Invictus-Burst The Curse

Self-Release/Independent
2019

Germany's Invictus, formed in 2017 with the 3-track "Burst The Curse" serving as their debut offering, is a power/speed metal band that is fronted by Nicolas Peter (guitarist for the awesomely-named Beerhammer!). The five-piece group features three members with ties to the heavy metal/thrash band Avator and has one of the finest opening tracks in memory with this EP's title track! Influenced by many a classic German power/speed metal band (Grave Digger, Iron Savior, Primal Fear and Helloween), Invictus works best when they stick to high-end, catchy, well-crafted and blazing power/speed metal ("Burst The Curse") or gripping, straight-up power metal ("Someone Out There"). Those two numbers are the bookend numbers on this EP. Unfortunately, "Gaia" is smack dab in the middle of those two solid tracks. A poor attempt at a ballad, "Gaia" is a three minute plus exercise in patience that left me saying "What just happened to the epic band that gave me that wicked title cut?". While one can appreciated and maybe even applaud the band's attempt at creating three different sounding tracks, "Burst The Curse" would have been a better effort if Invictus would have stuck to what they are good at: engaging& energetic power/speed metal that seems almost custom-built for fans of Helloween and the like. Still, two out of three ain't bad. Especially seeing as the title cut of this EP is perfectly suited for power/speed metal compilations!

Old Mother Hell-Old Mother Hell

Cruz Del Sur Music
2017

Formed in 2015 by two ex-members of the thrash metal outfit Hatchery (bassist Ronald Senft and drummer Ruben André), Old Mother Hell is a German metal band that is fronted by guitarist/vocalist Bernd Wener (Shapeshift, ex-Refuge, ex-Maladie). The self-titled "Old Mother Hell" serves as the debut EP for this three-piece band and it clocks in at just over thirty four minutes. With the passionate and powerful vocals of lead singer Bern Wener proving to be a real highlight (as in wow, that voice leaves a lump in your lump!), Old Mother Hell magnificently combines elements of epic heavy metal, doom metal, hard & heavy rock, and traditional heavy metal into a eye opening sound that is all their own. Recorded at Rama Studio Mannheim by producer/engineer Jens Siefert, this six-track EP has a vibe that is both modern and vintage. In a very remarkable way, "Old Mother Hell" also happens to feel both sorrowful and hopeful. In that regard, credit goes to both the group and Jens Siefert. Further props must go to Cruz Del Sur Music. They have caught lightning in a bottle with this signing! Thanks to this cool label, "Old Mother Hell" will be released on CD and LP. Obviously the highlighted link above will lead you to a digital version of this exceptional release, but I cannot help but feel as if this is a recording that you need to be able to physically hold. In closing, "Old Mother Hell" is simply a blast to listen to! Like the band that created it, the EP is strong and confident. At the end of the day this one gets a A+ rating!! Whatever you do, don't snooze on this power rock/metal trio. In no time at all this is going to be a very successful act.

Owl Maker-Paths Of The Slain

Self-Release/Independent
2018

Owl Maker is a (doom-laden) hard & heavy/stoner rock rock band from Connecticut that is fronted by vocalist/guitarist Simon Tuozzoli (Vestal Claret). Formed in late 2016 by bassist Jessie May and drummer Chris Anderson, Owl Maker will release this 6-track EP on March 16th, 2018. Opening by way of the excellent "Ride With Aileen"*, the versatile " Paths Of The Slain" serves as the studio debut for this captivating trio. It is filled with extremely catchy material and a handful of songs that (blissfully) split the difference between riff-heavy hard rock and (dive bar-worthy) heavy metal. Mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Code Orange, Power Trip), Owl Maker's debut EP showcases a up-and-coming metal band that is all set to chop down the competition, riff by amazing riff! The stunning string-work of Simon Tuozzoi is a thing of beauty. Matched only by Simon's stellar vocal delivery, Owl Maker's choice of a front-man is a stone cold duel threat as both a singer and musician. When combined with the (simply-gorgeous) bass work of Jessie May, Simon is an unstoppable force that is hungry for greatness. With drummer Chris Anderson keeping everyone in check (even as his bangs away on his kit in fine fashion!), Owl Maker has the potential to be your next favorite (doomed & slightly-stoned) hard & heavy rock and roll band. Easy on the ears and twice as good for your heart and soul, this release gets a A rating!



*"Ride With Aileen" is a song about serial killer Aileen Wuornos.

Shadow Kingdom-The Reflection

Self-Release/Independent
2018

Shadow Kingdom is a up-and-coming/buzz-worthy heavy metal band from Milford, Connecticut that is lead by vocalist Robert Slater (Fear Apparent). The five-track EP, "The Reflection", is the debut offering for this five-piece metal band that features two highly-skilled guitarists in Anthony Quintiliano (M.S.W.) & Greg Alfonso (ex-Sick from Hate, ex-Sounds from Hell, ex-Necromansy). Nino Zazzarino (bass) and Carlos Zazzarino (drums) round things out for this killer Connecticut metal band that splits the difference between really heavy metal EP and U.S. power metal. With strong song writing skills and a cool metal sound that is both modern and vintage, Shadow Kingdom is a hot metal outfit that should do great things! So far this is only a digital release. As such you can find "The Reflection" on iTunes.

Waves of Decay-Cycloptic

Self-Release/Independent
2017

Waves of Decay is a Belgian metal band that is made up of ex-members of Horny Moses, Hope Erodes, Inferior, Last Star Down, and Razor Fate. The five-piece is lead by Stijn 'Stekke' Kustermans and "Cycloptic" serves as the group's first studio release. It is a heavy & hard EP that clocks in at about 24 minutes in length and you can download the recording on CD Baby and iTunes. In addition to the industrial metal-tinged title track, Waves of Decay's creative debut includes "Destiny", "Craving for Misery", "As I Walk", and "The Hurricane". Backing up vocalist Stijn Kustermans is Arun Rao (guitars & keyboards), Jim Metal (guitars), Jelle Sterckx (bass), and Ben Gyles (drums). Besides having some industrial metal elements, "Cycloptic" features material with thrash metal, melodic death metal, and heavy metal leanings. Harsh and clean vocals are present and the EP is well-produced. Founded in January of this year, Waves of Decay has a sound that is bound to appeal to a lot of different folks. This is another new band that has the potential to make a huge splash in scene. You can find out more about these guys by checking out the group's Facebook page.

Legacy-Wings of Eternity

Self-Release/Independent
2017

"Wings of Eternity" is the debut EP from up-and-coming Italian metal band Legacy. Formed in late December of 2014 (and not to be confused with all of the other Legacy's out there these days!), Bergamo, Lombardy's loud and proud export is filled to overflowing with youthful enthusiasm and enough energy to power up half a dozen bands! Let's all give high praise to the heavy metal gods above that this group's talent level matches all of that eagerness! Inspired by the classic metal artists that came before them, Legacy sports a stylish sound that owes as much to Iron Maiden, Riot, Accept and Judas Priest as it does Helloween, (early) Running Wild, Megadeth, Metallica, and Death Angel. Irregardless of how that reads on paper, "Wings of Eternity" is it's own beast and a supremely creative one at that! With charismatic lead vocalist Niccolò Nava a complete natural on the mic, "Wings of Eternity" shows of the mad musical chops of guitarist/vocalist Paolo Spreafico, guitarist/vocalist Dario Riboli, bassist Fabio Vanotti, and drummer Gianluca De Rosa. There is always something special about young metalheads paying homage to to their idols while simultaneously carving their own niche in the metal scene and this five-piece Italian band is no different. If anything at all, "Wings of Eternity" shows off a young band that already understands how to craft quality music that makes a clear statement as to who they are and what they bring to the heavy metal community at large. On their debut EP Legacy draws the listener in close as they present straight-ahead heavy metal with a thrash metal finish. The material grabs hold of your attention and ultimately you will find yourself cheering on this new band. In that regard Legacy already has a step up on the competition. With "Wings of Eternity" hitting all the right notes, Legacy is one young band that is worth keeping an eye on. You can easily do that by following the band on Facebook. To hear this excellent EP for yourself (and trust me here friends you are going to want to do just that!) be sure to head over to the group's YouTube page. These young metal maniacs have a lot of heart and soul and it's obvious that they love the scene that they are part of. We need more talented heavy/thrash metal groups like this one so let us all hope that this is just the beginning of a successful career for this Italian band.

Rattled Ace-Annihilate The Weak

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Over the past couple of weeks I've covered a lot of groups from Finland. I'm not sure why it's worked out that way, but Rattled Ace is the latest one to fall directly into my lap. And I will be honest and say that there isn't a whole lot of information on this band or this EP. The group's Facebook page let's us know that Jesse Siiteri (vox/guitar), Ville Heikkinen (guitars), and Samuli Leinonen (drums) are all members. Is there or was there every a bass player? Heck if I know. All I know is that those three gentlemen are a part of Rattle Ace and that "Annihilate The Weak" looks to be the group's latest release. It can be found here. Despite all the misadventures in finding out information on this band, "Annihilate The Weak" is a pretty savage take on vintage speed metal and it comes packaged with some slightly-raw (if not totally killer!) lead vocals. That is more than enough reason to point an arrow directly at this Finnish metal band and their seven-track EP. If you require more information then you could always head over to that Facebook page. Otherwise just sit on back and let the good times roll...

Blame The Wizards-EP

Self-Release/Independent
2017

Have you ever stopped to wonder what "God of Thunder" (Kiss) would sound like if it was brutally gang raped by members of Gwar, The Melvins, and Dwarves? Be honest. If you answered yes then A) You're every-bit as messed up as I am (to which I say congrats!) and B) You may want to check out Blame The Wizard's song, "Master of the Mountain". At just over five minutes in length it is the longest track on Blame The Wizards' debut. That release is entitled "EP" and it finds band-mates Maleficus Bocephus Rex, Boko Totochtin, and Ba'al Berith chucking caution to the wind as they toke their way through five "colorful" songs! In addition to (early) Gwar, The Melvins, and Valiant Thorr, Seattle's Blame The Wizards owes a debt of gratitude to vintage punk, garage rock, stoner rock, raw metal, and (dive bar-approved!) hard rock. On "EP" those influences were ground up into a fine dust and then snorted. With that buzz still affecting the group's movements, Blame The Wizards hit the road and headed straight towards the studio. On the ride over there everyone was drinking Laser and sniffing glue. Once they got into the studio they started drinking MD 20/20 and someone decided it would be a good idea to drop some acid. After smoking a shit ton weed for good measure (because why not?) this trio started cranking out the tunes. Someone fell over and they hit the record button on the way down to the ground. In a nutshell that is "EP". Having first hear it back on April 4th, Blame The Wizards' first batch of songs has been rocking around and knocking about in my head ever since. What's more, I can't get enough of it! I'm guessing that not everyone will have the same reaction. Obviously this strange trip won't suite every one's tastes. But for those of you who are adventurous? I say give it a spin. You might just find what you're looking for.

Void Inn-I Can Hope

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Formed in 2010 by the wizard pair of Jelena Vujanovic (lead vox) and Sinisa Pejovic (guitar), Serbia's Void Inn released their debut EP, "I Can Hope", one year ago today. I've got no cue as to why it's only now making the rounds. With bass guitarist Marko Djoric and drummer Nebojsa Mandic filling out the ranks in style, Void Inn's "I Can Hope" is a (one and done) knock-out punch in a scene full of nothing but chumps! Thanks to the many influences of this (grunge-infused) hard rock/dark metal band this six track EP is about as damn close as you can get to being an essential pick-up!! Along with lead singer Jelena's Danzing-like vocals (which are stone cold superb!), "I Can Hope" builds itself out of the best parts of Alice In Chains, Megadeth, Down, Pantera (minus the groove), Metallica (minus the modern day suck aspect), Black Sabbath/ (early) solo Ozzy*, Samhain & Danzig, Soundgarden (everything up to and incl. "Badmotorfinger"), (early) White Zombie, Tool, Metal Church's first two albums, Tad, My Sister's Machine, and Type O Negative (minus the keyboards and with a bit more Carnivore added into the mix). When you add in a form fitting production job and some cheerless lyrics to go with the disc's dark vibe, "I Can Hope" is one EP that is going to get a lot of replays on my home stereo! Give this band some time and a little bit of support and they are going to something else!! I'd stake money on it.  


 *Especially all of the great guitarists that Ozzy had in his early solo years!

Stricken-Set 1.0

Self-Release/Independent
2017

Based in Wilmington, North Carolina and comprised of Brad McClanahan (vox), Will Baker (guitar), Scott Hollis (bass), and Josh "Wham" Wamsley (drums), Stricken is a riff-heavy hard rock/heavy metal band that was just formed last year. The six-track EP, "Set 1.0", serves as the group's debut outing and this hook-laden release brings to mind a lot of different bands like Deftones, Pantera, Quicksand, Helmet, (early) Tool, and (weirdly enough) even post-Black album Metallica! With each of the EP's six numbers cleverly-sporting a one-word title (with my fave of the bunch being the last two cuts, "Sick" and "Goast"!), "Set 1.0" works especially well because it comes in, smashes everything up, and doesn't overstay it's welcome. For Stricken this is a good first start (especially when you consider how young the group is) and I look forward to hearing more from the band down the line.

Steel Messiah-Of Laser and Lightning

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Steel Messiah is a (somewhat-new) four-piece heavy metal/speed metal band from Germany that lists Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, and Motörhead as just a few of it's influences. Active since the year 2014, with this EPIC 5-track EP serving as the group's first studio offering, Steel Messiah is based in Ulm, Baden-Württemberg and lead by wicked bassist/vocalist Marius Röntgen (Furcate). The talented lot of lead guitarist Marcus Gläser, rhythm guitarist Kai Wagne, and drummer Moritz Nothhelfer round things out for this young but impressively-skilled quartet whose lead singer (Marius Röntgen) almost sounds as if he could Germany's answer to Rob Halford! Or maybe he's just Rob's long lost cousin? Either way, Marius Röntgen hits all the high notes on this must-hear EP!! Other than the obvious nod of appreciation towards all things Rob Halford* (both Judas Priest and his solo project Halford) and the one song "Fast n' Sharp" (which has moments where early Metallica and Megadeth come to mind!) this up-and-coming band draws a chunk of it's sound from cult heavy/power metal acts like Exxplorer, Jag Panzer, Medieval Steel, Liege Lord, Powerlord, Malice, Warlord, and Deadly Blessing. Of the five tracks on the band's solid debut EP, "Dr. Steel", "Fast n' Sharp", and "Motorcycle Maniac" would be my fave moments, but really you can't go wrong with any of the vintage metal-tinged numbers on this 23 minute plus recording. Speaking of which, "Of Laser and Lightning" would be primarily geared towards fans of classic metal and eighties metal. Because of the way in which these songs were written, performed, and then ultimately recorded it is abundantly clear that these four young and hungry musicians proudly wave the banner that is true heavy metal. More than anything, Steel Messiah's -track debut plays as if it is a love letter to the earlier metal bands that helped pave a way for today's scene. Unlike some other paint-by-number retro-revivalists, Steel Messiah plays as if they were actually there, back in the early to mid-eighties and performing for their peers who were also in new and exciting metal bands! As "Struck by Lightning" kicks things off for this choice EP you can almost picture yourself back in the day when clubs were small but jammed packed with fellow metalheads who were there to hear new metal bands for the first time. Long before you-tube and iTunes sometimes the only chance that   you might get to hear a band's music was to actually go and see them live. I am well aware that it is a cliche statement on mine, but all the same, "Of Laser and Lightning" could have almost been passed around the scene via tape trading! That's have rich this highly-recommended EP is and how far it's roots go!! And since this is only the group's first release they are bound to only get better with time. One can only imagine how good a full-length release would be from this German heavy/speed metal band! Let's hope they get that chance. In the meantime be sure to check out the group's Facebook page for more information on the band and this headbanging recording! 

*Because of those simply-righteous Rob Halford-like vocals the songs "Dr. Steel" and "Motorcycle Maniac" sound like they could have been ripped right from Judas Priest's "Painkiller"! 

War Gods of the Deep-Monsters, Magic & Mayhem

Self-Release/Independent
2016

It's not very often that you get a promo request from a band that is named after a Vincent Price movie. Let alone one whose goal in life is to sound like "80's Motley Crue & Metallica had a baby and let David Lee Roth, Gene Simmons and Glenn Danzing babysit it"! To say I was left somewhat bewildered by all of that is the understatement of the century, but maybe that's just the way that War Gods of the Deep rolls? That was actually my mindset during the brief moment in time between looking at this request and actually listening to it.
The question now is did this hard rock/heavy metal band live up to it's vivid description on their (relativity new) debut EP? If I'm to be perfectly honest here (and why shouldn't I be?) then the answer is no. More than anything the (rather short) "Monsters, Magic & Mayhem" sounds like Black-era Metallica meets modern hard rock/heavy metal. Now, before anyone gets all worked up about that let me just make one thing perfectly clear: War Gods of the Deep's three song debut works. In fact not only does it work, but it's a better recording for what it actually is as opposed to what it purports to be. Imagine that! For any kids out there that might be reading this (even if it's only my two teens) there is a lesson to be learned from that. Just like in real life it's always better to be true to yourself.....

The Black Heart Gospel-Wasteland America

Self-release/Independent
2016


Based in New Jersey (and comprised of four musicians who are long-time veterans of said scene!), The Black Heart Gospel is a up-and-coming modern hard rock/heavy metal band that has shared stage with the likes of Quiet Riot, Life of Agony, Overkill and even Buckcherry(!) and has one studio release to it's name in "Wasteland America". The group's line-up includes Todd Knowlden (vocals), Stan Chan (guitar), Mark Ramsey (bass), and Pete Colvin (drums) and all four tracks on this gripping EP ("Before My Eyes", "Scary", "The Growing Unknown", and the title track) are re-worked numbers from the band member's past projects. And by "re-worked" we are talking about some seriously-fierce material that has been purged of any imperfections and then re-shaped in order that it can take the form of one to stellar fucking debut! With "Wasteland American" you get four songs that are lyrically-strong and insanely well-constructed  and seeing as they all fall under the four-minute they are all perfectly suited for today's rock radio crowd! Now, considering the fact that this (recommend) EP was put out shortly after this band first came together one would have to imagine that any new material is even better. Or at least we can all hope as much! Available on sites like CD Baby and iTunes, "Wasteland American" makes the case that we could be looking at one of the next big things to come out of New Jersey! And given that scenes success that is really saying something! 

Dead Behind The Scenes-White-EP

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Born in 2010 (and originally known as The Scream), Dead Behind The Scenes is a Italian five-piece that hails from Milan and just released it's debut EP, "White-EP", at the tail end of 2015. The band is comprised of Dave Bosetti (vox, guitars), Marco Tedeschi (guitars), Lorenzo Di Blasi (keyboards), Valerio Romano (bass), and Chris Lusetti (drums) and from what I've been able to gather these rather unique individuals all range in age from 18-19. In an impressive move for their young age the five members of Dead Behind The Scenes recorded & produced the quirky "White-EP" all by themselves! Later on it was mixed & mastered by Lorenzo Cassi & Alessio "EgoP" Cristiano with the end result being a five-song EP that defies easy classification. Of course when you take into account all of the different ingredients that have been thrown into the mix on this almost-whimsical EP (alternative rock, death rock/goth rock, hard rock, jazz, pop rock, post-punk/post-rock, reggae, etc.) it's not too difficult to understand the daunting nature of such a task! With that being said, "White-EP" gets plenty of points for it's creativity and overall delivery. Add to that it's well-structured narrative and you have a five-song recording that makes you want to hear what else this young Italian band is capable of. Hopefully that question will be answered sooner than later. 







As a side note it's quite obviously that a group like Dead Behind The Scenes will not be suited to everyone's tastes. But as for those who still seek out creativity in alternative rock? Well, you'd be hard pressed to find a band that has as much potential as this young band does! With time and a little nurturing this Italian act could get really interesting.... 

Jessikill-Metal Knights

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Released back in late February, "Metal Knights" is the outstanding debut EP from up-and-coming U.S. traditional/power metal act Jessikill. This multi-award winning* 5-piece band (which has shared the stage with everyone from Faster Pussycat to Overkill!) is based in San Antonio, Texas and lead by one-time Hëssler front-woman (and all-around powerhouse vocalist!) Jessica Marie Espinoza. This amazing lead singer is at her all-time best on the aptly-titled "Metal Knights" and as she works her way through a killer (if sadly all too short) set of catchy METAL songs she is joined by a group of well-rounded and equally-skilled musicians. That would be lead guitarist Joey Villalobos, lead guitarist/keyboardist Jyro Alejo, bassist/vocalist Arturo Alvarado, and drummer Alan Cisneros. With all of the members of Jessikill working together as one concrete and complete unit  you end up with a remarkable piece of studio work that will stick around in your head long after it runs it's course! This slick-sounding EP starts off strong thanks to the Iron Maiden-infused "March of the Knight". At a little over a minute this great instrumental drops you right into the heart of the battle and from that point forward it's onward and upward until the closing moments of hard & heavy rocker, "Don't Let Go". As for the other four metallic songs of this well-crafted EP? Well, you really need to hear them all together in order to fully appreciate the magical quality of this killer set of songs. Without spoiling it for anyone I will say this. It's not just Iron Maiden that has influenced this Texas heavy metal band (or for that matter Jessica's old band Hëssler**!). There are actually a lot of influences at play here on "Metal Knights". From hard rock and traditional heavy metal to European-style power metal and even light thrash it's all here on "Metal Knights" and it all blends together to make this six-song EP that much more fun and exciting! All of which means you can't pigeonhole the overall sound of the Jessikill. And that's a really good thing....



*Jessikill was awarded the "Best Metal Band", "Top Local Band of The Year" and "Best Female Performer" at the 2016 SANA Awards. For the past four years in a row the band has also been chosen by the city of San Antonio to headline New Years Eve at the Arneson River Theatre!

**The EP's closing number, "Don't Let Go", sounds a lot like Hëssler.

Disboskator-Terror In Dreamland

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Disboskator is a heavy & harsh thrash metal band from Prato, Tuscany (Italy) that has been actively haunting dreams since their inception back in 2012. The 18 minute plus EP, "Terror In Dreamland", is their first release and it was produced by the talented Leonardo Bellavista. Edoardo Scali (vox/guitar), Filippo Mannini (bass), and Tiziano Valentini (drums) make up this nightmarish band whose KILLER sound is more old-school than modern. Thank the gods and masters of metal for that! Early Anthrax would be a good starting point as far as reference points go, but with Disboskator there is more of a raw edge going on and this trio is way more frightening than said New York band could ever hope to be! In addition to the "Fistful Of Metal" lads, Disboskator definitely takes a page or two from the late-eighties/early-nineties underground thrash scene as well as the likes of Pantera and Exhorder. All of which adds up to some SMASHING & THRASHING good times with the only real downer to this name-your-price download being it's short length!

Free Metal Monday: Powerfist-The Guinness Diaries

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Engineered and produced by the band itself, "The Guinness Diaries" is the 4-song debut EP from the British heavy metal/power metal outfit Powerfist. A two-man project, Powerfist is comprised of Ben Farmer (Lead Vocals, Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Bass, Piano, Synth Programming, Drum Programming) and Tom McPhail (Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Synth Programming, Drum Programming) and even if the pair are not exactly ready to take over the UK's heavy metal/power metal scene there are still more than enough promising components here to make me want to follow this up-and-coming act. This EP (which is a name-your-price download) is recommended for fans of British hard rock, heavy metal, and power metal and it can be found online by heading here.

Ice War-Battle Zone

Self-Release/Independent
2015

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

Whisky Fyre-Whisky Fyre

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Released in late July, "Whisky Fyre" is the self-titled EP from Rhode Island's premier stoner rock/doom metal band. For members Samantha Cram, Brian Rice, Tom Cat, and Michael Colantonio this EP
also represents the foursomes first stab at laying down studio recordings that fully capture the dark and mysterious essence of this riff-heavy & groovy as f**k band! In regards to that attempt (which ultimately proved successful given the breath and beauty of this four-track recording!) Whisky Fyre worked with Joe Moody at Danger Multitrack Recording and the results speak for themselves! Even if this female-fronted band is (by all accounts) a stone cold beast on the live stage this EP is as wicked as they come. Between the opener, "Not Evil" and the band's signature song there is more than enough doom-laden rock goodness to be  found on this short, but sweet release! With a run-time of just over 16 minutes one can't help but wish there was more to "Whisky Fyre" than just the four songs ("Punishment" and "War and Glory" round things out), but in this case you take what your given and at least you eat up each and every bite! Calling West Greenwich home, Whisky Fyre is one band that I would most definitely keep an eye out for. As sure as I am that my home state of Ohio is in for another crappy winter (and that my "beloved" Cleveland Browns are going to suck yet again!) I can sense great things coming for this fabulous stoner/doom band. As a matter of fact I'm 100% positive that lead vocalist Samantha Cram and her bandmates will be rocking the headlines of metal magazines in the near future! Between Samantha's killer voice and Whisky Fyre's deep music and clever lyrics there is nothing but gold to be had from this Rhode Island band so there is nowhere this group can go but up! Way up!! For now be sure to follow this band on Facebook and if you have the chance to catch Whisky Fyre live then do it! 

Raging Dead-Born In Rage

Self-Release/Independent
2015


Heavy punk/hard metal band Raging Dead was formed in 2014 by Cloud Shade (vocals, guitars) and Matt Void (lead guitar). Bassist Simon Nightmare and drummer Traci Decadence complete the line-up of "Born In Rage" and this horror-infused EP opens strong with the track "Awakening The  Damned". From there you'll be treated to numbers like "Scratch Me", "Redemption" and "Nightstalker" with the heavy rock thrash of "Vengeance" closing things out just as effectively as "Awakening The Damned" opened things up! With influences such as Rob Zombie, Marylin Manson, Wednesday 13 and the Murderdolls listed you'd be forgiven if you thought that this EP might just lean towards the electronic side of horror rock. Thankfully that's far from the case as the group's horror-inspired debut offering is more in line with The Misfits and The Exploited than Marylin Manson and Rob Zombie! Otherwise listing Skid Row as a source of inspiration, Raging Dead errs on the side of caution with this EP drawing a straight as can be line right through gritty hard rock, raw heavy metal and horror punk/hardcore. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Oscar Burato at Atomic Stuff Studios in Isorella, Brescia, Italy, "Born  In  Rage" is full of rage and fury and for that I offer a tip of my hat in appreciation towards this up and coming Italian band !