Band: G/Z/R
Album: Ohmwork (Sanctuary Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.geezerbutler.com
Rating: 4/10
If like me, your unfamiliar with any of Geezer Butler's solo work, lets just say "Ohmwork" is going to come as a bit of a surprise.
If you were expecting some kind of Sabbath inspired, Doomy rock, you're sadly mistaken, instead they opt for a kind of Nu-Metal approach which is kind of disappointing. It's been 8 years since the last album, and you'd think that in that time they could have come up with something a little more memorable than this. You don't even notice that it's Geezer playing on this, where are the grooves? The album gets off to a decent, but not brilliant start, with the speedy rocker "Misfit" and then onto the crunching "Pardon my Depression", probably the two best songs on here, but not at all groundbreaking by any means.
The album unfortunately goes downhill fast from there, delving into the realms Nu-Metal with awful rapping and bland Nu-Metal style, screamy vocals. It's unknown to me as to how anyone who could inspire the whole rock/metal world, and form a groundbreaking band such as Black Sabbath to perform music that is so generic and uninspiring! basically you hear this kind of stuff everywhere. I'd recommend you give it a listen before you go and buy it, you could save yourself the disappointment.
Band: Galvanic
Album: Galvanic (Demo)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.galvanix.co.uk
Rating: 8/10
The UK's Galvanic, although this line-up have been together a short time and have only played a handful of gigs seem very promising.
They play very atmospheric doom/gothic with clean and harsh vocals both by vocalist Akeal. The harsh vocals are fine, its just the clean vocals tend to be a bit off, especially the high notes, but I think this will improve over time. Musically, its practically faultless and is good for a demo at least. The three tracks on this demo, all over the 5 minute mark, is enough to show anyone what the band is about and I'm sure it will impress many.
The demo overall is very professional and well recorded, the band have a great image and I think this is a band going somewhere, look out for their new album and gigs around the London area soon.
Band: Gama Bomb
Album: The Fatal Mission (Demo)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.gamabomb.tk/
Rating: 7/10
The new Gama Bomb demo, "The Fatal Mission" only showcases two new songs, both are impressive to say the least.
The two songs are more than enough to show you what they are about. Gama Bomb are a band that could have easily fit in with the 80's thrash movement alongside bands such as Nuclear Assault, Exodus and Metallica. Bering in mind that it's a demo, the production is quite good but after the two songs you are left wanting more, hopefully there is going to be some kind of deal for them and a debut album very soon.
If you like Thrash then you should give Gama Bomb a chance. Pick up a copy of this whilst you are waiting for an album, you won't be disappointed. Plenty of speed riffing and lead work, wild lengthy solo's and everything you could remember that made great thrash bands great. A bright prospect!
Band: Gathering, The
Album: Sleepy Buildings, A Semi Acoustic Evening (Century Media)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 26.01.04)
Website: http://www.gathering.nl
Rating: 8/10
The fourteen songs on "Sleepy Buildings" were recorded at two live-shows in The Netherlands that took place on 21st and 22nd August 2003. This album contains the highlights from their six studio albums and also the brand new track "Sleepy Buildings".
Like I said in my review of last years "Souvenirs", The Gathering's Alternative Gothic Rock can be a little too slow moving for my liking. I'm not denying they are an impressive band, with some original ideas, I'm just saying I would have to be in a certain mood to listen to them, I couldn't just play this over and over like you could with a great album.
I'm not sure what the rest of The Gathering's back catalogue sound like, but these Semi Acoustic versions are full of emotion and very atmospheric and the voice of Anneke van Giersbergen is a pleasure to listen to. It took a few listens to grow on me, but everyone needs a change once in a while. The Gathering are a band that should be heard by all.
Band: Gathering, The
Album: Souvenirs (Psychonaut Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.gathering.nl
Rating: 6.5/10
OK, I have to admit that The Gathering, and their own "triprock" style are very unique, but this album is very slow paced and, apart from a couple of tracks, they never seems to be go anywhere, it just drags.
There is no doubt that followers of The Gathering will hail this as a masterpiece and the vocals by Anneke van Giersbergen are truly haunting at frequently make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
The Gathering has been together for around about 12 years now and has a huge fan base, so fans will and should not be put off by this review. I’ve never heard any previous material by the band so I can’t really compare it with this. Emotional? Yes! Haunting? YES! But it’s too slow moving for my liking!
Band: Gault, The
Album: Even As All Before Us (Flood the Earth)
Year: 2005
Website: Unknown
Rating: 8/10
This was a weird one that totally caught me off guard. I heard the first track driving around one day then it got lost in the shuffle.
Wiping off the dust and giving it a go, I found a very hypnotic, transcendental doom album with many black qualities prevalent. Similar in design to Flood The Earth Records previous releases of Vinterriket and Aphotic, The Gault take both the preconceived aura's but deliver graceful, haunting textures that maintain a Joy Division quality to them. The result is a drooling album of ghostly, ethereal doom that alternates between tormented male vocals and pretty female vox.
Like the bastard son of Anathema and Sun 0))), Check this thing out for sure. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Genghis Tron
Album: Cloak of Love (Crucial Blast)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.genghistron.com
Rating: 7.5/10
Easily one of the best band names ever.
This is a five song quickie EP that jumps all over the place, mixing psychotic grind bursts with Fruity Loops cut and paste drum & bass tracks. This is a highly entertaining hack and paste job I wish I could hotwire into the Detroit Electronic Music festival sound speakers this summer.
Like a candy kid bank robbery gone horribly astray. Oh Sydney Lumet, the endless possibilities. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Genital Grinder
Album: Same (Adipocere Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.genitalgrinder.fr.st
Rating: 9/10
After releasing a couple of demo's, Genital Grinder return with their debut album, 17 tracks (2 hidden) of top quality old-school death/grind.
Tight, intense riffing, lightning fast drumming and extreme guttural vocals are some of the things to enjoy on here, but what makes Genital Grinder standout from the rest is their quite frequent tempo changes and, whilst the album is very aggressive, the riffs are not your typical grind style, yes, they are fast and brutal, there are times when they sound quite melodic, almost in a black metal kind of way.
The vocals are also great, ranging from totally indecipherable, very low guttural to a kind of what only can be described as a pig "grunting" sound. I rank Genital Grinder very highly in the grind/gore category and I hope that they get the attention they deserve soon. A great debut release!
Band: Gilla Bruja
Album: 6 Fingered Jesus (Retribute Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://gillabruja.com
Rating: 8.5/10
Retribute Records, the home of the heavy, its almost a mark of heaviness and listening to Gilla Bruja, named after some sort of Mexican Death Cult if your interested, you almost feel proud of the UK extreme metal scene.
No technical, flashy guitar riffs, lightning fast drumming or weak ass shit, just skull crushing bass lines, loud and brutal guitars and one pissed of singer (if you can call it that!). There distinct Sludgy/Industrial/Grind is really top quality skull pummeling, quoting such influences as Godflesh, EyeHateGod and Pissing Razors amongst others.
12 tracks at just over 30 mins long, while there is enough on here to keep you happy, It felt a bit short and left me wanting more (maybe I'll go check out there debut!)
Band: Gluecifer
Album: Automatic Thrill (SPV/Steamhammer)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 26.01.04)
Website: http://www.gluecifer.com
Rating: 7/10
Glucifer have been receiving rave reviews for a while now, so with this arriving I had the perfect opportunity to see what all the fuss was about.
Combining the gutter-rock of Backyard Babies with the more modern garage rock of say The Hives or The Strokes with a lot of added energy and craziness, "Automatic Thrill" is a loud and very catchy album. There is also a very "punky" feeling around the whole recording as well as some old school dirty rock and roll. A few of the songs use the same template, put their are also a few that could easily get airplay.
They say that you can never have too much of a good thing, however with this I found myself loosing interest towards the end. There's nothing really that you haven't heard before, or you will miss. Recommended if your a fan of the bands mentioned earlier.
Band: God Forbid
Album: Gone Forever (Century Media)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 23.02.04)
Website: http://www.godforbid.com
Rating: 9/10
Listening to God Forbid for the first reminded me of when I heard Shadow's Fall for the first time.
As I've just said, this is my first experience of God Forbid, so I can't compare this to any previous releases, I have read this promises to be their most dynamic and aggressive offering to date. What you do get is a plenty of heavy crunching, dual harmony and fast and frantic thrash paced riffs, some extreme shouting and some great drum work sure to please fans of bands like Chimaira, Shadows Fall, Killswitch Engage, Lamb Of God and perhaps even fans of Scandinavian melodic death. It's not all aggression though, there's plenty of melody with some piano's and violins making appearances on a couple of the songs, plenty of tempo changes and all-in-all is fairly eclectic throughout.
God Forbid have shown just how talented they are, and have come up with some great ideas on "Gone Forever" and there is just so much to listen to. 2004 is going to be a great year for the band.
Band: Godless
Album: Let There be Darkness (Promo CD-R)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.godless.info
Rating: 7.75/10
Godless is described as an Epic Death Metal band, I think they are more suited to the "Black/Death" category in reality similar to fellow country-men Rotting Christ. What really stands out is how depressing the music is and how catchy some of the riffs are, its quite an interesting combination.
The recording is not great but, I feel that this should not be messed around with much as this adds a great atmosphere. The vocals are brutal, leaning towards the black style than death and every one of the seven tracks is great, I will even go onto say the 15 minute "Tale of a Gothic Cathedral" is a masterpiece.
Another one man project, but this is one of the best I have heard so far. He is an exceptional and intelligent musician, it may appear simplistic at first but after a few listens you begin to appreciate his work and realize the complexity. It won't be easy but If you get a chance to buy/steal this, snap it up immediately!
Band: Godus
Album: Hell Fuck Demon Sound (Xtreem Music)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.godus.cjb.net
Rating: 5/10
Spain isn't a country you instantly associate with Black Metal, but there has been a few great bands from there, Primigenium is a prime example.
On hearing Godus, you can instantly tell they are influenced by such acts as Darkthrone, early Mayhem and Judas Iscariot. "Hell Fuck Demon Sound" musically is nothing groundbreaking or original, but is adequate although is can get a little repetitive at times. It may be raw, but it lacks any real aggression or coldness. The vocals can also get a little annoying at times, and would be better suited to Death Metal.
Whilst they have a while before they reach the greatness of fellow country men Primigenium, they are amongst many other average European Black Metal black metal bands. If you're heavily into Black Metal, Godus may be of some interest, but if your just skimming the surface, there are plenty of other bands to check out first.
Band: Golden Dawn
Album: Masquerade (Napalm Records)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 24.02.03)
Website: http://www.goldendawn.at
Rating: 8/10
Originally formed in 1992 as a one-man black metal project, Golden Dawn have received rave reviews for their take on black metal.
In early 2001 Traunmuller joined forces with two guitarists and immediately signed with Ars Metalli. But whilst "Masquerade" was being recorded, the label folded leaving the band to self-finance the album, The finished work features Moritz Neuner on drums, as well as several session singers and presents a much more varied and experimental Golden Dawn which eventually secured a deal with Napalm Records.
Not hearing of anything by Golden Dawn, I can’t comment on comparisons, but reading reviews on their previous albums, there are still hints of black metal but this is much more experimental, with samples, clean vocals and a more modern metal touch. Another good release by Napalm.
Band: Golem
Album: Dreamweaver (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.golem-metal.de
Rating: 8.5/10
Not to be confused with the Italian band with the same name, this is Germany's Golem, Germany's answer to Carcass.
First thoughts was another low quality carcass worshipping grind band, fortunately it turned out much better. Imaging a cross between the later years of Carcass, and the early years of Morbid Angel, that is what I immediately thought when I heard Golem. Listening a little more closely, you notice the unusual rhythm and timing changes, and plenty of technicality throughout the album. The first half of the album id fairly pummeling, aggressive Death Metal. Blast-beats and fairly unusual riffing styles, up until the second half of the album. Totally unexpectedly, this is where all the melody comes out. It could have easily ruined the album, but funnily enough, it does sound amazing.
This is the bands third album despite them being around for about 15 years now. Obviously they don't like to rush albums, there last one was 1999's "2nd Moon", and listening to "Dreamweaver" I'm glad they don't rush them and churn them out year after year. If you like Carcass and Morbid Angel, check them out.
Band: Golem
Album: Death Never Dies (Diamond Productions)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.golemneverdies.it
Rating: 9/10
Italy's Golem have gone through several changes to their style and "Death Never Dies" see's them opting for a more melodic death style.
You can instantly hear that Golem are influenced by the Scandinavian Death Metal genre, naming such bands such as In Flames and Children of Bodom. Golem also add a heavy metal/thrash feeling and manage to add their own aggressive touch to some very impressive and technical songs. The dual guitars sound great, they really do compliment each other and great some great sounding riffs, the vocals also sound great, maybe apart from the odd cheesy clean parts that occasionally surface and the drums sound simply amazing, heavy with some great double-bass work.
All in all, with them coming from a country better known for it's power metal, Golem have really surprised me with their aggressive yet melodic style and above all, the sheer quality of the music.
Band: Gorefest
Album: La Muerte (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.gorefest.nl
Rating: 9/10
After a seven year hiatus, Hollands Gorefest are back with a new studio album.
"La Muerte" is the follow up to "Chapter 13", an album that received a very mixed reception when it was released and comparing the two, well, there is no comparisons really, "La Muerte" far superior. This is without doubt their best album to date. Mid-paced Death Metal with a really heavy/doomy feeling to it. There's nothing that's overly complex on here, just simple yet effective, aggressive songs with some truly great heavy riffs, solo's and dual harmonies going on, and with the unique growl vocals of Jan-Chris De Koeyer wraps things up nicely, in fact, Gorefest wouldn't be Gorefest without him.
People who are questioning the reunion, fear not, this is not another "Chapter 13". Gorefest are back with their finest album yet, and I've never heard them sounding so great. Check out our interview with guitarist Frank Harthoorn in the interviews section.
Band: Gorelord
Album: Zombie Suicide Part: 666 (Season of Mist)
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.horrorseek.com/horror/gorelord/
Rating: 8.5/10
When I first read the lyrics to "Force Fed on Human Flesh", I thought this one was sick guy and I remember showing some guys at work and they couldn’t believe that anyone could be so evil. Now the new albums lyrics are so bad they aren’t even printed in the book!
"Zombie Suicide Part: 666" carries on where "Force Fed….." finished but with much clearer production. Those mid paced riffs chug on with out getting tiresome and are very effective where as nowadays everyone is out blast beat everyone else and trying to out do them in speed.
For those who don’t know the brains behind Gorelord is non other than 28-year-old Norwegian Frediablo (Necrophagia, Wurdulak, Soul Forsaken,
Grimfist).
All guitars, bass and "vo-kill" duties were done by Frediablo, with Jehmod (Perished, Bloodthorn) on drums, and Killjoy & Maniac (Mayhem, Wurdulak).
9 tracks of brutal, sick NecroDeath/black metal with 2 demo tracks thrown in for good measure, "Alive when Fucking the Dead", "Necrophilic Orgy in Entrails & Cum".
Band: Gorerotted
Slice and dice, tear and wear. "A New Dawn For The Dead" is eight gazillion times better than their 2004 debut. We're talking Gorerotted
from England.
Less grind this time, more Corpsegrinder era Cannbial Corpse with
a Udinism touch. Lots of guttural vocal tears, the highs are far less annoying. The blasts are wicked slick and the
riffs remind me of Carcass. This is generally hooky, solid riffing death metal
ala Grave with plenty of Florida influence. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Gorgoroth
"Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam" is the seventh album by the black metal faithful
and is said to be the logical next chapter for the highly decorated and
controversial Norwegian black metal band; many already calling it their most
accomplished work to date.
Whilst their last album "Twilight
of the Idols" didn't thrill me too much it wasn't really going to get them on top of the
black metal throne however you look at it. "AMSG" on the other hand, is an
entirely different matter altogether. The three-year wait between albums has
been fully justified, with "AMSG" being enough to silence even the harshest of
critics. New session drummer Frost (1349/Satyricon) seems to breathe new life
into the band and everything seems to move up a gear in terms of quality,
technicality and aggression.>The album stays interesting from start to finish with the way they vary the pace
with lightning paced speeds one minute, galloping riffs and even breakdowns,
which never ruin the overall intensity or atmosphere of the album.
As it seems to be the case with a number of their releases, the only hitch with
"AMSG" is it’s once again a little on the short side, 8 tracks clocking in at
just over 30 minutes. Other than that one minor gripe, "Ad Majorem Sathanas
Gloriam" is an accomplished and uncompromising album that could have only come
from one of Norway’s finest.
Band: Gorgoroth
"Twilight Of The Idols" is the sixth full-length album from the Norwegians and personally, I think its their most varied and diverse release so far.
The album starts great with the track "Procreating Satan", a fast, violent and aggressive track but I'm afraid it goes down hill from there
to a more mid-paced, doomy style until track 6 and 7, "Blod Og Minne" and "Of Ice & Movement",
definitely the highlight of the album followed by the hilariously cheap sounding "Domine In Virtute Tua Laetabitur Rex"
(you'll know what I mean when you hear it)
I'm a big fan of black metal, but the two good tracks that I enjoyed are not good enough to move the rest of the
album above average. The pace of the album decreases and increases several
times, with both the faster, more aggressive side and the slower, and more
atmospheric. I'll agree, it is violent, it's extreme and it is black but it is
also unfortunately quite monotonous. I have heard great stuff from Gorgoroth, so
I know they are capable of better. Not brilliant but on the other hand, its nowhere
near rubbish either, worth checking out though as you might disagree.
Band: Gotthard
After last years "LipService", Gotthard have made a more than welcome return with a new live album.
Featuring 7 tracks from "Lipservice", 2 covers (Deep Purple's "Hush" and "Immigrant Song" by Zeppelin) and another 8 classic
tracks taken from previous albums, "Made in Switzerland - Live in Zurich" is an absolute cracker of an album.
The production is huge and there is plenty of crowd reaction and interaction
going on, and the atmosphere on here is just amazing. If you're yet to
experience the magic of Gotthard, shame on you!
I pressed play and that was it, I was engrossed from start to finish. Oh, and before I forget,
as a special bonus the limited edition of the CD will also contain an additional
DVD. There is also a live DVD edition of this, with a bonus CD included. As far
as live albums go, this has to be one of the best that I have heard in a long
while, if not ever. Highly Recommended!
Band: Gotthard
WOW! I haven't heard of anything by these Swiss rockers for a while now, so this, their 8th studio album
was the perfect opportunity for me to find out what I have been missing.
The albums starts with probably the two most upbeat songs on the album, "All We Are" and "Dream On", both decent, but its after these, things really start
to get entertaining. There's quite a few ballad kind of songs on here, bit of
cheese, but the majority are absolute quality songs. Tracks such as "Cupids Arrow",
"I Wonder" and "Said and Done" are bound to get the tears flowing
I highly recommend "LipService" if your up for a bit of Hard Rock, in
fact, it's easily one of the best Hard Rock albums I've heard for a while now.
If your into the Def Leppard, Krokus, Whitesnake, Bon Jovi kind of stuff, be sure to
check out Gotthard's latest offering. Great Listen!
Band: Grand Magus
The impressive Swedes are back the follow up to 2003's amazing "Monument".
The first thing that hits you about "Wolf's Return" is that they've left the
majority of the doom behind, and opted for a more full on metal approach.
Comparing this to their previous album again, they've sped things up a bit which
I personally don't think sounds as catchy. They still have that recognizable sound, especially the vocals of JB, but compared to "Monument", I think Wolf's
Return takes second place.
Apart from those couple of minor gripes, it is actually one hell of an album
that skillfully and successfully combines traditional heavy metal with doom, all
with a Nordic flavour. Grand Magus are a force to be reckoned with!
Band: Grand Magus
Since I received this a few weeks back, it has not been out of the CD player once.
"Monument", the band's second album, is one of the best and heaviest albums I have for a long while, probably ever. All 7
of the blues-orientated heavy doom/stoner tracks stands out, there are no fillers and no moments where you have to skip or
fast forward. Grand Magus are the dogs bollocks! they've got the power, groove,
heaviness and the energy, all it took was the first 30 seconds or so of
the opener "Ulvaskall (Vargr)" and it's riff to get me hooked, which co-incidentally
is one of the best songs I've heard for a while.
Not only are Grand Magus heavy as hell, they also incorporate some melody into
the songs all rounded up by the great vocal work of JB. With moments of Black Sabbath,
and Zakk Wylde, there is everything that anyone could ever need on this album.
The only thing holding the band back is they are still relatively unknown.
Band: Grave
2004 has been a great year for Old-School Scandinavian Death Metal with albums from Chaosbreed, Unleashed, Bloodbath and now Grave to name but a few.
Not the most technical death metal album I've heard, but by god they make up for it with a brutal mid-paced onslaught.
They speed things up a couple of times through the album, put the majority is
mid-paced, pummeling carnage. These are the types of albums that never get
boring, in fact the whole Scandinavian Old-School Death Metal scene is one of
the genres that impresses the most. I personally feel they have improved things
since their last release "Back To The Grave", an album that more or
less remained the same tempo throughout and somewhat repetitive, where as this
time around there's much more variation which makes things much more
appealing.
It's hard to believe it but Grave have been around in one form or another since about 1989, and they sound as great as ever. I know that they like to progress on each recording but listening to "Fiendish Regression" you can hear a band that sounds fresh
and ready for anything. The production work is also crisp and top notch, with
the band moving away from the Sunlight Studios in Stockholm, an opting for a
move to the Abyss Studios where they joined forces with the producers Tommy and
Peter Tägtgren. Fans of Old School death will, and should snap this up without disappointment.
Band: Grave Digger
After the success of 2003's "Rheingold", it was going to be tough for them to come near, never mind match it quality wise.
Although it's not documented anywhere, in pretty certain the concept of the album is to do with Jesus Christ, which falls short material wise when put
up against "Rheingold". Other than that though, this is what Grave
Digger are all about, fine Heavy/Power Metal of the highest quality rounded off
by the unique vocal style of Chris Boltendahl
Grave Digger have been somewhat of a Love/Hate band, so if your familiar with Grave Digger, you'll know what to expect here, another fine album
with heavy riffs, huge choruses and a great atmosphere throughout. Grave Digger
fails to disappoint yet again!
Band: Grave Digger
Well, what can I say, Grave Digger have done it again. For nearly 20 years they have been releasing constantly great albums ever since their debut "Heavy Metal Breakdown", they have even broke into the official German charts.
Along side acts like Helloween, Running Wild and Destruction, Grave Digger have created their own unique style, and has helped the
internationally renowned German Metal scene. Like there recent albums, Grave Digger have opted for a concept album, this time its based upon and inspired by "The Ring of the Neiblungs" by Richard Wagner
This is probably their most versatile album to date, including many sounds that fit into the
medieval concept of the album. Distinctive riffs and razor-sharp arrangements that keep it raw and uncompromising, this is great stuff. The sing along
choruses are absolutely brilliant. True Metal of the highest quality, you only have to wait till the 26th to find out what I mean!
Band: Graveworm
Whilst 2003's "Engraved In Black" didn't really make that much of an impression on me, their latest offering has improved my opinions
of the band greatly.
"(N)utopia" never really goes beyond mid-paced right the way through the album, which has a sort of groovy feel to it and combined with the great atmospheric keyboard work really creates a decent listen.
Another notable thing on the album is how up front the keyboard can get, which
really sounds great. Graveworm really builds on 2003's effort and improves things greatly, they still
may not be the most original band going, but this one actually keeps you
interested, where as "Engraved In Black" dragged on without really
going anywhere.
It's been a great year or so for Melodic/Symphonic Back Metal, and "(N)utopia" is another album that is worth getting
if your a fan of the whole melodic black stuff.
Band: Graveworm
Whilst symphonic, gothic black metal is not really my cup of tea, this is everything Cradle of Filth want to be. Graveworm are not the most original
band but everything is perfectly executed from the majestic keyboards to the dual-melodic
guitars and high screeching vocals.
I checked out a couple of reviews of this album and previous releases from various sources,
and there are very high marks and even a few "masterpieces" thrown in. Whilst I agree there are moments of greatness, there are also times the record seems to drag on a bit and doesn't seem to be going anywhere. A tradition of Graveworm is to include covers from various bands, I managed to check out Iron Maiden's "Fear of the Dark" on one of their previous releases and it was
amazing, they have really made it their own. Totally different yet you still know what the song is. However, on this album is a cover of R.E.M's "Losing My Religion", and boy, do they butcher the song. Not the best cover I've heard.
Overall, its good I'll admit it, but it isn't really something I'll play on a regular basis. Highly recommended to fans of Cradle of Filth and Dimmu Borgir, and to fans of that
style in general.
Band: Great Deceiver, The With one of the most recognizable voices in Metal, it's been almost impossible to avoid the name Tomas Lindberg
after his appearance in the likes of At The Gates, Nightrage, The Crown,
Lock-Up, Disfear and of course The Great Deceiver.
It's quite difficult to pinpoint the actual TGD style, but Lindberg himself has described
the band as "The dark hardcore cousin of At The Gates" which is pretty much spot on.
With members of the Doom/Death band "Diabolique" in the ranks, TGD is
much more than just a "Lindberg and Friends" band. Their debut
album "A Venom Well Designed" received many great reviews around the world
and some amazing reactions, although I haven't actually sat down with "AVWD", I have listened to a few of the tracks and you can hear the
natural progression the band has taken on "Terra Incognito".
They still maintain the clean, crisp production that gives way to sharp and precise
riffing, subtle electronic distorted vocals and guitar undertones and groove
laden rhythms, but with a more melodious edge to proceedings than before.
"Terra Incognito" is a very unique, interesting and intelligent album
that needs time to grow on you. No doubt it will receive the same reactions, if
not better than "A Venom well Designed".
Band: Grip Inc.
After a five year hiatus, Grip Inc. are back and better than ever.
Although 1999's "Solidify" was a pretty decent album, "Incorporated" totally blows it away. The solid line-up of acclaimed producer Waldemar Sorychta on guitars, Gus Chambers on vocals, and
Mr. Dave Lombardo on drums has easily created Grip Inc. best and most
experimental album to date. Call it modern or progressive thrash if you will,
with it's varied songs, flamenco guitars, electro sounds, orchestration and
complex structures. Fans of metal in general will surely find this an impressive album. If 11
new tracks aren't enough for you, you even get the video's to "Curse (Of
the Cloth)" and the instant classic "The Answer" as well as a
"Making Of" video.
Grip Inc. are a hugely talented band, Waldemar Sorychta can pen some great riffs and can thrash with the best of
them and Dave Lombardo proves once again why he is one of the greatest drummers
over the last 20 years or so with an incredible display, but what really does it
for me is front man Gus Chambers very distinct vocal style. I really do think that they are unlike anything I have heard before and Gus Chambers couldn't have put it any better during the making
of video,...."We Don't copy anybody!". One of the most impressive releases of 2004 so far.
Band: Gruesome Stuff Relish
I’ve not heard anything by GSR at all before this but, as it was from Razorback I knew it would be good.
Overall, very competent goregrind with hints of Carcass, Exhumed, and Regurgitate etc. Musically, this is near perfection, vocally it’s a different story. The vocals tend to drown out the guitars, especially the high growls. This is only a minor gripe, which most people wouldn’t notice and the good points greatly outnumber the bad points by far.
GSR also sing (if you can call it that!) about subjects very close to me, classic horror themes like Zombies, Cannibals with references to Fulci, Argento, Deodato.
This doesn’t push the boundaries of Goregrind or break any records for originality, but if you want solid, in your face, gruesome goregrind, you could do a lot worse than add this to your collection.
Album: A New Dawn For The Dead (Metal Blade)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.gorerotted.com
Rating: 8/10
Album: Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam (Regain Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.gorgoroth.org
Rating: 9/10
Album: Twilight of the Idols (In Conspiracy with Satan) (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 21.07.03)
Website: http://www.gorgoroth.org
Rating: 7.5/10
Album: Made in Switzerland - Live in Zurich (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.gotthard.com
Rating: 9.5/10
Album: LipService (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.gotthard.com
Rating: 9/10
Album: Wolf's Return (Rise Above Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.grandmagus.com
Rating: 8.5/10
Album: Monument (Rise Above Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.grandmagus.com
Rating: 9.5/10
Album: Fiendish Regression (Century Media)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.intothegrave.com
Rating: 8.5/10
Album: The Last Supper (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.grave-digger.de
Rating: 8/10
Album: Rheingold (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 26.05.03)
Website: http://www.grave-digger.de
Rating: 9/10
Album: (N)utopia (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.graveworm.de
Rating: 8/10
Album: Engraved In Black (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 23.06.03)
Website: http://www.graveworm.de
Rating: 7/10
Album: Terra Incognito (Peaceville)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 12.04.04)
Website: http://www.thegreatdeceiver.com
Rating: 9/10
Album: Incorporated (Steamhammer/SPV)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 17.05.04)
Website: N/A
Rating: 9.5/10
Album: Teenage Giallo Grind (Razorback Records)
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.gruesomestuffrelish.ht.st
Rating: 8/10
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