Sinatras-Six-Sexy-Songs

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Everyone say hello to the Sinatras. We've got F.L.A. Sinatra on lead vox, Lele &; Minkio Sinatra on guitars,
Lispio Sinatra on bass and Jenny Sinatra on drums. Just like the Ramones before them these five use pseudonyms and the band's self-released EP is pretty self-explanatory. Or at least it is if  you are the type that equates beauty with nuts out brutality! And that's pretty much what we're talking about when it comes this Italian band and "Six-Sexy-Songs". They've self-dubbed their musical style "death'n'roll", but, unlike, say Entombed (just one of the "recommended if you like" bands mentioned along with Pantera, Hatebreed and my personal fave of the bunch, Carcass!) these five bandmates don't necessarily walk the "Left Hand Path".   Nah, these Sinatras roll out the barrels of fun via a hack and slash hodgepodge of death, hardcore, thrash, groove metal and hard rock where the phrase "Kick Out The Jams Motherf**ker!" takes on new meaning!  Custom-built for the rough and tumble crowd, "Six-Sexy-Songs" is a nice "How do you do?" from a band that I hope to hear more from soon!

Meridius-Meridius

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Named after Russell Crowe`s character in the movie Gladiator and featuring musicians with ties to such  bands as Howler and Equestrian Lord, Meridius is a new thrash/groove metal band that was founded in Ladner, British Columbia by lead guitarist Kieran Marquis and former drummer Darien Prasad. Influences include the likes of Revocation, Slayer, The Faceless, Killswitch Engage, Metallica, Trivium, Lamb of God, Kreator, Demolition Hammer, Death, Pantera and Exodus and this young band has already shared the stage with group's such as Fuhquary, Opus Arise, Medevil, Lethal Halo, Unbeheld, Lucid Afterlife, Chilled Clarity, Contrasound, Elysium Echoes, Curse the Forsaken, iD, Lung Flower, Spell and Funeral Circle! Now calling Vancouver, British Columbia home, Meridius' current line-up is rounded out by lead singer Eric Willmott, rhythm guitarist Sam Buchanan, bass guitarist Peter Reimann and drummer Nolan Olson with this demo EP apparently serving as their official debut. Produced and mixed by Matthew Roach, "Meridius" features a mere three songs, but based solely on the shredding lines of whiplash opener "Speed Kills" there seems to be more than enough high-quality metal to go around! And that is just one track out of three bitching bangers that we are talking about! There's also "Walk The Plank" and "Conquer The Throne" to contend with and damn if those two aggressive rippers don't just up and carry this EP far and away! These lads might not be breaking any new ground here, but they are breaking bones with this pissed-off and mad as hell outlook so why argue about 100% originality when you can scream out this kind of aggression on the world at large? This self-titled EP can be found at the group's bandcamp page and it is well worth the measly $3 cover charge!

Dead Earth Politics-Men Become Gods

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Almost one year removed from the band's righteous The Queen of Steel EP, Austin, Texas heavy metal groove thrashers Dead Earth Politics return with this 4-track following, "Men Become Gods", making everything right with the world. Or at least for the time being. There's always tomorrow and new darkness to be had, but for the here and now this one's a real deal banger and it bangs HARD! Mark this date down (March 14th, 2015) as that is the official release date of this praise-worthy EP. The second in a series of three EP's, "Men Become Gods" might normally get down votes for rolling out on my ex wife's B-day, but even that mistimed coincidence cannot stop the thunderous joy that comes from unleashing the beast's beats that constitute these cuts! For those who loved the band's last EP this upcoming EP is more of the same only better! That begins with the vocal styling of frontman Ven Scott and ends with the drumming of Mason Evans. In-between it's all kind of gooey goodness with the addition of new* guitarist Aaron Canady (of Austin, Texas metal band Shrapnel) likely to pay dividends for year's to come. One can't help but appreciate all that this band puts into their music and the professional way in which they present themselves. I'm rooting for Dead Earth Politics and I suggest all of our readers do the same. These guys come across as legit with "Men Become Gods" crushing all expectations and strongly hinting at a band right on cusp of something big (much like their BIG riffs!).You can find this Texas band online here or if you like here while you can hear the group's last EP over here.

*Aaron Canady joined in 2014 and was on the group's last EP as well. Even as good as the chemistry was on that particular EP (between Canady and Dead Earth Politics' guitarist Tim Driscoll) it has improved tenfold with "Men Become Gods" pointing towards serious future success for this five-piece band! Between these two (Canady and Driscoll) riffs fly everywhere, but these also gel seamlessly making the string section of Dead Earth Politics just glorious! With Will Little doing his thing on the bass (and doing it oh so smooth!) this band is (collectively) something to behold! As much as I loved the group's last release this new one is a improvement with the songwriting and overall delivery of Dead Earth Politics bordering on near-perfection! So far 2015 is proving to be real blessing when it comes to heavy metal/thrash with hooks!

Lions of the South-Chronicles of Aggression

Self-Release/Independent
2014

U.S. metal act Lions of the South, which formed in 2008 and happens to hail from Florida (Miami), released this, their full-length debut album and only piece of recording to date, back on January 1st. Now Rock 'N' Growl Promotion has steeped in to handle the PR for this heavy metal/thrash metal trio and, having now streamed this LP two times over, it's not too hard to fathom why they've caught the attention of said promotion! This power trio, who might technically hail from Miami even if it's fairly clear to all involved that their roots can be traced all the way back to South America, features Cristobal Perez on lead vocals and guitars, Felipe Vilches on bass and Andres Nayar on drums and, thanks in no small part to the surprisingly clean, crisp and clear production job that has taken place on this self-released slab of metal, this up-and-coming three-piece is packed with promise! The likes of Sepultura, Megadeth, Pantera (and maybe even some Slayer?) has been soaked up by this trio from South Florida and then it's been chewed up and spit out in the most venomous of ways making "Chronicles of Aggression" a blistering collection of chunky HEAVINESS! Not short on talent, Lions of the South could easily make headway in today's scene if they can build on the success of this early 2014 thrash attack!

Dead Earth Politics-The Queen of Steel

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Austin-Texas heavy thrash/groove metal band Dead Earth Politics are offering the three-track EP "The Queen of Steel" as a digital-only, name-your-price download that will come complete with lyrics and liner notes.You can find the download link at their official site below. Active since 2005, with this serving as the band's second EP and third overall release, the band has been compared to the likes of Lamb of God, Iron Maiden and Pantera and really (if we're simply to go by this 13+ minute EP) that's a fairly spot-on description (especially, musically-speaking and all, the Lamb of God and Iron Maiden parts where it's almost like the old Reese's Peanut Butter bit of someone got chocolate in my peanut butter/someone got peanut butter in my chocolate only with someone got Lamb of God in my Iron Maiden and vice versa!!!)! Opener "Redneck Dragonslayer" (Yeah, I know! I love the title as well boys and girls!) starts the party off on the right foot and with a (seemingly) new lead vocalist named Ven Scott doing his best to sound like a raged-out and metal moshing maniac version of Phil Anselmo it's (as those crazy kids these days like to say!) "all good in the hood"! While their are also clean vocals sprinkled throughout this (bad mutha of a) EP it's not quite clear who contributes those so we'll just say that whoever it is that handles that side of the coin does a pretty bang-up job! Actually, kudos all around as this one simply slays! From start to finish, top to bottom it's one all out rage of a recording! So, that begs the question then as to why  I was left feeling sad at the end of it all? Well, that can be summed up fairly easily. I was sad because it's w-a-y too freakin' s-h-o-r-t! That's one thing that drives me bat shit crazy about these little slabs of METAL fraggin' WARFARE! Starting strong and then teasing me by tearing through a mere three tracks just doesn't cut it with me friends! Why is it that all of real rock and shock, flat-out rage feasts are always t-o-o damn short? Dead Earth Politics are the kind of act that need a full, flushed out LP so that it doesn't simply come to a grinding halt just when you're really getting your rage on! Granted, it's a stupid complaint right? It's only a length-issue at the end of the day. Still, I really want to hear a full-length BEAST out of this Austin act now so let's hope that this little teaser is just wetting our appetites for a full-scale invasion of thrash metal groove glory!!!! 


http://deadearthpolitics.com/

Shredhammer-Beyond Your Reach

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Much tanks to Against PR for sending unsigned German thrashers Shredhammer my way. Formed in January of 2013, first under the name of Demolition Pulverizer before switching to their current (awesome) moniker with the arrival of lead vocalist Arnold Friedrich (Thrashtanica) in April of the same year, this Cologne-based five-piece draws their sound from the past all while giving it a nifty little modern twist. With fantastic nineties-style thrash leads from Jim Shred and Bob Hammer (Paragon Belial), heavy bass riffs from The Hellman (Ars Goetia, Drang, ex-Betrayer, ex-Deep Rise, ex-Vrieskou) and the insane drumming of Marlon Drescher (Malus, ex-Odium Immortalis, ex-Poisoned Gift, ex-Somnium Mortuum, ex-Mørkriket) the band cranks out old-school metal (Sacred Reich, Possessed, Exodus, Kreator, old Sepultura, mid-period C.O.C., Metallica and Slayer) with just enough groove (Pantera) to get your juices flowing! If there's any downside to be found from this 4-track demo it's the short-length. But seeing as this just the first stab from this German bunch that's a minor gripe. Shredhammer are well worth your attention especially if old-school thrash/groove is the kind of thing that rings your bell! 

https://www.facebook.com/Shredhammer

Deathpoint-Sinister

STM
2013

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

Eron-Never Enough

Self-Released
2012

Don't be fooled by either the band's name or their newest album's title. For that matter don't be lead astray by the almost misleading album art. Olso's Eron, whose four members look as if they just might be young enough to be my children (!), are a legit source of heavier then hell metal. Scratch that. Eron, and this 8-track release (which came out on 12/12/12!), are heavier then hell thrash metal! "Come and get your groove on ladies and gentlemen!!" thrash metal to be exact. With vocalist/bassist Benjamin Danielsen leading the charge this five (give or take) year old band take their inspiration from not only more modern sources (Lamb Of God, Mastodon), but also the good old days (ie: the eighties!). While the groove might have come from the likes of Pantera, Exhorder and Suicidal Tendencies there also seems to be elements of group's like Anthrax, Slayer, Intruder, Metallica, Excel, Sacred Reich, Overkill, Exodus and Lääz Rockit. That said, you really should not go looking to pick up a copy of "Never Enough" if it's just another throwback, Bay Are-infused, retro act that you're longing for! Eron are more a combination of all of the above while they are also like none of the above! Wait, what? Well, here's how it all plays out. The band, which also features guitarists Edi Hasic & Jan Nielsen and drummer Fredrik Westby, rock out to their own beat and have been around long enough to tear things up on their own terms. As I delightfully partook in this 8-track collection of groove heavy thrash a few things came to mind that set this Norwegian act apart. First off we have the lead vocals of Benjamin Danielson. Sure he does front a thrash band, but his vocals are somewhat tuned differently then most bands playing this extreme form of metal. For whatever reason he had me thinking about bands like Discharge and Nuclear Assault. I'd hesitate to say his vocals are hardcore as they really aren't. Can I say his voice is "alternative" in nature without getting burned alive at the stake? I mean call it what you will but he comes off as different in a cool way. So, that kind of makes Eron stand out as a band. Also, "Never Enough" finds a band that isn't afraid is lay down heavy riffs that could have simultaneous come from punk and hardcore's heyday as well as the N.W.O.B.H.M.scene! There is also a keen sense that these four like to rock out. Straight, no chaser, rock and roll, rock out. I can't vouch for the group's earlier material*, but on these 8-tracks the gentlemen in Eron give their groovy thrash a shot of rock and roll adrenalin that is contagious!  And yet Eron are very much a crunching entity who are more then mosh worthy. It goes without saying then that "Never Enough" is a no-brainer as far as getting my highest recommendation! We're talking about a group that has all the aggressiveness of a crazed pit bull while still finding time to shake their groove thing! It's like getting hit over the head with a pitcher of beer while dancing your way through the pit! You can find out more about this group and how to snag a copy of "Never Enough" here:
 https://www.facebook.com/eron.band

*In addition to this stone cold kickin' release the group also have a 2007 EP to their name called "Poor Norwegian Metal". Although it must be noted that the EP features other musicians then the one's involved with "Never Enough" so chances are it's not likely going to rock the fuck out like this sweet ass album!

Implosion Circle-The Angry And Enraged

Self-Release/Independent
2013

I don't know about all of you, but when I think about Switzerland's heavy metal scene it's exactly that, heavy metal, that comes to mind. That's usually followed by flashing images of hard rock and straight-ahead rock and roll. Especially when you take into account all of the new rock n' roll, hard rock and heavy metal bands that seem to be popping up like weeds these days in Switzerland. For some reason though I seem to forget that Switzerland has a thriving thrash metal scene as well. And right there smack dab in the heat of the action is where you'll likely find Implosion Circle. Formed in 2006, and with a sound that recalls some of yesterday's greats (Metallica and Megadeth both come to mind, but the eighties thrash scene in general seems to have seeped into the sound of Implosion Circle) while also (ever so lightly ) treading the modern metal scene, this 4-piece band is bound to get both your blood and your fists pumping! While the mere mention of groove heavy thrash, or for that matter the term "modern metal", often sends people running away in fear (which I can not blame them for doing) the truth is that both of those key word combinations show up on the group's latest release. And you know what? With this bunch it actual works! On this 5-track EP, which is just shy of the 23 minute mark, vocalist/guitarist Michi Maierhofer leads a band that tackles "modern and groovy thrash metal" (there words and not mine) while never looking back! There are no side-by-side comparisons for this group though. Sure enough those early thrash influences are there for the taking, but as for the heavy groove angle? That's all Implosion Circle and it's all great. It's not so groovy that it gets sloppy or anything and it never let's up on the heavy thrash side of things so there is no way that someone could not recognize this group for what they really are (ie: thrash metal fanatics!). It's simply that "The Angry And Enraged" rocks to the beat of it's own drummer, which is this case is Mischa Blaser, while adding some "groove punch" to their modern thrash drink of choice! With guitarist Philipp Dublanc and bassist Manuel Wiget doing their things (and doing it well) this EP, which serves as the follow-up to group's 2009 debut, "Man of Contradiction", is (simply put kiddos) fun. The leads are sweet, straight-no-chaser thrash and the bass, which I have to give tons of credit to Manuel Wiget for, gives the songs on this EP that deep and heavy crushing effect! Implosion Circle gives an extra, much-needed (and damn-right truly appreciated) dose of crunchiness to modern thrash in the hope that it will help knock some common sense into it the genre. Their muscular metal packs a real wallop so don't be mistaken. When it comes time to deliver these cuts to the listening audience it's done so in heavy thrash fashion! So, we're looking at a heavy thrashing good time with a tiny scoop of groove mixed in to make things really fun. I see nothing wrong with that folks! And with Metal Message Promotions now backing this band up we could be looking at the next big thing in the making to hail from Switzerland or really anywhere! You can check this EP out for yourself right bellow and be sure to go and "like" the group's Facebook page while you're at it!

http://implosioncircle.bandcamp.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/implosioncircle

Sic Zone-Bear The Consequences

Dr. Music Records
2013

A German heavy thrash/death metal that employees some groove? Really? Isn't that so very shocking? No? Yeah, you're right. Maybe it's not that shocking. Somewhere way in the very back, deep dark recesses of my mind I'm certain that others have walked that walk before.Do you want to hear a secret though? Do you promise not to tell?  Do you pinky swear? Yes? Well, I wasn't sold on on this one by way of it's "description", but what's written on paper doesn't always tell the full story I've always tried to preach. And the "story" of this German band does  has a bit of weight to it. Under their previous name, A-Rise, the band released two demos and two full-length albums. Reportedly back then they were catering to the death metal masses with their music. The name change came about this year (reportedly after the world didn't end on time like so many predicted) with their full-length debut release, "Bear The Consequences", following closely behind. Given that the style change isn't technically all that drastic I'm sure that fans of the old would and should find some of this metal material interesting and intriguing. While they don't spell out exactly who it was that transferred over from A-Rise to Sic Zone, which would have helped some, there is still a line-up given here that includes vocalist/guitarist PY, guitarist Morbid, bassist Chico and drummer/percussionist KY. As they play such hybrid metal the influences are fairly obvious and even spelled out. Machine Head, Pantera and Sepultura all top the list, but there's also some Mudvayne and Slipknot that I detected. When it's finished off with elements of progressive metal, extreme metal, thrash rock and even hardcore it's way more interesting and gripping then any one tag alone could do justice to. So, with that out of the way let's head back to my little secret then. The thing is, even if it didn't sound as if it would be an album I'd get into (damn those promo descriptions LOL!) I actually really enjoyed this one and the way in which it played out. I found it much more enjoyment then I thought previously possible and a big part of that has to do with not the overall heaviness of this project, but the way in which the group shakes things up with the additional use of percussion and (at the top of my list) the hate-filled delivery of vocalist PY!  On "Bear The Consequences" the listener is pulled in by PY's ability to both scream and deliver these softer, and somewhat psychotic, moments in which he "sings". His voice is somewhat unsettling which works well in the constraints of this album. Overall Sic Zone have issued a really solid debut-album and have hit on a style that really suites their ability. This is a fine start for this German band.

http://www.siczone.de/ 

 

www.facebook.com/siczone 

DEVILDRIVER-WINTER KILLS

Napalm Records
2013 

"Winter Kill" makes album number six for Dez Fafara and DevilDriver. It's also the group's first new material in two years. That's six full-length albums from a band that I'd have bet any amount of money on not surviving past an album or two. And yet here we are looking at a new album from this California bunch which started out as Deathride some ten or eleven years ago. Everyone should already know the story of how Dez Fafara formed this group after the demise of his nu metal act Coal Chamber. Other then maybe bassist Christopher Towning (Bury Your Dead, ex-Corpus Christi, ex-Suffocate Faster, ex-Too Pure To Die) it looks as if there has been the same line-up in place since 2004 or so. That means this band should have consistency and chemistry on their side. I'd say that for the most part they do seem to gel together nicely. Therefore, you're not going to hear any argument coming from me about how well this band works together or for that matter their obvious skills as musicians. My only argument then is that DevilDriver is more hit or miss on "Winter Kills" then anything else. The group's last album, 2011's "Beast", was also a mixed bag for many and while I never actually heard it I do remember reading quite a few reviews of it and how friends (who were fans of the band) thought it was just so-so. When it came to this album I left all my expectations at the door. I'd like to say that I also left all of my bias at the door as well, but some sneaked in. With that being the case I opted to listen to this album a second time to make sure I wasn't just writing them off because of Fafara's past band. The thing is there are parts of this album that were better then expected. What works on "Winter Kills" then? One thing is the heavy riff-age. There are points on this album where the heavy riffs threaten to just take off and destroy everything. Of course that is one thing I like (heavy riffs with nice depth and the potential to be soul-crushing) and in that regard the band does succeed. If nothing else "Winter Kills" is a HEAVY album. It's meant to sound loud as the group is using it as a sort of sonic soapbox upon which to preach. Per the promo, "Winter Kills" is "all about the creation of flash over moments to empower people with hope and affirmation—or at the very least, the inspiration for people to create great work and engineer their own meaningful universes". So yeah, you're going to want to be heard LOUD and clear when you're looking to enlighten and empower people. Also, the vocals of Dez Fafara were better then I remembered them to be. Mind you Dez doesn't have greatest set of pipes or anything silly like that. But, they do work here as he stands atop the band's evolved sound (evolved for me that is as I remember this band being some sort of nu metal/thrash combination). Describing said sound might be a bit difficult. There's still some of that old sound I remembered (nu metal and thrash) in tiny amounts, but now DevilDriver also cuts into some melodic death, groove and even speed metal (to be clear it's a small teaspoon or so of it) on their sixth full-length release. Before "Winter Kills" is all said and done the band bounces back and forth between good ideas and bad ideas resulting in an album that, as previously stated, is hit or miss. No doubt fans will buy it regardless of good or bad reviews as this band does have a loyal following. For the rest of us it's a little less clear whether this album is worth the cost or not. Your best bet would be to listen to on iTunes (or maybe even Youtube?) before plucking down any hard earned cash.

Battlecross-War Of Will

Metal Blade Records
2013

As I looked back over previous reviews I saw that I had covered the last release from Warren, Michigan act Battlecross. That album, "Pursuit of Honor", was a really good collection of traditional heavy metal/thrash metal and at the time (July of 2011) I remarked how happy I was to see a return to this kind of real metal. Since then the scenes exploded though and there are truckloads of bands playing hybrid metal (some heavy metal, thrash, speed metal and power metal all tossed together) with varying levels of success. Here, on album number three for Battlecross, death metal-inspired vocalist Kyle "Gumby" Gunther (I Decay) fronts a band that not only tackles the four genres above, but also death metal and southern metal. There's even some groove metal to be found in some of these tracks so yes, the band is stretching their wings more on their 3rd album. With Don Slater bass playing being as heavy as it's ever been and, with Tony Asta and Hiran Deraniyagala laying down blistering solos, the band has manged to achieve a nice balance between their familiar sound and these new elements. Hired gun Shannon Lucas (All That Remains, The Black Dahlia Murder) brings his immense drumming skills to the party and the result is nothing short epic. He thrashes his way  from start to finish without missing a beat. That goes to the very core of what makes BattleCross so appealing in the first place. The group's core values is heavy metal first and foremost. It might be dressed up with death metal like vocals and thrashing guitars, but it's still heavy metal. Battlecross have certainly come a long way from their humble beginnings as "War Of Will" showcases. Definitely an album I've enjoyed listening to and one that I'll be returning to again soon.

Forgotten Gems: Dumpster Juice-That Not So Fresh Feeling

Spanish Fly Records
1993

Dumpster Juice and I go way back. Our history goes back to the days of paper music catalogs and to a day and age where music wasn't just a click away to check out. Back when this album first came out I had nothing to go by except for a small description tacked on under the album's title. I'm not sure if this was actually a catalog put out by Spanish Fly Records or if it was some other kind of catalog. Note that it doesn't really matter as this is what intrigued me (and I'm paraphrasing this): "sounds like a cross between Ministry and Pantera". As such I sent off a money order for this CD and began the long waiting game. Once this CD finally showed up I ran upstairs to my room and threw this in my stereo. I was buzzing with anticipation as I hit play. Then reality gave me a wake-up call. What was placed in my lap was not what I would have called "Ministry meets Pantera" as I expected the industrial leanings of Al's group. Instead this was more thrash-oriented Ministry with Pantera's groove tacked on. I listened to the album once and then promptly traded away my copy. Years later another copy came my way thanks to a garage sale and a "as is" box of CDs (as the whole box was marked with one price) so I ended up with another copy of the album. I'd like to say that I immediately gave them another chance, but this disc ended up shelved yet again. Finally (again, years later!) I pulled this one out to see if anything had changed and to Dumpster Juice's credit they were much more then just a "cross between Ministry and Pantera". This Minneapolis act, who were formed in 1990, are (and pardon my French here) the shit as I finally figured out that Dumpster Juice takes some of the weirder moments of Ministry and yes, the groove of Pantera, but they add on the likes of S.N.F.U., Dayglo Abortions, Butthole Surfers and Sloppy Seconds to give their sound more of a nasty punch! On "That Not So Fresh Feeling" this 4-piece act plays alcohol-fueled garage metal that's every bit as punk as the album cover would lead you to believe! This is not your next-door neighbors heavy metal band as Dumpster Juice proves that cuts like "Wipe" and "Quart Bottle Date" are on the same wave length as Motörhead only difference is these guys you have the ability to cater towards M.D.C. and Jerry's Kids fans as well! Having now been listening to this album every couple of weeks I've finally looked into other albums by Dumpster Juice and have 2 new ones headed towards my mailbox. I'm hoping they carry the same kind of abrasive attitude as this 11-track LP does!

Beholder-The Order Of Chaos

Razorline Records

2013

 

"Beholder" seems to be another (somewhat) popular choice as far as band names go so, just so we're all on the same page, let's make sure not to confuse this UK 5-piece with any of the other similarly named ones. While I couldn't pick up any information about online about when/how this group came about the Metal Archives makes not that the group hails from Coventry, West Midlands, England. "The Order Of Chaos" is Beholder's second full-length release and follows in the footsteps of the band's 2009 LP "The Awakening". When I sent off some of my hard earned cash for this new album (babysitting money yeah!) I also ordered  "The Awakening". It's been more then a few weeks since I got both of their albums so I've had a chance to listen to the two and, as far as objective listening goes, they both had about the same effect on me although "The Order Of Chaos" is smoother sounding. The production seemed better and the band all around sounder a bit more confident. First though, before we dive head first into Beholder's sound, I'll admit that the first thing that caught my eye about Beholder was some of the members featured in the band. I wish I could remember where I first read about them, but my memory seems to going out on me more and more like my trick left knee. Anyway, what caught my eye about Beholder was the fact that Si Fielding (bass guitar & vocals) was in Adrenalin Kick and The Handsome Beasts while Simon Hall (lead vocals) was also in The Handsome Beast. When I saw that little bit of information online, as well as the supposedly  "fact" that Beholder continued the spirit of the NWOBHM movement, I knew I had to check the band out. This reported "British metal" act is rounded out by drummer Chris Bentley and guitarists Martyn Blackwell and Scott Taylor (both of whom also provide backing vocals) and, it should be duly noted, all five musicians bring it and then some. Is this NWOBHM-influenced/British metal though? Not really. I'd hate for someone else to order this CD blind and not know what they are getting into. While it might not be some Iron Maiden/Samson/Judas Priest like heavy metal it's got a swagger all it's own. My first thought was this power metal/thrash version of Pantera only with a killer twin guitar attack. As I listened to "The Order Of Chaos" I picked up on some solid power metal (everything from Nevermore to a bulkier Metal Church) and the groove of bands like Pantera and Exhorder. What Beholder does best is pump out thick slabs of groovy power metal/thrash with plenty of crunch. There's also a truck load of intensity and passion running through these tracks and that's one of those things that becomes really contagious. Overall I could have been disappointed that Beholder were more Pantera then say Praying Mantis, but they won me over pretty easily with some well-arranged numbers and their enthusiasm.

 

http://beholder.bigcartel.com/ 

Suicidal Tendencies-13

Suicidal Records
2013

Despite it's title "13" is actually the band's ninth full-length studio album. That said, it does have 13 tracks, is the band's first new album in 13 years (of new material-the last one was the 2000 album, "Free Your Soul and Save My Mind") and was released in 2013 so....well, it is what it is. "13" is also the first "new" Suicidal Tendencies album I've bought since 1990's "Lights...Camera...Revolution!" (although I have since that time filled in my collection with odds and ends albums when I see them at a reasonable enough price). Why did I buy it? Part of it was that I was compelled to pick it up when I saw it in the display case at one of my local record store haunts and the other was that I had heard that this one was a return to the old "Suicidal Sound" (whatever that might be!). With Mike Muir pretty much the only original member of this band left I was not expecting a lot, but it's better then I thought it would be. I should mention as well that I had swapped out some old CDs of mine as a trade as I found a box of odds and ends while cleaning the one day. So, on to the album and, with Mike Clark gone from the band (he does play on 4 of the albums 13 tracks though), the lead guitar spot is filled in by Dean Pleasants. Of course Dean is no stranger to Mike Muir as he plays in Infectious Grooves. On "13" his leads are really solid and he lays down some nice thrash riffs on occasion. Together with Mike Muir, who still sounds good on tape when it comes to "13", the two of them make a deadly combination. Unfortunately "13" doesn't explode everything around it. It has it's moments when it truly threatens to blow your mind, but it never gos all the way. The band chucks in funk and some grooves and even recalls their early punk/hardcore/crossover days. But is it a return to their prime? For me the answer was no. That said it is a catchy album and hella fun to play loud! It's great background music and will keep your attention even if it does make you miss those early albums. Oh, and at least it's WAY better then Infectious Grooves in my mind. I would take this any day of the week next to that band! If this is the sign of things to come out of Mike Muir and company then there is reason to have hope. Of course that is if the band can manage to put out another album in under 10 years!

Flotsam and Jetsam-Ugly Noise

Metal Blade Records
2013

This was originally released as an independent/self-release in 2012. Metal Blade Records must have heard something they liked on it as it's now coming out on their label (or so it appears). This is actually their first release on Metal Blade since 2001 so that's kind of interesting to note. Let's see if we can toss out a few other quick notes first though before we dive into "Ugly Noise". This is the band's eleventh full-length album (that's crazy) and it's the first release since 1997's "High" to feature two original members- Michael Gilbert on guitar and Kelly David Smith on drums. Reportedly every one's favorite ex-Metallica bassist, Jason Newsted, also co-wrote some of this material. Or that's at least per Wikipedia (which I hate using as a reference point, but oh well and hell). OK, to be fair I've never listened to anything these guys have done (at least full-album wise) since "No Place For Disgrace" so I can't tell if this is the band's current style or what not. The good? Well, lead vocalist Eric 'AK' Knutson sounds pretty solid. The rest of the band is tight too.  Guitarist Edward Carlson and Michael Gilbert are in fine form and the rhythm section of Jason Ward (bass)
and Kelly Smith (drums) is rather thick and, dare I say, almost crunchy? Overall Flotsam and Jetsam sound pretty good...solid in fact. As for the music though? Well, the album art is almost a bad omen. We start off with the title cut, complete with piano intro, and then launch into an album that never seems to know where it wants to go. The title-cut (which was co-written by Newsted) is pretty good and there are numbers that really strike the perfect balance of modern metal and old-school power metal ("Play your Part"). "Gitty Up" though tries too hard to be groove metal and falls on it's face. It's not a good thing that Eric 'AK' Knutson sounds like James Hetfield from Metallica's "Load"/"Reload" period on it. Ugh. Things get worse though as that groove metal runs ramped  through "Run and Hide" and "Cross the Sky". Strangely the band seems as if they want to add radio rock, eighties-style, to the mix on these cuts leaving you to shake your head in confusion. "Rabbit's Foot" is alright even if it does strike too much of a dark metal pose."Rage" meanwhile just suffers from poor-songwriting and song-composition. Before you lose hope that there's nothing to appreciate about the new record though there is the industrial-thrash "Motherfuckery". True, it's odd to hear something like this from and eighties thrash band, but it actually comes off fairly solid. "I Believe" has no business being as good as it is with it's Alice In Chains meets Metallica vibe, but if you close your eyes and just sit back it's actually a steady little rocker. The album closes with the off-kilter "Machine Gun" which is another decent if not spectacular track. So, as stated, it seems as if the band just doesn't seem to know what they want to be which ends up hurting this album the most. Between that and some really poor lyrics "Ugly Noise" becomes far too fitting a title. Hopefully these guys can right the ship and, with some of the old lineup in place, find that old magic. Maybe there is still time for that. Although you do have to worry that, when Eric sings on "Machine Gun", "I'm past the point of no return" maybe he's right?

Beissert-Darkness: Devil: Death

Agonia Records
2013

There's a real primeval vibe you get when listening to Germany's Beissert. By that I mean both the band and the man for which it is named. Formed in 2005, and fronted by Beissert (ie Richard Beissert ex-Gorilla Monsoon,  ex-Trojan), the band has released three albums so far in their young career. "Darkness: Devil: Death" might sound like some sort of sinister black metal album, but this band is more groovy them grisly.  At times they reminded me of a dirtier Valiant Thorr while other times it's the sound of long-lost garage grunge I hear. Making raw, punk/metal sludge sound groovy isn't as easy as it sounds so I do give these guys credit for that. It's not all happy-go-lucky though as a track like "My Path Shall Be Your Wrath" sounds like a head-on car crash between S.O.D. and High On Fire. If you can get past the "Man, I know I heard that melody before" or "Where have I heard singing like that?" moments then Beissert might be the right kind of head trip you need. If there's one flaw to be found (other then knowing that I heard a song like "Perm Trias" before (or at least the style of singing throughout it) and just can't pin-point it!) it's the fact that the album is a tad generic. That might sounds strange when you consider the fact that these guys toss anything/everything into the fire (thrash, doom, metalcore, nu metal, etc.), but the album tends to blur together after repeating listens. So, yeah it is cool garage/punk/thrash/doom/groove/sludge, but it misses the mark when it comes to long-lasting impression.

Interview with Hidden Intent's Chris McEwen

Recently I was able to interview bassist/vocalist Chris McEwen of Hidden Intent. For those of you who might have missed it I reviewed their demo in late December of 2012. This 3-piece band hails from Adelaide, South Australia and they play (fun) old school thrash/Bay Area thrash. During our chat we talked about their past, present and, Lord willing and the dead don't rise to devour us all, their future. I want to thank Chris for taking the time to talk with us because, as you'll soon find out, he is one busy individual!

Andy: Chris, thanks for taking time to sit down and chat with us. I know you're a busy guy so we appreciate it. Let's start with the obvious first shall we? How did Hidden Intent come together?

Chris: Well, myself and Phil Bennett (our guitarist) meet each other at a Marty Friendman guitar expo. I needed a lift home that night but he didn't get the hint (I still give him a hard time about this haha!). At this time I was in a melodic thrash band which wasn't going anywhere (Abyzmal). Soon after I joined this hard rock band called Desert Eagle on bass which also came to no end not long after. So, Phil and I decided to not waste our time with non-dedicated musos anymore and formed Hidden Intent. We wanted our music to be in the vein of the music we both loved (80's thrash metal). After a brief encounter with a drummer I messaged Jay on Facebook. Jay was formerly of death/thrashers Blood Mason who my old band did a show with. The rest is history.

Andy:You touched on the fact that you all shared a love for classic thrash. Who are some of your favorite thrash bands Chris? Any group's in particular that you'd say Hidden Intent has been influenced by?

Chris: Personally I like thrash from the 80's and early 90's. It's just my personal opinion, but that's where the best riffs can be heard. Bands like Slayer, Megadeth, Metallica, Anthrax, Annihilator, Coroner, Artillery, Mortal Sin, Sepultura, etc. As far as Hidden Intent goes obviously  thrash is our biggest influence however our drummer Jay loves Black Sabbath and Tool which comes out in  his drumming. Also, Phil likes a lot of shred guitarists like Steve Vai, Randy Rhoads and groovier stuff like Pantera and Machine. That comes out in his playing. On the song "Die Inside" there is a lot of influences from the band Death (I'm a huge fan and wrote the majority of that song). NWOBHM bands like Priest and Maiden are also big influences of ours which you can hear on "Black Hole". So, there's a lot of influences than just thrash to say the least!

Andy: I'll say! It's certainly handy to be into so many different groups and genres when you go about crafting your own identity and sound. Speaking of sound, has it evolved at all since the 2012 demo? Are you working on new material?

Chris: We're currently working on our debut album which will feature the four tracks from our demo re-recorded (at a faster tempo haha!) and 5 new songs that we've been playing live for awhile now. The newer stuff has a more catchier groove/thrash sound. I've got most of the material done so far and Phil has been doing more so the songs are starting to come together. They sound different. We've got one in the works at the moment with the working title "riff soup". It's got all of these changes as we've wanted one song like that. But, it's far from finished so it will take awhile!

Andy: What's "awhile" time-wise?

Chris: All of the songs we have in our set currently minus one. We've been playing these for the past year so it's finally being recorded! I'm currently on my way back home from the States, back to Oz. Most of the vocals, guitars and drums are done so we just have to finish those off and then start tracking bass. Our drummer Jay had carpal tunnel so the drum parts got delayed a bit. I'd say the album will be released in April/May of this year so we shall see! I seriously cannot wait!

Andy: Neither can I as your demo was killer! I wish Jay a speedy recovery as I know first hand how carpal tunnel can effect your life! Changing gears some what is the scene like in your neck of the woods these days?

Chris: The scene in Adelaide is really good. In fact there's metal shows going on every weekend which is great. The only problem is consistency, as far as pulling in heads to each show, because kids like the hardcore stuff more these days and we are an old school band. But, then again thrash seems to be making a comeback which is great. We've got some great shows booked for when I get back. One in particular is a support slot for Hobbs Angel Of Death! They have been on the Oz scene for a long time! I also run my own monthly metal club called "Never, Neverland".

Andy: Hobbs Angel Of Death? Really? That's a name I haven't heard in awhile. Their an older band, but a really good act.

Chris: Yeah mate Hobbs Angel Of Death! It's a big honor supporting them as they've been on the scene for a long time and they're supporting Slayer in Finland I believe very soon. I basically messaged Hobbs on FB about coming to Adelaide and he passed our name along to the promoter.

Andy: Very cool! Care to tell us more about your monthly club? What's that all about Chris?

Chris: Well, "Never Neverland" is a little monthly club I run at Shotz Pool Lounge in town. I try to have a different theme each show. For instance the next one coming up in March will have a power metal theme. I usually have 4 bands, free pool, cheap drinks, etc. It's basically about giving punters a good deal and putting on a different kind of show. (See the link below for more info-Andy)

Andy: That sounds Awesome Chris! It's cool to hear about all you're doing for your scene. More artists should take that approach. So, what can your fans expect this year? What's in store for Hidden Intent for 2013?

Chris: Our goal is to finish our album and really make it thrashtastic! We also hope to start headlining our own shows this year as for the past year we were more of a support act. We've also got plans to head to South East Asia for a tour that will include Bali, Jakarta, Singapore, KL and Bangkok. But, this is still in the works so we're not sure what is going to happen!

Andy: Man alive Chris it sure sounds as if you've got a busy year in store! Any last words you'd like to share? The floor is all yours!

Chris: Yeah, we do. I just really hope we can get this album done ASAP and get it out there! I'd like to say to anyone who is reading this interview to give us a listen if you're into some 80's thrash ie Megadeth, Slayer, Coroner, Testament, Sacred Reich and so on. Be sure to like our page on Facebook and you can download our demo for FREE! (Both links below)
Cheers and Thrash till death!!!

Andy: Cheers right back to you! If you haven't checked out Hidden Intent then you're missing out on some great thrash. These guys play real thrash. As Chris said if you're into bands like Megadeth, Slayer, Testament or Sacred Reich then you should really dig these guys. Be sure to like them on Facebook and, as always, support underground, independent and local talent whenever/however you can. It's those kinds of acts that are keeping the true spirit of heavy metal alive!

Hidden Intent's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hidden-Intent/181391271911581

Link to Never Neverland:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Never-Neverland-RockMetal-Party/408384315886717?ref=ts&fref=ts

Hidden Intent Demo (Free Download!)

http://hiddenintent.bandcamp.com/album/demo-2012-mastered-version
















Review of demo:
http://metalmark.blogspot.com/2012/12/hidden-intent-demo-2012-mastered-version.html

Signs of Chaos-Rise

Self-Release/Independent
2012

I made the mistake last night of casually opening up this album for a late night listening experience. There I sat, curled up on my couch, just unwinding from the long day I'd just finished. I was sitting there all cozy, with a glass of wine in my hand (3rd one of the evening I believe), when I casually pushed play. "What the hey now!" I said as I just about spilled my glass all over myself! This band is HEAVY! As in face-ripping HEAVY! There I was all alone and I just had to winch as this one grabbed me by the proverbial balls and shook me about like I was some kind of rag doll in the mouth of a foaming dog! I often wonder just how it is that a band that is this good remains unsigned? It really is beyond me. What's the deal when a band like this appears everywhere from Last.fm to Amazon to Itunes (and of course the Metal Archives) and yet they remain unheralded? That right there is some pretty solid promotion. Yet again we find a band that is doing all the right things and for the right reasons (To wake the world from it's sleepy slumber with fist to the face thrash!) and yet they end up having to put out an album like "Rise" on their own dime. Why? I can't be the only one out there who has caught onto that vibe right? Where good bands far to often are left standing out in the cold while we are forced to endure yet another manufactured modern metal band. Or am I the only one who questions the wisdom of the metal gods? I mean forget "summer lovin' had me a blast" as "Rise" is like getting a blast of fire as you go about sticking your head into a furnace! This album really is some of the most "freak on a lease" heavy a** rock I've heard in awhile! No, I'm not out selling some Korn-feed nu metal nonsense where you crap on a brick and tell me it's "metal". It's more like "Holy cat in the hat Batman!" if this metal doesn't come off as the the very definition of the word "heavy" then I don't know what would! Yes, Signs of Chaos are that kind of band. What does all that mean? Hell if I even know! These guys leave me feeling all discombobulated with their Dethklok meets up with Rigor Mortis (the Texas one!) at a Pantera love-in form of groove heavy death/thrash! I seriously question how you can even have a song called "Weakness" when this is some seriously skull crushing, balls to the wall, METAL! Of course instead of "All My Loving" Signs of Chaos gives us "All My Hatred". As they spit out their anger and frustration over the state of this dying world they do it in the spirit of Gojira meeting Testament for a few pints at the local dive-bar. It's presented in such a way that you can't help but want to thrash out while the band is screaming at this world for answers. As a means of getting the message out Signs of Chaos use the mighty axe and the mighty amp as their weapons. They bring the reality of this world right through your stereo speakers in a way that is frighteningly heavy and all the more real. These guys are the real deal and another young band that could very well represent the future of heavy metal. Hear for yourself why I'm all shook up at the link below!

https://soundcloud.com/signs-of-chaos 

Incite-All Out War

Minus Head Records
2012

Let me just start things off by saying that I've seen some "interesting" record label names, but "Minus Head"? OK, that is a bit....odd. Anyway, album number two for Phoenix-based Incite was recorded at Darth Mader Music in Hollywood, Calif. with the one and only Logan Mader (Machine Head, Medication and Soulfly) sitting in the producer's chair. Logan Mader (who has also worked with Gojira and Soulfly) helped this young band by getting the band to stick to their roots while also opening up to new ideas and textures. Incite end up getting the benefit of Logan's many years as a guitarist and all-around hardcore individual from the sounds of it. The guys in Incite obviously choose to listen carefully to Logan's instructions as this Phoenix quartet offer up a really gritty and raw take on thrash/groove that is equal-parts underground thrash and accessible metal. "All Out War" is an album that should appeal to the hardcore thrash scene (or kids living on the edge) and those who like the more "known" acts. Speaking of being known, Incite might best known for featuring Richie Cavalera, (Max Cavalera's stepson) within their ranks. Richie (who handles lead vocals) has recorded with both Soulfly and Cavalera Conspiracy so those comparisons are obvious. That said Incite is it's own beast with it's own identity. Richie seems to be more then capable of  choosing his own destiny judging by the way "All Out War" unfolds. He is a fairly solid front- man aided greatly by aggressive lead work courtesy of original guitarist Dis (he has since left the band) and a sound that is both modern and primal in nature. Richie Cavalera might be the main focal point of  Incite, but this is a team effort all around from the stellar lead guitar work to the tight rhythm section. With a new guitarist (Gene Macazan) joining Richie Cavalera (vocals), Zak Sofaly (drums) and Luis Marrufo (bass) the pieces are all there for Incite to become something truly inspired if they can build upon their sophomore album.