Freeways-Cold Front

Heavy Chains Records
2017

Freeways is a (N.W.O.B.H.M.-inspired) hard rock/heavy metal band from Canada that takes it's cues from the likes of Thin Lizzy, UFO, and Blue Öyster Cult (to name just a few). Back in early September of 2017 the group released the 3-track EP "Cold Front". In addition to the outstanding title cut, "Cold Front" includes the radio-friendly songs "One For The Road" and "New Drag City". Well-written and featuring three songs that could all be considered strong singles(!), "Cold Front" serves as the band's studio debut. It is available in cassette tape, vinyl, and as a digital download. Given how incredible the whole thing is, "Cold Front" would have made my Best of 2017 list had I created one! In fact I feel so passionate album this EP (it's so freaking good!) that I bought it on vinyl and cassette tape!! That is how much I love "Cold Front"!!! Available to buy at the above highlighted link, Freeways first release it one of the greatest hard rock/heavy metal debut recordings out there. This is a catchy EP from a band that has the potential to be the next big thing out of Canada. Hopefully 2018 will bring a full-length album from this incredible band, but in the meantime I am just going to play this EP none-stop!!!

Device-Good Things Never Last

Self-Release/Indepepndet
2017

Device was a hard & heavy rock/heavy metal band from Canada that was active from 2009-2017. The aptly-titled "Good Things Never Last" was Device's second full-length album and their last. It opens up with a CCR meets AC/DC rocker entitled "The Anointed Ones" and only gets better from there! In addition to seven original compositions (all of which are fairly righteous in their own right!), Device covers the Rainbow song "Starstruck" on this 35 minute plus album. It's a good cover choice as it pairs perfectly with this group's old school-take on hard rock and (straight/no-chaser) heavy metal. Lead into battle by vocalist/guitarist Marc Leblanc, Device's influences seemed to range from Accept to Metallica (by way of Iron Maiden, Diamond Head, Judas Priest, etc.). Rounded out by guitarist Lloyd Agar and drummer Kyle Harcott, Canada's Device were not breaking new ground with their music, but dammit man(!), did they ever make you want to get on up and get down with some of their bass ass boogie rock! If your taste in music runs from AC/DC to Zoetrope, this eight-track album should bring a wide smile to your face. Device might be no more, but thank the gods of rock and roll and fist-bangin' heavy metal that they left an album like this one behind!

Free Metal Monday: Iron Blood-At an Impasse

Brutal Future
2018

Iron Blood is a black metal/punk hardcore band from Canada. Back on January 6th the group released this four-track demo. It is a rather raw recording that mixes primitive black metal with the kind of punk rock that you'd find in the pages of Maximum Rocknroll. Available to download for free by heading here, "At an Impasse" was also released on cassette tape.

Buck Tow Truck-Death Wields A Six String

Self-Release/Independent
2017

Formed by vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Andrew Dona, Buck Tow Truck is a one-man metal band from Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. The self-produced "Death Wields A Six String" appears to be the full-length debut for this one-man project, but that is only a guess on my part. There is little to no information available on Buck Tow Truck...I mean other than the origin of the name (see below) and a brief list of influences: "Van Halen," "Dokken" (more specifically George Lynch) and "Bathory.". With that said, "Death Wields A Six String" is a nine-track album that has it's fair share of good and bad points. First, here is what works. From a music standpoint, Buck Tow Truck's latest recording is tight and solid. There are some good ideas here and is pretty obvious that Andrew has a lot of skill and talent as a musician. With a better production job, "Death Wields A Six String" might have been a cool metal album to jam out to. Or at least it could be as an instrumental metal album. Since there is really no good way to put this how about if we just skip the pleasantries and call it like it is? Andrew Dona is a terrible singer. I'm not sure who told Andrew that he could sing, but that person should have their ears examined!! What could have been a decent heavy metal album is all but ruined by Andrew's bizarre vocal delivery. If this was an instrumental album and/or had another singer, "Death Wields A Six String" could have been graded a B- or maybe even a B. As it stands now, Buck Tow Truck's debut, which incidentally you can snag for free by heading here, is a C- release. If I'm being honest, C- might even be too high for a recording like this one. Whatever the case, Buck Tow Truck does have some promise. If only Andrew could get a new singer and a better budget...

According to the promo material: "The name for the band was conceived by combining a typical 80's tough guy name "Buck" with what George Carlin considered to be a man's word. To him, man words have 2 syllables such as shotgun or tow-truck. While saying these words be sure to pump one's fist forward and back in a horizontal line as if cocking a shotgun, as George did."

Ice War-s/t

2017
Shadow Kingdom

This is a one man project and that one guy is Jo Capitalicide (formerly of Iron Dogs, Trioxin 245 and a number of other bands) as he handles vocals and all of the instruments. Ice War have previously done an EP and a few singles so this self-titled release marks the first full length effort from this Canadian band. Right away the opener Battle Zone sets the tone with some driving riffs that are throw back to a few decades ago in the early 80's when metal was raw and that was fine. A few more songs in and the galloping guitar style continues and the tempo changes are handled masterfully. A few songs remind me in parts or of a number of NWOBHM acts including Jaguar, Savage and yes, Dianno-era Iron Maiden. With only eight songs in my mind an album needs to really hit on almost all of them for it to be really good. This album does just that-it nails the heaviness, delivers catchy rhythms and as a whole the album even gets better as it goes along. There isn't a great deal of flash as is the case with a number of current acts who try focus on an older sound. However, it doesn't need that because the material that is here is so strongly crafted that fans on classic style metal are in for a real treat. If there is one problem it's just that the vocals while adequate for the most part there are moments where I wish had a little more range to elevate the songs even more. Hey, Mr. Capitalicide is already handling all of the other duties at a high level so it's hard to be great at everything. Really a powerful outing that has me hoping this one man act dispenses with the singles and gets into another full length effort soon.

Dark Ministry-The Sermon Begins

Metal Scrap Records
2017

Dark Ministry is a up-and-coming metal band that hails from Ottawa, Canada and is fronted by Tyler Knapp. Formed in August of 2015 by drummer Rik Charron (ex-Exciter), "The Sermon Begins" serves as the studio debut for this (extreme) five-piece band and it includes the songs "Killing Machine", "Voodoo Sacrifice", and "Blood Driven". All three tracks offer a slightly different (and yet thoroughly enjoyable!) approach to old-school metal/vintage thrash with the only true connection being the hardcore/crossover voice of Tyler Knapp. Tyler's vocal style might not be suited to every one's tastes, but as a long-time fan of harsh and aggressive metal vocalists I couldn't help but appreciate the edgy attitude that it gives "The Sermon Begins"! Otherwise you can expect razor sharp lead solos, pounding drums, and thick bass riffs on this short, but most certainly recommend(!), 3-track EP. With more than enough material for a full-length album at their disposal, Dark Ministry could easily prove to be a force to be reckoned with down the line. 



* Along with eighties thrash and the crossover-appeal that is offered by way of it's lead vocalist, Dark Ministry's "The Sermon Begins" has flashes of ("Painkiller"-era) Judas Priest, Anvil, and (not surprising given the drummer involved) later day Exciter.

Assassin's Blade-Agents of Mystification

Pure Steel Records
2016

Lead by one-time Exciter front-man Jacques Bélanger*, Assassin's Blade is a new heavy metal/power metal band whose members hail from both Canada and Sweden. With a run-time that exceeds the fifty minute mark, "Agents of Mystification" is Assassin's Blade's solid-enough debut and it finds lead singer Jacques Bélanger joined by bassist/song writer/lyricist Peter Svensson (Cult of the Fox, Goatess, Void Moon, Stonegriff (live), ex-Cross Bow, ex-Devil Lee Rot, ex-Trap**), guitarist/song writer David Stranderud (Instigator, ex-Disaffection, ex-Devil Lee Rot, ex-Portrait, ex-Autopsy Torment, ex-Cross Bow) and drummer Marcus Rosenkvist (Void Moon, ex-Indemnity). Author Janne Stark*** (Constancia, Locomotive Breath, Mountain of Power, Overdrive, Planet Alliance, ex-Overheat, ex-Balls, ex-Paradize, ex-Zello) provides lead solos on much of  "Agents of Mystification", but otherwise those are the key players at work on Assassin's Blade's first outing. On this recommended METAL release we find lead singer Jacques Bélanger (vocally) moving back and forth between Rob Halford and Bruce Dickinson while his teammates effortlessly work their way through some devilishly-dark material that is as menacing as it it maniacal! Musically-speaking the majority of "Agents of Mystification" is either A) A slick, lean and mean Exciter that is all about traditional heavy metal and dark metal! or B) A  far-heavier  Judas Priest with blood on it's mind. On rare occasions Assassin's Blade sounds like no one other than themselves, but 9 times out of 10 we find his young and hungry band emulating their idols and influences and doing it in such a way as to make you want to follow the latest success for Pure Steel Records! A damn fine release like "Agents of Mystification" shows the metal community that Assassin's Blade means business and that they are ready to take a full swing at today's ever-growing power metal scene. This is a good start from one band that I hope is here to stay!

* Jacques Bélanger played with Exciter on the albums "The Dark Command", "Blood of Tyrants" and "New Testament".

**It might be just a coincidence, but the now defunct Trap released a single entitled "Assassinations".

*** Janne Stark put out the AWESOME (!) Encyclopedia of Swedish Heavy Metal books.

Saturday Single: Silent Line-"Drag Me Down" (One Direction cover)

Silent Line is a Canadian and Edmonton-based melodic death metal band with three independent albums to it's name. The group's latest release,"Shattered Shores", came out in October of last year and it was a concept album. Maybe one day soon I'll get around to covering it, but for now here we have the  guys in Silent Line doing a cover of "Drag Me Down" by One Direction. Enjoy.

 

Double Experience-Unsaved Progress

Colfax Music
2016

Active since 2011,  Double Experience is a Canadian trio with three release to it's name thanks to the forthcoming "Unsaved Progress". Self-dubbed Nerdy Neo-Rock and featuring a solid line-up of Ian Nichols (vox, lyrics), Brock Tinsley (guitars, bass, lyrics), and Dafydd Cartwright (drums), Double Experience is also a band that answers one of life's oldest and most persistent questions. And of course that would be: "What would Fall Out Boy sound like if they were less emo and more rock?". What, you've never asked that question before? Am I the only one who has wondered that? Wow, who knew? Anyway, this is pretty much what you get when it comes to the quirky Double Experience and/or "Unsaved Progress". With eight original compositions and a fun cover of the B.O.C. classic "Godzilla", "Unsaved Progress" is an easy enough album to get into so long as you enjoy alternative rock & pop-infused heavy rock. Double Experience's new release has a due-date of April 8th and lest I forget, "Unsaved Progress" will be printed with classic video game-inspired packaging! That's rather righteous don't ya think? Well, at least it is to me. I grew up loving the video game culture and I now have the pleasure of watching my own children teenagers enjoy the same games that I did when I was there age! And speaking of my teens (or my family of three!), "Unsaved Progress" has a good chance at becoming a new family favorite thanks to it's catchy mash-up of pop rock, alternative rock, pop punk, power rock and heavy rock! While it might not appeal to all of our readers, "Unsaved Progress" still deserves a fair chance so if your musical tastes are a little more open why not give this one a shot? You've got nothing to lose....

Mellevon-Solace

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Recorded and produced by band-member April Hutchins at Muffin Studios in Montreal, Quebec, "Solace" is the second full-length recording from Canada's Mellevon. It was released at the tail end of 2014 and this fourteen track album serves as the follow-up to the group's 2013 debut album, "Chaos Reigns". With a run-time that is over the fifty minute mark(!), "Solace" features two (short) instrumental numbers in "A Song for the Setting Sun" and the album's title track and this new recording finds Mellevon sporting a new look. One-time (harsh) vocalist Gabriel Tulli has been replaced by Red Skull and new drummer Colin MacAndrew (The Wild Hunt) takes over for the departed Jermeel Chase. As for everyone else? Well, seeing as she is responsible for most of the music and lyrics on "Solace" (as well as the album's concrete production job) special props should go to guitarist April Hutchins. As one of the original members of this Montreal-based band, April Hutchins excels in each department that she has a hand in (musician, songwriter and producer) and on "Solace" her guitar playing is absolutely sick! While this five-piece band (reportedly) started out as a Industrial/Nu-metal act you'd never know that by April's performances on "Solace" as her work is well-drawn out and meticulous in it's complexity! Even so her riffs are crisp and sharp and when stacked up against the jagged nature of some of this album's material they offer up a glorious wall of sound! April's guitar skills are the album's true highlight and they help make each and every track on "Solace" somewhat different. For the album's full line-up (and to see the guest list for "Solace") be sure to check below this review. Otherwise we're looking at a one-time(?) Industrial/Nu-metal band that has apparently turned the corner and is now (more or less) a hybrid/modern metal band. Sure, there's still a bit of industrial metal going on here, but it's been maxed out by way of melodic death metal (hence the band's own Industrial Melodic Death Metal tag) and a long-list of sub-genres that range from dark metal to goth metal to even (light) symphonic metal! The album's cool mash-up of styles helps make for a more interesting listening experience all-around. And for the most part so do the clean and harsh vocals. I might have sorted out the harsh vocals a tad more (maybe it's the mix, but from time to time the death metal growls sound....well, off kilter I guess), but they are good all the same. And that really goes for each member/part of Mellevon. Everyone does their thing and they do it well. But, if I had to pick one other thing that stood out about Mellevon's latest (besides the stellar guitar parts that rule on "Solace"!) it would be the keyboards. They come courtesy of Chel Vorsteher and they help give "Solace" a nice after-shine. They range from classy to somewhat electronic and they add that extra exclamation point to the whole affair! All in all I found "Solace" to be a solid listening experience. As with a lot of up-and-coming bands these days there are a few things that could be touched-up, but overall this is a good band that sure sounds as if they could be REALLY good in no time at all. Even if you don't pick up Mellevon's latest album I'd sure as hell keep an eye on them as this is one Canadian band that has "HUGE POTENTIAL" written all over them!!!!
 


Mellevon is:
Red Skull: Lead vocals, clean vocals
April Hutchins: Guitars, vocals and spoken word .
Chel Vorsteher: Keyboards, clean vocals .
Stefan Guaiani: Bass, harsh vocals .
Colin MacAndrew : Drums, harsh vocals


Guest Performers:
Björn Strid (Soilwork): Vocals on "The Quiet Light".
Les Godfrey (ex-Tchort, ex-The Illuminati): Guitar solo on "Under Moss".
Kyle Lapointe (The Renaissance Men): Spoken word intro on "Sonically Transmitted Dysphoria".
Melanie Hutchins: Vocal harmonies on "Left Behind".

Free Metal Monday: Wacken Metal Battle Canada Compilation Vol. 3

Today's Free Metal Monday offering is a real slam dunk! How about a free compilation with over 80 tracks? Sounds good right? For those of you who don't know all the details of Wacken Metal Battle Canada I've provided part of the press release below. Otherwise sit back and enjoy this LOADED compilation...

Official press release:
   
Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition where band's from across the country in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City will battle each other for one to be selected and join over 30 other countries for an international battle of the bands at the world's largest outdoor metal festival Wacken Open Air, which has been taking place in Wacken , Germany for the last 25 years. Toronto's Crimson Shadows (2013 winners - video at Wacken) and Montreal's Mutank (2014 winners - video at Wacken) have had that honour playing in front of thousands. This year's festival will be taking place from July 30th to August 1st.

 Download this HUGE compilation here:
https://wackenmetalbattlecanada.bandcamp.com/album/wacken-metal-battle-canada-compilation-vol-3

Third Ion-"Capitol Spill" Single

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Clocking in at over five minutes, "Capitol Spill" is the debut single from Canada's Third Iron. The group, which features guitarist Justin Bender (Into Eternity), bass player Mike Young (Devin Townsend Band, Terror Syndrome, Jet Black Stare, Ten Ways, The Matinee and much more!), drummer Aaron Edgar and one-time solo artist Tyler Gilbert on vocals, is said to have formed over a shared love for progressive rock and heavy metal, science and (believe it or not) video games! The band's new single, which is now streaming at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaLpH_nrr-E&feature=youtu.be and to these ears is very much in line with the music of The Devin Townsend Band, is just a small taste of what's in store for this progressive metal band. With a full-length album in the works (one which will also be released in a very special format-8-Bit musical renditions of every song so that the band can pay homage to their 1980s classic gaming inspirations!!!!) and the likelihood of Canadian tour, Third Iron is one four-piece band that progressive metal fans will want to keep an eye out for!
www.thirdion.com
www.facebook.com/thirdion
www.youtube.com/3rdion

The New Jacobin Club-Soldiers of the Mark

Manticore Music Group
2014

Well Toto it seems as if we've lost our way again. It's not just that we're not in Kansas anymore. I've got this strange feeling that we're not even in this dimension anymore! Where oh where should we begin? With The New Jacobin Club it's a sure bet that all bets are off. That's a given, but when it comes time to add another Canadian act to overgrowing collection of odds and ends is there at least a starting point? The band obviously owes a huge debt to all things Glenn Danzig. From The Misfits to Samhain and of course Danzig itself this bohemian collective of musicians, poets, painters and performance artists adds it all up before knocking the whole house of cards over thanks to additional elements with far-ranging kitsch appeal. While  opener "The Mark" could have served time on the "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" TV series's soundtrack "Champagne Ivy" takes the Misfits and gives it a psychedelic once over in Black-era Metallica! But then again so does "Garthim" with the only difference being that where the first relies on front-man The Horde's ghoulish voice a number like "Garthim" instead leans heavily on Sci-Fi samples! With influences that run wild and free (Horrorpops, The Ramones, B-52s, Alice Cooper, Christian Death, ELO, The Cure, The Smiths, B.O.C., Jane's Addiction, etc.) and band-members that willingly go out of their way to go into the great unknown "Soldiers of the Mark" defies strict genre definitions, instead choosing to go at it alone wherever the next beat takes it! Psychedelic death rock hopped up on Jesus Chrysler transforms itself into post-Soundgarden rock where The Cramps dance about with glee and it all makes perfect sense here!

 

(Clockwise starting from the top right)
The Horde - vocals/guitar , Mistress Nagini - backing vocals/keyboard, The Ruin – bass, The Luminous – cello, Rat King – drums, Poison Candi - Vocals/theremin/percussion
Photo credit: Kathryn Trembach

 

Using both male and female vocals, The New Jacobin Club (a band that has actually been active since the late nineties!) excel at their craft. The music of  "Soldiers of the Mark" is as catchy as it is devilishly charming. And it's care-free attitude only adds to the appeal! The New Jacobin Club act as if they have no limits and no boundaries. Anything and everything really is fair game! It's funny how a band like this can remind you of The Misfits one minute and then The Rezillos the next! And yet, during all that time and amidst all the rapid musical changes of this Matthew Facca-produced album where crazy is the new normal, they sound exactly like The New Jacobin Club! And that's a damn fine thing! Due to be released on the second of September, "Soldiers of the Mark" makes for a fine addition to one's music collection. And that goes for punks and bangers alike! For more information be sure to head over to the group's Facebook page posted below.

These Raven Skies-"No Need to Worry" Single

Blackstream Records
2014

With a self-titled debut album due out in August, which you can (and should) pre-order as of June, Calgary-based These Raven Skies (formerly known as Dreams of Reason) present their infectious new single "No Need to Worry" and in the process answer the age old question "What would it sound like if Rob Zombie's (southern born and raised) cousin were to front a groove-based hard rock and roll outfit?". Featuring Jeff Martin of The Tea Party (a man who not only took the band under his wings, but helped them to stream-line their sound while simultaneous bringing in new and exciting elements to enhance their style-thus the name change!) "No Need to Worry" finds the band drawing upon their influences (everything from The Rolling Stones to Soundgarden) in order to pump out a hard & heavy rocker all of their own! For These Raven Skies (lead vocalist Perkins, guitarist Alex Whitcombe, bassist Trevor Landmark and
drummer Shand Munro) it's all about the music and when you're talking about hard-driving rock and roll music like this then it's not so much a message as i is a way of life!


http://theseravenskies.com/

Riot Acts-Walk Where You Struggle

Self-Release/Independent
2014

As someone who has long embraced the concept of a "well-balanced diet", or at least as it pertains to what I listen to over the course of any particular 24-hour period, I made it a goal early one to try everything at the buffet. That of course means that friends and comrades, in a never ending state of well-meaning affection and appreciation of my "unique" tastes, often times drop the names of random bands in my lap with the usual "Hey, check this band out!" tag boldly proclaimed in the e-mail title. As of late I seem to be running hot and cold when it comes to such "suggestions" although (thankfully) Riot Acts proved to be a case where said suggestion was spot on! With this just-released EP, so fresh in fact that it still has that new car smell (!),  Markham/Stouffville-based Riot Acts continues to showcase the overabundance of talent that comes from our friends to the North. It also ends up further proving the merits of melodic hardcore for those few select individuals who still believe that those two terms should never be applied together! With a line-up that includes Tim Hoar and Matt Locicero on guitars and vocals and a rhythm section of Brahm Van Zeeland & Bryan Klotz (bass and drums respectively) this young (at least as far as how long they've been together as it sounds as if they all bring experience to this 5-track release) act is fairly relentless on opener "What's Left After Taxes" up to and including EP closer, "Bar Fight". And it's that sense of urgent uprising that smashes the senses all the more making the aptly-titled "Walk Where You Struggle" highly worth investing in! With that said I encourage even more suggestions as this life our ours is far too short to keep good music to yourself!   

http://riotacts.bandcamp.com/ 

Chapel-Satan's Rock N Roll LP

Invictus Productions
2014

Originally released in August of 2012, with a Japanese CD re-release by Spiritual Beast appearing on February 13th, 2013  (expanding this 10-track release to a 12-track release thanks to the inclusion of  2 bonus tracks in "Gates of Hell" and a cover of Inepsy's "See You in Hell"), Chapel's full-length debut album has just recently been  re-released on vinyl by Invictus Productions. It is the vinyl version of "Satan's Rock N Roll" that I'm covering (or rather the album's MP3s) and, since it's hump day and I'd just like to cut to the chase and try to get more then a few reviews done today, we'll keep things brief. This Canadian act is not treading any new water with this 10-track album of blackened speed/thrash. As long as you realize that and/or expecting that then there's no reason one can't enjoy this album for what it is. Imagine Motörhead as a black metal-inspired outfit and that is more or less what you get with Canada's Chapel. With a few flashes of group's like Tank, Sodom and (of course) Venom sprinkled through-out these 10-tracks this one is what it is-songs about beer drinking, Satan, raising hell and rocking out play out over-top of biker metal and, if one doesn't get all tripped over the fact that it isn't groundbreaking, then an album like this one is at least easy to lift a tall cold one to! If you can look past this one's "influences" then "Satan's Rock N Roll" is a pretty wicked little way to kill a half an hour or so!

https://www.facebook.com/chapelofsatan 

Kill Matilda-#Punk#Zombie#RocknRoll

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Now in it's seventh year of existence, Kill Matilda are a zombie-themed punk rock and roll/heavy metal outfit from Vancouver, British Columbia featuring the collaboration of  husband and wife members Mykel (bass) & Dusty (vocals/guitars) Exner. Along with drummer Marcus Luk, and armed with a sound that draws equal inspiration from bands as diverse as Hole and Garbage (along with the likes of  Paramore, Kittie, The Misfits, Blake Babies, The Heart Throbs, The Distillers, L7, Babes In Toyland, Ramones and 7 Year Bitch), the band has a new, as yet untitled EP set for release sometime later this year. While fans wait for said (Garth Richardson produced) EP the group plans to release this six-song EP early next month. Under the "interesting" title of "#Punk#Zombie#RocknRoll" we have a collection of material that original appeared on Kill Matilda's 2011 full-length debut album, "I Want Revenge". For those new to the band and their quirky punk metal this would be as good off a place as any to start right? But what about fans? Logic would seem to dictate that a EP like this one would have limited appeal to hardcore Kill Matilda followers. So then what would be the draw of  "#Punk#Zombie#RocknRoll"? How about an acoustic version of the band's "Geisha With A Switchblade"? Highlighting the vocal range of the lovely Dusty Exner, "Geisha With A Switchblade" is just one side of the coin when it comes to the overall appeal of this impressive three-piece act. With the tracks "Pomegranate", "I Want Revenge", "Zombie Apocalypse", "Law Abiding Citizen" and "PBJ" rounding out this excellent EP we find the husband and wife duo of Mykel & Dusty tearing through track after track of angry, pissed-off, loud and snotty rock that would make bands like the Sex Pistols and Green Day proud! With the ability to sound caustic and catchy, Kill Matilda won me over early with opener "Pomegranate" thanks to it's punch-to-the-gut take on heavy punk rock and roll and post-grunge/Hole-like delivery. With numbers like "I Want Revenge" and "PBJ" serving up a serious dose of attitude and "Law Abiding Citizen" proving that's there's more then spunk to go around when it comes to pop/punk scene Kill Matilda go a long way towards making me rethink my position that there's nothing new to be found under the sun when it comes female-fronted alternative acts. Heaviness-wise things peak with "Zombie Apocalypse" and the EP's closing number "PBJ". My only gripe would be that just when this Canadian trio seems like their getting really pent-up and ready to blow their tops completely off things "cool down" by reverting back to (snarly) punk rock. As one of the better up-and-coming female-fronted punk metal bands out there Kill Matilda has the power to really tear shit up thanks to versatile lead singer Dusty Exner and it would be so cool to see them go that route. It's been far too long since we've seen or heard from a legitimate female-fronted skate rock act, one capable of braking down walls and providing huge waves within the scene. I'd love to see a band like this do it so (hopefully) Kill Matilda will up the anti and, in the words of the MC5, "Kick out the jams...."! If this Canadian outfit can entertain the notion that they have the power to get really serious and possibly right some wrongs that have been done in the name of (modern day) punk rock then I could see Kill Matilda pushing their way to the front of the pack! Let's hope so as the world needs more strong and empowering female voices that can help bridge the gap between punk and heavy metal!

ToxSyn-ToxSyn

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Hailing from Toronto, Ontario and (for the most part) musically falling somewhere between (heavy) industrial rock (think early N.I.N. and Filter), goth rock and 90's grunge (specifically Alice In Chains and "Louder Then Love"/"Badmotorfinger"-era Soundgarden) the cleverly-named ToxSyn is a one-man project from RC Ricci. With a full-length album reportedly due for release sometime later in 2014, which will be one debut album that I'll be keenly keeping an eye out for(!), this three-track EP offers a ground-floor look at one Canadian act that (hopefully) will be around for a long time to come! Opening with "Crumble to Clay", which is probably the most "commercial"-sounding cut of the three on "ToxSyn", RC Ricci shows off his love for both the old-school (Black Sabbath/Alice Cooper) and "new"-school (Soundgarden/White Zombie) while aiming his sites on creating a distinct sound all his own. And, for the most part, he succeeds in that quest as ToxSyn's sound is fairly unique all around. The heavy metal-tinged "Be My Evil" continues the exploration of both old and newer sounds as does the (early) Ministry-like "Toxic Shock". While they both offer knowing nods of appreciation towards the likes of Rob Zombie I somehow found myself thinking about God Is LSD as well. Although here's the thing. With ToxSyn the delivery is a bit more raw and (in a good way) the project almost has a garage metal-like vibe. Both of those elements give a band like ToxSyn an almost punk-like appeal and a rather charming underground edge. If "ToxSyn" lacks anything it's blistering guitar solos, something that would give this Canadian band a bit more "attitude". Otherwise I like where this project is going and I look forward to hearing more from RC Ricci down the line. 

http://www.toxsyn.com/ 

D.D.T.-Let The Screw...Anthology

No Remorse Records
2013

This 2CD anthology from Canada's cult heavy metal act D.D.T. was released over the summer mere days after my 40th birthday.  How it escaped my radar then I'll probably never know, but seeing as the band's original 1984 EP, "Let The Screw...Turn You On!" has been on my wish list for years now I really dropped the ball as far as keeping an ear out for this 2013 compilation. For most people D.D.T. is either an insecticide or a wrestling move (I'm talking about you Jake "The Snake" Roberts!), but for more then a few of heavy metal's faithful (incl. hardcore collectors!) this five-piece band was something else all together. Formed in Magog, Quebec in December of 1979 the band was spearheaded by three brothers in the form of vocalist François "Frank" Tougas, bassist/vocalist Pierre "Pete" Tougas and lead/rhythm guitarist Paul "Moko" Tougas. Early on the band mixed in original compositions with cover versions of songs from Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin and even the likes of Eric Clapton and The Police! With over 70 cover songs available for set lists and an ever-expanding and maturing sound that seemed inspired by not only Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, but bands like Mötley Crüe, Ratt and AC/DC this Canadian band seemed poised for success. After two early recordings (1983's "Violence" Demo and 1984's "Scarecrow" Rehearsal Tape) the band recorded the "Let The Screw..." EP in the Spring of 1984. Strictly limited to only 1,000 vinyl copies, it would go on to become a highly sought after collector's item and ended up being bootlegged by Revenge Of True Metal Records (Greece) in 1993. That split CD "Outstanding Metal Gems Vol. 05" not only features D.D.T.'s EP, but Madd Hatter's lone 1984 self-titled album as well as the self-titled 1984 EP from Dark Knight. Thankfully this double disc collection will now give this band there proper due and allow D.D.T. to profit from their own music!  Besides the sleazy take on Judas Priest which is the EP's cool title cut (incidentally the track "Let The Screw..." also appeared on 1985's "Moose Molten Metal Volume 1" compilation which was, at one point, actually available on iTunes!), the band's 1984 EP features the raw (80's Judas Priest meets early Mötley Crüe) "Bitches" as well as the (eighties heavy metal done right) cuts "Metal On Ashes", "Wasted" and "Where Were You?". While the title cut is probably the best of the bunch on the EP (especially as it is one of the better eighties metal songs out there!) the whole 5-track is just great. It  pretty much (spot-on) defines eighties heavy metal and is an absolute killer recording even after  all these years! François "Frank" Tougas has a bit of a Rob Halford vibe going for him while the music, which yes, is prime Judas Priest gone dirty rock and roll worship, is just a stone cold chill! Besides Judas Priest and Iron Maiden (aka: eighties heavy metal in a nutshell!) this was a band that could have been seen as a combination of all things loud and proud from that same time period. Bands like AC/DC, Mötley Crüe, Ratt, Twisted Sister, Dio, Black Sabbath, solo Ozzy Osbourne and even Motörhead all walk in and out of this excellent 1984 EP and this collection would be a worthwhile addition for any heavy metal fan just for those 5 tracks! No Remorse Records though has pulled out all the stops with this anthology though so besides the inclusion of the "Let the Screw..." EP you get various demo recordings and 5 live tracks! The only downside is that the anthology stops at the "Sons Of Freedom" demo from 1989. It would have been cool to have the two other demos (which may or may not technical be D.D.T) included, but it is what it is and this 2CD set is still extremely impressive all around! The anthology comes with a nice booklet featuring extended liner notes with complete recording information provided by D.D.T.'s own Pierre "Pete" Tougas. Besides that there are plenty of photos and even an interesting interview with the band! All of which makes for a fun read while you sit back and enjoy this cult Canadian heavy metal band do there thing! For those who are interested I've provided the actual track listing for this 2CD set after this article and I would definitely encourage fans of real hard rock/heavy metal and eighties metal to check this group out. You can find clips featuring their 1984 EP on YouTube and this CD can usually be found for under $20.00 including shipping!

CD 1 features:
1.	Let The Screw...
2.	Bitches
3.	Metal on Ashes
4.	Wasted
5.	Where Were You?
6.	The Encounter
7.	Back in the Street
8.	Violence
9.	Children of War
10.	The Whip
11.	Scarecrow
12.	Cheap Thrills
13.	All the Way
14.	Bitches (live)
15.	Get Ready (live)
16.	I Don't Wanna Be Like You (live)
17.	The Number (live)
18.	Violence (live)
CD 2 features:
1.	In the Name of God
2.	The Number
3.	Loose Brains
4.	Rocks Don't Rust
5.	Rumors of War
6.	Burning
7.	White Lies
8.	Fist
9.	Rock n Roll Dreams
10.	Under the Moonlight
11.	Victims
12.	Wall Street Rats
13.	Against All Odds
14.	No Fool
15.	Going Down
16.	Sons of Freedom
17.	River of Love
18.	Sleeping with the Dog

Tribune-Tales

Corpse Corrosion Music
2013

Since 2004 Vancouver, British Columbia's Tribune, whose sound is a combination of all things heavy (melodic metal, progressive thrash metal, stoner rock, death metal, modern metal, etc.) have been going at it cranking out their own music that, while it might employee many different styles and sounds, still comes off as fairly original. When I last checked in with the band (2012's "Elder Lore / The Dark Arts") I made the comment that the band seemed as if it had gone through my personal CD and vinyl collection picking out bits of this and pieces of that to custom-assemble (either like a mad scientist or a really bored teenage boy!) their own take on heavy metal. I found the album to be quite effective and powerful so when this latest one dropped in my box I expected either more of the same or, justifiably so, a step up. Before we address that issue it should be noted that the 9-track "Tales" is a concept album "based on the writings of renowned authors, like Lovecraft and Wells". Concept albums to me are neither a good thing or a bad thing as I'm all about the music and how it moves you. Seems legit right? After a year or so of waiting to see what this 5-piece act would pull off with "Tales" it has taken me more then a few spins t get my head around this albums. Having enjoyed Tribune's last full-length album this one didn't really do much for me at first. Sure, it is still heavy and features explosive metal as this band rolls out a concept album with music that recalls everyone from Mastodon to Death. Meanwhile lead vocalist Bryan Baker conveys a lot of emotions and is able to pull off both clean and harsh vocals and, on first listen, this album came of as a really metal beast! But the downside of "Tales" falls within the territory of "too much experimentation and not enough consistency". In an attempt to make "Tales" as varied as possible while still cranking everything all the way up to 11 (oh Spinal Tap how I do love you so much!) the album nearly flies off the tracks! At the rate these Canadian metalheads are throwing everything at you it's like you're stuck on some hastily-assembled carnival ride going nowhere but up in flames. While the ride might start off exciting, even thrilling you and your lovely carnival date, the danger becomes all too real as it strikes you that not as much care was put into this as should be!    
Canada's Tribune sound insane on "Tales" for the first listen. After repeated listens though it was as smooth as previously thought. With that I have to admit that I didn't enjoy "Tales" as much as their previous album. Maybe hardcore fans will be more forgiving, but as for me I think I'll just stick with my copy of 2012's "Elder Lore / The Dark Arts".