Band: Cable
Album: Pigs Never Fly (Translation Loss Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.cabletheband.com
Rating: 9/10
This baby’s been sitting on my desk for some time now, can’t put the bastard down.
Cable blast some of the hardest, trance inducing doom jams I’ve ever heard. Solos galore, distortion rough as a condom made of broken glass. First song clocks in at 17 minutes and sclipses with a GG Allin sound sample from that infamous Geraldo appearance. The tunes keep coming, the beast keeps rising. Everywhere I look I see 666. By far one of the best doom discs of 2004. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Cadaver
Album: Necrosis (Candlelight Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.cadaverinc.com
Rating: 6/10
Ultra rudimentary Scandinavian death metal from the first DM band to ever release a record in Norway.
They group is called Cadaver and "Necrosis" is their latest offering. This is a run of the mill DM record with some black metal elements (Bathory era) that was far surpassed in its originality a decade or so ago. It’s a tired retread of the same old shit. If you’ve ever heard Dismember you should know what to expect.
This is for die-hards and curiosity seekers only. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Calvarium
Album: The Skull of Golgotha (Dynamic Arts Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.calvarium.com
Rating: 7/10
Your above average, grim and hypnotic Norwegian black metal offering.
Basic three or four chord stuff with an epic touch, raspy vocals, some cool hooks. Sound like Dark Funeral played at half speed and infused with the atmospheric qualities of Thy Serpent. Vocals could go and there needs to be a departure from generally one-dimensional song writing.
But hey, it’s got songs like "Morbid Hordes Revenge". So who can really bitch, you know? Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Cambian Dawn
Album: Wastrel Children Of An Insane Universe (Demo)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.cambiandawn.co.uk
Rating: 7.5/10
Young London band Cambian Dawn aren’t what you may think while most young bands are jumping on the nu-metal or metalcore bandwagon Cambian Dawn take their queues from Cathedral, Kyuss, St Vitus, early Sabbath and a touch of The Melvins. So far so stoner rock but Cambian Dawn also have other elements there’s doom and stoner here for sure but there’s atmosphere like black metal, lo fi production and hints towards the “real metal” of times past.
This is an impressive demo vocalist/bassist Matt lays down some nice lyrics reminiscent of old school metal bands of the 70s. These are proper metal mixed with an almost bluesy delivery and dripping with passion for the songs. The band as a whole really do groove along, sounding all sludgy and fluid yet still forming a coherent sound together Tom Barker riffs away like Iommi at his most doom laden while drummer Zak Newman provides a solid beat for it all.
Opener ‘Regeneration’ grooves along and with a nice basic riff and flowing rhythm and moves quite quickly for something so doom laden. 'Storm Weather' at just under 7 minutes this is the shortest track here and maintains the momentum of the opener before the epic monster of 'Tattered Shreds of Faith'.
The main thing about Cambian Dawn is that they groove while still staying incredibly heavy and this helps that songs really move along nicely taking you on a metal journey and although this ep is only 3 tracks long the songs are all BIG!. If they keep doing what they are doing great things could lie ahead for them. Joe Freeman
Band: Cambian Dawn
Album: Demo
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.cambiandawn.co.uk
Rating: 7.5/10
Along with Matt Kenway (Bass & Vocals) and Tom Barker (Drums), this is the new band of Sam Carter (Ex-Battered) so I was looking forward to hearing this two-track demo where they decided to go against all popular trends and pursue a style of music that is both melodic and tuneful yet also slow and heavy
The first track, "Post Millennium Blues" is a classic track. Leaning more toward the Kyuss, QOTSA stoner rock than doom, this is going to be a live favorite.
The second and final track, "Futile Existence" is about as doomy as doom gets and literally is like "Two Snails F*****g".
Even with the poor production, you can get the main idea of what Cambian Dawn are about. Heavy, Classic Sabbath and Cathedral inspired doom, which makes a nice change listening too. With the right backing and funds available Cambian Dawn might just get somewhere
Band: Canaan
Album: The Unsaid Words (Aural Music)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.canaan.it
Rating: 9/10
Morose ambience fills up every last digit of "The Unsaid Words", with Canaan portraying wizardry for manufacturing hauntingly depressive music that strictly identifies with drab, melancholy feelings.
One of the most positive aspects of this group's music is the percussive undertone that carries the group's drifting, dream-state sounds with subtle accents and rolling polyrhythms. These Italians also introduce plenty of dramatic emotion into their overall sound, utilizing instruments that are more readily associated with chamber music in order to craft a hybrid of classical and gothic tones, especially on the particularly glum yet nonetheless beautiful sounding "Sterile". Relying upon emotion as opposed to distortion for heaviness, Canaan indulge in transcendental sequences that should be recognized as being highly articulate from a musical standpoint. Those overjoyed by the darker nature of music will no doubt be intrigued by tracks such as the drifting "This World Of Mine" and the warm sounding "The Possible Nowheres". Four separate "fragments" provide listening continuity, bringing the album into perspective as a singular collective achievement. "Fragile" offers soft-toned melancholy in a moderately-tempoed structure, with reverb enhanced vocals further contributing to Canaan’s distant, forlorn ambience.
Similar to Anathema and the more restrained works of a good many doom bands, "The Unsaid Words" gives an exceptional amount of perspective into a dismal yet beautiful style of music. It takes a lot of talent to make music like this work and fortunately, Canaan have the not only the ability, but the wherewithal to consider this album mandatory listening for fans of everything from Pink Floyd to Paradise Lost. Review by Erin Fox
Band: Cancer
Album: Corporation$ (Copro Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.tothegoryend.co.uk
Rating: 5/10
They're Back!!!, After a 7 years split. John Walker And Carl Stokes decided the time was right to put Cancer back on the map.
"Corporation$" is not the bands comeback album, it's an EP of what may be to come. This is a very strange release for the band, which I personally don't think there is any need for (I think the $ in the title sums it up). I've always felt that Cancer were a very underrated band, and they had some pretty decent releases out without ever climbing to the dizzy heights of stardom. What you get fro your cash is 5 tracks, new song "Oil", a re-doing of old favorite "Witch Hunt", a cover of Celtic Frost's "Dethroned Emperor" and two waste of time dance remixes, "Oxygen Thieves" and "Oil".
Cancer have always evolved throughout their career from the Bolt Thrower style of early years to a more modern thrashier outfit. The new track, hopefully a taster of what to come, is great. If the next studio album is anything like that track, then they'll have nothing to worry about and indeed it will be a very impressing comeback. Lets just stay away from those god awful remixes guys! I would only recommend this to curious fans of old, for the rest of you, wait for their next full-lengther.
Band: Capricorns
Album: Capricorns EP (Rise Above Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.c-a-p-r-i-c-o-r-n-s.com
Rating: 8/10
If doom and gloom is your sort of thing, well you better go and check out these newly formed Brits.
Formed by members of bands such as Iron Monkey, Orange Goblin and Bridge and Tunnel, you can probably imagine what this is going to be like. More of a taster really than anything, with three tracks clocking in at 17 minutes, but what an entertaining 17 minutes they are. With their bass heavy, fuzzy and groovey passages, Capricorns let the music do the majority of the talking, with the only vocals on the album appearing on the final track for half a minute or so.
It's going to be interesting to find out where Capricorns go from here, especially regarding the vocals (or lack of them!), but surely a full length album isn't far away. Believe you me, when it does arrive, its going to be blinding if this is anything to go by!
Band: Carcass
Album: Choice Cuts (Earache)
Year: 2004
Website: N/A
Rating: 10/10
No real reason to even write this one up other than to let you fiends know this one’s floating around out there.
Chances are you have every album, whether burned or bought, if you’re frequenting this site. So listen up, "Choice Cuts" has all the classics you know and love plus the obscure "Peel Sessions".
If you are clueless, this is the place to start. But to the diehards, this is a nice package altogether for the collection. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Cardinale
Album: 31:13 (Arclight Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.myspace.com/cardinale
Rating: 7.5/10
Atmospheric elements abound on this record, which is named after the length of its lone track.
There is a time and a place for such an album, one surely must be in the proper frame of mind to fully absorb such a lengthy composition, especially when the aura of said music ranges from harsh, hardcore doom to fluid, transcendental jazz. Cardinale displays a great amount of musical ability during this wandering journey, with sound composition being a strongpoint as the group leads the listener through what is, by all rights, a half-hour of quality jamming. Although the commercial potential of such an undertaking is limited due to public stereotypes that demand three minute, encapsulated musical ideas, this is still an album that deserves to be heard by a much broader audience than its format will allow. Cardinale impress as a more diverse version of Sleep or a less exaggerated Yob, pummeling away at stoned, loose rhythms, sometimes backed by a welcome wall of distortion. With more artists moving toward this type of open-ended jam, it’s a fashion that is gaining more attention.
Although you really must devote some time in becoming familiar with "31:13", the time spent is rewarding. Such undertakings underline a still-young sort of creativity that you just can’t find in a short, catchy blurb. In an effort to be all encompassing and articulately emotive, Cardinale succeeds in quantifying music as time. Review by Erin Fox
Band: Carmine Appice Project
Album: Ultimate Guitar Zeus (Escapi Music)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.carmineappice.net
Rating: 8/10
The long-awaited underground classic, "Ultimate Guitar Zeus", finally gets a release after only being available Appice's website for fan club members since the mid 90’s.
The backbone of the project is of course Carmine Appice (Drums), Tony Franklin (The Firm/Blue Murder/Whitesnake), bass and Kelly Keeling (Baton Rouge/MSG/Blue Murder) performing lead vocals. Completing the line up is a shed load of guest guitarists featuring the likes of Ted Nugent, Slash, Steve Morse, Yngwie Malmsteen, Brian May, Zakk Wylde and Vivian Campbell to name but a few. There are also guest appearances from John McEnroe and Steven Seagal (I kid you not!) on an album that rocks big time. OK, there are a couple of hit or miss songs on here, but the majority is quality. The heavy version of "Do ya think I'm sexy" is definitely one of the highlights along with the Brian May and Malmsteen tracks.
For the Fans of guitar driven rock and people who just want a load of famous guitarists strutting their stuff, "Ultimate Guitar Zeus" is a very varied and accomplished album that I highly recommend.
Band: Carnal Forge
Album: Aren't You Dead Yet? (Century Media)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.carnalforge.com
Rating: 7.75/10
"Aren't You Dead Yet?" is the bands fifth studio album in six years, every single one of them gaining rave reviews within the metal press, so hopefully this one can carry on that trend.
Blending Bay Area aggression, Swedish melodic Death and Hardcore, "Aren't You Dead Yet" unfortunately doesn't really offer anything new, and there is nothing you won't have heard before. The Haunted and Dew Scented are a couple of other bands I rank alongside Carnal Forge, they're great bands but there so many bands similar nowadays, which is fine if you don't mind or can't get enough of the Thrash/Death thing. "Aren't You Dead Yet?" is a blistering album of aggression, melody and speedy, tight riffs. The vocals occasionally sound a little forced and a couple of the riffs sound recycled and similar, but all-in-all, it's a decent listen.
You could do a lot worse than picking up "Aren't You Dead Yet?", but if your looking for something original or groundbreaking, keep looking.
Band: Carnal Lust
Album: Whore of Violence (Diamond Productions)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.carnallust.fr.st
Rating: 8.75/10
The Carnal Lust trio formed the band in 1998, but carved its real identity at the end of 1999 after line-up changes and musical differences. These three old friends prefer to isolate themselves in the depths of a recording studio to "carve" their style rather than scour the scene without a real musical identity. I personally think that they have found the style they have been looking for and join the French elite.
As of late, there have been a lot of excellent bands emerging from the French metal scene, especially death metal. Over the last year or so, I have come across many excellent French bands that unfortunately will never make themselves known outside of there own country which is a shame because there is a lot of talent coming through.
Canal Lust do not change my opinion at all, maybe they even build on it. They play mid-paced technical, almost melodic death metal and, whilst there are blast-beats and hyper fast riffing, they don’t over use them, making the album interesting from start to finish and not make the tracks sound similar.
Band: Carnal Redemption
Album: Promo 2004 (Self Released)
Year: 2004
Website: http://carnalredemption.cjb.net
Rating: 6/10
This Greek band takes a stab at some death laden thrash on this two song preview of the band’s upcoming "Cerebral Chaos" MCD. Sometimes the Carnal Redemption brings early Kreator or Coroner to mind with their off tempo rhythms and in particular the picking patterns of the guitarist George. "Mass Consuming Lobotomy" is an intricate song with some interesting production techniques that fits this type of a song but could stand to be mixed a bit better. These three blokes really get into the music, pulling off complex instrumentation with a raw feel.
"All The Echoes" starts with a surreal message that sets an ominous tone for the track and the band jumps right into some progressive thrash that is skillfully delivered. Nick’s gruff vocals push the music forward into a speedier lick before returning to some Asphyx style riffery. Drummer Nondas is all over the place, executing speedy tom rolls that end in rapid fire bass hits. During the center of the track it sounds as if they switched over to a completely different guitar rig, which is something you wouldn’t hear too often, but it actually adds to the song, making the guitars that much more interesting. A tasteful solo precedes a return to Nick’s dark bark and then moves forward into a piece that shows some great right hand picking technique from George that leads the song to its climax. Fans of technical guitar would certainly find this of interest.
The band deserves a bit of praise for showing some fine songwriting ability coupled with a dark and driving delivery. Carnal Redemption is an underground band to keep an eye on. Review by Star (Contact)
Band: Carpe Diem
Album: s/t Demo
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.carpediemtheband.co.uk
Rating: 8/10
You should never judge a book by its cover! To be honest I was expecting some god-awful Nu-Metal Shite, and boy how I was wrong. Although they've only been around for just over a year, the three tracks on this demo contains some of the best song writing skills I have heard for a while. Carpe Diem's take on heavy, old-school style rock is outstanding, it may not be the most technical thing I've heard but the whole CD is very catchy.
"Never Get Over This" is a great song, the best on here by far. The Bon Jovi sounding vocals by Tony Douglas and the reasonably tight music courtesy of Paul Seldon (guitar), Doug (Drums) and Mole (Bass) showcase impressive abilities although they've been together for a short period of time. "Everyday Forever" is a slower song, which I think doesn't match up to the other two songs. The last "Nothing to Lose" is more of the heavier stuff, probably the best on here.
Final thought? What impressed me the most was the song writing, unless you hear it you won't know what I mean. Carpe Diem has what it takes to go places, just a few things need tightening up, this is nothing to worry about as this will come with live experience. You can buy this for only £2 direct from the band, well worth it!
Band: Catacombs
Album: In The Depths of R'lyeh (Moribund Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://rlyeh.xathagorra.com
Rating: 8/10
Those who have followed the doom/death metal scene since its early stages may recall the band, Hierophant. Hierophant started in 1996, and was one of the original architects of the sub-genre that became known as funeral doom. Fast forward to 2006, and Hierophant master mind, Xathogorra Mlandroth has gone on to redefine the term "extreme" for this genre with his latest release "In the Depths of R'lyeh" via the moniker Catacombs.
"In the Depths..." is an audio representation of H.P. Lovecraft. The album's name is an allusion to a Lovecraft's mythology. The artwork supports Mlandroth macabre themes detailing a city of dark, twisted, spiraling masses inhabited by what looks like part alien, part undead creatures. The structures and inhabitants of this necropolis all are moving toward a giant tentacled, winged demon, which looks like a variation of the god, Cthulhu, that Lovecraft originally detailed in "The Call of Cthulhu". The grimly carved building the monster has wrapped its tentacles around is probably the tomb for which the natives resurrected this colossal being. The music of "In the Depths..." is a journey into that tomb. Every echoing guitar note is a reflection of the echoes of footsteps in your descent into this wretched tomb. Mlandroth's ogrish voice is the tongue of the ancient entity drawing you nearer. The production values recall the dirty, dusty, dark, decay-filled, deep-ceiling atmosphere of the tomb. The descent is deep into the earth's bowels—hence the extensive, drawn-out songs. Each song clocks in at between eleven minutes and sixteen minutes long, except "Awakening of the World’s Doom (Reprise)", which is only two minutes long.
If you are tired of the depressive, human-suffering themes with clean vocal passages that modern doom pushes, and you long for raw, guttural funeral doom then "In the Depths of R'lyeh" is an album you need to pick up. The ancient ones are once again calling from the crypts and commanding you to buy "In the Depths of R'lyeh". Review by Darren Cowan
Band: Cataract
Album: With Triumph Comes Loss (Metal Blade Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.cataract-collective.com
Rating: 8/10
Cataract deliver a punishing hybrid of thrash and hardcore on their latest, "With Triumph Comes Loss". The Kerry King style riffing is fast paced and deadly accurate. A definite Slayer influence is noticeable in the guitars and here we find some of the best riffs of this type since "Hell Awaits". Unlike many metalcore bands today, Cataract stay focused throughout each of their compositions, combining passages that meld into one another nicely. They don’t deviate much from the attacking, aggressive structures, making for an album that will make your neck snap throughout.
The relentless double kick pounding of "Vanished In The Dark" drives the switchblade sharp axe work with brute power. 'As We Speak' is akin to Hatebreed, yet rougher and more forceful. The track 'Fuel' finds Cataract incorporating stop and go techniques that highlight the chunky rhythms of the chorus - This tune is oriented toward crowd participation with its gang chanted vocals! The title track is abrasive and whirling, it's well penned lyrics are socially conscious and relevant.
The production is fantastic here, with knob twiddler Tue Madsen capturing the live feel of the instrumentation perfectly. All in all, 'With Triumph Comes Loss' is an all out slamfest of chaotic axe work, agro chanted vocals and exceptional percussion. Recommended for metalcore fans looking for the real deal, this album measures up as one of the best in the genre. Review by Star (Contact)
Band: Cathedral
Album: The Garden of Unearthly Delights (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.cathedralcoven.com
Rating: 9/10
The UK Psychedelic Doom Icons are back with their first album for Nuclear Blast.
I do like a bit of Cathedral, I dont know what it is exactly, but there's just something about them. Maybe its the feeling of never knowing what's coming next or maybe it's just the unusual vocal style of Lee Dorian that gets me going. My own personal favourite Cathedral album is "The Ethereal Mirror" from 1993, and whilst "The Garden of Unearthly Delights" is no "Ethereal Mirror", it is certainly way better than the last two albums, and could even prove to be one of their best albums for a long time. Tracks such as "North Berwick Witch Trials" and "Corpsecycle" are just classic Cathedral and will take you back to their earlier years, but by far the most impressive highlight on the album is the monstrous, 27 minute "The Garden". It's one of the bands most experimental tracks to date, with its acoustic passages, female vocals and gentle Folk influences.
To sum this up, take the Black Sabbath worship of "The Carnival Bizarre", "Caravan Beyond Redemption's" grooviness and " The Ethereal Mirror's" just plain weirdness, and you've got "The Garden of Unearthly Delights". Close to 25 years now, and they're still going strong. Heavy as Hell, Psychedelic Doom...Great Stuff!!!
Band: Cathedral
Album: The Serpents Gold (Earache)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 21.06.04)
Website: http://www.cathedralcoven.com
Rating: 10/10
Cathedral are one of the more important Doom acts ever, and "The Serpents Gold" is an amazing collection from the bands 6 album Earache years.
Not only does the 2 CD collection bring together the bands greatest songs, it also includes an unprecedented collection of rarities selected by the band themselves. So what do you get for your money? Well, Disc 1 ("The Serpents Treasure") is basically the best of disc, 15 tracks of the best moments of their career. Disc 2 ("The Serpents Chest") features 11 never released tracks, including live, cover and demo tracks, with some real gems on here. Overall you get over 2 and a half hours of great music from one of the UK's greatest.
If it's Doom, snails paced melancholia and tripped out musings your after, this is a great place to start if your new to the band, and the icing on the cake if your a fan. It's always easy for me to write about quality bands, especially if they're as good as Cathedral. Leaders not followers.
Band: Catheter
Album: Dimension 303 (Selfmadegod Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.myspace.com/catheter
Rating: 8/10
I wouldn't really call myself the biggest Grind fan, I'll listen to it, but I really like my grind bands to stand out from the crowd.
Denver's Catheter have that quality, that certain atypical style that I like when it comes to grind. They successfully combine the aggression of Grind with the best elements of Hardcore, Punk and Sludge to create an almost violent yet catchy listen. What I also like about them is that the three members share the vocal duties, a guttural one, a screamed voice and a more normal sung/shouted voice.
Whilst the majority is fast paced stuff, there are plenty of tempo changes and break downs to keep the 18 tracks/35 minutes flowing nicely and most importantly keep it an intense yet interesting listen from start to finish. Good Stuff!
Band: Cattle Decapitation
Album: Karma Bloody Karma (Metal Blade)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.cattledecapitation.com
Rating: 8.5/10
From their early grind roots, Cattle Decapitation have progressed over the course of their 5 studio albums, and it's definitely a change for the better.
They still proudly announce their Pro-Vegan ways, but musically they're more intense, aggressive and much more technical than on previous albums. They still have that grind edge to them, but they're firmly rooted in a more Modern Death Metal style. You hear numerous bands trying to achieve what Cattle Decapitation have done on "Karma Bloody Karma", and it's definitely a breathe of fresh air with it's technical riffing, odd timings and overall unruly and frenzied sound.
Vocalist Travis Ryan hits the nail on the head with; "This will be the most nihilistic, pessimistic and hateful record we've ever done lyrically". "Karma Bloody Karma" should see the band move up the Death/Grind pecking order.
Band: Celestia
Album: Apparitia - Sumptuous Spectre (Full Moon Productions)
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.multimania.com/celestia
Rating: 8.25/10
Celestia’a latest offering contains 9 tracks of Necromelancholic dark Ethereal black metal. I have mentioned this before but I have been very impressed with the French metal scene lately and this is another that builds on that.
The music of Celestia is very straightforward, almost "catchy" and is heavily influenced by the more old school black metal bands like Bathory, but avoids the extreme rawness of Darkthrone.
Celestia have been around for a while now, and "Apparitia - Sumptuous Spectre" will get the attention they deserve.
Band: Cellador
Album: Enter Deception (Metal Blade)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.cellador.com
Rating: 9/10
Having only formed in the summer of 2004, they’ve been snapped up by the major Metal Blade, making them their first power metal signing for years.
Listening to "Enter Deception", you can see why Metal Blade took them aboard. With the ages of the band ranging from only 17 – 23, Cellador have a very bright future ahead of them. Even though they originate from America, they have their foot firmly planted in the European Power Metal Style, and I would even go as far as hailing them as the U.S. answer to the mighty Dragonforce. So, if you were excited when you heard those guys for the first time, I urge you to pick this one up.
The musicianship and songs are absolutely amazing; especially for a debut, and producer Erik Rutan (of Morbid Angel and Hate Eternal fame) really does get the best out of them. Dragonforce style dueling guitars, amazing melodies, hyper fast double bass and blast drumming and downright memorable songs that create one of the best albums I’ve heard this year. Expect to see "Enter Deception" nominated in a few awards come the end of the year.
Band: Centinex
Album: Decadence - Prophecies Of Cosmic Chaos (Candlelight Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.centinex.org
Rating: 8.5/10
And here we have Sweden’s Centinex rekindling the fire after gaining a few new members as of recent history.
With a drastic change of direction from 2001’s "Diabolical Desolation" and a vast improvement all around, "Decadence - Prophecies Of Cosmic Chaos" is much mmore in the thrashy, melodic death metal vein. This is the band’s fifth full length since forming in ’92 and it just nails out the death. The hooks are excellent, the riffs are huge, the melodies are intricate, the percussion is vicious, the bass rips and the vocals range between gut-churning throaty lo-ends and demonic highs. The rhythm/leads are flawlessly intertwined. The production gives "Decadence - Prophecies Of Cosmic Chaos" a real fragments of Unbecoming/At The Gates feel and the guitar tones are undeniably Slayer/Hypocrisy.
This is a beast through and through that will no doubt wind up on jaded, elitist tope ten lists by the end of the year. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: ChaosBreed
Album: Brutal (Century Media)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 26.04.04)
Website: http://www.chaosbreed.net
Rating: 8.5/10
Not long after I reviewed "Unleashed Carnage", I received this, their debut album. I've had it for quite a while and it's still a great listen.
"Brutal" features 10 tracks, 8 new and 2 taken from their demo, "F/C/D/C" and "Rotting Alive". Basically, they've taken the raw, late eighties and early nineties death metal sound and improved on it immensely. They've taken all the good parts and it now sounds much clearer and harder than before. With them being hailed as the next "Death Metal super group", they had a lot to live up to, and "Brutal" just proves what they are capable of.
Like the demo, "Brutal" is based on very heavy, down-tuned riffs with hints of with hints from such groups as Carnage, Dismember and Entombed. There's nothing new or original on "Brutal", the band re-produces and re-in acts classic, old school Swedish Death Metal, also, check out the opening riff on "Faces of Death", if that's not a blatant copy of Slayer's "South of Heaven", then I don't know what is. Chaosbreed successfully produce a tried and tested formula, that results in a very good album overall. If your into the mentioned bands, Chaosbreed won't disappoint.
Band: ChaosBreed
Album: Unleashed Carnage (Crash Music Inc.)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.chaosbreed.net
Rating: 7.5/10
Chaosbreed are a super-group consisting of members and ex-members of Amorphis, The Black League, Moonsorrow, Sentenced and Gandalf that felt a sudden need to churn out some good ole’ death metal.
"Unleashed Carnage" is the bands five track demo and although the production isn't the greatest, it's adequate enough to get a taster of things to come. The band have been accused of "stealing" the Stockholm sound and what can I say… they are as guilty as charged! That's not a band thing of course. There's nothing really unique or original throughout the demo, but I don't think the band could care less, they are just playing what they like. Some of the bands named influences range from the likes of Dismember, early-Entombed (both of which they sound like) to bands like Carnage, Unleashed, Autopsy and Repulsion. If you like the good old days of Swedish Death Metal, Chaosbreed are a band you should look out for.
"Unleashed Carnage" pays homage to the Swedish death metal of the late eighties and early nineties when bands like Entombed and Dismember ruled the scene. Look out for the bands debut album on Century Media soon.
Band: Charger
Album: Confessions of a Man (Mad Enough to Live Amongst Beast) (Peaceville)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 21.04.03)
Website: http://www.fuzzbastards.com
Rating: 8.25/10
If you are looking for a nice, melodic metal CD or even maybe a rap filled nu-metal album, you are looking in the wrong place. This is hard, heavy, noisy and evil Punky, Doom fueled sludge metal. Get all that?
"Confessions of a Man..." is Charger’s debut on the highly influential Peaceville label, which was recorded by San Francisco-based producer Billy Anderson, who has worked with the likes of Eyehategod, Neurosis and Sleep.
This ferocious album isn’t going to be to everyone’s taste. With tracks like "God Made Us in the Image of his Ass" and the brutal 13 minute "A Ventilation System for Cooling Poultry", at which you may think are funny, you may well be sniggering now, but you won’t be when you buy this, in fact you will be cowering in the corner, I haven’t heard anything as heavy as this for a long time, I even had to turn the bass-boost down on the stereo before the old lady next door complained. This WILL separate the men from the boys.
Band: Charon
Album: The Dying Daylight (Spinefarm Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.charon.cjb.net
Rating: 8.5/10
Charon are a band that I'm not familiar with, but judging by the reviews I had seen, I knew it was going to be good.
Charon a combine the right amount of aggression with melody to create a very catchy yet gloomy style of gothic melody. "The Dying Daylight" isn't really that original nor is it groundbreaking, but it's well worth picking up if your fans of H.I.M., To Die For and possibly even Sentenced. The album gets of to a great start, with some very memorable melodies, great riffs, melancholic atmosphere's and an emotional vocal performance courtesy of J-P Leppaluoto, but I couldn't help feel disappointed towards the end of the album as all the songs became a little repetitive.
A way to tell a good album from a great album is whether you can sit through the whole album without skipping, and if it holds your attention all the way through you know it's a classic, "The Dying Daylight" held my attention for about 80% of the time, so it's not at all a bad album, there were just a few little things that stopped me scoring this higher. Anyway, fans of the bands I mentioned can feel comfortable about going out and buying this without hearing it first.
Band: Chasm, The
Album: The Spell of Retribution (Earache)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.enterthedeathcult.com
Rating: 8/10
The Chasm have been jamming this mystical Mesopotamian death metal shit for over a decade now.
Having been veterans of the Mexico City scene, they immigrated to Chicago and toured the midwest like crazy, winging it, believeing in the dream, refusing to give up. It's about damn time a major stepped in. Earache rightfully gives The Chasm their due with The Spell of Retribution. As always, The Chasm is solid and technically proficient. The production is strong, which in many ways takes away from the grittier aura they've become notorious for. But this is not to dog the playing - the songs are strong, consistent and jam packed with solos galore.
For fans of Slayer, Death, Melechesh, early Sepultura and Sarcofago. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Chasm, The
Album: Conjuration of the Spectral Empire
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.enterthedeathcult.com
Rating: 9/10
Damn, why have I only just found out about The Chasm!
A perfect mix of fast, heavy thrash with hints of Swedish death metal with melodic passages which remind of Dissection-style black metal. Did you get all of that? I can’t believe it either!
This really is something very special. The "Crunching" rhythm and lead guitars are truly memorable, some of the greatest riffs I have heard in this style. Same goes for the vocals, really demonic growls that will haunt you.
I cant really thing of a bad point apart from the drums could be a bit higher in the mix, they seem caught in a wall of guitar. A band that I hope we all hear more of.
Band: Chrome Division
Album: Doomsday Rock 'N Roll (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.chromedivision.net
Rating: 7.5/10
Chrome Division are the latest of the Side Project bands, and features members of Dimmu Borgir, Minas Tirith and Ashes To Ashes.
Inspired by such bands as Spiritual Beggars, Kyuss and Motorhead, Chrome Division follow the dirty, raw Rock N' Roll path similar to fellow Scandinavian's The Helicopters and Backyard Babies, only more heavier and with plenty more groove. Even though they keep things simple, the album never gets boring or repetitive. The main reference point is of course Motorhead, so if you like them, you'll no doubt appreciate this.
You get the nippy, raw rock numbers of the aforementioned bands, but with the added highlight of the quality dual guitar leads courtesy of Shagrath and Ricky Black. The album is all about the riffs and groove, a perfect album to chill out to with a beer and also great at a party. Not the greatest or most original album I've came across, but if you're after some dirty rock and roll, check them out!
Band: Circle of Dead Children
Album: Human Harvest (Displeased Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.circleofdeadchildren.net
Rating: 9/10
"Human Harvest" is probably one of the most brutal albums I've heard in a long while. They surely formed solely for the purpose of creating aural decimation.
CODC play a very Death Metal orientated style of Grindcore. Death style riffs and techniques with Grind length songs with lightning blast-beats and drum work. Another couple of things that keep CODC very interesting is the constant tempo changes and the very interesting lyrics that are actually worth reading compared to the usual gore soaked lyrics from similar bands. I can and I have sat and played this through over and over again and it still hasn't become boring. Another thing worth mentioning is the insane vocals, they have to be some of the best screams, roars and just general gutturalness ever put on record. Finally, the production is spot on, everything sound in proportion and complements each other perfectly.
"Human Harvest" is an album where all the extreme sub genres collide and create an amazing whirlwind of aggressive expression. If you like extreme music, Circle of Dead Children are a band well worth checking out, they're brutal, intense and they will smash your face in.
Band: Clawfinger
Album: Hate Yourself with Style (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2005 (Release Date: 18.11.05)
Website: http://www.clawfinger.net
Rating: 9/10
Another new band this for me, and seeing the Rap/Rock label that I've seen them been labelled did put me off a little.
Now luckily, I wouldn't exactly call them rap, nor are they near Nu-Metal, imagine Biohazard merging with say Pro-Pain, and that isn't far off what you can expect on here. Catchy Choruses, heavy riffing, pounding drums, and a certain "grooviness" about it. The vocalist even reminds me of a rough-around-the edges version of John Bush (but maybe that's just me!). I'm sure there will be people dismissing this without really listening to it, and also the song titles may cause a little controversy, they do contain messages but it's perhaps not what you were quite thinking. Fine examples are "The Faggot in You" and the track "Right to Rape", possibly not a song that we want to hear, but the actual chorus is "if a woman raped a man, would the verdict be the same".
The slow, groovy tracks are great, but it's the pacey, blasting numbers that I think stand out. This is not something that I would usually listen to at all, so even I'm surprised that I gave it a 9, but the more I listen to it the stronger it becomes. I'm almost certain there's going to be a mixed barrel of reviews, so try to listen to it for yourself before making your mind up.
Band: Coldseed
Album: Completion Makes the Tragedy (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.coldseed.com
Rating: 6/10
Featuring a star-studded line-up consisting of Blind Guardian and Soilwork personnel, Coldseed are surprisingly nothing to shout home about.
After numerous listens, I still don't really know what to think about Coldseed. I'm sure that we’re going to hear more about Coldseed during the next year or so, be it with a high profile tour or another album, but really, I'm left wondering whether they would have made such an impact as they have already have done if they weren't as well known.
Proverbial, "chuggy" riffs and breakdowns, over an industrial style beat with the familiar vocal approach of Bjorn Strid. Coldseed are sort of band that will be well received by the fans of more modern metal style and maybe even those into Nu Metal. There wasn't anything really that bad about Coldseed, it's just that I found them really uninspiring.
Band: Comeback Kid
Album: Wake the Dead (Victory Records)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 22.02.05)
Website: http://www.comeback-kid.com
Rating: 8.5/10
You'll have to forgive me on this one as I'm not familiar at all with these Canadians, one thing I am familiar with though is Hardcore, so this couldn't have come to a better person.
"Wake the Dead" is the follow up to the well received debut "Turn it Around" and showcases some fine old school Hardcore with modern influences. It's not as hard and heavy as say the latest Agnostic Front album, but it is fast, furious and contains plenty to keep you interested. There are a couple of instances of heavier, growled vocals, but the majority are clean and shouted, with the usual gang style vocals thrown in. It's pretty fast paced, but there are quite a few times where they slows things right down, to a heavy chugging rhythm that is going to sound great live.
The only downer is that it clocks in at just over 25 minutes, so its a short listen but other than that, "Wake the Dead" is a really refreshing listen that reminds you of why you got into Hardcore in the first place.
Band: Communic
Album: Waves of Visual Decay (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.communic.tk
Rating: 9/10
"Waves of Visual Decay" is the follow up to the bands debut, "Conspiracy in Mind", which was released a year ago, and was on a whole, very well received.
They continue on down the same path with their Nevermore/Iced Earth/Jag Panzer influenced Heavy Metal, definitely not the typical style of music you hear from the Norwegians, but it's damn great non-the-less. 7 tracks in just under an hour, and its not your usual lengthy intro's and long, mind numbing instrumental passages, Communic rock, and they rock big time. Guaranteed if your looking for a quick, pick me up song, you won't find it on here, but if it's a well constructed, riff based, heavy Prog. Album your after, you can’t go wrong with either one of their albums.
Just when you think they can’t get any better, "Waves of Visual Decay" goes that one step further. All in all it's a very complete album, Aggression, melody and some of the most memorable riffs and leads I've heard in a while. I would even go as far as saying that Communic are one of the best Modern Heavy Metal bands around at the moment.
Band: Communic
Album: Conspiracy in Mind (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2005 (Release Date: 21.02.05)
Website: http://www.communic.tk
Rating: 8.5/10
Nuclear Blast have been releasing albums from a lot of new bands (new to me anyway!) lately, some good and some not so good, but Communic have what it takes to become one of the better bands on the NB roster.
"Conspiracy in Mind" is a pleasing listen, Prog metal at its best which is at times reminiscent of acts such Nevermore, Dream Theatre and Fates Warning. One word of warning though is it's not the easiest of listens, if you like things complex and have a bit of patience, then you'll love this.
There is some real intricate work on here, that when combined with their more beefier, thrashier stuff really creates an interesting listen with some great atmosphere's and plenty of variety to keep everyone entertained. It'll be interesting to see what happens to Communic from here, it's a great debut and they definitely have what it takes to break away and make it big.
Band: Concept-7
Album: The Undeniable Constant (Earthspike Productions)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.concept-7.net
Rating: 8/10
Ah Concept-7 , for those that read my review of their Extract EP on these very pages you will know that my closing comments were "Good stuff but I’d like to hear more tracks over the course of an album" and lo and behold here we have Concept-7’s new full length release "The Undeniable Constant". It’s a mixture of industrial beats and crashing fuzzing fucked up guitars, varied vocals, drum n bass fighting with big beat and darkwave soundscapes all mixed up and spewed out via this south London duo.
It’s a welcome return and nice to hear something so different there are a million bands that take varied influences and blend them that just sound a mess but what Concept-7 do doesn’t, they manage to make all their influences come through and shine without sounding cluttered or messy and that’s very difficult thing to do.
The album begins with the track "Arrival" before it breaks into "Functional Concrete" from the Extract EP a song I have always liked it sounds even better in the context of an album all snarling guitars and menacing frantic beats. "Subversion" slows things down with some nice atmospheric samples that sit well with electronica and guitars. "Damping Factor" turns up the guitar distortion while still remaining at a slow tempo and that air sense of menace is back and remains for most of the album. "Corporation Tank" attacks with crushing bass and a hypnotic vocal delivery. "Art of War&", mixes layered spoken word, with background music and "Escapement" closes the album it’s a dark and brooding piece that makes you feel uneasy and being taken on a journey against your will.
I really like this album as a whole it works really well and although there are stand out tracks it really works best when you listen to it in one go, its different and brutal and raw and more importantly its not the same as every other band out there, be they a metal band or a techno band. Concept-7 have a sound of their own and its one you should hear. Review by Joe Freeman
Band: Concept-7
Album: Extract EP (Self-Released)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.concept-7.net
Rating: 6.5/10
I’m not really a big fan of techno or industrial music so bare with me. However this ep by south London based Concept 7 was a surprise, and hard to categorise. These 3 tracks encompass techno, industrial, big beat with fuzzing guitar riffs.
Opening track Functional Concrete is fairly minimal stuff but gallops along with a fuzzy guitar riff and thumping techno beats, that has a real air of menace about it. The second track is a change in pace and is much more brooding in its feel, Concept 7 certainly have the atmospherics to go with there beats and breaks.
The sound and feel brings to mind a more beefed up and evil version of UNKLE mixed with Ministry and the Crystal Method, but with a bigger guitar sound, if you ever heard the innovative Spawn soundtrack you’ll know what I mean. Good stuff but I’d like to hear more tracks over the course of an album. Review by Joe Freeman
Band: Confessor
Album: Blueprint Soul (Self-Released)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.confessorband.com
Rating: 8/10
It's been 10 long years since we last heard anything from Confessor, during this time, guitarist Ivan Colon sadly passed away.
After regrouping for what was meant to be a one off show to pay for expenses, the band decided to release a new demo and see how things go from there, the outcome was "Blueprint Soul", three tracks of solid progressive doom that at times is reminiscent of old. Confessor never go above mid pace on this demo, and although the sound is recognizable and there are signs, the songs aren't as complex as they were. Another thing is vocalist Scott Jeffreys sings a good few octaves lower, which makes for a much easier listen all round. Confessor have and always will be a fairly unique band with no contemporaries and no obvious reference points, you'll just have to have a listen to see what all the fuss and excitement is all about.
Confessor gained a somewhat cult status during their short existence, but just by listening to these three new songs, it's easy to see why they are cited by many as major influences. I've heard they are already working on a new full length album, which is without doubt going to be one of the most highly anticipated albums of 2005. If this is anything to go by, the forthcoming album is going to be very impressive to say the least!
Band: Consortium Project III
Album: Terra Incognita (Century Media)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 27.10.03)
Website: http://www.consortiumproject.com
Rating: 8/10
CIII, which was entirely written by front man Ian Parry, is a conceptual story which takes us on a mystical journey 375 years into the future in search of "Terra Incognita" (The Undiscovered World) to reunite mankind.
Ian Parry is backed by an impressive lineup such as Casey Grillo (Drums, Kamelot), Jan Bijlsma (Bass, Vengeance), Steven Lill (Guitars, Vanden Plas) and Joshua Dutrieux (Piano & Keyboards, Elegy) which not only create a quite technical release full of musical flair and skilled song-writing, but a mixture of very diverse songs that should appeal to fans of symphonic prog rock/metal and power metal.
"Terra Incognita" didn't really do much for me on the first listen, but after a few spins it soon fell into place, and showcased a very complicated, and interesting album. One of the best prog releases for a long time.
Band: Conspiracy A.D.
Album: Humanity=Destruction...The End is Near (Crash Music Inc.)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.conspiracyad.com/index2.htm
Rating: 8.5/10
Formerly known as Conspiracy, Italy’s Conspiracy A.D. follow the basic melodic death metal pattern and add some great modern thrash touches along with many other influences from a whole range of genres.
These guys have the knack of writing some great riffs, and "Humanity=Destruction" is full of them. Throughout the album you'll find lightning fast fretwork, fat chugging riffs and plenty of tempo changes that make an enjoyable and interesting listen from start to finish. The dual guttural and screeched vocals also work well together.
This is not your usual blast-beats ahoy, crazy riffed death metal, it's more complex than that and "Humanity=Destruction" is a decent album full of great ideas. No sooner as they lay down some heavy chugging riffs, they're off on some speedy Swedish style Melodic riffing. It's aggressive, melodic, heavy and technical, and is a great addition for fans of extreme music in general.
Band: Construcdead
Album: The Grand Machiney (Black Lodge)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.construcdead.com
Rating: 7.5/10
I've not heard a thing by these Swedish Thrashers, but this appears to be their fourth studio album.
You do have to admit, there have been many Modern Thrash/Melodic Death albums this year, and "The Grand Machinery" is another to add to the list. The album couldn't have got off to a better start, a short intro straight into the crushing "A Cog in the Machinery". A pacey, yet heavy thrasher, basically everything you want to hear. The good news is that the album continues in this crushing fashion, but unfortunately, come track 7 or 8, it tends to get a little repetative, nothing really major, but the last few tracks dont really stand up against the first half or so.
"The Grand Machiney" is a pretty decent album, it's tight, tehnical and very intense but it can get a little too much to listen to at times. If your into bands such as The Haunted or Soilwork, check these guys out.
Band: Contrive
Album: The Meaning Unseen (Independent Release)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.contrive.com.au
Rating: 7/10
Contrive is a three-piece group hailing from Melbourne, Australia. The music this trio plays is reminiscent of the type of metal that was popular in the mid-nineties. Bands like early Machine Head, Pantera, Biohazard, Helmet, and Sick of It All come to mind. Their music focuses around heavy, mid-paced grooves. Sometimes these grooves consist of poppy, punk melodies, which sound happy and hopeful. The positive lyrics often reflect this happy tone. Vocally, the group utilizes the talents of two members, both members using a different style. The disc booklet does not say who does what style, but one member sings in a clean style comparable to Burton C. Bell of Fear Factory, which are used mostly during melodic moments. The other singer sings in the typical, gruff hardcore, power groove style.
For being a independent band, Contrive sure sounds professional. The production done at Toyland Studios in Melbourne, Australia and mixing by the one-and-only Fredrik Nordstrom at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden give "The Meaning Unseen" a clear, thick sound. Contrive's musical talent is the other reason this group sounds so much like a major signed band. They showcase this talent through two instrumental tracks, both tracks written and performed entirely by one member. "Todoroki" shows drummer Andrew Haug displaying his Taiko-style (a Japanese style of percussion) drumming skills.
Contrive should be commended for being bold enough to self-finance an album with major label attributes. The group has played with some of metal's biggest names in Australia. Their biggest hurdle appears to be bringing their easily embraceable style to the rest of the world. Without a major label’s backing, this task may prove insurmountable. "The Meaning Unseen" may just lead them into the arms of a Warner or Capital representative. Review by Darren Cowan
Band: Control
Album: Well Timed for Immediate End
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.control666.co.uk
Rating: 8/10
This is the bands second demo in a short period of time, and from what I can remember, they seemed to have slowed things down a bit. The production is a little poorer, but other wise they have greatly improved from what I head before.
This time they have opted for a more melodic Death/Hardcore, still extreme but with a lot more melody. The songs are better constructed than before and they have definitely found there style and I think they should stick with this.
An original band with their own ideas, I really do think Control have what it takes, and I wish them every success. I'm sure it won't be long before I receive the next demo!!!
Band: Control
Album: Control Demo
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.control666.co.uk
Rating: 7.5/10
Manchester's Control play extreme Hardcore almost Death/Grind of the highest quality, these three tracks alone are sure to find them some sort of record deal.
The three tracks on offer, Nihilist, Psychopath and Crisis are dirty, noisy and heavy. The production is good and the whole thing is very professional, the only thing they need to do now is get a few more gigs on the go and send this demo out to as many people as possible.
The mixture of screamed vocals and low, guttural vocals really add that something extra, the guitars are very technical, heavy bass-lines and mid-lightning fast blast beats are truly top notch. This just proves the UK underground scene is indeed live and kicking!
Band: Convergence
Album: Points of Views (Casket Music)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.convergence.it
Rating: 9/10
There have been a lot of peeps that wish that Korn would go back to sounding like they did on their early records. Well, here you are, chaps. Bumpy bass, disco choruses that echo "Got The Life" and vox that alternate between a whisper and a growl. Convergence like their small portions of their metal funkified fo' shizzle, no doubt about the issue. But the best part is, you really can't say that they're faking it.
Songs like "Strike The End" and "Bleed" certainly play on the theme initiated by the Bakersfield quintet, but Convergence manage to give it their own "twist" (pardon the pun). Of course, these days, more and more Korn haters have been coming out of the woodwork like termites gravitate toward log cabins, so it's quite jolly good to see these boys taking up the mantle for themselves and running with it on a couple of tracks. "Six Feet Under" is much more dynamic than the Bullet For My Valentines of the world and quite akin to the New New Wave of British Heavy Metal, which was incidentally spearheaded by a band from Orlando, Florida called Trivium. Go figure. Ringing acoustic guitars and a nice Iron Maiden-type lead break tops this song off, making it one of Convergence’s best attempts at putting their own stamp on a distinctly modern sound.
The telephone vox of "always The Same" lead make for an intriguing segue into "Always The Same", another standout cut. Convergence can also tone things down successfully, as evidenced on the power ballad "Vanished Memories". Good stuff, Maynard. The fact that a band this great hails from Italy, of all places, gives "Points Of View" that much more credibility, making the group a likely choice to follow countrymen Lacuna Coil on the golden road of international acceptance. Quite a remarkable effort that is well-recommended to those more adventurous, alternative-minded metalheads in the visiting audience and quite possibly the best thing to emerge from the Copro camp to date. Kudos are most certainly in order. Review by Erin Fox
Band: Corpse Vomit
Album: Raping the Ears of Those Above (Blackened Moon)
Year: 2000
Website: http://www.corpsevomit.com
Rating: 9/10
The now defunct Corpse Vomit are another band that nearly slipped past me, but thanks to Blackened Moon sending me this, I've managed to hear one of THE best old school death metal acts, mainly in the vein of the mighty Autopsy.
Why is it all the best bands split up and let purely mediocre band succeed, Corpse Vomit could have easily been leaders in the Death/Gore category. "Raping the Ears of Those Above" is the only thing I've heard from the band, and straight away I new I liked them. The Doomified Death metal riffs, heavy bass lines and a vocal performance that combines the twisted screams of Chris Reifert and the low growls of Glen Benton fit the style perfectly, the album has brutality, aggression and anger written all over it.
Although they are no longer around, there is no excuse why you shouldn't check them out, there is a lot of tempo changes, creative guitar work and a lot of melody but still manages to keep that aggressive edge. The only bad thing is the artwork looks a bit cheap, they say you should never judge a book by it's cover anyway. Long Live Corpse Vomit, I'm still hoping for a re-formation, miss out and it's your loss.
Band: Corporation 187
Album: Perfection In Pain (Earache)
Year: Release Date - 2nd November 2002
Website: http://hem.passagen.se/corporation187
Rating: 8/10
I've never heard of anything by Corporation 187 before, so I decided to do a search for reviews of them. There were quite a few reviews of their previous album, and to be honest I wasn't looking forward to reviewing this.
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There were a lot of moans about them sounding a lot like Slayer and were unoriginal and, having never heard that album I can't comment. However on hearing this album, there are obvious Slayer influences as well as The Haunted, Carnal Forge, Dew Scented, but there is also some unique touches to round up this album. |
Band: County Medical Examiners, The
Album: Forensic Fugues and Medicolegal Medleys (Razorback Records)
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.thecountymedicalexaminers.com
Rating: 8.75/10
The funny thing is, these bunch of sicko’s really are medical examiners.
The County Medical Examiners have always felt that the label "Carcass Clone" should be a badge of honor and distinction. Those who rush to hoist the flag of grindcore that Carcass dropped after "Symphonies of Sickness" are brave folk indeed. It takes a measure of dedication and resolve to accurately emulate their patented brand of Carcass’s pathological sickness. And being M.D.’s they can come pretty close to recreating the classic "Pathology Ridden" lyrics of the early Carcass work.
TCME are better than a lot of the bands trying to recreate the "classic" Carcass style, and whilst there will NEVER be another Carcass, I will happily take TCME in second place.
Every second of this album is good, from the High vocals by Michelle, low vocals by Morton and pitchshifted stuff by Jack to the classic “Grind” from the mighty Carcass. The only thing I have left to say is would YOU like Dr. Jack Putnam, M.D. (drums and vocals) and Dr. Morton Fairbanks, M.D. (guitar and vocals) and bassist and vocalist Michelle Hayes dissecting your loved ones?
Band: Craft
Album: Fuck the Universe (Southern Lord)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.oblivioncreations.com/craft/
Rating: 8/10
Southern Lord Records has taken quite a liking to black metal in the past couple of years. Sunn0))) —featuring label affiliates O’Malley and Anderson—created it’s blackest noise (or whitest) on the "Black" and "White" albums when the sub-sonic group welcomed members of Mayhem, Leviathan, and Xasthur to guest on select tracks. The label recently released a must-have black metal split with the Xasthur and Nort split. Now with black metal becoming a more common phenomenon on this label mostly regarded for its doom metal, The Lord has performed its ultimate incantation with the licensing of Carnal Records, Craft "Fuck the Universe".
Sweden’s Craft do not hide their heinous devotion to true Norwegian black metal. "Earth a raging blaze" is an ode to murdered black metal trailblazer (or church blazer) Euronymous of Mayhem. This track is structured similarly to many of the songs on Euronymous' swan song "De Mysterious Dom Sathanas". The beginning part, much like Mayhem’s "Pagan Fears", focuses on back and forth rhythms and harmonics, This slower pace comes to a stand still, setting up a serpent-like-fret-sliding riff and drum blasts. Guitarists John and Joakim tap into vintage Euronymous low-end tremolo riffs found on cursed-causing classics like "Funeral Fog" and "Freezing Moon". "Xenophobia" is yet another tribute to the fallen pagan martyr. The guitar tuning is so low and filthy, each note struck sounds like acid burning flesh.
Bands largely inspired by the works of this era in black metal must also pay homage to the other originator of northern Darkness, Darkthrone. If you liked the string work on Darkthrone's "Hate Them", you’re destined to enjoy "Thorns in the Plant’s Side". This track is a seven minute and thirty-five seconds display of wicked string bends, raw doom, and tendentious-causing speed. "Terni Exusta: Queen Reaper" has the same type of punk feeling Darkthrone does so well.
For fans that have been listening to black metal since its unholy conception will certainly pick out many references to the genre’s elite on "Fuck the Universe". Mayhem and Darkthrone were specifically mentioned in this review, but Gorgoroth and Satyricon are two other bands listeners have picked out. As long as Craft continues to play this style so well, they will receive many horns in the air and middle fingers in their face. With album titles like "Fuck the Universe", it’s doubtful that these misanthropes could give a fuck if others like it or not! Review by Darren Cowan
Band: Cream Abdul Babar
Album: Excavation 95-98 (Public Guilt Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.creamabdulbabar.com
Rating: 9/10
Great band name and apparently a "Best Of" comp.
This is art damaged proto punk/metal that shows elements of Dead Milkmen, Jesus Lizard, Fugazi, Motorhead and Helmet. This is an excellent album that makes me feel like a complete buffoon for not having discovered these fine gents until now.
Get it ASAP. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Creozoth
Album: Creozoth (Escapi Music)
Year: 2005
Website: ?
Rating: 7.5/10
Featuring Candlemass guitarist Lars Johansson and drummer Jan Lindh, vocalist Michael Storck (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen) and bassist Tobbe Moen, Creozoth's s/t debut is a slab of heavy, riff-driven Metal.
Although Creozoth feature a couple of members from Doom greats Candlemass, don't expect this to be just another Doom band, with the obvious Candlemass influence. The whole album has a very heavy sound to it, "fuzzy" guitars and is very groovy. It's also extremely riff orientated, and it's these riffs that really carry things and make the songs.
There are some absolute quality tracks on here, but there are also some instantly forgettable ones. I think its the fact that the album is far too long, and in the end, as the album goes on, it becomes more and more predictable. Gets of to a great start but looses momentum as it heads towards that hour mark. Nothing really amazing, but if your just looking for something loud and heavy to crank up, check it out.
Band: Crimson Altar
Album: The Ghost Ship Sails (Self-Released)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.crimsonaltar.com
Rating: 7.5/10
This has probably been the most difficult album I've had to review for a while now, as every time I've listened to it, there has been something new that has hit me.
I've heard quite a few new English bands over the past few years, there has been some good demo's, only for the bands to disappear of the face of the earth, unfortunately many of those bands will never probably even leave their home town. That is where Crimson Altar are different, I really do have hope for these, the whole package seems professional and they really are taking things seriously. Anyway, coming back to "The Ghost Ship Sails", it's quite hard to categorize Crimson Altar as many obvious influences shine through to create an interesting listen that kept me intrigued throughout. Probably the best description would be Melodic, Gothic Doom with reference points such as Lacuna Coil, Black Sabbath and Pink Floyd, and the angelic voice of Judy K fits their style perfectly. The album is a fairly slow moving experience (and I don't mean that in a bad way!) with plenty of melodies and atmosphere's that really does create some interesting moments.
I've got one or two gripes with the album, the production is one, and a couple of the vocals harmonies could do with looking at, but there is nothing major and I think they will be ironed out over time. Next year will be a big year for Crimson Altar.
Band: Crionics
Album: Human Error: Ways to Self Destruct (http://www.candlelightrecords.co.uk/)
Year: 2004
Website: http://crionics.rockmetal.art.pl
Rating: 8.5/10
When it comes to death metal, the Polish rarely disappoint.
This is a highly advanced blackened death metal album that comes off as a hybrid product of decay pulling influences from Dark Funeral, Vader, Emperor (Equilibrium era), Behemoth, Deicide and Morbid Angel. Is it earth shattering in it’s originality? Fuck no, but the songs are generally distinguishable, the riffs are tight and the band is a killing machine as a whole.
If you want a death metal blast that never relents and aims to main, Crionics is your shit. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Crowbar
Album: Lifeblood for The Downtrodden (Candlelight Records USA)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.crowbar.com
Rating: 6/10
Crowbar - getting old, getting lazy.
This is one of their weaker offerings. It just kind of plods along with tunes that you can easily guess where they are headed. It's all riff based, but none of the riffs are too spectaculer. It's just a run of the mill doom rock/heavy metal album with a few decent songs, although the majority is filler. Snooze... Review By Ryan Bartek
Band: Crystal Ball
Album: Time Walker (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.crystal-ball.ch
Rating: 8.5/10
After the endless Death, Grind and Thrash I've been hearing lately, I decided I was going to pick up something different this time around. Going through the pile, Swiss band Crystal Ball's new album, stood out, so I grabbed it immediately.
This was just what I needed, Hard Rock straight from the 80's!!! Sing-a-long choruses, uplifting lyrics and mighty riffs, basically everything I wanted to hear. The 11 tracks on here, are the kind of ones that are fairly simple, don't really show any virtuoso talents or nothing but are catchy as hell, a few of them are still in my head now.
The main comparison here are bands like Scorpions, so if your into bands such as these, and enjoy cheesy 80's hard rock, be sure to check out Crystal Ball.
Band: Crystalium
Album: Diktat omegA (Oaken Shield)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.crystalium.tk
Rating: 6.5/10
France's Crystalium are another band on the very impressive Oaken Shield/Adipocere Roster, and have been around for about 8 years now, and have played alongside such reputable acts such as Immortal, Angel Corpse, Bloodthorn and Agressor to name but a few.
It's obvious Crystalium have been listening to a lot of Emperor. They try lots of different things and ideas to set them self apart from the competition and some of it works, and some unfortunately doesn't. The more slower parts, sound impressive but when it comes to all out fast paced black metal riffing, it tends to get in a bit of a mess with just too much going on at once, it would definitely pay for the band to slow their technical black metal down more once in a while. The keyboard layers and the rather questionable human drummer is also very impressive, my initial thought was this had to be a drum machine.
The lyrics are written in French, but I'd bet they are about war and destruction judging by the booklet. "Diktat omegA" is a pretty hit or miss CD, there's some good ideas on here but there is just too much I've heard before.
Band: Cult of Luna
Album: Cult of Luna (Earache)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 04.08.03)
Website: http://www.cultofluna.com
Rating: 7/10
I've heard some very good things about Cult of Luna so I was looking forward to hearing it. This was originally released on the UK underground label Rage of Achilles with only 2000 copies made available, now they have signed to Earache it is being re-released to new legions of fans.
CoL are a very hard band to describe, but I'd label them as a sludge/noiscore band similar to Converge and Neurosis in style. It didn't matter how many times I listened to this, it didn't completely grow on me. I'll agree It's a very atmospheric album, full of depression and suffering but I'm afraid it dragged on a little too long for my liking.
There are a couple of great tracks, but the album clocks in at just over an hour and I soon found myself becoming a little bored with the repetition. I'm not a huge fan of the noisecore scene and, in moderations I will listen to it. I'm not saying this is a terrible album, in fact CoL are one of THE best bands that I have heard of this style. Heavy, dirty and depressing but I recommend you listen before you buy.
Band: Custard
Album: Wheels of Time (Mausoleum Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.custard.de
Rating: 7.5/10
Custard plays European power metal in the vein of... you guessed it, Helloween. The fact that so many bands seek to emulate Helloween puts a black mark on the power metal genre. It is made worse by the countless influx of bands that do this poorly. Fortunately, for Custard, they do not fall into the later category.
"Wheels of Time" brings credibility back to this genre. It is an album filled with memorable hooks, catchy, technical riffing, powerful singing, and good song writing. Songs like "Wheels of Time" and "Escape Reality" highlight classic, bar-chord metal riffing. "Shine on" exemplifies how to write the power metal ballad, complete with soul-searching lyrics and acoustic intros that build in tension. Kudos go out to these guys for writing an album's worth of strong lyrics bereft of cheesy, cliché's that also seem to plague this genre.
The colorful cover art and rich production says much about the band's professionalism. One look at the artwork and listen to the production will tell you this band is part of the small, elite group of power metal bands. "Wheels of Time" is highly recommended for fans of classic metal from the 1980s. Review by Darren Cowan
Band: Cynicon
Album: Cybernetic (Spinefarm Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.cynicon.com
Rating: 6/10
Cynicon can't make up their mind whether they want to be a Electro-Black Metal band or a Power Metal band which gets a bit annoying from time to time. Clean vocals here and very Ihsahn (Emperor) sounding vocals there, I didn't know what to expect next!
Although instantly you'll realize "Cybernetic" is a quite technical offering and very riff-orientated, you will soon start to notice how repetitive the songs become after a few listens. One thing that tends to annoy me about these modern black metal bands is the sheer amount of electronics and synths used in their songs, luckily Cynicon, although there are a few electro "toots", "peeps" and "beats" it doesn't really drown out the actual atmosphere of the songs.
I can't really make up my mind about Cynicon, one minute they sound great, the next there will be times that they let themselves down. I wouldn't call "Cybernetic" an aggressive black metal album, so if you like your black metal raw and aggressive, you'll probably hate this, but for those into bands like Dimmu Borgir and The Kovanent for example, you will no doubt find this a great purchase.
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