If you are an epic heavy metal fan you definitely have to check this release out! Guitar god Ross The Boss (x-MANOWAR, MANITOBA'S WILD KINGDOM and THUNDERBOLTS amongst others) strikes back with a thunderous album full of epic anthems and heavy metal blasting songs!!! Being a huge MANOWAR fan it was an abso-fuckin'-lutely delight for me to experience Ross's latest release that brought back to me numerous "divine" memories from the first MANOWAR era in which Ross was heavily involved in every way. Anyway enough said, words have no real meaning here... what's important is you go buy "New Metal Leader" at once!!! Aarrrggh!!!! HELL YEAH!!!! The boss is back!!

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

This band moves somewhere between heavy and doom metal and they do it in a really good way!!! "Iron Will" has both heavy and more doom-sounding songs that are full of inspiration and power! Anyway I'm sure that whoever is heavily into either of these two kinds of metal will already know who GRAND MAGUS are and what their music stands for! So there's nothing for me to add or say here other than the fact that this band continues writing top notch music and that their songs won't fail or disappoint any of their fans, since their latest release kicks some serious ass! As for me personally I'll definitely keep listening to this album and will continue being haunted by the enchanting "The Shadow Knows"!!!

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

Now what in the name of fuckin' hell is this attack from Finland?!?!?! I was totally blown away by this band!! 11 fantastic death-thrash metal tunes showing no mercy and kickin' ass!! I'm telling you there's no fuckin' way you're gonna stop headbanging right from the first riff!!! One brutal riff after the other, pissed off vocals, a thunderous bass guitar and drums that are all over the place! If you are into the thrash/death metal sound, just buy this release immediately!

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

Do you enjoy hard rock music? The kind that has mainly flourished and blossomed in the 80s and early 90s? If so, then I think you may find these Italians quite interesting! This self titled album consists of 11 compositions that dwell in the genre of American hard rock with a few sleazy melodies every now and then, but with their main influence and inspiration coming from BON JOVI and other similar sounding bands. The songs are well performed with some really nice melodic lines supported by a talented vocalist and catchy riffs that go hand in hand with a very good rhythm section that is neither very fast nor slow. So if you are looking for a quality hard rock release played with a lot of passion and executed flawlessly, you should make sure to check these guys out!

Christine  Parastatidou

Two years after the highly acclaimed album "Burn Me Wicked", there comes "The Prestige" an album that keeps the standards and the quality status of the band from Denmark high. ILLDISPOSED is one of the oldest death metal bands... they've been around since 1991, they have released 8 full length works and they have quite the reputation in the death metal scene. Now "The Prestige" like I said respects the band's history and their fans and delivers some fine death metal compositions that are quite brutal yet also melodic. Actually I'd say that their sound balances somewhere between the American and the European death metal scene, which means that you'll find here both intensity and melody, chunky riffs and sharp guitars, mid tempo and fast rhythms and top notch double bass! The vocals are deep, guttural and add into the extremity and aggressiveness of this release, whilst the guitars are also very technical with nice solos and generally the compositions reveal what fine craftsmen these guys are who also have the ability to write great songs. So if you are a fan of the band or you simply look for quality death metal, I think "The Prestige" is an album you're gonna like. I'd also like to inform you here that there will also be a special digipak eidition that will contain three bonus tracks live at Summer Breeze 2007... the songs are "Purity In Sadness", "Now We're History" and "I Believe In Me".

Christine  Parastatidou

When I don't like something in a release I have so many things to write... endless inspiration, but when I like something very much, then things get too tough for me. It's very hard to give to the reader a picture of what you feel while you are listening to the album. CROM's "Vengeance" is such an album and actually after listening to it for so many times I was left with the feeling of fullfilment. To put it simply I believe that this is the way an epic metal release must sound. CROM draws influences mainly from BATHORY and in the background you will also notice some similarities with bands like MANOWAR, SOLSTICE and FALCONER (first album). CROM, however, doesn't copy the aforementioned bands on purpose, but their influences are heard and appear in their sound very naturally. The whole album is so unaffected, pure and true that it almost brings tears to your eyes. Epic metal is all about emotions after all and this band knows how to deliver it and offer it to the listeners. I can imagine Quorthon smiling in the halls of Valhalla and raising his cup as a recognition to the music of CROM! Their label can  put, without any fear, a sticker on the CD naming CROM as the successors of BATHORY. Great and amazing from every aspect!!!

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

I know there are quite a few bands with that moniker out there, but these guys hail from Denmark and they've been around quite a few years now with "Relict IV" being their fourth official release that moves in the genre of melodic thrash metal. Don't get "intimidated" by the term melodic, cause their music is thrash metal all right! It's just that it differentiates from most thrash bands in the aspect that it's not just about speed, anger and extremity, but it's also infused with a great deal of melodic riffs and passages. That's the biggest part of their music, but still the band has also added rather many elements form the melodic death metal branch as well that are mainly obvious in some guitar themes and in the singer's interpretation whose growls are slightly more varied and more extreme compared to those of the classic thrash metal bands. So I can say that "Relict IV" is a decent work that respects both the thrash metal and the band's quality, however it's nothing new, nothing we haven't heard before. The end result is definitely pleasant, but I can't say I'd have missed it if I had never heard of it, simply because these are patterns, riffs and structures we've heard a lot in the past and I'm sure we'll listen to again in the future.

Christine  Parastatidou

ANGBAND is hailing from Iran, a country that isn't known for its open minded and democratic governments. A country where heavy metal is a banned word, the devil's music. From that point of view, it's a big achievement and it is worth to spread the news of an album release from this country. However, I am not here to analyze the political meaning of such a release in a zero tolerance, when it comes to metal, country. I am here to write about what I have listened to. "Rising From Apadana" is a typical power/thrash metal album, which draws a lot of influences from the bay area thrash metal scene. Sorry, but I didn't find any progressive elements as the bio sheet claims the band has in its music. To be more specific ANGBAND's sound owes a lot to the music of ICED EARTH (Matt Barlow era) without though reaching the quality of the aforementioned band. They have some good ideas, their performance is skillful, however the compositions are a bit monotonous and sound slightly "dry". They definitely need to put more variety in their sound and not simply play some thrash metal rhythms that we have listened to quite a few times from other bands. OK, I would like to support ANGBAND because they come from Iran and things are difficult there for heavy metal music, but the truth is that they need to work a lot more on their compositions, if they want to achieve and have a noticeable name in the modern metal scene...

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

Don't tell me you expect to listen to anything sweet or romantic from a band named like that! Of course not... and naturally these guys from the Netherlands live up to your expectations and offer us some top notch and catchy brutal death metal compositions. The quintet has been around quite many years now and this is actually their fourth official release which means that they have a certain sound and by now they have formed and shaped their death metal assault which consists of some technical parts, great blast beats, deep guttural growls, insanely fast rhythms and edgy, sharp and really extreme guitar patterns. Lyric-wise the band deals with themes that talk about depravity, sexual deviance and gore topics. All nice and sweet... something to match the music and the artwork! So to sum it all up I have to tell you that PROSTITUTE DISFIGUREMENT has released a quality brutal death metal album that has the right balance between extremity and technicality and I'm sure you'll enjoy both the very good solos and the ultra fast rhythms of "Descendants Of Depravity"! 

Christine  Parastatidou

THE LUST is a band which became known to me from their second album "My Dear Emptiness" which I have really found very interesting. "Tangled" is the debut album from THE LUST and I have to say that it really is a very good attempt for a first record. The five member band from Russia and to be more specific from St Petersburg play gothic metal but with a more powerful tone and style including hard guitars, fast and mid tempo drums, very good melodies and female vocals which will really catch your interest from the beginning because of the distinctive and sweet voice of Mirla. Eleven compositions with two bonus tracks that will keep you good company and will remind you of LACUNA COIL as I believe it is the band's main influence. So get prepared to be enchanted or tangled as this is the word THE LUST prefer to use for an album full of mystery and travelling sounds.

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

When I saw that I had to review a neoclassical metal album, I can't say I jumped from joy. You see this kind of releases tire me and most of the times they are done with their main focus being to offer the "ground", the chance to a virtuoso guitarist to show his skills off and satisfy his ego. Here is where EMIR HOT differs from so many neoclassical/progressive metal bands. "Sevdah Metal" is mainly an album of substance and not a means to show off how fast the musicians can play their instruments. OK they have all the typical elements of a neoclassical/progressive metal release, but all these are blended in with tunes and melodies that derive from the Balkan tradition. A good example of what I'm saying is the more than 11 minute composition called "Sevdah Metal Rhapsody" where the band has combined their own compositions with traditional tunes from all over the Balkans. The Bosnian guitarist Emir Hot does an exceptional work, but also has as companions two great musicians and performers like the singer John West (ARTENSION, FEINSTEIN, ex-ROYAL HUNT) and the drummer Mike Terrana. An album that everyone should check out, especially the fans of progressive metal.

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

Romancing the past ain't a bad idea, especially if you have some good ideas and you don't just repeat the past ones. URN is one of those bands that pray to the mighty gods VENOM every night before they go to bed. However, they are not just another VENOM clone, because in their sound there are many more elements. They also have the thrash aggressiveness of bands like the early KREATOR and SLAYER and there are times that they flirt with some CELTIC FROST influences. Finally, there are a few punk rock touches that give more variety and colour to their sound. "Soul Destroyers" is a good retro black/thrash release that will definitely satisfy your nostalgic needs. Recommended to the friends of the early black metal movement...

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

SINNER is no other than the personal band of the PRIMAL FEAR bassist Matt Sinner and "Crash & Burn" is his new album. I don't have much to say except that this album is divided between heavy metal and hard rock. Also, while I was listening to the album, I had the impression that Mr. Matt Sinner keeps this band alive more for having fun and for relaxation rather than anything else. And from that point of view I can say that there are some good songs like "Crash & Burn", "Heart Of Darkness" and "Revolution", but there are also many songs that left me totally indifferent. These are the kind of songs that we call fillers. The good production and the skillful playing can't hide, in my opinion, the average quality of most of the songs. recommended only to the fans of the artist.

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

What else would you expect from a band with such a name other than brutal death metal? This is what this Danish quartet is here to offer you... death metal of the kind that is mainly inspired and influenced by the European scene, though it's not melodic like the Swedish branch. It definitely has some melodic lines and riffs that create a nice atmosphere, but the overall sound is undoubtedly brutal and at some points even quite technical. The compositions on "A New Species Of Deviant" are for the most part mid tempo and imposing with chunky guitars and a few faster outbreaks every now and again enriching the end result. All in all this is a very good album that's going to be appreciated and enjoyed by the fans of brutal death metal, especially if they are not so fond of technicality, but rather prefer a few nice solos here and there. However keep in mind that this isn't groundbreaking material, it's nothing you haven't heard before, but nevertheless it's decent and respects the genre.

Christine  Parastatidou

This is the second album for the German melodic power metallers and personally I think that it brings the band a step forward, especially if you compare it with their debut album, which was a "cheesy" and pretty much tasteless Euro power metal release. Here the band has given more space to classic metal elements and the use of keyboards helps create a cinematographic feeling during the listening of the whole album (especially the intro kicks some serious ass). Musically now the band sounds like EDGUY of the first era, NOCTURNAL RITES (first 3 albums) and IRON FIRE. They might not bring any new ideas to the genre, but they have managed to create a pleasant to listen to album that the power metal fans will appreciate. I also found extremely interesting the concept of the album which is inspired by the history of the Crusades. All in all a good and decent work!

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

DANTESCO from Puerto Rico have earned quite a reputation in the underground metal scene. They even played in the Keep It True festival... This is their second album and it's released from a European label. Musically now the band tries to play epic doom metal in the vein of bands like SOLITUDE AETURNUS, DOOMSWORD and of course the grand masters CANDLMASS. However, it is obvious that the band doesn't have what it needs in order to create an epic atmosphere. The musical themes are so simplistic, the compositions have a long duration and the repetition of one musical theme so many times bored me to death. One other thing is that the singer sometimes tries to sing in an operatic way and I am sorry to say it... the result is quite hilarious. Ah, I shouldn't forget to say that the band sings in their mother tongue and that the European release of their album includes 2 bonus tracks. They need work, if they want to escape mediocrity...

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

PERZONAL WAR has been around since 1996 and has been releasing albums ever since with their newest and sixth in a row work being released recenlty, three years after "When Times Turn Red". What these Germans are offering us here is a mixture of power with thrash metal with the latter being the prevailing element of their music and with this mixture being presented through a modern perspective and with a few melodic death metal touches. Actually "Bloodline" is a thrashy album really close to the sound of RAGE when it comes to the melodies, the riffs and the melodic lines and it also has a big METALLICA influence... All in all, this is a good album with a good production, beautiful vocals and a good performance and it's supported by some fine guest appearances like Victor Smolski (RAGE), Wiley Arnett (SACRED REICH), Schmier (DESTRUCTION), Gus Chambers (ex-GRIP INC.) and Manni Schmidt (GRAVE DIGGER), but the bottom line is that it's nothing new, nothing you haven't heard before. There are songs that I had the feeling I had already listened to on a RAGE album and though there were some really catchy and fine riffs in here, the end result sounded kinda "poor" to my ears... Not fast enough, not mid tempo enough... as if there's no balance and no real target. Everything is good, but not good enough if this makes any sense... So "Bloodline" left me rather indifferent.

Christine  Parastatidou

Before we reach any rushed conclusions, let's see the facts. First of all HUMAN FORTRESS on the 3 albums they've released so far, they have showed us 3 different "faces". On their debut release offered us a decent melodic power metal album which wasn't something impressive, but it was just good. On their second album "Defenders Of The Crown", the band, in my opinion, reached its peak and gave us an amazing epic metal album. Now on "Eternal Empire" the band shows a more modern metal "face", which sometimes flirts with some metalcore elements. One other fact is that Jotis Parcharidis is no more the singer of the band, but his place is taken by Carsten Frank who does a great job, but he can hardly be compared with Jotis. My conclusion: OK it's not bad to want to experiment with your sound and nobody can condemn you for that, however we can judge the final result. I can recognize that the band has worked a lot on this album, but the introduction of so many modern metal elements in their sound, in my opinion, made them lose the special sound they had and made them so recognizable in the past. The big advantage of the band were the melodies. To be more specific "Eternal Empire" left me with a feeling of disappointment. Especially if you consider their previous release, this one sounds as a poor relative. However there are a few exceptions here like the tracks "Contrast", "The Wizard" and the hidden track at the end.

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

This band's music is classified under the label horror metal. What does this mean? That the x-MURDERDOLLS frontman created a rather unique sound, meaning that it's easily recognisable and bears his personal stamp. So "Skeletons" which is WEDNESDAY 13's third work dwells somewhere between the classic hard rock/heavy metal sound and the more modern industrial metal genre, which subsequently means that the band's music is gonna be appreciated and loved by the fans of ALICE COOPER, ROB ZOMBIE, WHITE ZOMBIE, MARILYN MANSON and the likes. "Skeletons" is a very tight album with some killer classic riffs, sharp guitars, modern samples and the great hoarse voice of Wednesday 13. This is the kind of music that can be played at parties, this is the kind of music you head bang to and this is the kind of music that fills you with energy and craziness. One other thing I really love about this band is the lyrics that are extremely clever and funny... actually it's what we call black humour dealing with zombie stories, horror stories and everything in between... In fact I think WEDNESDAY 13's music could be the ideal soundtrack for Rob Zombie's, Quentin Tarantino's and Rodriguez's movies. It is THAT wild, crazy and extreme! However the band's debut album "Transylvania 90210 - Songs Of Death, Dying And The Dead" has a special place in my heart and "Skeletons" hasn't managed to surpass it...

Christine  Parastatidou

EXCITER is definitely one of the bands that respect their past and their history and this release proves it loud and clear. To be sincere, not even in my wildest dreams did I expect to listen to good 80s speed metal, but here there's this album that is exactly that! Even the production, who someone might find weak, has this nostalgic 80s metal feeling. OK all these sound great, but what about the compositions? Well EXCITER here once again do a great job! They are offering us 10 compositions of merciless speed metal that are destined to make your head bang. Especially I enjoyed their mid tempo song named "Crucifixion" which has an intense BLACK SABBATH feeling. All in all, it's a release that the 80s metal maniacs have to check out, because such albums are very rare in our times. I also hope to see EXCITER in a live show here in Greece, because I am sure they will kick ass!

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

MINISTRY is a highly influential band and one of the first to play industrial rock/metal and as their fans may already know they called it a day last year when they released their swansong titled "The Last Sucker". Don't think they haven't kept their promise since "Cover Up" isn't actually a new release from the band, meaning that there aren't any new tunes in here, but it's rather a gathering of the various cover songs the band did throughout the years of their existence. Generally I'm not a fan of cover or live albums, but this one gave me a blast... I've been listening to it quite some time now and I love it! You know it's one of those albums that cheer you up and make you feel energetic and powerful no matter what! MINISTRY have treated the songs with respect though they made sure to present them through their own wild perspective, which means they added up speed, energy, passion and an industrial touch. All the covers kick ass and we are talking about some really famous songs from bands like THE ROLLING STONES, BLACK SABBATH, DEEP PURPLE, THE DOORS, T.REX, BOB DYLAN, GOLDEN EARRING, ZZ TOP, RAM JAM, MOUNTAIN and LOUIS ARMOSTRONG. There's also a limited edition digipack including three hidden tracks. To cut a long story short, I think "Cover Up" deserves your attention!

Christine  Parastatidou

Well, I have to admit that the Swedish metal bands are not my cup of tea. Although, most of them have very professional productions and consist of good musicians, they don't manage to keep my interest. The truth is that most of the bands that come from the Viking lands are 100% commercially "correct", but that doesn't also apply to the artistic part of their music. They create good products that the buyer will be happy to listen to for some time, but when they will release the next album, the precious one is forgotten. Sorry, but that's not a heavy metal attitude. Now, let's move to ASSAILANT and "Wicked Dream"... I have to admit that the way the album began I was really impressed, but as the songs followed one another, it turned out being just another Swedish power metal product. If you take out the good production and some melodic death metal parts they have, ASSAILANT do nothing more than repeat ideas that we have already listened to in a more imaginative way from other bands. Actually they sound as a poor relative of PERSUADER and EVERGREY with some IN FLAMES touches. I don't argue with that... this is a recipe of success nowadays, but personally I believe that it's nothing more than a pop product for direct consumption... Try to listen to it before buying it!

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

Don't get misled by the title, this isn't a debut album. CORPORATION 187 is a Swedish act that has been around since 1998 and have released two more albums. However at some point line up changes occurred and it took the band 6 years to continue and release their new and third in a row album... Perhaps this is why they chose this title... as an indicator that they are a new, reformed band in a way? Don't know really, I'm just making assumptions here. So anyway this band isn't what we'd call the typical representative of their country's extreme scene, since they belong somewhere between thrash and death metal only their compositions also have some noise/metalcore elements on the guitars and some mid tempo doom moments. The vocalist is offering us some high pitched thrash interpretations that enhance the extremity of this release whilst the rest of the musicians offer some really skillful performances. There are times that this album sounds old school and there are other times it sounds quite modern, so there's a balance between those elements, making sure the album is going to be appreciated by a wider part of the extreme metal heads. Generally the album left me with positive feelings and I rather enjoyed it, but personally I'd like it to have more melodies, cause this "noise" tired me a bit and made me lose my concentration on the songs every now and again.

Christine  Parastatidou

The French ORAKLE are offering us here a very interesting album of progressive black metal, reaching high levels of technique, inspiration and expression. Their style will remind to the older of you of their co-patriots MISANTHROPE and to the younger ones the album "Prometheus" by EMPEROR. From this alone you get to understand that we are talking about a band with a wide spectrum of musical knowledge, something that becomes obvious in their complex and multi-layered melodic style, being able to combine melancholy, nostalgic melodies with fast quality black metal riffs. The production is flawless and has no problems rendering the necessary atmosphere the band seeks after. The thing that I didn't like sometimes was the change among the black and the clean vocals, the latter of which sound off key at some points and don't match with the rest of the song. Other than that ORAKLE is a band with musical education and quality that respects itself offering quality music to the trained ears, knowing that this genre will never sell lots of copies, because it's aces high above the rest of the CRAP that's being released out there!

George  "Death Dealer - Echoes From Erebus"  Kefalas

Unfortunately we live in the ear that nothing can be plain and clear (note: Don't take this as a racist statement, I'm only referring to metal music). Everyone, especially in the metal scene tries to mix something with something else. EDGE OF THORNS are not an exception to this rule either. No, don't expect something revolutionary, they are still moving on the standards of a typical modern power metal band. This means that you will listen to heavy/power metal of European origin with some progressive metal a la DREAM THEATER and some neoclassical touches. There's even the song "Bleeding Hearts" whose beginning brought SISTERS OF MERCY to my mind. The only thing that makes this release very interesting for the fans of European power metal is the singer Dirk Schmitt. He sounds like a mix of Jon Oliva (SAVATAGE) and Charles Rytkonen (MORGANA LEFAY). Dirk has an amazing voice, he knows how to use it and because of that he spices up an album that in any other way could be easily described as average and indifferent. Only because of Dirk Schmitt's voice, I give them a...

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

SIEBENBURGEN is the name that the Saxons of German origin gave to the region of Transylvania... and why did these Swedes choose this name as their moniker? Well simply because their music is dark and atmospheric... kinda vampiric. When I first got this promo in my hands I didn't know what to expect, but as soon as the intro kicked off I was captured and ensalved by the beauty and complexity of the compositions. It's not anything pioneering or ground breaking, but the songs are given through the band's personal perspective so they sound really fresh and stand out from most releases of this genre. Now you'll ask me what's the genre... Well I'd easily go for melodic black metal with dark, gothic atmospheres and enchanting keyboard parts pretty close to what we are used to hearing from DIMMU BORGIR and CRADLE OF FILTH, only SIEBENBURGEN's music is more melodic and more classic heavy metal influenced. I mean that you'll get to listen to the classic majestic black metal moments with those sharp, frozen guitars and the vast, dark entangling atmospheres, but the band knows how to keep the balance and makes sure to infuse their compositions with a great deal of classic heavy metal riffs that offer more groove and depth to the end result. Needless to mention anything about the skills and technique of the band members, since we are talking here about top notch performances and also about a very good production and cover artwork. The last thing I want to mention here is the beautiful dual vocals... the extreme growls of Marcus Ehlin and the enchanting voice of Lisa Bohwalli Simonsson. This is a release that no fan of melodic black metal must miss!

Christine  Parastatidou

The promo CD "Dark Invitation To Armageddon" came to me with a sheet informing me that THE SCOURGER is an extaordinary thrash metal band, a new phenomenon. OK! Having the first place in your country's top 10 for four weeks in a row and each time you release a new song entering the top 10 is something worth mentioning I believe. All this made me have really big expectations as to what I'd be listening to from this "outstanding" thrash metal band from Finland. However, after listening to their CD, I have the feeling that this extraordinary band is quite ordinary and typical for the standards of their sound. THE SCOURGER is just another band that worships AT THE GATES and had the luck to have in their ranks skillful musicians. Except for that there's nothing here that you haven't listened to before and in more inspired ways. To make it plain and clear, THE SCOURGER are great musicians, but they reproduce the cliches of thrash metal without any imagination. We all have to understand that a polished production, the skillful playing and a huge promotion don't make a band's music great. Above all, any form of art needs imagination and creativity to breathe and mature. Only the thrash metal maniacs will enjoy this release, but again hardly this one will become a classic or acquire a cult status. I am sure that it weill be forgotten, when they release their next album. Just above average I have to say...

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

I've read multiple descriptions of this band's sound during my search on the internet and I have to say that I don't quite agree with any of those... I mean their label presented them on their previous album as a metalcore combo... not even close to reality!!!! Some others label them as progressive death metal... nah! This one doesn't work for me either... I mean it's definitely death metal and it has that progressive scent mainly in the sense of the pattern changing and the alternating rhythms and tempos, but it's also too punk and too doom sounding at the same time. Do I make sense? I suppose not quite, but still this is the sound of TOTENMOND... Some of their songs are mid tempo, doom sounding with many BLACK SABBATH riffs, others are pure punk hymns given through a metal perspective and others are death metal holocausts with weird structures. So I guess they are a bit of everything I mentioned above with a good and slightly noisy production, done on purpose to make the album sound more old fashioned. I can't offer you any insight on the lyrics since they are entirely written in German and I can't speak that language. Well "Thronrauber" doesn't work for me... I found it extremely boring and tiring. Not my cup of tea when it comes to death metal plus I really don't like punk music... So I think I'll pass and let those who are into those genres, dig this stuff.

Christine  Parastatidou

Mainly uptempo death metal with riffs that create an eerie atmosphere with their morbid melodies is what this band is all about. The production isn't too deep and it hasn't got many basses in its sound something that makes BLACK FLAME's death metal fast, aggressive and with easy listening riffs that aren't lost in the chaos and are played on higher climaxes and tones in many occasions. The group wants to succeed in creating inside the listener's mind images of total devastation and destruction that will ultimately deliver humanity and of the apocalyptic situation that will follow after that. I have to say that they do a pretty good job here. The fans of the total destruction of humanity, should check this out...

George  "Death Dealer - Echoes From Erebus"  Kefalas

This is SAHG's sophomore album and actually this sentence of mine is rather redundant since this becomes obvious just by looking at the album's title. I just needed an introduction and couldn't think of anything better to say... :) So this Norse trio has set to play music that dwells in the wider spectrum of doom metal. Actually the main point and essence of their music is to bring an old fashioned scent and create compositions that have this pure 70s sound... Actually the whole album felt as if it's a release from that era that has been rediscovered in our times. It has this stoner, doom sound of BLACK SABBATH infused with the psychedelic and keyboard based music of bands like URIAH HEEP and DEEP PURPLE. All of the above mean that this album addresses to the fans of the psychedelic doom metal music of the 70s and is going to be appreciated by them and by them alone. This is a really quality work with a lot of riffs and melodies standing out, but if you aren't so much into the 70s sound, you might not be able to follow it through...

Christine  Parastatidou

OK in the late 80s we had the trend of poser metal. Almost every label back then was searching to find and sign the next big name of this genre and I remember that even some classic metal bands had changed their sound into poser metal forms in order to take advantage of the trend and earn some more money. Almost twenty years have passed since then and a few of those hair metal bands managed to remain successful. Nowadays the new trend in the metal scene is the metalcore genre. EMINENCE are just another metalcore band, but they don't sound so "cheesy" as many other bands of this branch. First of all they don't have any elements from the Swedish melodic death metal school nor do they use simplistic and childish MAIDEN sounding riffs. Their sound has many influences from bands like late SEPULTURA, SOULFLY, PANTERA and a bit of SYSTEM OF A DOWN, when they use the clear vocals. The bad thing is that their sound is based mainly on the rhythm section and from a point on they fall in the trap of repeating themselves. All in all "The God Of All Mistakes" is a well intended, but still mediocre release which made me feel bored many times till it reached its end.

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

Punk metal with lots of dirt in the production and with an aggressive character is the music THE BANNER deliver. They manage to create an atmosphere based on their brutal sound. The vocals are the typical for this genre with a tendency towards the Swedish type of death metal. In the rhythm parts we come across many slow and mid tempo moments that are followed by fast outbreaks. The band definitely succeeds in creating a very good combination between punk and metal showing that they work hard, they have inspiration and that they love what they do, reaching the boundaries of Swedish death metal!

George  "death Dealer - Echoes From Erebus"  Kefalas

AVATAR was the band name that SAVATAGE chose to begin their career with. These AVATAR though is another band with a different musical style. Their sound is very popular in the metal scene lately. They actually try to mix the melodic death metal sound of Gothenburg with lots of hardcore elements. To put it simple and plainly, AVATAR is just another metalcore band which needs a lot of work if they want to be noticed and make themselves known in the metal scene. First of all the structures of their compositions are a bit chaotic and sound closer to noise, than to music. The melodies present in their compositions are most of the time simplistic, almost childish I might say and we have listened to them before in many other bands and much better performed. Finally the lyrics seem to be written by a teenager and not by a mature man. They have the attitude of a teenager who thinks that everyone else is the problem except themselves. I just hope that in the future AVATAR can become more profound and work more on their melodies (note: Just listening to a couple of IRON MAIDEN albums doesn't make you a capable composer) cause in this release the good moments are very few and hardly kept my interest. Better luck next time...

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

Superb death grindcore from the excellent HECTIC PATTERNS with guitars that create very melodic and yet morbid brutal riffs that are never lost inside a chaotic production. Technically the band moves on a really high level with many rhythm changes that never tire you. The vocals, without any grind extremities, are as brutal and deep as they should be. On the guitars now we find the true quality I've been telling you about. There is melodic inspiration, purity, but also lots of volume and aggressiveness and all these make this album a must have for every fun of death/grind that respects him/herself.

George  "Death Dealer - Echoes From Erebus"  Kefalas

Vivian is a band for whom I didn't know anything till I listened to this album. The guys come from Switzerland, a land with some well known names such as SHAKRA, GOTTHARD and KROKUS and "Viviamism" is their fifth album so far. Now as to what they are playing... well they have many influences from the previously mentioned bands, but they also add many characteristics of their own playng, so Vivian combine pop elements with many rock tunes and melodies throughout the whole album, very good harmonical vocals, nice guitar leads and riffs all these comprise a very good album. Twelve compositions containing fast songs, mid tempo ones and of course ballads especially "My Flavor" which is one of the best ballads I have heard. I believe that Vivian can stand well near their predecessors and continue to give us nice melodic records. Enjoy!

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

Myland is a fresh Italian band and this is their second album. With new matterial, fresh ideas and very good playing "No Man's Land" is an album that has come here to stay. Moving in the AOR genre, Myland focus on producing songs which will leave the listener with a pleasant feeling and so they put many guitars with nice riffs, very good keys with mind-travelling melodies, mid tempo drums and catchy tunes with harmonical choruses. All this will show every listener that Myland have the potential to please them. Moreover the two guests and I'm talking about Kee Marcello from EUROPE and Tomy Denander give their personal style and character on the album making it more exciting. I believe it's an album that is worth your listening as it offers both rock and heavy elements. Enjoy!

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

Fear Of Fours is mainly a project formed by members from well known Italian power and progressive metal bands such as ARTHEMIS, ELDRITCH, BROKEN ARROW and POWER QUEST. Of course one will think that with those bands what we should expect on this album would be power metal to the limits. Well let me tell you that everyone who believes that, s/he is wrong. "Never Heaven" is a strong album containing both heavy and slow parts with progressive elements flowing through the whole album with changes in the rhythms, harsh guitars, great melodies from the keys, clean and brutal vocals giving this album a thrashy tune... this is what I'm talking about! Moreover the production is very good, the band members seem to cooperate perfectly with closed eyes and the result is a very good album consisting of ten compositions each equally pleasant and good. Nothing more to say than heaven was never so beautiful before and this you will find out after listening to this album.

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

HAIEETA is a new band, a young band I would say that comes to us from Ireland (I have already expressed my feelings for this country). "Mvemjsun" is their first work, which is more of an EP as it contains six tracks consisting of stoner doom metal compositions. Having hard guitars, catchy tunes, mediocre vocals I would say and nice rock 'n' roll rhythms, I think that HAIEETA is a band that has something to give in this particular genre, but with hard work and new ideas. And by that I mean that in most of the songs we hear the same rhythm from the beginning of the song till its end without any changes in between, something which I believe will bore the listeners and not to mention that the production needs to be corrected, since someone would think that the sound comes through a barrel. They just lack some things which I believe they will improve in the future as they have the potential to do it. Till their first work is complete, I will be waiting....

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

The first word that came to my mind when I listened to this CD was unique! Later on other adjectives accumulated in my mind... after all I don't want to make you think I have a restricted and not proficient enough vocabulary. :) So I'd also add special, interesting, innovative and inspired! These Aussies have talent, passion and an abundance of ideas that derive from their many influences and form into music with character and personality. Actually now that I think about it, I believe I should also mention that their music is psycho, crazy and totally deranged! I had a blast! "Beyond Good And Evil" is the band's sophomore piece of work and it's hard to be described, but it's rather an experience you have to live. Their insanity brought to my mind the grind masters ZIMMER'S HOLE, not that ONE STEP BEYOND is clearly a grind band, they just have touches from this genre as well, but I think these two bands have a similar mentality and this album has also got Devin Townsend's pioneering, weird scent if you know what I mean. I loved the vocals that are very extreme, high pitched growls, I adored the classic sounding guitars, the rock themes that are intermingled with the heavy metal riffs and death metal blasts and I got crazy with the thick and powerful bass tunes, especially when the bass had a leading role. So, we're talking here about an unbelievable band, a band that stands out and could be the next best thing given a proper promotion. ONE STEP BEYOND is comprised by skillful musicians with personality that have managed to pull off one of the hardest tasks... write catchy, great and yet innovative music that bears their mark!
Email: gligster666@hotmail.com
Site: http://www.myspace.com/onesteprockstarORhttp://www.geocities.com/onestepweb

Christine  Parastatidou

I knew that Italy was well known in the metal scene for its power metal bands as well as its progressive ones. Well that has come to change as ENEMYNSIDE are here to startle us and move the waters. "In The Middle Of Nowhere" is their second attempt and I have to say that the five guys from Italy really love what they are doing. Playing what I would call pure thrash metal influenced in some ways by some hardcore styles the result is heavy, melodic guitars with twin solos, fast hard pounding drums with tempos that will make your head blow off and harsh vocals as of course they should be, but also combined with some clear ones that make the listener take a bit of a breath before the next coming of the storm. A real pain for your neck, a true melody for your ears! Be sure to check it out!

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

The bard and the storyteller are back! Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night are here to take us to a journey into the land of myths, fairytales and a place where everything can happen. "Secret Voyage" is the name and believe me when I say that this is a masterpiece! Starting from the ethereal vocals of the sweet blonde Candice (I wish I had her every night to lullaby me to sleep) which are really magical and continuing with the excellent performance on the guitars by a man who needs no introduction... Mr. Ritchie Blackmore who on this album uses his electric guitar more offering us great moments and ending with the choirs and all the great instruments that create an atmosphere of melodic and folk tunes with amazing sounds of fantasy. The album consists of twelve compositions with a cover of the song "Can't Help Falling In Love" originally sung by Elvis Priesley and a video clip of the "Village Lanterne" song which is really amazing! I believe that this is an album that speaks for itself so stand up, pack your bags and join this "Secret Voyage" into the world of music.

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

FORGOTTEN REALM is a new band hailing us from the United States Of America. "Power And Glory" is their first effort in the heavy metal scene and I have to say that the four guys really know what they are doing. Having on the vocals a well known man that answers to the name Dave Fefolt from VALHALLA, who really gives his best with the high and low octaves in his vocal range, mid tempo and fast drums played by Rhino a man whom all of us know from MANOWAR, very good guitars which really give extra richness and enhance every song with their long lasting riffs and solos are the main ingredients here. Moreover FORGOTTEN REALM don't stay only in the U.S. power metal scene as you'll also listen to their influences being mixtured with the Euro power metal scene and that combination will really please every listener! The album includes eleven compositions wth a cover version  of RAINBOW's all time classic "Man On The Silver Mountain". So get ready to explore a forgotten path in the heavy/power metal scene!

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

TRABUCO is a band that dates back to 2000 but this their debut job. Coming from Latin America and to be more specific from Chile these guys have much to give to the heavy metal scene! "La Memoria De La Sangre" is the name of their album which is more of an EP I would say and the five guys from Chile really give their best performance in playing pure heavy/power metal. With twin guitar riffs, mid tempo and double bass drums and very good vocals, TRABUCO show that they have come to stay and gain their place in this genre. I surely hope their full work is as good as this one as I believe they have the potential to do the break through. Till then... Enjoy!!!