Descent Into Maelstrom-Descent Into Maelstrom

Self-Released/Independent
2017

Descent Into Maelstrom is a one-man band from Emilia-Romagna, Italy that has been active since September 2016. Recorded, mixed and mastered at the Treehouse Lab Recording Studio in Lodi, Italy, "Descent into Maelstrom" is the self-titled debut for this melodic death metal band that takes it's name from one of Edgar Allan Poe's short stories, "A Descent into the Maelstrom". Onetime Krygar guitarist Andrea "Maelstrom" Bignardi (vocals, guitars, bass) is the man behind the curtain when it comes to this eight song release and he does a admirable job on his first solo outing. Lyrically inspired by gothic and romantic literature, Descent Into Maelstrom has all the appeal of a edgy (up-and-coming) underground metal band with a "Don't give a fuck!"outlook even as it sets it's sights on becoming one of the more accessible faces in the overcrowded melodic death metal scene. To Andrea Bignardi's credit this self-produced album lands right square in the middle of those two extremes (the raw side of the underground metal movement and the (suddenly mainstream) death metal scene) while expertly splitting the paper thin line between melodic death metal movements and (balls out!) death metal 101! In most cases self-released albums like this one would hit the scene hard enough, but (sadly) they would get glanced over for the "name" bands. Thankfully Andrea "Maelstrom" Bignardi is now working with Atomic Stuff Promotion. That gives him a better chance of getting properly recognized for his damn good work here. For more information on this one man project be sure to check out D.I.M.'s Facebook page.

Madness Of Sorrow-"N.W.O. The Beginning"

W13 Digital Distribution
2017

Hand-crafted from the reanimated remains of hard & heavy goth band Filthy Teens, Italy's Madness Of Sorrow is a (six year old) horror project that now features Prophet* (Diego Carnazzola) playing the role of lyricist and (lead) studio vocalist. Having already contributed to live performances in support of last year's "III: The Beast", the multifaceted Prophet fits right into the narrative with founding member Muriel Saracino (guitars, bass, and drums) handling everything else (up to and including locking the studio doors when the pair were finished later in the night). On the group's forth full-length album the lyrics reportedly depict "the corrupt sick system in which humanity is living, focusing specifically on corporations, sex and serial killers". As they are not always that clear cut and precise, Atomic Stuff Promotion's material for "N.W.O. The Beginning" will have to do. Otherwise, Murderdolls, Death SS, Marilyn Manson, Him, Cradle of Filth, and the Rob Zombie influences certainly come into play with regards to this (atmospheric) two-man army (as far as the acknowledged ones are concerned). But then again, Skinny Puppy, Bauhaus, Christian Death, Type O Negative, N.I.N., and maybe even a goth rock take on Ministry could all be applied to the selling points on the cover of Madness Of Sorrow's latest release and it's very likely that no one would blink an eye! So, what does it all mean? Well, minus the drum machines that you'd usually find on these kind of albums and with a wink or two aimed at death & black metal, "N.W.O. The Beginning" was my first taste of this spooky Italian export and (after some careful consideration) I liked how it made me feel. As soon as I get the chance and the pile of CDs** in front of me disappears, round two of  "N.W.O. The Beginning" will commence and it should leave me tipsy with enthusiasm! I await that private date with bells on....



*From what little I've heard of "III: The Beast" (more out of curiosity in regards to Prophet's first entrance as a studio front man than anything else), Muriel Saracino is better when he concentrates on the music and let's someone else have a go as lead singer.  

**CDs and mp3s. There's more to review than ever before!

Windshades-Crucified Dreams

Atomic Stuff Productions
2016


Active since mid-2015, Italy's Windshades just released it's first official recording, "Crucified Dreams", this past November. It is a (digital only) three-track EP that combines the opera-like voice of lead singer Chiara Manzoli with elements of hard rock, melodic metal, and guitar-driven traditional heavy metal. In addition to the craftily-assembled title track (which is arguably the best song of the lot!), "Crucified Dreams" features the numbers "Metafora" and "Resurrection". With guitarist and composer Matteo Usberti, guitarist Riccardo Soresina, bassist Andrea Bissolati, and drummer Carlo Bergamaschi rounding things out for this new band, "Crucified Dreams" is a solid B+ recording that points towards better things to come.

Forklift Elevator-Killer Self

Logic(il)Logic Records
2016

A year or so removed from the band's independently-released debut, "Borderline", Italian metal band Forklift Elevator returns with a brand new EP and a slightly revamped line-up. Long time readers might recall that I previously covered this uniquely-named heavy & harsh outfit (check it out here), but just in case you are new to our blog or don't remember that particular "occasion" here is a brief recap in hopes that it will bring you up to date. Initially formed in 2009 as a cover band, Forklift Elevator spent several years playing in local clubs and open air festivals before reinventing themselves as a completely original outfit in 2012. It wasn't necessary a smooth transition (what with three out of five members of the group leaving after the change over!), but eventually it all came together for this talented band. Fast forward a couple of years to 2015 and we find Forklift Elevator (having all but perfected their neck-snapping take on nu-metal infused groove thrash!) releasing it's self-produced debut album, "Borderline". That album obviously made more than a few people besides myself stand up and take notice as Forklift Elevator found itself aligned with the damn fine folks over at Atomic Stuff Promotion. All of which brings us back around to Forklift Elevator's new EP. Mixed and mastered at Atomic Stuff Recording Studio by Oscar Burato, "Killer Self" finds Forklift Elevator with a new and improved line-up and a renewed sense of purpose. It also finds this vastly-underrated Italian outfit sporting a way more intense attitude (and then matching said attitude note by note with a new sound!), but we'll touch on that in a second. On the vastly superior "Killer Self" we find one-time lead guitarist Stefano Segato making the move over to lead vocals thus replacing the departing Enrico Martin. With Stefano Segato laying down his guitar for a microphone (and in the process flat-out unleashing the beast and then slaying it by way of his wicked voice!) the band obviously needed a new ax man right? Right! Enter new guitarist Uros Obradovic and his smoldering HOT lead solos!! For a band that was once more nu metal than thrash metal the style change that Uros Obradovic brings to the mix is nothing short of insane!!! His lead work brings more Slayer into the picture and in the process it changes everything that you thought you knew about Forklift Elevator. While some of the group's old influences still linger on their band new EP (Pantera, Motörhead, Black Sabbath, Lamb of God, and System of a Down) there is a hell of a lot more metallic bang for the buck thanks to the contributions of Uros Obradovic. On the wicked "Killer Self" I caught a little bit of everything from Alice In Chains and White Zombie to not only the ALMIGHTY Slayer (which is great on the part of this Italian lot I must say!), but Sepultura and Testament!! Toss in some Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Raven here and some Biohazard, Cro-Mags, and Agnostic Front there and you have got one up-and-coming band* that could easily have a really nice career ahead for itself! Give how much this band has evolved and improved between their debut album and this new EP I for one cannot wait to see what Forklift Elevator has in store for release number three!



*While not specifically stated, Forklift Elevator is very much a band where EVERY member brings their A Game to the table. Collective this unit is something solid and downright fierce! So, while I might have only pointed out two players of this Italian band everyone involved from lead vocals to drums merely adds to the overall impact that this EP achieves.

Constraint-Enlightened By Darkness

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Formed back in March of 2011 (while many of it's members were still in their teens!), Constraint is a up-and-coming symphonic metal group that hails from Italy and began life as a cover band. This young group, which is now signed to Atomic Stuff Promotion(!), is lead by vocalist (and would be opera singer!) Beatrice Bini* and rounded out by guitarist Alessio Molinari, bassist Federico Paglia, keyboardist Simone Ferraresi, and drummer Alessandro Lodesani. Released on February 12th of this year, "Enlightened By Darkness" is Constraint's full-length debut album and this CD displays the natural evolution of one five-piece band that went from playing Nightwish, Epica and Evanesence covers to crafting it's own distinct material. Preceded by a 2012 demo entitled "Illusion Of A Dream", Constraint's "Enlightened By Darkness" is admittedly at it's best when it pursues a more metallic narrative. When she is backed by the smoldering leads of guitarist Alessio Molinari (and in full-tilt opera mode!) Beatrice Bini is something to behold! There's a distinct feeling of power & energy and it feels almost magical when the proverbial peddle** is smashed to the floor!! That's all great and it makes me want to hear more from that version of Constraint. Unfortunately when things slow down (and lead singer Beatrice goes from full-tilt opera mode to normal singing) this disc simply doesn't work. It's not simply a case of the album losing some of it's momentum, but it's overall appeal. Truth be told  it's a tale of two cities when it comes to "Enlightened By Darkness". On one hand there is top-notch symphonic metal that is enthusiastic& hard driving. On the other hand there is something that is more akin to mediocre melodic metal. Obviously the one side of this band works and is great while the other side feels blah. If Constraint can become more consistent across the board then this female-fronted band could be the real deal. And yes, I could see that happening. Especially as there is more to like*** about this album then there is to dislike....


*No insult meant there as Beatrice Bini could be a opera singer if she so desired.

**Pedal to the metal as they say! 

 ***In addition to Bini's opera-like vocals (or rather that side of her voice) top points should be awarded to all of the musicians involved with this album. There's was strong musicianship all over this disc. No matter if the album was fast or slow that aspect of Constraint never changed. Add in some solid songwriting and a overall good production job and you've got one disc that despite it's few flaws is still recommend. 

Moth's Circle Flight-My Entropy

Logic(Il)logic
2016

Originally formed back in 2003*, Moth's Circle Flight is a heavy & melodic 6-piece metal band that hails from Parma, Italy and has two EPs and two full-length albums to it's name. Just released back on March 1st, "My Entropy" is the band's second full-length album and it combines elements of groove metal, metalcore, modern metal, nu metal and extreme metal. The album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Luca Cocconi and Simone Sigghinolfi at Audiocore Studios in Fontevivo, Parma and it features a line-up that is composed of four musicians and two lead singers! Rhythm guitarist Francesco "Baldo" Baldi, lead guitarist Luca "Pellach" Alzapiedi, bassist Marco "Satir" Reggiani, and drummer Fabio "Bersa" Bersani make up the musical side of Moth's Circle Flight while lead singers Gabriele "Gabbo" Rosi & Simone "Pancio" Panciroli provide both harsh and clean vocals. Musically, vocally and lyrically tight, Moth’s Circle Flight is damn near solid gold on "My Entropy" and from it's overall production to the actual delivery of the individual songs everything seems to be in order on this HEAVY release. If I was to grade this CD it would get a A- or if you will a 8 out of 10. The only reason it doesn't get a perfect score is because a few songs sound rather similar. It's such a small issue and you can blame that on the metalcore aspect of this Italian band if you want. Even so it is what it is and if this ambitious band is to continuing growing it should be addressed. Has it kept me from listening to this CD a few times through in the past week? Hell no! It's not even close to being a big deal and it hasn't kept me from PUMPING this one up as loud as it fucking goes! Chances are you'll want to do the same thing. Especially if you are a fan of any of the following band's that helped shaped the sound and style of this ambitious metal band. A few of those groups would be Pantera, Parkway Drive, Caliban, Sevendust, Killswitch Engage, Drowning Pool, Mnemic, Trivium, and Diecast. The thing is those are just influences and at the end of the day this Italian metal band marches to the beat of it's own drummer... 





*Moth’s Circle Flight suffered through a few false starts and the obligatory line-up change or two before finally coming into it's own in 2012. If I'm to go by the sounds of their new album here then it would certainly seem as if those trials and tribulations helped shape this band into something special. Even though the group does have some room to grow, "My Entropy" is the product of a strong and confident act that has been polished to near perfection. If this band can get rid of a few bad habits (the monotonous nature of metalcore being a big one!) then they could sure be onto something....

Mad Hornet-Would You Like Something Fresh?

Self-Release/Independent
2015

"Would You Like Something Fresh?" is a self-produced album from the four-piece hard rock/hair metal band known as Mad Hornet. It serves as the band's latest album and Mad Hornet's first collaboration with Atomic Stuff Promotion. Formed in 2006 in Maruggio, Italy (with a self-released demo entitled "Shout From The South" issued later that same year), Mad Hornet initially started out life as a melodic hard rock band (complete with keyboards and the like!) before slowly morphing into the hair metal-inspired band that stands before us now. Currently comprised of vocalist Mic Martini (Mimmo Maiorano), guitarist Ken Lance (Salvatore Destratis), bassist El Piamba (Alessandro Saracino), and drummer Beats Frank (Francesco Duggento), Mad Hornet initially had me thinking that this was Italy's answer to Van Halen. Or at the very least it was a more exotic take take on the "Hot For Teacher" boys! As the album unfolds though it becomes apparent that this more 1985 or 1986-infused hair metal group than a "1984"-inspired one. Although let's be clear about that comment. Mad Hornet is more modern in it's approach. From the album's production to the actual performances of all involved this disc is eighties hard rock and hair metal for the 2015 market. "Would You Like Something Fresh?" does have some straight-out rock moments, but more or less this one is still hair metal. It's good hair metal, but fans should know what to expect nonetheless.

Forklift Elevator-Borderline

Self-Release/Indpendent
2015

It looks as if I'm on a Italian kick today as first there was one-woman occult/doom rock project Psychedelic Witchcraft and now we've got the heavy metal act Forklift Elevator. While the first one is inspired by groups such as Jefferson Airplane, Fleetwood Mac, Iron Butterfly, and Coven this band lists the likes of Pantera, Black Label Society, Lamb of God, Rammstein, Korn, and System of a Down as their influences. There is one connection between both of these Italian bands though and that would be the mutual influence of one Black Sabbath. Both Psychedelic Witchcraft and Forklift Elevator owe a debt to the English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, but let's be honest here and just say that there are LOTS of bands that would fall into that category! It's simply a curious notion that one particular band (in this instance it's Tony Iommi's band) could have such wide-ranging impact. Not that it's all that important to the issue at hand. It's just curious. Anyway, as we are here today to talk about the self-produced "Borderline" let's jump on into that fire!. Forklift Elevator's first full-length album is available on Soundcloud and on the group's official website and for a group that began life in 2009 as a cover band it sure seems as if they've come quite a ways! These days Mirco Maniero (rhythm guitarist) and Enrico M. Martin (lead vocalist) are all that remain of the original line-up, but given the chemistry that members Stefano Segato (lead guitar, backing vocals), Marco Daga (bass) and Andrea Segato (drums) bring to the party everything about "Borderline" is right as rain! What exactly are we looking at then when it comes to "Borderline"? With influences as wide flung as Black Sabbath and Pantera (by way of the nu metal band Korn it should be noted!) this one particular slab of metal has a nu metal thrash vibe going for it and my friends it most certainly IS better in person than it is on paper! The band's sound works because it's foundation is built out of legit metal riffs as made popular by the likes of Black Sabbath, (early) Metallica, Slayer and Motörhead. That being said, Forklift Elevator could stand to adopt more of the lead guitar work of said bands. Mirco Maniero's rhythm guitar seems to get most of the action and these five musicians would benefit a great deal by focusing more of their attention on the Lamb of God and Black Label Society influences and less on the Korn and System of a Down! Or at least that would be my preference as I always prefer ripping leads over heavy riffage. Both styles have their place in heavy metal and it's likely that Forklift Elevator are more geared towards their sound for a reason. As they are already working on a new album that is scheduled for release in the second half of 2016 maybe, just maybe that will be a fortunate change for the band. Either way I like what I hear on "Borderline" and I'm board this band's rock train as they roll on out of the station and make their way down the line. Now backed by Atomic Stuff Promotion, Forklift Elevator have every-chance in the world to make-it or break-it. That ball is in their corner so we'll just see what their next move is....

Dirty Fingers-250 Dollars

Logic(il)Logic/Andromeda Dischi
2015


Formed in the summer of 2010, with guitarist turned vocalist/guitarist Gabriel Grisanti the sole original member left standing after a round or two of unfortunate line-up changes, Dirty Fingers is a Italian hard and heavy band that is said to contain "Metallica energy, Motörhead tipsy bad manners and some gloomy Black Sabbath-inspired passages". I for one would beg to differ. That description leaves out Dirty Fingers whiskey-soaked/sleazy-does-it attitude (there's some sweet Guns N' Roses love going on here!) as well as the fact that this four-piece puts the ROCK back in rock and roll! And really both of those key points only add to the overall awesomeness that is Dirty Fingers! Because it's not just Metallica, Motörhead and Black Sabbath when it comes to Dirty Finger's sinsational full-length debut album here! No sir! On "250 Dollars" the up-and-coming Dirty Fingers also take a page or two from Megadeth, AC/DC, Hanoi Rocks, Krokus, Accept, Judas Priest, Riot, (early) Mötley Crüe, Rose Tattoo, T Rex, Alice Cooper, (solo) Ozzy, Kiss and even Jimi Hendrix and pretty much yes, it is as f**kin' killer as all of that sounds! For these Verona-based rock and rollers* it's all about kicking back and kicking ass and based solely upon their nine-track debut-album here these guys are already at the top of their game! One can only imagine then just how righteous album number two will be for Gabriel Grisanti and gang! If this is just the starting point for Dirty Fingers then quite possibly we could be looking at one of Italy's greatest contributions to hard rock and heavy metal! You can find Dirty Fingers online here and you will want to check out this album's kick-off track, "Back To The Move", by clicking on the YouTube link posted below! Dirty Finger's "250 Dollars" is everything that I love about rock 'n' rock-infused hard rock/heavy metal rolled up into the perfect underground club/dive-bar worthy act and I simply couldn't ask for a better soundtrack then this for the long-overdue summer days that lay ahead!

*The album's full line-up includes:

Gabriel Grisanti-Guitars and Vocals
Riccardo Menini - Guitar 
Edoardo Micheloni - Bass 
Giorgio Nuzzo - Drums

Steve Foglia-Steve In Wonderland

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Self-produced by the main man himself (with the always reliable Atomic Stuff Promotions stepping in to lend a helping hand on the PR front), "Steve In Wonderland" is the second solo release from seasoned drummer/professional instructed Steve Foglia. Serving as the follow-up to 2011's highly-regarded "Revenge" (a concept album based on the legend of "Angst"*, "Revenge" found Steve working with the likes of Adam Bomb and one-time Yngwie Malmsteen/Loudness member Mike Vescera), "Steve In Wonderland" features eleven (70's/early 80's-inspired) classic rock/hard rock songs including a righteous cover of the well-known & well-loved Grand Funk Railroad hit, "We're An American Band"! Opening number "Fight for Justice" features guest vocals courtesy of Blaze Bayley (Wolfsbane/Iron Maiden) while Simone "Seth" Borsellini (singer for Sfregio and Fumonero bands) and Francesca Foglia guest star on "Enemy's Collection" and "Walking in Wonderland" (a sweeping eight minute plus number that recalls the heyday of AOR!). Meanwhile Rakel Traxx guitarist Zantolo offers up his skills on "Wrong Hole", a sleazy, seventies glam rock-infused, Hanoi Rocks meets (early) Great White (while Carlos Santana stops by a visit and a sweet and tasty solo!) number that is just too good for words! Otherwise the line-up for "Steve In Wonderland" includes vocalist Johnny Idol, guitarists Federico Mineva & Daniele Arieta, bassist Maurizio Dedoni (Alessio Menconi's bass player) and keyboardist Edoardo Tavanti. Naturally Steve Foglia (also of Jennifer Scream's) handles all the drums and percussion on his second solo outing and thanks to the mastering job of Dario Mollo (The Cage, Tony Martin, Voodoo Hill, Glenn Hughes) every minute that passes of "Steve In Wonderland" finds the listener pulled further and further into this time-stamped picture of hard rock perfection! Just going by it's vintage finish (one which gives "Steve In Wonderland" a remarkably classic vibe!) this a surefire winner for fans of classic rock of old or the seventies' hard rock scene. Whether it's original gems like "Few Days to the End", "Love's Gate" and "Numbers" or even Steve's respectful cover of "We're An American Band" there's not a single moment on "Steve In Wonderland" where something feels out of place. Songs like the rugged rocker "Numbers", "Enemy's Gate" (arguably the heaviest cut here this one almost sounds like Alice Cooper cooperating with Black Sabbath in order to make seventies hard rock sound as wicked as possible!), "Loves Gate" and "Club 27" (a track which references the numerous musicians who died at 27**) all gel together as Steve's second solo release glides about carefree and natural! Everything that was right about yesterdays' hard rock, glam rock and AM rock and roll is given an uplifting makeover in order to reflect Steve Foglia's personal love for the music and artists that inspired him. For this Italian drummer (and the all of the additional musicians who lent their time to the worthwhile cause that was the construction of Steve's solo album number two) every number here just springs to life! From heavy rocker "Fight for Justice" to "Eternal Last Day" every song has the heart and soul of yesteryear's music. You can hear as much on "Eternal Last Day" thanks to it's official video provided below for your viewing enjoyment!), but to think that is just one moment for Steve and company! Thanks to it's wide range of influences (Alice Cooper, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Foghat, Rolling Stones, Faces, Kiss, Quireboys, etc.) and the commitment of all involved, "Steve In Wonderland" is just too good not to be shared with fellow music fanatics and collectors alike!

"Angst"* is a famous abandoned hotel in Liguria, Italy, next to the French border.

**Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Brian Jones, Kurt Cobain, etc.

For more information on Steve Foglia and this album be sure to head here:
http://www.stevefoglia.com/