Shock-Forewarned

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Well now what's this? A new album from Canada's Shock? It's not Christmas and my birthday's long past so what's with this gift? Not that I'm complaining or anything. Far from it friends! It's just that this album hit me from out of nowhere. Kind of  like a punch in the face in the dark. Wait a second. Am I getting to far ahead of myself here? Hell bells man! Why didn't you say something? OK, let's back the car up and head towards home. In this case the home would be Ottawa, Ontario as that's where this story first unfolds. It seems like only yesterday, but in actuality it's been almost three years now since we first the news that traditional heavy metal/power metal band Shock had risen from the dead and released it's debut album. That particular recording was the critically acclaimed "Once Denied". It made my list of  The 55 Best Releases Of 2013 and to this day it's still in heavy rotation at the Davis homestead. In fact the more I listen to it the more I am convinced that it is a near perfect album! By which I mean that it is a must-own CD. Especially for fans of classic metal bands such as Megadeth, Metal Church, and Anthrax. Or even for those who love N.W.O.B.H.M. music along the lines of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Grim Reaper. So yeah, "Once Denied" ended up being quite the success. Now we fast forward a few years and that brings us to the here and now. All of a sudden I'm granted the privilege of hearing the follow-up to "Once Denied" and I have to be honest here. I was scared going into this album that it would end up being a let-down. In my mind I hyped the hell out of album number two for Shock before I even attempted to open up any of the files that came along with it's promo. "What happens if it isn't any good?" I asked myself. Fearing the worst I dove straight in. Thankfully Shock (who I had the pleasure of interviewing back in 2013) avoid the dreaded sophomore slump with "Forewarned" and then some! Produced by Mike Bond ( www.producedbybond.com) and the band members themselves, "Forewarned" is everything that I loved about Shock's 2013 debut album only it's more direct in it's approach. Shock‘s sophomore effort could best be summed up like this. Picture "Rust in Peace" and "Countdown to Extinction"-era Megadeth joined at the hip by old school Armored Saint and Riot. Got that image in your head? OK, now imagine that this collaboration was a product of Canada's classic metal scene, but with more of a modern edge. In a way that's Shock's forthcoming album.....only it's better. It certainly has it's own style and means of delivery. It also has it's own distinct attitude and it's a justified one at that. Given all of that this album is appropriately titled. You should be forewarned that Shock's latest album doesn't mess around. Between "Bend or Break" and "Not If But When" there's a lot of menacing metal to behold. To that end it's no coincidence that "Forewarned" is being released on Friday, November 13th. Seeing as it slays and all! For the guys in Shock (Tony V-vox/guitars, John Tennant-guitar, Steve Monette -bass, and (new for this album) Taylor Calderone - drums ) life is all about METAL and it shows! "Forewarned" is just what fans of Shock have been waiting for and it can be pre-ordered by heading to the group's Bandcamp website. For now be sure to check out the band's first single from "Forewarned", "Sonic Assault"*. It's all or nothing wicked power/thrash metal with a mean bite and it's just one out of the eight tracks on "Forewarned" that absolutely shreds! 

*"Sonic Assault" is just one of several songs on Shock's new album that can trace it's roots to the band's early demo days. The thing is you would never know that it is originally from the eighties as it sounds fresh. I'd even go so far as to say it sounds hip! Just like on "Once Denied" it is incredible how well these "older" songs hold up. Granted in some cases they have been re-worked, but even so numbers like "Sonic Assault" are just so good! These thrash-filled cuts from another time and place work eerily well in this setting and as a whole "Forewarned" is just too good of a metal release to not be scooped up and displayed proudly! While I have no idea how Shock is still unsigned (they should be on a major by now!) I can't help but think that albums like this one are the real deal self-release or not and that headbangers such as "Once Denied" and "Forewarned" are the (super) glue the holds the whole metal scene together. In other words just get this album when it comes out. If you're a real heavy metal fan you won't regret it!

Lady Beast-Lady Beast II

Cobra Cabana Records/Inferno Records
2015

Lady Beast is a female-fronted traditional heavy metal band that is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and influenced by both classic metal bands and the N.W.O.B.H.M. scene. The obviously-titled "Lady Beast II" is the groups sophomore release as well as being the follow-up to 2013's "Lady Beast". That album made my best of list for 2013 and this album would make my best of list for 2015. That is if I make one. As of late I'm not very good at following up on things. Case in point this album! I actually got a promo for "Lady Beast II" way back in April* on this year, but in typical fashion I dropped the ball as far as my coverage of the LP was concerned. Long story short I had started my review and then I was waiting for the official word as to when I could post it. While that was happening I scrapped my initial write-up as I was displeased with it. I'm sure you can guess what happened next. Yep, I forgot all about reviewing it and as spring turned into summer the album was pushed to the back of the pile. Naturally that proved to be a mistake. Especially as this album happens to be a real treat! As always the band is lead by vocalist Deborah Levine (she's awesome!) and on "Lady Beast II" this Pittsburgh five piece mixes together the best parts of classic heavy metal, hard rock and the N.W.O.B.H.M. scene of yesteryear. Even though it's not as cut and dry as this might sound, Lady Beast  could be seen as a female-fronted Iron Maiden whose choice collection of influences ranges from Judas Priest to Doro! The Iron Maiden appreciation does get a little thick at times, but it's hard to fault Deborah Levine and her bandmates as we are talking about one of the greatest bands of all time! With two full-length albums and a crap load of (positively-received) live shows to their name now this is one traditional heavy metal band that deserves a bigger audience. For now Lady Beast will just have to be content with the knowledge that they are keeping the dream that is true heavy metal alive. There's that and then there is the fact that they are offering hope for those of us who easily become cynical thanks to all the shitty modern metal recordings that flood the airwaves! Between those two observations it's an easy decision to recommend Lady Beast's latest release! 

*"Lady Beast II" was released on March 28, 2015 on Cobra Cabana Records and on June 21, 2015 on Inferno Records.

Red Morris-Lady Rose

Self-Release/Independent
2015

The recently-released "Lady Rose" is the full-length debut album from Italy's Red Morris. The brainchild of Brescia-based guitarist Maurizio Parisi (who dedicated this album to his wife Rosa), Red Morris is as much a rock guitarist with a solid reputation in his home country as he is the driving force of this genre-jumping instrumental four-piece. On "Lady Rose" Red Morris/Maurizio Parisi is joined by bassist Renato Mombelli, keyboardist Beppe Premi, and drummer Claudio Amadori as well as two guest contributors in the form of Lou Longoni and Alberto Parisi*. The resulting album is a testament to guitarist Maurizio Parisi's youthful studies of classic guitar as well his devotion to classic rock bands such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Cream and the work of Carlos Sanatana! On "Lady Rose" you'll find solid rock numbers like "Golden Angel", "Lady Rose", "Independence", and "Black's Eyes" nestled alongside the progressive "Mystery" (which is a jazz rocker of the highest caliber!), the Celtic "Celitica" and the bluesy "My Life Blues (Go Go)". It all leads up to the excellent "My Sea's Echoes" which closes out this heartfelt album in style! With a run-time that is over the 30 minute mark the soulful "Lady Morris" simply covers a lot of ground genre-wise. Even in-between the individual tracks on this instrumental album you'll find different genres dancing together in harmony. And yet "Lady Rose" is still very much a rock album. Every cut on this album has a simple rock groove which keeps you intoned with the action at hand. With "Lady Rose" only the first of hopefully many it will be fun to see where this Italian band goes from here. Red Morris is one band that I plan to keep an eye on! 


*Lou Longoni provides minimalist vocals on the jazz-infused "Mystery" while the apply-titled "My Life Blues (Go Go)" features rhythm guitar courtesy of Alberto Parisi.  

Catatonic Society-Baptistina

End Times Records
2015

Issued back in March of this year, "Baptistina" is the latest offering from the heavy metal trio known as Catatonic Society. Serving as the group's long-anticipated debut album, "Baptistina" was recorded at Sharkbite Studios in the band's hometown of Oakland, California and it finds the line-up of Jay Dickinson  (guitars, vocals), Kenny Onesko (drums), and Sergiy Trushel (bass) in fine form. This full-length follows in the footsteps of the previously-released single, "Mandrake" as well as the band's first studio outing, 2014's "Demo-nology". In addition to the riff-heavy "Mandrake" and the four equally thrashtastic tracks off of "Demo-nology" ("Left Hand Path", "Lost at Sea", "Baptistina" and "Ashes") the band's new album has hard hitting cuts like "Gravity", "Solomon's Temple", "Lazarus Frankenstein", "Last Stand", and "Shiva the Destroyer". With a run-time that is over fifty five minutes (!), "Baptistina" finds Catatonic Society moving beyond the self-imposed limits of the 2014 demo with all of the various tracks working better in this context. Initially sold to me as "High on Fire meets (some) Mastodon, meets purely old school....with hooks", "Baptistina" is as much that (fairly-accurate) description as it is a great example of how well modern metal can work when you have actual musicians with talent and a knack for songwriting at the helm! With a run-time that is over fifty five minutes (!), "Baptistina" is a real treat to the senses in addition to being one of those cool albums where you will want to give it a few spins in order to pick up on all of it's subtle nuances. If only more heavy metal/modern metal bands put this amount of effort into their craft....  

Free Metal Monday: Swamp Wolf-Demo 2015

Self-Release/Independent
2015

More free metal from Flagstaff, Arizona? You bet your sweet ass! First we had the epic/power metal band Ice Sword with their brand new demo and now we have the latest release from Swamp Wolf. It's another name-your-own-price digital download, but whereas Ice Sword's recording was all about style and grace this particular tour demo runs straight towards you like a homicidal lunatic with an ax to grind! While the members of Swamp Wolf boldly claim "We just want to shred" on their Facebook info page they leave off the part at the end which says until you're good and dead! But then again that's just the nature of the beast when you are discussing punk/hardcore-tinged (heavy) thrash metal that's been soaked in street metal, black metal and the blood of a thousand vanquished enemies! Ah, good times......

Free Metal Monday: Ice Sword-Demo (2015)

Self-Release/Independent
2015

It's time for this week's Free Metal Monday feature and I have just one question for all of you. Is there anyone out there that might fancy some "Power/High Fantasy Metal"? If you answered yes to that question then by all means just drop what you are doing and head here. By clicking on that link you will be instantly transported to a land of mystery and magic where wizards, knights and dragons engage in an epic battle for complete dominance! Or to put it another way, "Demo (2015)" is 6-tracks of  epic/power metal and it's 100% free! Of course that would be thanks to generosity of Flagstaff, Arizona's Ice Sword. A five-piece band with style and class, Ice Sword gives off a vintage vibe that is really appealing and on their recently-released demo the group shows off a classy style of fantasy metal that is sure to open new doors and bring about plenty of new fans! If  you would like to be one of those new fans after hearing this extended-EP then be sure to head over to the group's Facebook page and give them a like.

Blue Matches-Fear the Truth

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Based in Tennessee and blessed by the presence of a strong lead singer named Michelle Marston, Blue Matches is a highly-infectious and undeniably catchy alternative rock/power pop band with two studio recordings to it's name. "Fear the Truth" is this four-piece band's latest release and it was recorded by Jordan Logue at Dark Horse Recording in the band's hometown of Nashville. Highlighted by the first two numbers, "Cranes" and "Down and Out", "Fear the Truth" was produced by the band's guitarist/vocalist, Steven Edwards and this 5-track EP serves as the natural follow-up to the group's 2013 debut album, "Starting Over". Bassist/vocalist Stephen Smith and drummer Phillip Brown round out this punk rock light quartet which is as melodic as it is heavy rocking! The heavy rocking part comes courtesy of guitarist Steven Edwards whose carefree style of playing gives "Fear the Truth" a bit of a gritty garage vibe. Steven's performances on these five numbers gel splendidly with Michelle's powerful voice and that helps to add extra spice to the likes of "Solipsism Syndrome" and "This Life". With the rhythm section of Smith and Brown providing that "oh so perfect" back beat, "Fear the Truth" works as a both mini-album and a title track. For this up-and-coming indie rock/alternative rock a EP like this will go a long way towards turning heads and making people stand up and take notice. It certainly did both of those things to me and I hope it does the same for all of you!

Canyon of the Skull-Canyon of the Skull

Self-Release/Independent
2015

 

Blackened and doomed to walk a scorched earth in misery for all eternity, Canyon of the Skull is a two-piece instrumental act that is based in Austin, Texas and comprised of Erik Ogershok (guitars, bass) and Adrian Voorhies (drums, percussion). In addition to this spectacular two track recording (which is due to drop on October 30th) the band has the "Demo 2013" to it's name. Meanwhile the Metal Archives lists this demo from 2007, but that's neither here nor there as far as I'm concerned. Right now the name of the game is "Canyon of the Skull" and it's a damn fun game at that! Or at least it is if you love creepy crawly blackened doom! On "Canyon of the Skull" we find this Texas two-piece (which incidentally was formed in 2006 by Erik Ogershok and is otherwise known as COTS) engaging in the fine art of sonic destruction that is otherwise known black metal. Over the course of two deathly cold tracks these doom warriors make the long trek across a tortured wasteland where no signs of life exist. In the process COTS creates a sinister soundtrack that is not that far removed from what you might experience on a stoner rock and/or sludge metal recording. Now, even though there are only two tracks on this forthcoming release there is a lot of material for your mind to chew on. For one "The Path (Of Bear And Wolf)" is a little over 17 minutes in length! Then there's "Canyon Of The Skull" which clocks in at over 18 minutes!! Between these two tracks you end up with well over 30 minutes of bruising metal(!) and (needless to say) COTS packs a lot of ideas into that time frame! Instrumental blackened doom has seldom been so epic so kudos to founder Erik Ogershok and his bandmate Adrian Voorhies! With the excellent "Canyon Of The Skull" serving as the group's official debut album it's hard to imagine this Austin act doing anything other than moving there way up the ranks of the blackened doom metal scene. Overall the instrumental "Canyon of the Skull" is a great first effort and one that should be appreciated by fans of this niche market.

 

 

 

 

BANDCAMP: https://canyonoftheskull.bandcamp.com/ 

 

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/canyonoftheskull

 

TWITTER: twitter.com/canyondoom

SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/anyonofthekull
 

REVERBNATION: https://www.reverbnation.com/canyonoftheskull2
 

BANDSINTOWN: http://www.bandsintown.com/CanyonOfTheSkull

MYSPACE: https://myspace.com/canyonoftheskull

 

Angel Martyr-Black Tales- Prelude (EP)

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Angel Martyr is a N.W.O.B.H.M./80's metal-inspired heavy/speed metal band from Piombino (Livorno), Tuscany that first contacted us on our Facebook page many moons ago. Having previously covered the band's self-titled EP this three-piece band was nice enough to shoot us a message about their three-track EP here. It can be found here (where you can download it for free folks!) and it features more of the same as far as cool as shit speed-tinged 80's metal/N.W.O.B.H.M. worship goes! Lead vox (of the wicked old-school variety*) come courtesy of nasty** guitarist Tiziano "Hammerhead" Sbaragli (Etrusgrave, ex-Harvest) while Dario "Destroyer Rostix" Rosteni and Francesco Taddei (ex-Etrusgrave) handle bass and drum duties respectively. All three musicians do their best to bring about maximum metal carnage and thanks to a sound and style that takes it cues from not only the likes of Iron Maiden, Angel Witch, Blitzkrieg and Judas Priest, but Omen, Exciter, ADX, and Exxplorer this up-and-coming trio almost always nails it! With the proper amount of support and a solid budget a band like Angel Martyr could really turn heads. Let's hope they get that chance. 

*The vox on this 3-track EP sound as if they were ripped straight from the early eighties, but then again s does much of the actual music! 

**Just so there are doubts as to what I'm getting at let's just call it like it is-Hammerhead shreds!!

Interview with Alfredo Martinelli of Italy's La Bottega del Tempo a Vapore

Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Alfredo Martinelli of Italy's La Bottega del Tempo a Vapore. I want to thank my friend Glenn from Mintotauro Records for not only making this possible, but for turning me onto this epic progressive rock/heavy metal band in the first place! Be sure to keep an eye out for my review of this band's innovative self-titled release and you can find La Bottega del Tempo a Vapore online by heading here. Enjoy! 

Andy-Hey there, Alfredo.  Thanks for taking the time to talk to us about your band “La Bottega del Tempo a Vapore.”  I don’t speak Italian, and I’ve tried to come up with a translation of your band’s name into English.  What I come up with is “The Time-to-Steam Workshop”.  Given your bands progressive leanings, I imagine your band’s name is a nod to your country’s vast contribution to the prog-rock scene.  Can you tell us a little bit about how you came up with the name, and what it signifies?

Alfredo-I came up with the name for the band. In between developing musical ideas and organizing the band’s activity I suggested two band names: the second one was "La Bottega del Tempo a Vapore". Even if it's not a commercial/marketing rule-based name, it has the capacity to make people ask and think about it. Our musical approach is not common; we are something different from the norm, and we want to spread it out a bit. Moreover, we employee numerous different conceptual approaches that we think you’d find interesting. The Workshop (La Bottega) is something like "art and work", based on the concept of the Italian Reneissance, populated by Italy's  old masters, and a time when everyone was a significant part of the entire work. The present and future time (Il tempo) is a constant in our album. It's an important concept of life that flows. The Steam (Il vapore) is that natural element, deep as much as we can see it. It is able to generate strong forces, able to move trains, industrial machines, and, in the same time, to slip into each and every fissure.

Andy-On to the album.  “Il Guerriero errante,” or “The Wandering Warrior.”  Can you shed some light on the story that’s told for us? 

Alfredo-"Il Guerriero errante " tells the story of a samnitic warrior, who receives the responsibility to escort a Lady, engaged to the King, to the King's residence. The journey is characterized by adventures, ambushes and many events. Warrior and Lady bonded immediately, they are united by a strong sentiment and at last they fall in love. The King finds out about the secret relationship between the Lady and the warrior, instructs a Janara (samnitic witch) to avenge him with the damnation of the two lovers. There will be romance, adventures… but for all the details, you just have to listen to our CD.

Andy-As I mentioned earlier, Italy has made a vast contribution to the progressive rock scene.  Can you tell us how Italian prog rock has influenced you as a musician?  What are some other genres of music that have influenced you?

Alfredo-We are influenced by tons of genres and kind of music, as every prog band should be. Our influences could be summarized with Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment, Porcupine Three, Opeth, Pink Floyd, Banco del Mutuo Soccorso, Premiata Forneria Marconi, Osanna, Epica, and so on. So genres like Prog Rock / Metal as a base, but also Epic, Orchestral, Folk, Psychedelic, Fusion and more.

Andy-Tell us about the band.  How did you form?  How long have you known each other? How did you meet? How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?

Alfredo-I was looking for musicians to help transform stories into music, so that's where it all began. During the meetings we talked about the contents of various chapters and then we wrote the music and lyrics. A little bit later we added all the other members of the band. Most members already worked together in other projects, so we were all friends. Our artistic peculiarity is that our sounds, rhythms and arrangements are articulated and essential elements, with unusual lyrics.

Andy-Tell us a little bit about your experiences in the studio.  What were some of the challenges in recording such an intricate album?

Alfredo-The final recordings were so intense and needed concentration, which is why the final result of our work is characterized by honesty and consistency. At the same time, it wasn't easy to organize everything and contain costs. We considered our financial resources and managed everything firsthand. Edoardo Napoli from EPN studios of Genova oversaw the final mix and mastering, and he did a very good job, considering a great problem for us: work remotely. The power of Internet!

Andy-And finally one last set of questions. What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?  Do all members of the band contribute to the song-writing process?

Alfredo-As regards the process of writing songs, there's not a fixed rule: inspiration is like a beautiful woman, who never announces her arrival. Certainly mys story inspired our music arrangements, but lyrics and vocal arrangements were made after the musical parts; these are peculiarities of our work. In our band all the members participate in the creation of arrangements. Alessandro did a great job for the production of this album.

Inconvenience Store-Katabasis Epoch: Enter The 2nd Chapter of Hell

Braindead Media
2015

What's this? Two albums of covers in one day? You betcha! First we had Austin, Texas heavy/power metal band Ignitor with their "Mix Tape '85" and now we have Needham, Massachusetts' (experimental) punk/post-hardcore group Inconvenience Store with their latest release, "Katabasis Epoch: Enter The 2nd Chapter of Hell". Even if it's been awhile (the Summer of 2013 to be specific) Inconvenience Store are not exactly strangers to this site so it was a happy occurrence when I got word that not only did they have new music to share, but they were now signed to Boston's Braindead Media! That just goes to show you how good things come to those who persevere. Especially when you put in years of hard work like this experimental punk/post-hardcore band did! For those who don't know the story it goes a little something like this. Initially formed in the fall of 2011 by Non-GMO Meth and Kcutnief Rehsa Hanoj, Inconvenience Store started off as more of an idea than an actual band before fully becoming flesh and blood in March of 2012. Early on the group was comprised of teenage kids with high hopes (and more than enough talent to go around!) and (long story short) as the musicians have grown up and matured so has the actual music. Now rounded out by Mica Headphones, Inconvenience Store gives us their second studio offering with this extended-EP serving as the progressive follow-up to 2013's "Our Ambivalent Everything". Released this past summer on July 19th (8 days after my birthday in fact!), "Katabasis Epoch: Enter The 2nd Chapter of Hell" provides insight into the vast array of influences that this three piece band holds dear with groups like Black Flag, The Melvins and Naked Raygun finding common ground with The Buggles and Masafumi Takada of all people! It's a unique listening experience to be sure, but a rewarding one all the same. I'll stay away from any major spoilers other than to say that it all leads up to the 12 minute plus "Amezce No Reh Seulg". For the members of this Needham-based band things are obviously looking up so be sure to venture on over to their bandcamp page to see what all the fuse is about.

Ignitor-Mix Tape '85

Independent/Self-Release
2013

This short piece is a holdover from yesterday's Free Metal Monday feature as well as a brief news piece about the band's upcoming schedule and their forthcoming album. For those who do not know the name, Ignitor is heavy/power metal band from Texas that is fronted by Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys and Watchtower). This 2013 release finds the band covering songs from the likes of Anthrax, Venom, Judas Priest and Exciter and it can downloaded fro free by clicking on the link at the bottom of this article. It fit's in nicely with the group's last studio album, 2012's "Year Of The Metal Tiger", and features the following track listing:

1.	Deathrider (Anthrax cover)
2.	Fast as a Shark (Accept cover)
3.	Violence and Force (Exciter cover)
4.	Into the Coven (Mercyful Fate cover)
5.	Witching Hour (Venom cover)
6.	Hell Bent for Leather (Judas Priest cover)
7.	A Lesson in Violence (Exodus cover)
8.	Highway Star (Deep Purple cover)

As far as the new album is concerned it is tentatively scheduled for spring 2016. Even though the band is currently hard at work at Emphatic Audio Recording Studio in Austin, Texas putting everything to tape (ya!) they have managed to secure a spot on the main stage at next year's Ragnarökkr Metal Apocalypse festival in Chicago, Illinois! The event will be held at Reggie's Rock Club on May 6th & 7th so be sure to mark your calendars and get yourself prepared for what will surely be two days of metal madness! For more information on this Texas heavy/power metal band be sure to head here and as promised here is the link for Ignitor's all covers album,"Mix Tape '85"

Ice War-Battle Zone

Self-Release/Independent
2015

"Battle Zone" is the first release from Ottawa, Ontario's Ice War. Formerly know as Iron Dogs (the Canadian band that gave us "Free and Wild") and featuring the skills of Jo Capitalicide (Barrow Wight, Blue Cross, Trioxin 245, Zex, Вредители, ex-Cauchemar (live), ex-Bastardator, ex-Germ Attak, ex-Mental Rescue),  Ice War more or less picks up where the former left off when it comes to this initial 3-track offering. For the uninformed that means N.W.O.B.H.M.-inspired heavy/speed metal that has one foot in the garage and other one in the arena. It's raw & real heavy/speed metal that also draws upon the classic sights and sounds of yesteryear's Canadian hard rock and traditional heavy metal scene and then finishes things off with the punk rock-like speak-sing voice of Jo Capitalicide. There's all that delicious craziness and so much more on the three-track "Battle Zone". Along with the slick title track and equally-awesome "This Was Our Home" you get a solid Crystal Pride cover in the form of "Sharon". That's three great metal numbers from one great metal band. And did I mention that it's only one measly U.S. dollar! I didn't? Well, now you know. And knowing is half the battle. Of course the other half of the battle is downloading this gem, but I'll trust all of you to do the right thing when it comes to that task. I can trust you right?

Free Metal Monday: Wino-Live at Roadburn 2009

Roadburn Records
2015

It's Monday again and that means it's time for some free metal to (hopefully) get you through this chilly day. Or at least it's chilly in my small part of Ohio. I have no way of knowing where you are from while you are reading this, but seeing as we already had snow this past weekend (I know. Ugh!) how about we heat things up with some killer doom rock? Sound's good right? Well, how about we take things one step further with live doom? Or rather live music from Wino? Yes? Groovy! Originally released back in October of 2010 on both CD and 12" vinyl, "Live At Roadburn 2009" is now being offered digitally and this great recording finds Wino in perfect form! Not that it's too surprising or anything as we are talking about the one and only Wino here, but seeing as this one comes with a run-time of over fifty minutes(!) there is a lot to digest in just one sitting. With that said, "Live At Roadburn 2009" should get you to work and back in grand fashion and seeing as it's free for the taking you simply can't go wrong!  You can find this live release by heading here
and while you are there be sure to keep an eye out for other free music from Roadburn Records.

Psychedelic Witchcraft-"Set Me Free" (Single)

Twin Earth Records
2015

Just released last week (or Wednesday, October 7th to be precise!),  "Set Me Free" is a hot new single from Italy's one and only occult rock band, Psychedelic Witchcraft. The vision of lead singer/guitarist Virginia Monti (who I had the sincere pleasure of interviewing back in May of this year!), Psychedelic Witchcraft takes it's cue from the 70's rock scene where the likes of Coven, Black Sabbath, Iron Butterfly, Jefferson Airplane, and Cream sit hand in hand in spiritual harmony. For the absolutely fetching Virginia Monti (aka Virgin Witch) there's also a passion shared for Mario Bava, Lucio Fulci, Dario Argento, and Jess Franco and with that key piece of information in hand it's a bit easier to understand where the music's vibe comes from if you happen to be new to the band. Backed by the impressive number "Wicked Dream", "Set Me Free" serves as the follow-up to "Black Magic Man" and features a line-up of Virginia Monti (vox), Jacopo Fallai (guitar), Vanni (bass), and Daniele Parrella (drums). For this up-and-coming Italian rock act this two-track release shows a nice amount of growth and maturity and as somehow who has been a fan of Virginia Monti and Psychedelic Witchcraft since first hearing "Black Magic Man" it's wonderful to hear that kind of improvement in such a short amount of time. Naturally that goes a long way towards pointing out Virginia's dedication to her craft. With a full-length album planned for sometime down the road, "Set Me Free" shows you what can be accomplished when you put all of your heart and soul into a project and with that in mind I congratulate Psychedelic Witchcraft's amazing front-lady! As far as the who, want, when and where of this single? Well, we tackled the who (line-up) so let's address those other three. Recorded and engineered at Gold studio 63 Rome by Gabriele Romano, "Set Me Free" (the song) sounds a lot like a female-fronted Black Sabbath circa 1970! In no way is that a bad thing, but it still is what it is and there's no reason to not point it out. That being the case and all, "Set Me Free" still rules and this Italian band's vintage sound does wonders for one's psyche! And speaking of one's psyche (or calming the savage beast inside!), "Wicked Dream" moves right into your soul and then makes itself right at home! Side two of this single finds Psychedelic Witchcraft coming into their own in a BIG WAY and it is glorious! With the sinister "Wicked Dream" you get the sensation that it's all been leading up to this moment and that Virginia has been saving the best for last!!! Falling somewhere between doom metal and garage rock, "Wicked Dreams" leaves you with all kinds of wicked thoughts as it puts a spell on you that is damn near impossible to shake!!!! It's because of musical moments like "Wicked Dreams" that Psychedelic Witchcraft has quickly become one of my all-time favorite acts and I can't help but wish that this sinfully delightful band will one day tour my part of America! Until that fateful day happens I'm going to continue singing the praises of  Psychedelic Witchcraft
and I will keep on encouraging everyone that I know to check out this awesome act!

Funeral Marmoori-The Deer Woman

Minotauro Records
2015

Funeral Marmoori is a heavy/progressive doom rock/metal band that hails from Florence, Italy and was formed in 2008 by two members of the Italian doom/stoner/sludge band Gum. Those two musicians would be guitarist/vocalist Giulio Sieni (Gum, ex-Infame, ex-Pistöns) & drummer Fabio Nanni (Gum, Turn Back Time, ex-G.O.E.) and after joining up with bassist Marco Trentanove (Viverna, ex-Sulfur) the band recorded it's first demo. Shortly there after the group added Nadin Petricelli (keyboards, synthesizers) to it's line-up and in 2011 Funeral Marmoori unearthed it's first album, "Volume 1". This soon-to-be released 7-track album (and instant classic in the making!) is the long overdue follow-up to "Volume 1" and (long story short) the group is now rounded out by their 3rd bassist (and so far so good best one to date!), Annalisa Franci. That right there is pretty much all the background information that you need to know other than perhaps the key bit about Nadin Petricelli and her association with the L' Alberno Del Veleno. Alright my friends you can all lower your hands as I know what's coming. Who or what is L' Alberno Del Veleno? Well, it's only a cool little project that does original soundtracks for thriller/horror films. And what exactly does that have to do with Funeral Marmoori? That's a fair enough question so let me explain. If you'd be so kind (and I just know you all are!) try to picture in your mind a heavy (with an emphasis on the HEAVY part!) doom rock/metal band that is influenced by the likes of Paul Chain, Saint Vitus, Cathedral, and Black Sabbath. Got that part down? Yes? Good! Now let's add some 70's Italian progressive rock to the picture. If you're thinking along the lines of Goblin then good for you! When it's all been said and done you'll get a gold star sticker so be sure to hang around until after the presentation! For now though just sit right back down in your seat as we've got one more ingredient to discuss and it's a real doozie! You see when it comes to Nadin you're getting a woman with a background in soundtrack construction. So, not only do you get this (otherwise righteous) doom metal band*, but you have Nadin contributing Farisa organ & Juno synth to the mix! In essence we're talking about a wicked doom metal band that adds seventies-inspired horror soundtrack work to it's already impressive sound! Let that sink in for a second. I know, cool right? But, that's Funeral Marmoori for you. And while I could be playing the time-honored game of "Where have you been all my life?" I'm just going to suggest giving this CD and/or LP** a listen when it does drop. Chances are you won't regret it. I mean really folks you've just got to appreciate what this band brings to the party. It's all at once familiar and fresh. On the forthcoming "The Deer Woman" we have six original compositions from this Italian band as well as a cover of the early Death SS classic "Profanation". Seeing as it (collectively) gels together seamlessly what you ultimately end up with is actual album and not just some kind of random assortment of odds and ends! If only this band was more active then all would be right with the world! That's neither here nor there, but merely an observation. And speaking of observations, guitarist/vocalist Giulio Sieni sounds sort of similar to James Hetfield! It's an odd thing to point out I realize, but it's all the more odd when you actually hear Giulio Sieni singing! It certainly adds another (quirky) distinction to this already appealing album. Is it bad that I'm reminded of James Hetfield in this way? No, not at all. Giulio Sieni is a terrific lead vocalist and he is just one of the many things that I love about this Italian band. With that in mind I want to end this review by saying thanks to my friend Glenn over at Minotauro Records for sending me this promo and kudos to Funeral Marmoori for crafting such a gnarly doom metal release! You've both done me a great service as I now find myself with a new favorite band!



*While I don't explicitly state this in my review above, Funeral Marmoori is made up of four musicians who are easily at the top of their grade. When it comes to laying down ferocious metal you can't ask for better musicians than this! The guitar solos are delightfully sincere and they make reference to classic doom metal bands and the old Italian rock and metal scene of yesteryear. The same can and must be said of Annalisa Franci and her bass playing and I offer nothing but absolute praise as far as this band's "string" section is concerned! Band co-founder Fabio Nanni helps anchors this solid state of heavy rock and metal and his epic beats help add that extra explanation point (!) to what is already some of this year's best doom!!!! If they can keep this line-up together then this Italian four-piece should only get better!

**Yes, "The Deer Woman" will also be available on vinyl thanks to Blood Rock records.

[Evertrapped]-Under The Deep

Hellstorm Recordz
2015

Formed in 2007, [Evertrapped] is a five-piece melodic death metal band from Montreal, Québec that lists the likes of of Death, Unearth, Machine Head, Scar Symmetry, Soilwork, In Flames, and Arch Enemy as their primary influences. The forthcoming "Under The Deep" is this group's latest recording and third overall full-length album since first issuing "Tales from the Supermax" way back in 2010. Every bit as technical and skilled as some of their listed influences (most certainly later day Death!), [Evertrapped] excels at their craft with "Under the Deep" offering a full-fledged assault on the senses that is absolutely stone-cold BRUTAL! And between you and me friends such aggression and overt hostility is a welcome sight sound when all you want to do is check out of this crazy world for awhile and decompress! Despite the fact that this album would just as soon tear your face straight off as have to deal with any pleasantries(!), "Under The Deeps" is exquisitely melodic and even slightly progressive! It's a fine balancing act, but the five members of [Evertrapped] walk that alarmingly thin line like champs! All of that is fine as blood red wine, but what happens when you take into account the brief traditional heavy metal teases that come with the band's third album here? Well, let's just say that it pushes matters OVER THE FREAKING TOP and in the process of doing that dirty deed it turns "Under The Deep" into a slam dunk death fest that rattled these old bones of mine and made me dive back into the pit for another go! As far as everything else goes? Lyrically/theme-wise it's all about the madness and the above album art does a fair job of representing the ghostly appeal of this gut-stomping release. As good as the all the music is (and it is bad-ass!) I can't help but feel as if "Under The Deep" wouldn't work as well as it does without the grizzly sounds of James Brookes. I mean what's killer death metal without a killer lead vocalist? That's where James comes into play and he handles the mic like he's wielding a blazing chainsaw! His voice cuts the listener in half and makes this album all the more powerful and ultimately intimidating! With a great supporting cast in position and songs that are well-drawn and structurally-strong (and not to mention legitimately clever!), James Brookes is able to breath fire into the individual tracks thus making this spring magically to life! Let's now move from James to the album's overall sound. From a production standpoint there is seemingly nothing amiss here with everything fitting together nicely. Not that the album is overly glossy or anything. This is death metal after all! It's merely a case where a album's production enhances the musical delivery without taking anything away from the brute force narrative. To put it into simpler terms there's nothing here to find fault with. Let me repeat that. There is NOTHING about "Under The Deep" to hate. Nothing. This is simply great music. That means fans of top-tier (slightly-progressive & highly-technical) melodic death metal should find plenty to love about this upcoming release. If that's a tag that you proudly like to where then you should go and pre-order the album by heading here.

Solipsist-The Burning Mass

Ferocious Records
2015

Solipsist is a long-running metal band that is based in Cleveland, Ohio and has two EPs, two splits and (thanks to this late March release) two full-length albums to it's name. Since day one this five-piece group has been fronted by lead singer/producer Noah Buchanan (From the Hellmouth, Ron George, Nunslaughter (live), Arecibo) and on their latest release here this extreme front-man is aided by the mad skills of Mark Witherspoon (guitars), Steve Sinko (guitars), Dave Vezdos (bass), and Dave Chojnacki (drums). While the group issued it's first EP, "Medicate the Masses", back in 2007 it was actually Solipsist's 2010 full-length debut, "The Human Equation" that put this (HEAVY as HELL) metal band on everyone's radar. Between that release and the band's (equally-epic) 2012 follow-up (the self-released "Extinction Protocol") it was GAME ON MOTHERFUCKERS for these Cleveland death thrashers and "The Burning Mass" is no exception! Self-produced by Noah Buchanan and his fellow bandmates, "The Burning Mass" is Solipsist's first full-length album on actual label and they celebrate this glorious occasion in grand style. In other words they pull down the heavens and stomp the living fuck out of anything and anyone that dares get in their way!!! By this point in their stellar career the guys in Solipsist have made easy work of the whole slash 'em/bash 'em style of death metal thrash and in many people's minds they are towards the top of the heap as far as that type of extreme music is concerned. Thankfully much of what you'll hear on this album tilts towards that same direction. Heavily in fact! But then it's also no great secret that the guys in Solipsist like to pull in different elements of not only death metal (melodic and technical) and thrash (the same as far as melodic and technical goes, but also raw, hardcore-tinged thrash!), but things like heavy power metal, metalcore and groove. It's not as if any of that has suddenly disappeared with the group's second studio album or anything. With "The Burning Mass" you get all of that metallic taste, but with no artificial colors or flavors! Every once of fat has been trimmed from this huge slab of meat which ends up leaving nothing but a prime-time (grab some cold beers fellas!) meal that you'll want to gobble up in one sitting! Once more this criminally-underrated Ohio band brings pride to our metal scene and with it's pristine production job and absolutely perfect framework they also highlight the glorious state of extreme metal here in the U.S.! Over the past few years Solipsist has all but destroyed the notion that independent/underground metal bands can't compete on the big stage with the name brand artists and I'd dare anyone to go and listen to "The Burning Mass" and then tell me in all honestly that it doesn't belong in the same league as said bands! This Cleveland band has reached it's evolutionary peak and it's a place where all the best characteristics of death metal, thrash, metalcore, groove, and even (modern) hard rock/heavy metal rest comfortably in the knowledge that there is no more that needs to be achieved! Every-bit the real deal and an absolute must-buy for fans of all things BRUTAL and BEASTLY, "The Burning Mass" made me see Solipsist in a whole new light and chances are it will do the same thing to you. I've been a fan of this extreme metal band since I first heard "The Human Equation" back in early 2011 and even so there is no way in heaven or hell that I could have foreseen just how FUCKING amazing this gang would get! Do whatever needs to be done to snag and bag this CD and if you live anywhere near where this band is playing live then drop what you're doing and get out there & get down with this bad ass metal machine!