Band: Iced Earth
Single: The Glorious Burden (Steamhammer/SPV)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.icedearth.com
Rating: 10/10
Matt Barlow has gone, so just deal with it and focus on what Tim Owens can bring to the band. Like many people, I think Barlow was an exceptional singer, probably one of the best in metal, so it was going to be tough for Tim to replace him. All I've seen so far is people bad mouthing the band and Owens which I think is totally uncalled for.
Iced Earth always were and always will be one of the best true metal bands around and "The Glorious Burden" see's the band continue in glorious fashion. The patriotism/war/historical theme's on "The Glorious Burden" see's some truly great songs and lyrics, from the 11th September themed "When the Eagle Cries", "Atilla" based on Attila the Hun, one of the most feared and notorious barbarians of all time, through the goings on at Valley Forge in "Valley Forge" and then to the 3 part, 30+ minute masterpiece "Gettysburg (1863)"
Contrary to what people think, "Ripper" Owens did a great job on this and I think it is probably already one of my favorite Iced Earth albums. There may be one or two weaker songs on here, but the rest make up for that especially the "Gettysburg" trilogy which includes the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and comments and explanations to read along to when listening to explain what's going on. This could well be the crowning achievement of Schaffer’s career.
Band: Iced Earth
Single: The Reckoning (Steamhammer/SPV)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.icedearth.com
Rating: 7.5/10
Although long time front man Matt Barlow left the back a few months back, there was never any doubt that Iced Earth would continue and, if any of you haven't heard yet, the replacement is non-other than former Judas Priest vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens.
"The Reckoning" is a special four-song single showcasing four of the songs off the new album, a whole three months before the street date. The tracks off the album are "The Reckoning", and unplugged version of "When the Eagles Cry", "Valley Forge" and "Hollow Man". "The Reckoning", with the traditional Iced Earth "galloping" riffs is great and it's is obvious that they made the right choice of vocalists. Next is the unplugged version of "When the Eagle Cries", although it didn't impress me much at first, soon grew on me, the album version should be excellent. The next two, "Valley Forge" and "Hollow Man" are very similar sounding, they are both much slower but have that classic "Iced Earth" sound, which you will understand when you hear them.
One thing you don't want to do is compare these new songs to the older Iced Earth songs, especially to the absolute masterpiece "Something Wicked This Way Comes" as you may come away very disappointed. Tim Owens has definitely brought new life to the band, and the Iced Earth of 2003 sound very refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to carry on where they left off. Look out for the new album which has a U.S. history theme and full tour early 2004.
Band: Illogicist
Album: Subjected (Crash Music)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.illogicist.com
Rating: 8/10
I always appreciate a bit of quality Technical/Prog Death Metal, and Illogicist are a band you can add to the impressive list.
The last Technical band that really impressed me was Theory In Practice, and that was quite a while back now, so Illogicist received a great welcome here. For those into "Human"-era Death, Cynic, Athiest and Pestilence will really appreciate this, this first thing that really hit me was the great Steve Digiorgio style bass lines amongst the technical riffing and general madness.
Whilst it doesn't really break any new ground, "Subjected" is an impressive album that I would recommend. I don't think we've heard the best out of Illogicist just yet, as I think this could the start of something big.
Band: Illuminate
Album: AugenBlicke (Gallery Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.illuminate.de
Rating: 6/10
More from Germany's Illuminate, and unfortunately its more of the same.
It's mainly atmospheric keyboards with very few guitar parts with a crazy sounding German singer. It's better than 10x10 for sure, it's a lot more interesting, more experimental and the female vocals have improved considerably. Their Gothic style is still not my cup of tea, but if your like atmospheric work with pianos and keys taking you on a melodic emotional journey, this may be worth getting.
With only two full songs and the rest snipped, it's hard to fully get the full gist of "AugenBlicke", but from what I've heard, they've improved greatly since I last heard them, but it's still a little slow moving and lacks any real action for my liking.
Band: Illuminate
Album: 10x10 (Gallery Records)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 08.09.03)
Website: http://www.illuminate.de
Rating: 5/10
Germany's Illuminate are primarily a gothic band, but they also incorporate a sort of 80's pop feel. This album takes four songs from "10x10" in black and four songs from "10x10" in white and puts them together to form a sort of best of album.
They use a lot of keyboards and synths, which sound good but unfortunately, this is a very inconsistent album which at times becomes very annoying to listen to. There are some great idea's and songs on here that are very original, but there are also some things that make you cringe, the female vocals for example, totally ruin it for me.
Musically, its very good. If I could remove all the vocals, it probably would of scored higher. The lower, almost growled vocals are fine, in fact if all the songs were sung in that style, it would be great, it would have probably also scored higher. For me the crazy clean male vocals and the terrible female vocals totally put a downer on things, some of you may like it, but I certainly don't. Standout track "Der Torweg" (dammit, why couldn't they all be like that!)
Band: Illuminatus
Album: Aborted Revolutions (Independent Release)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.illuminatus.uk.com/
Rating: 6.5/10
This 2003 release from Illuminatus shows the UK act to not only be socially conscious, but astute players as well. Of the three tracks that grace this EP, it's the first, "Motion Sickness", that offers the most texture. As vocalist/guitarist Julio Taylor offers smooth vocals that lapse into reverberating, screams, the accompanying acoustic guitars in the background melt into cascading, ringing chords that offer plenty of musical heft. This track's massive chorus section provides just cause for bellowing along with Taylor as he lets loose with a ballsy howl.
Illuminatus provides a solid, traditional metal cut in "Wargasm", but production-wise, there is a noticeable difference in comparison to "Emotion Sickness", especially in terms of guitar tone. That missive aside, it's still a great track, filled with thundering bass lines and majestic-sounding keyboard accents. The third cut on this EP, "White Lies", delves into progressive metal without seeming overtly pretentious. As Illuminatus surely possess seasoned songwriting capabilities, the track comes off well, but Taylor does sound if he's holding back a bit more here than on the two previous tracks.
"Aborted Revolutions" shows a great deal of potential for future success from Illuminatus, its well-constructed music pointing toward positive future possibilities for Illuminatus to build upon the strong foundation set forth here. Review by Erin Fox
Band: Imagika
Album: Devils On Both Sides (Mausoleum Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.imagikametal.com
Rating: 10/10
Sunny California’s Imagika seems to be quite fond of their fellow countrymen, Iced Earth. Imagika makes use of the best parts of Iced Earth, those being crunchy, speeding, "Painkiller"-era Priest riffing and emotionally over the top vocals. The Iced Earth influence is not apparent until the album's third track "Evil's Rising". Any fan of Iced Earth will realize this influence as soon the track begins. Drummer, Henry Moreno highlights his skin pounding skills with impressive fills and double bass, creating a heart-pounding pace, which follows a slower, melodic note that is unmistakably Iced Earth inclined. Vocalist, Norman Skinner balances his vocal attack between wicked high notes, heart-wrenching mid-range tones, and aggressive shrieks. All styles recall Matthew Barlow at top form. The melodic guitar notes displayed at the track's opening are reinstalled for a "Dante's Inferno" like chorus. This track has balls!
The Iced Earth influence is not as obvious through the rest of the album. It is still there, but the band takes on an identity more of its own. "Last Battalion" could just as well be an Iced Earth song, though, with lyrics about ghosts of the civil war—a subject John Schaffer has no doubt studied. The lyrics were expertly written, following the guitar's rhythm with head banging results. "Back to the Beginning" builds frustration and aggression with slow, acoustic passages that gradually get heavier when electric guitars fade into the mix. Soon, that anger is released with more "Painkiller" speed metal. There is something positive to say about every song, but you will just have to get this disc to find out for yourself.
"Devils on Both Sides" is one of the highlights of 2005. I don’t recall seeing this album listed on any journalists' or fans' list as a top ten release of that year. If I would have received this album a few months earlier, it surely would have pushed its way into my list. One look at the album's liner notes told me I was about to witness pure metallic mastery due to acclaimed producer Neil Kernon's (Judas Priest, Cannibal Corpse, Torture) hand in producing the album. Fans of true Heavy Metal will not be disappointed! Review by Darren Cowan
Band: Immemorial
Album: Monologue (Conquer Records)
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.immemorial.org
Rating: 8/10
Immemorial joins an impressive list of quality metal acts from Poland. After so many years of domination by Vader maybe it’s time for another to invade the rest of the world. With already established names like Behemoth and Decapitated, Immemorial are destined to make a name for themselves outside their native country.
Immemorial play hard hitting Death Metal with Black touches which creates an excellent and very technical combination.
With vocals they could stand in on any black metal release, at first was quite surprising when I realized it was a woman (no disrespect) and was a little hard to get into at first, but, after a few more listens it grew on me and it what makes Immemorial stand out from the rest of the pack. Another release from Conquer Records, that has put Poland on the extreme metal map. Please see our store section for more info on Immemorial
Band: Immortal Rites
Album: Art of Devolution (Morbid Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.immortalrites.de
Rating: 8.25/10
After several years of existence, 2004 see's the German Death-Metallers debut release on Morbid Records.
Successfully combing melodic and brutal death metal, they really create some interesting and varied music. The band are all in their early 20's, so they've got a bright future ahead of them if they continue to churn out quality releases like this. What keeps Immortal Rites interesting is their ability to change from fast, aggressive and brutal death metal to the melodic antics of say In Flames at the drop of a hat. They also add modern touches to proceedings which is another thing that keeps the band highly entertaining.
Whilst "Art of Devolution" has plenty of melody, there are times when they will just rip your head off. Not at all bad for their debut, in fact, I'm very impressed. One to watch for sure!
Band: Imperanon
Album: Stained (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.imperanon.com
Rating: 7/10
This young band has just singed a multi-album deal with label giants Nuclear Blast and have been hailed as the future of melodic death metal.
With it's bombastic keyboards and characteristic guitar work, the first thing you'll notice is they seem to be very influenced by one Children of Bodom, they even started out as a CoB cover band so I can safely say that Imperanon are fans. Unfortunately, whilst Imperanon have incredible talent for their age, "Stained" is full of bombastic keyboards and characteristic guitar work that is too close to CoB for my liking which leaves you feeling that Imperanon has little of their own to offer at the moment. If you are a fan of bands like Children of Bodom, Sinergy and Sonata Arctica, Imperanon is just the band for you.
Whilst it's perfectly OK to be influenced by a band or person, Imperanon need to add their own touch and gain a little bit of individuality on future recordings. Imperanon may not be the future of Melodic Death just yet, but I think they will improve over time and with a bit more experience. As far debut albums on a major label goes, "Stained" is not bad at all.
Band: Imperious
Album: In Splendour (Retribute Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.imperious.net
Rating: 9/10
Forming in 1997 under the name of Obscura and releasing a few demos, it wasn't until around 2002, the same time they signed to Retribute Records, they changed their name to Imperious. Hailing from Sweden, the band are incredibly brutal and are a highly accomplished death metal band.
This is an absolute must for fans of Death Metal, and in particular, fans of Morbid Angel, Nile, Decapitated and Hate Eternal. Also very impressing is that this is their debut album, the quality of the material is exceptional and hopefully the band can look forward to a bright future although it will have to be something great to improve on this album.
So, to sum it up, brutal yet technical riffing, ultra-fast blast-beats/double bass drumming, ultra-low bass lines and low guttural vocals, everything you could ever want from a death metal album and more. This will get heads turning!
Band: Impulse Manslaughter
Album: Live at WFMU (Beer City Records)
Year: 2004
Website: N/A
Rating: 6.5/10
Generic, ultra-pissed hardcore punk of the super-political, anti-fascist variety.
"Live At WFMU" is a recording brought into print from a live college radio session that Impulse Manslaughter busted out in ‘93. Thirty-eight tracks on this badboy that rage all the way through. It’s basic two or three riff stuff with a straightforward rhythm section and plenty of throaty growls. If you’ve ever heard Total Chaos you should have a pretty good idea of what this is all about.
I would definitely have a listen before you buy it. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: In This Defiance
Album: Questions from our Neutral Pathways (Demo)
Year: 2003
Website:
Rating: 6.5/10
From the band's name and title of the demo, I was expecting some kind of melodic, gothic type band, but from the off I was greeted with a wierd blend of Death, Grind, Noise and Thrash.
I've no bio or info about the band, nor can I find a website, so there is little I can tell you about the history of the band, but if you like your metal extreme, you should get in touch with the band at inthisdefiance@hotmail.com about obtaining a copy of this.
There are a few things that need tightening up, but other than that In This Defiance are an interesting listen. One downer that instantly comes to mind when listening to this is, at times, the band built up the songs and then seem to loose their momentum and the songs start to become a little noisy and hard to digest.
Band: Inactive Messiah
Single: Inactive Messiah (Black Lotus)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.inactivemessiah.com
Rating: 3/10
What in the fuck is it with Greece?
Just an endless stream of foofy, crap euro-cheese. Ok, get this – Inactive Messiah play electro, nu-metal "jump" rock with a dash of death. It’s really bad. Like Dope bad, or Flaw bad, but fused with Digimortal Fear Factory and the third tier scraps of Spineshank. Please break up! Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Inbreds, The
Album: Groove Drenched Warfare (Anticulture Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.theinbreds.net
Rating: 8/10
With a name such as The Inbreds, I was expecting some kind of Punk. Nope, far from it, it's Stoner Rock all the way!
Although they've only been going a couple of years or so, The Inbreds have already been labeled as Britain's newest stoner rock heroes and they've also been on tour with the mighty Mastodon. I've its groove you want, then look no further, the album title is spot on as I can't think of any better way to describe the actual album content. Having now heard them, I think the labels and comments these guys have been getting is fully justified.
"Groove Drenched Warfare" is massive juggernaut of an album, its dirty, groovy and heavy and if bands such as Kyuss, Crowbar, Superjoint Ritual, CoC and Down mean anything to you, I would go and snap this up.
Band: Inertia Rise
Single: Receed (Team Hi-Fi Records)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 16.02.04)
Website: http://www.inertiarise.co.uk
Rating: 6.5/10
The UK 3 piece are loud, heavy and packed full of energy, and they have already drawn comparisons to bands such as The Deftones, Far, Mogwai and Tool.
Inertia Rise use a combination of harsh, aggressive vocals and a more clean, almost whiney vocals, which don't really fit the title track. The Second tracks, "Angels Get Wounded" starts off with an intro that could have easily fit onto the Chili Peppers "Californication" album and suits the clean vocals much better. The final track "Sixty Six" is a great track, it starts of all mellow and innocent and then erupts into pure aggression, and returns back to the funky riff. It's quite hard to categorize Inertia Rise, but fans of modern rock bands like Lost Prophets should find this of more interest,
The Receed single is a great way to get acquainted with the band.
Band: Inhumate
Album: Life (Grind Your Soul)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 23.02.04)
Website: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/inhumate/index1.htm
Rating: 8.5/10
"Life" is the fourth installment of the bands planned heptology based on the concept of Life and the Abolition of Time.
This album is a nice little package, which includes live videos of the bands and in-depth biographies, oh and not forgetting the 16 tracks of some of the most intense and savagely brutal death/grind I've heard in a while. The band has been around for just over 14 years now and have done some really interesting stuff over the years. What I like about Inhumate is they don't just play the usual heavy, brutal stuff with the usual extreme guttural vocals, "Life" contains some complex work with some interesting lyrics all based on their Heptology of life and time.
Extreme guttural vocals and some brutal Death/Grind all with a twist, although this is the fourth installment and Inhumate are definitely a band I would listen to, this is my first experience of this great band. I will definitely be hunting down the first three installments. If you like brutal death/grind, Inhumate won't disappoint!
Band: Insomnium
Album: Since the Day it all Came Down (Candlelight Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.insomnium.cjb.net
Rating: 9.5/10
Admittedly, I’ve always been a sucker for pure Scandinavian melodic death metal. However, very few I’ve ever encountered reach the heights of passion and dedication to their craft that Finland’s Insomnium pulls off.
"Since The Day It All Came Down" is colossal – epic beyond mere description. It is a giant of rich sound, massive dynamics, mind-jarringly intricate leads, wildly hypnotic harmonies, massive dynamics and musical interplay. It contains the beauty of Dark Tranquility, the masterful compositions of Opeth incorporating soundscapes across the board, a technical proficiency that blows numerous metal icons out of the water and rocks harder than most every newcomer in their genre. The only thing preventing this expose on what the term "elite" entails is that although the vocals are damn good, they do not maintain the pitch variations that could be utilized to make the material all the more epic.
Fucking incredible – Candlelight once again proves itself as one of the finest labels in metal today. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Intense
Album: Second Sight (Underground Symphony)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.intense-uk.com
Rating: 9/10
With both Dragonforce and Powerquest turning out some great albums, it's now time for Intense to join the UK's Power Metal elite.
"Second Sight" may not be the most original album your going to hear, but it's strong and refreshing all the same. Front man Sean Hetherington gives us a great vocal performance reminiscent of Matt Barlow (ex-Iced Earth), guitarists Palmer and Peak have a great understanding and compliment each other well and Neil Ablard and Adrian Lambert, add the bottom end with a tight controlled rhythm section.
"Second Sight" is a huge album with plenty of variety that will keep you entertained however many times you listen to it. If your into Heavy/Power Metal, never mind all these bands from Europe or America, look no further than Intense. And they said that the UK couldn't produce and decent Power Metal bands, Intense is proof that we can!
Band: Internal Bleeding
Album: Onward to Mecca (Olympic Recordings)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.internalbleeding.us
Rating: 9/10
The cover is great - a young Caucasian boy, probably eight, with an American flag bandana over his face, angry eyes, uzi in hand, flag draped behind him like a pre-Palestinian suicide bombing photo op.
The title "Onward To Mecca", is it a volatile call for fascism against fascism or a damning portrait of two incompatible cultures gone mad? Couldn't tell you cause I only have the promo and am too lazy to visit the site. But what I can tell you is that "Onward To Mecca" is made of steel. Hoo boy is this some fine NYC death metal. An assload of groove is in place, a dash of hardcore, but for all purposes it's straight to the vein Internal Bleeding. Every time I've put this on I've listened to it all the way through.
With a jaded fuck such as myself, that's quite an achievement. Top honors my friends, top honors. 9/10 Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Into Eternity
Album: Buried in Oblivion (Century Media)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 23.02.04)
Website: http://www.intoeternity.com
Rating: 9.5/10
When we reach the end of 2004, this will be an album that will be in many peoples/press favorite album polls. It's an truly great album from start to finish.
Progressive Death Metal is probably the best way to describe the album which showcases some amazing musicianship. The songs are melodic yet very complex, with some intricate lead work, crunchy riffs, crazy bass lines and some great drum-work all rounded up by the combination of clean vocals by Chris Krall, and death vocals performed by the whole band. I don't think that I have one complaint with the album, it is that good and is without doubt one of the most interesting and surprising releases of the year so far, very similar to the way Nevermore caught my attention.
Death metal fans may find a breath of fresh air with this release, but Prog fanatics may find it a little extreme. Into Eternity are a quite unique band and are very interesting, I would recommend this to any fan of metal in general and definitely those who likes things a little more complex. "Buried in Oblivion", the bands third release will be the one that get the band noticed, 2004 will be the year for them.
Band: In Flames
Album: Come Clarity (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2006 (Release Date: 03.02.06)
Website: http://www.inflames.com
Rating: 9/10
After the last two albums "Reroute To Remain" and "Soundtrack To Your Escape", In Flames have hit the big time with an ever increasing fan base and bigger tours. To some fans though this has been at the expense of their original sound and the age old brand of "sell outs" has been slapped on the band.
With Come Clarity those naysayers will be silenced, old fans and new fans will both be happy with this amazing CD, it shows a return to their thrashier, melodic death routes will still remaining accessible and tuneful, while not completely returning to the lauded earlier albums like "Whoracle" or "Jester Race", this could well be their "black album". Heavy riffs and shredding solos hint at the old school style of this album while the vocals are much heavier than previous albums and the drum sound is a lot cleaner. It’s the perfect mixing of In Flames sounds.
Opening track "Take This Life" kicks things off with a brutal intro and before an awesome chorus. After a great track to open with, "Leeches" and "Reflect the Storm" come next and retaining the style and quality of the opener, heavy stuff indeed that leaves you in no doubt that this album is perhaps In Flames best. "Dead End" features vocalist Lisa Miskovsky who is a fairly mainstream singer in Sweden and had many die hard old school In Flames fans aghast when they heard the band were to record with her. However the result is amazing! Hints of Opeth’s prog metal and haunting vocals swirl around before the unrelenting guitars of Björn Gelotte and Jesper Strömblad kick and the drums Daniel Svensson. The album’s title track shows yet more progression, starting with acoustic guitar and building layered guitar parts before a super catchy chorus.
The last track "Your Bedtime Story Is Scaring Everyone" is even more experimental featuring effects, static, piano acoustic guitar and purely instrumental for the first quarter of the song a brave finish to a near flawless album. If you’re an old fan buy this, if you’re a new fan buy this, if you’ve never bought an In Flames CD before buy this! Already a contender for album of the year! Review by Joe Freeman
Band: In Flames
Album: Lunar Strain/Subterranean Re-Issues (Candlelight USA)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.inflames.com
Rating: 10/10
At Ozzfest this year, In Flames opened the main stage. Having driven around earlier that day while listening to both of these reissues -- "Subterranean Masquerade" and "Lunar Strain" -- I felt that In Flames would perhaps go for the jugular.
"You don't need to bend to these imbeciles" I had thought. "The reason you're on this tour is because you are living legends, bitch slap these honky mall kids with the genius that permanently warped Scandinavia". But no -- they played their poopy, post-nu, sheenly digitalized schlock. And you know what? No one gave a fuck. The bottom barrel of the American audience they decided to pander to blew them off as easily as a "Gilligan's Island" rerun. On stage they looked tired and routine, bored and jaded. And all I could hear in my head was that badass, duel harmony opening riff from "Lunar Strain". Well, if anyone out there is paying attention, Candlelight has got it together with digitally remastered, prime and huge sounding reissues. Each showcases the groundwork for the Swedish melodic death metal phenomenon that was to follow.
It's still as incredible as it was in the early 90's. If you never had these discs, you don't know what you missed. Essential work easily in the top 100 metal releases of all time. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: In Flames
Album: Soundtrack to your Escape (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 29.03.04)
Website: http://www.inflames.com
Rating: 9/10
The long awaited follow up to "Reroute to Remain", an album that some people found to be disappointing.
In Flames are a band that have developed their style and have come along way since one of my personal favorites "The Jester Race", call it modernizing or just a natural progression, In Flames have always been popular and one of the biggest bands around, creating some great melodic death metal. You'll probably be pleased to know that I would personally say this is better than "Reroute..", and easily contains some of their best work for a while now. Also worth mentioning is how noticeable Anders Frieden's experience with Passenger has influenced his songwriting, I can definitely hear Passenger in a few of the songs. In Flames may never re-create such ground breaking albums as "The Jester Race" again, but what they are doing now puts them ahead of all the competition. The groove this album has is instantly noticeable, the whole album is very rhythmic and catchy and a degree heavier than they have gone in a while, but still has plenty of the trademark dual lead work.
Although there's still a month to the official release date, you should be writing this down on your wish list right now. To be honest I wasn't expecting much, but "Soundtrack to your Escape" is a great album that has definitely re-ignited my interest in the band.
Band: In Flames
Album: Trigger (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.inflames.com
Rating: 8/10
I don't usually recommend buying singles, I'd rather just go out and buy the album instead, but this is well worth the asking price. It contains the video's to "Trigger" and "Cloud Connected", "Moonshield" (C64 Karaoke Version), "Cloud Connected" (Club Connected Remix), a cover of Genesis's "Land of Confusion", an edited version of "Trigger" and a brand new song called "Watch them Feed".
The opening track "Trigger" from the "Reroute to Remain" album has been edited for the purposes of the single, but you should know what to expect here. The new song "Watch them Feed" is fast and heavy, but still incorporates clean vocals in the chorus, it reminds me of earlier In Flames stuff from the "Clayman" era. The Genesis cover is also great, again they have recorded this song especially for this single. You still know what the song is, but they definitely add there own touch and make it there own. The next couple are remixes etc, the first "Cloud Connected" is OK but I prefer to listen to the original, the final track is the C64 version of "Moonshield", not sure if the band did this or someone else did but it's pure genius. It sounds just like the music to the games on the Commodore all those years back.
Finally, the two video's add the finishing touch to a great single or EP, whatever you want to call it. Well worth picking this one up.
Band: In-Quest
Album: Epileptic (Soulreaper Records)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 17.02.04)
Website: http://users.pandora.be/in-quest/
Rating: 9/10
In-Quest return with the follow up to their excellent "Destination: Pyroclasm" MCD (Read the review below).
Strangely, the band have set aside the whole war-theme aside and have opted to take a different path. The almost groove-laden death metal has gone and been replaced by a heavier, more technical style and they have developed a whole new level of maturity lyrics wise and style wise. I was a little disappointed about the change at first, but as I came to terms with it the more it grew on me. If I were to say that "Epileptic" was a bad album, I'd be kidding myself, I just can't help think how great it would be if they carried on in the same vein as before.
In-Quest shows new possibilities of blending new styles, combining furious blast-beats and mechanical rhythms all with a modern touch that keeps things fresh and utterly divers. "Epileptic" is a killer album and it is arguable whether it's better to last years "Destination..." but In-Quest are definitely a band that keeps Death Metal interesting. A band to watch during 2004.
Band: In-Quest
Album: Destination: Pyroclasm (Soulreaper Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://users.pandora.be/in-quest/
Rating: 8.75/10
Having built themselves a decent reputation in the grindcore scene under the name of System Shit in the early 90's, in 1995 the band changed the name to a more mature In-Quest, and quickly became very respected in the Belgian and Dutch metal scene for its mix of brutality and technicality.
Mid-Fast paced death/grind is what In-Quest are all about. Hyper fast double-bass-drumming, intense, technical riffing, heavy bass lines and low, guttural vocals, even the production is amazing. Although this is about as perfect extreme metal can get, I'm a bit reluctant to give it above a 9 as there are only four tracks (all between 5-7 mins though). I really can't wait for their next full-length album because if it's anything like this, it will be sure to score very high.
The lightning fast almost "Inhuman" drumming, ultra low bass, and the mixture of fast, technical and ultra heavy "Chugging" really is so unbelievable, I have to mention it again. This is a band really going places and from now thing can only get better for the band who already has a great reputation. In-Quest is a name to be remembered because if you miss out on this, it's your loss.
Band: Invidia
Album: Reflections of the Shattered Glass (Demo)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.invidiatheband.com
Rating: 8/10
For their age (all between 18-22 years of age), Invidia are very promising prospects in the Melodic Death scene.
OK, maybe they aren't ready to take the world by storm, but what I have heard on this demo is very exciting. The foundations of a great band are their, and with a bit more experience I think we could be hearing more about them on a bigger scale. Whilst they are no clones, the band sounds very influenced by bands such as Death, maybe it's the very Steve DiGiorio like bass-lines (its always great to hear a bass that has its own lines instead of following the riffs!), but I just couldn't place my finger on it.
Throughout the demo display some great talent, from the flamenco style into, through the dual guitar riffs and amazing bass-lines. Vocally the use the usual death grunts, but also some crazy higher screams up front and in the background which I personally think they should drop, I think the traditional death vocals work well as they are. As I've said, the band have their foundation and they need to build on this, "Reflections of the Shattered Glass" is an impressive demo to say the least, and I believe that this is only a stepping stone to what they can really achieve.
Band: Iommi
Album: Fused (Sanctuary Records)
Year: 2005 (Release Date: 11.07.05)
Website: http://www.iommi.com
Rating: 9.5/10
Wow! not only a new album by Geezer Butler this month, but also a new Tony Iommi release as well.
After listening to G/Z/R's "Ohmwork", it just goes to show that even the greatest can have their off days, so I weren't really sure what to expect. Joining Iommi on "Fused" is the in-demand drummer Kenny Aronoff (Alice Cooper, The Smashing Pumpkins, Jon Bon Jovi, Meatloaf, Bob Dylan etc etc) and Glenn Hughes (ex-Deep Purple) on vocals/bass, all three of them work so well together. I was expecting good things, but I never imagined it was going to be this good! Fused is an amazing album! There is everything on here, heavy, doomy riffs that basically rock big time! and they even slow things down a bit with tracks such as "Deep inside a Shell", it's an amazing, slow number that you don't immediately associate with the name Iommi.
There isn't a single track on here that I dislike on here, the album flows well and is solid from start to finish. Glenn Hughes is also on fine form performing bass and vocal duties, his vocal style has enormous range and power, which contribute equally in making this a great album. One of the best, and most pleasantly surprising albums of the year so far. Expect a full tour in support sometime soon!
Band: Iron Fire
Album: Revenge (Napalm Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.ironfire.dk
Rating: 8/10
Over a decade of experience and positive changes in the group’s lineup has refined the sound of Iron Fire, with their latest Napalm record being the band’s most focused outing as of yet.
Incorporating driving, chugging guitar rhythms and fleet-footed double kick beats, "IronHead" reflects the Denmark quintet’s affinity for creating German-style, power metal anthems, while during cuts such as "Metal Messiah", Iron Fire displays a more traditional approach to their songwriting, giving "Revenge" a sense of balance that many bands can’t seem to accomplish. On the latter track, the vocals of Martin Steene (Force Of Evil) are allowed plenty of room to maneuver. The singer displays a noteworthy range and an impressive amount of vocal control, making this track a must-hear for fans of talented vocalization. Another remarkable highlight is the manner in which the group utilizes accents, with each member getting their turn in the spotlight via a vast array of timely accents, poignant lead breaks and adept turnarounds. "Savage Prophecy" resounds as being a standout cut, beginning as a power ballad and developing into a structurally proficient, dramatic rocker.
Serving to reintroduce traditional concepts to metal audiences within the framework of power metal, "Revenge" is ultimately a very solid achievement in creating intensely melodic, dramatic heavy metal that’s undoubtedly worthy of major attention. Review by Erin Fox
Band: Irony of Christ
Album: The Eternal War (Demo)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.ironyofchrist.com
Rating: 7/10
"The Eternal War" is the first demo of newcomers Irony of Christ.
Whilst band members aren't new to the scene, as they have been/still are in bands such as Mulch, Kachana and Craniosacral it's always interesting to hear a bands first work as many never really know which direction to go in. OK, there are a few minor things that need ironing out, but that will come in time, but for me I feel they have the foundations of a very interesting style. I would personally call it Progressive Death Metal with a few influences, Folk is one of them. The vocals are fine, in fact, they are very good. The complex bass-lines are very impressive, but can get too twangy on the high end of things. The drumming courtesy of Mulch's Pete Aplin, is flawless and the keyboards, whilst they are very dominant in the mix, can sometimes get in the way, create some very interesting compositions.
The production work is great, it would be good for an album never mind your first demo. There are one or two things that need sorting out, but Irony of Christ have shown me they aren't afraid of trying new things.
|
|