Monument-Hellhound

Rock Of Angels Records
2018

British heavy metal band Monument will release "Hellhound" on May 25th, 2018. Preceded in life by 2016's "Hair of the Dog", this 12-track recording* serves as the group's third full-length album since forming in 2011. Opening by way of  the solid "William Kidd" (see official video below), "Hellhound" finds lead singer Peter Ellis (ex-The More I see, ex-White Wizzard) and crew once again mixing together the best parts of of N.W.O.B.H.M. (Iron Maiden, Judas Priest) and traditional heavy metal (everything from Anvil to Rainbow). With production courtesy of  Tony Newton, Monument's forthcoming album is arguably the strongest effort to date from this extremely-talented lot! Frankly-speaking, everything about this album rocks!! Having aimed for the "live" sound of these London metal merchants, Tony's Newton's slick production highlights Peter Ellis' soaring vocals, the thunder and lightening sensation that is the rhythm section of "Hellhound", and the album's (epic and simply tremendous!) lead guitar solos! With each and every number offering something new and exciting(!), "Hellhound" is traditional heavy metal at it's absolute finest!! It is obvious that a lot of hard work went into the construction of the songs of this high-flying disc! And the individual performances? The fact is everyone has put their best foot forward on this must-have release. Packed with heavy metal glory that will blow more than a few minds, "Hellhound" is what happens when every member of a band gives 100% effort in a studio setting. As good as all of the material is musically, Monument's new album would be wasted if the songs weren't well-written. Thank the maker of all that is metal that this isn't the case. Lyrically the album covers a lot of ground (per Monument's awesome lead singer the lyrics touch on history, urban London life, the occult and personal relationships) while musically this is what makes British heavy metal so great to begin with. It's not only the blazing leads and stunning vocals, but the beautiful way in which melody and metal madness work so well together. Ending by way of two choice cover songs (one from Rainbow and the other one from Iron Maiden), "Hellhound" is all about waving the flag proudly for true heavy metal! If you are a fan of top of the line British heavy metal, this forthcoming album should be a part of your personal collection!!

*The CD consists of 12 tracks (9 tracks plus 3 bonus tracks) while the limited-edition vinyl version will only have the 9 "normal" tracks.

N.W.O.B.H.M. Wednesday: Desolation Angels-King

Dissonance Productions
2018

Desolation Angels is a N.W.O.B.H.M./power metal band that was initially active from 1981 until 1994. During that time frame the group put out four demos, one single, one EP, and two full-length albums. Released in 1986, it was band's self-titled debut that would make Desolation Angels cult heroes of the N.W.O.B.H.M. movement! In preparation for this review I listened to "Desolation Angels" again. While it had been a longtime since I pulled the CD out, "Desolation Angels" still had that old metal magic that had cast a spell on me so many years ago. Here we are some 32 years and I had to wonder whether or not this U.K. metal band still had that special spark. Having re-formed in 2012, modern day Desolation Angels were a bit of a mysterious to me. I know the band released a EP in 2014 entitled "Sweeter the Meat", but beyond that I had no idea of what I was in for when it came to "King". Before playing the album I did see that the band is now fronted by Paul Taylor (Midnight Messiah, ex-Elixir, ex-Midas). In actuality the only original members left of this British metal band are the guitarists, Keith Sharp and Robin Brancher. Otherwise we have bassist Clive Pearson (ex-B-Side, ex-First Hand, ex-Lip service, ex-Lynx, ex-Pink Metal Kitchen, ex-The Mochines, ex-Thee Unknowns, and ex-Winter (London, UK)) and drummer Chris Takka (Gallow God, ex-De Marica). That was the line-up that I saw before diving straight into this new album. Hitting play, "Doomsday" opened this album and right away, I knew that it was a case of love at first sight sound!  I look back on this group now (with "King" once again blaring away in the background!) and I realize that this was the perfect crew to cut a killer LP like this! All five of these musicians are hotter than hell on this 9-track release, lead vocalist Paul Taylor giving a performance that is straight out the N.W.O.B.H.M. scene of yesterday! Stacked to the max with lethal numbers like "Another Turn of the Screw" and "Rotten to the Core", "King" is also a tale of two ageless guitarist in Keith Sharp and Robin Brancher. Early on in "King" it was abundantly clear that Desolation Angel's classic metal sound not only alive and well, but all set up to kick ass and take no shit! Songs like "Devil Sent", "Your Blackened Heart", and "Hellfire" offer further proof that Desolation Angels are back and that they are armed to the teeth for the upcoming metal attack. Mixing their classic sound with crunchy hard rock and straight-up power metal, "King" features strong material than is sure to please old and new metalheads alike. For those looking for something besides beefed up hard & heavy metal, "Find Your Life" is a slow burner with both power and passion. At six minutes and thirty seconds it takes a few emotional twists and turns, but ultimately it is a rewarding ride. Then there is the song "Sky of Pain". Falling somewhere between classic heavy metal and melodic power metal, "Sky of Pain" is a majestic number that has the heart of a AOR number and the soul of radio rocker. Sitting right next to the album's closer, "My Demon Inside", "Sky of Pain" is a song that hooks you in with it's message and then keeps you there with it's sound. The same thing can be said of the moody rocker "My Demon Inside". Here in the closing moments of "King" the members of Desolation Angles show us that there is more to the picture than just heart-stopping metal blazers. The songs "Find Your Life", "Sky of Pain", and "My Demon Inside" show off a different side of Desolation Angels, but they are just as slick as "Another Turn of the Screw", "Rotten to the Core", and "Hellfire". In closing, "King" would be worth it just for the amazing metallic moments and/or the well-written softer moments. With all of this versatility, "King" becomes a must-have for not only fans of Desolation Angels and N.W.O.B.H.M., but anyway that likes energetic, guitar-driven heavy/power metal. To the members of Desolation Angels I say "Welcome back" and "Congregations" for what I consider to to be the comeback album of 2018!

N.W.O.B.H.M. Wednesday: Robespierre-Garden of Hell

Shadow Kingdom Records
2018

Robespierre is a N.W.O.B.H.M band that is comprised of David Cooke (guitars, vocals) and Gordon Logan (drums). Initially formed way back in 1983, this heavy metal/doom metal didn't have as much success the first time around as they should have. Fast forward some to 2011 and the compilation "Die You Heathen, Die!" is released on vinyl by Buried by Time and Dust Records. Slowly but surely the buzz starts to rise about this long-lost English metal band with a shit ton of talent and enthusiasm. By the time the compilation is released on CD by Skol Records (and in a killer package FYI!) just about everyone is hip to what Robespierre has to offer. That was in 2013. That summer I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to interview vocalist/guitarist David Cooke (link). Here it is early 2018 and we are just now getting a taste of what modern-day Robespierre has to offer. Let's not mince words then. For any Robespierre fans out there (and yes folks, that does include me!), "Garden of Hell" is solid proof that some things get better with age! Starting off strong with the killer track "Punish Oppressors", "Garden of Hell" is the long-overdue debut album from Robespierre and dammit man(!), it has been worth the wait! There are ten tracks in all on this British metal release and there isn't a dud to be found! This is 100% killer/no-filler N.W.O.B.H.M. that demands multiple spins and more than a few devil horns in the air salutes! Numbers like "Mare of Steel". "Feed the Fire", "The Black Mirror", and "Men of Violence" make this album stick out with grandness. By combining their familiar sound (thunderous heavy metal with grit and style!) with shades of doom metal and traditional/power metal, Robespierre has development a hard & heavy sound that is as gloomy as it dangerous! No matter whether it is "Dagon Rises", "Fear", "Welcome to the Cult" or "I am a Flower (In the Garden of Evil)", Robespierre has demonstrated the positive effects of evolving your sound and style. For a band that traces it's roots back to the early eighties, band members Gordon Logan and David Cooke still sound young and refreshed on this new album. It's obviously that both musicians still have the fire burning deep down inside. That is reflected in the dynamic performances and the way in which this album has been presented. On a scale of 1 to 10, "Garden of Hell" is a sandwiched somewhere in-between a 8.5 and 9. In my eye that makes "Garden of Hell" a new metal classic!

N.W.O.B.H.M. Wednesday: Salem-Dark Days

Pure Steel Records
2016

Regular visitors to Heavy Metal Time Machine should know that I am a long-time fan of the British metal band Salem. It was back in late November of 2011 that I covered this group's superb 2010 compilation, "In The Beginning...", and I followed that review up with write-ups of the 2013 EP, "X-Rated" and the group's last full-length album, "Forgotten Dreams". I've even had the honor of interviewing this legendary N.W.O.B.H.M. band so when I first heard about their brand new 11-track album here I was stoked! I'm here to today to lay down some cold hard truth for fans of Salem and that is as follows. With a due date of April 29th, "Dark Days" is not only a proper follow-up to Salem's 2013 disc "Forgotten Dreams", but it is easily  the best thing that this British band has ever laid to tape! Hell, "Dark Days" might just end up being one of my favorite hard rock/heavy metal albums of the year if not my undisputed number one!! Opening by way of the catchy-as-hell hard rocker, "Not Guilty" (Man alive I love this sick number with it's perfect mixture of  melody and metal madness!), "Dark Days" finds lead singer Simon Saxby (ex-Deep Fix) in top form and as these 11 tracks unfold he makes the case for being one of N.W.O.B.H.M.'s most underrated front man! Simon's not the only member of Salem to shine on "Dark Days" though. In fact he's just one key piece of the overall puzzle that is Salem the cult N.W.O.B.H.M. band. Guitarist Paul Macnamara and his brother in arms, Mark Allison, weave a deeply magical spell when it comes to Salem's new masterpiece. From the heavy rock/hard rock of "Not Guilty" all the way through to the powerhouse rocker "Tank"* that closes things out the technical guitar work on Salem's new album is nothing short of exquisite! The lead guitar solos are so good in fact that I found myself getting lost in the moment on more than one occasion!! Phrases like smoking hot and words like wizardly immediately spring to mind when you're talking about the six-string majesty that is Paul Macnamara & Mark Allison work on "Dark Days"! And how about the rhythm section of Salem? Can we just stop and have a little chat about bassist Adrian Jenkinson and drummer Paul Mendham (Innersylum, ex-Infobia, ex-Outland, ex-Q, ex-Rise, ex-The Hidden) for a moment? This pair adds the explanation point (!) to red hot British metal thanks to musicianship that is second to none! With the added benefit that comes from solid gold bass lines and impact is immediate drumming a band like Salem zips their merry way WAY past good hard rock/heavy metal and into the realms of the almighty epic!! Collectively-speaking, Salem is comprised of five top-tier musicians who have obviously taken the time to craft one of 2016's finest records. While I could work my way through each and every number on "Dark Days" let's just settle things right now and just say that they are ALL gems! In conclusion I'd just like you to take a moment and close your eyes for second. Now try to imagine a perfect hard & heavy platter where the likes of AC/DC, Deep Purple, Def Leppard, Diamond Head, Fifth Angel, Gillian, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Maineeaxe, More (N.W.O.B.H.M. band), Praying Mantis, Rainbow, Saxon, the Scorpions, Thin Lizzy, TKO, UFO, Van Halen, and Wild Spirit all come together for the sole purpose of creating long-lasting & highly- memorable music that is as catchy as it is clever. Add in the sound and style that is all Salem and Salem alone and you're talking about the greatest that is "Dark Days"! My friends it simply does not get better than this...




"Tank"* features a collaboration with former Nazareth guitarist Manny Charlton! 

Free Metal Monday: Powerfist-The Guinness Diaries

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Engineered and produced by the band itself, "The Guinness Diaries" is the 4-song debut EP from the British heavy metal/power metal outfit Powerfist. A two-man project, Powerfist is comprised of Ben Farmer (Lead Vocals, Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Bass, Piano, Synth Programming, Drum Programming) and Tom McPhail (Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Synth Programming, Drum Programming) and even if the pair are not exactly ready to take over the UK's heavy metal/power metal scene there are still more than enough promising components here to make me want to follow this up-and-coming act. This EP (which is a name-your-price download) is recommended for fans of British hard rock, heavy metal, and power metal and it can be found online by heading here.

Ascalon- Ascalon

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Differing sources have this three-track either coming out in 2013 or 2015. Either way Paul Rote (who I enthusiastically follow on bandcamp) had it right when he wrote of this Manchester, UK band's self-titled demo:"...I had every record that sounded like this. Metal Church , Savatage ,Omen , Axewitch , Oz , Killer and on and on and on". This is traditional/power metal four-piece is yet again another up and coming band looking at the past for inspiration. What sets them apart from the rest of the pact though would be their thrash leanings and the fact that they already have a bit of credibility to their name thanks to a 2012 split that they did with Asomvel, Eliminator and Wytch Hazel. As the demo is less than a cup of crappy coffee at Starbucks this three-track EP seems like a real no-brainer for fans of N.W.O.T.H.M. and the like...

N.W.O.B.H.M. Wednesday: Overdrive-The Final Nightmare

Pure Rock Records
2014

Grantham, England's Overdrive (who should not be confused with the numerous other bands which have adopted that very same moniker!) are a cult N.W.O.B.H.M/heavy metal band that has been active on and off since 1977. Original formed by lead guitarist Tracey Abbott and percussionist/second vocalist Neil "Mad Dog" Streets (percussion and 2nd vocals), with bassist/vocalist Ian Hamilton and rhythm guitarist Paul Garner rounding out the initial line-up, Overdrive would release a demo in 1978 before following that up in 1981 with the three track single, "On the Run". By that point in time Neil "Mad Dog" Streets was gone* and the band had welcomed in lead singer Steve Farmer**. Unfortunately it would be some seven years later before Overdrive would release another recording (a limited-edition two-track cassette demo), but that recording merely paved the way for the group's 1990 full-length debut album, "Dishonest Words". Since then Overdrive has been fairly active with several studio albums, a 2004 live album and a 2007 compilation preceding "The Final Nightmare". The band's first full-length LP since 2006's "Three Corners to Nowhere",  "The Final Nightmare" is (admittedly) also the first full-length album that I have heard from this classic hard rock/heavy metal-infused five piece although I am well-aware of the group's excellent "On the Run" single! And the reason that I bring up that single is quite simple. Other then time (and the gradual appearance of grey hair and/or disappearance of long hair) not much has changed for this long-standing English metal band. Sure, "The Final Nightmare" finds Overdrive welcoming new lead vocalist David Poulter*** to the fold, but otherwise we are talking about a band that still features Tracey Abbott on guitars and Ian "Scratch" Padgett on drums and has seen the return of bassist/vocalist Ian Hamilton! Even keyboardist/vocalist Tim Hall (who wins extra points for wearing a Motörhead t-shirt in this picture taken from the Metal Archives!) has previous ties to the group!

Tim Hall (whose exquisite Hammond/keyboard solos give this album a cool Deep Purple/Rainbow vibe!) played on the group's last studio album ("Three Corners to Nowhere") so we're looking at a band with a fairly consistent line-up. Move past the line-up part though and we're still talking about a band that (musically at least) that hasn't changed that much other than aging gracefully. What I love best about the group's latest album is how much Overdrive still sounds like that same N.W.O.B.H.M./traditional heavy metal band that blew me away with "On the Run" while showcasing the obvious signs of growth. Overdrive has matured into a slick sounding classic metal band and one that understands the advantages of modern day studios. Each and every instrument present here on "The Final Nightmare" (and yes, we're going to include vocalist David Poulter in this category!) is effectively punctuated so that no one person shines brighter than the next! In other words every instrument has been fine-tuned so that it all gels together while simultaneously providing plenty of punch! But, here's the really cool thing about "The Final Nightmare". Despite all of the modern touches Overdrive's latest album (and first for Pure Rock Records!) feels authentic. "The Final Nightmare" plays like a classic heavy metal treasure and gives off this wonderful vibe of a long lost gem that has been rediscovered and re-released. And Overdrive does all of that without sounding outdated or as if they are simply trying to relive past glorious! For fans of Overdrive this album must feel like a gift from the metal Gods themselves! Whether that includes you or not "The Final Nightmare" is still well worth the price of admission as this is just about as good as it gets when you are talking about N.W.O.B.H.M./traditional heavy metal. All I can say is how sorry I am for not paying attention to the rest of Overdrive's career as this is one cult metal band that has blossomed into something amazing!

*Long-time member Ian "Scratch" Padgett replaced Streets.

**Along with drummer Ian "Scratch" Padgett one of Steve Farmer's finer moments was the "Lady of the Night" single in 1980. Released by N.W.O.B.H.M. band Marz, "Lady of the Night" is one hell of a catchy single.Sadly it's also one of the few numbers recorded by this apparently short-lived act.

***I'm not sure where they found this guy, but as the promo material justify points out he sounds remarkably similar to Saxon front man Biff Byford! That is by no means a bad thing. If anything it's just curious as Overdrive appears to be his first band making one wonder why it took this long for someone to notice just how good this guy is?

Seven Sisters-The Warden

Self-Release/Independent
2014

The answer is obvious enough, but when the magic and the mystery of N.W.O.B.H.M. movement still swirls around your hometown then is it any wonder that (time and time again) we (the heavy metal community at large serving as both critics and fans) are treated to new favorite bands like Seven Sisters? Maybe I am getting ahead of myself here, but for the members of Seven Sisters it's almost as if time stopped around 1983 or 1984. How else are we to explain the marvelous, near golden-oldie kids, vibe that lies at the heart of this four-track demo? Yes, state of the scene being what it is and all has produced handful upon handful of traditional heavy metal/N.W.O.B.H.M. inspired & infused bands in the UK and here in the states. Few feel as authentic as this 4-track demo though. Just released this month, with band co-founder/guitarist (and for this recording at least) bassist Kyle McNeill actively involved with the demo's recording and mixing, "The Warden" sparkles with such heat and passion that one could easily pull a bait and switch and pass these songs off as rare singles from a bygone age. This release might have well been a dusted over gem  from the heydays of the scene (or specifically heavy metal coming from everyone from Satan and Witchfinder General to Tokyo Blade, Jaguar, Savage and Blitzkrieg) as it is (nostalgically-speaking) that thick in texture and rich in flavor! Of course one big thing that helps this lot out is the presence of Josh Winnard  (Dark Forest, ex-Wytch Hazel) on lead vocals. Having long-loved his work in both of those bands one could argue that it was a predetermined idea that I was going to love this project. Fair enough, but the thing is Seven Sisters originally started out as a writing project between Kyle McNeill and Graeme Farmer (guitar) with Josh simply providing the necessary 'touch-ups" if you will. With "The Warden" it's the two string-men that really make this short EP COOK especially as they went and presented a fantastic background upon which Josh Winnard could come in and lay down his cool voice. Opening strong with the title cut, which is one fave number where bands such as Witchfinder General, Angel Witch and Jaguar come out to play(!), "The Warden" strongly recalls the classic British metal scene as a whole, but this demo does take time out from the party to rock another familiar beat. As hinted at above this one might come from a "modern" metal act, but it is an eighties metal release which means that in addition to all the previously-mentioned acts the listener is served up fistfuls of 80's metal! Take a listen to "Onwards They Ride" for example. Here Seven Sisters draws upon the U.S. metal scene (think early speed metal bands who were simply not quite at the point of playing full-fledged thrash) along with bands like Ravage and the result is nothing short of phenomenon! So, while it's N.W.O.B.H.M. or bust for this bunch there are other influences carving out a niche in this London band's sound! In the end this demo smashes and bashes it's way through four "Ready or not here I come!" cuts of pure metal fury and it does so at it's own tried and true pace never once taking it's foot off of the peddle! With all of these various eighties influences making their way into "The Warden" the band, who interestingly enough list their extracurricular-activities as Excessive drinking, satanic rituals, beauty pageants, makes heavy metal for lovers of true heavy metal. The three members of Seven Sisters know what they are doing and given time this can evolve into something absolutely essential! As only a limited number of cassette tapes were issued for "The Warden" the band did the next best thing and put this demo on Youtube and then offered it as a digital download on Bandcamp. And speaking of the digital download, "The Warden" is available for a mere dollar and some change (U.S. conversion rates being what they are) making it a MUST OWN for those who still worship the N.W.O.B.H.M. movement and/or love classic heavy metal! You simply cannot go wrong with this one friends!You can listen to and download the demo here:http://sevensistersuk.bandcamp.com/album/the-warden-demo and follow the group here: https://www.facebook.com/sevensistersuk. Also, Seven Sisters are in search of a bass player and drummer so all interested parties would do well to contact the band and get on-board while the opportunity presents itself!

N.W.O.B.H.M. Wednesday: Battleaxe-Burn This Town (2013 Re-Release)

SPV/Steamhammer
2013

In anticipation of the soon to be released "Heavy Metal Sanctuary", which will be the first new studio-album* from English heavy metal outfit Battleaxe since 1984's "Power From The Universe", I thought what better way is there to celebrate then to (re-discover) this 1983 N.W.O.B.H.M. gem? Especially as the re-release is now sporting a brand new cover which is about a billion times better album then this!:

Yes, I know what you're thinking because it's my exact thought as well! Where did they find the 13 year schoolboy to draw that cover? In what just might be the BIGGEST example of why you just can't judge a book by it's cover, "Burn This Town" originally sported one atrocious album cover which was just sad. Why sad? Because, simply put, what awaits the listener is (straight-up/no chaser) MONSTER metal that (on one hand) draws it's influence from the likes of (early hard hitters) Motörhead, Raven and Tank while also taking a cue or two from fellow N.W.O.B.H.M. heroes Judas Priest and Saxon (a band with which the band actually toured!). Having originally formed at the tail end of the seventies**, with vocalist David King proving to be more than a capable front-man (his raspy voice being the icing on the cake when it comes to this what this four-piece hard and heavy outfit was rolling out back in the day!) and with "Burn This Town" first appearing as a single in 1982, Battleaxe adhered to the no- frills (but plenty of thrills!) style of metal that we've all come to know and, frankly yes my brothers and sisters in arms, LOVE! This (timely) re-release by Steamhammer, which includes a session*** that Battleaxe did for the Friday Rock Show back on May 13th of 1983 tacked on as the (obligatory) bonus material, is prime-time heavy metal/N.W.O.B.H.M. with plenty of punch and power! Opener "Ready To Deliver" let's you know right up-front what this lot was all about and from there it's just crunchy rocker after crunchy rocker with cuts like the title cut, "Dirty Rocker", "Overdrive", "Running Out of Time", "Starmaker" and the band's namesake song all adding extra fuel to the fire! I for one am ashamed to admit that I overlooked this album for far too-long just because of the album's abysmal stab at "thunder and lightning"-themed "warrior" art. I missed out on so much making this re-release nothing short of manna from heaven in the form of heavy metal goodness!  While the band (sadly) was only active (originally) between 1979 and 1987, with the follow-up release, "Power From The Universe", being their only other released full-length endeavor so far, "Burn This Town" really does stand as testament as to what was a FANTASTIC movement as far as the N.W.O.B.H.M. scene goes! For fans of Judas Priest, Saxon, (early) Raven and Tank (meaning fast and furious metal madness!) this is one re-release that should peak your curiosity! As I've already pre-ordered my copy of "Heavy Metal Sanctuary" (featuring one-time Skyclad drummer Paul A.T. Kinson!) I'll cover that album as soon as it lands in my mailbox! Now though I do want to recommend "Burn This Town" to fellow metal maniacs and N.W.O.B.H.M. collectors as it's a real gem of an album with smashing-good tunes of the highest headbanging quality!

* Battleaxe recorded a third album in 1987 entitled "Mean Machine", but it has (to my knowledge) never "officially" been released. I would be curious to find out if the band still owned the rights to "Mean Machine". If they did, and providing that a track like "Mean Machine" is any indication as to the band's direction on said album, then why not release it? Maybe that is in the works? I would love to find out. If anyone can put me in contact with David King and company that would be greatly appreciated!

 **Some sources claim that this Sunderland-based outfit started out as Warrior in 1979 with the name change to Battleaxe taking place in 1980 or so. If they did start of as Warrior then it would be no small wonder that they would opt for the name change as back then (late seventies-early eighties) there seemed to be more than a dozen plus bands going by the same moniker!

***For said session the band, which at the time featured David King on vocals, Steve Hardy on guitar and Brian Smith on bass, enlisted the services of  one-time Satan drummer Ian McCormack (also of Cronos and Pariah). He would stick around with the band for the follow-up album, 1984's "Power from the Universe", as he replaced original drummer Ian Thompson (Metal Mirror, Tokyo Rose) who ended up leaving Battleaxe for Dark Heart! Besides "Ready To Deliver" and "Running Out Of Time" (both of which appeared on the "Burn This Town" full-length LP) the session included the very cool (rock-like) "Shout It Out" and "Mean Machine", which, had it made it onto the band's (unreleased) third full-length, would have proved to be a solid heavy metal thrasher! 

The Mighty Wraith-The Awakening

Self-Released/Independent
2014

Calling Birmingham, England their home, The Mighty Wraith, a traditional heavy metal/power metal band that has seemingly come out of nowhere to conquer all with their Manowar-themed metal(!), offer up one of the best debut-albums that I have heard in a L-O-N-G time! Despite the unassuming nature of this ten-track album's artwork (yes, admittedly it leaves a lot to be desired and it sure as hell doesn't even begin to convey what awaits the listener once you dare to hit play on album opener "Fury of the Norsemen"!) "The Awakening", which was dutifully-produced by Danny Nardone* (Aceldama), is chock full off N.W.O.B.H.M.-inspired leads (courtesy of Azza Potter and Jonathan Miller), furious drumming (Andrew Kirby) and top-on-the-world lead vocals (Matt Gore)! And speaking of lead vocals, Matt Gore is most certainly a highlight here as he's the perfect front-man that a band like The Might Wraith needs when it comes right down to making their personal take on traditional heavy metal work! Musically, besides the Manowar reference point mentioned previously, some of the more obvious influences spring to mind. Names like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Dio seem to be a more then fair starting point (as would be less-known acts like Heavy Load, Manilla Road, Sleepy Hollow, Dragonslayer and Dark Wizard), but The Mighty Wraith adds their own take to the genre and, thanks to some great lyrically-content, creates an instant heavy metal gem! From time to time new bands like The Might Wraith do actually pop up, ones that seem to have it all from the word go! With a fine debut-album like this already under their belts this UK-based heavy/power metal act looks poised to take that next step out into the battlefield of life. In the meantime why not take up arms and join them? As offered by not only "Fury of the Norsemen" (one spectacular opening number!), but "Nightmare World", "Dragonheart", "Awakening" and "Thunder Of The Gods", The Mighty Wraith take hold of the fire and head the battle cry! One can only hope that countless others (including record labels!) take notice of The Mighty Wraith as this young act comes across as hungry and driven. "The Awakening", which can be streamed here: http://themightywraith.bandcamp.com/, is already on my list of best releases for 2014 and, unless some other epic release comes around and blows my socks off (highly doubtful!), it will be my number one top debut-release of 2014! Don't take my word for it though! Hear for yourself why The Mighty Wraith has me heading the battle-cry at their bandcmap page above!

*Besides being responsible for the awesome sound on the 43 minute plus "The Almighty" Danny Nardone handles bass duites on t

Blitzkrieg-Back From Hell

Metal Nation Records
2013

In preparation for this review of "Back From Hell" I decided to dig through my old notes on New Wave Of British Heavy Metal legends Blitzkrieg. After looking back over our archives I realized that the last time Blitzkrieg was covered here was back in 2011! Both Metal Mark and I did a write-up on this British metal band and what's interesting is that even that far back there were rumblings of a new Blitzkrieg studio-album! So it's been six years that fans have had to wait. That's six (l-o-n-g) years since Blitzkrieg's last recording (the so-so "Theatre of the Damned") and, in typical fashion for this band that was formed in Leicester way back in 1980( for a more thorough history on the band be sure to check out our N.W.O.B.H.M. Wednesday feature on Blitzkrieg at the link below)!), more line-up changes have taken place between studio-albums. Joining the always-dependable Brian Ross (lead vocals and keyboards) on "Back From Hell", which is (full-length) album number eight for the band if my counting is correct, we have Brian's son Alan (ex-Earthrod, ex-Cardinal Synne) on guitar along with guitarist Ken Johnson, bassist Bill Baxter and drummer Mick Kerrigan. Other then Johnson (who at least played live for the band in the past if nothing else) this looks to be a whole new cast of characters. Now, prior to downloading this album for myself off of iTunes (I have the expanded CD edition heading my way from Japan as we speak, but who knows when that will get here!) I did read a copy of reviews of Blitzkrieg's latest and I know that at least one review mentioned how Satan (Brian's other N.W.O.B.H.M. band which released the excellent "Life Sentence" earlier this year-link to review also available below this article) had better musicians backing up Brian then Blitzkrieg did. No arguments there. Especially as the guys in Satan (if memory serves me correct) were all season veterans. Here we do seem to have a younger bunch of metalheads backing up Brian Ross. But, while they might not be as technically sufficient as the key players in Satan, in regards to Blitzkrieg I'd offer the counter-point that less is more. Since Blitzkrieg always seemed to be more of a blue collar metal act anyway I think in this instance the other key personnel do just fine. Besides, this album comes off as being more of an 80's metal album/N.W.O.B.H.M. release then Satan's latest so they both have a lot offer fans. Alright, now that I've addressed that issue let's take a peak at the actual music inside of "Back From Hell". The album starts off with a spoken-word intro in which we find Jake the Ripper returning to modern-day London. Having (presumably) escaped from hell he converses with a "charming" prostitute while lamenting how everything has changed so dramatically. Soon enough he shows his "true" face and the album takes off running with the title-track, "Back From Hell". Having always been fascinated by the story of Jake the Ripper I actual like the theme of Blitzkrieg's latest offering and, pound for pound and note for note, the metal on display here does seem to live up to the album's creepy send-off! After setting the stage with the near speed-metal assault of "Back From Hell" we're "treated" to a modern-take of the band's early classic "Buried Alive". While such a number could be deemed totally unnecessary it does at least show off the strength of modern-day Brian Ross. Having listened to both cuts back to back (as I was curious after hearing the new remake) it doesn't stack-up to the original number, but then again how could anyone reasonably expect it to? We're talking about one of N.W.O.B.H.M.'s better singles here, but for what it is (a modern-day interpretation and all) it's not all that bad. It's not the only choice of covers on "Back From Hell" as the band does a decent enough job on a re-worked "Seek and Destroy" (dubbed "S&D (Seek and Destroy)" on "Back From Hell"). As Metallica covered Blitzkrieg at the very start of their career it seems fitting enough that Brian Ross and company repay the favor. It's not  a choice cover by any stretch of the imagination, but it does reaffirm my belief that Brian Ross should have been called in to front Metallica. I know they were trying for John Bush and (maybe?) Glenn Danzig, but had Metallica somehow convinced Brian Ross to come sing for them can you even begin to imagine how cool that would have been? Anyway, speaking of other artists and what not on "Call for the Priest" the band name-checks all things Judas Priest. With it's lyrics (seemingly at least as I don't have them in front of me to verify) made up entirely of Judas Priest song and album titles it's an interesting tribute of sorts. Sure it came as a bit of a surprise, but both are supreme British metal acts so one can see (or in this case hear!) the connection between both acts easy enough! Elsewhere we have numbers like the HEAVY and yet MELODIC "Complicated Issue" which, besides being different just in the fact that it ends up dealing with the issue of substance abuse, features excellent female vocals and well-placed keyboard passes! Yes, Brian Ross duets with a female vocalist and plays some snazzy keyboard parts the result is (surprisingly enough) pure heavy metal excellence! Who knew such a set-up could work so well? Meanwhile the number "V" is inspired by Alan Moore's graphic novel "V for Vendetta" although for my money it's hard to listen to it and not think of the 2006 film "V for Vendetta" instead! It's another surprisingly effective metal number as is speed-tinged "Sleepy Hollow" and (original version) album closer', "We Have Assumed Control". Thanks to the Metal Archives I now know that "Return to the Village" is lyrically inspired by the British TV series "The Prisoner". That does not however make up for it's ho-hum assembly and bland delivery. Still it's probably the only cut here I didn't really go for as "Sahara" is a solid slab of (slow build-up, but huge pay-off!) heavy metal while "One Last Time" sees Blitzkrieg pull of a power ballad in grand fashion! As shocking as it is to hear Brian Ross sing with a (talented) female vocalist on "Complicated Issue" it's just as shocking to see the band tackle a power ballad and make it stand out! Other then the instrumental "4 U" that's it for the standard version of this disc. When I do (hopefully soon?) get the extended version of "Back From Hell" I'll do an edit and comment on the bonus material. But for now all of that is what you get out of "Back From Hell" and this is one release that gives as good as it gets! Brian Ross still sings with the fire of a younger man and Blitzkrieg does their best to remind folks that they are every bit as important to the the N.W.O.B.H.M.movement and heavy metal history as bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. With their new album, "Back From Hell", Blitzkrieg have given fans of old plenty to rejoice about while still releasing one album that should appeal to today's younger generation of metal fanatics. It's definitively not a strictly N.W.O.B.H.M release as the band's celebrated return sees them trying out everything from 80's metal to near modern speed/power metal, but for those of whose of us who are old enough to know the real score it's as good as it gets! Welcome back Blitzkrieg. I hope you realize just how much you've been missed...

N.W.O.B.H.M. Wednesday feature on Blitzkrieg:http://metalmark.blogspot.com/2011/03/nwobhm-wednesday-blitzkrieg.html

Review of Satan's "Life Sentence":
http://metalmark.blogspot.com/2013/05/satan-life-sentence.html

Madder Than A Full Moon Dog

Starjack Entertainment
2013

Forget Bloodstock Open Air, the Download Festival or even the Sonisphere Festival. For my money there's only one festival in the whole of the U.K. that I now have on my bucket-list and that's the Full Moon Dog Festival! This 2013 film, which carries the fitting tag-line "A film more nasty than a dose of pox -- a 'moment in time' in British rock history", serves as a remarkable documentary of the 2012 Full Moon Dog Festival that took place at at The Cockpit venue in Leeds. This annual festival helps keep the memory of Asomvel founder/front-man Jay-Jay Winter (tragically killed in a road accident in 2010) alive while simultaneously highlighting some of the true heavy weights of the British hard rock and heavy scene and giving new, up-and-coming bands a chance to showcase their skills in a live setting. Directed and co-produced by the amazing Deborah Robinson (Winter's sister and the wife of Asomvel' guitarist Lenny Robinson) and featuring  live footage of not only Asomvel, but the one and only Orange Goblin, this documentary is filled with so much heavy metal goodness it's hard to know where to even start! As I just mentioned the live footage let's start there. Besides Asomvel (whose song "Full Moon Dog" was not only used as the title of this UK festival, but also opens up the live footage on this disc!) and the almighty Orange Goblin (who prove once more why they are true legends!) we're treated to live cuts from Mercenary, Dark Forrest, Eliminator and Stiletto Farm (just to name a few). Now, while the official trailer to this cool documentary calls this a "film that your parents will hate" I actually watched a good chunk of this film with my own teenagers and we all found something different to enjoy about it. When you stop and consider the fact that these are two teenagers who (these days at least) are more into Top 40 then rock music (I know, where did I go wrong?) then that says a lot about how well-constructed this documentary is! And with my 15 year old daughter now showing interest in the music of both Stiletto Farm (which incidentally feature's Deborah's oldest son Steven (aka: Stel) on guitars and lead vocals!) and Dark Forrest I consider it time well spent together as a family! Speaking of which, "Madder Than A Full Moon Dog" comes across as a real family affair not only in the sense of all of the various family members involved, but also in the way in which all of the other bands and the fans themselves come together to honor the memory of the late Jay-Jay Winter. There is an abundance lot of love and respect shown towards both Jay-Jay Winter and his band Asomvel and this documentary does a wonderful job of showing how much of an impact this sorely-missed musician had on everyone he came into contact with. That of course brings up another cool aspect of this film and that is the various back-stage interviews. It's a bit of a toss up as to which I enjoyed more, Orange Goblin's numerous backstage chats or the various cuts with Asomvel's own Conan. They both present different perspectives of Jay-Jay Winter's impact on the scene, but I'm actually going to give the nod of approval towards Conan as this (appropriately-nicknamed) big man/vocalist/bassist offers up great insight as to how Jay-Jay influenced him. This ex-Deathwing bassist turned formidable front-man is (more or less) the host of this whole event and if you thought he inspired fear and respect on Asomvel's latest release "Knuckle Duster" then you should hear him take full-command of Asomvel classic cuts like "Full Moon Dog" and "Stone Cold Stare" in a live-setting! Hot damn this guy is a mad beast on the mic! I've got no doubt that somewhere Jay-Jay Winter is smiling on in approval and content in the knowledge that his heavy metal brothers are carrying on the mission that he started so many years ago! Without giving too much more away (as there are more then a few neat surprises to be found within this documentary!) here is the track-listing for this DVD:

 ·"Full Moon Dog"- Asomvel
· "Stone Cold Stare" - Asomvel
· "Death before Dishonour" - Stiletto Farm
· "Black Shadow" - Mercenary
· "The Wizard of Alderley Edge" - Dark Forest
· "Stand for Something" - Orange Goblin
· "We Rule the Night" - Eliminator
· "Drudgery" - Asomvel
· "Black Trinity" - Triaxis
· "Round Up the Horses" - Orange Goblin
· "Tales of the Ost" - Stuka Squadron
· "Blow Me" - Screaming Eagles
· "They Come Back" - Orange Goblin
· "Womb to the Tomb" – Asomvel

As I'm relatively new to the party that is Asomvel (I just discovered them this past year, but now have an overwhelming desire to acquire their whole back-catalog so any help from fellow fans/collectors in that regard would be greatly appreciated!) I can't really say they sound better then ever. Still, they absolutely killed it on their few live cuts as did Orange Goblin! Stiletto Farm are another band that just recently crossed my path (you can check out my review of their latest single at the link below), but their live cut, "Death before Dishonour", showed exactly why I find them to be one of the more new and exciting heavy rock bands out there! Mercenary, Eliminator and Dark Forest all prove more then capable of keeping the metal spirit alive and well and left me with quite the dilemma. How do I possibly go about adding all of these group's to my personal music collection without breaking the bank? And that definitely goes for Triaxis as well. Winning the "Where have you been all my life" award for best new female-fronted heavy metal band this UK-based act is lead by the stunning Krissie Kirby and provides further proof that "Madder Than A Full Moon Dog" is one hell of a cool DVD to add to your personal collection! Off-hand I can't think of anyway in which this documentary could have been made better although I do wish that the DVD set would have come with an optional digital download of the various live performances. That's a minor gripe though and takes nothing away from this fitting tribute to the remarkable Jay-Jay Winter. After watching this DVD I find myself more determined then ever to travel overseas. With the 2013 Full Moon Dog festival having just wrapped-up I now have a year to try to plan a trip over for the enviable 2014 event. Like I really needed another reason to visit the U.K.other then Dr. Who, but I digress! How I'll pull if off though is the real question, but with Asomvel and their extended "family" (Stiletto Farm and Stone Cold Kill) headlining the scene over there it's one journey that I'd move heaven and earth to accomplish! In the meantime I'll be doing my best to uncover new British hard rock and heavy metal bands to share with all of you our faithful readers and I wholeheartedly encourage everyone who loves British metal to check out this well-crafted documentary! You can find out more about it here:
http://www.madderthanafullmoondog.com/

Read my review of Stiletto Farm's latest release here:
http://metalmark.blogspot.com/search?q=stiletto+farm 

Check out my review of Asomvel's "Knuckle Duster":
http://metalmark.blogspot.com/search?q=Asomvel-Knuckle+Duster

Stone Cold Kill-Out For Blood

Self-Release
2013

Self-dubbed "Dirty, Rotten, Heavy Metal Sons Of Dogs", the appropriately-named Stone Cold Kill is one band that doesn't need to wear it's influences on it's sleeves. Instead it's encoded in their DNA! For you see the band's front-man, vocalist/bassist Ralph Robinson (who incidentally was only 16 when this 5-track EP was recorded!), is the son of Asomvel' guitarist  Lenny Robinson while both he and guitarist T-Bone are also the nephews of the late (and much more then simply great friends) Jay-Jay Winter! In fact this EP, which is dripping with the blood and sweat of old-school heavy metal, is dedicated to Asomvel's fallen comrade/front-man and the memory of  Jay-Jay Winter is keep alive and well thanks to gut-punching rock and roll cuts like opener "Cheap Faker" and the gripping "Out For Blood"! Even with only these five cuts it's fairly easy to pick up on the talent-level of this young band and it's not that much of a bold prediction to suggest that better things lie ahead for them. The band, which also includes one true maniac on the drum-stool by the name of Kyle "Goose" Corriganhas, simply thrashes it's way through "Out For Blood" and if Asomvel is the band's (rightfully so) main influence then let me tell you what friends, Motörhead is most-assuredly a close second! On numbers like the dirty rock and roller "Cheap Faker" and the album's real, red-hot smoker "Incineration" (which should come with it's own warning label!) these three English "lads" tear the roof off of the house of rock and roll and then proceed to burn the whole mother down! Stone Cold Kill might be a young band in age and regards to their actual time together, but you'd never know it from the way this EP unfolds! Vocalist/bassist Ralph Robinson has the soul of a much older man and his voice adds extra emotional depth to a number like "Nothing to Lose". Meanwhile we find guitarist T-Bone flipping his way through the playbooks of many a great English guitarists (both past and present) which ends up resulting in hints of the N.W.O.B.H.M. scene as much as it does both Asomvel and Motörhead. If there's a downside to be found with "Out For Blood" then it would have to be it's too short for it's own good length! By the time the band really has you worked up and ready to totally unleash on everything and everyone it's all over! This would have been served as a full-length affair, but I do understand all too well how those kinds of things take time and (realistically speaking here) cold hard cash. Hopefully these three can pull off such a feat in 2014 as they have the skills and ultimately the DNA to really shake up the heavy metal scene! I know I'll be keeping an eye out for them and, damn right friends, I'll be crossing these old arthritic fingers of mine that they pull it all off in style! The heart of heavy metal needs some new, young and exciting, fresh blood to keep it pumping for years to come and Stone Cold Kill are just what the doctor (Dr. Rock) ordered!

Hell-Curse & Chapter

Nuclear Blast Records
2013

Having grown up in a Christian household rock music was considered dangerous. As I listen to Hell's
second full-length album, "Curse And Chapter" for the second time now (and that's after UPS dropped it off sometime last night after 7pm!) I'm drawn back to my youth when the devil wasn't so much in the details, but rather taking center stage for all to see through the likes of Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Iron Maiden and hundreds (thousands?) more! I spent grades 4-8 in a private Christian school where we had anti-rock crusaders* come in to preach to us ("The Devil inside" by INXS was about demonic possession? Really?) and I had the misfortune of being forced to sit and watch anti-rock preachers on VHS tapes (for those youngsters out there a VHS tape was what we used to watch movies on back in the days of cavemen and dinosaurs!) tell me how everyone from Cyndi Lauper to Queen was helping to usher in a new hell on earth! I always kid that at least being forced to watch the video tape turned me onto some great acts like The Lords of the New Church! But, now that I hear this new Hell about I must admit that maybe the devil, who is said to have all of the best bands anyway, is pulling the strings of this British occult metal act? No, not really. The real evil in is this world isn't found on an album like "Curse & Chapter". If you won't to see real evil then find yourself a map and look for Washington D.C. What we have with this traditional heavy metal five-piece is a band that is effectively lead by the theatrical David Bower who, in addition to be a splendid lead vocalist (think Rob Halford with a bit of King Diamond mixed in for good measure!) is also a part-time actor! In addition to David Bower the band features David's brother Kev (guitar and keys), Tony Speakman (bass), Tim Bowler (drums) and, last but not least, the exceptionally talented Andy Sneap (guitar). Musically Hell really doesn't sound like anyone other then Hell. Sure, you could draw parallels between Hell and the likes of Judas Priest, Merciful Fate/King Diamond, Satan and even Iron Maiden. But that would be selling both Hell and their sophomore recording short. "Deathsquad" for one features great keys that come across as partly Uriah Heap and partly potential soundtrack mater for Dr.Who! And really the opening of "Something Wicked This Way Comes" rivals anything Lars Ulrich and his bandmates released on Metallica's first three LPs! For a band like Hell, which arose from the ashes of Paralex and Race Against Time back in 1982, "Curse & Chapter" is a remarkably fresh revelation that traditional heavy metal still has plenty of lifeblood left in it! Speaking of Race Against Time, that group's cool track "Harbinger of Death" is covered here and it's a real keeper! And thanks to tracks like "The Age Of Nefarious", "Darkhangel" (possibly the best cut on "Curse & Chapter"), "Deathsquad", "Something Wicked This Way Comes" and "Land Of the Living Dead" this is one release that is sure to make the "Best Of" lists of many a fan and critic alike! Now for the million dollar question. Is it better then it's predecessor, "Human Remains"? In some ways yes, I'd say that it is. With more original compositions it feels more complete (if that makes sense) and relevant. It's hard to find a fault with "Curse & Chapter" other then it's (overly) critical and cynical viewpoint of Christianity. Considering that Christians are the last group left that you can still hurl vile insults at without any public outrage (no to mention the fact that you can disparage Christians and discriminate against them without fear of legal repercussions) it's just far too easy a target. Some of the lyrics, try "Deliver Us From Evil" for example,  are so cheesy and anti-religious that I felt like I was listening to a recording by Cronos! I normally try to refrain from mixing music discussions with religion discussions, but if a band like Hell really believes that Jesus Christ is the biggest threat our world is facing then they haven't been living on the same planet as I have for the last 40 years! The band is better suited (and much more original and interesting in my opinion) when they cover historical events or go after the greed of men (and yes, quite a bit of organized religion!) then when the go after a man who said to "love your neighbor as yourself". Just my two cents though and it's not a topic that will keep me from recommending this release and/or adding it to my "Best of 2013" list!

* No names please, but we were subjected to a set of (twin) gentlemen who, on more then one occasion, told us that everything we liked back then (in my case it was everyone/everything from AC/DC, Ratt and Heart to INXS, U2 and the Beach Boys) was just flat-out WRONG! Then, as a twenty something year old, I remember having one of them ring the doorbell of a party I was at of my then girlfriend/now ex-wife's Uncle's house. It was strange seeing this individual who had once condemned my choice of music now serving as a real estate agent!  Even more so I think I showed up at the front door with a beer in my hand! I'm not sure I ever got the full "benefit" of private school now that I think about it!

N.W.O.B.H.M. Wednesday: Hell-The Age Of Nefarious (Single)

Nuclear Blast
2013

When I first covered Nottingham, England's (re-formed) Hell back in March of 2011 I had no idea that their come-back album, "Human Remains", would be as good as it ended up being. Granted I did suspect that it would be pretty solid given how well their previous single, "Save Us from Those Who Would Save Us / On Earth as It Is in Hell", sounded. But, I didn't expect the album to be as epic as it was! Now, Hell is back in  the spot-light thanks to this 4-track, 22 minutes long "Single" that features one new track, "The Age Of Nefarious", as well as three live tracks (" On Earth As It Is In Hell", "Blasphemy And The Master" and
"The Oppressors"). Here's the thing though. From what I've read it seems as if Hell has tried (for some unknown) reason to distance themselves from the N.W.O.B.H.M. scene. But, even if this British-based 5-piece doesn't necessarily identify themselves as being part of the N.W.O.B.H.M. movement, which is kind of weird when you take into account that the heavy metal-leaning Hell was first formed back in 1982 when the movement was in it's prime, still kicking major ass and quite alive (thank you very much), the reality is Hell is just about as close as you can get to being a full-on N.W.O.B.H.M. act from their style (straight-ahead heavy metal with a major dose of Venom/Merciful Fate satanism/mysteriousness) to their stage presence (costumes and imagery are a huge part of their theatrical live shows!) and even their substance (Hell's music feels like classic British metal)! Formed by members of Race Against Time and Paralex, and sadly never making it past the demo stage the first time around, Hell comes to the party fully-loaded with the metallic fury that is "The Age Of Nefarious" and, if this is any indication of the direction that the group plans to take on their next album, then the follow-up to "Human Remains" should be a great heavy metal platter! Now, I'll admit that coming into this "Single" I wasn't sure what direction to go with this review. Yes, I loved "Human Remains" and found myself becoming a huge Hell fan as a result. That being said I did feel a bit let down after a l-o-n-g talked about e-mail interview that I set up with Hell never came back to me. At the time the group was still in the "we need press and we need it now" stage and, after going back and forth with the group's manager (and doing a crap-load of research to make sure that my interview questions were well thought out and covered a lot of ground), I obliged and looked forward to getting the answers back. Well, follow-up requests proved to be fruit-less endeavors and I ended up adding Hell to the (growing) list of group's who never replied to e-mail interviews. So, my personal feelings toward Hell might be one thing, but their music is another. And while these guys might still be crafting (lyric-wise) cheese-feast worthy songs, which (let's face it) was the lone-downside of "Human Remains", the actual music is dastardly and "The Age Of Nefarious" is no different! With the band's long-anticipated sophomore album, "Curse And Chapter", due for release towards the end of November it will be interesting to see how it stacks up side-by-side with "Human Remains". With lead vocalist David Bower sounding as spooky as ever on both the lone studio-track and the three live cuts it certainly seems to suggests that Hell will be, once-again, "in for the win" with album number two. Original members Kev Bower (guitar and keys), Tony Speakman (bass) and Tim Bowler (drums) are also all returning for album two so (consistency-wise) one can't help but get a little excited for the prospects of "Curse And Chapter". Of course no one can forget about someone as important as guitarist Andy Sneap whose skills did a lot to help shape the epic "Human Remains". I'm a big fan of both his playing and his work behind the scenes so if he's on board once again then (fingers-crossed boy and girls) this "Single" is just the beginning of what stop be a cool wrap up for 2013's heavy metal scene!



http://metalmark.blogspot.com/search?q=Hell-Human+Remains+