Traveler-Demo 2018

Self-Release/Independent
2018

Traveler is a Canadian heavy/power metal band from Calgary, Alberta that is fronted by Jean-Pierre Abboud. Influenced by vintage metal, epic metal, (classic) U.S. power metal, and N.W.O.B.H.M., Traveler comes across as a veteran outfit at the peak of it's career! That is not entirely unexpected (given the bios of the three musicians behind this project), but what is surprising is just how exceptional this demo is! Recorded at Richhobo Studios over the winter of 2017, the 3-track "Demo 2018" was written by guitarist/bassist Matt Ries. With drummer Jan Loncik rounding out the line-up, the songs are "Starbreaker", "Behind The Iron", and "Mindless Maze". All three numbers are simply fantastic(!), Traveler mixing phenomenal metal music with Jean-Pierre Abboud's epic voice! On a scale of 1-10, Traveler's demo gets a 10 all day long!! So far this is only available as digital download, but I have no doubt that some record label is going to scoop this release up.

Warcall-Invaders

Plan B Music
2017

Warcall is a Canadian thrash metal band that is comprised of Gord (vox, bass), Mat (guitar, backing vox), and Phil (drums). Initially formed way back in 1997 and originally going by the name Plan B, Warcall opted for the moniker change in 2007 and never looked back. As of 2017 the group has four full-length albums to it's name with their latest, "Invaders", serving as my first introduction to these hard thrashin' metal maniacs. Up front I should probably say that promo material sold Warcall as a mix of Motörhead and Dissection. That was soon followed by the claim that Warcall's new disc was also inspired by the likes of Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Slayer. As a longtime fan of all things Lemmy, Iron Maiden, Slayer, and (pre-Black era) Metallica all of this chatter certainly caught my attention. Having now listened to this album I am happy to report that all of points are valid. From Motörhead to Dissection, "Invaders" is a tale of many different influences merging together to make 10 tracks of blistering thrash rock. Not only do those influences include all of the acts listed above, but I can pick up on bands like Exodus, Prong, C.O.C. ("Animosity" and forward), Sepultura, Anthrax, Cro-Mags, and (the three-piece years of) Sodom. All of these cool influences fit nicely together and help to make "Invaders" a disc that should appeal to fans of heavy-rocking thrash. Ultimately lead vocalist Gord and company transformed me into an instant fan thanks to their new disc. Ah, scratch that noise. With it's thick bass lines, riff-happy guitars, and rock-steady drums, "Invaders" has turned me into a Warcall fanatic overnight! Maybe it will do the same thing to some of you.....

Stallion's Mane-Stallion's Mane

Independent/Self-Release
2017

Released on January 19th, "Stallion's Mane" is the debut EP from the Canadian heavy metal band of the same name. It is available on cassette tape and as a digital download. The cassette version is limited to a mere 50 copies(!) and the two songs on this EP are "Antimatter Siege" and "Wasteland Rebels". Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Stallion's Mane is a bit of a mystery as there are no members listed on the group's bandcamp page and there doesn't appear to any sort of website associated with the name! That being said, "Stallion's Mane" is the sound of 100% pure heavy metal done right. It has style and it has class.  There is obviously some serious talent going on behind the scene. At only two dollars to download (and $5.00 plus shipping for the cassette) this nine minute plus EP is far too good to not share!! Hopefully this is just the starting point for this mysterious outfit...

Axxion-Back In Time

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Active since 2011 (and featuring some top-notch musicians who have spent time in such group's as Skull Fist, Cauldron, and Phantom!), Axxion* is a (simply stellar) four-piece Canadian heavy metal/speed metal band with one EP, a single, and two full-length albums to it's name thanks to the forthcoming "Back In Time". The band, which is based in Toronto and lead by crazy mad vocalist Dirty D Kerr** (ex-King, ex-Midnight Malice), offers up one hell of an appealing vintage sound on their soon to be released sophomore album and with nine tracks of pure metal love going on here it's all but impossible to go wrong! The all too brief "Attakr" opens things up on "Back In Time" and from there it's just one blazing hot cut after another until the totally kick ass number that is "Sinner" finally burns everything around you to the ground!! As this highly-energetic group takes it's cues from not only 80's metal, but N.W.O.B.H.M., Swedish traditional heavy metal, and the early days of the U.S.P.M. moment (!) there is more than enough nostalgia to go around. Does that mean Axxion's newest album won't appeal to modern heavy metal fanatics? Thanks to the outstanding lead work of Sir Shred (ex-30 Years Too Late, ex-Carpadium, ex-Skull Fist ) and the overwhelming display of power that is Axxion's rhythm section*** the answer to that question is a resounding "Hell No!". True heavy metal thunder runs through the veins of this hard-hitting & high-flying Canadian band and it's almost as if it is a matter of principle that their particular take on the "subject" should be as universally accessible as humanly possible. Or to put it another way, "Back In Time" should easily find it's way into the loving hands of older and younger' metalheads alike and that is thanks in no small part to the album's overall sense of enthusiasm and this young band's keen ability to craft memorable material that makes you long to hear more! When the only downside to be found on your sophomore release is it's short length (Dammit(!), I needed way more heavy metal goodness than this album's mere 34 minute time limit allowed!!) you know your band is onto something special. But, that's Axxion for you in a nutshell! This Toronto tornado of a heavy metal band is something truly and the same goes for this gem of a release! Here in the U.S. this album is due out on October 15th so be sure to grab a reliable highlighter and circle the date! This is one album that is not to be missed!!

 


*Pronounced "action" and it is a fitting moniker for this Canadian act!


**Dirty D Kerr does all kinds of wild and crazy things on the mic and at times you do have to wonder if some of them are even possible in this realm of existence that we call life on planet Earth! Sometimes his high pitch notes reminded me of Steve Grimmet (Grim Reaper) while other times I wasn't sure what the hell was going on LOL! Either way it was always enjoyable and at the end of the day it made this album come alive for me!!


***Axxion's drummer is Alison Thunderland  (Phantom, ex-Skull Fist) and she is all kinds of wonderful on this heavy metal platter. This impressive musician provides some outstanding fucking awesome drumming on "Back In Time" (it is just too damn hot to handle folks!) and if that wasn't enough she also steps up to the mic when called for! That's right my fellow metal maniacs, "Back In Time" has both male and female vocals and that kind of coolness is all thanks to the one and only Alison Thunderland!! I can't help but wonder how much heavy metal would benefit from having more exceptional musicians like her, but really that is another story (and a worthwhile one at that!) that is best saved for some other time. Anyway, the bass duties on "Back In Time" fall to Axxion's newest member, Jason Decay. Well-known for his work in the group Cauldron, Jason Decay (ex-Forcefed, ex-Goat Horn, ex-Thor, ex-Ash Lee Blade (live), ex-Corpsebike, ex-Kïll Cheerleadër) brings a shit lead of talent to Axxion's latest release and in his role as the group's new bass player he does not disappoint! The bass work on "Back In Time" is nearly perfect and when it is combined with the other unique elements that are at play here it gives this 9-track album a very nice edge.

Free Metal Monday:Wacken Metal Battle Canada Compilation Vol. 4

Here's a HUGE offering for today's Free Metal Monday piece. The self-explanatory "Wacken Metal Battle Canada Compilation Vol. 4" was released back in February and this INSANE sampler features a whopping 96 tracks from the various bands that took part in this year's competition! This incredible digital compilation will not only get you thru this Monday, but the whole FREAKING week! You can get it for free by clicking on this link

Scissortooth-Novagomorrah

Galy Records
2015

Scissortooth is a Vancouver, British Columbia-based metal outfit that was formed in 2003 by two former members of the band Mantra, Derek Lundblad (vocals/guitar) and Shawn Hoskins (drums). Bass guitarist Ken Firomski (Cradle to Grave, ex-Iron Gypsy, ex-Empyria) fills out the current line-up of Scissortooth with the self-produced "Novagomorrah" serving as the group's full-length debut. The CD, which has 11 tracks and clocks in at close to sixty minutes(!), was sent my way by Carly Ashbey of Asher Media Relations and I feel as if I owe her a huge debt of gratitude! With Scissortooth it's as if someone raided my (often times odd) personal music collection and (after pulling out a handful of some of my favorites albums*) pounded everything together with a HUGE hammer that was forged from the fiery remains of Type O Negative, Black Sabbath, Pantera, Disturbed, and Lamb of God! After you have a moment to check out those far-ranging  albums that I posted below you'll (hopefully) understand what all this band is packing when it comes to this dope CD! Yes, I actually just used the word dope to describe a promo that I got in the mail, but this really is one of those rare occasions where all of the stars outside align and the metal gods above and below us let out a huge scream that says "Let there be METAL!"  My only question as far as this groove-heavy & thrashomatic CD trio goes (what with it's hooks that kill and too wild to tame tempos!)  is "Where have you fine gentlemen been hiding all this time?". I really could have used your album here to vanquish the souls of my enemy you know! Because this album is MIGHTY and worth it's wait in riff-laden gold I'll let it slide this time! You've done me (and in general the scene at large) a solid by rocking it all out and then some so I've just got one more thing to add to this piece. For all of our readers you're going to want to run (That's right ladies and gents. Don't walk but RUN! And RUN as fast as you possibly can RUN!) out and grab this disc! Well, that is if you're a fan of innovative hard & heavy thrash metal that's genuine and as free of pretentious "Look at me I'm in a metal band so worship me as your new god!" nonsense as they come!  Need more info? You can find this band online here and then you can order the CD by going here.



*Among many others these albums would be "Kill 'Em All" (Metallica), "South of Heaven" (Slayer), "Music For Insect Minds" (Halo of Flies), "Damaged" (Black Flag), "Fistful of Metal" (Anthrax), "Louder Than Love" (Soundgarden), "Facelift" (Alice In Chains), "The Land of Rape and Honey" (Ministry), "Animosity" (C.O.C.), "The Best of Motörhead"** (Motörhead), "Spirit of Suicide" (God Is LSD), "Houdini" (Melvins), "Blood Farmers" (Blood Farmers), and "Slaughter in the Vatican" (Exhorder).

**I know I'm cheating by simply listing this 2CD set, but it is what it is folks.

Shock-Forewarned

Self-Release/Independent
2015

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

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

Ice War-Battle Zone

Self-Release/Independent
2015

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

My Hollow-On Borrowed Time

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Due to drop on July 31st (and more than a little likely to explode on contact when it does!), "On Borrowed Time" is the latest release from Toronto, Ontario's My Hollow and as suggested by it's sweet art-work it has all the subtlety of two-ton anvil slamming down on a set of pearly whites! It follows the same set of blue-prints that this (highly-regarded) band laid out on their 2012 debut EP, "Cold Dark Days", and that of course means more heavy & harsh metal from a group that is all at once progressive and groovy as F**K! You can actually hear the wicked raw title track at the bandcamp link posted above, but perhaps a word of caution is in order before you head that way. As it's over five minutes long this album's aggressive opening title track is a stone-cold beast and a blood-crazed one at that! And just like you would do when faced with any wild animal you don't want to turn your back on it! Because if you do make that mistake with the ferocious title track "On Borrowed Time" it will tear you to shreds! And to think that is just ONE of the album's fierce new numbers! Yep, you are going to want to pre-order this one so why not just stop what you're doing and take care of that business now? Personally I can't think of any good reason why you wouldn't want to pull that trigger.

The Golers-South Mountain Style

Self-Release/Independent
2015

I know what you're all thinking, but don't let their name or this re-release's cover art fool you. The Vancouver, British Columbia band known as The Golers are anything but a bunch of slack-jawed yokels! Named after the infamous Nova Scotian Goler clan, Canada's own The Golers are a crossover/thrash metal band whose latest full-length release, "In 'n' Outlaws", earned high praise from fans and critics alike. Now (thanks in no small part to the continuing high demand that is placed on this band's debut album here) these punk/hardcore thrashers are all set to unleash a digital re-issue of this album which was originally released way back in 1999! What's more the band (guitarist/lead vocalist Charlie, guitarist/vocalist Henry, bassist/vocalist Jonny and drummer Cranswick) will be bringing their punk thrash/crossover sound out on the road when they take part in a cross-country Canadian tour this summer. One would have to think that this kind of crossover simply kills it on the live stage seeing as everything about this band is extreme! For The Golers (who incidentally were formed out of the ashes of a band called Subversion in 1998) "South Mountain Style" was a great start and since then the band has only grown stronger. If you are a fan of bands like D.R.I., C.O.C., M.O.D., S.O.D., Suicidal Tendencies and even Slayer you will find that there is much to enjoy about The Golers and their take on crossover metal/thrash. You can pre-order "South Mountain Style" by heading here and be sure to head over to the group's Facebook page so that you can be kept up to date on this band's comings and goings.

Them County Bastardz-Sick Daze

Smokehouse Records
2015

Formed back in 2013 and based in Essex County, Them County Bastardz is the answer to the age old questions "Does Canada have it's own special breed of rednecks?" and "What would happen if said Canadian rednecks formed a countrified hard rock/heavy metal band?". Otherwise what we are looking at when it comes to the 27 minute plus "Sick Daze" is one band taking a little from this ("Cowboys From Hell'-era Pantera) and a little from that ("Facelift"-era Alice in Chains) by way of the likes of AC/DC, Black Label Society, "Blind"-era C.O.C., Damageplan, Godsmack and Hell Yeah. If that sounds your idea of the perfect party mix (and really why wouldn't it??????) then by all means snag a copy of "Sick Daze" and let the good times roll!

Gatekrashör-Gatekrashör

Hard and Heavy Records
2014

Active since 2008 and made up of musicians with ties to such bands as Fornication, Barbatos, Hrom and Reborn Pariah, Gatekrashör is a (raw) speed metal act from Killgary, Alberta. Managed by Lucifer himself  and influenced by Beer, Sluts, USPM Legends and all the bands who worship the true metal gods! (or mostly just beer!!) this fearsome, four-headed beast unmasked itself and made the scene with a demo in 2010 before terrorizing the public even more by rolling out a pair of splits in "Graveyard Assault" and "Speed Metal Kills" (2010 and 2011 respectively). In 2012 the members of Gatekrashör cranked things up a "notch or two" ( and in the process ended up further exposing the unpredictable nature of their Exciter/Judas priest-infused speed metal anarchy!) when they kicked down the door with "Fear Of Attack". While that five-track EP showed the band's potential to raise holy (heavy metal) hell when the time calls for it the full-length "Gatekrashör" is another story all together! And that is where we (as jovial madmen, fellow drunks, lovers of all things hard & heavy (music-wise you filthy-minded scumbags!!!!) and all around supporters of indie/underground metal) join Gatekrashör. Available on cassette as well as digital download, "Gatekrashör" does it just right in my book thanks to the "all guns blazing" approach of opener/instrumental "Banzai". Reminiscent of not only Canadian greats like Exciter, Razor and Anvil, but the time-honored and well-loved "Venom/Motörhead sound", "Banzai" merges perfectly into "Force Of The Blade" and by that point I was hooked! For this Canadian act excellence starts up front and that is thanks to the (unholy) shrill voice of  metallic screamer/demonic dreamer Speed Metal Enforcer (aka Dan Neild). If his voice (which equally brings to mind Dan Beehler and Cronos!) doesn't motivate you to mayhem then most certainly the backing band of Gatekrashör should! In no way whatsoever should this album be looked at as a cut and paste response to Gatekrashör's choice list of potential musical influences* (Razor, Exciter, Destruction, (early) Sodom, At War, Venom, Judas Priest, Anvil, Motörhead, Raven, Tank, Discharge, Carnivore, Chainsaw (Is the Law), Chainsaw (Hell's Burnin' Up),  Robespierre, Baphomet's Blood, etc.), but that particular list very well could (and maybe even should) be seen as a cheat sheet as far as why I would enthusiastically recommend this band to my fellow (beer drinking and leather jacket sporting!) speed metal junkies! Gatekrashör's self-titled album is a loud and mean, fast and raw, rock metal kick in the nuts. In other words I love this banger of a full-length and I suspect i won't be alone in that assessment for too much longer...
 
* I say potential as half are admitted influences while the other are band's I picked up on. And meanwhile all of these bands are groups that I totally dig anyway so yes, this album slays!

 https://www.facebook.com/RareMetal


http://gatekrashor.bandcamp.com/album/gatekrash-r

Where Giants Once Stood-Live Above EP

Self-Release/Independent
2014

"Live Above" is the upcoming release from Toronto metal act Where Giants Once Stood. Due for release on September 2nd and serving as the follow-up to 2013's "The Changing" (a release which garnered high praise from critics and fans alike!) this Jon Howard (Threat Signal) produced EP showcases a young band that has already found it's footing. Standing at the crossroads of thrash, melodic hardcore, classic hardcore and traditional heavy metal this Toronto act is fronted by Reshaun Page, a powerhouse of a lead vocalist whose approach to singing is nothing if not extreme!

Jordan Turnbull – Lead Guitar/Vocals,  Reshaun Page – Lead Vocals ,  Scott Major – Rhythm Guitar/Vocals , Austin Hamilton- Drums  – Photo Credit – Logan Swinkels

 

Having already shared the stage with acts such as Chelsea Grin, Veil of Maya, Iwrestledabearonce and Beartooth (among others!) this young band features a line-up destined to destroy the modern metal scene thanks to mad skills of lead guitarist Jordan Turnbull (classic heavy metal solos mix it up with thrash attacks and down in the dirty streets hardcore brutality!) and songwriting that is fresh and full of energy! You can check out the EP's tough as nails opening track, "Living In Security" thanks to it's official video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zztYBohMvjY .Then be sure to head over to the group's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/wheregiantsoncestood) so that you can follow this epic young and (if fortune smiles upon you!) see the group live in living/thrashing color!

Protokult-No Beer In Heaven

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Calling Toronto, Ontario home (even if we are talking about a group with Polish, Irish, Russian and Czech members!) we have the band Protokult and their (horrific prophesy masquerading as an album title) release "No Beer In Heaven". Initially formed as a three-piece (Martin Drozd-Vocals, Guitar, Synthesizer, Dawid Slowiak-Bass and Mike Matveev-Drums) and having had more than it's fair share of shake-ups (the ex-members list being a half-mile long and all!) this Canadian collective features the following musicians on this, the group's sophomore outing:
Martin Drozd- Vocals, guitars, darbuka, jaw harp, synthesizer
Ekaterina – Soprano and traditional vocals, recorders, psaltery, zhaleika & sopilka.
Dawid Slowiak- Bass, group chants
Jeremy Jackson (Vodnik) – Guitars, group chants
Mike Matveev- Drums
Now, if you are looking at that line-up and thinking to yourself  "Gee, with that line-up I'm betting that we're talking about a folk metal something or rather metal band" then give yourself a great big pat on the back!
Protokult, whose lyrical interests include history, paganism and folklore, are every bit a folk loving band. The only difference between these "Canadians" and similarly-themed acts is the way in which everything is executed! First things first. I'll throw this info out so that there is NO mistaking where I'm coming from with bands like this. When it comes to folk and metal it's not a particular genre that I'm terribly familiar with or even comfortably reviewing. But, I'm always open to whatever crosses my path music-wise and this one came from a wonderful individual so I'm jumping head fist into these waters friends! With that said we're talking about folk metal or metal folk (!), but with this group there's some interesting black metal elements  and there's even a bit of an attempt made at adding ambient overtures!  As the follow-up to 2011's "Marzena", with the band's full-length debut album, "Ancestral Anthems" having dropped in 2010 (seven years after the band first formed!), "No Beer In Heaven" apparently started off as a collection of material intending to fill out an EP. Or at least that's how it sounds going by the promo material. Whatever the case may be this one benefits greatly from Ekaterina Pyatkova's lovely voice (a lovely voice to match a lovely front-lady-how can you go wrong?) and the fact that it seldom wanders off two far off of the beaten track! All-around atmospheric (dark and eerie!) and defiantly living up to the whole "pagan metal" thing (as well as showing a love for alcohol which is something I can always appreciate!) Protokult's creative "No Beer In Heaven" has it's own level of heaviness to go along with it's adventurous song-constructions. Even if I'm not the best person to review these kind of LPs I do know what I like and what I find enjoyable and this one hit both of those targets! While I simply cannot give any recommendations (in so far as who this group sounds like) I do recommend "No Beer In Heaven" as a release. From it's dark vibe to it's semi-inventive (to these ears) take on folk metal (and not to mention it's construction and overall execution!) "No Beer In Heaven"  is a cool release and one that I will be partaking off at my next earliest convenience!

Super Massive Black Holes-Calculations of the Ancients

Minotauro Records.
2014

Kitchen sink metal anyone? Canadian band Super Massive Black Holes has you covered. Formed back in 2010 by the band's two guitarists, Denver Bergreen (Anakronis) and Jake Reimer (Statue of Demur), and with a pair of EPs having presided this, their first full-length album, "Calculations of the Ancients", this is one bad that sure seems to live and breath by the motto "the more the merrier"! In this case that's a hairy buffalo's worth of inebriating beverages from the potent, pure grade alcohol that is death metal to the juicy mixes such as progressive rock, post-rock and free-form jazz! And when tackled by this up-and-coming metal band it seems to go from business to usual to all out chaos and destruction! Or to put it another way, this is about a 50/50 kind of release where Super Massive Black Holes are either capable of really nailing it or widely striking out! Naturally points are awarded for trying their hands at something as advantageous as "Calculations of the Ancients", but next time around could we possibly look into getting a lead vocalist with a bit more range?

Free Metal Monday: Wacken Metal Battle Canada Compilation Vol. 2

Self-Released/Independent
2014

It's been awhile since I posted a  Free Metal Monday feature so to make up for that (and the lack of articles as of late from our site*) I am throwing out this EPIC 81-track(!!!!) compilation that was released in conjunction with this years Wacken Metal Battle! I won't name all the names, but needless to say quite a few of these entries have graced our pages before and (genre-wise) these independent Canadian acts offer a lot of bang for the buck (even more so as this digital download is FREE!!!!!). While the release might seem a little overwhelming at first (81 tracks after all!) there is a TON of cool metal to be found so this one is highly recommended!


https://wackenmetalbattlecanada.bandcamp.com/album/wacken-metal-battle-canada-compilation-vol-2

*In addition to it having been spring break around these parts, my son Matt turned 14 last week so it was a busy eight of so days in our house! As a single father of two teens (my other child, Haley, will be 16 in June and yes, I am freaking out a bit at that prospect!) it can all get a bit crazy and sometimes I do bite off a bit more then I can chew! Hopefully I'll be getting back on track though this week and more articles should appear! 

Kolony-"Echoes" Single

Self-Release/Independent
2014

With a full album slated for sometime in 2014, Montréal-based Kolony recently released the single "Echoes". Along with "Anthem", another single from their upcoming album titled "Sledge" with a decidedly modern heavy rock meets N.W.O.B.H.M. take on Metallica (if the Bay Area bunch was keen on folk metal that is!), "Echoes" carries itself rather nicely and points toward what will most-likely be a rather solid offering (if the album teaser posted below is anything to go by). Self-dubbed "melodic rock metal", which seems rather fitting given the solid footing of the hard-driving "Echoes", the band is fronted by vocalist/rhythm guitarist Reno and rounded out by lead guitarist/backing vocalist Maxxx, bassist/backing vocalist Myk and drummer Anthony. 

You can hear both "Echoes" and the band's other single "Anthem" in their entirety below (both of which are well-crafted examples of just how effective modern rock/heavy can be when played by a bunch of fun-loving guys drawing from all thing early eighties!) as well as get a sneak-peak at "Sledge", and album that (hopefully) I'll be able to secure for review!
 "Echoes"
http://kolony.bandcamp.com/ 

"Anthem"
http://kolony.bandcamp.com/track/anthem

Album teaser:
http://kolony.bandcamp.com/track/kolony-sledge-album-teaser

Deathpoint-Sinister

STM
2013

Distributed by Spread The Metal Records (home of, among others, Sanktuary, Edge of Attack, Whorecore and Answer With Metal) and sporting a recommendation for fans of As I Lay Dying, In Flames, Intandem, Nine Inch Nails, Periphery, Soilwork, Stone Sour, Tesseract, Tool and Threat Signal, this sophomore release from Hamilton, Ontario's Deathpoint (cool name!) almost slipped right on past me. Had it not been for a recent press-release imploring me to check out the band's new video for this album's opening cut ("For Your Eyes Only") I may have very well skimmed past this Canadian outfit. As the follow-up to 2010's full-length "Fixation", with a 2011 EP titled "Suffer" sandwiched in-between, "Sinister" finds Deathpoint with a new lead vocalist in tow (Tom Emmans of Odium fame) and a sound that, at least when it comes to the ears of this old man, closes in on a lot of what passes for "modern metal" in this day and age before smothering it under a huge wave of nu metal/heavy rock riffs! Officially dubbed a "melodic groove metal band" the band, whose humble roots can be traced back to 2005 (at which point bassist/founding member Brad Gold, still a teenager mind you, started rocking out in his basement alongside childhood friend/guitarist Cameron White) before having their first show in late 2007, the band relies of same kind of huge metallic riffs that could (theoretically) connect the likes of Drowning Pool and Killswitch Engage! That being said, "Sinister" is case of good times and bad times as I'll (hopefully) explain. First the good. Besides the rolling waves of heavy rock riffs, which (in addition to the album's above "recommendations") brings to mind anyone and everyone from Mudvayne to bands like Five Finger Death Punch, (early) Avenged Sevenfold, Shadows Fall and even Pantera(!), the (clean and harsh) vocals of new member Tom Emmans are unnerving! This skilled front-man helps Deathpoint keep the listener off-balance as his rough, tension-filled approach gives "Sinister" a cold, uncaring and unapologetic (in regards to it's antagonistic attitude) atmosphere! There's not much more to it then that. On that front, as you take a look at a release like "Sinister" from far away, this unflinching, ungodly nine-track album can do a crap load of damage. And that's all good right? Well, the problem is when you start to take a closer look at each number you start to notice a familiar trend. While the audio-intensity of "Sinister" is never in question the actual execution remains somewhat dubious. If you were to take any of these tracks on their own and isolate them the music would be impressive. Your force-feed these monster riffs after-all and Deathpoint has no qualms about steamrolling over the listener thanks to the interplay of the guitars and bass. Unfortunate as it may be (and it pains me to say this about such crunchy, groove-laden metal music) much of this album tends to blur together as riffs a recycled at an alarming rate! You could argue that the lead guitarist work (provided by Tim Ross and  Henry Joldersma) is simply distinctive and (therefore) Deathpoint has a trademarked sound already. I wouldn't fault anyone for taking that approach as bands like AC/DC and Motörhead, which I both love, have been recycling the same riffs over and over for years. The only difference would be that Deathpoint, in the grand scheme of things, is not all that old of a group and that here we are talking about just one album! Is it enough for me to write off a release like this one? No. There is still a lot to be taken away from an album like "Sinister" and it shows that Deathpoint has the potential for releasing something absolutely killer! At this point though we're talking about an album where it's not as if you can't enjoy it on it's own merits or anything. It's just that it's best not to over-think this one or dwell to much on each track as I did because you might just be disappointed.

Skull Fist-Chasing the Dream

NoiseArt Records
2014

I've long had a soft spot for Canadian heavy metal/speed metal band Skull Fist. Having loved the band's 2011 full-length debut album "Head öf the Pack" (which I did review at one in time) and having picked up (and subsequently devoured) their cleverly-titled "Heavier Than Metal" EP (released in 2010 it was the follow-up to the band's 2006 "No False Metal" demo) I was psyched to see this one land in my inbox. With founding member/sole surviving original member Jackie Slaughter (ex-30 Years Too Late, ex-Carpadium, Jackie Slaughter Experience, ex-Mäniac, ex-Kïll Cheerleadër) once again taking the reins on lead vocals and guitar and with some like-minded metalheads backing him up "Chasing the Dream", which runs about 37 minutes long and totally kicks ass(!), is the perfect follow-up to "Head öf the Pack"! Over the course of nine fist-banging, "Throw those devil horns in the air and mosh your hearts out!", cuts of pure heavy metal love this New Wave Of Traditional Heavy Metal (NWOTHM) four-piece rolls out the red carpet for fans of crazy good, "Hell Bent For Leather" on a "Highway To Hell", heavy metal! By this point in his career (Seeing as Skull Fist is pretty much just a vehicle for a certain someone to live out his love of honest-to-goodness, bang your head like a maniac, heavy metal!) main-man Jackie Slaughter knows what he wants and how to deliver it and, in doing so, having now thrown off the colorful musical inspirations in favor of a more original and downright distinctive sound and style, he proves that Skull Fist are now the innovators and not the followers! Easily in the running (and most assuredly my a choice for!) for heavy metal album of the year for 2014! Translation? Pick this one up and rage on my friends....rage on!