Band: Oblomov
Album: Wishing the Renaissance (Demo)
Year: 2003
Website: http://oblomov.webpark.cz
Rating: 8/10
"Wishing the Renaissance" is the second demo from the Czech Republics Oblomov.
Oblomov play an interesting style of melodic black metal. There are some great ideas and melodies going on throughout the 4 tracks, even a didgeridoo and some bongo's make an appearance. As I said, it's mainly melodic black metal played at a mid pace with keyboards popping up now and again, intricate acoustic passages and plenty of dual guitar harmonies that make for an interesting atmosphere throughout.
Excluding the intro, the rest of the tracks range from 5-7 minutes, so they're not short, but Oblomov have enough ideas and creativity to pull it off successfully. All-in-all I was very impressed with Oblomov.
Band: Obscene Eulogy
Album: Defining Hate: The Truth Undead (Baphomet Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.obsceneeulogy.com
Rating: 7.5/10
Being a huge fan of Impaled Nazarene and Mika Luttinen’s vocal stylings, I dug this side project right off the bat.
Obscene Eulogy is more of a sludgy, blackened war metal variation on the Impaled Nazarene sound. "Defining Hate: The Truth Undead" has a very militant essence -- the true soundtrack for apocalypse youth. There is a distinct industrial feel that combines a Zyklon backdrop mixed with OLD and Numb.
The keys have a chinsy
sound at times which flaws the grand design, but apart from that this is a very
unique timebomb apt to poison the minds of the youth. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Obsessed, The
Album: Incarnate (Southern Lord Recordings)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.southernlord.com/obsessed.htm
Rating: 9/10
How could anyone possibly give this disc a bad review?
"Incarnate" is a best of collection spanning The Obsessed’s career and showcasing why they are one of the most esteemed stoner rock/doom bands out there. Wino rips it up as always, solo’s shredding, riffs colossal, every bass, drum and guitar tone murky and low end. Never heard The Obsessed? "Incarnate" is the perfect starting point.
If you don’t like it you can piss off, because no one likes you either. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Of Infinity
Album: The Essence Of Infinity (Self Released)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.ofinfinity.com
Rating: 8/10
On this three song offering of dark melodic power metal, vocalist/ pianist Alessandra Zinicola showcases her haunting, beautiful voice amidst a backdrop of strong axe work courtesy of Nazareth Sando. This former Utah Opera and symphony composer vocalizes with a smooth, ethereal technique that is a fine match for the band’s epic thundering. Each of these three songs shows an advanced degree of songwriting ability. The band’s arrangements are emotive and interesting, with plenty of melody and dramatic change ups.
"The Voice Without" begins in a vein similar to Nightwish and bands of that ilk. Sando attacks his guitar during the verse riffs, providing a muscular backdrop for the songs introduction before lapsing into an envelope of circular piano arrangement, highlighting the skilled vocals of Zinicola. Acoustic guitars ring in "Shadow Of A Lie", a six minute, thirty-seven second song that resounds with harmonic exuberance. Sando employs a good sense of dynamics on the different song parts, allowing the song to dictate his approach while balancing between the utilization of warm acoustic passages and majestic distorted power chords and scales. The solo is played tastefully with bold minor arpeggiatic runs. The lush textures of "It’s Only For Forever" are well complimented by an excellent hook. On this song, Of Infinity shines as individual performers. Memorable and richly entertaining, this track is the best opportunity for a commercial single on this EP.
Of Infinity are certain to inspire any fan of Evanescence, Nightwish and bands of that nature. Zinicola possesses a voice which rivals the top talents in the genre. Copies of this record are affordable, so surf over to the their site and discover for the group’s superlative melodies for yourself! Review by Star (Contact)
Band: Olc Sinnsir
Album: The Throne of Dead Emotions (Oaken Shield)
Year: 2003
Website: http://olcsinnsir.free.fr
Rating: 6/10
I think this is the first (and hopefully last) time that I have heard an average sounding black metal band on the great Oaken Shield label.
Olc Sinnsir were formed back in 1997 by Aseal (d), Umbrae, (g), Curufinwe (g) and Andralath Svartsinn (v). The four souls were fed and corrupted by the unhealthy atmosphere, the ice-cold blackness and the infernal violence of the Scandinavian black metal scene. Lord Askharon later completed the line-up in 1998 allowing the band to get on stage and record their first demo, "Mountains of Everfurther" and later on, their second "Suffering the Work of Darkness" which was released on the Chanteloup Creation Records.
Well, "TTODE" is the bands debut album. The band have a good old school Scandinavian black metal sound similar to Bathory and at times Celtic Frost. What I found annoying though was they tend to use a combination of French and English lyrics which can get quite annoying. Whilst the album is indeed atmospheric, cold and violent, the seven tracks on show start to get a little repetitive, especially towards the end of the album. There are some good tracks on here though, "The Infection of Light" and "L'Epitre De Purete" to name a couple, but for me I have heard it all before.
Band: Omnium Gatherum
Album: Years In Wait (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.omniumgatherum.org
Rating: 8.5/10
Although it took a few plays for me to form an opinion, in the end, Omnium Gathering really impressed me.
Whilst they are not the greatest Melodic Death Metal band I have heard, they are by no means amongst the worst. The band are not afraid to use a bit of keyboard here and there (NOT! the Children of Bodom up-front style) which, along with the whole dual guitar thing, really creates some interesting atmospheres and passages, opener "The Fall Went Right Through Here" is a prime example of just how keyboards can be used to enhance the sound. Another thing that didn't really impress me at first was Antti Filppu's almost barked style of vocals, after a few listens though they will start to grow on you.
So, to sum things up, you must give "Years In Wait" a chance, you may not think it a first, but it's a pretty strong Melodic Death Metal Album that is really refreshing to hear. I've got a feeling this wont be the last we hear of them!
Band: One Man Army and the Undead Quartet
Album: 21st Century Killing Machine (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.onemanarmy.tv
Rating: 6/10
One Man Army and the Undead Quartet are the band that fans of The Crown have been waiting for. Formed by the The Crowns former frontman Johan Lindstrand, This is the fruit of 18 months labour debut album, "21st Century Killing Machine". When starting out, Johan WAS One Man Army and the Undead Quartet now he has assembled a real band to realise his vision
There is a huge sound of his former band, but this is more than a mere Crown rehash. There are new elements of the Crown sound with more traditional Thrash and Death Metal. The riffs are technically good with nice solos from Mikael Lagerblad coupled with super aggressive vocals from Lindstrand.
Opening tracks "Killing Machine" and "Public Enemy No. 1" kick things off at a high pace totally aggressive and a real statement of intent. Although this album is hardly groundbreaking there are some good variations between songs and plenty to keep death metal and thrash fans happy, while fans of The Crown will out and out love this album. Joe Freeman
Band: One Step Beyond
Album: Life Imitates Art
Year: 2002
Website: ? (Contact: gligster666@hotmail.com)
Rating: 8/10
I think this is one of those records that is hailed a masterpiece or a failure, personally, I’m still undecided but feel myself swinging towards something close to the masterpiece choice. The main style of Australia’s One Step Beyond is grind but they also break the narrow boundaries around the genre and incorporate Death, Punk, Reggae, Pop, Hard Rock and Classic Metal.
"Life Imitates Art" is without a doubt a very original and technical release and shows of the skill of Justin Wood, Jeremy Lammas and Mad Matt Spencer, but unfortunately I can’t give any comparisons other than maybe Blood Duster.
You will have to make your own minds up about this I’m afraid, as it’s not going to be to everyone’s liking. This is one you’ll probably want to listen to before you buy it. I think this is probably one of the most if not the most original ideas I have heard for ages. Label interest is not far away!
Band: OpeNightmare
Album: Sliced by a TurboMachine (Vegas Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.openightmare.net
Rating: 7.5/10
Well, I don't quite really know how to describe this?
Sounding like a mixture of old school punk and modern punk with a little metal influence thrown in with groovy beats, the 10 songs on the album range from fast punk rock (Bad Religion, Burning Heads) to slower songs (Melvins, Fu Manchu) and then mid-tempo (Filter, Helmet). There is so much to listen to on here, one minute they're punk, next they're metal, one minute they're groovy and then they're heavy as f**k! I really don't know what else to say about them really other than if your looking for something completely different, then OpeNightmare is well worth checking out.
An interesting and original band, great party music!
Band: Orange Goblin
Album: Thieving from the House of God (Rise Above Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.orangegoblin.com
Rating: 9/10
I've lost track with Orange Goblin over the last few years and "Thieving from the House of God" is exactly how I remember them, probably even better.
Call them Doom rock or call them Stoner rock, it doesn't matter, what matters is they rock big time. Not only do they rock, every thing they do is cool, from the heavy bass lines and the really strong, groovy riffs to the perfect vocalist to match the style. It also great that all this comes from a British band for once, Orange Goblin are easily one of the best British band I've had the pleasure of hearing. Listening to this, it's almost like as one track finishes, you instantly know that the next one is going to be great, amazing. If you miss out on this album, don't say I didn't tell you, because it's an album you must own if you like things heavy, groovy and riffs being simply churned out one after the other.
Their heaviness and "super-riffs" will kick your ass, time after time.
Band: Ordeal, The
Album: Kings of Pain (Mausoleum Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.theordeal.de
Rating: 8/10
Influenced the great heavy bands of the 70s and 80's and formed back in 2002, Germany's The Ordeal hit you with burning guitar riffs and virtuoso solos over a whipping heavy bass and drum section push the mystical lyrics and melodic voice of The Ordeal straight into the middle of your musical senses.
Easily the best song on here in "The Lion", traditional, no messing about old school heavy metal that should be heard. One thing worth mentioning is vocalist Oliver Oppermann interesting voice, the guy can sing alright (imagine 80's heavy metal vocalists and then you'll get a picture) but at times they start to get a little "rappy" which actually sounds great along with the heavy riffs. They also throw in a few modern touches here and there which keeps things a little more interesting throughout the whole album.
There's nothing you wouldn't have heard before on "Kings of Pain", but if your after a solid, traditional heavy metal album with wild solo's/riffs/melodies etc, The Ordeal are well worth checking out.
Band: Orphaned Land
Album: Mabool - The Story of the Three Sons of Seven (Century Media)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 23.02.04)
Website: http://www.orphaned-land.com
Rating: 10/10
Once in a while, (and not very often mind you) I receive a CD and I'm totally lost for words. "Mabool..." is one of them.
For me to just tell you what the album is like wouldn't do it justice, I can't recall hearing anything like this before and I really don't know how to put it. The album ranges from Prog, to death and then to doom and heavy metal, all with a middle eastern influence. The album is more then 70 minutes long and contains 12 concept songs telling the Mabool (story of the Flood) and the story of the heroes - the three sons of Seven". What's interesting is that the vocals are sung in FIVE different languages, English, Hebrew, Arabic, Yemen and Latin by a female classical singer, in a clean and guttural style by vocalist Kobi Fahri, as well as by oriental choirs. There are also a lot of oriental instruments which creates an amazing sound, very unique and very experimental as well as chunky and heavy guitars to keep people happy.
This is surely going to be Orphaned Land's crowning moment as it's surely going to be impossible to better this. For those of you with an open mind and enjoy listening to new and original ideas, "Mabool..." is one you should pick up. Amazing, truly amazing.
Band: Osiris
Album: Eclipse of The Mourning Star (Demo)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.osiris.co.nr
Rating: 6.5/10
Osiris describe themselves as "gothic power metal" although I think they also have a dark, melodic death metal style of some of the darker Scandinavian bands, and the atmospherics of black metal, however that’s enough of throwing the musical genres around for now. They're a fairly young band, in there teens made up of Erin Sheehan on female vocals who has a high yet lilting voice able to give goose bumps at times. Chris Witherall on drums, and Mikko Figura is the guitarist, plays studio keys and bass and adds growled deep death style male vocals, he also seems to be the bands “main man” and I get the impression that Osiris is very much his baby.
Opener "In the wake of the black sun" is a very long song weighing in at over 10 minutes long. It’s a real blend of black metal style atmospheres, power metal riffs and ethereal female vocals and death growls. As an opener it’s too long and may put off those wanting to get a brief taste of the band, still it was a ballsy move to open with it. As with the rest of the demo production isn’t very good and this really hampers this ambitious track. Next up is the excellent "Holy war" which kicks off with a fast riff and then some awesome guitar by Mikko cumulating in a fantastic solo. The female vocals from Erin really shine on this song as well, lilting and soaring and swooping. The suitable named last track "Last cry" is another great song fast riff again and more awesome guitar again the vocals are good matching the song and really adding to the atmosphere which is dark and brooding throughout.
To sum up then, the production lets Osiris down, but having said that this is just demo by a young band, and a band that shows a huge promise too. I look forward to hearing more from them soon I think there next release could be something special. Review by Joe Freeman
Band: Overkill
Album: ReliXIV (Regain Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.wreckingcrew.com
Rating: 8/10
I was probably only just out of nappies when they released the seminal "Feel the Fire" way back in 1985, it's now 2005 and they are still going strong and "ReliXIV" proves just that.
I like to think of Overkill as the AC/DC of thrash, they avoid any kind of trends and do what comes naturally to them, you know you are going to get something good. The first thing you'll notice when you give it a spin is the production sounds a bit thin and fuzzy, and the drums also tend sound a bit weak and times. Vocal wise, the instantly recognizable Bobby Blitz Ellsworth is absolutely top notch, he can still reaching those high screeches with ease. Where as "Killbox" 13 was a fairly modern sounding album, "ReliXIV" has its feet firmly buried in the old school, a lot more thrashier, plenty of speed and maybe even a little more riff orientated.
It's a far superior album when you compare it against the majority of crap that's coming out at the moment, but when you put it up against some of the bands previous work, it doesn't really cut it. There's quite a few songs on here that will easily fit into their live set though, so overall they yet again fail to disappoint.
Band: Overkill
Album: Killbox 13 (Spitfire Records)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 25.03.03)
Website: http://www.wreckingcrew.com
Rating: 9.5/10
Initially rising to international prominence on the leading edge of the 80's thrash metal revolution, Overkill have remained a consistently vital force on the hard music landscape. They never compromising or softening their sound for the sake of commercial acceptance.
Overkill are legends, a band that everyone has heard of, a band who churns out quality albums year after year and this, their 13th studio album is of course amazing. They have been going for over 20 years now, and still wipe the floor with the new bands around at the moment.
For those not familiar with Overkill whether you’ve only just started listening to metal or you’ve been asleep for the last 20 years, they play heavy, riff orientated thrash of a high quality with the instantly recognizable vocals by Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth. I just have to comment on the second track, "Damned". I challenge you not to nod your head to this track when you listen to it, I’ll win every time. Every track on this album is quality, but "Damned" has to be the best.
This will be played for a long time to come. Long live Overkill! Here’s to the next 20 years.
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