Dungeon Wolf-Slavery Or Steel

Self-Release/Independent
2017

Dungeon Wolf is a brand new project from one of the hardest working men in all of heavy metal, vocalist/guitarist Deryck Heignum (ex-Stormlurker member who is otherwise known as Norse Law). The every so cool artwork above, which comes courtesy of Joel Sanchez Rosales and does a bang-up job of representing the epic metal storm that awaits the listener, depicts Dungeon Wolf's founder and front-man as the "Supreme Master of Metal and the Universe" that he is! Skillfully-engineered by Dungeon Wolf' bass player (and fellow Stormlurker' band mate) Stan Martell, "Slavery Or Steel" serves as the full-length debut album for this impressive three-piece band. Ex-Stormlurker' drummer Austin Lane rounds things out this metallic trio. Speaking of all things metallic, Dungeon Wolf's debut combines elements of epic metal, power metal, progressive metal, speed metal, technical metal, and traditional heavy metal. The highly-memorable "Hidden Dreams" opens the band's first album up in style. Not only does it show off the amazing guitar skills of Dungeon Wolf's founder, but his ever-evolving vocal delivery. High-pitched vocals come as a pleasant surprise from this muscular metal maniac. They work well when stacked up against high-classic U.S. power metal. Of course there are still plenty of heavy & harsh vocal lines to be found on this eight song album. Thanks to the versatile nature of this tech-savvy trio, "Slavery Or Steel" offers up the perfect mixture of melody and full-throttle metal. As this is the same line-up that was responsible for Stormlurker's "A Dark Formation", chemistry is at an all-time high (line-up wise). All three members of Dungeon Wolf excel when it comes to the album's overall performances. These are top-tier musicians playing top-shelf epic/power metal. The individual songs show passion and dedication to the holy grail that is heavy metal and each track offers something new and exciting. With splendid lyrics and a fantastic vibe(!), "Slavery Or Steel" is the cream of the crop as far as new metal offerings are concerned! Kudos to everyone involved with Dungeon Wolf's Grade A debut.

Mechanical Man-Mechanical Man

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Active since 2012, Russia's Mechanical Man is a five-piece band whose energetic & highly addicting rock-infused sound combines elements of progressive metal, traditional metal, melodic metal, and modern hard rock. The band, which interestingly-enough has been dubbed Russia's answer to Metallica(!), is comprised of Alex Zefiridis (vocals), Serj Danilov (guitars), Alexander Lee (bass), Vitaly Ostrov (drums) and Eugeny Komarov (keyboards) and this captivating self-titled album (which is frankly-speaking damn delightful!) serves as Mechanical Man's not-to-be-missed debut offering. With 8 tracks in all, "Mechanical Man" was produced by Hiili Hiilesmaa (HIM, Lordi, Apocalyptica, Moonspell and Amorphis) and his handling of this band's fearsome music is absolutely spot-on perfect! Available for download right here, "Mechanical Man"is a strong contender for best debut album of the year! My friends it simply doesn't get any better than this!

My Hollow-On Borrowed Time

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Due to drop on July 31st (and more than a little likely to explode on contact when it does!), "On Borrowed Time" is the latest release from Toronto, Ontario's My Hollow and as suggested by it's sweet art-work it has all the subtlety of two-ton anvil slamming down on a set of pearly whites! It follows the same set of blue-prints that this (highly-regarded) band laid out on their 2012 debut EP, "Cold Dark Days", and that of course means more heavy & harsh metal from a group that is all at once progressive and groovy as F**K! You can actually hear the wicked raw title track at the bandcamp link posted above, but perhaps a word of caution is in order before you head that way. As it's over five minutes long this album's aggressive opening title track is a stone-cold beast and a blood-crazed one at that! And just like you would do when faced with any wild animal you don't want to turn your back on it! Because if you do make that mistake with the ferocious title track "On Borrowed Time" it will tear you to shreds! And to think that is just ONE of the album's fierce new numbers! Yep, you are going to want to pre-order this one so why not just stop what you're doing and take care of that business now? Personally I can't think of any good reason why you wouldn't want to pull that trigger.

From Another Planet-An Ever-Changing Perspective

Self-Release/Independent
2015


Hailing from my home state of Ohio, From Another Planet is a heavy & harsh progressive metal/metalcore band that (as of 2014) is fronted by Michael Leone of Arise The Titan fame. Formed in 2009 by long-time friends Jesse Mitten (drums, percussion), Marcus White (bass, vocals) and Nick Davisson (guitar), with the recently-released "An Ever-Changing Perspective" serving as the group's full-length debut, From Another Planet has endured it's fair share of line-up changes since first coming together all those years ago. These days the band is rounded out by second guitarist Shayne DePugh and (collectively) one couldn't ask for a tighter unit than this! Not that such chemistry is unwarranted or unexpected (what with Davidson, Mitten, and White having first jammed together way back in junior high!), but it's still worth mentioning considering the relatively-new status of vocalist/lyricist Michael Leone. On "An Ever-Changing Perspective" the crazed Michael Leone provides often-times BRUTAL death metal growls that should be all-too familiar to Arise The Titan fans. His amped-up voice fits in perfectly with this band's aggressive style and even when this metallic lot is dabbling with melodic passages there's nothing stopping From Another Planet's crushing landslide of a sound! Inspired by the likes of  Between the Buried & Me, Scale the Summit, Periphery, Explosions in the Sky, and The Contortionist (with more of an emphasis on that first lot!) this Ohio band is certainly a product of their influences. There's no use in arguing that fact. But, here's the kicker. This isn't the same band that appeared on the 2012 debut EP, "Believe". And no, we're not talking about line-up wise. Put "Believe" next to "An Ever-Changing Perspective" and you'll notice how much this band has come into their own. There is a lot of growth and maturity to be witnessed between these two releases and with the band's new album all the more atmospheric and technically-sound any particular points of reference should be viewed as a positive step forward for this five-piece wrecking crew! Track in and track out "An Ever-Changing Perspective" lives up to the full potential of it's name. It follows the single "Release" and this recommend full-length feature never stops impressing thanks to tech-savvy passages and heavy slamming riffs that rattle your rib cages! If you're looking for an example of Ohio metal at it's finest then look no further! From Another Planet makes me even more proud to be a Buckeye and like I've said a hundred times before you can stack our metal scene up to the best of them as we've got talent to spare! Needless to say you are going to want to snag a copy of this one!

Greensleeves-Inertial Frames

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Active since 1993, with this hour plus release offering proof positive that when it comes to high-quality progressive metal Europe and North America do not have the market cornered(!), Brazil's Greensleeves makes their triumphant return to the heavy metal scene with the Victor Schmidlin-produced album, "Inertial Frames". No strangers to the writers of Heavy Metal Time Machine (or for that matter to fans of top-tier progressive metal of the melodic persuasion!) this skilled five-piece previously appeared in these very pages thanks to their full-length debut-album, "The Elephant Truth"*. That particular album offered a unique mash-up of all things hard and heavy with the added benefit that it fell under the blanket of progressive/power metal and it was reviewed here by the one and only Metal Mark. The thing is that was way back in November of 09! Incidentally that was also the last time that fans of Greensleeves were able to wet their whistles with new studio material. So, naturally this new album is a long time coming. But, thanks to talents of guitarist Victor Schmidlin (ex-Dynahead) and his overall exceptional band-mates the long wait appears to have been well-worth it as this band has returned with a fine example of how to make a progressive metal album that is immensely technical while simultaneously hard-hitting and down-right enjoyable! Sounding for all the world like a heavier Dream Theater or possibly even Symphony X (only with a bit more attitude and more of a sense of urgent energy), "Inertial Frames" offers everything fans of the genre could ask for from well-thought out and moving passages to thunderous riffs and even some hearty take-downs that border on power metal! Unfortunately very few things in life are absolutely perfect and to be fair there are a few faults to be found with the band's sophomore album. On occasion there are ideas that don't sound as if they were thoroughly followed through but this could be attributed to the time off between albums and the fact that even the best of bands can be rusty right out of the gate. Also the mix on album number two can be a bit uneven at times with the vocals of one Gui Nogueira all but suffering as a result. Again, it's not a every-track occurrence but when it happens you notice it. For a self-produced affair though it's a minor complaint as this album certainly comes across as a labor of love from Greensleeves to their fans. And trust me when I say that the good times far outnumber the bad times on "Inertial Frames". There is way more to love about Greensleeves these days and man alive it is just so good to see that this band is still going at it after 20 or so years! For more information on this Brazilin act and to find out how to secure a copy of their new album for yourself be sure to head over to the link that follows! 
 https://www.facebook.com/greensleevesfb

*http://metalmark.blogspot.com/2009/11/greensleeves-elephant-truth.html

Third Ion-"Capitol Spill" Single

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Clocking in at over five minutes, "Capitol Spill" is the debut single from Canada's Third Iron. The group, which features guitarist Justin Bender (Into Eternity), bass player Mike Young (Devin Townsend Band, Terror Syndrome, Jet Black Stare, Ten Ways, The Matinee and much more!), drummer Aaron Edgar and one-time solo artist Tyler Gilbert on vocals, is said to have formed over a shared love for progressive rock and heavy metal, science and (believe it or not) video games! The band's new single, which is now streaming at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaLpH_nrr-E&feature=youtu.be and to these ears is very much in line with the music of The Devin Townsend Band, is just a small taste of what's in store for this progressive metal band. With a full-length album in the works (one which will also be released in a very special format-8-Bit musical renditions of every song so that the band can pay homage to their 1980s classic gaming inspirations!!!!) and the likelihood of Canadian tour, Third Iron is one four-piece band that progressive metal fans will want to keep an eye out for!
www.thirdion.com
www.facebook.com/thirdion
www.youtube.com/3rdion

Megasonic-Intense

Mausoleum Records
2014

Megasonic is a Belgian-based trio whose influences include the likes of Van Halen, Ozzy, Aerosmith, Saxon, Savatage, Whitesnake, Metallica, UFO, Iron Maiden, BLS and Alter Bridge. Add that all together and you end up with a band that is part classic hard rock and melodic heavy metal with a few symphonic rock and progressive metal flourishes. The band, which is made up of lead vocalist/keyboardist/drummer Dimitri Verhoeven, guitarist/keyboardist Jeroen De Bock and guitarist/bassist Lieven De Wolf, is only a few years old from the looks of it with the thirteen track "Intense" serving as their debut outing. With eleven original compositions and two covers (Paul Gilbert´s "Down to Mexico" and ABBA´s "Does Your Mother Know") "Intense" is a solid (if unspectacular) release. There are some inspired moments such as "Demon's  Lust", "Witches  Brew" and "Future Shock" (three tracks which incidentally run one right after another with "Future Shock" the best of the three) as well as "Eye Of The Storm" and  "Run  For  Cover". But then you've got a real clunker like "Man  In  The  Moon" (a tiring ballad which is just lame) and other numbers that are merely so-so ("Bombs Away", which comes across as part Van Halen and part Riot is so close to being good that's it's discouraging!). The two covers end the album with "Down to Mexico" likely chosen to pull in guitar rock fans and ABBA´s "Does Your Mother Know" serving as more of a novelty then anything else. For Megasonic an album like "Intense" is a good starting point as it does feature some highlights ("Future Shock", which arguably is the heaviest number here, is a nice little banger all it's own!) and it paints the picture of a band with much more to offer if given time.

Deceptic-The Artifact

Dead End Exit Records
2014

Their Facebook page describes their own sound as  "Modern Melodic Progressive Metal". That's sort of a catch all description right? That's Göteborg, Sweden's Deceptic for you. What began in the "early and cold coast of Gothenburg" in the year of 2011 has slowly transformed into the band that stands before you now. That band currently features the following members:

William Gustafsson - Vocals
Tony Gullquist - Guitars
Dennis Svensson - Drums 
Otto Halling - Bass
Martin Carlenfors - Guitars

 




The only thing is both Otto Halling and Martin Carlenfors came on-board after the recording of "The Artifact". And speaking of "The Artifact" it sounds as if this (long worked on) album was a self-produced/self-recorded project that then benefited greater from having Tue Madsen From Ant Farm Studios (famous for working with bands like The Haunted, Dir En Grey, Mnemic, Dark Tranquility etc.) mix and master the recordings when they were all wrapped up. Oh, and then there is the fact that it was only AFTER the band had the masters of "The Artifact" in their hands that they went out and looked for a record label! So, in a very real way this is a D.I.Y. project. While there was a 2011 EP released from the band it featured a different line-up then the one we see today. And besides, "The Artifact" is what we are talking about today and for the band Deceptic all of the hard work and patience sure seems to have paid off! Deceptic's "The Artifact" practically jumps out of the speakers with opener "Heart Of The Swarm" and (fair warning here so pay heed!) it rarely lets up even as this Swedish band explores other genre elements such as melodic hardcore, alternative metal and even metalcore. Vocally-speaking William Gustafsson excels at both singing and doing the whole heavy screaming thing (there's even some near death metal growls going on here!) and his (studio) brother's in arms (Tony Gullquist and Dennis Svensson) play with such fury and energy that you'd swear that there was a full-fledged backing band in play the whole time! Deceptic has a lot going for them and based on this LP, their first-full length endeavor and an album that I let soak in spin after glorious spin, they have the talent and enthusiasm to really make a go for it! This one will drop in late August although it sounds as if a single from "The Artifact" will be made available before that time as a bit of a teaser! You can find out more about Deceptic here: https://www.facebook.com/Deceptic/timeline

Super Massive Black Holes-Calculations of the Ancients

Minotauro Records.
2014

Kitchen sink metal anyone? Canadian band Super Massive Black Holes has you covered. Formed back in 2010 by the band's two guitarists, Denver Bergreen (Anakronis) and Jake Reimer (Statue of Demur), and with a pair of EPs having presided this, their first full-length album, "Calculations of the Ancients", this is one bad that sure seems to live and breath by the motto "the more the merrier"! In this case that's a hairy buffalo's worth of inebriating beverages from the potent, pure grade alcohol that is death metal to the juicy mixes such as progressive rock, post-rock and free-form jazz! And when tackled by this up-and-coming metal band it seems to go from business to usual to all out chaos and destruction! Or to put it another way, this is about a 50/50 kind of release where Super Massive Black Holes are either capable of really nailing it or widely striking out! Naturally points are awarded for trying their hands at something as advantageous as "Calculations of the Ancients", but next time around could we possibly look into getting a lead vocalist with a bit more range?

Never Awake-Underground

Self-Release/Independent
2014

When it comes to potential (album) submissions to our site there are some bands that will hit you up once and then wait on a potential follow-up response and then there are bands like Never Awake who are diligent, making sure that their voice is heard loud and clear! Site-founder Metal Mark, having received two separate e-mails over the course of four days from two of Never Awake's bandmasters (first by drummer Alex McDonald and then by guitarist/keyboardist Matt Galligan), was kind enough to forward both (album submission) e-mails to me and I must say that I was highly impressed with this Portland, Oregon-based four-piece and their thoroughness as far as sending follow-up e-mails. But, I do have to question why a band like this, which (incidentally) was formed back in 2011 and is rounded out by lead singer extraordinaire, Taylor Dye, and bass guitarist Jesse Weiss (the final addition of Never Awake after the band went through a revolving door of bass players!), has to work so hard to get noticed? The thing is Never Awake, who also have a 2012 self-titled EP to their name and have shared the stage with similarly-minded acts such as Fate's Warning (as well as legendary guitarist Uli Jon Roth and the Michael Schenker Group!), should be more well-known just based upon their skilled nature. Especially if we're talking about the progressive metal scene where a band like this one should be on every metalhead's lips! On their full-length debut album these Portland-based skilled musicians take their influences (Led Zeppelin, Dream Theater, Opeth, Porcupine Tree,etc.) and with a few twists and turns (read: technical wizardly and fine-tuned songwriting!) light a fire to the scene while invoking flashes of everyone from "Master Of Puppets"-era Metallica to Symphony X! Of course those influences do come into play (Dream Theater) and the previously mentioned Fate's Warning has obviously been vacuumed up and sprinkled over Matt Galligan's guitar, but on the whole it's impressive just how original this lot sounds even at this early junction in their career! Guitars, like weapons, attack the listener while the rhythm section exposes the flaws in far too many similarly-styled acts (few (new) progressive rock and metal bands that I've heard lately have as tight of a rhythm section in place as Never Awake!). And that vocalist? As hinted he's in top shape here on "Underground" and his voice, as sincere as it is forceful, instantaneously throws a spotlight on the limitless potential of Never Awake! This band has all the tools at it's disposal to rapidly clime to the top tiers of the progressive metal mountain. All they need is for the right person to take notice. Somewhere out there is right PR whose been waiting for an act like this one to fall into their laps. If that description fit me in the least I'd have signed Never Awake in the time it took to complete this review! Needless to say this CD comes with my highest recommendation! Be sure to keep an eye out for Never Awake (http://www.neverawake.com/) my friends as this is one progressive metal band that has HUGE written all over them!!!!

The Mighty Swine-Last Man Standing

Broad Horizon Records, Inc.
2014

Assembled in 2007 by bass guitarist Mike Skimmerhorn (Chastain, ex-Spike, ex-CJSS), Ohio's own The Mighty Swine, who are now on album number two with "Last Man Standing" (the first album, a self-titled affair, having been released in 2009), are a guitar-driven, hard & heavy/progressive metal band with musical influences ranging from Steve Vai to Megadeth (more on that bit later!). Besides Mike Skimmerhorn (who provides lead vocals in addition to handling bass duties) The Mighty Swine features the services of Stacey Donahue and Jeff Tong (guitarists) and Rory Faciane (drums). Both Stacey Donahue and Rory Faciane are new to the fold since the band's 2009 release and with this new 11-track album following in the footsteps of 2012's (well-received and most-assuredly recommend!) "Lust" single the pair more then proof their worth on this hard hitting release! Recorded at Fat Track Studio in forest Park, Ohio, and with producer Rob Nadler once more at the helms, "Last Man Standing" is a nail-biting excursion into the world of politically-charged heavy metal where the messages are never lost in translation! While the band pulls off a spike-studded, note for note cover of the Judas Priest classic "Hall Bent for Leather" with power and passion on this new album it's actually the group's original material that reaches out and grabs you by the throat! Starting with "All That is Evil" Mike and his comrades arm themselves for an absolute throw-down and even at this album's earliest moments it's clear as day that this fearsome four-piece has no plans for taking prisoners! Musically album-number two ups the ante and if 2009's self-titled release was a tossed hand grenade into the heavy metal scene then "Last Man Standing" is a full on barrage of utter mayhem! Even as their own music carves itself a nice niche in today's scene an observation must be made and this one is by no means a bad thing! From "All That is Evil" on the music of "Last Man Standing" has a distinctive Dave Mustaine vibe going for it! Wait, what? Yes, as personable as Dave's writing is that same kind of refreshing, heartfelt feeling can be found in the lyrically-approach to "Last Man Standing" as well as in it's vocal delivery! And again, this is by no means a bad thing as Megadeth's material has long proven to be amazing from a personal perspective. Granted, The Mighty Swine does carry a bit of a torch for Dave and his crew in other ways as "Last Man Standing" feels (on occasion) as if it could be a cross between Megadeth and Metallica if (and only if!) said bands were more akin to the likes of classic hard rock and heavy metal bands (Ozzy/Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Rush, Deep Purple, UFO, Armored Saint, etc). Otherwise, as evident by original compositions like "Two Graves", "Empty Shells", "Last Man Standing" and more(!), The Mighty Swine march to the beat of their own drummer which, in this case at least, is one who never let's things settle down in the least! There's that and then there's new guitarist Stacey Donahue and what he brings to the mix. Said to be influenced by the likes of Randy Rhoads, Yngwie Malmsteen and Eddie Van Halen* his guitar playing most certainly adds an extra dimension to the music at hand with more then a few of these cuts ("Empty Shells", "Tomorrow", "Vengeance is Mine" and the title track again) perfectly crossing over between progressive hard rock and true, traditional heavy metal! And that's pretty much what listeners should expect when it comes to The Mighty Swine's sophomore undertaking. Much darker and decidedly heavier/technical in it's approach, "Last Man Standing" is NOT the same The Mighty Swine as heard on the band's 2009 debut output! "Tomorrow", "Vengeance is Mine" and "Dead Man's Stare" point towards a band that has progressed beyond their hard rock/heavy metal roots and has now fully-embraced HEAVY, guitar-driven and highly rhythmic, METAL that is a far lot closure to the likes of Megadeth and Metallica then the band's debut could have ever imagined! While Chastain might just continue to keep Mike Skimmerhorn busy by day (and no doubt provide a more stable paycheck along the way!) The Mighty Swine (who incidentally have a bit of a older, classic metal vibe about them and could almost be described as "retro" if that wasn't such a puke-inducing word these days!) is a cool vehicle all it's own! And besides, if ever it doesn't work out for Mike with Chastain then you couldn't ask for a better safety net then The Mighty Swine! For this is one band that could easier be more then a side-project!

*A special thanks to Hard Rock Hideout for the background info on The Mighty Swine's two newest members (there was a lot of research that went on on my end in between waiting for the album's complete track listing to arrive!)

Defyance-Amaranthine (2014 Re-Release)

Minotauro Records
2014

For Defyance, whose "Voices Within" had been released in 1992 (http://metalmark.blogspot.com/search?q=Defyance-Voices+Within+%282014+Re-Release%29+), it would prove to to be quite the journey to get to the full-length "Amaranthine". Essentially their debut-album, what with the originally version of "Voices Within" being a mere five tracks and (more or less) a demo recording, "Amaranthine" was a l-o-n-g four years in the making! Between financial issues (the band recorded the songs on "Amaranthine" one at a time as funding became available!), line-up problems (then vocalist Brian Harrington had joined the military and the bass position on album number one was filled out by three separate players-(original) bassist John Parrish, Brent Wagner and Rodey Stanton!) and the issue of consistency (this album was after all recorder over the course of four years!!!!) one would be justified in assuming that such an undertaking would be nothing short of a royal mess! Despite these various problems and the patch-work way in which "Amaranthine" was laid to tape the debut full-length from this Knoxville, Iowa act, which also saw the addition of keyboard elements thanks to the contribution of Matt Bell, is remarkable solid and downright enjoyable! Between those four years the band's style took on a much-improved melodic essence and the band's progressive-leanings were starting to become much more noticeable. Lyric-wise the new approach seemed to favor spirituality and the inclusion of "Invention #4 In D Minor" (J.S. Bach) really showed off the overall excellent musicianship that this U.S. metal band was capable of! Opening up things is the superb "Without Your Love" and with the strength of not only ballads like "Coming Home" and "Where Are You Now", but more metal numbers like "Seize The Day", "Freedom Forever" and "Running Free" it's hard not to get caught up in a release like "Amaranthine". This 2014 re-release does Defyance justice as this (original self-release!) album is presented in fine form and (whether the sound has been touched up or not I cannot honestly recall as it has been some time since I first heard the original tracks!) everything sounds as mint and fresh as if it just came rolling out of the studio! While the band's next album, 1999's "Time Lost", is the one that I always identified Deyance most for there' no denying the staying power and respectably of "Amaranthine"! You can find this re-release as well as the group's other two ("Voices Within" and "Time Lost") over at Minotauro Records main web page where they are each reasonably priced as individual units or as part of a special three pack deal!

http://www.minotaurorecords.com/#!cds/cnec

The Approach and the Execution-Kings Among Runaways

Self-Release/Independent
2014

This Saturday, March 1st, 2014 to be exact (tomorrow friends!), Cleveland epic metal band The Approach and the Execution will have their album release party for "Kings Among Runaways" at the Agora Ballroom in Cleveland, Ohio. It will also serve as their last Cleveland show (at least for awhile!) as the band has recently packed their bags and headed out west for the warm California sun. Opening acts scheduled for the event include Deadiron, Ruins of Tekoah, Purveyors of Fiction, Dynamite Thunderpunch, Between Hell And High Water and Caves. I mention all of this up-front so that fans and friends of the band can come and say their proper fair-wells and send off  what has been one of Ohio's most friendly and down to Earth metal bands in style! So, if you're in the area and want to experience what promises to be a spectacular night of metal then by all means head on down to the Agora Ballroom! Doors open at 7pm! With all of that said let's take a sneak peek at "Kings Among Runaways", the second over-all full-length release from The Approach and the Execution that was funded by fans thanks to Kickstarter. As we all know sophomore releases can be hit or miss. Especially when a band has undertaken line-up changes and there has been a four-year gap between albums! Last time we checked in with this lot (2010's "The Blood March") they were fronted by guitarist Jeremy Richard and had wonderful female backing vocals courtesy of keyboardist Julie Peterson. Both musicians are now gone (along with then drummer Riley Kovac) although (ragging metal maniac turned second grade teacher) Jeremy Richard does stop by on "Kings Among Runaways" to say "Hey". Up-front on the mic we now have founding member Mike Notte (who also handles guitars) and with two other holdovers (lead guitarist Andy Fischer and bass guitarist/vocalist Nick Kozono) being joined by two new members (guitarist/vocalist Sam Wilson and drummer Gabe Dickey) everything is firmly in place. Or at least it was for the recording of this album*. Opening strong with "The Warrior's Psalm" we find The Approach and the Execution once again taking the best parts of classic metal bands like Iron Maiden, Armored Saint, Black Sabbath, Manowar and Judas Priest and, after adding elements from the likes of Trivium, Protest The Hero, Slayer, Coheed and Cambria, Megadeth and Killswitch Engage, unleashing epic and unrelenting heavy metal that is remarkably all their own! Long ago guitarist Andy Fisher established his own key-style of playing and his trademark lead solos explode over the course of this 9-track epic metal release! Besides new cuts like "The Warrior's Psalm", "A Graveyard Marked For Two" (an early fave cut!) and the title cut (which can be heard at the bandcamp link below) album number two comes packed with a re-recorded version of "The Plague Knows No Prejudice" and the previously released single "Hymn Of Victory" (from May of 2013). Minus the female backing vocals of the lovely Julie Peterson, whose presence is sometimes missed on "Kings Among Runaways", "The Plague Knows No Prejudice" comes across as way more brutal. And speaking of brutal, "Ghost Pilot" closes "Kings Among Runaways" in proper style, heavy & crushing(!), making one appreciate just how effective it is when you book-end exception tracks as openers and closes! Of course in-between those two numbers there's plenty of meat and potato metal numbers like the title cut (feat. guest vocals from Deadiron's Alexander Van Ness) and previously-released single "Hymn Of Victory". What helps an album like "Kings Among Runaways" work so well is how everyone shines in their collective moment in the spot-light. Mike's voice is clean and clear and everything, whether we are talking about Fisher's leads or the tight rhythm section of Kozono and Dickey, just gels. The excellent "Faith Aligned" is a prime example of this. Here Mike's singing is cushioned by the smooth combination of progressive and epic metal and, even at 7 minutes in length, it moves along at such a nice brisk pace that there is never a fear that it might end up losing the listeners' attention! All in all "Kings Among Runaways" is everything a sophomore release should be. It shows necessary growth while remembering where it is that it's roots are planted at. Where this band will go next only time will tell. But, based upon the strength of "Kings Among Runaways" I'd say that the west coast better be ready for what's heading their way!

* With the move out west there will naturally be more line-up changes, but that's another story for another time!

http://theapproachandtheexecution.bandcamp.com/track/kings-among-runaways-2

Flyer for tomorrow night's show!

Nümph-Theories of Light

Independent Release
2013

Issued back in November of 2013, with the EP, "Four Zoas" having proceeded this release by two or so years, "Theories of Light" is Nümph's first full-length album. It's also Nümph's foray into the realm of modern day/modern metal-infused progressive metal. Recorded at The Basement studio, mixed by Matt Bayles (Mastodon, Isis, The Sword) and mastered by Ed Brooks from RFI Studios (Rem, Isis, Pearl Jam) "Theories of Light" finds Nümph (a band which was formed in late 2010 and is fronted by guitarist Marco Bartoliin) mostly adhering to the progressive metal handbook with only a few trick plays like growls and some neatly-placed classic rock-like solos (presumably by lead guitarist Luca Giampietri) thrown in for good measure. As far as debut albums go it's hard to find much fault in "Theories of Light" and one can't help but wish good fortune upon this Carrara, IT-based four-piece. You can find out more from the bandcamp link below.

https://numphband.bandcamp.com/

Mire-Inward/Outward

Self-Release
2014

 
Two years in the making, and serving as the follow-up to the band's self-titled 2010 EP, Wire's ten-track debut album "Inward/Outward" had me hooked by it's second track, the heavenly heavy "Tyrannicide"! Produced by Mire, who self-describe their sound as "Hi-Energy Prog Rock" (with influences such as Tool, Deftones, A Perfect Circle, Pink Floyd, Isis, Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam, Porcupine Tree, Stone Temple Pilots, Soen, Rage Against The Machine, Soundgarden and Audioslave listed as source material), and one J.P. Nault "Inward/Outward" is a remarkable debut album for a band which has archived recognition as "Band of the Month" from the Quebec Punk Scene! Having shared the stage with the likes of Radio Radio, Courage My Love, Frozen Death, Shatters, Dogbus, Mordicus, Mak, Tiny Danza, Dead Citizen, Volume Collective, Far From Reality, Steinbock, Another Fallen Hero and Dance Over All this Montreal-based five-piece is fronted by J.P. Lachapelle and rounded out by guitarist/vocalist Dave Massicotte, guitarist/keyboardist Bruno Chouinard, bassist Robbie O'Brien and drummer Stephane Boileau. Besides the above-mentioned influences (especially the likes of Tool, Deftones, A Perfect Circle, Pink Floyd, Isis and Porcupine Tree) one can't help but pick up on bits and pieces of acts as diverse as Coldplay, Radiohead and even (later-day) Linkin Park! All of which should be looked at as a compliment as, despite the unassuming nature of their band name and album-cover, this progressive rock/heavy metal outfit has more then enough attitude to make a track like "Tyrannicide" sound legit while a more "commercial" number "Open Circle" could easily capture the attention modern rock radio listeners and catapult Wire all the way to the top! Helped out greatly by the powerful voice of lead singer J.P. Lachapelle, who, as far as rock front-man go, has the near-perfect blend of soulful-seduction, sexual charisma and street grit to cross the aisle between male and female listeners (something we've seen from Mick Jagger to Axl Rose!), Wire would benefit from a huge push and, if I was more a man of means and connections, this would be one outfit that I would invest in as (mark my words on this one friends) this act is going to be huge one day!

My Refuge-Living In Anger

Self-Release/Independent 

2013

Varese, Lombardy-based My Refuge, which was formed in 2010 and now features Steel Violin vocalist Moz within it's ranks, first hit the scene with the EP "3407 - Picture of an August Night". That five-track release was issued the same year the band was formed, which is always rather convenient all around and a sure sign that a band knows what it's doing from the word go, and now, with a modified line-up in place, the band has issued this new four-track affair. Well, "now" might be a bit of a misleading term as this release came out in July of 2013, but it's new to me which makes it all the more relevant! With a line-up which also includes (dual) lead guitarists Mauro Paietta & Simone Dettore, bass guitarist Salvatore Chimenti and drummer Valerio Ferrari this Italian band seems posed for success is this short EP is anything to go by! With a full-length release due for later this year My Refuge, who mix in elements of traditional heavy metal, European-style power metal and progressive metal, cover a lot of ground here even if we are talking about a recording that is less then twenty minutes in length! No further proof is needed then opener "A Storm Is Coming", a cut in which the band takes on Blind Guardian/Stratovarius-style power metal in grand fashion, and "Empty Room (Acoustic Version)" which, as the title implies, is a stripped-down number featuring just Moz and an acoustic guitar. Stunning is a word I would use for the latter while the former, along with the gripping cut "The Cage (Oh Demon in My Eyes)", is a highly-stylized speed/power metal song! Meanwhile the four-minute plus title-cut is more straight-ahead heavy metal/power metal then both "A Storm Is Coming" and "The Cage (Oh Demon in My Eyes)" but it's just as effective giving the range of Moz and the talented work of Mauro Paietta and Simone Dettore. It will be interesting to see just what kind of magic this act can come up with for a full-length release, but for now this is a great way to become familiar with a band that I hope to hear plenty more from down the road!  

http://www.myrefuge.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!

Amaze Knight-The Key

Self-Release/Independent Recording
2013

Turin, Italy's Amaze Knight was formed in November of 2010 by Christian Dimasi (guitars/vocals) and Michele Scotti (drums). Along the way towards the recording of "The Key", which is the group's first full-length recording and is available as a free download at the bandcamp link below, Fabrizio Aseglio was added as Amaze Knight's lead vocalist with Matteo Cerantola (bass player) and Davide Gemello (keyboards) rounding out the project. Additionally, Max Tempia joined in on the recording of "The Key" as a session keyboardist. A concept album in nature, with a total of 5 tracks running over 47 minutes in length, "The Key" is about "describing emotions, experiences and considerations through a common story which bounds one song to the other, with a varied and unpredictable sound, caused by the many different musical influence each member of the band brings with himself". All of which takes the form of progressive metal. In fact, fans of progressive metal (specifically Dream Theater) would do well to take a break from their day to day activities and check out "The Key" and it's epic compositions. As a whole the band are superb musicians (especially evident by the guitars and keys/piano) and as far as debut recordings it would be hard to suggest that you could do any better than this one! Brilliantly played, which is highlighted by phenomenal piano passages and Christian Dimasi's skilled guitar playing, "The Key" really took me by surprise with it's elegance and majestic compositions! And yet it's still very much a metal album at it's core. Christian Dimasi's playing adds a  tantalizing edge to these numbers that suggest a band that is classically-trained (or at least classically-inspired) while still rooted in the realm of hard rock. All of which translates into an enjoyable listening experience and an album that I'm more than willing to recommend!



http://amazeknight.bandcamp.com/

Distant Past-Utopian Void

Pure Steel Records

2014 

"Utopia Void", which is due out in the later part of next month, is the latest release from Swiss heavy metal band Distant Past. Formed back in 2002 by Emerald's Adriano Troiano (bass and keyboards), originally under the name Evil Eyes and with two of Adriano's high-school friends in tow (guitarist Alain Curty and drummer Kaspar Zwirner), the band's first album was issued in 2003. Since then (the group's release of their debut album, "Science Reality") the band has seen it's fair share of line-up shake-ups with only Troiano and Curty remaining from the early days. With "Utopia Void", which has some oddly sinister album art adorning it, this Swiss band now features the services of former Emerald lead singer/guitarist Jo Julmy (lead vocals) as well as guitarist Christof Schafer (ex-Orpheus) and drummer Jan "The Onion" Zwiebel. While the group is primarily looked at as a progressive/melodic heavy metal band this album finds a group more then willing to stretch past any such preconceived notions.Opening number "A Day of Darkness" carries a serious torch for all things 80's metal (as do the numbers "Kingdom of Shadows", "Helpless" and "The Illusion") while the band tackles Black Sabbath on the (Ronnie James Dio-tribute number) track "Touched by the Gods" and even Megadeth-like thrash with "On The Edge". At almost sixty minutes in length this one is a sure-fire winner and a good sign that 2014 will indeed be a good year for heavy metal! 

Royal Hunt-A Life To Die For

Frontiers Records
2013

Released here in the U.S. earlier this month, "A Life To Die For" is the latest album from Danish act Royal Hunt. Following in the footsteps of the similarly-titled "Show Me How To Live", which previously saw the return of vocalist DC Cooper (Amaran's Plight, Missa Mercuria, D.C. Cooper, ex-Silent Force), this release makes album number twelve for a band that has seen countless line-up changes since first forming back in 1989. With sole surviving/original founding member keyboardist/guitarist André Andersen serving as producer (and doing a splendid job at it for what it's worth!) the band, which is rounded out by lead guitarist Jonas Larsen (ex-Barock), bassist Andreas Olsson (7days, Rob Rock, Stormwind, ex-Narnia, ex-Wisdom Call, ex-DivineFire, ex-Harmony) and drummer Allan Sorensen (Cornerstone, ex-Narita, Scarlet, ex-André Andersen, ex-Prime Time), has released an album that proves that wine isn't the only thing that gets better with age! "A Life To Die For" starts where 2011's "Show Me How To Live" left off and improves upon that album's solid melodic/progressive heavy metal by bringing in more symphonic elements and even a large choir! While I'm on record as saying that such additions usually detract from a metal album's overall appeal, which (to these old ears of mine) is usually true 75% of the time, here at least is one example of how to do it so that it actually enhances the metallic nature of your sound. With the way in which this band frames (what is otherwise) these classical elements it merely shines an extra spotlight on Royal Hunt's powerful melodic progressive metal. Yes, in regards to "powerful" and "melodic" that could be looked at as a oxymoron. Then again if you've ever heard the Danish act then you'll understand what I'm getting at. Sure, melodic metal lies at the very heart of this band and given how much the keyboards are employed in Royal Hunt that will likely never change. Even so lead guitarist Jonas Larsen gets his chance to shine and his playing often times adds a powerful edge to what is without a shadow of a doubt some of the best melodic power metal out there! As André Andersen employees flashy keyboard passages Jonas Larsen takes the listener on a journey of new discoveries! And by that I mean the great discovery that power metal can be as grand as it is empowering provided you have all the right set of players in place! Well, that and then the fact that there are still power metal outfits out there in this world of ours who haven't forgotten that power metal should be A) Powerful and B) Dead serious heavy! Royal Hunt falls into both of those categories even as they employee a small army of classical/orchestra personnel and a large choir! And while the album alone is a must for royal Hunt fans it gets even better when you realize that album number twelve from this Danish act includes  bonus DVD! Shot during the band’s last tour, the DVD features live music and interviews and it serves as the proverbial "cherry on the top" of this treat! For Royal Hunt fans this one is a given, but I'd also implore fans of melodic/progressive power metal to give this album a chance. Just between the skills of vocalist DC Cooper (who sings with some serious passion here!), guitarist Jonas Larsen and keyboardist/producer André Andersen there is plenty to love and appreciate about "A Life To Die For" and yet the whole band is top-notch and each and every song is well-written and planned out! If you've never had the privilege of hearing Royal Hunt before then this is as good of a place to start as any!