DSease-Rotten Dreams

Sneakout Records
2017

DSease is a young and promising heavy metal/rock band from Rimini, Italy that features skilled-guitarist Fabio Balducci (Synful Ira, ex-Ancient Bards) within it's ranks. Released back in mid-November of 2017, "Rotten Dreams" is the first studio album from this (multi) genre-splicing outfit that is lead by vocalist/bassist Alberto Niccoli. Now in it's third year together, DSease actually began life as a Rammstein tribute band, but has developed into something truly special. Dark, ambient, and cleverly-experimental, the eight-song "Rotten Dreams" is a great start for this up-and-coming metal band that is sure to catch on with both fans and critics! Blessed with an unreal amount of talent and creativity, "Rotten Dreams" is the end result of an inspiring band that combines elements of alternative rock, grunge, electronic rock, hard rock, post-rock, and modern metal. Although they have since departed the band, musicians Massimiliano Pretolesi (synths) and Gabriele Lasi (drums) helped create this enjoyable album that comes highly-recommended. You can find "Rotten Dreams" on sites like iTunes, Amazon, and cdbaby.

Interview with Kaledon's Alex Mele

Kaledon is a heavy metal band from Italy that has been around since the late nineties. Just recently I had the pleasure of talking to the group's founder, Alex Mele. I would like to thank Alex for taking time out of his schedule to chat with us about his band and the group's upcoming album, "Carnagus - Emperor of the Darkness".


Andy-Would you please introduce yourselves to our readers and tell us how the band come together?


Alex-Hi there, my name is Alex Mele, the founder and main composer of the band KALEDON! We are together since 1998… it was a very long trip but… we are still here…


Andy-I'm sure you've been asked this question countless times before, but how did you settle on your name?


Alex-KALEDON is the name of the fantasy reign where our concept story is set.


Andy-That's cool. How would you describe Kaledon to people who have never heard any of your material?


Alex-Well… The press says that we are a power/heavy metal band. I can say that this description isn’t correct enough. We play many different kind of metal. In our albums you can find, hard rock, classic metal, power metal, thrash metal, speed metal and other things… Our music follow the emotions of the lyrics so… Expect different things every time.

Andy-You have a new album coming out in May. What can your fans expect from it?

Alex-This is a very important moment of our career! It is the first album with new line-up and of course we are very thrilled about this. We really can’t wait to go on the road and meet many cool people, new fans and new friends.

Andy-Kaledon has been around for a long time now and the band has seen it's fair share of line-up changes. How do you keep everything consistent Alex?

Alex-To coordinate and work with 5 (6 with me) different people, it is very complex and difficult! Very often there are, different point of view, different goals to achieve, different expectations so… very often people left or… in other case… people were fired! Now… for the very first time in more of 18 years… we have the same goals to achieve so… we’ll see what happen… J


Andy-Speaking of different people, "Carnagus - Emperor of the Darkness" will be the first one with lead singer Michele Guaitoli. What does he bring to the band and how did you go about recruiting him?

Alex-Yes… it’s true! In 2014/2015 we made more than 50 auditions… Michele was one of them.
We met him through facebook and, after a first step/audition with some mp3 that he made at his place, we met him in studio and… it was immediately love! J

Andy-Wow, 50 auditions! That's crazy! What are some of the band's influences Alex?

Alex-Ooooh so many…. I can say Vivaldi to Pantera ahahahah! We listen every kind of good music without any exception.

Andy-If I'm counting correctly,  "Carnagus - Emperor of the Darkness" is the band's 10th studio album. Other than your new lead singer, what would you say makes this album stand out from the previous ones?

Alex-We have 9 studio album (with Carnagus), 1 Best of album and a Re-Mastered Edition of Chapter 4:Twilight of the gods (2015 edition). As I said before, this album is very important because we have a new mighty line-up. Michele Guaitoli – Vocals and also the new drummer Manuele di Ascenzo. These guys have brought new file to the band so… the recording process were very exciting and… this is the main difference compared with the past.


Andy-Is there a narrative behind "Carnagus - Emperor of the Darkness" or is it just a collection of epic metal tunes?

Alex-Well, EVERY Kaledon’ album is based on a fantasy metal concept (that I wrote in 1997) named “LEGEND OF THE FORGOTTEN REIGN”. This saga is a 6 chapters romance and, the first 6 Album were Chapter 1 to 6! After Chapter 6 I decided to make an album for every character of the story.
Same facts but narrated from HIS point of view. For the moment we have made one album on ALTOR (the blacksmith), one on ANTILLIUS (the king of Kaledon) and now one on CARNAGUS (the king of the darkness)

Andy-Sweet! Where can our readers go if they want to find out more about the band and your new album?

Alex-…of course on our website website or on Facebook!

Andy- Changing gears here, but how would you describe today's scene as opposed to when your first formed?

Alex-Oooh it is very simple! Today the scene is overcrowded. Too much bands, too much labels, too much of everything and… the result is that we are loosing quality. I preferred the scene of 20 years ago! But I suppose that this will make me look old aaahahahh!


Andy-Well, I'm right there with you. Compared to the scene when I was in my early twenties, 2017 sometimes seems as if there are far too many mediocre metal bands as opposed to high quality ones. That's a big part of the reason why I try to review releases that are actually worthwhile! But anyway,  is there anything about Kaledon that your fans might be surprised to find out?

Alex-Yes… In the new album there is a thing that we never did before! Ahahahah Just wait for it… J


Andy-That's a bit of a tease for the fans LOL! Will you be touring behind the new album?

Alex-Of course we are working on that right now! We’ll try to play more shows as possible and, we really hope to come in the US for the first time.

Andy-I hope that works out for you guys. Now, I always let bands have the last word. Is there anything else that you would like to talk about that we didn't cover? Do you want to address your fans or even the naysayers? Words of wisdom for local bands in your scene? Here's your chance to say whatever is on your mind!

Alex-Oooh not so many other things. We have covered all the important things. I can say of course that I really hope that you guys will like the new album, and I’ll hope to see you on the road during 2017 and 2018. MAY THE DARGON BE WITH YOU!

Andy-Thanks Alex. 

Windshades-Crucified Dreams

Atomic Stuff Productions
2016


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

UfosonicGenerator-The Evil Smoke Possession

Minotauro Records
2016

Formed in 2011, UfosonicGenerator (one word?) is a somewhat strange yet fascinating Italian metal band whose leisure-time activities included "Fuckin', Punchin', Smoke & Heavy Drinkin', and Rockin' & Rollin' all over". The spooky fun "The Evil Smoke Possession" serves as this quartet's full-length debut and while it is nowhere near as eerie or foreboding as it initially appears, UfosonicGenerator's first full-length release is still a home-run recording for this up-and-coming band. With eight devilish numbers to it's name, "The Evil Smoke Possession" is well-written and performed and it joins a back-catalog that includes two 7" EPs, "Harold The Addicted, Pt.1" and "Harold the Abducted, PT.2". More or less a smooth mixture of 70's hard rock, proto metal, stoner rock, and doom, "The Evil Smoke Possession" is apparently what happens when you put four rather-different personalities in a locked studio and then force them at gunpoint to create a TV soundtrack that is a little bit doom and a whole lot of rock in roll! In addition to some downright sick bass notes that would make both Geezer Butler and Lemmy Kilmister proud, "The Evil Smoke Possession" benefits from beer-soaked guitar licks that split the difference Uriah Heep and Black Sabbath. Meanwhile there's some cool, old-school rock and roll drumming going on here and, best of all folks, you have a kooky lead vocalist named Gojira whose "Lustful screams from Japan" sound like a more ghoulish (and possible less stoned?) Ozzy Osbourne! Add in a vintage production job and there is literately no way that you can go wrong! Due out in Late November, "The Evil Smoke Possession" is a great starting point for this odd name band from Italy. It is also one recording that I plan to keep in heavy rotation for the foreseeable future...

Etrusgrave-Aita's Sentence

Minotauro Records
2016

Etrusgrave (Etruscan + Grave) is a four-piece traditional/epic heavy metal band that hails from Piombino, Italy and is lead by Tiziano "Hammerhead" Sbaragli (Angel Martyr, ex-Harvest). Formed in 2001 by one-time Dark Quarterer guitarist, Fulberto Serena, and bass player Luigi Paoletti (ex-Watt 2000), Etrusgrave has two demos and three full-length albums to it's name. The group's latest full-length recording was just issued a few months back and just like it's predecessor(s) this well-crafted & expertly-performed album is as close to an A+ offering as one can get! With a run-time of nearly fifty minutes(!) the highly-melodic/slightly-progressive "Aita's Sentence" comes almost six years after the release of Etrusgrave's last studio album, "Tophet", and it marks the first appearance of new drummer Stefano Giuggioli. Starting things off on a strong note we have the seven minute plus "Anxiety" which is a surprising accessible number despite it's long-length. As with several other tracks on "Aita's Sentence", "Anxiety" shows off Etrusgrave's rewarding ability to craft epic songs that are as thought-provoking as they are relaxing. That is one skill-set that not ever epic metal band can claim to possess, but then again not every band has someone as talented as guitarist Fulberto Serena to fall back on! Serving as the center piece to the musical arrangement that is Etrusgrave's third album, "Aita's Sentence", Fulberto Serena can perform magical routines with his personal guitar thus making this Italian band a definite recommendation! More or less rooted in the hard & heavy sounds of the late seventies/early eighties, Etrusgrave has a vintage charm about it that should primarily appeal to fans of proto-metal. Well, that and fans of the retro classic metal movement that (thankfully) shows no signs of slowing down!

Theatres des Vampires-Candyland

Scarlet Records
2016

Theatres des Vampires is a four-piece band that hails from Rome, Italy and takes it's name from a fictional location created by well-known Gothic fantasy writer, Anne Rice. Active since1994, Theatres des Vampires was formed by one-time VII Arcano member, Alessandro "Lord Vampyr" Nunziati, and began life as a black metal. Now on their 10th full-length album, "Candyland", this female-fronted group has apparently experimented with a variety of sounds and styles before settling on the dramatic one we have here. Dubbed   "vampiric metal" by some, Theatres des Vampires offers up a interesting combination of goth hard rock/heavy metal and keyboard-driven symphonic metal on their latest album, "Candyland", and it's a atmospheric sound that most certainly has it's moments. Currently comprised of vocalist Sonya Scarlet, guitarist Giorgio Ferrante, bassist Giorgio Ferrante, and drummer Gabriel Valerio, Theatres des Vampires should continue to build upon it's fan-base provided they put as much thought and energy into each new release as they did with "Candyland". Just released on October 14th, "Candyland" was my first introduction to this long-time Italian goth metal band. I only wish I would have discovered them sooner!

Forklift Elevator-Killer Self

Logic(il)Logic Records
2016

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



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

Constraint-Enlightened By Darkness

Self-Release/Independent
2016

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


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

**Pedal to the metal as they say! 

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

Darkage-Tales From Obscurity

Self-release/Independent
2016

Darkage is a traditional heavy metal band from Rome, Italy. The band was founded in June of 2008 by guitarist Dario Laurenzi, bassist Domenico Cannatà, and former drummer Nino. Lead singer Domenico Sepe has been with the band pretty much from the start and since 2012 the group has been rounded out by drummer Gianluca Polito. In 2011 the band released it's first demo, "The Night Calls", and the five song EP, "Tales From Obscurity", was just released back in mid-March. Interestingly enough the EP opens with the track "The Night Calls" and one would have to assume that it is a updated version of the same song that appeared on Darkage's demo. From there you have "Raw", "D.O.G.", "Evil Creatures", and "The Bells" and it all runs slightly over 28 minutes in length. As far as Darkage's take on traditional metal goes classic metal is the name of the game with the bulk of this underrated EP sounding as if it could have come from the golden era of tape trading! Naturally that is meant as a HUGE compliment and so is the admission that I simply cannot put my finger on this band's influences. In other words, Darkage sounds like no one else on the recommended "Tales from Obscurity" and that is an absolutely thrilling concept!! Other than the actual music itself (which I guess I would describe as a cross between underground eighties metal, N.W.O.B.H.M., doom, occult rock, dark metal, and classic heavy metal) the one thing I really like about Darkage is their lead singer, Domenico Sepe. Just like some of the all-time greats, Domenico Sepe has a certain presence about him and he helps give Darkage a vintage metal vibe that is simply out of this world! While I would never put him in the same class as someone like Ronnie James Dio (R.I.P.) I would point out the effectiveness of Sepe's haunting and somewhat evil voice. With someone like Domenico Sepe on the mic you could easily transform a normal metal band into something awe-inspiring. Thankfully in the case of Darkage there is already a great foundation in place so there's never a point where Domenico Sepe has to carry the load. As this kind of vintage metal is all the rage I would not be surprised to see this Italian band scoped up in a year or less. And to that end I would LOVE to hear what Darkage could pull off on a full-length album. I've got a feeling it could be nothing short of magical!!

Moth's Circle Flight-My Entropy

Logic(Il)logic
2016

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





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