Free Metal Monday: dirk diggler-Hash and Masturbation

Self-Release/Independent
2012

Israel's dirk diggler (no caps please) offers up 100% legitimate grindcore on this short, sweet, and (for some reason that I just don't want to know about!) sticky release. There are seven tracks here and the longest one is only one minute and forty nine seconds. That and the title of this sexy little quickie should be all that it takes to understand where this noisy trio is coming from, but if you're still not sure then you could listen to group's self-titled debut which is also free.

Free Metal Monday: The Lost Skulls-"Dirty Nasty R'N'R"

Self-Release/Independent
2012

Recorded and mixed in the summer of 2012 by Carl Bouchard (A Perfect Murder), "Dirty Nasty R'N'R" is a free EP from Quebec heavy rock/metal band The Lost Skulls. Along with noted influences like Motörhead, Black Sabbath, Pantera, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Fu Manchu, Doomriders, Death From Above 1979, and post-"Load" Metallica* (to name just a few), The Lost Skulls has (or is it had?) a cool vibe that isn't that far removed from White Zombie/solo Rob Zombie. With this dive-bar worthy band likely inactive now, "Dirty Nasty R'N'R" (which is available for download at this link ) might just be a one and done release, but all the same it really lives up to it's name.....


*The band simply lists Metallica as a influence, but I took it one step further and narrowed it down.

Free Metal Monday: Nevesis-Nevesis

Horror Terror Records
2012

Based in Paide, Estonian, Nevesis is a hard & heavy power trio that was formed back in 2008 and is said to be influenced by everyone from Led Zeppelin to the Foo Fighters. Currently comprised of Erki Reim (guitars, vocals), Bert Järvet (bass) and Ken Koemets (drums), Nevesis is self-describe as "psychedelic heavy speed rock", but I'm guessing that might be the group's newer style as their 2012 self-titled album (which you can download for free by clicking on this link) is more classic hard rock than heavy speed rock. It's also a stone cold groove that is way too good to be giving away for free! With nine rich songs and some fantastic performances from the three members of this largely unheard of  ROCK band, "Nevesis" is a terrific debut album that I wish I would have heard back in 2012! Reportedly the group has a new album in the works and you can hear one of the numbers ("Rock 53") by heading here. Incidentally it is also free for the taking...
 

Free Metal Monday: Steel and Fire Records-Thunder Warriors of the World

Fire and Steel Records
2012

This 15-track sampler from Fire and Steel Records was actually released way back in 2012, but seeing as it includes bands like Air Raid, Ravage, Visigoth, and Lords of the Trident I figured why not just post it any way? I mean this is some solid-stuff here and if your Monday morning is anything like mine is.....well, let's just say you're going to need this!You can download this metallic sampler by clicking here.

Free Metal Monday: Schism-Schism EP

Self-Release/Independent
2012

This 4-track EP comes courtesy of my friend and fellow blogger, Strappado. Or at least indirectly it does seeing as I follow Strappado on Bandcamp and all. But anyway, Schism here hail (or hailed as they might be no more?) from Florida and they are (per the description): "Influenced by bands ranging from hard rock classics to the metal gods of the 80's to the titans of modern metal, Schism's music reflects the best elements of each era: crushing riffs, intricate harmonies, and a focus on melody". Whatever the case you can find the digital EP here and it's free for the taking.

Sanity's Rage-You Are What You Swallow

Dead Inside Records
2014

"You Are What You Swallow" is the full-length debut from Belgian thrashers Sanity's Rage. Original released back in 2012 (with the band's first recording, "The Rage Of One", having appeared some six years earlier!) "You Are What You Swallow" hit the scene ten years after this five-piece first got together and for a band that saw a shit-load of line-up changes over the years it is not only a good album, but an amazingly consistent one to boot! Kenny Molly leads this band and for fans of classic thrash metal this 11-track album should feel like a long-lost friend! Aided by some technical thrash elements, Sanity’s Rage has performed with the likes of Saxon, Testament, Lääz Rockit, Hyades, Savage Messiah, Helstar, Rezet, Huntress, Sacred Oath, Holy Moses, Agent Steel, James Rivera and Onslaught and one would have to think that their Bay Area thrash meets classic, old-school thrash sound just goes over like gangbusters in a live setting! Other than recommending the band's debut album for thrash metal purists of young and old there isn't much more to say about this Belgian outfit that hasn't been said before. As the album has already been reviewed countless times over online I'll simply toss in my two cents and we'll leave it at that. While Sanity's Rage might be reinventing the wheel when it comes to this kind of metal they are at least bringing integrity to the party seeing as "You Are What You Swallow" is not so much more of the retro-thrash loving nonsense that's over-saturating the scene as it is the sound of a band that truly lives and breathes the genre. That alone bumps them up in my standings, but this is one band that has the chops to back it all up and the talent needed to stand on their own two feet and go the long-run. Here's hoping "You Are What You Swallow is just the tip of the iceberg then as this band sure sounds as if they have a lot left to say!

Almøst Human-Ø

Self-Release/Independent
2012

Disregard the original release date of this EP as Almøst Human's "Ø" has been making the rounds once more thanks to Fullblast! PR. Actually, it has been making the rounds since early summer (or possibly even sooner), but in all honestly it was only yesterday that I stumbled upon it and a bevy of other promos from New York's Fullblast! PR. That is what happens when you make multiple folders for review material and then forget to actually open them once in a while! But, I digress. We're not here to talk about my poor organization skills. No, we are here to talk about Swiss metal band Almøst Human and their 5-track debut EP, "Ø". Initially formed in the 90's by guitarist/songwriter Olivier Perdrizat and drummer Rosario Fullone, Almøst Human (a modern metal/nu metal band with keyboard/electronic flourishes) did not get off the ground completely until 2010. By that point in time Almøst Human had become a fully-recognized, alive and alert life force thanks to the fortunate addition of vocalist Ben Pluss, second guitarist Chris Matthey and bassist Jan Peyer. Naturally the self-produced and self-released "Ø" EP serves notice that Almøst Human is here. And damn if they don't mean business then I don't know who does! Armed and at the ready, Almøst Human opens the show with gritty and raw, metallic brainbuster "Living Wreck". At over seven minutes in length this industrialized Ministry meets American Head Charge fist-banger is a full-on feast for the senses! The all-too brief, sample-heavy "Mørning Star" leads straight into "Øbey, Cønsume Ør Disappear" and it's at this very moment that one becomes fully aware of all the various influences that are vying for attention on "Ø" . Emotionally-driven, "Øbey, Cønsume Ør Disappear" is a humbling combination of mid-90's alternative rock, late-90's nu metal, "Black"-era Metallica and Pantera. There's more Pantera to be found on "Nørmøsis" and it's the band's primal instincts to mix in the electronic anarchy of bands like N.I.N., Filter and Ministry that will ultimately make or break them. As "Each Øf Us" (a modern metal take on System Of A Down minus the hardcore raps!) wraps things up one can't help but appreciate what this Swiss act is trying to accomplish even if they do face a uphill battle due to the inclusion of nu metal hallmarks. Still, with harsh and clean vocals mixing things up and the interesting use of electronic elements a band like Almøst Human has more going for them then against them. Øbey, Cønsume Ør Disappear" and "Nørmøsis" hint at better things to come and "Living Wreck" has more than enough fire-power to appease thrash metal fans and those who crave full-on carnage! Should Almøst Human choose to lean more on the thrash metal aspects of their sound I could really see this band making hard hitting metal that would turn heads. The promise is there and so is the talent so Almøst Human is one band to keep an eye out for!

Estrella-Whatever It Is (Single)

SJS Entertainment Limited
2014

"Whatever It Is" is a new single from Scottish four piece Estrella. Taking it's cue from classic 70s/80s rock influences such as Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Van Halen, AC/DC and Bon Jovi, Estrella is made up of  brothers Paul Gunn (lead vocals), Luke Gunn (lead guitar) and Nathan Gunn (bass) plus drummer Leo McPherson. Already a live hit thanks to plenty of buzz-worthy shows and a European tour with Robin Beck, Estrella, which is based in Aberdeen and will be touring Europe once more come November when they hit the road with ex-Guns N Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke, will be releasing a new album in 2015. This particular single (due to released Oct. 13th) comes from the band's 2012 debut album, "Come Out In Play", which can be ordered from: http://estrellarocks.com/store. A perfect reflection of the group's influences, "Whatever It Is" is repeat worthy as it has a remarkably comfortable and familiar vibe about it. All out once it reminds you of your favorite classic rock and hard rock bands while maintaining it's own air of authenticity meaning it meets you have way between nostalgia and originality. If  "Whatever It Is" is just one tiny slice of the excellence that awaits listeners on "Come Out To Play" (an album which I hope to secure for review purposes in the very near future) then there is a good chance that Estrella's debut outing is nothing short of a rock and roll gem!

Forgotten Gems: Möwer-Bastard Bröthers

Cruel Noise Records
2012

Stop me if you've heard this one before. First, a punk rock band from Pittsburgh (featuring two brothers in Craig and Sean Simpson) discovers that yes, it's alright if you play crazy fast (thanks in no small part to stumbling upon D.R.I.'s classic album, "Crossover"). Afterwards, no doubt through divine inspiration (because after all, Lemmy is God!*), said band is introduced to the almighty Motörhead and, one quick name change later, Möwer is born! "Bastard Bröthers", which was recorded at the Grease Diner, is actually Möwer's second release and (in all seriousness here folks!) it's a gloriously sleazy ride towards rock and roll damnation! It can be checked out here:http://mower.bandcamp.com/album/bastard-br-thers and I just want to give a quick thank you/shout out to the site Rust Belt Hammer ( http://rustbelthammer.com/) which I recently discovered. Covering music from my general part of the country, Rust Belt Hammer actually interviewed this crazy Penn.-based punk n' metal act which is how I was able to gather so much "back-story" on these brothers and their "Sex, drugs and rock n' roll" lifestyle! The groovy "Bastard Bröthers" is available as a digital download (the price is only $1!) and/or on cassette ($4!) so if you've every wanted to know what Motörhead would sound like if they were a Pittsburgh punk n' metal act now is your chance!

*If you've never seen it then check out the movie "Airheads"!

Mike Kerr-The Fire

Self-Released/Independent
2012

We're going to re-wind the clock a bit with this one folks. As you can see it's from "way back" in 2012 (June of 2012 to be exact) and it's the debut-release (and so far only release) from guitarist/composer Mike Kerr. Who you may be asking is Mike Kerr? Good question my friend and thank you for your participation! Mike Kerr is a Brazilian guitarist who has been calling the US his home since 2001. According to his official(?) website he "had access to the knowledge of the great masters of guitar such as Joe Stump, one of the fastest guitarists in the World according to Guitar Player magazine and professor at Berklee College of Music, and Arlen Roth, the famous blues guitarist, who shared the stage with Mike Kerr in Edgartown on the summer of 2009." Well, there you go. Oh, and he's also recognized by major companies such as Voodoo Amps, D’addario, Planet Waves, Graphtech, Dimarzio, Floyd Upgrades, Road Rage, Wampler, Rjm, Eventide and Graphtech. All of which is fine and dandy (as mid-day brandy) I hear you saying but what about "The Fire"? Instrumental rock is the name of this game my friends. Yes, instrumental rock. Funny enough this is actually my second review of an instrumental recording this week! The previous one, "Pictures Of A Broken Heart", was from guitarist Kosta Vreto (Wardrum, Horizon's End, Vavel, Jade Star) and showcased some pretty sweet instrumental metal. In that regard they are a bit different. You know, metal verses rock* and what not. Still, I've gone months without having one instrumental recording cross my desk and here I am this week covering two! Crazy stuff. Anyway, Mike, who worked with producer/guitarist Jota Vox on "The Fire", is backed here by a solid group of musicians that features the lovely Kumari Miker on bass, guitarist Ven Thangaraj (sporting a wicked Havok t-shirt in his Metal Archives profile pic!) and drummer Joe Bertola. Guests include the likes of Joe Stomp, Eduardo Ardanuy (who plays in a band called Dr. Sin), Kristen Capolino and guitarist/producer Jota Vox himself. As far as this being Mike's debut album you'd be hard pressed to guess that given the fantastic job done by all involved. From the musicians who backed up Mike to this album's production it's all stellar. "The Fire", which runs over an hour in length(!), sounds great and the heavy rock on display here is top-notch. While I'd hesitate to call this one a heavy metal or shred release like the Metal Archives does it still offers plenty of "crunch" and the lead solos, well, let's just say that in regards to everyone involved in said department they are freakin' furious! For those who love emotional playing where it feels as if the guitarist is pulling out his or her own heart and putting it on display with their performance then this is one album that you need to hear! Instead of just going off half-cocked and playing the kind of over-the-top solos that are impressive but meaningless Mike plays with passion and that comes across crystal clear with "The Fire". That's not to say that his playing is any less impressive. There's an obvious reason he is recognized by all kinds of major companies. The guy can play. I mean, he can seriously play! As in "Light up the sky!" play. All of which makes "The Fire" that much more enjoyable! While I would love to see what he could do with a talented lead vocalist in place I do understand the joy that a lot of these great guitarists get from just playing their music as is. This is another recording that I'll be returning to soon enough trust me!

*The more I listen to this one the more it feels like a hard rock release or maybe even a hybrid of rock, hard rock and some heavy metal. Whatever you personally choose to call it though it's still a cool release and one that keeps the listener engaged and interested!

French Metal Friday: The Zombie Dandies

Normandy, France is home base for the two-piece glam punk due known as The Zombie Dandies. Formed in 2011 by guitarist/vocalist K1000 Zombie and drummer/bassist/vocalist Marty Dandy (two old friends/high-school classmates who came up with the idea of "creating a glam punk duo mixing heavy metal with the energy of punk and garage rock") and sporting a DIY outlook on life (which often times makes for the best music if you ask me) the group has one four-track release to their name so far. The band's self-titled EP, which was released in 2012 and opens with the fun "Girls & Whiskey" (two essentials in life right?), is equal parts early Mötley Crüe and the Ramones. Well, that's if the Ramones (no doubt still high from sniffing all that glue!) got all dolled up for Halloween and went out trick or treating for cheap booze and cheaper women all while wearing leftover make-up from a dirty and raw garage rock-inclined Kiss tribute band!

 

As this is a D.I.Y. project the recording process for the band's first EP was obviously done on the cheap. Of course that just adds to the overall charm of "Zombie Dandies" which can be downloaded for free at the link below!  Whether the band will be able to break past their local scene is a question better suited for another time and place. All that matters in the here and now is how fun this EP is and how bands like The Zombie Dandies are keeping the true spirit of garage rock/punk rock alive! If glam punk and/or dirty garage rock is the butter to your toast then march yourself over to this French duo's site and snag a copy of their 4-track EP for your personal collection.


http://zombiedandies.bandcamp.com/

Eron-Never Enough

Self-Released
2012

Don't be fooled by either the band's name or their newest album's title. For that matter don't be lead astray by the almost misleading album art. Olso's Eron, whose four members look as if they just might be young enough to be my children (!), are a legit source of heavier then hell metal. Scratch that. Eron, and this 8-track release (which came out on 12/12/12!), are heavier then hell thrash metal! "Come and get your groove on ladies and gentlemen!!" thrash metal to be exact. With vocalist/bassist Benjamin Danielsen leading the charge this five (give or take) year old band take their inspiration from not only more modern sources (Lamb Of God, Mastodon), but also the good old days (ie: the eighties!). While the groove might have come from the likes of Pantera, Exhorder and Suicidal Tendencies there also seems to be elements of group's like Anthrax, Slayer, Intruder, Metallica, Excel, Sacred Reich, Overkill, Exodus and Lääz Rockit. That said, you really should not go looking to pick up a copy of "Never Enough" if it's just another throwback, Bay Are-infused, retro act that you're longing for! Eron are more a combination of all of the above while they are also like none of the above! Wait, what? Well, here's how it all plays out. The band, which also features guitarists Edi Hasic & Jan Nielsen and drummer Fredrik Westby, rock out to their own beat and have been around long enough to tear things up on their own terms. As I delightfully partook in this 8-track collection of groove heavy thrash a few things came to mind that set this Norwegian act apart. First off we have the lead vocals of Benjamin Danielson. Sure he does front a thrash band, but his vocals are somewhat tuned differently then most bands playing this extreme form of metal. For whatever reason he had me thinking about bands like Discharge and Nuclear Assault. I'd hesitate to say his vocals are hardcore as they really aren't. Can I say his voice is "alternative" in nature without getting burned alive at the stake? I mean call it what you will but he comes off as different in a cool way. So, that kind of makes Eron stand out as a band. Also, "Never Enough" finds a band that isn't afraid is lay down heavy riffs that could have simultaneous come from punk and hardcore's heyday as well as the N.W.O.B.H.M.scene! There is also a keen sense that these four like to rock out. Straight, no chaser, rock and roll, rock out. I can't vouch for the group's earlier material*, but on these 8-tracks the gentlemen in Eron give their groovy thrash a shot of rock and roll adrenalin that is contagious!  And yet Eron are very much a crunching entity who are more then mosh worthy. It goes without saying then that "Never Enough" is a no-brainer as far as getting my highest recommendation! We're talking about a group that has all the aggressiveness of a crazed pit bull while still finding time to shake their groove thing! It's like getting hit over the head with a pitcher of beer while dancing your way through the pit! You can find out more about this group and how to snag a copy of "Never Enough" here:
 https://www.facebook.com/eron.band

*In addition to this stone cold kickin' release the group also have a 2007 EP to their name called "Poor Norwegian Metal". Although it must be noted that the EP features other musicians then the one's involved with "Never Enough" so chances are it's not likely going to rock the fuck out like this sweet ass album!

Cockneys Vs. Zombies ,

Scream Factory
2013

This review is long-overdue. I realize that. No excuses though. Still, up front I'll just say that while it's no "Shaun of the Dead" it's about as close as you can get while still keeping things a bit more "original". It's also a much watch for fans of zombie comedy. Filled with plenty of laughs and a surprising heavy amount of gore, as well as a different take on the how and why the living dead come to attack our unlikely hero's hometown, "Cockneys Vs. Zombies" impressed me more then "Warm Bodies" (which in my rankings was WAY better then the cluster**k "World War Z"!). From the moment I saw the trailer for the British horror flick I knew i had to find a way to get my grubby, zombie lovin' hands on it! Originally this film came out in 20012, but it took until 2013 for those of us in America to get a chance to get it on DVD. Speaking of which, my copy does not come from Scream Factory, but instead Shout! Factory. The cover looks different and it does not have the bonus material that the Scream Factory one has. The one pictured above is what I would look to acquire if I was to buy it again. Anyway, the film was directed by Matthias Hoene and written by James Moran and Lucas Roche. For those who wonder exactly what a "cockney" is then click on this link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockney) otherwise here's the story. Without any major spoilers, brothers Terry and Andy MacGuire plan to rob a bank in order to gather together enough funds in order to save their grandfather Ray's retirement home from being demolished by property developers. You see Ray, who incidentally is an ex-gangster, means the world to Terry and Andy. With help from their (much-wiser) cousin Katy and their friend/world's biggest moron Davey Tuppence they hope to do the old in and out and save gramps from (presumably) a life on the streets. Troubles first arise when the group enlists the help of former soldier "Mental" Mickey. If his nickname isn't clue enough then let's just say the this guy is just about as crazy as they come. Armed to the teeth the group's attempt at bank robbery goes terrible wrong. Hostages are taken and suddenly a "simple" robbery turns into a fight for survival as the group literally walks smack dab into a full-blown zombie apocalypse!  Knowing that their grandfather and his retirement home friends are not safe the group eventually makes their way to Ray. Do they get there in time? Who survives and who doesn't? No spoilers as this one has to be seen to be appreciated! And if you're a fan of the living dead then there is plenty to appreciate here! As someone who has been watching zombie flicks (as well as horror films in general!) for well over 26 years now I was more then satisfied with the amount of carnage present on "Cockney's vs. Zombies" and I walked away with a favorable impression of the films F/X. It's not as perfect as I would have hoped for though as some of the comedy does occasionally fall-flat and there are a few moments where I was left shaking my head at the inability of  a few of the characters to use even an ounce of common sense. Still, given the declining quality of zombie films these days (instead of hundreds of new zombie flicks popping up from everywhere I would be more then willing to settle for just a handful of new projects if they were actually watchable!) a movie like this one goes a long way in my book. It gives me hope that maybe just maybe their might be hope for fans of the classic Romero "ghoul" variety. Once it picks up it flows at a wonderful pace and director Matthias Hoene keeps the cameras focused on the action. As far as it's content it's not suitable for the younger crowd as there is plenty of violence and swearing going on. It has been awhile since I saw it, but I don't recall there being any nudity or what not present in it. But then again this isn't a film where that sort extra "padding" is needed! This is very much a horror comedy where the writers keep their eyes on the prize and don't get bogged down with unnecessary filler. It's all about the living vs. the living dead and trying to get to your loved ones before time runs out!! With Christmas right around the corner "Cockney vs. Zombies" would make a great stocking stuffer for the zombie fanatic in your life and it's a film that I plan to revisit again really soon!




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockney

Running Death-The Call of Extinction

Self-Release
2012

Active since 2004, Running Death are a four-piece German thrash act (imagine that!) whose latest release, the five-track EP, "The Call of Extinction", has made an undeniable impression and hasn't left my playlist since I first clicked on the opening cut "Unleashed"! This EP, which is the follow-up to the group's 2010 EP, "Raging Nightmare" (Running Death also have a 2007, four-track demo on their resume), was actually issued at the very start of 2012 (the end of February to be exact). Of course (usually) I try to stir clear of "older" releases like this, but seeing as this one struck all the right cords (and given the fact that it is delivered with the kind of real technical procession that you usually only find in the likes of Testament, Sadus and Megadeth) it would have been criminal to keep this EP all to myself! Simon, who handles lead vocals and guitars, is probably the only hint that this is Teutonic thrash metal as the band's expertly crafted material is delivered in such a manor that one can't help but have visions of cult U.S. bands like Intruder and I.N.C. (Indestructible Noise Command)! Joining Simon on "The Call of Extinction" (which, incidentally, is one killer title track!) we find Julian (guitar and "shouts") Vigi (bass) and Jakob (drums) and, collectively, the four musicians do seem as if their chosen style of thrash draws more from the American metal scene (Megadeth, Testament, Metallica, Sacred Reich, Vio-lence, Exodus and the aforementioned Intruder and I.N.C.) then it does the German! Not that that is a bad thing or anything. Far from it if you ask me! Running Death, whose moniker does make me think of Running Wild honestly, may only sound a bit like a "normal" German thrash band (in this case it's mostly Kreator if you were to go out looking for similar sounding bands, but even that would be a bit of a stretch), but who cares! They pull of a great thrash metal sound that is sorely missing in today's scene and they do it without sounding like they are all about rocking out "retro" style! This world of ours has puked up more then enough "retro-thrash worship" for my tastes and I know I'm not alone in that feeling. For bands like this particular four-piece it's all about understanding your roots and then applying then in a fashion where you're not looking back but rather looking at the present and where you can (naturally) evolve your music. Hopefully we'll see more from this band in 2014 and get more kick ass thrash along the lines of  "The Call of Extinction"!


http://runningdeath.bandcamp.com/album/the-call-of-extinction-ep

Dying Gorgeous Lies-Rising Hate (Single)

Self-Release/Independent
2012

Female-fronted heavy/thrash from Germany? You know I'm going to be all about that! Especially on a Friday folks and (even more so) after what amounted to a very L-O-N-G week! All after, what better way could there possibly be (at least legally) to unwind then with some (take-no-prisoners and leave nothing but carnage and shattered ear-drums in our wake!) face-ripping thrash? Well, that's what your in for with this digital-only release and, other then the downside of this being only two-tracks, there's nothing to complain about when it comes to this bunch! Of course it doesn't just have to be a Friday for wicked thrash as this is one form of metal that lives and breathes 24/7 in my heart. And it has been that way since I heard my first "thrash" album, Metllica's "Kill "Em All". Since then I've seemingly seen and heard it all friends. And yet I'm still pleasantly surprised when a new band like this falls into my lap and proves to me that thrash is not only still kicking, but kicking it with fire in it's belly and a hungry for blood appetite! With that let's get back to Dying Gorgeous Lies and their latest piece of metallic mayhem. With a back-catalog that includes not only this "single"*, but also a 2009 demo ("3 Of 9 Lies"), a 2010' three-track release called "Hentai No Bakayarou" (referred to online at different places as both a demo and a single) and 2011's full-length album, "Insanitarium" (which I just downloaded off of iTunes!), this is one bad that sounds as if it has kept itself busy since the word go!  Formed back in 2009, and hailing from Kulmbach, Bavaria to be exact, the group's (appropriately-named!!!) front-woman, Liz Gorgeous, rules on the mic while the rest of the band encircles her with precision in order to create the perfect back-drop upon which she can unleash her fury! Really her voice is neither too rough or too smooth, but instead it ends up falling somewhere between the two extremes meaning you've got an intense presence on the mic whose vocals are actually understandable and not unintelligible! Still, there is more to Dying Gorgeous Lies then just the lovely Liz Gorgeous as this is a case where the whole product gels together without any particular elements coming across as necessarily better or worse. When you have two very good guitarists in Mashl J. (who also handles backing vocals as well as the smashing lead solos!) and E. Burned and then you add in a steady rhythm section that is formed around the pair of  Buzz´D Joe (bass) and J.J. (drums) then (collectively) you find yourself with line-up as strong as this one. While "Rising Hate" is only a brief look at Dying Gorgeous Lies it's enough to suggest that the group's upcoming new album (due for release sometime latter in 2014 I believe) should be another step forward for the band as they look to make more of a name for themselves not only in Germany, but worldwide. This release (as well as their last full-length album "Insanitarium") can be found on iTunes. Be sure to check out the group's official website (http://www.dying-gorgeous-lies.de/) as well as their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dying-Gorgeous-Lies/251599364280).

*While this is referred to as an EP I would argue that with only two-tracks it's much more like a single.

Broken Fate-Rising to the Dream

Self-Release/Independent
2012

Formed in 2007 by Tobias John Bänteli (vocals and guitars) and Alessandro de Cicco (drums), the Swiss act known as Broken Fate offer up their latest release, the "Rising to the Dream" EP. Produced by V.O. Pulver at "Little Creek" studio in Gelterkinden (CH), the recording's intro, the ("Ride The Lightning"/"Master Of Puppets") Metallica-like "Rise", sets the mood early on for what ends up being a strong and remarkably memorable release. Guitarist/backing-vocalist Roman Leeser and bassist Dario Stutz (bass) round out this Swiss four-piece out and with a new album slated for release in 2014 this EP is a great way to get acquainted with what just might end up being your new favorite metal band! Now wait, hear me out as I realize that's a pretty bold statement! When you first look at Broken Fate and hear that they would be considered "modern metal" most people would stop there. You'd be missing out though as the only thing really modern about this four-piece is their approach to song-writing. I'll cover that a bit further down, but for now let's see where these gentlemen started out. Early on the group covered songs from the likes of Metallica, Nickelback and Fear Factory, but with others influences such as Slipknot, Killswitch Engage
Anthrax, Testament, Shinedown, Pantera and Devildriver serving as the building blocks to Broken Fate's sound this is one "modern metal band" that sure seems as if it knows what it's doing. Don't stress about the Nickleback and Shinedown reference points as Broken Fate cranks out high-velocity thrash metal more then anything else. Those thrash influences (Metallica, Anthrax and Testament) obviously make for one release that easily tips the scales towards the heavier side of things and, other then "Fate", I'd wager that "Rising to the Dream" would find itself sitting quite comfortably in most modern day thrash collections. If you didn't know about the Nickleback covers or the Shinedown influence, and if you didn't play someone the cut "Fate" (which, despite leaning more towards a heavier version of modern rock radio is actually a pretty cool tune!), then you could almost chalk this one up as simply modern thrash and no one would be the wiser. The interesting thing is that the technical aspects of this EP showcase a band that seems well-versed in "And Justice For All..." era Metallica, or even one that remembers how sweet old Metallica and Megadeth albums used to be when the melodic solos would kick in, while the actual "modern metal" is only modern because (as previously mentioned) it adapts the appeal of (later period) hard rock and heavy metal song-writing towards it's own goals. The thrash here is actually forged from the playbooks of more modern hard rock and heavy metal acts which means that Broken Fate puts more of an emphasis on creating actual "songs" instead of just crazy and over-the-top moments of frenzy that plague a lot of today's retro-thrashers. With their hearts filled to overflowing with love for the classics (everyone from Metallica to Pantera) the guys in Broken Fate seem as if they assemble their songs as if they are a rock group trapped in the body of a thrash band! So these cuts actually rock! It might all sound strange on paper, but Broken Fate are the best of both words. They are heavy and menacing with a thrash sound right out of the mid-to-late eighties/early nineties while they also incorporate modern radio rock better ideas and the greatness of older hard rock/heavy metal. Broken Fate is how "modern metal" should sound. This Swiss act is  my new drug of choice and I'll be keeping an eye out for upcoming new album! 

Lord of the Lost-Die Tomorrow (Bonus Track Version)

Out of Line Music
2012

I caught wind of this album while searching my way through some new (or newer if you will) releases. For some reason this release was mixed in with the batch even though it was released back in late August of 2012. Instead of just buying it then and there (or at least as a digital download) I decided it would be best to research the matter a bit more before I just jumped in head-first. Especially as the lone track I heard, which I can't seem to recall now, just didn't sound as if it was telling the whole story. As I looked for more info on the band one source listed this release as metal while another one used the blanket term "alternative". Still others mentioned how this was some sort of "electronic" dark rock. The best one though, as I'd come to acknowledge  later on, was home this band was like a cross between Rammstein and HIM. That seems to be quite correct although in reality, or rather in a really good way, this German group is much different then mere tags could or would suggest. The version I ultimately choose to purchase includes two live cuts as bonus numbers. That is really nice as it helps to show the two different sides of this group from studio band to live band. Lead by vocalist/guitarist/cellist Chris Harms, whose vocals are admittedly just so-so, this is a band that knows how to craft catchy tunes that pull you in and make you want to hear more. The Rammstein and HIM vibes are easy enough to spot as Lord of the Lost does pull in industrial metal and goth rock. Otherwise this is the sound of heavy rock that can drain you emotionally at one point before lifting you back up with their strange and mesmerizing electronic style. As the group does move around quite a bit, splicing together different genres at their own pace and for their own personal enjoyment. pin-pointing a definitive description is damn near impossible. But it's that exact sense of oddity that is so appealing and makes "Die Tomorrow" such a powerfully addictive album. While it's not something that I would have thought I would have enjoyed this much , as I'm not so much about electronic rock and heavy metal, it's albums exactly like this that make for fun discoveries. Often it's these kind of albums that no one would have expected you to embrace, and most certainly you would have never thought that it would suite your style,  that come in and become new obsessions. Such is the case with "Die Tomorrow", an album that I never saw coming and now can't seem to put down!

Gypsy Chief Goliath-Black Samurai-Single

Black Vulture Records
2012

It's fair enough to say that this single, while not years past it's initial release date, is still a bit on the older side of things. That being said, "Black Samurai" just recently found a way to sneak into my inbox and, in doing so, it managed to draw me in (or at least it peaked my interest) like a tiny bug flying smack dab into a spider's web! Besides, it's not like good music ever goes out of style right? So yeah, I am usually a stickler for posting music more "fresh" (date-wise) and all that jazz, but I'll just say it folks-good music, especially if we're talking about some form of stoner rock, will always get a pass from me. With that thrown out there for public consumption, who really cares if it abides by our silly concept of time or not! So, with that long bit of rock and roll rambling out of the way, what exactly are we looking at with this single? Well my friends let's just say that this Canadian act had me hooked as soon as the harmonica kicked in!  Yes, I said a harmonica. That, in and of itself, doesn't sound all that impressionable I realize, but there's more to this bunch that must be acknowledged. You see, when you're talking about a band like Gypsy Chief Goliath (or G.C.G for short) which just so happens to indulge in a southern-fried form of stoner rock then well, this single takes on a whole new life of it's own! The single "Black Samurai" does bring to mind Black Sabbath (and rightly so as they seem to be the idol of just about every stoner rock band out there these days!), but it also sounds as if it's been force-fed some Thin Lizzy, Lynyrd Skynyrd and "God Of Thunder" Kiss! It's not often then that you'll find a band like this right? One would imagine that G.C.G probably has some ZZ Top LPs mixed in with their Pentagram and Saint Vitus ones, but time (and a supposed second album that's in the works) will tell just how much southern gravy this bunch will decide to smoother their brand of heavy doom. For now though you can find this single, as well as their 2012 album, "It's a Walk in the Mist", on iTunes.

Cerulia-The Wishing Tree Volume II: The Birth of a Titan

Koala Chowder Records
2012

Last Friday night, August 2nd of 2013 to be more precise, I headed down to a small club in Kent, Ohio (my old college town) to catch a live show by my friends in The Approach and the Execution. Among the other opening acts, as the headliners were actuary the rather cool Erasing Never, was a 4-piece band by the name of Cerulia. Having never heard of them before that night I didn't quite know what to expect. Dressed in outfits that would seem to be more befitting for a emo act, or perhaps even something as simple as a college rock outfit, this four piece band quickly proved that any assumptions on my part were way off! For that I do apologize to these Knoxville, Tenn. natives. For you see, once the band hit the first opening notes of their set it was game on! In a word these 4 band mates were HEAVY. Imagine a cross between post-metal, progressive metal and death thrash with both clean and harsh vocals and you would be close to what these guys were laying down for the small crowd in attendance. As they had CDs for sale I quickly snatched up this 5-track release for future listening pleasure. It was Saturday before I had a chance to slide the disc into my stereo and take a look at the actually CD packaging. Two things then struck me. The first was that Cerulia was a Christian act. From the band-mates themselves: "Cerulia's music is based around a story line that incorporates American folklore, Greek Mythology, and Biblical History. The Wishing Tree series follows the lives of characters Zedekiah Arnold (The Titan), Nanabozho (The Demon), and James Paul Bunyan and John Henry (The Sons of Thunder).". That's all cool by me. The second thing that stood out was the fact that the actual music on the CD was a bit more mellow. Hold on though for you see that was actually a good thing. The four members of Cerulia are still kicking out some sick post-metal/progressive rock on "The Wishing Tree Volume II: The Birth of a Titan" (which is incidentally their debut-release), but here in these 5 tracks there was a lot of experimenting going on. The music is well-crafted with more then enough technically savvy playing to appease progressive metal fans while it's keen sense of melody, and the occasional rock-like song structures should easily draw in the heavy rock crowd. With clean vocals, and even cleaner cord changes, and lyrics that offer universal appeal this is one band and one CD that I'm glad I took a chance on!
http://cerulia.bandcamp.com/album/the-wishing-tree-vol-ii-the-birth-of-a-titan

Skinflint-Dipoko

Pure Steel Records
2013
 
This album, the 3rd full-length release from heavy metal band Skinflint, was originally released by Metal Records (on Cd-Rom) at the tail end of 2012. Here again we see Pure Steel Records scooping up another traditional heavy metal band in order to re-release one of their albums. While I've been critical about some of their promotional decisions in the past (Tungsten Axe comes to mind, but then there's also Brute Forcz) with Skinflint I do believe their on to something. This band certainly has potential even if their is still a bit of room for improvement. We'll get back to that in a minute or two though as we have other issues to address. While I didn't do a search through the records, which I admit was laziness on my part, I'm almost 100% positive that this album presents a new milestone. This marks the first time I have covered a band from Botswana. That's not at all surprising when you stop to consider where we are talking about. The fact that there is any scene there is rather cool in and or itself. As we look at this 3-piece band then, which is lead by vocalist/guitarist Giuseppe "Juice" Sbrana, we see a group that has managed to fight off the long odds to get where they are today. When you step back and look at Skinflint then you've got to admire what they have achieved and how far they've come. So, what have they achieved music-wise then? Well, this is pretty much classic metal 101. While it does throw a curve ball or two at you with it's use of African drums, which does give the music at hand a rather cool vibe now and then, "Dipoko" is one of those albums where it's easy to pin-point the obvious influences. Band's like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest play a small part, but mostly it's bands like Black Sabbath and post-Black album Metallica that come out of the shadows on this somewhat creeping album. You get a true sense of impending doom on "Dipoko" as the production is fairly basic and most definitely dry. The overall vibe of this release is just one of creeping, it's slowing reaching out for you, death. Even when the group, which is rounded out by bassist Kebonye "Raskebo" Nkoloso and drummer Sandra Sbrana, starts to pick up the speed by employing  Metallica and Megadeth style thrash, which I wish they would have done a little more consistency, the album never really takes off. It remains grounded in a rather low-key kind of way as it is just saying "I am what I am like it or leave!". That's both a good thing and a band thing. It's good in that you have an album that's quite effective despite never growing beyond it's core roots, but bad in that too much of this suffers from the same sound/different song curse. This shows a band that knows what they're capable of, but haven't quite figured out how to put it all together effectively. Dry and musty metal is somewhat of an intriguing concept that's worth exploring more, but I'd love to see this band branch out a little bit song-structure wise as too much of it just blurs together. Still, I did enjoy this album and will be keeping an eye on Skinflint as it's obvious the potential is there to knock it out of the park.

http://www.skinflintmetal.com/home.cfm