Grate-You Should Be

Social Blasphemy Records
2017

The brainchild of vocalist/guitarist Nick Holmquists (Aisumasen), Grate is a Gothenburg, Sweden-based outfit that was formed in 2001 and is now on album number three with "You Should Be". At first Grate was a solo project for Chris. Over time though new band members were introduced. With new members and new albums the group slowly but surely evolved into the beast that stands before us now. These days the band's influences seem to run the gamut from Godflesh, Fudge Tunnel, and Killing Joke all the way up to Prong and Helmet. Not quite industrial metal, noise rock, hardcore heavy metal, or even raw metal, Grate is a little bit of all of the above and then a whole hell of a lot more! While it was actually released over the summer of 2017, "You Should Be" is as hot and dangerous now as it has ever been!! Thanks to it's bleak industrial edge and hard as hell attitude, Grate's latest recording should appeal to a wide array of metal fans.

Iron Driver-Crack of the Whip

Self-Release/Independent
2017

Iron Driver is a five-piece heavy metal band that hails from Saint Petersburg, Russia. The four-song EP, "Crack Of The Whip" is the latest studio output from this three-year old band and it follows a 2015 split that the group did with Sunisgone. Having made their debut in mid-September of 2014 with a self-titled demo, Iron Driver offers up a raw take on vintage heavy metal that they themselves have dubbed "New Wave Of Russian Heavy Metal". With influences that split the difference between the (early) eighties metal scene and the rougher edges of the  N.W.O.B.H.M. movement, Iron Driver's sound comes straight from the underbelly of the underground metal scene and it is every-bit as down & dirty as the above art-work suggests! Depending on your personal point of view that can be a good thing or that can be a bad deal. Either way, don't say I didn't warn you.....

Badmotorfinger-Heroes

Logic(il)logic Records / Andromeda Dischi
2016

 "Heroes" is a brand new EP from Italy hard rock/heavy metal band Badmotorfinger. It follows the 2013 album "It's Not the End" (which you can read about here) and finds Luigi "Sange" Sangermano (Sange:Main:Machine, Old Flame, ex-Tarchon Fist) taking over lead vocals for the departed  Il Reverendo (Stefano Altobelli). Named after the classic Soundgarden album, Badmotorfinger also includes guitarists Federico "HeavyRico" Mengoli (ex-ex-Tarchon Fist) and Alessandro "Alex" Mengoli as well as bassist Massimiliano "Tommy" Tommesani and drummer Fabio "Barra" Bussolari. On the group's new EP there are three new tracks ("Hidden Heroes", "Needle In My Vein", and "Badmotorfinger") as well as three tracks that originally appeared on the group's debut album, "It’s Not The End" ("No Second Chance", "Afterlife", and "Rebel"). The three old tracks have been "carefully reworked, re-recorded and rearranged". As far as the old tracks go, "No Second Chance" is a new and improved version that is razor sharp(!) while "Afterlife" and "Rebel" are acoustic takes on what were original electrified numbers. "Afterlife", which features a duet between Sange and Viviana "LaViv" Cappelli, is arguably the better of the two acoustic tracks, but "Rebel" (with it's country rock vibe!) is a solid enough number that closes this EP up on a quite pleasant note. Those are the "old" tracks though so what do we make of the "new" ones? Starting off with the HEAVY-hitter "Hidden Heroes", Badmotorfinger's latest material shows off the group's natural growth as metal band ("Needle In My Vein") while still retaining that familiar (and much loved!) hard rock and roll sound ("Badmotorfinger")! Both tracks are over the four minute mark, but whereas "Needle In My Vein" is raw heavy metal with some (old-school) thrash touches, "Badmotorfinger" is pure hard rock love and joy! Much like their early material, "Badmotorfinger" pays homage to the one and only Motörhead! As a longtime fan of Lemmy and company I can't help but LOVE that fact, but then again there is plenty of love to go around when it comes to this Italian band's latest recording!! With the exception of the two acoustic songs, each number on "Heroes" offers a slightly different take on true heavy metal. You've got classic metal ("Hidden Heroes"), heavy metal thrash ("Needle In My Vein"), hard & heavy ("Badmotorfinger"), and even some punk-infused metal ("No Second Chance"). Each and every number here works (including the two unplugged tracks!) and that ultimately leads to a new recording that should make people stand up and notice this five-piece band. For an act that originally started out in 2006 as a cover band, Badmotorfinger has come a long way from it's humble beginnings. One would think that this band would be bigger than it is right now, but things happen for a reason I guess. Hopefully the EP "Heroes" sets some good things in motion for Badmotorfinger as they really do deserve a bigger and better fan-base as well as way more press than they are getting now!

Ben Blutzukker-Analog Blood

Ben Blutzukker  

2016

 

 

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

Interview with Bad Frankenhausen's Tom Goldman

How's this for perfect timing? Just this past Monday I reviewed Bad Frakenhausen's new album "Eins" and here it is Wednesday(!) and I am now proud to present an interview that I conducted with this London band's guitarist/vocalist, Tom Goldman. I want to thank Tom for taking time out of his schedule to chat with us about his band and Bad Frakenhausen's (highly-recommended!) debut album. If you haven't read my review of "Eins" yet then be sure to check it out by heading here. Meanwhile you can find "Eins" online by following this link.


Andy (A)-For our readers who might not be familiar with your band could you give us a brief rundown on who's who in Bad Frankenhausen and what you...or rather your band...is all about?

Tom Goldman (T)-We’re Bad Frankenhausen, a three piece Hard Rock/Metal band from London England. We follow the traditional ‘Power Trio’ formation of me (Tom) on guitar and vocals, Rob on Drums and Paul on Bass. The general idea behind the band is to have a Classic Rock/Metal vibe with some modern influences as well, with a focus on big, memorable riffs!

A-I'd say you succeeded with that game plan Tom! How and when did your band form and how did you decide on your unique moniker?

T-Although Bad Frankenhausen was formed officially in mid 2014, it’s existed quite a bit longer in different forms. Rob, Paul and Myself have played together since 2009, with various vocalists, but nothing really led to anything. In late 2013 after a bit of a break we got together as a three piece and I took over the vocal duties. From there we rewrote or started afresh with the material we had previously written and soon after we launched as Bad Frankenhausen.The name comes from a town in Germany. We all liked the sound of it and it’s quite different from many of the ‘typical’ metal band names. It also continues a proud tradition of rock bands named after places!

A-That's so very true LOL! Who is the primary songwriter in the band? Lyrically-speaking there seems to be a great deal of fantasy going on. Not that I'm complaining any since I totally dig the material that you guys have put out!

T-I think it's pretty mixed. We all contribute quite a lot to the music side. Occasionally I will bring something complete to the band, but even then we will work on it together and swap stuff out or improve on riffs. It's become a really collaborative process. Sometimes it might be a starting point of a simple riff or idea, or maybe we jam something. It's different every time, but the collaboration is key.The lyrics on "Eins" are done in much the same way, in that we have all pitched in ideas at various points. In some cases there has been a general idea, in others its more specific. We've tried to keep sense of humor about things too. There's quite a strong 'tongue in cheek' element to what we write too. I think "Eins" as a whole lyrically deals with the idea of desperate or deluded characters, it's a theme that we come back to quite a lot.

A-On your full-length debut I can hear traces of Black Sabbath and Motörhead. What are some of the bands that influenced you?

T-Well, as you mentioned Sabbath are a huge influence on us. As well as other classic rock bands like Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. We certainly use their bluesy approach to riffing quite a lot in our songs. You’re quite correct in saying that Motörhead are important too, particularly vocally. Definitely some Priest and Megadeth there too!There’s some other stuff in there as well. Paul and I listen to a lot of Black and Death Metal, and although it may be subtle, there are some references to that in our songs, particularly in the guitar work – Although you may have to look for them! Also there’s quite a substantial Prog influence too in places.I would also say there’s particular influence from a lot of Doom and Stoner bands too. Bands like Electric Wizard and Orange Goblin, and also many bands from The USA, particularly Southern Metal and Desert Rock groups. Pantera, Down. Basically anything with great riffs and a strong groove!

A-Coolness! Not counting your odds and ends collection entitled "Vol 1",  "Live" was your first full-length release. What made you decided to go that route?

T-We'd written a lot of material and we just wanted to get it recorded. We've been lucky in that we're quite prolific in that respect. It just seemed logical to us to do a full length, to get definitive versions of our music on record, rather than doing a few separate EPs.

A-Well, it worked for the band MC5 so why not you guys! LOL! We briefly touched on it, but talk to us about your new album. How did it all come about and how have fans and critics reacted to it?

T-It's been a long time in the making! We recorded it and mixed it in June/July last year. The artwork was done over the Summer and Mastering was completed in October. We've been sitting on if for a few months, so it's good to have it out. Reactions have been great. Considering we have not had an "official" release for it yet, it's been a pleasant surprise to find that people have discovered it. Hopefully more people will get to hear it and enjoy it soon; we plan on sending out copies to a range of people/place. It will be "interesting" to see what the reaction will be!

A-In a very good way "Eins" has an almost live feel to it. Was that purposeful?

T-Absolutely. We are big fans of the natural live sound of music and want to give people the impression that they are in the studio with us playing when they listen, rather than have something over produced and artificial. It just seems to fit in with our style.

A-In our email exchange you mentioned "Eins" getting a physical release. When can fans expect that?

T-We are hoping that we will have the first physical copies early March, with an aim to have them for sale later that month or early April.

A-Awesome! Who are some of the bands that you've played with so far?

T-We've played with quite a lot of excellent bands on the London scene. Last week we played with Overthrow and in the last year we've been lucky enough to play with the likes of Empire Warning, Possessor, Suffer No Fools, Morag Tong, Unheard Before the Wake, Slave Steel and so many more - apologies to those who I've missed! We've been very lucky with who we have got to play with.

A-As a follow-up to that question who would you like to play with if given the chance?

T-In the immediate future, would love to play with some of the other local bands we haven't had the chance to like Wretched Toad, Wychhound, DBM, Khadian, Jackknife Seizure... But in the future who knows? There are obvious big name choices... But we've a while to go till we are there yet.

A-Since we're kind of on the subject already Tom what is your local scene like?

T-It's really good and getting better. I keep seeing new bands who are really impressive, whilst those who are have been on the scene for a while are progressing so much. The only thing that is a pain is that every month another venue seems to close, restricting where we can play. That being said, there's a dedicated group of promoters and venues who put in a huge amount of effort to support the scene. It's a really cool time to be involved in it.

A- Are there any other local bands that you'd like to suggest for our readers?

T-There are so many! Overthrow UK, Wretched Toad and Empire Warning are good places to start.

A-Thanks Tom. I'll have to check those bands out. Let's get back to your group though. What are some of your favorite moments so far with Bad Frakenhausen?

T-Definitely the live shows. They've gotten to be so much fun for us. It's great to see people's responses to new material, as well as seeing the same faces in the crowd!

A-To that end, what's the one thing that your band always has to have with them when you hit the road?


T-Either beer or guitar tuners.

A-Both of those are essential items that's for sure! Does Bad Frakenhausen rock out any cover songs live?

T-We do a pretty tasty version of "Tales of Brave Ulysses" by Cream...

A-Sweet! I'd love to hear your take on it. Alright, it's either or time. Black Sabbath with Ozzy or Dio?

T-Love Dio, but Ozzy.

A-I'm more of a Dio man myself, but it's all good. How about Metallica or Megadeth?

T-Megadeth - Love that guitar work.

A-Dave is one hell of a guitarist. An underrated one, but one of the greats all the same. OK, how about this one. Electric Wizard or Orange Goblin?

T-Electric Wizard.

A-Judas Priest or Iron Maiden?

T-Priest. I think most people in the UK would go for Maiden, but there's just a consistency with Priest I love.

A-I can't argue with that. So, what does the rest of 2016 have in store for you guys?

T-We've got a few more shows lined up (check the Facebook), then we intend to hit the studio again - We have a bunch of new material that we need to get down, so look out for another release later in the year! After that more live shows and hopefully we can expand out of the London scene, and journey to the rest of the UK and beyond.

A-I'll be sure to keep an eye out for your new material as I suddenly find myself hooked on your sound! Now I always let artists have the last word so go ahead Tom. The mic is all yours so feel free to share your words of wisdom. Or if you'd rather not go that route then you can feel free to share your favorite cocktail recipe! Whatever it is you want to lay down then have it!

T-We really want to thank you Andy for covering us. It does mean a lot. We would love if some of your readers would check out "Eins" on our bandcamp page, or even some of other, free releases. We want as many people as possible to hear our music, and we'd love to know what you all think.

A-The pleasure was all mine!


As a word of closing I am going to second Tom's suggestion my friends. For all of our readers out there (and yes, I'm especially talking to all of you who are fans of  raw/real metal and hard & heavy rock n' roll!) be sure to check out Bad Frankenhausen's "Eins". This power trio's riff-heavy & barroom-approved debut album has so much to offer and the more times that I listen to "Eins" the more I find myself wanting to wave the banner that is Bad Frankenhausen! Every-bit as loud & proud as they come, Bad Frankenhausen is one band that I not only plan to follow, but share with all of my metal brothers and sisters! And of course if you live in London and/or any of the surrounding areas be sure to check Bad Frankenhausen live. Having heard this band's live material (thanks to their bandcamp page) I can tell you that this type of heavy rock/hard & heavy metal simply SLAYS on the live stage! If you get a shot at seeing Bad Frankenhausen live then do it! God knows I would if I only lived across the pond! 

To The Pain-Seven

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Take heed of my warning friends! It's time to batten down the hatches and lock up your sons and daughters! You need to hold your loved ones close and say a pray or possibly two so that dawn's early light finds you all safe and sound. There's a storm coming in and it's coming in fast! Ladies and gentlemen prepare to meet your maker! Doomsday is upon us and it's name is "Seven"!!!! It's taken two years to put all the pieces together, but here it is all the same and yes, the wait has been worth it! This is the follow-up to 2013's "To The Pain" and for this New York power metal/thrash band there's no such thing as the sophomore slump! "Seven" is everyone that fans could have hoped for only better. Oh, and it's also heavier. As in much HEAVIER! That much was hinted at when To The Pain released the album's title track and first single, "Seven". Fans and critics alike found themselves drooling in anticipation of To The Pain's sophomore album
and quite obviously this one does not disappoint! Vocalist John Intagliata sounds as good here as he did on "To The Pain" and it's not just the title track that we're talking about friends! This underrated front-man is right there IN YOUR FACE from the word GO so make sure that you're well aware of what's in store before you decided to hit play! John Intagliata's impressive range has always been from low demonic grunts to hitched-pitched banshee wails and on "Seven" he is as evil as he is enlightening! And he's just the lead vocalist of this Long Island five-piece! If this is first you've ever heard of To The Pain then here is the skinny.  To The Pain was formed in 2012, but their roots go back to the band-members high-school days. Back in July of 2013 I covered the band's self-titled debut and that fantastic release was somewhat of a long-awaited dream for the members of To The Pain. I followed that review up with a interview and between these two articles you can get a good feel for the band's past as well as their current standing. The band's 2013 debut album is a must-have and now the same can be said of the upcoming "Seven"! To The Pain's new album is both a continuation of the sounds and style of their self-titled release and a step-forward in terms of originality and overall intensity. "The March For Mankind/Heavens Carnage" opens things up rather perfectly and this raw thrasher had me caught up in the moment and raging for more! From there it's the previously-mentioned title track and let's just call it like it is. "Seven" is nothing short of awesome(!) and on the title track this New York band goes full-tilt BALLS TO THE WALL! "Seven" is the very definition of metal and it's a heaven sent moment for those metalheads out there who still believe in the power and glory of true blue heavy metal! Lead guitarist Steve Shaver is at his technical best on "Seven" (the single and this album as a whole!) and the same thing can and should be said of his fellow bandmates! Second guitarist Craig Piano forms a solid tag team with Steve Shaver while the rhythm section of Chris Borgia and Jimmy Klimatas (crunchy bass and thunderous drums respectively!) helps push the band's new album to it's absolute limit! It was actually "Killzone" that made me push my car to the absolute limit so maybe another word of caution is in order. Take special care should you decide to play this album in your car. Before I knew what I was doing I was speeding along rather fast. Thank God I caught a glimpse of the speedometer and came back to my senses. The last thing I needed was a speeding ticket! That's the power of "Seven" though. It reaches right in and grabs hold of you. It makes you want to speed along and there's not much you can do about it friends! Not that you'd want to let up on the gas. The wicked "Is It My Turn To Die?" doesn't let up so why should the listener? That same feeling of frenzied excited follows over into album's last two tracks, "Cry Out For Justice" and "Don’t Eat The Eyes". Both numbers combine traditional heavy metal with gritty thrash and it's interesting to see just how far this band has evolved between albums. On "To The Pain" there were still fleeting images of the band's many influences. From Megadeth to Black Sabbath it was all there on "To The Pain" and even though the material was original you could still pick up on these ghosts and hear what bands helped to sculpt this New York act. On "Seven" you get the sensation that To The Pain has found their groove and that the band has really come into their own. "Don’t Eat The Eyes" offers telltale signs of this great achievement as it's all kinds of nasty, but nasty in such a way that it's distinctly genuine and original! At this point in their career To the Pain has crafted their own version of heavy metal and it's one that is second to none. It's abrasiveness and loud as f**k, but it's still technically sound and it has all the hallmarks of traditional heavy metal. Even though the music is aggressive and often-times stone-cold evil it still feels oddly hopeful. "Seven" is well-constructed and soundly-executed. While it embraces the band's past it doesn't so much rely on the group's previous influences as the building blocks for the album's foundation as it does crush those influences into a fine white powder to be mixed with the foundation's concrete basement. In a word "Seven" is Awesome and it fits in perfectly with what To The Pain is all about. This one comes with my highest recommendations! Just be sure to play this one at home first and not in your car. Especially as To The Pain can not be held responsible for speeding tickets or potential road rage incidents!

Dementor-Demo 2014

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Hey, somebody put hardcore in my thrash! Scratch that, somebody put thrash in my hardcore! Never mind the nonsense it's Altoona, PA-based Dementor! And, here's their bio: "Railroad City hardcore. Est. 2014. Bang your head or bang your dick!". Subtle and yet straight to the point right? Granted there is nothing subtle about this two-track demo! "Betrayer" (1:48) and "Chained" (2:04) do the old "wreck your crib, knock about your neighbors" via metallic hardcore influenced as much by Sick Of It All as Slayer! Dementor, featuring Troy and Glenn on vocals (as two mouths are better then one!), Ty on guitar, Noah on guitar and vocals, Shaun on bass and vocals and Rocco on the drums, are offering this one as a name your own price download and friends, it's worth every cent! You can find it here: http://dementorhc.bandcamp.com/album/demo-2014 while you can read all about these raw rockers here: https://www.facebook.com/Dementorhc. And really, despite the early morning "man, I need more coffee if I have any hope of functioning" write-up on this 2-track release, "Demo 2014" is pretty rad in a real, garage metal hardcore/basement metal hardcore kind of way. I'd actually like to hear more from this lot as their almost punk-like, D.I.Y approach to playing and recording is a reminder of the way hardcore used to be!

Devil Childe (2014 Re-Release)

Minotauro Records
2014

Mark this down as my third(!) attempt at doing the write-up for the (long-overdo to be released "officially" on CD if you ask me!) re-release of Jack Starr's Devil Childe. Why you may ask? Well, for whatever reasons, my first attempt was foiled by the fact that it still way too early in the morning when I started the write-up and, as I've been dealing with a household full of sick people and therefore a lack of sleep on my end, it made little to no sense! The second one though was about spot-on, but then a wasp, yes, a BIG, UGLY and "Man alive does that thing ever looked pissed!" MEAN, landed on my keyboard and (sometime after freaking out and spilling coffee on my self and said keyboard!) I managed to delete the whole review! So, after cleaning myself up I'm on take number three of the 1985, seven-track "Devil Childe"! Hopefully the gods of rock and roll and (naturally) HEAVY METAL will look kindly upon me and the third time will be the charm! One can only hope! So, with all of that out of the way who, or better yet, what was Devil Childe? Well, the story goes something like this. Back in the day (early eighties) Jack Starr, who should really need no introduction at all at this point in time (what with time spent in Virgin Steele and Burning Starr!), was playing with his post-Virgin Steele outfit Burning Starr when he stumbled upon the idea of recording a thrash album! It seems that his band (Burning Starr) would have band rehearsals where they would start off (getting loose and lethal no doubt!) by jamming on material like Motörhead's "Ace Of Spades". So, Jack (here dubbed as Lucifer) ended up together with two talented musicians* and, after (reportedly) spending less then 12 hours in the studio and a budget of no more then $200, we get "Devil Childe". While there were two other release** recorded around the same time and with the same line-up (see below) we are just going to be talking about this one today. Just this (wicked and wonderful and so so raw!) one. With a bunch of ideas spawned from Jack's more "primal side" and a few contributions from the group's drummer/vocalist "Matthew Hopkins" (again, see below!) the three "metal maniacs" whipped out a cozy little (raw) gem of an album! Did I mention that this shit is raw? Yes? Well, good because it is. And all the better for it! As the album was "dedicated to true headbangers who hate false Metal magazines" and pretty much composed of on the spot one shouldn't expect majestic passages or long, over-technical leads. Instead this is heavy metal garage-style that borders on near thrash. It's somewhat sloppy, but never in any sort of Venom sort of way. I'd argue that all in all this is just heavy metal as it would have sounded coming from the underground scene of the early eighties where influences like Raven, Tank, Venom and all-things Lemmy would have meshed with everything from Metallica to Black Sabbath! Now, although this re-release is presented as is, bare-bones and all (meaning no bonus material sadly) it is still a great pick up especially as this marks the first time that this has seen an officially CD release! For fans of 80's metal and/or Jack Starr this one seems like a no-brainer all around!

* Vocalist/drummer/living-legend Joe Hasselvander (here going under the name of Matthew Hopkins who was a well-known English witch-hunter) is perfectly suited in both roles. In some ways he reminds me (as does the record as a whole really) of C.O.C.'s "Animosity" or rather bassist Mike Dean. Besides Devil Childe Joe has quite the extensive resume as evident by the list posted over at the Metal Archives! Bands that he (presently) plays in include Raven, The Hounds of Hasselvander and Joe Hasselvander while this talented musician has previously played with Guardians of the Flame, Phantom Lord, Death Row, Black Manta, Pentagram, Jack Starr's Burning Starr (live), Armageddon, Reactor, Cathedral (live), Blue Cheer, Forgotten Realm, Overlord, The Boyz and even White Lion!

Meanwhile bass duties fell on Ned Meloni (Jack Starr's Burning Starr, Reverence, ex-Guardians of the Flame, ex-Phantom Lord, ex-Rhed Asphalt) otherwise known as (for this recording) Anton Phibes. Anton Phibes of course being the same character from the movies "The Abominable Dr. Phibes" and "Dr. Phibes Rises Again!" as made famous  by the one and only Vincent Price. 

** They were the Phantom Lord LP and Joe Hasselvander's "Lady Killer".