Sense Of Fear shot a new single out of nowhere

Sense of Fear is one of the oldest active heavy metal bands based in Northern Greece. I know they had a lot of trouble getting the first releases ( a EP and their full-length album titled "As the Ages passing by") together which took them a long time to get it all done. In fact they have my deepest respect that they sticked to what they wanted to archive no matter how bad things went.

So today I was very surprised to find the newest single in my inbox. The music also goes a fast and straight forward route taking a more thrashy style this time. If you're after something going straight for the kill - this track has it all.

But soundwise it also comes with specials in it. The vocals are held a bit in the background but step to the front at the proper moments. It feels balanced this way for me but may sound strange at the first listening round.

No one can tell what the future holds. Maybe more is to come, maybe not - I think we'll have to stay in connection with Sense of Fear to find out.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/senseoffearband/

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/SenseofFearOfficial

Reverbnation http://www.reverbnation.com/senseoffear

SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/sense-of-fear

Elswhere put a spotlight on mental health topic

Whilst the subject of mental health is a difficult one to approach, Elswhere are devoted to this issue. They provide a positive message about helping each other, which is conveyed in their material. 

Drawing from personal experiences and tragic losses, their songs portray painful emotions accompanied with a hopeful attitude. Frontman Ethan uses the bands Facebook page in efforts to support fans who may be struggling with mental illnesses “If you are in need of advice, guidance, or you have negative thoughts in your head that overpower your everyday life, call 116 123 - or even email us at elswhereofficial(at)gmail.com where I will personally reply to try my best to
help.”

Musically the band has recently signed to Marshall Records and given out a snippet of the material they are currently working on.

It impressed me with it's slowness and the fat sound it features. So far it comes around riffy and powerful. It breathes a lot of atmosphere in it's core. It's hard to say how the track may go on. It could easily explode at some point or maybe move on further in this calm but constant moving sound and change into something else.

The band has raised the attention of Marshall Records at a Battle of the Bands in Milton Keynes. They recently entered the studio with award-winning producer Romesh Dodangoda (Bring Me The Horizon, Bullet For My Valentine) and will unleash new music in the coming weeks.

Live Dates
Wilkestock Festival -  August 31st

Elswhere online
Facebook.com/elsewhereband
Twitter + Instagram: @Elswhereband

CD Review: Dö - Astral: Death/Birth (Dark Stoner Metal, 2017)

Introduction

Over a year has passed since the Finish stoner trio released "Tuho", and now they are back with a brand new two song EP called "Astral: Death/Birth".

It's a concept EP inspired by things happening around us at this very moment, and the future that does not look that bright for mankind.

The songs were recorded live during one session at their rehearsal space. The aim was to capture the intensive live feeling and maintain their roughness this way.

The cover of Dö's Astral: Death/Birth, Cover by Big Dog, (c) by Dö, used with kind permission

Summary

This EP takes some of the finest elements of the predecessor and developes the music of the band to a new more atmorspheric level. The EP starts out with many loud-silent soundscapes in track number one "Astral Death" as if the song slowly fades in. It's a intensive but slow introduction to the fresh material followed by the typical compact stoner sound. The band shows what they're capable of when it comes to being a tight rhythm oriented band. The song is filled to the brim with compact riffs and kick ass drums that you'll love once you've discovered 'em. The end rips the track up - things start to get much more rougher on this one but things are still enjoyable. It's my favorite of the new EP - it has this relaxing effect on me once again (at least in the begining of it).

The second song "Astral Birth" comes as a extended jamming number. The track unfolds throughout the full duration. So there is basically a core drum pattern and melody present while more elements are added every here and there. This reminds of music in tradition of longtracks of progressive bands. At the middle at around 6 minutes more rough elements are added to the track giving the song a rougher sound jacket. Finally there's one more change at round 9 minutes giving it a even more devasted feeling. The song is great yet the only thing I would change is not to put in too many of the high notes with it - they tend to dominate the sound a bit too much.

It may sound as a contrast but in all the rough live sound the band has put in a lot of outworked fine details. More than ever this is music for relaxtion and mediation. Concentrate and focus on the music. You'll love the enjoyment this will bring you.

A promo band shot, Photo by Jaakko Rinne, (c) by Dö, used with kind permission

Purchase-Link

The EP is self-released digitally on May 26th 2017 via Bandcamp, and there will be a small amount of CD's available from the Bandcamp site, too. If the band will set up a EP stream I'll include it here so please check back from time to time.

Update 2017/05/26: The EP is out and a stream has surfaced so I've added it below.


Contact Data

Make sure to follow the next steps of the band via Facebook. That's where you can also pick up more info on upcoming dates and so on.

A Light Within evolve beyond any frontier on new demos

A Light Within have been among my favorites for a long time. Both of their EPs "Preface" as well as "Body Matter" offer the listener a outstanding musical experience. They evole the genre of post rock in a way I've seldomely ever heard any other band did before. When you listen to their music it will take you to new insights and feelings and leave you behind wondering to what you've just been listening. Small wonder I've put a pin badge of their band logo on my jeans summer jacket.

The pin badge of A Light Within on my summer jacket

Currently the band is back recording brand new material. They kindly offer a early possibility to listen to what they're working on in a demo stadium already. The two new cuts entitled "Surrounded by Astronauts" as well as "An Educated Gentleman" show that A Light Within have evolved even further and beyond any frontier this time. Besides the music the two short videos have stunning visuals with them that I've not seen anywhere else yet.

Don't miss out this two snippets and head on over to Bandcamp or Facebook and join them there so you'll be notified on what they're going to do next.

Interview with Mistheria about Vivaldi Metal Project.com (2016)

(c) by Vivaldi Metal Project, used with kind permission

Short Introduction
 
The all-metal-stars VIVALDI METAL PROJECT involves 70+ world-famous musicians from all around the globe such as

Rick Wakeman (YES), Michael Lepond (SymphonyX), Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire / Angra), Rob Rock (Impellitteri), Dani Loeble (Helloween), Marco Sfogli (J. LaBrie), Andreas Passmark (Royal Hunt), Chris Caffery (Trans Siberian Orchestra / Savatage), Steve Di Giorgio (Testament), Atma Anur (T. MacAlpine, G. Howe), Tommy Denander (Radioactive / Toto)

The Project will make a Metal version of Antonio Vivaldi's legendary masterpiece “THE FOUR SEASONS”. Moreover, the project features the "Sinfonietta Consonus Symphonic Orchestra" conducted by Szymon Morus and the "Academic Choir Manolov" conducted by Darena Popova. Here you can hear a short trailer:


The international Vivaldi Metal Project was launched at the end of 2013 by keyboardist, composer and producer Mistheria (solo artist who also worked with such top artists as Bruce Dickinson, Rob Rock, RoyZ among others) together with his co-producer, bassist/composer Alberto Rigoni (solo artist,TwinSpirits).
The album release is set on 2016. More names will be unveiled soon!

In the meantime, The Vivaldi Metal Project launched a crowdfunding campaign on PledgeMusic with the album pre-sales (will be available as mp3 for digital download or USB key and on CD) and various additional exclusive options such as autographed CDs, CD boxes, Skype interviews, online lessons and shows. A part of donations will be used for charity purposes. More information is available at this location: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/vivaldi-metal
The campaign is up and running so there's still a chance of picking up one of the exclusive offers.

Heavy Metal Underdogs was very curious when we first heard about the project. Happily we had the chance to talk to one of the masterminds behind the project (Mistheria). Find out how it's like to be when the production of such a massive project lies in your hands, the current status of the ongoing recording process and get to know about the further future plans in this interview. 

Heavy Metal Underdogs: Who had the initial idea to the project?

Mistheria: Hi Joern! I've started thinking to a symphonic-metal remake of the Vivaldi's "The Four Season" several years ago, then on 2013 I made a demo to check how it would have sounded, I liked the idea and moved ahead...

Why did you pick the four seasons suite?

M: I've been listening to this masterwork thousand of times during my life, simply I love it! Then I found a Piano reduction score (quite rare music sheet) and played it time by time for my personal enjoyment, but then the vigorous rhythmic, the wonderful melodies and metal-oriented harmonies convinced me to arrange them mixing my two favorite genres, Classical and Metal.

Is Vivaldi amongst your favorites / influences that made you start with music?

M: Definitely yes! I was a kid, and I found a Classical collection in the newsstand and asked to my parents to buy the first issue, it was dedicated to Bach, Handel and Vivaldi ...

Why did you decide to split up all the several parts to various musicians instead of sticking to only a few?

M: Because I think to Classical music and Vivaldi are an "universal world of music" that artists must live and enjoy together and give, each one, his/her own contribution, like in the real world each of us make possible the other people living through his/her own job and activity, in the same way each artist should contribute creating this metal-opera adding personal talent, musicality, feel and love.

Mistheria in the studio, (c) by Mistheria, used with kind permission

Can you please give a little overview on the steps that were necessary to build up such a massive project? I know at least that it needed around two years of preparation before the project could start into the recording phase.

M: The basic idea was that I'd have arranged the full opera and give the parts to the various artists, something I do for my solo albums. So I made couple arrangements but then I felt that it would have been a new album of mine instead to be a real “project”. So, one day I submitted my idea to involve other arrangers to my co-producer Alberto Rigoni, he loved the idea as well. So, I've started calling some friends that, I knew, they would have loved work on it as arranger and afterward we launched some contests to engage new arrangers. This took some months since I had to collect demos, listen and analyze them, give directions, suggesting changes, etc. Meanwhile, artists were invited as performers and we've started receiving lot of requests from any artists to participate (still arriving in our inbox as we talk...). A lot of material for me to check and sort out... We started recordings after year and half since the project has been launched.

Can you already give a little insight on who will exactly play which part of the suite or should it be kept as a surprise until the release of the record?

M: Well, time by time we post on our social networks about recordings progress and the most of time we also mention the songs that they have worked on... the exact lineup of each song is not complete yet so we cannot give it out, several artists are still recording, some parts can be switched among artists for production needs, etc. However, following us on www.facebook.com/vivaldimetalproject anyone can try to collect the info and for some songs maybe already get the final picture.. ;-)

Is the list of musicians contributing to the project already complete or can people who would be interested in joining the project still get in touch with you?

M: Let's say that the 90% of lineup is complete. We have a “waiting list” quite long of musicians (many of time very excellent artists) which already sent their request time ago, but, you know, it's pretty impossible to give a spot to everybody at the moment, because we're looking now to fill some very specific parts which require very specific requirements. Sometime I give a look back to the guest-list and pick some artist which I think can complete some parts still unassigned, etc. Some artists have been recalled after one year … sometime it is not a nice job to do for me and especially I hate to say no to someone which would have loved to participate, I thank always for understanding.

Mistheria and Alberto Rigoni, (c) by Mistheria and Alberto Rigoni, used with kind permission

  
How did you find the best fitting musician for each part of the suite?

M: As said, I needed and still need hours per day to analyze artists' skills, a proper study on their works and musical attitudes (of course except the well known artists which I've already worked with or that I simply know from their past albums). Then I write down some memos and immediately assign them to a song, although not as a definitive choice. Then, days after I'm back to that assignment, checking if I was right or maybe need to change it, etc. A long process, sometime choices are hard to make and at risk, but that's my job here...

Will the finished product also include parts of modern metal music (use of harsh effects, brutal production, low tuned guitars etc.) or do you prefer a more classic attempt on the songwriting?

M: I love some intersection of genres although keeping always tightly the final goal. I've required some harsh parts, low tuned guitars, etc. during the recordings, and during the mix we'll tune and add them even more.

Do you think their will be live-performances of the album with at  least some of the musicians that contributed to the project in the future?

M: There is already an idea about it and we've already got some interesting and nice proposals for live shows. I cannot focus on it right now, since my main job at the moment is to complete the recordings and mix the album. Several artists which recorded on the album have already given their availability for live performances. There are already some collaborators and agencies working on it, we'd really love the Vivaldi Metal Project live on stage!

Do you see the chance of putting together a DVD one day that shows the making of the recordings in detail?

M: This could be a very nice idea although it's the first time someone asks me about. Well, sure it'd be interesting as a “bonus” material and we've definitely to consider it, I'll pass your idea to my staff... thanks for such a great suggestion! ;-)


All the best and have a great rockin' weekend :)

M: Thanks to you Joern and to all Heavy Metal Underdogs readers! Please, keep following the Vivaldi Metal Project on www.vivaldimetalproject.com

Album preview: Van Halst shows diversity of female voice

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

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

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

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

(c) Van Halst, used with kind permission

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

Groove Thrashers Amentia look into the Eyes of Medusa

So last time I posted here I looked back soundwise on the beginnings of the Thrash Metal scene with the album stream from Aggravator's current output "Populace Destructor".

But how can the Thrash genre go on forwards and evolve further? Maybe a look to Sweden can help here. A band named Amentia currently is in the process of recording for the upcoming release. Two bandmembers should be familar to readers of this blog: Peter Jonsson (guitars) and Peter Wexell (drums). Both were already active in Senate Of Prevail (who are currently on hold) and have made up this new band.

Amentia describes their style on the Facebook page as Groove Thrash Metal. Maybe the groove element can help to bring in some new variations to today's Thrash scene. I think it's also a question if some variations can be integrated into the material. Diversity is what makes songs more attractive, exciting and less monotone in my eyes. Besides that band's playing this style these days are playing it a lot harder and heavier than ever back in the day. I often wonder how they make it possibe to bring in even more power to the sound.

This also goes for the first single Amentia have put out. Entitled "Eyes of Medusa" this is for sure a massive track! I like the heavyness of this one. Ludvig Setterlind's voice sounds hard and dark and I often wonder about the bandwith he is able to sing. But it's great to hear it also comes with some variations in the mood. Very haunting moment when I heard the slower part for the first time. Just check out the video to find out if you agree.



If this video has made you curious longing for more just head over to Amentia's Facebook site. There you can find some more trailers the band has already uploaded for you to enjoy.

Tad Morose to kick off European Tour in September in support of new album "St. Demonius"

Things may take a while in life but in the end they can turn out for the good. That's what I thought when I got the info that Tad Morose will finally be able to play a proper tour for their brand new record entitled "St. Demonius". The band will be joined by their fellow countrymen in Silent Call, so you'll also be able to discover a new band if you don't know them yet. I've discovered a lot of new bands live and often it was a very pleasant surprise that came my way. So one more reason to go to one of the shows. :-)

The complete tour dates are shown on the poster below.

(c) by Tad Morose, used with kind permission

Tad Morose have been part of the heavy metal scene for over 20 years, and so far time they released seven studio albums. Their newest, eighth offering, "St. Demonius" is scheduled for the August 28th release via Despotz Records. The new album is the second release in a row featuring ex-Steel Attack singer Ronny Hemlin, after the release of 2013's "Revenant."

In an interview with metalshockfindland.com, guitarist Christer "Krunt" Andersson said about the new album following: "It’s Tad Morose kind of metal, a little bit more of everything I think. A lot of the lyrics are about the crap that’s going around in today’s world, people never ever seem to learn from history. And all the religious bullshit that’s going on, why can’t people just sit back, shut up, play heavy metal, drink beer, smile and have a good time? Let everyone believe in whatever they believe, as long as they don’t hurt anybody. That’s a lot of the things going on in the lyrics."

If you haven't heard some music of the new Tad Morose record then here is the video for "Your own demise" for you to check out.

Metal Church release first rough mix snippet of Suffer Fools

Currently Metal Church are working on a new album that is anticipated to be released in fall this year. Some days ago I posted a audio stream from youtube that featured a re-recorded version of the classic "Badlands".

It showed that Mike Howe is still laying it down heavy on the vocals these days, something that is not certain after so many years in between. But what does this mean for the new record? How has his voice developed and overall: how does the fresh material sound like? Well, you can judge for yourselfs from the small but very fine snippet below that the band released via Facebook.


As for me I can only say: Great snippet from the upcoming album! Like the variations Mike Howe puts inside the vocals very much. Plus the song so far reveals as a midtempo stomping track, something not too many Metal Church songs came along with. All in all things remind me of "The human factor" so far. I'll keep a eye on this for sure.

Female fronted Death Metal band Halo Creation working on first album

So far not much Death Metal has been up here on my page. It's simply because this style of the Metal Universe didn't found my like too much. It's because of the often monotone style of the songs and the vocals that are often also very equal and growled that much that you cannot understand a single sentence in a song.

Well, this time it's different. What we have here is a Death Metal combo from Austria. The demo that I've heard from them is different in my ears. It's more more diverse for me. Of course there's this typical overwhelming brutality in the songs but there are changing parts in the songs. Plus they have a woman performing the vocals. That's something that not many bands of that genre would try out. Here it works fine. The band reminds me a bit of Bolt Thrower, who are sadly no more.

(c) by Halo Creation, used with kind permission

After having released a four track demo in 2014 Halo Creation are currently working on their first full length album which is scheduled for a release in 2015. Until then check out the mentioned demo in the player below. My first pick was "Fading sun" which turned out a positive surprise. You can download the demo for free from the Reverbnation page of the band.

Keep an eye of them by following them via Facebook, YouTube or Backstage Pro (a social network in german language especially for contacts in the music-scene / music business / liveclubs etc.).

Email newsletters for bands at ReverbNation.com

Reclvse present first track from the recording sessions

The doom metal band Reclvse from Swansea / South Wales is currently recording songs for a upcoming new release after the first demo of the band received very positive feedback from various media.

In the meantime the band gave their fans on Facebook and Soundcloud the chance to listen to the first track the band finished in the recording process. The band revealed that "(...) the intro bells of the track were recorded at the local church, St Mary's. The bass guitar was recorded by Blundel on his first take!(...)".

Entiled "The hanged man" the track shows a much more professionell sound in my ears and you can fastly hear that the band made a lot of progress since the early days. The vocals are dry and less majestic on this track while the rest is also kept more compact and shorter compared to the previous release of the band. The song surprised me a lot. It doesn't mean they changed it all completly, but it shows for sure that bands make progress when they dare to step forward.

So far no release date has been set for the new record. It's also not sure if the band will maybe put it out as a split release with another band. Make sure to follow the further recording activities of Reclvse on Facebook or Soundcloud.