Thursday, November 16, 2017

Visitör-Visitör

Tribunal/Divebomb Records
2017

Formed in 1989 and sadly no longer active, Visitör was a five-piece thrash metal band from Orange County that was comprised of Kurt Schultz (vocals), Joey Brown and Rob Skyler (guitars), E.K. Wright (bass), and Tony Stanley (drums). In 1993 the group released it's only studio album to date, "Visitör". Sandwiched in between a pair of demos, Visitör's self-titled debut was a killer example of Grade A thrash. Seeing as it was 1993 when it originally dropped (with grunge having all but destroyed the metal scene), "Visitör" had almost no chance of attaining proper recognition. Thankfully the good folks over at Tribunal/Divebomb Records saw what a travesty of justice that was. With originally copies of the CD not fetching upwards of $100.00, "Visitör" is now getting a proper re-release and that is great news for fans of bands like Annihilator, Heathen, Vio-lence, Sanctuary, Kreator, Slayer, and Realm! The 2017 version of "Visitör" has been re-mastered and it includes an unreleased bonus track from 2010 called "Masters of Nations". The CD comes with a great booklet and it makes for the perfect addition to any thrash metal fan’s collection. As a lifelong fan of all things thrash metal it is so cool to see underground albums like this one get the proper respect that they deserve.

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Sunday, May 14, 2017

Waves of Decay-Cycloptic

Self-Release/Independent
2017

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


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Thursday, May 11, 2017

Running Death-DressAge

Punishment 18 Records
2017

Formed in 2004 under the name Disaster Area, Germany's Running Death won me over with their 2012 EP, "Call of Extinction". Here it some five years later and we are now looking at the band's second full-length recording in as many years! Due to drop later on this month, Running Death's sophomore album is entitled "DressAge" and it is an absolute must-buy for anything that lives and dies for top of the shelf thrash! The ten-track recording starts off with "Courageous Minds" (official video posted right below this piece) and finds vocalist/guitarist Simon Bihlmayer (Eisenhauer) leading a line-up that includes Daniel Baar (guitars), Andrej Ramich (bass), and Jakob Weikmann (drums). As the front-man of this intelligent and classy thrash metal band from Bavaria, Simon's voice commands attention and he projects the image of a well-traveled heavy metal veteran. Along with the absolutely outstanding drumming of Jakob Weikmann (see the killer "Delusive Silence"!), Simon Bihlmayer is a great example of musicians going the extra mile to make their music as professional as possibly without losing any of it's impact! Serving as the follow-up to 2015's "Overdrive", "DressAge" sets a new standard for straight-up classic metal and leaves me in awe of this German band's progression! After listening to this classy album I found myself at a loss for words as to just how far this talented band has come since that (previously-covered) 2012 EP. So far this year I have had the pressure of reviewing some fantastic thrash metal albums. With a hot sound that takes it cues from classic Megadeth and all of the greats of the German thrash metal scene, "DressAge" now joins that ever-expanding list and makes me proud of Running Death's evolution! This is (throw some horns in the air) thrash metal with the kind of slick arrangements that put radio rock stars to shame. You're going to want to track down a copy of this a.s.a.p.!!



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Tuesday, May 09, 2017

Maze of Terror-Ready to Kill

Empire Records
2016

Formed in 2014 and lead by bassist/vocalist Leviathan (ex-R.I.P.), Maze of Terror is a brutal thrash metal band from Lima, Peru that I've covered before (link). Early last year (late January to be precise) the group released it's first full-length album, "Ready to Kill". For some boneheaded reason that I will never know I am only now getting around to it. Yeah, that makes me the world's biggest idiot as yet again I am late to the party. In the case of Maze of Terror that party would be a drop-dead serious thrash attack affair where slam dancing is not only encouraged, but mandatory! Along with co-conspirators Criminal Mind (guitars), Razor (guitars), and Hammer (drums), main-man & all around metal maniac Leviathan lays a blazing-hot and brutally unreal form of thrash metal down on tape! Wait, have I used the word "brutal" twice in this review? Yes? Well, seeing as this LP is exactly that (Fucking BRUTAL!) I'm not going to shy away from using the best word there is to properly explain just how furious "Ready to Kill" is! If raw and ugly/unrelenting thrash is your jam then this four-piece band has got you covered!! As a band Maze of Terror is thrash metal at it's absolute finest. This album though pushes that concept towards the very edge of perfection. Actually, when it's all said and done and you add up all the high marks (strength of the material, performances, production, etc.), Maze of Terror's full-length debut is a 10 out of 10 album! If Amken's "Theater of the Absurd" makes my list for best thrash album of 2017 (link), "Ready to Kill" would have been the one for 2016!

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Monday, May 01, 2017

Free Metal Monday: Pänik-Riffs Or Die (demo 2016)



Self-Release/Independent
2016

Pänik is a wild and reckless crossover/thrash metal band from Wollongong NSW, Australia that has been active since 2015. This short but exceptionally fun demo was released last summer and it featured the line up of Mitchel Gruevski (bass, vocals), Daniel Packovski (guitar, vocals), and drummer Jayden KV. As of this writing it looks as if Pänik has a new drummer, but really that's neither here nor there when we're talking about this (name your price) download... 



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Sunday, March 05, 2017

FreaKings-Toxic End


Self-Release/Independent
2017

Swiss thrashers FreaKings, active since 2008 and comprised of Jonathan Brutschin (vox/guitar), Toby Straumann (bass), and Simon Straumann (drums), make their long-awaited return with "Toxic End". It comes almost two and a half years after the release of "Gladiator" and much like it's predecessor, "Toxic End" is mosh pit-inducing metal with a inspired message! With three albums under their belts now, FreaKings has saved the best for last and there is no reason whatsoever that this powerful trio should not have a proper record labeling supporting them!!  Maybe it's politics or a certain longstanding prejudice, but these three tear it all down something fierce with their smashing riffs and (seriously-sick!) licks so why does it matter which path they walk down? Maybe I'm a grumpy old metalhead or maybe it's just because I'm writing this on a Sunday, but FreaKings (like Toxic Holocaust or the Bay Area bunch that started it all) make me want to slam about and then (on reflection of their status) break things up in defiance...even if that wouldn't please my father.    

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Saturday, March 05, 2016

Blackening - Nightmare (Official Video)


Blackening is a young thrash metal that is lead by vocalist/rhythm guitarist Oliver Hayirli and has a cool style that is very similar to early Metallica. The band, which also features lead guitarist Wolfgang Hoffegger and drummer Klaus Hoffegger (Brothers? Cousins?), just welcome in a new bassist in Sebastian Köck and from the sounds of it they have a lot of original compositions worked out. One such number is "Nightmares" which you can check out below. Hopefully we'll be hearing more from the guys in Blackening seeing as this band is energetic and efficient!



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Thursday, September 24, 2015

Warfield-"Barrage Fire" Single

IMM Records
2015

Active since 2012, Warfield is a five-piece thrash metal band that currently has one demo ("Killing Ecstasy") and one EP ("Call to War") to it's name. Released in 2012 and 2014 respectively, Warfield's previously-released recordings have been well-received by not only the general public, but by critics and fellow thrash bands. With their latest single, "Barrage Fire" this Kindsbach/Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate-based band continues upwards in their journey towards the top of class and thanks to a terrific mash-up of classic bands like Slayer, Anthrax, Testament, Exodus, Kreator, and Sodom and newer acts such as Legion of the Damned and Suicidal Angels these Teutonic warriors are closer to that goal than ever! For Warfield (who should not be confused with the four or so other metal bands sporting that moniker) it's all about the THRASH and that starts up front with lead vocalist Johannes Clemens and then runs straight on through to the drumming of Dominik Marx! In-between all of that metal madness you've got the shredtastic(!) performances of guitarists Matthias Clemens and Dominic Potts and the hotter than hell heaviness of bass player Ethan Stokes! The five members of Warfield (who incidentally seem to range in age from 18 to 22!) have more than enough talent to go around as heard on this new single, but please don't just take my word for it! Click on the video below and see/hear for yourself why the Germany's thrash scene just keeps on getting better and better! You can find and then follow Warfield online by heading  here and then you can download the band's latest EP, "Call to War" off of iTunes or Amazon.


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Thursday, September 17, 2015

Bootlegs-Ekki Fyrir Viðkvæma

Minotauro Records
2015

"Ekki Fyrir Viðkvæma" (Not for the sensitive) is the third full-length release for Iceland's Bootlegs. Chronologically it follows a 2007 live CD (the cheekily-titled "Live" which was actually recorded way back in 1998!) while also serving as Bootlegs first batch of new studio material in 25 years! The band's last studio album was "Bootlegs" and that came out in 1990! As I had previously covered the 2014 re-released version of not only "Bootlegs", but also the group's 1989 debut album, "W.C. Monster" I was eager to see how new Bootlegs material would hold up next to the older stuff. I'm happy to report that it sounds great and for all of you who loved this band's early crossover/thrash style I think you will be pleasantly surprised by just how well this band has aged! On Bootlegs latest release (which was incidentally recorded at Stúdió Óskars og Jóns) we have a line-up featuring guitarist/vocalists Jón Símonarsson (Junior), guitarist/vocalist Jón Örn Sigurðsson (Nonni), bassist Ingimundur Ellert Þorkellsson (Elli), and drummer Kristján Ásvaldsson (Stjuni). Having now been active since 2012 or so the current version of Bootlegs seemingly picks up where things left off with 1990's "Bootlegs" with the only slight difference between then and now likely taking place in the lyrical department. One could easily make the argument that this laid-back Icelandic metal band (having now "matured") is better suited to write deeper & more socially-conscious material. It's just a naturally progression especially seeing as "Ekki Fyrir Viðkvæma" plays like it's more grounded and serious. But then again there are only a couple of tracks here in English so maybe it's all in my head? Whatever the case might be, "Ekki Fyrir Viðkvæma" is nothing if not (groovy!) fresh thrash and it cruises effortlessly along with companions like (crunchy) hard rock, straight-up METAL, and old school crossover* riding shotgun! The songs on studio album number three for the Bootlegs lads are actually catchy and these four guys have the whole hooks that kill angle down pat! Frankly-speaking I can't think of a single reason not to snag and bag the latest Bootlegs release and as far as come-back albums go this one gets the golden star of appreciation! It's been a long time that fans have had to wait for these Icelandic warriors to release fresh material, but the wait has resulted in a real bang 'em/slam 'em kind of LP. Available as a digital download from the last link posted above, "Ekki Fyrir Viðkvæma" can also be picked up on CD by heading over to following page in Minotauro Records' store (and that would be right here ladies and gents!). You can also find Bootlegs online by visiting the band here at their Facebook page and I really should mention the fact that Minotauro Records offers a nifty bundle package with all three studio albums from this Icelandic metal band. If you are new to this thrash band that might be the best route to take and it does seem to be rather reasonable at just over forty two dollars.
 
 
*For the kids out there who are not enough to remember what that term used to truly mean we're talking about snarly punk, street-legit hardcore, garage heavy metal and raw underground thrash that has been smashed & bashed together with super glue and duct tape being the only things that are keeping it from falling apart

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Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Fallen Angels-World In Decay

Cyberdyne Records2015

For the uniformed, Fallen Angels is a five-piece thrash metal band that is based in Seattle,Washington and currently lead by Bradzilla (ex-Semesus, ex-Disinterment, ex-If But for One). Active since 2002 (and not to be confused with the numerous other bands that are sporting this very same moniker), Fallen Angels also includes guitarist/vocalist Erik Hanson (former live guitarist for Skelator), guitarist Matt Be Roth, bassist Carl Larsson (Sol Negro, Waking Hour, ex-Skelator, ex-Evangelist), and drummer Steve Spitzbart (former live drummer for Usurper, ex-Beltfed Weapon) with Hanson and Larsson the only original members left of the band since first forming all those years ago! The upcoming "World In Decay" is actually Fallen Angles' third full-length release and first sign of (studio) life since 2011's "Engines Of Oppression"! It was produced by Grammy award winning producer Michael Rosen (Forbidden, Testament, Death Angel, Flotsam and Jetsam, Tesla, Vicious Rumors) and this collaboration makes perfect sense once you get a proper feel for what Fallen Angels is all about. For you see this is a band that is influenced by the likes of (early) Metallica, Megadeth & Anthrax, Testament, Slayer, Forbidden, Exodus, Overkill, and Annihilator with the forty-plus minute "World In Decay" serving as the ultimate tribute to the not only the Big Four and the Bay Are scene of old, but  thrash metal's glory days in general! "World In Decay" is a dream come true for old-school thrashers like myself and if there is any album that should finally put Fallen Angels on the map then this is it! Really the only difference between Fallen Angels soon to be released classic and yesteryear's classic thrash metal is this album's production. Not that it is a bad thing or anything, but "World In Decay" has more of a modern day production feel going for it because, well, it is a modern day production! Pretty much everything and everyone comes across as clean and clear which does stand in stark contrast to the (slightly-rough) production standards normally associated with old-school thrash. But it's all cool my friends as you are going to want to hear each and every little aspect of this wicked thrash attack! Especially if you love any of the above mentioned influences or bands like Death Angel, Lääz Rockit, Evildead, Atrophy, Whiplash or Xentrix. Officially due to drop on August 4th, "World In Decay" is one of the best thrash metal albums that I have heard in long time. As such I not only want to recommend it to our readers, but I want to add a big thank you to Asher Media Relations for sending it my way! You can check out the group's video for the gnarly "World In Decay" track (and the disc's first single!) "Nightmare" below and then be sure to head over to the group's Facebook page so that you can keep up to date with what just might end up being one of your new favorite thrash metal bands!



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Saturday, March 28, 2015

Saturday Single: Desecrator-"Red Steel Nation"

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Released on the 22nd of January, with the song's official video posted below for your viewing pleasure,"Red Steel Nation" is a new single from Australian band Desecrator. Serving as the follow-up to the EP "Down to Hell", "Red Steel Nation" is righteous old-school thrash from a band whose style & sound has justifiably enough been compared to the likes of (early) Testament, Hirax, Death Angel, Exodus and Scared Reich. With a wicked fierce lead vocalist on board and ripping twin guitars that hack and slash at your speakers and your eardrums this is one band that should leave thrash metal fanatics smiling!




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Friday, March 27, 2015

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!

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Wednesday, November 05, 2014

Jacobs Moor-All That Starts

Bleedingstar Records
2014

Self-produced by the band members themselves, "All That Starts" is the full-length debut album from Austrian metal act Jacobs Moor. Founded in 2010 by Richard Krenmaier (Speed Limit, ex-Stygma IV, ex-Surrender, ex-Big Heat, Della Street), Johnny Sommerer and Rainer Lidauer (ex-Far Beyond Innocence, ex-Marcin Suder), with both the studio line-up for "All That Starts" and the live line-up of this Vienna-based act listed below*, Jacobs Moor is another relatively new band whose sound and style covers many different genres. Influenced by the likes of Machine Head, Devil Driver, Leprous, Slayer, Testament, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Dream Theater, Pantera and Lamb Of God and being the benefactors of lead singer Richard Krenmaier's all encompassing voice this Austrian stretches modern metal and progressive/melodic power /thrash metal into all kinds of unusual shapes! As dark and oppressive as the music might be at times (and also as gloomy as the band members themselves intended the art-work above to convey!) it's also strangely illuminating making "All That Starts" a record well-worth visiting from time to time. Available pretty much wherever fine music is to be found these days ( iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc), "All That Starts" is a fine start for Jacobs Moor. Especially seeing as it does the band members and the metal community as a whole proud by offering up another much-needed soundtrack for this crumbling world for which we are all to blame...

 * Jacobs Moor's studio line-up included:
   Richard Krenmaier-vocals
   Johnny Sommerer-guitars, bass (except "Faceless Man") and cellos
   Rainer Lidauer-drums

  Along with the following guests:
  Werner Taus-bass on "Faceless Man"
  Günther Maier-2nd guitar solo on "Final Sound"

  Meanwhile the live band features:
  Richard Krenmaier-vocals 
  Johannes Pichler-guitars 
  Rupert Träxler-guitars 
  Stephan Först-bass 
  Rainer Lidauer-drums

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Sunday, November 02, 2014

Interview with Dissorted guitarist Florian Schadhauser


Recently I had the chance to talk with Dissorted guitarist Florian Schadhauser. I want to thank him for taking time away from the band to chat with all of us here at Heavy Metal Time Machine. Enjoy! 
Andy (A)-Let's run it all down. What is your band's name and who plays what?
Florian (F)-Our band’s name is “Dissorted”. We are from Bavaria, Germany.
Our band consists of Mirco (vocals), Florian (guitar), Dillon (bass), Sebastian (guitar) and Martin (drums).

A-Speaking of the name where did it come from?
F-I founded the band with a good friend of mine (he was the first drummer of Dissorted) in 2004. One Night we were sitting at a barbecue in his garden, having a few beers and we were talking about the band’s name.
After a few suggestions, he came up with “Dissorted”. Since this is not a regular word, I was asking him, what this means. He said, he had been sitting in front of a guitar amplifier and looking at the distortion knob. And as he was thinking about the word “distortion”, the name “Dissorted” came to his mind. We thought, that the name sounded good and we kept it. This is what happens, if you confront drummers with guitar amplifiers…But the band we started in 2004 is quite different from what the band is now. I am the only original member. As we moved to Munich in 2009, we started the band from the scratch and developed our own and new style with new members. Actually, we don’t play any songs, that were written before 2009.
A-It's all about the thrash isn't it? And by that I mean you guess do a damn fine job of it on "I"!
F-We are all into fast old school heavy metal, so it’s probably natural to end up in a thrashing band. This is what we like to do. But we don’t have strict boundaries. Everybody in the band throws in some influences to spice up the basis of the band. We always try to sound unique and authentic. Over the years we developed our own style by combining bay area thrash metal like Testament, old Metallica, Exodus with some good old heavy metal like Iced Earth. But this came very natural.
A-All the same is exceptional! How's the reception been for your new EP in your home country?
F-For this EP we wanted to do the best job, we could do at this moment. We are very happy with the result.
The reception is really great. Some songs have already been played in local radio stations in Germany and even in the USA. We have already sent copies of the EP to USA or Chile.
A-Where do you go from here? Will you be playing outside of Germany?
F-Our goal for 2015 is to play as many concerts as possible. Most of them will be in Germany. But we also have the possibility to play in Austria and Italy next year. Maybe we can add a few more places the next months.
A-What's one thing about Dissorted that people might not know?
F-Actually, we are very open and communicative. So if you know us, you get to know our dark secrets very fast – if you want to or not…One thing, not everybody knows, is, that our singer went on stage in Koblenz in fall 2013 with a stomach flu, that really broke out at the day of the concert. He was in a bad condition, but he said, he wanted to do the show, because we drove 500 km for the concert and the people in front of the stage were waiting for us. After the second chorus of the first song he put away his microphone and run through the crowd, heading for the toilette. We finished the song and started the second song without him, because he hadn’t come back. I was playing with a wireless guitar system. So I went off stage – still playing – and visited him on the toilet. Unfortunately the stomach flu had already done its work and he was puking.
As I came back on stage (the rest of us was still playing the second song of the set), we stopped and said, we can’t finish our set, because our singer was ill. As the audience was requesting more stuff, we said, we could play a few songs without vocals. So we started off the second song again. During the first chorus, a guy (looking like an undead) was fighting his way through the audience towards the stage – it was Mirco. He came up on stage and we finished the concert together (except for three songs, that were too hard to sing in his condition). Right after the show he fled to the backstage area and puked in the wastepaper basket.
And I really have to say, that I respect him a lot for that, because most of the musicians would have canceled the concert. But this also shows his (and our) passion for the band.
A-I'll say! That's some drop dead serious determination there! Wow! So tell me Florian, a kid walks up to you and asks what thrash is. What's the one album that you would hand him?
F-Slayer – Reign In Blood

A-'Nuff said! 
A-Either or time. Metallica or Megadeth?
F-Early days: Metallica. Today: none of them
A-I'd say "Kill 'Em All" up to "Master Of Puppets", but after Cliff died the band died with him. Megadeth wise I've always been partial to "Peace Sells..." and "So Far, So good...So What!". How about this one, Exodus or Anthrax?
F-Early Days: Anthrax (because of the great live shows). Today: Exodus (great records during the last years)
A-Testament or Slayer?
F-Testament (unfortunately Slayer isn’t the band, it used to be)
A-Agreed. It's sad, but true. That brings up a good question though. If Dissorted could play with any one band who would it be?
F-Testament or Exodus
A-Either one of those would be a show I'd like to see! Where would you like to see the band in five years?
F-Being in the same line up like now. Playing gigs frequently. Having two three full length records.
But we don’t have strict goals or bondages about what we should achieve. We will always do our thing, have fun and enjoy what earn with that.
  
A-Good answer! Where should we direct people who might want to pick up a copy of your new EP?
F-We have a homepage (www.dissorted.de), where you can find news, songs, videos, pictures etc. and contact us. We also have a facebook-page (www.facebook.com/dissorted). You can contact us there, too. You can either write to the band contact or to a single member. Both is OK for us. You will certainly get an answer.
A-I always give bands the last word. Anything you want to add or say to fans Florian?

F-The coolest thing for us, is to get in touch with the people at our concerts. So if you like our music, just come by and have a beer with us. If you have already heard our record, feel free to give us some feedback – we are always open for that. And of course be aware of future actions of our band.
  
Review of Dissorted's EP, "I":
 http://metalmark.blogspot.com/2014/10/dissorted-i.html

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Friday, October 10, 2014

French Metal Friday: FurYenS-Barback Attack

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Today's French Metal Friday article isn't so much a review as it is a recommendation. Formed in 2012, with the self-released and self-aware "Barback Attack" serving as the first official release for this Saint-Etienne, Rhone Alpes-based quartet, FurYenS is "influenced by Testament for the power, Annihilator for the madness, Slayer for the aggressiveness and Exodus for the squeaky satire." Need a translation? Well then, how about over-the-top, axe-crazy and immensely insane thrash metal? Not enough? How about we discuss the drum position for a second then. I can't be 100% sure, but it does sound as if FurYenS has a robot sitting behind the set that is all primed and ready for the inevitable uprising against mankind! Yikes! Add to that a vocalist/bassist who may or may not be Tom Araya's long-lost French cousin. Yeah, that makes that Slayer connection all the more real friends!! Actually, it's not just Testament, Annihilator, Exodus and Slayer vying for attention here. Seeing as everyone from Pantera to Lamb Of God gets thrown into the mix (as does German thrash (you know, Destruction, Kreator and Sodom), Slayer's Big Four "brothers" and even the one and only Death!) you ultimately walk away with one album that is pit worthy through and through! "Barback Attack" is uncompromising thrash metal from a young band that should only get better with time. To say that isn't groovy is the understatement of the century! You can find it here: http://furyens.bandcamp.com/ 


Oh, and the band also has some pretty niffty t-shirts to boot!
 http://furyens.spreadshirt.fr/


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Thursday, September 04, 2014

Bootlegs-Bootlegs (2014 Re-Release)

Minotauro Records
2014

Last month I covered "M.C. Monster" (Bootlegs' 1989 debut album and the first of two re-releases from this Icelandic metal band) so this month it's time to cover this self-titled follow-up. Originally released in 1990, with the Metal Archives suggesting that less then 50 vinyl copies were actually sold and are still floating around somewhere out there (whether it was a issue having to do with the LPs being pressed or a lack of proper distribution and/or promotion isn't exactly clear, but either way it in no way, shape or form takes away from the quality of this thrash product!), "Bootlegs" changed the tune of the band somewhat in that it was sung in the band's native language. And while "W.C. Monster" bore all the trademarks of a crossover album (speed/thrash moshing it up with punk/hardcore!) this self-titled album finds the band leaning closer to (pure) old-school thrash. Or for the most part. There's still some punk and hardcore here ("SOD II" as well as "Fuck Off") as well as some flat-out weirdness ("Vögguvísa"). But pound for pound this is thrash metal 101! For those who love the mid-late eighties and even the early nineties thrash era (specifically the more underground or raw thrash scene!) "Bootlegs" offers more then it's fair share of heavenly headbanging!  Remarkably though both "versions" of Bootlegs work. They easily compliment each other as both studio albums echo the same sentiment-Play It Loud and Play It Like It Means Something! For Bootlegs to have conquered their homeland so easily* speaks volumes about the talent and charisma that this thrash metal had back then and even now! These fine gentlemen played with passion and with a sincere purpose. Once you've thrashed your way through both of Bootlegs studio-albums you'll truly understand just who these Icelandic metalheads were and why, despite the hang-ups that were likely involved with being far away from the more rampaging metal scenes, they kept at it and continued to wave the banner of unfiltered, pure as the land that once spawned the group, thrash! Lead vocalist Junior provided the band a captivating front-man with the strength of this outfit lying in it's ability to write heavy material that is technical and pit-worthy. Despite the potential set-back of singing in their native tongue, Bootlegs utilizes the universal language of heavy metal thanks to the blistering lead work of guitarist Nonni! To their advantage, Nonni's playing taps into the thrash metal style of the day while also throwing in traditional and/or classic heavy metal passages. Bootlegs plows through the material at hand and, thanks to the additional feature that is bonus live material**, their sophomore album stands tall and proud! With Minotauro Records once more delivering a stupendous package, "Bootlegs" is front to back/top to bottom (and everywhere fucking in-between fiends!) a hell of a re-release and one that I'm laying my stamp of approval down on! 


      


*Between 1986 and 1991 the band was not only one of the bigger names in Iceland's metal scene, but one of the most respected!

**In addition to the actual album (one which is worth owning just by itself!) the re-release from Minotauro Records tacks on the following cuts:

"Gamli Nói"(bonus track Live 2006) 
"Street Lover" (bonus track Live 2006) 
"Augun" (bonus track Live 2006) 
"Fuck Off" (bonus track Live 2006) 
"Óljóslega Stjórnlaus" (bonus track Live 2006) 
"SOD" (bonus track live 1006) 
"Thrash Attack" (bonus track live 2006)

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

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Friday, August 29, 2014

Anthrax-Chile On Hell (Live DVD)

Megaforce Records
2014

Set for release on September 16, 2014, "Chile On Hell", which will be made available on both Blu-ray and DVD, is a live-in-concert release from Anthrax that was filmed at the Teatro Caupolican in Santiago, Chile on May 10, 2013. Recorded at the tail end of the "Worship Music" tour and mere weeks after the band had issued the covers EP, "Anthems", "Chile On Hell" is arguably the best representation that one can get of this thrash metal act live outside of catching one of their performances for yourself! I can confidently say that as nine months prior to the band's performance in south America I had the pleasure of catching Anthrax's set at the 2012 Mayhem Festival with an old work friend and his teenage son! On that occasion Anthrax simply smoked through classic numbers while simultaneously showing off the utter strength of their new material in a live setting. With "Chile On Hell" the band effortlessly does the exact same thing only better! Thanks to a highly energetic and enthusiastic crowd and the stellar work of guest lead guitarist Jon Donais (Shadows Fall) the "Worship Music" number "Fight 'Em 'Til You Can't" ends up having the same amount of fiery magic as early Anthrax tracks such as "Among The Living", "Caught In A Mosh" and "I Am The Love"! As he is in fine form here (sounding for all the world as good as he did the summer before hand when Rob Caggiano was still in the line-up) no over-dubs were needed in the case of Anthrax front-man Joey Belladonna. For his age (and the wear and tear that his voice has likely suffered since first joining the band in 1984!) Joey still rocks the mic duties while doing it with the same class and style that he has always been known for! Meanwhile the rest of his band-mates prove that there is still plenty of spring left in their steps. Scott Ian, who continues to be one of metal's most underrated guitarists, plays like he never ages while the rhythm section of Frank Bello (bass, backing vocals, co-lead vocals on the always appreciated "I'm The Man"!) and Charlie Benante (drums) threaten to blow the Teatro Caupolican into a billion tiny pieces! Thanks to the excellent production skills of Jay Ruston "Chile On Hell" unfolds as if you are right there. And that would be right there in the middle of one of the most intense crowds imaginable! When Anthrax rolls out the fan-favorites "I Am The Law", "Madhouse", "Indians" and "Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)" the crowd leaps to it's feet and shares the love for this long-lasting New York metal band. Scott Ian (rhyme guitar, backing vocals) and Joey Belladonna (lead vocals) fill in the pauses with friendly chatter, but you can just tell that these hungry fans were there let loose and get down as "In The End", "I'm Alive", "A Skeleton In The Closet" and "Medusa" drives everyone crazy! "Fight 'Em 'Til You Can't" shows how Anthrax still has a stake in the game while "Indians", "Madhouse" and "Caught In A Mosh" show just how far you can come while still holding firm to your humble beginnings. Meanwhile cover versions of S.O.D.'s "March Of The S.O.D.", Trust's "Antisocial' and AC/DC's "T.N.T." offer portraits of the many faces this band wears while the medley "I'm The Man / Raining Blood" pays tribute to a fallen comrade. In-between all of the original numbers and cover tracks the viewer is treated to a variety of clips from the band members themselves as well as fellow musicians, critics and friends all of whom double as fans. All in all "Chile On Hell" proves itself worthy of the Anthrax name as it shows many different facets of this long-loved band from onstage (where Scott, Joey and the rest of Anthrax simply shred through new and classic songs and covers with fire still bubbling hot in their bellies!) to off (it's cool listening to Dave Ellefson of Megadeth wax nostalgic about his favorite Anthrax song!) and it does it in a very honest and sincere way. Not once does Anthrax ever come across as anything but humble as it painfully obvious how much they love their fans and the scene which they share with Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer. While it would be easy enough to be cynical about yet another live DVD (whether from Anthrax or in general) this one definitely has more than it's fair share of positives including the fact that it is A) well-produced so that it looks and sounds spectacular! B) it offers an expansive overview of Anthrax's career so far C) it features a choice cover of "T.N.T." by AC/DC (a fave band of mine as well as Ian!) who are, alongside the Ramones and Motörhead, one band that I always appreciate getting the royal treatment! D) the small tribute that is paid to Slayer's fallen guitarist Jeff Hanneman is a nice touch and finally E) it will retail for the very reasonable price of $16.98! Yes, fans will have to wait a little while longer to purchase a copy of this excellent live-in-concert release from Anthrax, but on the plus side it will be well-worth the wait. In the meantime be sure to check out the DVD's trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utFoyZLPHvQ&feature=youtu.be

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Saturday, August 09, 2014

Where Giants Once Stood-Live Above EP

Self-Release/Independent
2014

"Live Above" is the upcoming release from Toronto metal act Where Giants Once Stood. Due for release on September 2nd and serving as the follow-up to 2013's "The Changing" (a release which garnered high praise from critics and fans alike!) this Jon Howard (Threat Signal) produced EP showcases a young band that has already found it's footing. Standing at the crossroads of thrash, melodic hardcore, classic hardcore and traditional heavy metal this Toronto act is fronted by Reshaun Page, a powerhouse of a lead vocalist whose approach to singing is nothing if not extreme!
Jordan Turnbull – Lead Guitar/Vocals,  Reshaun Page – Lead Vocals ,  Scott Major – Rhythm Guitar/Vocals , Austin Hamilton- Drums  – Photo Credit – Logan Swinkels 
Having already shared the stage with acts such as Chelsea Grin, Veil of Maya, Iwrestledabearonce and Beartooth (among others!) this young band features a line-up destined to destroy the modern metal scene thanks to mad skills of lead guitarist Jordan Turnbull (classic heavy metal solos mix it up with thrash attacks and down in the dirty streets hardcore brutality!) and songwriting that is fresh and full of energy! You can check out the EP's tough as nails opening track, "Living In Security" thanks to it's official video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zztYBohMvjY .Then be sure to head over to the group's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/wheregiantsoncestood) so that you can follow this epic young and (if fortune smiles upon you!) see the group live in living/thrashing color!

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Thursday, May 15, 2014

Holy Moses-Redefined Mayhem

Steamhammer
2014 

If my count is correct this makes 11 full-length studio albums for Holy Moses. That's quite the handful for this female-fronted German act isn't it? Formed back in 1980 by guitarist/vocalist turned bassist Jochen Fünders (2000-2001) and bass guitarist Ramon Brüssler (1980-1986), with the band's first album appearing some six years later (1986's "Queen of Siam"), Holy Moses seems to be primarily known for featuring the vocal skills of Sabina Classen (Temple of the Absurd, ex-X-Mas Project). There's that and then at one point in time the band featured the well-traveled/extremely cool Dan Lilker (Blurring, Brutal Truth, Evil Wrath, Nokturnal Hellstorm, Nuclear Assault, NunFuckRitual, Venomous Concept, Lock Up (live), Crucifist, ex-Extra Hot Sauce, ex-Hemlock, ex-Overlord Exterminator, ex-Redrum, ex-Stormtroopers of Death, ex-The Ravenous, United Forces, ex-Anthrax, ex-Autopsy (live), ex-Dark Angel (live), ex-Soulfly (live), ex-Exit-13, ex-Crab Society, ex-Human Garbage, ex-Last Satanic Dance, ex-Malformed Earthborn, ex-White Heat) on bass! He's actually just one of seemingly hundreds of ex-band mates of this speed/thrash metal outfit, but being a Dan Lilker fan myself (love his work in Brutal Truth, Nuclear Assault, S.O.D. and Anthrax) I simply had to mention his appearance in this heavy thrashin' German act! But anyway, my own introduction to this band actually came by way of a mixed tape sometime back in early (or was it mid?) nineteen nineties (which I wish I still had (along with the rest of my cassette tapes!) as it was a sweet collection of Holy Moses tracks including some apparent demo tracks with male vocals if I remember correctly!) although I've lost track of this speedy, over-the-top, thrash attack group a long time back. Here we are though with "Redefined Mayhem" and it's good to see hear that the more things change the more they stay the same! With Sabina Classen still sounding as nasty as ever (as in extreme to the max!) this German act thrashes away track after track with words such as "alarming", "insane", "aggressive", "slashing", "angry", "brutal", "furious", "frantic" and "light-speed" coming to mind! In a nutshell (a crushed and pulverized nutshell thanks to these German metalheads!) Holy Moses is the deadly combination of extreme thrash metal and speed metal fundamentals which is boosted by a lead vocalist who is frightening (read: INTENSE and DIRECT!) and a new lead guitarist ( Peter Geltat, also of Desilence) whose skills shine through as these tracks feature technically sound solos as much as they do drop-dead, HEAVY riffs that will rip your guts straight out! This LP was a pure blast as it's plastered with newer thrash elements while it still maintains it's old-school allegiances. For Holy Moses fans this would seem like a no-brainer!

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Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Obliterator-For Those About To Die...

Self-Released/Independent
2014

Clocking in at just under twenty minutes in length, "For Those About To Die..." is the five-track debut-release from Spain's Obliterator.  Active since 2011, this four-piece is fronted by bass player Sergio and should not be confused with the Portugal act of the same name (or for that matter the two similarly-named bands from here in the U.S.!). What this Spanish band might lack in experience they more then make up for with their charisma and sincere enthusiasm as they thrash the living daylights out of all things "peace and quiet" with some tasty, (raw) Slayer-inspired metal! On "For Those About To Die..." it's all about the fury as these guys prove that they can more than hold their own while they hold you down by the neck and pummel with you with kind of aggressive thrash that was all the rage back in the day! You can (and should!) listen to each one of this EP's tracks on Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuxwfneieyTj2kM8F2JEGeg) and you can also check out the band's official video of "Steel Rain" here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzR_dFNX4h0). Recommended for old-school thrashers and metal maniacs everywhere!

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