Habitual Sins-Personal Demons

Pure Steel Records
2017

Habitual Sins is a new heavy metal band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that features two former members of Icarus Witch, Matthew Bizilia (vocals, percussion, bass, keyboards) and Steve Pollick (guitars, keyboards). Seasoned guitarist Jim Dofka (Dofka, Jim Dofka, ex-Brick Mistress, ex-Psycho Scream, Leather Leone, ex-Screamer) joins the pair on the just-released "Personal Demons".  It is a well-produced recording with occult lyrics and a dark metal vibe. With ten tracks in all and a near perfect run-time of just over 40 minutes, "Personal Demons" does well as the group's full-length debut...even if it does sound remarkably similar to (early) Icarus Witch! For fans of the aforementioned mentioned band that is obviously a good selling point, but a bit more originality down the line would only serve to help this three-piece band out. Irregardless, "Personal Demons" is worth taking a change on and one can easily see this band evolving into something special.

Scarlet Anger-Freak Show

Hänsel & Gretel
2016

Scarlet Anger is a Luxembourg-based heavy/thrash metal act that was formed in 2007 by vocalist Joe Block and guitarist Fred Molitor. In late 2009 the group (which by this point also featured the services of long-time bassist Vince Niclou) put out it's first recording entitled "La realidad es triste..." and that four-track demo would eventually be followed by the highly-regarded 2011 EP, "Kill the King". That twenty plus minute EP marked a change in style for Scarlet Anger as they picked up the pace, packed on the aggression and went full-speed ahead into thrash metal 101 territory. One year after that fateful occasion (one which saw not only praise from not fans and critics alike, but actual label interest!) the band issued their first full-length album. Released on the label Dust on the Tracks on May 11, 2012, "Dark Reigh" was also well-received by the general listening public and that Bay Area thrash- infused LP would help pave the way for the band's sophomore album, "Freak Show". It's worth noting that in-between "Dark Reigh" and the soon-to-be-released "Freak Show" this hard-hitting outfit gave fans the independently-released single, "Stupid Boy". The reason I bring that up is because Scarlet Anger's forthcoming sophomore album includes a song that is titled "An Unbelievable Story of a Stupid Boy". As I haven't heard the late October, 2012 track "Stupid Boy" I won't comment as to whether or not "An Unbelievable Story of a Stupid Boy" is a re-working of said song or not. I simply found it interesting, but then again so is the vast majority of songs on the aptly-titled and sincerely-recommended "Freak Show"! And those unique songs would of course be:

1. Awakening of the Elder God
2. Attack of the Insidious Invader
3. The Haunted Place – House of Lost Souls
4. Welcome to the Freak show
5. The Abominable Master Gruesome
6. Through the Eyes of the Sufferer
7. The Thing Without a Name
8. On the Road to Salvation
9. An Unbelievable Story of a Stupid Boy
10. Deadly Red Riding Hood

If you're looking at those song titles and wondering if Scarlet Anger is a (maybe just maybe) a little sick & twisted around the edges then let me just say that you wouldn't be all that far off. Drawing their inspiration from classic eighties & nineties comics and horror stories, Scarlet Anger has created a colorful album that is lyrically-rich and (thankfully) about as far from ordinary as one can get! Musically-speaking this one falls somewhere between traditional heavy metal, dark metal and power/thrash metal and for once we're talking about a band that doesn't particularly sound like anyone else! Scarlet Anger simply doesn't go for the whole cookie-cutter metal thing or at least they don't on the well-constructed "Freak Show". These days the band is rounded out by guitarist Jeff Buchette (ex-Rude Revelation) and drummer Alain "Skeelo" Flammang (Chris & Band, ex-Dreaming in Red, ex-Man Made Suicide, ex-Mindpatrol) and as far as individual performances go there are no weak links in Scarlet Anger's current line-up. Scarlet Anger will released "Freak Show" on March 18th so if you are a fan of classic metal, dark metal or heavy power metal/thrash be sure to mark that date down!

Souldrown-Evil of War (Demo rough mix '00)

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Souldrown is a progressive rock-infused hard & heavy power metal band that hails from Athens, Greece and can trace it's roots all the way back to 1993. The material on "Evil of War" was recorded back in the late 90's/early 00's for a demo release that for whatever reason never materialized. Here it is some 16 years later and the band is finally releasing this material and for what it's worth this is some pretty solid stuff! Early on the group was influenced by the likes of Accept, Helloween, Stratovarius, and Warlord before turning their sights to bands such as Tool and Dream Theater. From the sounds of it Souldrown was hoping to combine heavy/power metal with genres like dark metal and progressive rock. As a result of these huge changes in sound and style the music on this well-crafted 5-track EP cuts a fairly straight line between those two areas. In other words this is heartfelt/sincere heavy metal/power metal that has been given a lifesaving intravenous (IV) line of complex progressive rock/metal. Toss in some inspired lyrics and a more than capable front-man and you end up with one EP that is a steal of a deal at only $1.10! In addition to the bandcamp link that appears above you can check out this respectable demo by heading to Youtube.

Ben Blutzukker-Analog Blood

Ben Blutzukker  

2016

 

 

Up front I'm going to admit that there isn't a whole to go on when it comes to "Analog Blood" and/or Ben Blutzukker. Apparently Ben Blutzukker is known for his long-running Dark Electro project, Blutzukker, and this is his first foray into the world of heavy metal. There's that and then some random comment about how he heard the call of the analog instruments. OK. Tracks include "Walpurgisnacht", "From Hell", "Digital Blood", and "Red" and as to the question of who plays what on "Analog Blood", well, your guess is as good as mine! It would appear as if Ben Blutzukker not only fronts this project, but that he also handles all of the instruments. As for what you can expect (sound-wise) in regards to "Analog Blood"? Well, that would be dark and unholy heavy metal that falls somewhere between raw metal and garage metal. For what it is, "Analog Blood" isn't half bad. Then again, "Analog Blood" isn't all that great either. It simply sits in that grey area where one could take it or leave it. I realize that's not exactly a glowing endorsement of Ben Blutzukker's solo EP, but seeing as it doesn't really do anything to set itself apart from the crowd that's my final judgement call. You can hear the EP for yourself by heading here. 

Pendulous-A Palpable Sense of Love & Loss

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Now signed to Baneful Genesis Records*, Pendulous** is a doom metal band from Los Angeles, California that was formed in 2011. Having shared the stage with the likes of Evoken, Bell Witch, Primitive Man, Windhand, Atriarch, and Mournful Congregation (among countless others) this popular (and frankly rather innovative) L.A. band made it's studio debut in 2013 with "Mirrored Confessions". That 21 minute EP was just the beginning for Pendulous though as nothing could have prepared fans and critics for an album like "A Palpable Sense Of Love & Loss"! At nearly sixty minutes(!) this is the kind of release a band like Pendulous needs in order to make the leap from local favorites to national treasure. With the addition of second guitarist Nicholas Rocha (Deathkings) and a expansive catalog of influences from which to pick and choose (everything from funeral doom to dark metal) the band's full-length debut has so much to offer for the discerning doom metal fan. We'll get to that bit shortly. First things first. Let's talk about the overarching sound of "A Palpable Sense of Love & Loss". The album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by John Haddad at Trench Studios (Intronaut, Exhumed, Phobia, Abysmal Dawn, Hirax) and for Pendulous it's a near-perfect backdrop for the story that they wish to tell. To that end one simply couldn't ask for a better "storyteller" than lead vocalist E.R.M. (Eric Rezső Mendoza ). This former Dona Eis Requiem front-man moves effortlessly between clean and harsh vocals and with someone as all-capable as he is leading the way there's no telling just how far this band will go! With a surrounding cast of characters that makes all-encompassing death metal mood music for the doom metal minded this L.A. act is clearly on the rise. All of which brings us to this album. A lengthy spoken word intro opens things up on the appropriately-titled  "A Palpable Sense of Love & Loss" before the nearly nine minute(!) car-crusher that is "A Faltering Will" works it's way into the picture. It's not the longest track of the lot (as that would be "Closure" with it's run-time of 11:48!), but it does the job that it was hired to do and it does it oh so well. And that job would be slowing grinding the listener under the weight of it's overpowering and oppressive boot while sadly humming a melancholy tune! Sounds pleasant right? You bet your life it is! Much likes "40 Years" it's all about squeezing the most of the music while making sure that there is always one eye focused on the prize. Everything about "A Palpable Sense of Love & Loss" is aimed towards the bigger picture. It's the idea that doom metal can be miserable and menacing. It can be overpowering and naturally oppressive. It can crush it's enemy and bury it's bones under rubble. But that does not mean that it has to be pure noise. It can have structure and be well-conceived. "A Faltering Will" is heavy alright, but it's also full of purpose and it has it's own distinct charm. Then again so does "Hibernal Sun". Unlike "A Faltering Will" though it's not so much about death/doom as it is post-rock. It's a different side to this band and yet it fits perfectly with the overall atmospheric vibe that Pendulous was aiming for. The same can be said of "Pendant World". It's more in line with death rock, but it to fits a pattern that is started early on with Pendulous and their debut full-length and it's one that ends with the subtle, piano-driven beauty that is "Memoirs". Without a doubt this is one of the most compelling doom metal albums of 2015 as well as one of the most genre-splitting. Doom fans are going to want to check this album out.

*Independently-released, "A Palpable Sense of Love & Loss" is due to receive a special vinyl treatment thanks to Baneful Genesis Records.

**pen·du·lous adj \-ləs\
1 : poised with no visible support, or hanging downward.
3 : marked by vacillation (between polar opposites),and uncertainty. 

Vicious Nature-Salvation

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Formed in 2012 and calling the West Midlands their home turf, Vicious Nature is a heavy/power metal band with two separate three-track EPs to their name so far in 2013's "Fight For Your Life" and this February, 2014 release, "Salvation". With a formidable line-up in place featuring ex-Marshall Law members Andy Pyke* (vocals) and Andy Southwell (guitars), one-time Cloven Hoof member Jon Brown (drums) and bassist Mark Culley (ex-Cerebal Fix) and the seemingly relentless urge to craft something fresh and unique for themselves this UK-based group has beefed-up what was already muscular heavy metal to begin with! What Vicious Nature started on "Fight For Your Life" they no doubt intended to finish with "Salvation" and that is all thanks to a clear-cut strategic approach that finds the sheer force of this jagged-edge band matched only by a haunting sound that perfectly conveys the bleak despair and total darkness of N.W.O.B.H.M.-infused metallic doom**! For this UK four-piece a EP like "Salvation" is the proper steeping-stone to get from point A) unsigned to point B) signed and adored by the metal masses! Vicious Nature is more then just the individual talents and their respective resumes. This is heavy and harsh dark metal from a traditionally-minded power metal source that is not to be reckoned with or ignored! You can find "Salvation" and the band's other recommended EP, "Fight For Your Life", online here: http://www.viciousnature.co.uk/

*Besides playing with the well-known Marshall Law, Andy Pyke has performed with the likes Damien, Viva, Damage, Inc., Detroit and Hurt!

**A little slice of  John Brown's past life in Cloven Hoof perhaps? Maybe some Witchfinder General on steroids?

Dead Federation-Dead Federation

Red Hour Records
2014

With Halloween less then two weeks away right isn't it about time that we pull out all the party favors? And no, we're not just talking about hard cider and hot wings here (even if those two particular items are a must-have for all my horror-related excursions!). Or for that matter all the lovely ghouls that one can dig up for the evening's festivities! Rather we are talking about how no party would be complete without some maddening tunes for all the creatures of the night to get on up and get down to. Especially if all you want to do on October 31st is to shake a leg and wake the dead! That's where punk metal misfits of science like Dead Federation come in handy. This Akron-area group has been lurking around these parts since at least 2010 and even if some of the band's original freaks have succumbed to the environment (corpses actually do not last long in the hot sun friends!) there's always grave robbing as an option right? Right! With the current line-up featuring lead singer Tom Dark, guitarists X46 ( Jeff Hardy ) & Mike " Shoobs " Schubert, bassist Caitie O' Shea and drummer Tommy Rocker Jr Dead Federation now has a lively bunch of misfits on hand for what is merely the latest slab of horror-related punk metal madness from this Ohio lot. While the band self-describes their sound as being like "a werewolf howling at the moon on a rocking Halloween night" a closer examination of the crime scene reviles the DNA of a dark metal band with some old-school goth/horror-punk leanings. That might sound an awful lot like Danzig/Misfits worship (and even some Samhain love), but for Dead Federation this eight-track album rocks a different beat entirely with the cast of characters involved here reinforcing the notion that Ohio's punk, hard rock and heavy metal scenes sound unlike any other. One has to imagine that Dead Federation is an absolute hoot live, but no imagination is needed when it comes to this self-titled studio piece as you can hear it here: https://deadfederation.bandcamp.com/     

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dead-Federation/200599879953057 

Overpower-Demo 2014

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Melbourne, Australia's Overpower (not to be confused with the Croatian groove metal/thrash metal band of the same name or for that matter the Greek rock and rollers) is a four-piece band featuring members of Right Mind, XupercutX, Bloodwolves and Caged Grave (just to name a few) that appears to be relatively new to the scene. I use the word "appears" as a link to this four-track recording just randomly appeared in my inbox with no profile information whatsoever! That wasn't by way of the actual band mind you, but a long-lost (Internet) friend/thrash metal fanatic. These kind of things happen more often than I care to admit. But then again, isn't that what Google is for? Anyway, Overpower is fronted by a guy named McCracken and unless I am mistaken (in which case someone feel free to correct me!) this recently-released EP is the group's debut outing. Falling somewhere in-between pit-worthy crossover and raw thrash, "Demo 2014" finds McCracken and crew (guitarist Heath, bass player Dave and drummer/lead guitarist Bage) cracking out (pun intended) some sick metal and the best part is it's free! Yes, fee! This is a name-your-own-price digital download and while I could make some stupid joke about how it's well-worth the price tag and all the truth is it's much more substantial then that. There's a slick side to this Australia band making "Demo 2014" a nice addition to any metalhead's digital collection. Especially if said collection has a special section that has been set aside for savage and somewhat bleak heavy metal! 

"Demo 2014" can be found here:https://overpower613.bandcamp.com/releases

Meanwhile you can find this mosh metal collective right here:
https://www.facebook.com/OVERPOWER613

Witch Mountain-Mobile of Angels

Svart Records
2014

Other then a brief break in the action in 2002 (and the fact that it took 10 years to get from the group's 2001 debut album, "Come To The Mountain", and it's follow-up, 2011's (Metal Mark-reviewed) "South of Salem") Portland's Witch Mountain has maintained it's presence in the doom metal community. Since 2009 the band has been fronted by Uta Plotkin (Aranya, Olympus Mons and Stalking Jane) and on "Mobile of Angels" (the band's fourth full-length album overall) it sounds as if time has done nothing but enhance this Oregon outfit and their post-Sabbath/Pentagram take on the genre! Here on "Mobile of Angels" guitarist/former lead singer Rob Wrong flat-out levels the playing field with his solid 70's hard rock-inspired playing while the rhythm section of Charles Thomas (Blackwitch Pudding) and Nathan Carson (bass and drums respectively) keeps the ship nice and steady with it's put up or shut up presence! As lead singer Uta Plotkin easily enchants with her with her dark persona the rest of Witch Mountain (sounding as rich and rigid as ever while arguably presenting the darkest, must dreary and downright damned release of their long and varied career!) hold all the cards tight in their hands as they deal out track after track of monster-sized dark metal! This 38 minute doom coaster is epic in scope and thanks to the help of producer Billy Anderson Witch Mountain has an album that should stand the test of time and remain more then a little relevant for decades to come!

Lichtgestalt-Lichtgestalt

Lichtgestalt Music
2014

Lichtgestalt are a four-piece German band that was formed in late 2013 by guitarist Der Heizzer. Besides Der Heizzer it's line-up features vocalist Thomas C. Hertz, bassist Lippmann and drummer Brukke. As much of what is written about Germany's Lichtgestalt is not in English and the band sings in it's native language there isn't much more information to be had about this (slightly) electronic heavy rock/hard metal act beyond those few key facts. Recorded with the help of  Rage guitar player Victor Smolski and sound engineer Martin Buchwalter at Gernhart Sudio in Troisdorf, Germany in May 2014 this self-titled EP features the three tracks "Entfessele den Sturm", "Motorenherz" and "Zölibat". Key points of observation would be something like this: 

1) The vocal work of lead singer Hertz is superb! It's all-around high-class as well as somewhat ghoulish. A win-win as it were. 

2)Vibe-wise this four-piece pumps out hard & heavy rock that reminds me of White Zombie/Rob Zombie. 

3) Guitarist Der Heizzer plays his instrument like he is trying out for Filter or a more traditional heavy metal themed N.I.N. 

4) Despite everything you just read Lichtgestalt are very much a straight-ahead rock/metal act. They are just tweaked here and there.

5) I couldn't put this EP down! It easily won me over with it's razor-blade approach and it's authentic air of originality! The fact that the band sings in their native language adds a unique and satisfying element to the mix. Now I find myself eagerly anticipating a reported full-length album that is in the works!

6) And finally friends when a band's lead singer looks like this you just KNOW that you can't miss!

You can find the band online here: http://www.lichtgestalt.biz/home 
and here: https://www.facebook.com/Lichtgestaltband

Tor Marrock-Destroy The Soul

Black Vulture Records
2013

Cellar Metal? That's a new one. But, that is exactly how West Wales' one and only Tor Marrock refers to their sound and on "Destroy The Soul" (their second full-length LP since first forming in 2005) it's sort of hard to argue against such an apt description! By combining modern metal with eighties rock and a fist-full of heavy metal's greatest hits (Doom, Black Metal, Thrash, Death Metal, Gothic Metal, Dark Metal and even Traditional Metal) this UK-based power trio gives off a ghoulish, almost otherworldly vibe and then seals the deal with strong songwriting and (even better) a devilish vocal delivery! Said deadly vocals come courtesy of Tor Marrock himself and with the front-man also handling guitars (with bass and drum duties falling on Tarran and Forseen respectively) "Destroy The Soul" is arguably one of the better UK underground gems to emerge from the darkness in some while! Tor Marrock captures the essence of utter despair while drawing the listener ever closer with it's respective spin! "Destroy The Soul" is at times a bit of an oddity while still remaining fairly consistent and (strangely) familiar. How any band can simultaneously bring to mind Samhain, Pentagram, Christian Death, Paradise Lost, Slayer, The Cure and Depeche Mode in one song is beyond me. What's even more of a mystery is how they managed to do all of that and make it sound so fucking fantastic! Tor (the man and myth!) and his cohorts pull it all off like a beast! "Destroy The Soul' was one of the best albums of 2013 and let it seems as if it passed just about everyone by like a thief in the night! If you can track this sleeper down then by all means necessary do it!


https://www.facebook.com/pages/TOR-MARROCK/161843921361

Etta Zero-The Last Of All Sunsets

Dr. Music Records | Membran
2014

Etta Zero (Mathias Nutt-Vocals/Synth Programming, Johannes Schraner-Guitar/Synth Programming,

Thomas Hemmi-Bass/Piano/Synth Programming and Marius Matt-Drums & Percussion) were a new name for me and, as I clicked play on the promo link for "The Last Of All Sunsets", I had no idea what to expect. Initially formed back in 2000 under the name Downfall, covers under which name the band issued two EPs (one four track EP of original compositions and one four track EP of covers) and original playing rock-based interpretations of 80’s Synth Pop songs the band (who at the time were more or less a Synth Pop Metal outfit) changed their name to Etta Zero in October of 2010 with the (long time coming!) "The Last Of All Sunsets" serving as their debut album. Now a mixture of the past (Synth Pop Metal, dark rock, goth rock, alternative rock, etc.), the present (modern electronic sounds, groove-based rock, modern hard rock, heavy rock, heavy metal and radio rock) and the near future (striking, stylistic heavy electronic rock/metal that sounds like it could be the soundtrack for the day after tomorrow and weeks, months and years to come!) Etta Zero has the kind of resourceful delivery most bands could only dream of! Hailing from the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein, the members of Etta Zone have a clear cut case of extreme chemistry, one which has resulted from the fact that these four musicians (who have know each other since their younger, formative years) have played together in "different formations, casts and styles since the middle of the 90’s". Translated that means you have a band whose debut album sounds as if it's the result of a band that has going at it for years and years and if "The Last Of All Sunsets" is anything to go by the band should have plenty of good years to look forward to! Electronic rock fans would do well to check out the group's choice cover of "Heartbeats" (from Swedish Synth Pop duo The Knife), the emotional roller-coaster track that is "Sorrow" (radio rock is calling for this crusher!), "All That I See", the harsh "Anymore" (where the band draws from the likes of Filter, Coldplay, Depeche Mode and, believe it or not, 90's alternative rock) or "Set Me Free" while everyone else (ie: fans of synth-heavy hard rock/heavy metal) should head over to the melodic metal/modern heavy rock title cut (this one has a sharp set of choppers hiding underneath it's deceptive smile and like "Sorrow", and about four or five other cuts here, is sure to get stuck in your head!), the wicked "From The Ashes", "Etta Zero" ("Black"-era Metallica re-imagined as a modern day, post-grunge, streamlined version of Filter!), the dark metal-infused "The Downfall Factory" and album closer, "Heaven Is Closer". Meanwhile a clever cut like "Crush On You" weaves in and out of both sides of the spectrum (rock rhythms and heavy metal hooks) and for Etta Zero, who (wisely) never overuse the electronic elements, these different takes on the same theme (hard-hitting music) work so well because you have skilled musicians like guitarist Johannes Schraner putting forth their best efforts. For a band that started out playing 80's covers you really have to hand it to Etta Zero. "The Last Of All Sunsets" is everything a debut album should be. It has variety and plenty of memorable moments. More so it has several cuts that could easily be singles and it's one of those releases that has timeless written all over it. Etta Zero might have been a band that I was previously unaware of, but now they appear to a band that I'm looking forward to what comes next!

 https://www.facebook.com/EttaZero

Aittala-Effigy

Self-Released/Independent
2014

No strangers to those of us here at Heavy Metal Time Machine, North Carolina-based metal act Aittala (so named because of the group's founder, sole consistent member and lead singer/guitarist Eric Aittala) was previously covered by Metal Mark in 2010 (http://metalmark.blogspot.com/2010/04/aittala-bed-of-thorns.html) and 2011 (http://metalmark.blogspot.com/search?q=Aittala-Haunt+your+flesh+). Now, some three years since we last heard from the group thanks to their submission of  "Haunt Your Flesh" (an album which, frankly speaking and all friends, seems to have drawn mixed reactions judging by the various online reviews I uncovered in preparation of this particular review) Aittala are back with their third full-length album since Eric formed the very first version of Aittala WAY back in 1992 while he was in Holland of all places! With a grand total of 10 tracks (seven brand new ones along with three "re-imagined" tracks from the group's 1993 demo, "Selling Heaven", with those being "Sinister as the Serpent", "Selling Heaven" and "Creators of Doom") album number three from Eric Aittala is a tale of two cites (so to speak). Before we delve into what works and what doesn't work though let me be perfectly clear about something. Despite looking over Metal Mark's past reviews for this NC (dangerous) metal outfit (and scanning numerous online sources for background information on this dark progressive, hard & heavy powerhouse) I walked into Aittala's presence with no pre-conceived notions whatsoever and without even a hint of prejudice. In my mind Aittala would either stand on their own two feet or fall over, track by track being the ultimate means of judgement placed upon this long-running heavy metal venture. Nothing more and nothing less folks as I let this LP unfold and I drifted into Eric's world of darkly-tinted heavy metal where he joins up with like-minded (highly-skilled) musicians in order to (hopefully) create an album worthy of recommendation. And speaking of musicians, here is how it all boils down:

Tracks 1 - 7 feature a line-up of:
Eric Aittala - vocals, guitars, keys     
Randall Rhodes - bass, backing vocals
Gary 'Zeus' Smith - drums      

Those particular tracks are as follows (with grades!):  "Pigs" (A-), "Effigy" (A), "Russian Roulette" (A+),  "Souvenirs" (A+), "Erased" (B+),  "Deconstruct" (A+) and "Something Wicked This Way Comes" (A+). 

Meanwhile tracks 8-10, which are the the re-worked/re-recorded tracks from the previously mentioned 1993 demo ("Sinister as the Serpent (2014)", "Selling Heaven (2014)" and "Creators of Doom (2014)"), have a line-up of:
Eric Aittala - vocals, guitars, keys        
Jon Doe - bass
Ed Vereijken - drums
And their grades? "Sinister as the Serpent" would likely get a C-C+, "Selling Heaven" would get the same thing while "Creators of Doom" would get a B.

Of the two line-ups mentioned neither one really stands out from the other (in other words they are both more then fine in their own right) although (from those grades and all) the first lot of tracks honestly features better source material then the latter. Otherwise the skill-level of these musicians never comes into question. Everyone is spot on whether we are talking about string instruments of percussion. However the elephant in the room should be addressed. That would be Eric's voice. Far from being a bad lead singer, Eric simply has a style which is a bit one-designational in tone. Reminding me somewhat of a gruff Daron Malakian (System of a Down, Scars on Broadway), Eric sounds good on about half of these tracks while on the other half he just comes across as average. Is it enough of an issue to cause a distraction? Honestly no. It's merely that he seems to be a slightly average singer whose true skill lies in his song-writing ability and his guitar playing. On paper it sounds like such a minor complaint especially when stacked up next to the powerful delivery of a number like "Something Wicked This Way Comes" (a dark thrash/pseudo industrial metal cruncher and the first single from "Effigy"). Especially as the powerful nature of many of these numbers is simply too good to be ignored! Besides "Something Wicked This Way Comes", the video of which can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nq9pCxeUSRY, numbers like "Pigs"(a none-too subtle punch in the gut stomper!), thrash rocker "Effigy" and the slightly-progressive "Russian Roulette" ( A doom-laded Black Sabbath meets Merciful Fate, 70's fazed over hard & heavy rock and roll soul crusher? Sure!) are play-by-play examples of how to sit down, write-up and then brilliantly create songs that will stick in your memory long after a record ends! Favorite moments here on "Effigy" then? Too many to count folks! "Souvenirs" for example brings to mind a slowed-down Slayer (and yes, that is f-in' wicked!) while "Deconstruct"  is smashing industrial metal that would make Prong fans stand up and smile! And since Eric is equally adapt when it comes to heavy synth lines and keyboard passages as he is when it comes to razor-sharp riffs an album like "Effigy" covers a lot of territory! Even the last three numbers here, which actually do help to show this band's evolution, can't disguise Eric's skill. Sure, they are a bit more vanilla then the new music (although "Creators of Doom (2014)" has a certain charm to it), but they still have an edge to them. While it would have been a bit more cool to see what Eric and company would have done with three additional new songs (since the growth, the leaps and bounds if you will, between album number two and album number three is nothing short of EPIC!) these re-imagined numbers wrap things up nicely. So, what can one say about Aittala's "Effigy" then? High marks are awarded for the song-writing here and the performances. Oh, and it's production. Wow. Recorded at Incognito Studios, Raleigh NC Mixed and Mastered by Mike Schaefer at Schaefer Sound Productions (with Eric W. Aittala and Mike Schaefer co-producing the whole affair) this one sounds great! Total professional job all around with everything sounding damn near perfect! Everything falls smoothly into place with the overall effect being a clear and clean recording that is more modern then one might expect (given the furious nature of this beast!), but still a tease "shady" as to make this one seem a hair primal and underground. There is plenty of variety (music-wise) with subtle shades of classic heavy metal, doom metal, progressive rock, dark metal, thrash, industrial metal and hard rock all coming into play. And more so it all gels in such a manor as to make the whole affair seem down-right natural! If you are looking for a heavy metal album that will keep you entertained and invested in the music at hand then this one would fit that bill. Pound for pound this one just does not disappoint! And at the end of the day eventually even Eric's voice blends into the mix. I can honestly say that having listened to "Effigy" about three times now the vocals seem like less of an issue with each new spin! Aittala might be slightly hindered by Eric's singing but there are so way too many positives about this recording that I'd be a fool to not suggest adding "Effigy" to ones collection! "Effigy" shows how it's possible to explore different textures, add in elements from a variety of sources and still keep your sound grounded! You can find out more about Eric and his band over at Aittala's official website: http://www.aittala.com or by stopping by the group's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/aittalamusic) for a visit. And be sure to keep an eye out for this monster when it drops on the 17th of June! If you're a fan of all things hard & heavy (especially dark-tinted metal bands that come packaged with an electrical charge!) then this really is one album that should be hunted down!

Zeugen der Leere-Seelenwanderer

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Formerly known as Ruin of Remembrance (under which moniker "Second World" was released in March of 2012) and with the name change coming about in 2014, Zeugen der Leere are a studio project featuring Denny (vocals), Holger (guitars, bass) and Maximilian (programming). It the was the pair of Holger and Max who originally formed Ruin of Remembrance in 2009. At that time the project had no name and it was only after the arrival of (now departed) vocalist Timo that the (then melodic death metal) project really took off.  With the release of  "Seelenwanderer" (offered as a free digital download at the link below!) this German act has moved passed the (often-times) limiting stranglehold that is death metal (melodic or not) and settled into the role of a (modern-day) atmospheric dark/ black metal project. One must say that the change in style suites them as "Seelenwanderer" (featuring a quite capable cover of the Erkyss song "Forsaken Astronaut") was a pleasant surprise on what has (so far) proven to be a cold, "Are you kidding me it's mid-April mother nature enough is enough!", snow-covered day here in my part of Ohio! As is often the case with releases such as "Seelenwanderer" an open mind is needed as is a willingness to embrace the darker, slightly more off-setting edges of life. And, seeing as this is atmospheric (experimental) black metal it's not going to be for everyone. But, for those who set aside the time needed and deserved to take in everything that this well-designed release has to offer the rewards will be well-worth the investment! Memorized by the likes of "Tänzer im Nebel" and "Komplex der Vergessenende" I walked away from Zeugen der Leere's "Seelenwanderer" with the pressing desire to share this release with each and all of you.

http://zeugenderleere.bandcamp.com/

Sinezamia-Senza Fiato

Self-Released/Independent
2013

Italy's Sinezamia, featuring the vocal talent of Marco Gazzi, are another impressive act signed to Atomic Stuff Production. "Senza Fiato", which was released last October (of 2013 naturally!), is the latest release from this band that traces its roots back to 2004. Available as both a digital download (pretty much everywhere fine music is sold!) and CD single,  "Senza Fiato" is charmingly rugged garage rock and roll with new wave and dark metal roots. Without getting too far off track with my rambling, which is something I'm far too often known for(!), this single (sung in their native language as is all of their work apparently) works because the two tracks here ("Senza Fiato" which is 3:17 and "Cenere" which is 5:08) are real (read: rather honest in approach and delivery!) works of art without the (oft-bloated) self-sense of importance that plagues far too many young artists these days (no names please, but we all know of way too many modern day rock/alt-rock bands that strut around like they are the next Beatles or some other silliness!).  When rock is represented in earnestness it (arguably) connects with it's target audience on a more personable level and with Sinezamia one gets the feeling that there isn't all that much distance separating them (emotionally-speaking) from their listeners. For fans of natural rock (albeit slightly dark rock) a single like this one should be appreciated!

http://www.sinezamia.it/

Ethersens-Your Wandering Ghost

Scarlet Records
2014

Ethersens, whose base of operations is Toulouse, Midi-Pyrénées (France), were recommended to me by Eryn Non Dae's guitarist/backing vocalist Franck Quintin. Featuring Eryn Non Dae's Mickaël André (playing guitar here instead of bass as he does in Eryn None Dae), who first laid the groundwork for what would become Ethersens back in 2002 along with fellow guitarist/long-time friend Johan Bourrut, and with the eight-track, concept-album "Your Wandering Ghost" serving as the group's sophomore release, the band's purported sound was appealing to me from the word go! "Think about Katatonia, Alice In Chains, Opeth or Pain Of Salvation" shared Franck Quintin and, while there are definitely a few other elements to this French five-pieces sound then just those few above mentioned acts, he's fairly spot on! While the band itself lists the likes of Porcupine Tree, Karnivool, Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains I'd suggest tossing in some of the dark metal appeal of a band like Tool (which, admittedly, has more to do with the group's newest lead vocalist then anything else) and maybe even a little bit of Neurosis when you're talking about the current musical direction of this band. But, other then those two suggestions, Franck is right as that's kind of what you're in for when you experience a band like Ethersens. And yes, "Your Wandering Ghost", is one of those releases where it's not so much a case where you simply sit back and listen to the recording. Instead you need to devote time alone so that you can fully tune yourself  into what Ethersens is all about. As the songs unfold you'll find that you're being hit by so much at once, what with sweeping prog. rock movements giving way to aggressive, post-grunge riffs (Mickaël André and Johan Bourrut are a lethal duo in that regard!), so "Your Wandering Ghost" requires devotion and, yes, maybe even repeated listens, in order to fully embrace everything that this record has to offer! And make no mistake about it, "Your Wandering Ghost" has plenty to offer when it comes to delivering intense and interesting music to the listener! Whether you're a fan of progressive metal, dark metal or alternative metal there's just so much to appreciate when it comes to "Your Wandering Ghost". It's true that at times the album can be abrasive and dark, which I find all the more appealing personally, but there are also moments of absolute clarity. The way in which this French act can transform what would otherwise be pressing, near-doom like material, into deeper, dream-like waves of sound cannot be left hidden from the masses. This is music that may appear heavy and oppressive, but it manages to transcend such boundaries and, as such, deserves a wider audience. Perhapes with time that will happen. It's pretty clear that this French outfit plans to be in the game for a long time to come. You can hear as much given the obvious thought process that went into this concept album. Granted, they've already been in the game for awhile now when you step back and look at the bigger picture. With other bands like Eryn Non Dae, Zubrowska, Talian, Disphoria and Eradykate taking time away from this project (in years past) it's not hard to see why Ethersens are just now getting around to releasing this, their sophomore output. And yet knowing that this is a side-project of sorts kind of makes it all the more impressive (from the view-point of how exceptional a release like this one is in it's construction and execution) when you think about it. With their first record, 2008's "Ordinary Days" (also on Scarlet Records), receiving high praise (among other things it was voted "Album Of The Month" by Rock Hard Italy) it's true that the band had a lot to live-up to when it came to this release. Especially with a new vocalist and a new bassist in tow. Sure, Ethersens also released a two-track digital demo ("Same Goodbye") in 2012, but this is it output-wise. And we all known that a band's second full-length album is often viewed as the make it or break point. Vocals are now handled by the more-then-capable Laurent Mora (ex-Agrion Splendens) and, as hinted at in the Tool reference bit above, his addition allows a band like this the ability to deliver dark material that can be on one hand frightening and yet also alluring! Laurent Mora, whose voice does bring to mind Maynard James Keenan at times (although there is also a haunting vibe to his voice that also seems to channel the spirit of the late great Layne Staley!), replaces Stephan "Steph" (who incidentally sang lead vocals on "Ordinary Days") with bassist Remy Boyer being the other new player added to this highly-talented lot. Longtime drummer Stéphane Nestiri (Talian, ex-Eradykate) rounds things out in Ethersens and in regards to "Your Wandering Ghost", which I'm now listening to for the third time in less then two days(!), fans should have no worries of the dreaded sophomore-slump! While it's true that Ethersens, who recorded this concept album with Julien Soula at Antistatic Studios, might be a hard act to describe on paper (seeing as they layer their music with all these different elements and what not) they are still one act that I'm happy to have been connected with. Just like Mickaël André's other outfit Eryn Non Dae they offer up thought-provoking, complex, layered music that is built out of a collective desire to play heavy metal that actual challenges the listener to become involved with what he or she is hearing. To that end I found this eight-track release rather refreshing and I most certainly recommend it!

Hex-Hex

Logic(il)Logic Records
2013

There has been numerous bands, both past and present, that have gone by the moniker Hex and/or had the word Hex as part of their name. These range from alternative rock to black metal and from underground and indie acts to the more established ones. So, before we even crack this self-titled album open, here's hoping that this particular Hex doesn't slip through the cracks simply because their name doesn't do enough to differentiate them from so many, heck, make that TOO many, bands with similar identities! As for this Hex let's just say that given the dark nature of this act it does seem kind of fitting that they were formed during the month of October! That was back in 2011 and now, some two years later on, this 5-piece Swedish act are looking to make a name for themselves with this, their 13-track debut-album. Did I just say 13 tracks? Yes, even that seems to fit the very nature of this act that features (among their pool of players) seasoned musician Micke Backelin (ex Lord Belial). On "Hex" he handles the drum duties so it's not too shabby that the band was able to rope in this well-traveled veteran musician who has also played in Vassago, Hellgoat (which is a sweet name for a band, black metal or not!), Latex, Them and more. So yeah, he does add another layer to this band, but it's not as if the rest of this bunch doesn't hold their own or anything! Lead vocalist Jonas Hygren (who wrote all the songs for this album) comes across like a poor man's Rob Zombie which, despite how that might sound, actually helps highlight the (somewhat) ghoulish vibe that Hex rolls with. As you are looking at a lead singer who sounds a bit like the former White Zombie front-man then it's easy enough to get a real Rob Zombie/White Zombie feeling on the band's debut-release. There's also been comparisons made to the like's of N.I.N. and Ministry which should give the listener a fair enough idea about what these guys bring to the party. With horror-inspired lyrics and this creepy and mysterious vibe it all plays into the band's strengths. Mixing the sounds of hard rock and modern metal (as well as a touch of goth rock) together like it's a witch's brew, which isn't so far-fetched given the band's lyrical themes of voodoo and the occult, everything comes to a boil and it's at that point that the band utilizes industrial touches to push the music's boundaries. In the end the music here brings to mind not only the previous acts mentioned, but also everyone from Alice Cooper to Mushroomhead! There were a few occasions as well where I picked up on Gwar (or rather their form of heavy metal) and Lordi (same things-their music not singing) as well as some form of Marilyn Manson and his creepy brand of rock. Although (for fear that I might just be making this album sound as if it is more of a novelty than the true notorious slice of hard & heavy metal that it is) it must be mentioned that Hex leans closer to Rob Zombie then Marilyn Manson (thank the heavens for that!) and how lead guitarist Jörgen Svärd adds an extra sharp edge to "Hex". Together with Jonas Hygren you have a set of musicians with not only chemistry, but also this calculating ability to pen songs that will stay with you long after the record stops! Both Hex the band and "Hex" the album are well-worth looking into if the darker side of heavy metal intrigues you. And, despite how it sounds, the fact that you might hear bits and pieces of all these different acts (one of which I just remembered was Filter) does not detract at all from the appeal of this 13-track album. This is a band that is just getting their feet wet in this kind of sample-infused, heavy rocking, dark metal so it doesn't really bother me that much if they are still shaking off their influences. This is a great start for what will be a longer career for this Swedish act! To that I have no doubt!

Death Trip-Pain is Pain - The Complete Death Trip 1988-1994

Ektro
2013

 
There's a better then average chance that the name Death Trip brings up nothing but shrugs or looks of confusion. Truth be told even I had no idea who these guys were or what they'd be on about when I clicked on the link for this promo. Surprises like that can obviously be both good and bad. Whatever mystery that I had allowed to build up inside of me (in regards to what sort of sonic sensation I would lay witness to) simply washed away as the music kicked in. Any expectations I had about this compilation just didn't matter as the music had swallowed me whole. What Death Trip did was quite simply and yet completely complex. Built upon a solid foundation of fuzzed over and wonderfully distorted guitars (courtesy of influences like The Stooges, The Birthday Party, and Spacemen 3) is a top level that splits time between gothic metal and the early stages of dark metal. This Finnish group helped pave the way for many underground groups in the homeland as well as being a sensation all there own. This compilation gathers Death Trip's three 7" singles (originally released on the legendary Finnish indie label Bad Vugum) and rare demos in order to create a set of explosive, post-punk in nature, violent rants/tracks. Within music that is dark, disturbing and dangerous you find a band that had set out to destroy rock and roll and rebuild it in their own graven image. At it's very core these tracks offer up revolutionary punk-tinged metal that is hostile while also offering up hope for a generation that often felt hopeless. It's not for the faint though as this LP is track after track of built-up frustration and pain so when you listen in to the despair at hand it's all too real. Still, there's something very therapeutic about music that spills it's heart and guts all over the floor. So yeah, any expectations I had about this compilation simply didn't matter in the end. For you see, what laid behind me was music that achieved so much in such a little amount of time. It had made me feel like I was drowning in a sea of darkness and yet, in a very surreal fashion, it had made me feel free as if it were ministering to me. This one is indeed dark and yet it has it's own inert power.
www.ektrorecords.com 
www.facebook.com/ektrorecords 

Venomous Maximus-Beg Upon The Light

Napalm Records
2013

Despite having a name that sounds like some cheesy villain, straight out a eighties cartoon series with it's own set of toys no less, this Texas outfit's full-length debut album is anything but cheap and plastic! With a pair of demos, and not to mention a compilation CD, preceding this release the time has now come for this Texas band to truly make their mark on the scene. For their first act, or this full-length debut album if you will, the band has signed their names in blood for this unholy collection of tracks. But, first things first. For the record "Beg Upon The Light" looks as if it was originally released back in October of 2012. Somewhat fittingly in time for Halloween no doubt!. So, from the looks of it all you ghouls and goblins, Napalm Records is now just handling the mass release for this album that is drenched in blood. As for what kind of poison Venomous Maximus has concocted?  Well, here we find a rather tasty little metal treat for those who like to have unearthly soundtracks humming around them as they walk under the moon's chilling glow. That's especially true if you like your midnight (black) mass music to contain metal that's darkly-tinted and overtly occultist in nature. For you see Venomous Maximus, a 4-piece outfit and/or demonic reckoning, offers the listening public corrosive, doom-lavished, dark metal with a smokey aftertaste and a loud proclamation that the devil calling out for you to be his co-pilot. Stoner rock meets occult rock through an ad in doom lover's monthly newsletter? That might work, but it gets even weirder when you consider that lead singer Gregg Higgins, in a fashion that sends shivers down your back, often time channels the ghost of Rozz Williams. For you younger readers, out there in the dark cold recesses of time and space (or the Internet if you will), that's the late front-man of Christian Death. Yes, it's the same man whose album, "Only Theatre Of Pain", helped established deathrock as a religious movement and in Gregg's hands, well, let's just say that Rozz has plenty more to say. In other words, that right there (this eerie, uncaring, cold and dreary rock/metal) is the stuff horrifying nightmares and late night ghost visits are made of. Is this music a house haunting in the making? Does it travel back to a time in which listening to rock music and heavy metal was the solo reported cause of societal downfall? Does it, like so many evil albums before it, help lead to a gateway to other-side? Not alone it probably doesn't. But what of the fiery pits of Hades? Gregg Higgins's ghoulish delivery sure makes it seem all the more real and closer at hand then ever before! The sound that results from the toxic combination of Gregg's singing and the band's unnerving dark metal is like something trying to crawl it's way into our world. It comes off as downright creepy. As this album uncurled itself like a famous snake of old (think Genesis kiddos) the tracks just go deeper and deeper and you feel at a loss as you find that your travels have taken you further from home then you ever dared imagine. Looking back all you see is darkness and the only sound at all that you can hope to make out is this album fading into nothingness. That's the gist of "Beg Upon The Night" right there. Sure, on the suffice, it might just come off as some doom, a little dark metal, maybe some death rock to spice things up and, of course it's obligatory these days, some heavy stoner rock riffing, but it's more then meets the eye. Scratch the suffice and this one is ghastly and just not of this earth!

Locus Titanic Funus-Castus Lacrima

Metal Scrap Records
2013

Having just recently reviewed an album from Ukraine's Metal Scrap Records (EDVIAN'S rather stellar release,"2012") I was pleasantly surprised to find a new e-mail from them in my inbox that contained a huge assortment of promos of various genres. This oddly named lot was sitting atop the bundle so, faced with an open afternoon, I decided to do a little exploring, at least music-wise, and see what this Moscow-based band was all about. From the looks of it we're talking about a pair of musicians in guitarist Alexey Mikhaylov and vocalist Mila Ionova (Mea Vita) who, bound together by a shared love of darker music, made the most out of what was, by all intensive purposes, a studio-only project. Or at least for now as rumor has it they would very much like to pull it all off live. With that "Castus Lacrima" is the pair's debut-release and it's a fine thing indeed! Alright, so there's both female and male vocals. That works well in conjunction with the softer, more subtle passages, and the more gruff (and frankly bleak) black metal moments/movements. Joined by studio enhancements (ie: electronic elements such as synthesizers and drum machines), our pair of  musicians set their sights on provocative (or is that pervasive and punishing?) goth-tinged, occultist metal. While the group's name reportedly has to do with disaster of one sort or another what comes roaring out is anything but a disaster. Instead we have before us what, previously (in another life-time) at least, would have just been dubbed "alternative" music, but here it's like black metal with a twist. As hinted that's a goth twist and, when some sorrowful doom is unleashed upon the mix as well, it's quite the challenge to just say that Locus Titanic Funus sound like so and so when the reality is, as warped and bloodstained as it is with this type of morbid metal, this guy and girl combo is onto something decidedly different. It's not a release for everyone in you're household (unless you live in a hellish haunted house!) as it's dark and does bear some of the tell-tale trademarks of traditional black metal (usually a love it or loathe it genre to begin with), but as I step back and look at "Castus Lacrima" I'm quite glad that I reviewed this one particular release from Metal Scrap Records first as it's likely to stay with me for awhile!