinite times because it takes much time to fully get into October Thorns sound. I myselves thought I had it all after just one walkthrough but having heard "Soul Forge" for a second time opened my eyes for all the detail work.

Of the studio songs the tracks Jihad and Soul Forge stand the strongest on my mind. Along with the title track I think they already show why a purchase of this disc is worth it. But the release as a whole wears this typical highlight feeling that comes to my mind of listening to progmetal. The power of the music along with all the memorable hooklines is hard to resist and pushes me everytime.

The bonus demo tracks show music that has been held back. Those songs are not fully produced of course but in good condition ayway. Thinner sound flows through the speakers but the power remains the same. I guess these tunes didn't fit to the others at the time of the demo release.

But they are great anyway. They just need more patience to be enjoyed compared to the first nine offerings on "Circle Game". They are not so straight-forward in terms of music but show a more experimental side of October Thorns.

The release comes with a detailed 20 page booklet. It holds the full lyrics to the album. There are plenty of photos showing the band at several phases of the existence at promotional shootings as well as a collage with many live shots of the shows the New Yorker played.

Finally a good batch of reviews reflects on the media echo the band got upon release of the demo and playing shows. They are presented with the original typo and media logos. Some reviews come as original pages taken of music magazines.  

A all new interview with vocalist Paul LaPlaca offers a in-detail look into October Thorns art of creating decicated music and how the band came together and broke up.

Make sure to pick up a copy on the website of Divebomb Records. Fans of the genre get music for weeks to discover and enjoy in their ears and hands.

October Thorns is still active on Facebook these days.  

CD Review: Chout - Dogwater (Alternative Metal, 2018)

A album with two heads. The one being rough, direct and with many creative solo sections. The other one is slower, deeper and more thought-filled.

The cover may look strange but don't let this keep you from listening.

Sometimes it's just small pieces that point me towards a band. Chout were rocking it out directly with the video for "Seasons". They got me fast. The solo section was creative with the drums and guitars nailing it to the point. It was the first time that the guitarist and the drummer formed a unit together for a solo part. That was something new to me. I had to hear the full thing.

So what's inside of the full record? The first four tracks are real smashers. They hit you hard into the face and provide the heavier side of the alternative genre. The solo's are rough and the drums live and loud. The production takes no prisoners here. Besides the mentioed "Seasons" it's "So long long gone" that finally convinced me of the band with it's uptempo beat.

Starting with track five we go into a deeper and less hard direction. The band takes it not easy at all. Surely those songs were hard to put on tape but they let you relax more. The ballad "All has been done" is a much welcomed breathtaker in the otherwise rough sounding package. The last track "To lose" is very slow and creeping and shows how much variations the band is able to deliver on the first offering already.

Anyway it's the full package that counts and it's great. Don't let the cover art keep you from ordering a  copy at the band's webshop. "Dogwater" may look somehow strange on the first look but the music on the inside has been done with dedication. The booklet is small with few bandshots and contact data but allright. I think you'll want to focus on the music anyway instead of the package.


Follow Chout on socials like Facebook or Instagram.

Spiritual Sickness is looking for a vocalist (m/f)

Wonders happen. Often in those moments when you expect them the least. It has been like this when this news reached my inbox about this killer power metal band based in New York that already said goodbye some time ago. It looks as if the band has picked up fresh energy and is now hungry for new deeds. But they need a new vocalist to continue their way. That's your chance - pick the microphone and show them you're the one they're looking for.

Here's what it takes:

Spiritual Sickness are poised to land on big stages across the world. With a new record well on its way to completion, the band needs a strong vocal presence to complete the vision.

The aspiring vocalist needs to be dedicated in his or her approach, with a strong voice, good range and a vivid imagination. Someone who is willing to hit the road and crush audiences around the world. A team player who wants to help propel this band towards its Destiny.

Spiritual Sickness has a wealth of musical talent, dedication, a strong work ethic, a love of metal music,and a deep well of experience on stages, in studios, and on the road.

If your musical goals align with ours, put your name on the list and let’s get to
work. You can get in touch with the band through Facebook.

Here's some music to listen to:

Finally this is what happened recently in the band's camp:

A four-piece heavy metal band with many diverse influences, Spiritual Sickness Is looking for a vocalist to complete their lineup. The band is building on the success of two killer releases (their 2011 debut album "Architects of Agony" and the follow-up 2014 EP "Spiritual Sickness") and is getting quite the reputation as an aggressive, hard working, innovative heavy metal outfit.

Spiritual Sickness has been creating opportunities for themselves by impressing national touring headliners, managers, tour managers, and everyone who has worked with them.

The band has toured with Ghost Ship Octavius, Cage and most recently as direct support for The Three Tremors on their first European tour, with Spiritual Sickness touring as Benedictum with the infamous Veronica Freeman at the helm. They have already been invited to do it again in 2019, this time as Spiritual Sickness and have many more other opportunities looming.

CD Review: Mercy Isle - Undying Fire (Symphonic Metal, 2016)

A epic piece of symphonic rock and metal that sets it's focus on dedicated listeners of intensive sounds.

Mercy Isle are a American-Dutch symphonic metal/rock band with massive female vocals. The band is a fusion of American pop/rock with elements of European symphonic metal. "Undying Fire" is the first full length release.

The album art for Mercy Isle's "Undying Fire" record, (c) by Mercy Isle, used with kind permission

Summary

Having heard this album several times now it always makes me wonder how deep and completly musicians are able to turn towards music. This album is like it was made to show how much the creators are giving there all and everything into the music.

The longplayer start's out easy with the first three tracks being all songs you would expect of a symphonic metal release these days. The tunes are direct rockers going straight to the meat. You can imagine a crowd going all on it They invite you to let your feelings let go and are a good opener to warm you up for what's to come.

Song four is a ballad turning the tides. Yet easy to access it already becomes more detailed and has some changes in it. This serves as a bridge to "No one will save you" and "Uncaged" both being the hardest to get by tracks. They need the full attention of the listener and are loaded with massive sounds and vocal layers. Being patient pays off and will reveal it's full potential to you.

"I Am" is sort of a crawling number, midtempo all the way but feels warmly welcomed through it's fresh attempt. Something not to be heard that often in this genre of metal. "Saying Goodbye" gives more silent moments - they give you time to take a moment off of the everyday stress and let you dream. The last two tracks give room for the more complex formula deserving higher attention to have the full point. The more often you listen the more you'll enjoy them.

Purchase-Link and Album Preview

If you're after a album that needs several rounds and offers complex and deep song structures "Undying Fire" will give you satisfaction for months. There are also lighter tracks but it surely is for all those that love to focus themselves on music and nothing else. Pick up a copy digitally on Bandcamp or order the silver disc from the same location. The band deserves some bucks for giving us such in-depth music.

For a quick overview I've included the full album stream below.

Upcoming Shows / Contact Data

Some shows have been announced for October 2017 in the Netherlands. Check the band's homepage for more details. Hold a further eye on this band using Reverbnation, Twitter or Facebook.