Hard 20 |
July / August 2007Andensum | Super Greek League | Vital Remains | Hell Born | Pryexia | Blinded by Faith | Reanimator | Diamond Rex | Shatterpoint | Ovoian | Suspyre | Edible Red | Evil Dead | Seizure Crypt | Rockosaurus Rex | Blackout | Angel Corpse | Bullet Boys | Philpot | Symphony X Andensum "Lucky Witness" (Crash Records) by Paul Autry I'm kind of picky when it comes to music that I like and it took me more than one listen to really get into this disc. But, eventually, the band won me over. I didn't know what to make of them at first. Wasn't really sure what kind of label to stick 'em with. Personally, I like to use simple terms. However, the more exposure I had to this album, the more I came to understand that a simple term just wouldn't do because they kind of throw a little bit of everything into their music. So, I'd have to say they're a heavy/rock metal band with a hint of hardcore, progressive and, when it comes to the vocal style, they can sing or they can scream...it all depends on the song. Now, I do have to be honest here...what they're doing has been done before. It's not like they have a totally original sound. Luckily, they've managed to create a pretty strong album that has a lot of variety from song to song and that's what makes it worth checkin' out. I've heard music like this that didn't do much for me because it got stale rather quickly. When it comes to Andensum, they go through ten songs in about 35 minutes and they pack quite a punch. They don't try to impress you with a long, drawn out album. They get right to the point and they show you what they have to offer and, if you're not as picky as I seem to be these days, you'll probably get into it the first time you run through the album. Hell, you might even like it after the first few tunes. So, check it out, give it a listen and see what you think. http://www.andensum.co.uk Super Geek League No, they're not a computer repair team, they're a band, and a pretty rockin' one at that. Also a bit different. Their music is basically old school style punk, or at least very influenced by it. Not the watered down, thinly disguised pop drivel that passes for punk today, but the real deal; hard edged, full throttle punk rock that makes you want to get up and slam! There's also elements of pop, goth, and psychedelia in the League's music, as well as a bizarre (and sometimes gross) sense of humor. This seems to be one of the band's main calling cards, as just about all their songs have trippily hunorous lyrics. Some will make you howl, some will make you cringe, some will make you do both. SGL are somewhat like the Cramps-psychedelic punk rock that dabbles in the bizzare side of things (sometimes outright crazy), but this band puts more emphasis on humor than horror (although some of the songs are a bit creepy). SGL take us on a good old romp through old school punk land (you'll probably feel a pang of nostalgia if you were an 80s punker), and give us a laugh while they're at it, with a touch of an acid trip. Vital Remains Dave Suzuki's & Tony Lazaro's guitarwork on this release as always extreme and bewildering. As on the last release 'Dechristianize' Glen Benton is fronting the band, and his vox are as gutwrenching as always. Eric Rutan did the producing of 'Icons of Evil', very good work. Ten Blashpemous tunez-songs range in length-true to Vital Remains form the songs are usually over 6 minutes, great art work-make a great tee. 'Scorned', 'Hammer Down the Nails', 'Til Death', are all outstanding. Overall, a must for all-chek um out live at the Central Illinois Metalfest.-SkullCrusher/Angela Hell-Born http://www.myspace.com/ibexmoonrecords Hell-Born Polish death metallers rip out twelve soulwrenching tunez on their latest 'Cursed Infernal Steel'. 'Hellspawn', 'Stonecold', 'When Ancient Horror Lives', 'Cursed Infernal Steel' & 'Glorious Triumph of Darkness' seem to stand out the most to me off this release, I've been a fan of Hell-Born's for some time now think they have two other full-lengths under their belt (have to chek going by my memory which is mared). They played Never On Sunday's a while ago, it was one of the shows I set up through there, not a great attendance but by fuck they were excellent. Have it on video tape somewhere. This is a kool release on their new label Ibex Moon.-SkullCrusher/Angela Pyrexia http://www.myspace.com/uniqueleaderrecords Choked Full of of great tunez 'Age of the Wicked' is certainly not a let down, brutal death metal as always, trax I like the most from this release are: 'Age of the Wicked', 'Irony', 'No Apologies', & 'Life Long Hate'. I have tried for many years now to see Pyrexia live, thought I would have my chance about two yrs ago at the Ohio Deathfest but things went array and they didn't play-I was pissed, but what can you do, wait to see um another day. I hope the day will be soon, this release would be great to tour on, and every deathmetaler loves Pyrexia-so tour already so I can see your asses.-SkullCrusher/Angela Blinded By Faith http://www.myspace.com/blindedbyfaith Blinded by Faith is a melodic black metal band-very much inspired by Cradle of Shit and Dimmu Sell-Out. Blinded by Faith is one of the most popular bands and best selling in Quebec City. I'm not much of a fan of keyboards in my metal, it's okay for intros and outros but that's usually all, 'Tear the Purple Curtain' is just riddled with keyboards-I think minus the keyboards it would make a great track. Blinded by Faith was formed in 96. 'The Dead Don't Talk', 'Reptilian Shudders', 'The Triumph of Treachery', 'The Last Missive', are all okay of this 11 song live cd. My favorite songs off this release is most definitely 'Finger on the Trigger' & 'Burning Rebellion'. Blinded by Faith has a interview in Arsenic Zine #6.-SkullCrusher/Angela Reanimator http://www.myspace.com/galyrecords 'Venom of the Beast' is an awesome thrash song love it-chek out their video for it on their site. Reanimator was formed in 2005 in Montreal. Reanimator really does take me back to the good ole' days of thrashin' hard musick, when all we were concerned with was partying and more partying-okay so some things don't change. 'Stuck on the Shores of Hell' is a rip ass song also. Overall, good thrash for those of you who can't get enough thrash, chek um out.-SkullCrusher/Angela DIAMOND REXX This band I remember a little about back in the day due to their almost glam like look. This is there debut release re-released for the 1st time on CD. This isn't too bad as the band remind of a rawer old Motley Crew on the tunes. The band churn out early 80's metal with a raw sound as how I would tag this. This is harder edge that the look they portray I will say that. Not bad for what it is and if you have been looking for this release here is a chance to finally get it. Info: http://www.crashmusicinc.com SHATTERPOINT This is some really good modern thrash metal. The band sound tight and the songs are heavy, catchy and have some aggression in them too. There is none of that Pantera groove neither. The tunes have bit of melody to them and the band can turn up the speed when they need too. This was one of the best newer thrash metal bands that I have heard in quite a bit and they deserve a listen. Info: http://www.shatterpoint.net OVOIAN This was some modern groove thrash metal and it wasn't bad. The band mix sort of an old school raw type of sound that caught my ear. The vocals and the music sometimes reminded me of a less thrashier Overkill. This band really got better more and more as this played on and over repeated listens. They have just a touch of groove, but they are more in the old school thrash area and that brings a smile to my face. I like the rough and tumble production too. Wouldn't surprise me to see these guys signed soon. Info: http://www.myspace.com/ovoian SUSPYRE This was some tasteful power metal that was mixed in with some progressive metal and it didn't go over my head. The music is heavy and the vocals are clear, but on the aggressive side, which worked for me. The band also throw in some keyboard parts and some speed and mix it up and will take you on a rollercoaster ride you won't soon forget. The production is nice and thick and this band will take you up and down and leave you breathless and wanting more. One of the best progressive power metal bands I have ever heard. It is like Hades meets Dream Theater and it is that damn good. Info: http://www.nightmare-records.com EDIBLE RED This was some neat power pop punkish music with female vocals. The band remind me of No Doubt a bit, but with a more aggressive style. The songs are catchy poppy type numbers that I am sure will sell buckloads. The singer has a really good voice and she fits the music rather well. This was just a treat to review and a very good rock release. EVIL DEAD The movie might be great, but this was a total waste of time. This is like The Rocky Picture Horror Show soundtrack only worse. This has no metal music to it and is just a bunch of actors singing with some background music. This bored me tears and any fan of metal would not be interested in this whatsoever. SEIZURE CRYPT I reviewed an older release from this band and they return with more metal core the way it was meant to be played. Pissed off, angry and no groove to be found. Real shouted hardcore vocals, not all that stupid muffed singing and no dancy groove parts. The production is raw and I loved every second of this. This band just rip and lay the law down with their brand of metal core. This is not for the weak and is your into old school and real hardcore music the way it used to be played, here ya fuckin go. Info: http://www.seizurecrypt.com Rockosaurus Rex This is great. It's a disc full of hard rock kiddie tunes. As soon as I heard "This Old Man," which kinda sounds like Queen's "We Will Rock You," I was hooked. Although, to be honest with you, it's not something I would listen to on a regular basis. For me, it's more like a, "Hey...you've gotta hear this" kind of album. I played it for a friend of mine and I was like, "That's so cool...isn't it?" We went through the songs, talked about it for a bit and that was it. As for children, yeah, this is a good disc for your little one, especially if you wanna raise your children on rock 'n' roll. I wish I would have had this disc when my children were listenin' to those crappy Barney CD's. That stuff is horrible and I'm sure some of you headbangin' parents out there know what I'm talkin' about. A release such as this is good because, at least in my opinion, it's not a typical kiddie album. I mean, really, just because you're playing to children doesn't mean you have to be childish or speak "baby talk." This is something you're children can rock out to and, as a parent, it won't get on your nerves. You can't go wrong with this one. Musically, they're a very good rock 'n' roll band. If you ignore the lyrics for a moment and just listen to the music, you would probably be like, "Yeah!" Although, I will admit, there are a few tunes on here that I could have done without. But, with 21 songs, of course, that's to be expected. But, there's plenty of tunes on here that I'm sure you'll enjoy. Best of the bunch is "This Old Man," no doubt about it. Other tracks that are worthy of a mention are "Ants Go Marching," "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt," "I'm A Nut" and "Pop Goes The Weasel." This album is right up there with Jeanine Michaels "Dinosaur's Musical Day," which was released back in 1997 and I would recommend it to anyone with young children. Raise them right...raise 'em on rock! http://www.rockosaurusrex.com Black Out I can't seem to get this song out of my head. Indeed, it's quite the catchy tune. But, I do have mixed feelings about it and I can't honestly say if I actually like it or not because there's some good to this song and there's also some bad to it. I guess I'll get right to the band point first...and that would be the vocals. The chorus is great. It's sounds okay there. It's the regular verses that are kind of rough around the edges. I'll be honest with you, vocalist Hunter Watson could use some vocal lessons. I don't think it would be fair to say that he can't sing. So, I'd probably say that he hasn't been taught how to sing. That's why I believe vocal lessons would do him good because, like I said, once you get to the chorus, it's sounds okay. Also, when you consider the fact that this kid is only 11 years old, well, you've gotta give him a lot of credit because he gave it his best shot. They lyrics are simple and it only takes a single listen to rememeber 'em all because they get stuck in your head, especially the "I just wanna play video games" chorus. Musically, they're not too bad and when you consider the fact that this is their first effort, again, you've gotta give these guys a lot of credit. They are rather young...eleven years old at the time of this recording...and, if they remain together and put in a lot of practice, there's no telling how good they will become. They also made a video for this tune, which can be seen on their website. It's a rather professional effort and they seem to be quite comfortable in front of a camera, especially during the concert performace. However, with the video...and the song for that matter...sure, it might be creating somewhat of a buzz for these young musicians. But, that does create somewhat of a problem. They're gonna have to come up with some good follow up material for people to take them seriously. I mean, sure, I dig this tune for what it is...and that's a quirky little novelty tune and I mean that in a good way. I'd suggest submitting the tune to the Dr. Demento show, which is still on the air if I'm not mistaken. If the song catches there, and I'm sure it would, it would give them a great deal of exposure. Ride the wave for as long as you can and, if you're serious about making music...practice, practice, practice. You have an audience. In order to keep them, you've gotta come up with some kick ass material in order to give them a good reason to continue to listen to what you have to offer. I wish 'em the best of luck and I will keep my eye on them because I am curious to see where they go from here. http://www.blackoutband.com Angel Corpse Attacking once again is the indestructable Angel Corpse, including on this release, drummer-John Longstreth (Origin, Exhumed, etc.). 'Of Lucifer & Lightning' is their fourth demonic full-length release. Trax I like the most, 'Saints of Blasphemy', 'Thrall', 'Shining One', reign supreme. So chek um out on their mini-tour with Nachtmystium and Watain.--SkullCrusher http://www.myspace.com/angelcorpse666 BulletBoys Okay...let's see...first of all...I thought this was a new album. That's the way it seemed to be presented and that's the impression I got. However, the performance is from 2003 and it was recorded before the "Sophie" album was released. It wasn't hard to figure out since Marq Torien introduced "Walls" as a song that will be on their "new record." Anyway...yeah...I guess you know it's a live album, right? It's not bad...it's kind of has a bootleg feel to it and by that I mean it has a raw sound. Good quality though...you can turn this one up to ten. Only thing I didn't like about the album is the fact that there's a second or two of silence between each track which, for a live album, it's not a good thing. On the other hand, this could also be a glitch with my stereo because I have had it for some time and it's pretty much on the way out. Time to get a new one. If it is the way the disc is set up though, it's only a small pain in the ass. Not really too big a deal. As far as the set list goes...twelve songs and, of course, most of the material...half the album to be exact...comes from the first album which...and I'm sure many of you will agree with me...is the ultimate BulletBoys release. That one's a fuckin' classic. They open with "Hard As A Rock" and end with "Smooth Up," which goes to show that they save the best for last. In between, they rip 'n' tear through "Hell On My Heels," "Shoot The Preacher," "For The Love Of Money" and "F 9." In case you're wondering...yes...I do know the actual song titles. I'm listing them here as they appear on the back of this disc. Two "Freakshow" songs appear here and, of course, it's the two best from that album, "Hang On St. Christopher" and "THC Groove." "When Pigs Fly" from "Za Za" is here and, luckily, they only include one tune from the horrible "Acid Monkey" album and that would be "Toy." The other "Sophie" track to make the cut is "Shake Me Awake." All in all, it's a good album. I like it. There was a song or two I could've done without and, once you listen to this release, I'm sure you'll pick the same tunes that I'm talkin' about. I will say this though...as a whole...they don't really bring the album down. So, I wouldn't worry about it too much. My final opinion...let's put it this way...we all know that the first album they did was the best. No doubt about it. The 2nd best BulletBoys release...depending on what you read and where you read it...is up for debate. If you ask me, "Behind The Orange Curtain" would be my pick. I don't even have to think about it. One other thing I'd like to mention...some of you will care, some of you won't...but...the line up on this release is not the classic line up. It's Marq Torien on vocals, Tommy Pittman on guitar, Pete Newman on drums and Jimmy Nelson on bass. Some people are picky about who's in the band, especially if they're a fan. If you're one of those people...don't let line up make up your mind about if you'll listen to this release or not. At least give it a chance. It's worth a listen...and, once you do that, I think you'll end up adding this one to your collection. http://www.crashmusicinc.com Philpot I don't have a lot to say about Philpot. But, they're a great band. The name of their current release is "Hate Writes Better Than Love" and it's pretty much a solid rock album. They're not really breaking any new ground here. You've heard it all before. The only problem I have with saying something like that is the fact that I can't think of anyone they remind me of, which is always a good thing. That means they have their own sound, which comes from having a fresh approach to their particular style of music. They have a good, strong vocalist and I think that's what sets them apart from the competition. You hear this guy and he's just...so right on the money. It's amazing. Philpot is a band that should go far in the music business. I, for one, wouldn't be suprised if they become the next big thing. http://www.toucancove.com SYMPHONY X I have heard of this band many times, but never actually heard their music until now and after a few tunes I am upset that I had not checked these guys out before. This is pure power metal fans dream. The music is progressive in spots, but carrier enough melody to appeal to the masses. God the riffs just crush and will force the head to want to bang. Each track comes up with a godly riff and some of the tunes even fall into the speed metal style, which was fine by these ears. The bio says of an experimental track, "Serpent's Kiss", which had a little bit of an orchestra part in it, which worked for me and the singer really sang this one with passion and feeling, not that he doesn't on all the tracks. This i if you don't buy this. Info: http://www.insideoutmusic.com. |