Riffocity-Under A Mourning Sky

Soman Records
2017

Formed in late 2003, Riffocity is a thrash metal band from Greece that is fronted by Thomas Trabouras (ex-Blood Covered, ex-Flames). Last year the group self-released their debut EP, "Disciples of the Storm". The fifty minute plus "Under a Mourning Sky" is Riffocity's first full-length recording. It was sent to me by guitarist/vocalist and band founder Dimitris Kalaitzidis (ex-War Device). Mixed and mastered by Bob Katsionis at Sound Symmetry Studio, "Under A Mourning Sky" opens up in the best way possible thanks to the riff-heavy "Hail Thy Father"! This six minute slammer drives home the significance of the group's moniker. Riffocity is not only a cool name for a hard-edge thrash act like this, but it also provides a keen insight into the motivation of this Greek outfit. Even though the next number, "Arnis Oblvion", opens by way of peaceful keys it eventually twist and turns itself about. Ultimately it brings out the heavy and it makes you realize that this band means business! Armed to the teeth with explosive thrash metal riffs, guitarists Dimitris Kalaitzidis & George Lezkidis lay down solos that are sure to brutalize your speakers. With a seriously-heavy and hard as a rock band like this one it's just one long thrash jam and that's a good thing. If there is any fault to be found with Riffocity's debut album then it is indeed minor. Some might argue for more variety in place of the huge mountains of riffs, but to me that is hardly a problem. At the end of the day I am awarding this (riff-infused) thrash attack album a solid A.

Böneyard-Below Mediocrity

Witches Brew
2017

Formed back on October 31st of 2015 and featuring two musicians that have ties to the Greek death metal outfit Foul Entry (vocalist Teethsmasher and bassist Defouler), Böneyard is a blackened street metal/punk speed metal band that seems to share my deep affection  for "Welcome To Hell"-era Venom, Israel's Promiscuity and all things Motörhead! What happens when you throw in some mad love for Sweden's Bathory and Gehennah? Obviously enough you end up with "Below Mediocrity". With four original compositions and a cover of  Gehennah's "Decibel Rebel", Böneyard's debut EP can be played several times over before the cops show up to investigate your next-door neighbors noise complaint!! That's right folks. Thanks to the guys in Böneyard (who are not to be confused with the Spanish act that gave us "Fear of a Zombie Planet") you could be kicking out the jams in style while the cops are in the process of kicking down your front door!! Nice. Available as a digital download and on CD, "Below Mediocrity"* is meant to be played as loud as humanly possible! It's a wildly reckless release from a raw and crazy band that also includes guitarist The Witcher and guitarist The Chatterer. And to answer your next question, yes, I do want this CD for my personal collection! I also want to see what else these guys have up their sleeves!!  





*Drums are courtesy of Giorgos Melios (Rapture, ex-Acid Fury)

Amken-Theater of the Absurd

No Remorse Records
2017

Amken is a thrash metal band from Greece that has been active since 2011. For whatever reason the group is only now getting around to issuing their first full-length release, "Theater of the Absurd". While it's a shame that is has taken this up-and-coming band so long to get to it, Amken's 8-song debut is a 10 out of 10 album that is so incredibly good that it leaves me speechless! As a life-long fan of all things thrash (from the Bay Area scene to Germany's Big Three!) I cannot find a single fault with this Greek band or their full-length debut!! Our longtime readers should know how much of a complement it is when I say this next part. Amken would have been a perfect fit on my favorite compilation, "Rising Metal"!  Originally released in 1988 on K-Tel International Records,  "Rising Metal" features bands like Death Angel, Slayer, Overkill, Exodus, Megadeth, and Testament. Over time it has become one of the greatest examples of thrash metal done right. Other than Chicago's Trouble, "Rising Metal" is one Grade A thrash band after another. When I first heard this Greek band I couldn't help but place them in the same category as these legends. And this is just the band's debut album! I can't even image how great this band will get over time. Kudos to No Remorse Records for this HOT signing!

Free Metal Monday: Mad John The Wise-Mad John The Wise EP

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Released back in early 2014, "Mad John The Wise" is the powerful debut EP from the four-peace Greek hard rock/progressive metal band of the same name. This name-your-own-price digital download features four amazing numbers from guitarist/vocalist Dimos Ioannou and company* with the shortest of the bunch (the excellent "Green pills"!) falling in at seven minutes and twenty three seconds! Armed to the teeth with technical weaponry that makes my head spin (and not to mention melodic wizardly that is pound for pound some of the best out there!) this talented Athens-based quartet effortlessly merges riff-heavy hard rock, progressive rock/metal, and traditional/melodic metal into something that is intelligent, timeless and 100% original. It's also highly enjoyable and demanding of multiple listens, but would you really expect anything less than that from a band named Mad John The Wise? With a new album in the works (yeah!) this extremely epic foursome shouldn't be that far off from becoming a house-hold name in progressive rock/metal circles. Oddly enough this band looks to be unsigned, but if this band keeps on putting out exceptional material like this that should change sooner than later. In the mean time be sure to pick up this first recording from Mad John The Wise because it is way too good to pass up. Obviously it is a absolute must download for anyway that claims to love progressive rock and/or metal. Let's not dispute that for a second. That being said, "Mad John The Wise" has a lot to offer for casual hard rock and heavy metal fans. Mainly we are talking about it's almighty bass and rhythm riffs, but at it's core this sweet EP also has some (thick) pounding drums and killer lead solos that are very metallic! Just check out opening number "My Dearest Crime" and you'll hear what I'm talking about! And don't even get me started on the raspy voice of Dimos Ioannou!! In a very cool way his style of singing gives "Mad John The Wise" a eerie kind of atmosphere and it is one of those vibes that is usually reserved for doom metal and dark metal recordings. Not that the EP itself goes in that direction. Again, this is progressively-tinged hard rock/heavy metal and damn fine progressively-tinged hard rock/heavy metal at that! Instead it's just a case where the raspy voice of Dimos Ioannou adds another metallic element to what is already a heavy release. Given all of that, "Mad John The Wise" is worse a listen whether you are into progressive music or not. And seeing as it is free and all.......



*Dimitris Ntolkas-Guitar
  Orestes Katsaros-Bass
  Spiros Stefanis-Drums

 

Ghost Season- Ghosts Like Her

Self-Release/Independent
2014

You will have to forgive me as I'm showing up late to the party that is Athens, Greece-based band Ghost Season. With a full-length album planned for sometime later this year it was just this month (March 4th to be precise) that I was first introduced to the band's debut offering, "Ghosts Like Her". Unfortunately I promptly went and tucked this EP away in a "To Do" folder and then (seeing as it is Mr. Flaky here that we're talking about!) I forgot all about checking that folder until today! Compounding the issue is the fact that I have far too many similarly-titled and themed folders which I desperately need to clean out. So, let me then be the first to apologize to Ghost Season and the nice folks over at Metal Revelation Promotion who first sent this EP to Metal Mark for consideration. My bad. Hopefully I'll be able to make it up to everyone once Ghost Season's new album comes out as I'd really love to review it! With all of that out of the way let us now move back to this Greek band that was formed during the summer of 2013 by bassist Dorian Gates of Clairvoyant, Night Guest and Madleaf fame. Those first two names are of the metal variety whereas Madleaf is a stoner rock/grunge-like band.  That is worth mentioning seeing as Ghost Season's sound comes at you from many different angles and it represents many different styles. With a total running time of 20 minutes and forty two seconds this highly recommend EP finds Dorian and his crew combining older hard rock and heavy metal ideas with newer alternative and modern rock influences for a sound that is all at once charmingly retro yet current and (you better believe it friends) majestically hip! Further credit most go to the surrounding cast of characters which includes highly-versatile lead singer Nick Lountos, guitarists Nash Sinner (ex-Station 11) and Nick Christolis (ex-Potergeist) and drummer Chris Grekas as (collectively) the five members of Ghost Season serve up a EP that is all at once rock-radio worthy while still loud enough for the hard and heavy crowd! And as referenced by the "alternative and modern rock" line the music of Ghost Season seems as if it would be just as capable of wining over fans of the nineties modern rock scene as it would those who still have an ongoing subscription to Alternative Press Magazine! Yes, a lot of that has to do with skilled voice of lead singer Nick Lountos, but the band's occasional foray into melancholy rock territory doesn't hurt either. Really, there is something for everyone going on here (if you are a rock fan that is) so hopefully the upcoming full-length from Ghost Season will not only capture that magic but expand upon it! Available to download on iTunes, Ghost Season's "Ghosts Like Her" is a praise-worthy debut and it's one EP that I hope to add to my personal CD collection as soon as humanly possible!

Sacral Rage-Illusions in Infinite Void

Cruz Del Sur Music
2015

Preceded by two demos and a EP (though not necessarily in that order), "Illusions in Infinite Void" is the first full-length album from Greek heavy/speed metal band Sacral Rage. Born in 2011 and featuring the services of well-traveled drummer Vagelis Felonis (Burial Hordes, Chainsaw, Coprovomit, Cthonic Aura, Embrace of Thorns, Heretic Cult Redeemer, More of Myself to Kill, Necrovorous, Overcast, Saboter, Necrochakal (live), ex-Necrosis, ex-Stagnate, ex-Straighthate, ex-Acrimonious, ex-Convixion, ex-Obduktion, ex-Resurgency, ex-Revenge), Sacral Rage could best be described as a mash-up on 70's metal (Judas Priest, Rush, Granmax...), N.W.O.B.H.M. (Iron Maiden, Dragonslayer, White Spirit...) and 80's metal (Vicious Rumors, Jag Panzer, Riot...). Throw in some sprinklings of King Diamond/Mercyful Fate and you end up with one Greek band that sounds anything but Greek! There's nothing wrong with that last part though as the dark and spooky Sacral Rage is a damn fine band no matter where they hail from and no matter what the score is these guys pull it off with dignity and class! Even more so this Athens-based heavy & hard/speed metal band does it their own way. That means you can take those various influences and use it as a point of reference only as Sacral Rage throws down  their own sound on their debut album. And what a sound it is! Even with all of these different genres coming into play the creepy atmosphere here is doom-laden without doom and drenched in paranoia and despair! Thanks to horror-filled lyrics and dimly-lit tales of terror and madness we end up staring into the cold, long-dead heart of "Illusions in Infinite Void" and we ultimately embrace it! As a bonus of sorts this Greek band's frontman, Dimitris K (ex-Outcry) all but ends up administering a spiked-shot of adrenaline to the whole mix. That transforms the party that is "Illusions in Infinite Void" into one all-night & all-day rock fest where slamming guitar solos mingle with vicious vocals and a riveting rhythm section! Technically-sound and packing terror-filled excitement this is one sweet slab of an album! Find out more about Sacral Rage here  

Free Metal Monday: Soma-Patior

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Available as a free download at the link below, "Patior" is the latest (possibly only?) release from Athens, Greece-based Soma. And for this particular band (who should not to be confused with the long-defunct UK death metal band of the same name or the dark ambient/techno project of Australian composers David Thrussell and Pieter Bourke.) it's all about black metal. Or rather it's black metal of the an experimental nature with the two-track "Patior" clocking in at over ten minutes in length! On paper it's very likely that none of that sounds particularly inspiring or interesting (and Lord knows the blah artwork doesn't help matters much!), but there's more to this band then meets the eye. For you see somewhere in between all the black metal/experimental madness that is "Patior" one can find crude traces of traditional heavy metal and it's that little extra addition (as well as the band's choice to lean closer to fundamental black metal) that makes all the difference! Whether that ultimately appeals to your senses or not this one is free so you really can't go wrong!

http://somathathurts.bandcamp.com/album/patior

Doomocracy-The End Is Written

Steel Gallery Records
2014


Formed in 2011 by longtime friends Michael Stavrakakis (vocals), Angelos Tzanis (guitar) and Minas Vasilakis (drums) and calling Heraklion, Crete, Greece home, Doomocracy is a cleverly-named doom metal band (no duh!) influenced by the likes of Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus, Black Sabbath, Memento Mori and Veni Domine. "The End Is Written" is the full-length debut album from Doomocracy and (if we are going to be perfectly honest here and why shouldn't we?) if you are a fan of any of the bands listed as influences (as well as Trouble, Iron Man and Internal Void) for this Greek metal band then chances are you will really dig what has been laid to tape here on this 46 minute tribute to all things doom! And that is by no means a knock against this five-piece band (bass player Manolis Sx and guitarist Harry Dokos round things out) and their particular take on classic doom. Doomocracy is really good at what they do with the 8-track "The End Is Written" serving as not only a fine introduction to this Greek outfit, but a serious love letter to old-school doom! What's more, Doomocracy (as a whole) is stocked with better then good musicians and a lead singer whose crisp and clear delivery is only matched by some fantastic high-pitched wails! Backed with strong songwriting skills and a production job that plays to Doomocracy's organic nature, "The End Is Written" is a strong showing for this Greek act and one album that I would feel comfortable sharing with traditional doom metal purists!

SadDoLLs-Grave Party

Inverse Records
2014

By now we should all know the sort of trouble that you can get into when you make assumptions. The same can be said about expectations (as I soon enough came to grasp with "Grave Party") so anything that you might think you know about SadDoLLs should be promptly and properly disposed of. Move past the name (one that conjures up any number of would-be eighties hair metal revivalist bands) and the absurd nature (really outright oddity!) that is this album's artwork, which is something that (frankly-speaking) suggests (design-wise) a mash-up of Poison and Megadeth (with some Merciful Fate/King Diamond touches?) and just let your mind go black. Got that? Are you ready then? Good, for "Grave Party", which is actually just the latest work from this Greek band who first set foot on the scene with the (self-released) 2007 demo EP, "Dead In The Dollhouse", is not hair metal, hard rock or even heavy metal. Instead it's the current sound of an electronic/industrial (alternative) act from Athens, Greece and one, that for all the marbles in the world friends, makes me envision Depeche Mode, God IS LSD and Ministry making over some blank slate of a nineties rock band for their own nefarious reasons! And that's not some sort of  dismissive compliant, but rather it's a complement to the hard fought nature of this Greek band and their technologically-enhanced stab at rock music! Truth be told, the bio spells it all out as "Darkwave Metal". The difference between the two being, or at the very least as I hear it with these long-used ears of mine, "Grave Party" is less about metal (as a general rule and/or a blueprint) and more about the creative energy which flows between the natural (traditional instruments) and the artificial (studio tricks) in a heavy rock setting. So those looking for that "metallic sound-scape" might just be let down whereas those individuals seeking electronic music with a "rock edge" would likely really enjoy this album. As an introduction to the band it sat well with me and, in regards to it's overall direction,  I found it motivating from the standpoint that it is, more or less, an electronic product. As such it get's high marks in my book.

Immoral Hazard-Convulsion

Self-Released/Independent
2014

Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia is home court for Immoral Hazard. Formed in late 2009, and having previously released a six-track demo called "A Minor Innovation" in 2010, this Greek heavy metal/thrash metal band is lead by vocalist/guitarist Teo with "Convulsion" serving as their first full-length release. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Stelios "Stelth" Koslidis, with the actual production duties falling on not only Koslidis, but the band members themselves, "Convulsion" is the sound of another young band that has greatly been influenced by the mid-late eighties thrash metal scene. With physical copies due out later this year (March 9th, 2014), this ten track album, which (at least for the time being while the eager amongst us patiently await a CD copy or, better yet, a LP copy of "Convulsion"!) can be secured in digital format at the link below,  looks as if it will be used to open up new doors in regards to the possibility of playing more live shows. Speaking of playing live shows, the band has (apparently) already played alongside at least one of their chief influences in Sepultura. Musically and vocally, with lead singer Teo routinely coming across as a more pent-up and pissed-off version of Max Cavalera in his youth (the exception being a cut like "Dead End Trails" where Teo's lead vocals send this band off on a post-"Black", upward if not onward, Metallica quest!), Immoral Hazard sound as if they wore out more then a few cassette copies of some select Sepultura albums (pretty much anything and everything in Sepultura's early catalog from "Morbid Visions" to "Arise") with band's like Metallica and Slayer coming in a distant second and third respectively! Backing up Teo in Immoral Hazard is guitarist Angelos, bassist Alex and drummer Tolis and, when looked at as a heavy-handed collective, these four are spot-on in their devotion (and thus tribute) to thrash metals heyday. Mind you it's not just the music (even if "Alcowhore" sounds as if it could have been written by Metallica sometime between "Kill 'Em All" and "Ride The Lightening" and "Haven", which is just splendid in it's execution, coming off as a long-lost Slayer classic!) that gives this four-piece band such an old-school charm. No, the actual production of "Convulsion" also helps in that regard as this album feels like it could have been recorded in the late eighties! By the time the somewhat-raw "Last Nerve" (which also recalls mid-period Slayer) closes this ten track release out you could almost swear that you just had the pleasure of listening to another golden oldie from the glory days of thrash metal! Between that great service and the way in which this Greek act (nearly-flawlessly) executes the material on hand it's a win-win combination resulting in one of 2014's (early) thrash favorites! This one is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! 

https://immoralhazard.bandcamp.com/

Suicidal Angels-Divide And Conquer

NoiseArt Records
2014

Thrash metal from Athens, Attica? Sure I'll bite. Formed in 2001, with their full-length debut album, "Eternal Domination", not appearing until six years later for some odd reason, this Greek band now has five full albums to their name thanks to "Divide And Conquer"! With founding member (and sole original member from the looks of things) Nick Melissourgoson leading the charge on vocals and guitars, which he does with a tidbit of (teeth-sharpened) bite, Suicidal Angels rely on old-school, raw and gritty thrash to get the job done. And you know what? These four do the job just as well as the next set meaning there is quality thrash to be found just about anywhere on this globe of ours these days! Cue cards for this lot would seem to be the likes of Slayer, Kreator, Sodom, Destruction, Megadeth, Dark Angel and maybe even Death but there's also quite a bit of originality to be found wrapped up amongst the cords of this twisted thrash metal assault! Normally with a record of this kind words like "heavy" and "wicked" would come into play, but my fear would be that said words are too overused. And yet this is one of those release where the metal on display is HEAVY and the the riffs are WICKED so I can't exactly pass up on the chance to those two two descriptions out there can I? For thrash fans 2014 looks like it might just be as good (if not better?) then 2013 was. Or at least judging by the sounds of albums like this one!

Kosta Vreto - Pictures Of A Broken Heart

Steel Gallery Records
2013

"Pictures Of A Broken Heart" is the second solo album from Kosta Vreto (Wardrum, Horizon's End, Vavel, Jade Star). Hailing from Thessaloniki, Greece (and well known for his nail-picking style of playing) this metal guitarists has also played for the likes of Paul DiAnno and Uli Jon Roth. Along with fellow Wardum and Horizon End's band-mate/drummer Stergios Kourou (also ex-Death From Above and ex-Escape) and a few guests (Just to name a few we have Uli Roth's Corvin Bahn, Muris Varajic, Horizon's End's Sakis Bandis, and Psycho Choke's George Motesnitsas) guitarist Kostra Vreto, who also handles bass and keyboard duties here, gives fans of Joe Satriani and Steve Vai someone new to idolize! Serving as the follow-up to 2008's "Skin on Strings", "Pictures Of A Broken Heart", which is much better then the owner of a broken heart (Sorry, but couldn't help myself with the Yes reference given the album's title and all!), finds this Greek guitar hero showing off his natural, "God of Rock"-given talent and doing it in such a way that I can't help but find myself being drawn deeper into the rabbit hole that is instrumental metal. For fans of said genre this is one release worth investing in as I'd like to think that this is one new name that we'll all be hearing more of in the near future!

Circle's Line-Circle's Line

Steel Gallery Records
2013

From the sounds of things it sure doesn't look as if the Greek heavy metal scene will dry up any time soon. At least that's the impression one gets when you listen to this self-titled release from Circle's Line. Formed at the end of 2011, which makes them a fairly new face in the Greek heavy metal crowd, the band is lead up front by Tasos Karapapazoglou (Elwing, Nemesis, ex-Windfall) who, besides delivering lead vocals of the epic metal sort (Think Ronnie James Dio meets Rob Halford, but with a bit of a Greek twist!), produced this album. And what an album it is! That is if you like heavy metal with a high level of technical flare and with a wide berth of influences/styles. After two numbers (opener "Shoot To Kill" and "A Circle's Line") that seem to suggest a gathering of some of heavy metal's true heavyweights like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Dio the album pulls in a bit of (Dio-era) Black Sabbath with "Desperado" before turning towards Blind Guardian and Iced Earth with "Jame's Story"! And, that's just the album's first four tracks! Needless to say this is one album that doesn't suffer from a lack of diversity! Of course such variety requires a talented individual handling the six-string and that task falls to Kaidis Panos. While his lead work is never in question (see "Shoot To Kill", "A Circle's Line", "A Heroic Tune" and "Legions Of The Damned") his true ability really starts to shine on "Dark River".  Recalling some of Ritchie Blackmore's better moments, "Dark City" has an opening which is absolutely to die for before it gradually moves towards a more European-style of power metal. Speaking of which, Circle's Line are likely the exact kind of band that will appeal to fans of European-style power metal as much as it will to fans of traditional, U.S.-based power metal. And that right there is what made "Circle's Line" such a pleasant listening experience. The group, which also includes bass guitarist Taxiarhes Apostolakopoulos and drummer Nick Tsilicoudis, constantly strives to keep things fresh and interesting while also making sure that they maintain their true heavy metal nature. When I first read over the promo material for this album it claimed that it would appeal to fans of Iron Maiden, Crimson Glory, Blind Guardian, Iced Earth, Firewind, Joe Satriani, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Dio and Queensrÿche! Sure enough it would! There's nothing here to suggest otherwise. I'd personally toss in a few other names like Rainbow, Dream Evil, Helloween and maybe even Memento Mori, but that's just me being me! Overall "Circle's Line" was pure joy from the standpoint of a fan first and foremost (as that is what I am and will always be at the end of the day folks!) and comes recommended. Regardless of the fact that Circle’s Line is a fairly new name in the field of heavy metal, even if lead vocalist Tasos Karapapazoglou himself isn't, if this release is an indication at all of this band's potential then this this Greek act has a very promising future in front of them!

Wardum-Messenger

Steel Gallery Records
2013

Somehow Wardrum's latest album (along with several other choice new releases from Steel Gallery Records) slipped right past me when it was issued this past November. And this was after the fact that I had really enjoyed this Greek power metal band's last album, 2012's "Desolation", and had made myself a promise to keep an eye out for this bunch. Well, I've got no one to blame for that blunder but myself. As I downloaded the promo material for "Messenger", which incidentally is Wardrum's third full-length album in as many years, I was curious to see if (or for that matter how) they could improve upon what was already a great progressive power metal and a fine debut for lead vocalist Yannis Papadopoulos (Until Rain, ex-Crosswind). Anxiously I pushed onward and once "Shelter" kicked this party off it kicked it off just right! With "Messenger" the band, which is also comprised of guitarist Kosta Vreto (Kosta Vreto, Horizon's End, Jaded Star), bassist Kostas Scandalis (Horizon's End, ex-Final Answer, ex-Mindloss) and drummer
Stergios Kourou (Kosta Vreto, Horizon's End, ex-Escape, ex-Death from Above), proves once more that they deserve every bit of praise they receive! Really this is a band that deserves even more praise (and press) then it currently receives and it's indeed odd that this band hasn't made more of a dent in the power metal scene then it has already. Now, last time around I remarked "Imagine taking some of the better parts of bands like Riot, New Eden, Helstar, Crimson Glory, Watchtower, Titan Force, Warlord, Vicious Rumors, Symphony X, Queensryche and Destiny's End and creating a young and hungry band out of it." When you listen to "Messenger" that same band and those same influences are there, but in an improved manner. It's the same sharp guitars and the same overpowering lead vocals that made "Desolation" such a underrated gem and for fans of good, straight-up power metal you'd be hard pressed to find a better example of how to do it right then with this Greek band! This one is highly recommended!

Acherontas: Amenti - Ψαλμοί Αίματος και Αστρικά Οράματα

W.T.C. Productions
2013

Greek black metal outfit Acherontas, which is also the name of it's founder and leader, was formed out of the ashes of another black metal band called Stutthof. All of this took place in 2007 and since then the band has remained fairly active and fairly consistent. This new release is more of the same. That's good as the same old same old for this Greece act is mood altering black magic black metal. Adventurous and atmospheric to begin with the new album, which marks about number four for the group (there has been splits and what not as well), is enhanced by the presense of guest musicians and the seeming desire that this band has to push their own boundaries. Added up everything converges in one darkly lit place. With an overall arch that feels epic andcharacteristics that point towards ritualistic dark metal this one bound to draw new fans in to the cause.      

 

Stargate-Reborn

Steel Gallery Records
2013

Back in 2004 Greece's Stargate released their self-titled debut album. It was promptly followed by a long-stretch of, well, nothing. That's right, nothing. Nothing but silence. Only now is Stargate getting around to a proper follow-up. So, with 9 years between their full-length debut album and this, the band's sophomore follow-up, it seems rather poetic for this Greek band to call their new release "Reborn". After all they might as well have been reborn because that is one L-O-N-G gap between releases. Whether they were trying to become the next G N' R is open to debate, but one thing is for sure when it comes to this now full-fledged act (as their self-title LP was more of a project then a band really) and that is this-they have sound down pat! With Dimitris Tiktopoulos back on lead vocals once again (and doing a fine job of it I might add!) the group, who are now joined by keyboard player Andreas Paraponiaris and drummer Stelios Siolas this, takes the listener through song after song of mainly melodic hard rock. Sure, there are some neoclassical moments to be found and some of this could vaguely be called "heavy metal" (such as the title cut), but more then anything this is straight up melodic hard rock with a very distinct European flavor. Maybe its old age creeping up on me (and thus making me more mellow), but I quite enjoyed the softer vibe of "Reborn". Guitarist Anthimos Manti and bassist Kostas Domenikiotis have returned for album number two and perhaps it's that consistency that makes "Reborn" work so well. While I'd hesitate to suggest there's much for traditional heavy metal fans to enjoy about "Reborn" the fact is Stargate features some highly skilled musicians in it's ranks and the result is a smooth sounding affair with sweet melodies and a distinct style that sounded unique to these ears. This one is worth checking out if you are into the lighter side of hard rock.

Gauntlet-Break The Chains (Demo)

Self-Release/Independent
2013

Gauntlet are a relatively fresh new face in the field of traditional heavy metal. The band hails from Athens, Greece and was formed in July 2012 by guitarist Nick Bardosis. This 4-track demo is the band's first recording and it's worth mentioning that Gauntlet's main drive is "to play heavy metal the closest way it was played in the 80s." In the case of Gauntlet that means influences including Judas Priest, Iron Maiden,Virtue (who I actually hope to cover this week), Shok Paris, Omen and Savatage (among many other similar such NWOBHM bands and eighties cult metal acts). Now it should be noted that "Break The Chains" is just one of a few demos I hope to cover this week that were posted over at my friend Strappado's site:
http://strappadometalblog.blogspot.com/. According to some of the notes posted at Strappado's site the band has, from day one it sounds like, had the clear aim to write nothing but original material. Judging by the material on this 4-track demo I'd say that so far they've done well for themselves in that regard. So far being the key words. While the songwriting might need a little work/tweaking in the future, as some of the songs blur together a bit, you can tell there's talent here along with quite a bit of passion. So, hopefully this is a long-term endeavor for this Greek act as the world can NEVER EVER have enough true heavy metal bands! You can check out the demo for yourself at the link below. It's a name your price download while there is also a CD option.


http://gauntlethellas.bandcamp.com/album/break-the-chains

Thelemite-Slave To Desire

Steel Gallery Records
2013

Thelemite is a Greek heavy/power metal band that was formed in the autumn of 2010. Their name comes from "Thelma" which was a religion made up by Aleister Crowley. Why there are so many bands/artists obsessed with this guy (or nut if you will) I will never known. But, that's the name for this new band and an indication of nature of their music. For the record the band sites Black Sabbath (Martin era), Ozzy Osbourne, Dokken, Savatage, Dio, Rainbow and Yngwie Malmsteen as influences. Featured players include vocalist/guitarist/synth Johnny Nightelf (Yannis Manopoulos), who also handles bass and keyboards in Crimson Fire, well-traveled bass player Nikos Michalakakos (Spitfire/Ragenheart/Dark Nightmare) and drummer Tassos Kolios. The original version of "Slave To Desire" actually came rolling out in 2012. Steel Gallery Records just scoped up the band and talked the three gentlemen into adding a few more tracks to the album. Hence "Slave To Desire" the 2013 version. It's interesting to note that the band and issued "Slave To Desire-Promo 2012" which included 5 of their own tracks and a cover of the Joan Baez' classic "Diamonds & Rust". It's not the first time that particular track has been covered by a heavy metal band. Judas Priest made it into their own and it's worth mentioning that Thelemite seem to be influenced by Judas Priest so it's interesting they choose that cover. As well Judas Priest, and the other previously mentioned bands, Thelemite take some cues from Helloween and the UK's Power Quest. "Slave To Desire" ends up being this easy to digest, if desperately in need of extra spices, heavy metal platter. For all the rave mentions I've seen lately from not only the press, but fellow power metal bands perhaps I just expected a bit "more"? While taking nothing away from their talent, and their ability to write somewhat flashy heavy metal, I was left with the feeling that "Slave To Desire" was missing something. It's not for lack of trying and it certainly has nothing to do with the stellar production. Instead "Slave To Desire" almost feels too "safe". While a little more "crunch factor" would go a long way with Thelemite (Perhaps more Ozzy era Black Sabbath then Martin era might help?) it's not as if melodic power metal in and of itself is bad. It's simply a case of this Greek band finding a little bit of danger as they move forward. Still, if bands like Power Quest are your cup of tea, you could do worse then "Slave To Desire".

ASTRONOMIKON - DARK GORGON RISING

Pure Legend Records
2013

Astronomikon are a new act from Greece. To be precise they hail from Cyprus.From Cyprus? Yes, I said the same thing. I never realized this large island had a thriving metal community. Turns out that I need to pay better attention! Paris Lambrou (bass) and Nicholas Leptos (vocals) formed this band back in 2008. The pair had previously shared time together in the bands Arrayan Path and Prodigal Earth. With Astronomikon (a mouthful of a band name!) the goal was to form a band that tackled myths and legends. You know, gods and heroes, monsters, mythical creatures, etc. That kind of stuff. Previous to this album the band released a 3-track, 2010 demo (also called "Dark Gorgon Rising") and appeared on the Cyprus Metal Scene United compilation CD released by Cy-Metal.com in 2011. That CD actually featured the pair's previous band, Arrayan Path, as well as groups like Lethal Saint and R.U.S.T. That's not bad company to keep if your a young band! Anyway, for this new album the pair sought out some like-minded musicians.That call was answered by guitarist Socrates Leptos and drummer Stefan Dittrich. Incidentally those two musicians also played in Arrayan Path so there was plenty of chemistry to be found all around. The band's full-length debut might be a concept album about the myth of Perseus and Medusa, but you don't have to even like concept albums to appreciate the material. I'll admit that since this was a Greek band there was fear on my part that "Dark Gorgon Rising" would be boring Epic metal. More then anything though this 4-piece band blends power metal (of both the American and European variety) with the sounds of a band born and raised on traditional heavy metal. As AC/DC put it "Hail hail to the good times". Astronomikon actually seem to hail from the city of "I know it's only heavy metal, but I like it!" as under some fancy riffs and soaring vocals is a band that knows you've got to rock to stay alive. Clearing these guys won't be confused with any of the retro-metal loving bands out there these days as there is still a glowing amount of Euro-style power metal. Some hardliners would even argue that it still constitutes epic metal. I'd counter that the songs are constructed in such a way that you can't help but notice a band that really likes old-fashioned heavy metal. In the end this one will be up to debate as to what genre exactly the music should fall into, but there shouldn't be any debate that it features well-crafted, well-played heavy metal.