Blog Feed: Heavy Metal Time Machine

Hellwell-Beyond the Boundaries of Sin

Published on 2012-05-25 03:10:00

High Roller Records2012Hellwell (which is named after Manilla Road keyboardist/bassist E.C. Hellwell) is a new side-project of Manilla Road guitarist/vocalist Mark "The Shark" Shelton. In addition to Mark Shelton and E.C. Hellwell (who played bass and provided vocals on the 2011 Manilla Road LP, "Playground of the Damned") the album also features Jonny Thumper Benson (drums, guitar,bass) and has special appearances by Bryan Hellroadie Patrick and Josh Castillo from Manilla Road. Now, rather then [..] > read more

The Murder Of My Sweet-Bye Bye Lullaby

Published on 2012-05-24 07:59:00

AFM Records2012Sweden's The Murder of My Sweet was formed in 2006 by drummer and producer Daniel Flores. The band's name was inspired by the 1944 film noir "Murder, My Sweet"which is kind of interesting as the music itself is said to be influenced by movie soundtracks (as well as various books) and movie soundtracks. Rounding out the rest of the band is the talented Angelica Rylin (vocals), Andreas Lindahl (keyboards), Teddy Westlund (bass) and David Sivelind (guitar). Prior to the release of th [..] > read more

Jorn-Bring Heavy Rock to the Land

Published on 2012-05-24 03:56:00

Frontiers Records2012With a career spanning over 30 albums where does Jorn Lande find enough time to release yet another solo LP? Actually, this is already the seventh "solo" studio album for Jorn as crazy as that seems to me. Does this guy ever sleep? Is he even human? For those who don't know the name Jorn is probably best known for Masterplan although he has played Ark, Millennium, Vagabond, Beyond Twilight, etc. With his new album, "Bring Heavy Rock to the Land" Jorn welcomes back guitarist [..] > read more

Snail-Terminus

Published on 2012-05-23 11:58:00

Self-Released/Independent2012When I first happened upon Seattle, Washington-based band Snail and saw that a comparison had been made to Alice In Chains well, naturally I suspected that grunge would be in order. Released at the start of May the album had just sat there for awhile (actually, "album" isn't the best word choice as this was simply a download link provided by a friend so there was no physical album to be had) and it was only after a moment of curiosity that I listened to some of the s [..] > read more

NWOBHM WEDNESDAY: MILLENNIUM

Published on 2012-05-23 06:18:00

Cleveland's Millennium, who are a relatively obscure N.W.O.B.H.M. act, came to prominence in the early part of the eighties. The five-piece band was formed in 1983 and managed to score an appearance on the "Pure Overkill" split the same year. Playing alongside the bands Risk, Spartan Warrior, Incubus (who we recently covered in another NWOBHM WEDNESDAY feature) and Tokyo Rose helped boost the band's presence on the English heavy metal scene. The three cuts that the band laid to tape ( "Steal You [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems: R.U. Deadly-Various Demos

Published on 2012-05-23 03:35:00

This particular Forgotten Gem is going to be a little different. For one thing Salem, Ohio's R.U. Deadly were never able to secure a record contract. The band, which was active from 1987 to 1998, released three demos ("Burial at Sea" in 1990, "Into the Light" in 1992 and "R.U. Deadly" in 1995) and shared the stage with such acts as Manowar, LA Guns, Bruce Dickinson (solo tour), Chastain, Blue Oyster Cult, Slaughter, Blackfoot, Molly Hatchet, Noisy Mama, and Pat Travers. Despite a sizable cult fo [..] > read more

Power Theory-An Axe To Grind

Published on 2012-05-23 03:35:00

Pure Steel Records2012Tullytown, Pennsylvania act Power Theory released their debut album, "Out Of The Ashes, Into The Fire... And Other Tales Of Insanity" in 2011. Now we have the follow-up album, "An Axe To Grind" which looks to prove that traditional U.S. heavy metal is alive and well. It's only after that shock sets in that you begin to acknowledge the huge debt owed to acts like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Cirith Ungol and Saxon. Onward the record spins and it becomes more obvious that their [..] > read more

Rose Tattoo-Live in 1993 from Boggo Road Jail

Published on 2012-05-22 20:15:00

MVD Visual2012 What was going on in the music world in 1993? Seems like there was a bunch of grunge and alternative bands moving to the forefront of the scene over here. However one music event of note was taking place on the other side of the world. Rose Tattoo had reformed to open for Guns -n- Roses and they also played at an event to celebrate the closing of the Boggo Road Jail. This DVD is from that show. What a show it is. This band has always been compared to AC/DC and rightfully so with t [..] > read more

Ice Dragon-Tome of the Future Ancients

Published on 2012-05-22 05:48:00

Self-Release2012Ice Dragon, who were formed in 2008, hail from Metal Mark's home state of Massachusetts. This is the band's third full-length album (they also have done a split) and is one of those wonderful "name your price" downloads (the site does say that a vinyl edition of the album will be released on Yersinia Pestis Records later this year). Fans of Black Sabbath, Saint Vitus and Electric Wizard would do well to check out this three piece band although there is more to the picture than ju [..] > read more

Michael Thompson Band-Future Past

Published on 2012-05-22 05:32:00

Frontiers Records2012Michael Thompson is a guitarist known for his studio work with a list of who's who in the music industry. He has worked with Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, 'N Sync, Toni Braxton, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, the Scorpions, Vince Neil, Christina Aguilera, Michael Bolton, Mariah Carey, Bette Midler, Madonna, Babyface, En Vogue, Gloria Estefan, Stanley Clarke and Ricky Martin. "Future Past" is actually the second release from this talented guitarist to be issued u [..] > read more

Nachtblut-Dogma

Published on 2012-05-22 03:16:00

Napalm Records2012Nachtblut (German for Nightblood) were formed in 2005. On "Dogma", the band's newest album, the mood is grim and bleak. Sung entirely in German, the band's latest release is unique in that it opts for a style that combines elements both symphonic metal and melodic black metal with the faint echo of Rammstein. "Dogma" will most likely not appeal to everyone as is a dark, depressing and morbid affair that takes all of these different elements and turns it into something unnerving [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems-Hibria-The skull collectors

Published on 2012-05-21 18:29:00

I remember around 2005 or 2006 a friend passed on an extra copy of a disc called "Defying the rules" by some band called Birbria. Eventually I gave it a listen and was shocked. It was a mix of Helloween, Gamma Ray, Iron Maiden, Dio and others. It was also pretty spectacular and they showed some real poise for it being a debut LP. Most people think it's their best album to date. So why then did pick their follow-up to highlight? Hey, good question and here are two answers-A) This album doesn't ge [..] > read more

Jump Ship Quick-Where Thieves Cannot Tread

Published on 2012-05-21 06:06:00

Punk Roxx Records / Thumper Punk Records2012Jump Ship Quick are a Colorado based punk rock band featuring former members of Focused and Ultimatum. Their debut album, "Where Thieves Cannot Tread", was produced by Five Iron Frenzy saxophonist “Jeff the Girl” (aka Leanor Inez Ortega Till) and mixed and mastered by Masaki Liu (Five Iron Frenzy, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Echoing Green and The W’s). While the promo suggests bands like NOFX (sure) and The Crucified (really?) it's more like [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems: Vavel-Vavel

Published on 2012-05-21 04:35:00

This Greek band was formed in 1986 and ended up releasing this self-titled LP (on the record label Famous) later that same year. That LP would end up being a very hot ticket item. It ended up being on the rare side of things and before it was eventually re-released on CD by Unisound it was heavily bootlegged on CD. As for the vinyl copies? Well, if you could actually find one for sale it could end up going for as much as $200! Rather amazing for a band that people seem to have extreme reactions [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems: Criminal-Dead Soul

Published on 2012-05-20 10:40:00

Inferno Records/Metal Blade Records1997Criminal are a South American band that are relatively unknown here in the United States, but have a sizeable following in their homeland. No doubt it is thanks to their potent brand of death metal/thrash with a hardcore bent. This was actually the band's sophomore release and the first album I heard from the band. Originally it was released on Inferno Records, but seeing as it sold some 10,000 copies in Chile alone it wasn't long before someone took notice [..] > read more

Confidence-Prelude

Published on 2012-05-19 18:44:00

Metal Revelation2012Hailing from Sweden, members of this band had been in other bands here and there learning their way in the business. Eventually this band came together, but over the course of three year they went through line-ups changes and various other struggles before finding their way to recording. Now we get a four track album of progressive edged hard rock. I hear some Savatage, Queensryche and others. The production is very full and helps give each song a boost. The songs generally s [..] > read more

Tysondog-Hammerhead 2012

Published on 2012-05-19 15:51:00

Global Music2012Well, now what do we have here? This is a bit of a surprise all things considered. I didn't know that Tysondog had apparently reformed. And yet here we have Tysondog releasing a 4-track EP with new versions of the tracks "Hammerhead", "The Inquisitor", "In The End" and "Painted Heroes". According to a Youtube teaser for this EP the band's current line-up includes members Clutch (vocals), Paul Burdis (guitar), Alan Hunter (guitar and vocals), Kev Wynn (bass) and Rob Walker (drums) [..] > read more

The Nukes-Demonstration Cassette 2012

Published on 2012-05-18 16:37:00

Self-Release2012Ok, here's the bio for this band: "Uh... We're like a band or whatever." That is so very helpful. Unfortunately doing a search for this band and/or demo didn't help much either. No link to a website so other than the free download (from Sereokiller below) nothing to go on with this full-length. By the way in this case full-length means eight fast and furious punk/hardcore tracks in under 6 minutes. A good time was had by all. Just get it.http://thenukes.stereokiller.com/ > read more

French Metal Friday: Der Kaiser

Published on 2012-05-18 10:40:00

For today's French Metal Friday article I've decided to cover the (somewhat) cult 80's band Der Kaiser. The band (whose name means "the Emperor" in case you couldn't figure it out) was formed in 1981 by bassist Thierryi and drummer Philippe. In short order the pair recruited guitar players Beno & P’tit Tchong and then lead singer Pascal. The band would go on to record a self-titled/self-release demo (1983) before being signed to the one and only French label Devil's Records. Name a good French [..] > read more

Current playlist

Published on 2012-05-18 07:18:00

Here you go: Andy- > read more

The Cory Smoot Experiment-When Worlds Collide

Published on 2012-05-18 07:16:00

Metal Blade Records2012On November 3, 2011 guitarist Cory Smoot passed away from a heart attack. He was only 34 years old. According to the autopsy report Cory died from a "coronary artery thrombosis brought about by his pre-existing coronary artery disease,” (per North Dakota coroner William Massel). He left behind a family so, before I get too far into this review, I feel that I should mention that all proceeds from this album will be donated to the Smoot Family Fund to help provide for thos [..] > read more

Divider/Colony-Split 7 inch.

Published on 2012-05-17 16:50:00

Self-Release2012Here's the thing kids. This is a split from our friends over at Stereokiller. Not sure if they posted it first or if they just choose to highlight the darn thing. Either way that is where I found it so due credit must be given. That was point A if you like so here is point B: This is a split that has been out for a few months now, but seeing as it is new to me that makes it alright! If it's not new to you then move along...nothing to see here. But, if it will be new to you then t [..] > read more

Electric Wizard-Witchcult Today re-issue

Published on 2012-05-16 20:19:00

2007/2012Metal Blade/Rise AboveThis album > read more

Forgotten Gems-Achilleus-Allt vi begar

Published on 2012-05-16 10:26:00

This Swedish band were part of the FWOSHM (First wave of Swedish Heavy metal) and this seven inch came out in 1982. This isn't just your straight ahead simplified metal that was so common in the early 80's. These guys definitely had some real progressive rock roots. Allt vi begar (All we ask) comes on with a basic riff before having some a lighter feel take over, but quickly the quirky and manic tempo changes kick in and the rid begins. Towards the end the song really hits a peak with the instru [..] > read more

Rumpelstiltskin Grinder-Ghostmaker

Published on 2012-05-16 04:40:00

Candlelight Records2012"Ghostmaker" is the third album from Philadelphia quartet Rumpelstiltskin Grinder (or RsG for short). A self-produced affair, "Ghostmaker" should find the band (bassist/vocalist Shawn Riley, guitarist Matt Moore, guitarist Ryan Moll and drummer Patrick Battaglia) trekking down the same dusty and dirty road that they did on "Living For Death, Destroying the Rest" right? Well, read on and together we shall see. Formed in 2002 (and containing former members of Solace in the S [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems: Tindrum-Drums Of War

Published on 2012-05-16 04:29:00

Plateselskapet1988Tindrum was a obscure Norwegian melodic hard rock act that was active during the late part of the eighties. The band was formed when drummer Morton "Diesel" Dahl decided in October of 1987 that, after three albums with the band, it was time to move on from TNT. Along with a female vocalist by the name of Tove the band was rounded out by bassist Sid Ringsby (who would later play in with TNT himself on the album "All The Way To The Sun") and guitarist Trond Ojen. "Drums Of War" w [..] > read more

NWOBHM WEDNESDAY:SHOCK TREATMENT

Published on 2012-05-16 03:21:00

One 7" single. That was all there was to East Anglia's Shock Treatment. Even by NWOBHM standards, where hardcore collectors would beat up old ladies if it meant they could grab that one missing single they so desperately crave, this is a obscure band/single. If not for the NWOBHM ENCYCLOPEDIA I highly doubt that more than a handful of people would have even cared about this 1980 single. Released on Skull Records (?) this is one interesting 7" release that deserved a better reception than it go [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems-Dragster-Ambitions

Published on 2012-05-15 20:10:00

Here's another NWOBHM single. We have a band with a silly moniker and equally silly cover art. Let's check out the music from this 1981 release. Side A is ambitions and musically it's kind of like early Saxon meets early KISS. The song never really explodes, but glides along with some solid licks keeping it going. This song definitely has some 70's hard rock mixed with their metal. The results are fairly sharp although not totally original. Side B is "Won't bring you back" which is slow winding [..] > read more

Wig Wam-Wall Street

Published on 2012-05-15 17:06:00

Frontiers2012Norway's WigWam return with their first new album in two years. Their last album "Non stop rock -n roll" received varying responses with some people praising it and others being left cold. I found it to be uneven although it definitely leaned towards the good side. For those hoping the new album would be more consistent-well, I'll get to that. This band is not deep and they do not play highly involved tracks. This is simple anthems that are big on volume and melody but lack skill an [..] > read more

Sacred Blood-Alexandros

Published on 2012-05-15 04:01:00

Pitch Black Records2012Greek band Sacred Blood was formed in 2003. Originally called simply "Sacred" they released their demo, “Clash of the Titans”, later the same year. In 2008 the band released their debut album (“The Battle of Thermopylae: The Chronicle”) and now we have the group's sophomore release. If the title fails to clue you in about the narrative of this album then I'll let you in on a little secret-this is a concept album Alexander the Great. OK, that is not much of a secret [..] > read more

The Last Things-Circles And Butterflies

Published on 2012-05-15 03:02:00

Arkeyn Steel Records2011Florida, St. Petersburg's The Last Things released one full-length studio album,"Circles and Butterflies", in 1993 and then promptly folded. Previous to The Last Things two of the band's three members (lead vocalist/guitarist Richard Elliot IV and bassist Darren McFarland) were in a band called Blackkout that released one full-length studio album in 1989, "Ignorance of Man" and then promptly folded. Not sure what to make of that other than the fact that these guys were tw [..] > read more

Hardline-Danger Zone

Published on 2012-05-14 06:27:00

Frontiers Records2012It was probably about 7 years ago or so when I bid on a collection of misc. hard rock and heavy metal CDs on Ebay. I ended up as the winning bidder and as an added bonus the seller was kind enough to throw in Hardline's debut album, "Double Eclipse". Even though it wasn't groundbreaking to my ears I rather enjoyed the CD. Their cover of "Hot Cherie" was good and as a whole the album was above average AOR/hard rock. I'm not sure what I ever did with that CD. I either traded i [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems-Bollweevil-Rock solid

Published on 2012-05-13 19:20:00

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Slander-Get Em Slandered

Published on 2012-05-13 11:13:00

Self-Release/Independent2012When British heavy metal band Slander released their lone album, “Careless Talk Costs Lives”, in 1991 little did anyone know that it would go on to become a cult classic. Here it is now in 2012 and the band (who reunited in 2009) are finally working on a proper follow-up. In the meantime Slander are shortly due to release a covers EP, "Get Em Slandered", as a way to introduce their new members. The band is currently made up of new lead singer Si Staples, guitarist [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems: Children-Hard Times Hanging at the End of the World

Published on 2012-05-13 03:35:00

Kemado2009If you saw this CD sitting in discount bin would you give it a chance? Judging by the band's name and the album's art work it would be hard to pull the trigger right? It's certainly a vague looking affair. Even looking at some of the song titles would prove to be little help. "Advanced Mind Control"? "Nuclear Bummer"? "H.T.H.A.T.E.O.T.W" (or Hard Times Hangin...)? "Time Is The Living"? This could be anything. Given the fact that it was in the metal section, possible by mistake, it coul [..] > read more

Grand Prix-Samurai (2012 Remastered Re-release)

Published on 2012-05-12 04:53:00

Rock Candy Records2012Grand Prix was an English AOR/Pomp Rock group that has come to be associated with the NWOBHM scene. Besides the fact that they were active during the movement, and were therefor lumped in with the genre by default, the band did have some hard rock/progressive leanings. According to Malc Macmillan's excellent resource guide "The N.W.O.B.H.M. Encyclopedia" (a book that I simply cannot live without!) the band's roots can be traced back to sometime in 1978. "Samurai", which was [..] > read more

Current Playlist

Published on 2012-05-11 19:59:00

Here you go.Andy- Listening to:Timeless Hall-Timeless HallPlaylist: The Very Best Of Coheed and CambriaWild Dogs-Reign Of TerrorDanger Zone-Victim Of TimeFist-Back With A VengeanceDiamond Head-Borrowed TimeTox-Prince Of DarknessGotham City-The Legend Of Gotham CityHammer Presents: New GuardHit Parader's wild BunchWatching:Various seasons of Doctor WhoReading:Know The TruthMetal Mark-Listening to:Iron Maiden-Final Frontier 2011, Mexico CityLed Zeppelin - Live in London 1969 Bell Witch-s/tMalice-N [..] > read more

Bad Poetry Band - The One Way Romance

Published on 2012-05-11 06:16:00

High Roller Records2012Benjamin Franklin once said that "in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes". While I agree with him on those two principles I would like to add one more certainty. If there is great rock and roll to be found in Sweden then it is a sure bet that High Roller Records will snag it up. More killer rock from Sweden you ask? You know it! Awhile back I asked what it was about Sweden that has allowed them to produce so many amazing bands. Well, in the [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems:Heavy Artillery Compilation

Published on 2012-05-11 03:15:00

Auburn Records1990Since March of 2012 I've covered three acts with ties to Cleveland's Auburn Records. Two of those bands, Purgatory and Sacred Heat, appear on this compilation while the third, Shok Paris, has a had a on again/off again/on again relationship with Auburn Records. It is not hard to explain what Auburn Records meant to the Ohio heavy metal scene when you look at a compilation like this. This cassette-only release (which incidentally is due for a CD re-release sometime in the next 5 [..] > read more

Hair Metal Hodge Podge with Every Mother's Nightmare and Diamond Rexx

Published on 2012-05-10 18:25:00

Have not done one of these in a while so it was time to close my eyes reach into a bag filled with hair metal discs, pull two out, listen to them and either suffer or be surprised. Now if I said one of these discs was mainly influenced by Poison while the other disc was by a band with a singer who sounded kind of like Alice Cooper and they were heavy for a hair band then which band do you think you'd rather here? Well I am hoping that most of you will choose band B. So let's get into them and se [..] > read more

Malice-New Breed of Godz

Published on 2012-05-10 10:03:00

SPV2012Oh, look here's another 80's band attempting a comeback without their original vocalist and most of the album will be re-recorded songs. Yes, that sounds like a recipe for disaster or wasted time. Don't run away, this is a different story. That's right because this is Malice with a 3/5 original line-up for the re-recordings. Guitarists Mick Zane and Jay Reynolds return which is welcome news. Original bass player Mark Behn plays on the re-recorded versions and Robert Cardenas play on the n [..] > read more

Gun Barrel-Brace For Impact

Published on 2012-05-10 07:09:00

Massacre Records2012This might be the fifth album for Germany's Gun Barrel, but (in all honest) I'm not even remotely familiar with the band. After reading up on the band (and looking over their discography online) I sort of wish I would have had a chance to get to know them before now. While the band is often described as "dirty rock 'n rollers" (Gun Barrel call it "Power dive rock 'n' metal" themselves) it is a bit more complicated than that. Alright, complicated is not the best way to describ [..] > read more

Cattle Decapitation-Monolith of Inhumanity

Published on 2012-05-10 06:22:00

Metal Blade Records2012I've always found it slightly odd that a band would choose to call themselves Cattle Decapitation when their lyrics deal heavily with the issue of animal rights. For me it's sort of like animal rights activists who use violence as a way to condemn animal testing. While I do not condone animal abuse I tend to place higher value on human beings (even if said human beings are doing their best to destroy humanity). Anyway, I will give these guys credit. They have stuck by thei [..] > read more

Great White-Elation

Published on 2012-05-09 06:06:00

Frontiers Records2012Let me start off this review by saying that I have mixed feelings about Great White. Some days I feel like they were/are highly overrated while other times I feel like people write them off too easily and that they are underrated. There are a few Great White songs that I just love like "Rock Me" and their choice cover of Ian Hunter's "Once Bitten, Twice Shy". But, there are also more than a few songs that I find terribly lame and I've never been able to sit through a whole a [..] > read more

NWOBHM WEDNESDAY: CHINAWITE

Published on 2012-05-09 03:04:00

For today's NWOBHM WEDNESDAY article I've decided to go at it alone. While Metal Mark and I do (more often than not) team up on this genre (and all the great bands associated with it) this particular posting was rather last minute. So, it's just me and my usual ramblings. You've been warned. With that out of the way I'd also like to state this little fact up front for all. Yorkshire's Chinawite are not the best that the NWOBHM scene had to offer. In fact they just barely qualify as a NWOBHM band [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems-Sacred Alien-Spiritual Planet

Published on 2012-05-08 19:18:00

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Marauder-Elegy of blood

Published on 2012-05-08 18:23:00

Pitch Black2012Hailing from Greece Marauder formed over two decades ago. After several demos they finally released their debut "Sense of metal" in 1997. Since then they have put out an album every three or four years with their latest effort coming four years after "Face the mirror". This album is a pure assault of classic metal with some European power metal mixed in. The title track is a short intro that leads on to the Great War which is full out slap in the face with a metal glove. "Alexande [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems: Danger Zone-Victim Of Time

Published on 2012-05-08 04:45:00

It was a little over one year ago that I reviewed Danger Zone's album "Line Of Fire". At the time I started that review off by saying "One day soon I really must do a Forgotten Gems piece on Danger Zone's excellent 1984 EP Victim of Time. Someone please remind me to do that." Well, I honestly did mean to review this EP in the months that followed. But, as is the way sometimes, life got away from me. And since no one ever did remind me it is only now that I finally have the chance to appeal to ev [..] > read more

Despite Exile-Re-Evolve

Published on 2012-05-08 03:30:00

Self-Release/Independent Release2012Despite Exile's debut release, "Scarlet Reverie", was a EP that I thoroughly enjoyed. In fact I enjoyed it so much that I apparently reviewed it twice! (see link below) These things happen when you get promo after promo showing up in your inbox. Not that I'm complaining because "Scarlet Reverie" was a great introduction to this Italian band. With the new EP, "Re-Evolve" the growth is obvious. This progressive deathcore band has matured and found a way to tight [..] > read more

Centerlink Interview

Published on 2012-05-08 03:26:00

Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Centerlink. This Boston area hard rock/heavy metal band has a sound that combines the best aspects of old school traditional heavy metal and modern metal. If you have not yet read my review of their demo be sure to check it out. You can find a link of the review at the bottom of this page. Andy-You were formed in 2006 correct? Can you tell us a little about how the band came about? Centerlink-Yes, We were formed in 2006. Jon's mom had passed away and w [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems-Metallic Storm compilation

Published on 2012-05-07 09:54:00

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Maryann Cotton-Free Falling Angels

Published on 2012-05-07 04:16:00

Pure Steel Records2012"Free Falling Angels" is the full-length debut album from Maryann Cotton. For those of you not familiar with the name (which would probably be most people outside of Europe I'd wager) his career was launched in 2006 when he performed live on the Danish TV program "Scenen Er Din" (the Danish version of "Star Search"). Now, despite the fact that Maryann Cotton sounds an awful lot like the unknown son of Alice Cooper the two of them are unrelated. So, this isn't a case of some [..] > read more

Candlemass-Psalms for the Dead

Published on 2012-05-07 03:41:00

Napalm Records2012Something tells me that this won't be the last studio album for Candlemass. Even though they have said that they plan on concentrating on live performances first and foremost you have to imagine bassist Leif Edling has more to say. Granted, the band has been going on and off since 1984 (earlier if you consider that Nemesis was formed in 1982 or so) so Leif Edling has done more than his fair share for the doom metal scene. With "Psalms for the Dead" I'm reminded why so many band [..] > read more

Lethal Saint-Saint strikes back

Published on 2012-05-06 08:48:00

Dying Victims/Emanes Metal/Under Siege 2012I first heard Lethal Saint from Cyprus by way of their self-titled debut when it came out a little over two years ago. Now they are back with a seven inch. These guys are very much devoted to 1980's metal mainly focusing on a classic mid-tempo style that was popular around the early to middle part of that decade. So we get two tracks here. The first track "Out for the kill" comes busting on with a thick churning riff before settling down into a steady p [..] > read more

Usurpress-In permanent twilight

Published on 2012-05-05 13:37:00

2012I downloaded this disc a few weeks ago and there it sat. > read more

Hexen-Being And Nothing

Published on 2012-05-05 06:48:00

Pulverised2012I wasn't sure what to expect with Hexen. Sure, the name sounded familiar. Before doing a search though I gave the album a listen. After a rather timid piano opening Hexen starts off into this almost groove based rocker. Ok. Well, so far not so good. At this point I am not too hopeful. Thankfully things pick up. The sound is partway between thrash and neoclassical speed. They call it progressive thrash though. It's certainly heavy and crunchy enough and yet it sounds very technical [..] > read more

Current playlist

Published on 2012-05-04 18:15:00

Here you go. Andy-Listening to:Metal Meltdown IIIWargasm-Why Play AroundLA SteelNightcrawler-Soldiers In TimePleasant Living-Demo 2012Bodine-Bodine IIIStarighters-Alley Cat Blues SingleOutburst-Miles To GoSlander-Get Em SlanderedSweet Savage-Archives 1984-1989Watching:Sarah Jane Adventures The Complete Third SeasonAlien ContaminationWatchmenTwins Of EvilReading:The Wine TrialsMetal Mark-Listening to:Pyramid-First stoneLed Zeppelin-Houses of the holyMighty High-Legalize Tre BagsThe Trashmen-The g [..] > read more

Moonspell-Alpha Noir

Published on 2012-05-04 11:17:00

Napalm Records2012Twenty years is a long time for any band to stay together. For Moonspell, the Portuguese band that started off as more folk metal/goth metal, the past twenty years has seen changes and yet they remain more determined than ever. Formed in 1992 (out of the ashes of a band called Morbid God) the group has gone from a simple local act to heroes in their native land. Time has also helped shape the group's ninth studio album into a fusion of thrash, death metal and goth rock/metal. S [..] > read more

Vesperia-The Swordsman

Published on 2012-05-04 04:41:00

Self-Release2012Well, how about this little gem ladies and gents. The band formerly known as Bolero (and before that Dark Abyss from 2005 to 2007) has decided it's time for a name change. As of 2012 (yes, since the start of the new year it seems) the band has been going by the name Vesperia. Does that mean a change in tune as well? For this Ontario, Canada based band the answer seems to be the more things change the more they stay the same. At least style-wise that is! What it comes down to is t [..] > read more

Mighty High-Legalize Tre Bags

Published on 2012-05-03 18:33:00

Ripple Music2012You know what the music world needs more of? If you answered "reviewers who don't open reviews with questions" you may have a valid point. However I wade through so many albums from scowling, uptight bands that are afraid their faces will break if they crack a smile. Not that bands like that can't be good, but I love to hear an album that's great for the music but even better is when they are enjoying what they are doing and even better than that is when they have a sense of humo [..] > read more

Catheter-Southwest Doom Violence

Published on 2012-05-03 17:49:00

Selfmadegod2012Colorado's Catheter may be categorized as grindcore just due to the length of the songs or lack of it. They tie in bursts of death metal, thrash, sludge and all out into noise into short bursts. On a few tracks they do attempt to pull themselves and get the sound tied up enough to shape it into it some kind collective sound. For the most part they are perfectly content to clunk, bash and growl their way onward in their songs. What I like about this album is that they create some d [..] > read more

Slander- "Get Em Slandered" Track List Update

Published on 2012-05-03 14:22:00

This past Wednesday (May 2, 2012) I did a write-up on Slander's upcoming EP of covers. The EP, "Get Em Slandered", serves a similar purpose to Metallica's "The $5.98 E.P.: Garage Days Re-Revisited". Now, just as that was Metallica's first recording to feature new bass player Jason Newsted (a underrated bass player if ever there was one) this new EP will show off the new members of Slander while also tiding fans over until the new album arrives. For a more thorough overview of the project (as wel [..] > read more

Cardiac Arrest-Vortex of Violence

Published on 2012-05-03 09:24:00

Ibex Moon Records2012This is the fourth full-length album for Chicago-based death metal band Cardiac Arrest. Formed in 1997 the band is made up of Adam Scott (vocals, guitars), Dave Holland (bass, vocals), Tom Knizner (guitars, vocals) and Nick Gallichio (drums). Members have played in such bands as Eve's Bringer, D.O.T.A.C., Rellik, Severed and Dogod. As with the band's last album, "Haven For The Insane", this is horror-themed/old-school death metal through and through. It's grisly and raw, oft [..] > read more

Meatshank-Scavengers

Published on 2012-05-03 03:21:00

Self-released/Independent2010/2012Well, there's a bit of a back story on this one. I first read about these guys online (in passing) and so, being that I was interested to hearing them and this album (which even though it was released in 2010 is making the promo rounds again in 2012), I reached out to the band on Facebook. Meanwhile I happened upon their album at Stereo Killer (where they are streaming it) so I just went that route. Yes, that is the same Stereo Killer were I found the Pleasant L [..] > read more

Pleasant Living- Demo 2012

Published on 2012-05-02 14:25:00

Self-Release2012Pleasant Living is an old-fashioned (and fun) hardcore/punk band that features current/former members of Stout, TUI, Slumlords, and Pulling Teeth. FFO Slumlords, Wisdom In Chains and Animalhaus. The band's 5-track demo was recorded over the weekend of March 24-25th with everything but gang vocals and the mixing completed in just one day. Or at least that's what the band claims. That seems sort of hard to believe because this is some tight (and rocking) punk/hardcore complete with [..] > read more

Slander-Get Em Slandered (sneak peek)

Published on 2012-05-02 03:17:00

Slander are one of those bands that both Metal Mark and I love. Their NWOBHM-inspired take on heavy metal is exceptional. Recently the band sent me two songs to listen to from their forth-coming EP, "Get Em Slandered". The EP, which is an album of covers, will serve the purpose of introducing fans to Slander's new lineup. The band is fronted by Simon Staples and features Andy Saxon-Lamb (guitars), Andy 'Eddie' Edwards (drums) and Pete Hewitt (bass). After being away from the scene for 15 years ( [..] > read more

Fisthammer-Devour all you see

Published on 2012-05-01 16:48:00

Horror Pain Gore Death Productions 2012So I am am rolling the band name and the album title around before playing this one. > read more

Horisont-Second Assault

Published on 2012-05-01 11:50:00

Metal Blade Records / Rise Above Records2012Is it just me or does it seem as if I've had a lot of promos lately that have come from Sweden? You don't have to answer that question as I know that it is true. What is it about the place though? Is it something in the air? Something in their DNA? Or do they simply give every child an instrument as soon as they learn to walk? I wish I knew. With that said today's latest Swedish import is Horisont (Swedish for horizon) and just in case you hadn't alrea [..] > read more

Centerlink-Centerlink

Published on 2012-05-01 04:19:00

Self-Release2012Centerlink are a Boston area hard rock/heavy metal band that was formed in 2006 by members of UpperHand and Den of Thieves. This 3-piece band includes Parky (vocals and guitars), Billy-K (vocals and bass) and Jon Carota (drums) and they list bands like Black Sabbath, Black Label Society, Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Ozzy, Rush and System of a Down as influences. Now, despite the fact that the individual band members have years of experience under their respective belts (playing in [..] > read more

Adramelch - Lights From Oblivion

Published on 2012-05-01 03:42:00

Pure Prog Records2012I'm going to let you read the record label name above and then take one guess as to what "Lights From Oblivion" is all about. Did you make your guess? If you said that Adramelch played some variation of progressive rock/metal then you, my apt pupal, get a shiny new sticker. This Italian band was formed back in 1986 with a demo ("Irae Melanox") appearing the following year. In 1988 the Italian band (who by the way have been described as both a progressive rock/heavy metal act [..] > read more

Dog Shredder-Brass Tactics

Published on 2012-04-30 08:35:00

Good to die2012Hailing from Bellingham, Washington this band have knocked out an EP that attempts to throw in everything but the kitchen sink at various points. Every song title starts with the word "battle" too which probably should have told me they are either short on ideas or not as funny as they may think they are. The music here will probably eventually get listed as being post-everything. At it's roots it's probably progressive and perhaps experimental. Somewhere in between the lines is s [..] > read more

Atoma-Skylight

Published on 2012-04-30 06:05:00

Napalm Records2012Apparently there is more to the Stockholm, Sweden metal scene than just death metal. Who knew? "Skylight" may be Atoma's debut offering, but the band's roots can actually be traced back to the melodic doom metal group Slumber. In 2011, Slumber decided it was time they called it a day. The band split up and then turned right around and formed Atoma. The only thing is it had the same members as Slumber did so it was more like a continuation of the band if you will. Or maybe evolu [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems: Torch-Torch (iTunes Digital "Bonus Track Version")

Published on 2012-04-30 05:53:00

Alright, this will take a little bit of explaining. With this particular Forgotten Gems I've opted to cover the early eighties power metal act Torch and their 1983 self-titled album. Now, this heavy metal band hailed from Sweden and were formed in 1979. In 1982 the band released a self-titled 5-track EP. Then in 1983 came this album, also under the name of "Torch". In Germany it was released under the title “Warlock” with the same tracks, but when it came time for the eventual American re-is [..] > read more

Donald Trigger-Infinite Persistence

Published on 2012-04-29 17:46:00

Self-produced2012In 1989 Dainel Trigger heard Europe's "The final countdown" being played during a laser light show at the London Planetarium and this had such an impact on him that he wanted to make music that sounded "like that". He would form his first band at 15. Then he few years later he had some problems with this voice, but he would eventually recover and then form Trigger with his wife, then teenage guitarist Dave D'Andrade. Trigger would go on to record four albums and get some real at [..] > read more

Sledge Leather-Imagine Me Alive

Published on 2012-04-29 10:36:00

Metal Up Records2012Just last week I covered Leather Leone's lone solo release, "Shock Waves", in a Forgotten Gems article. The former Chastain vocalist, who has also played in Malibu Barbie and Rude Girl, has just resurfaced in a new project called Sledge Leather. Now, it should be quite obvious that the "leather" part of Sledge Leather refers to Leather Leone. Well, the "sledge" part is drummer Sandy Sledge (who also plays piano on the album's cuts "Torch" & "One Glimpse") who, besides playing [..] > read more

Everything Went Black-Cycles Of Light

Published on 2012-04-29 04:23:00

Lost Shepherd/Prosthetic2012Awhile back I talked about trying to cover some of the releases that we've had sitting around Heavy Metal Time Machine waiting to be reviewed. While these releases are not physically taking up space, as we are talking about our digital Haulix page here, they have been overlooked for one reason or another. With that said let's roll the dice so to speak and grab out Everything Went Black's album "Cycles Of Light". This particular release came out in mid-January so it is [..] > read more

Diablo Swing Orchestra- Pandora's Piñata

Published on 2012-04-28 10:23:00

Sensory Records/Candlelight Records2012Diablo Swing Orchestra (or DSO for short) is Swedish band that was formed in 2003. This is the group's third album so far and, believe it or not, the band's sound is made up of heavy metal, opera, swing jazz, tango and even spaghetti western type soundtrack music. How's that for an odd mix? The origin of band's name is a bit long so if your at all interested I've posted a link to Wikipedia below. The odd name of the band (and for that matter odd album title [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems-Blacklace-Unlaced

Published on 2012-04-28 08:43:00

Okay, admittedly unlike some of the forgotten gems I write this isn't some band I stumbled on the other day. This is New York's Blacklace and I have been a fan of theirs for some time. The first time I heard them was likely by way of them doing "I like to rock" on Hit Parader's Wild Bunch cassette only compilation back in 1985. It was a good solid rock track. Although as I would eventually find out they had even recorded even better songs. This New York band formed in 1981 then a demo in 1983 be [..] > read more

Blood Mortized- The Key To A Black Heart

Published on 2012-04-28 08:09:00

FDA REKOTZ2012Swedish death metal? Well, that is unusual. Or not. Really though when it's good death metal who cares if it is original right? Blood Mortized (nice name by the way) come courtesy of the German label FDA REKOTZ. It's far too early in the morning for me (and I was only left one cup of coffee!) to remember how it is that I came to get promos from these fine folks. Sometimes these things just show up in my inbox so who I am to argue? Formed in 2007, the band has released a self-titled [..] > read more

Stone Axe-Captured live! Roadburn festival 2011

Published on 2012-04-27 16:39:00

Ripple music2012Stone Axe have not been around that long but they sure have quite a few releases. Even though they have done just two LPs, there were two disc deluxe editions of those plus they releases some seven inches. So what kind of release are they missing? Oh, I know a live album. They teased with some live tracks as bonuses on those deluxe editions. From those we knew they could bring it live and were very comfortable on stage too. Yet a whole album would surely be even more spectacular. [..] > read more

Soundgarden-"Live To Rise" Single

Published on 2012-04-27 12:36:00

Hollywood Records, Inc.2012Back in the summer of 1990 I was turned onto Soundgarden by a girlfriend. The band's second studio album, "Louder Than Love" (which had been released in Sept. of 1989) became the soundtrack for my long nights working at Sea World (or Slave World as we liked to call it). Cleaning a park after hours can be a lonesome process, but somehow the sound of Chris and company made it easier to cope with. By the time "Badmotorfinger" came roaring out I had become a full-fledged f [..] > read more

Current playlist

Published on 2012-04-27 10:07:00

Here you go.Andy-Listening to: Heavy Metal Army-S/THuntress-Spell EaterKraze-Devil In DisquiseWarhead-SpeedwayCobra-Warriors of the Dead/Back from the DeadWarlord-AnthologyFaithful Breath-Gold 'n' Glory Blade Runner-Back Street Lady / Too Far Too Late, SingleFront Line-Outside Your Window 12"The Exploited-Death Before DishonourCharged GBH-City Baby Attacked by Rats Watching- The Abominable SnowmanThey LiveLeviation Quarantine 2 Reading- 52 Things Kids Need From A DadMetal Mark-Listening [..] > read more

Hartmann-Balance

Published on 2012-04-27 07:59:00

Avenue Of Allies2012When Oliver Hartmann's debut album, "Out In The Cold", was released in 2005 it was meet with rave reviews. The former At Vance front man (who has also been heard on rock operas such as Avantasia, Aina and Genius as well as guesting on many productions by acts like Hammerfall, Edguy, Helloween, Lunatica, Rhapsody, Soul Seller and Empty Tremor) ended up with numerous "Album Of The Month" awards and even a "Debut Album Of The Year" award. The same top-notch melodic rock that was [..] > read more

Kontrust: Second Hand Wonderland

Published on 2012-04-27 06:16:00

Napalm Records2012Kontrust are one those bands where, try as hard as you may, you just can't appreciate how different they are until you actual hear them. While the promo calls them "crossover" (not crossover as in D.R.I., S.O.D., etc) for me at least that particular tag doesn't quite cover the experimental nature of the band's sound. The band was formed in 2001 (out of the ashes of a band called Suicide Mission) and on "Second Hand Wonderland" the group delivers a genre jumping mix that is high [..] > read more

French Metal Friday: ADX

Published on 2012-04-27 04:24:00

ADX are one of those French bands that has managed to carve out a nice career for themselves in their homeland, where they are a highly respected group, and yet they are hardly known by the heavy metal community at large. Outside of their native country ADX are at best thought of as the French's answer to Agent Steel. And while that description is fair, the band's debut album, "Exécution", being one of the best speed metal albums of all time, they do have more to offer fans. This Paris act was [..] > read more

Huntress-Spell Eater

Published on 2012-04-26 12:01:00

Napalm Records2012Observant readers might recall that a month or so ago (March 22, 2012 to be precise) I did a write-up on Huntress and their "Eight of Swords" single. At the time I did wonder to myself if the band would prove to be anything more substantial than all the hype that surrounded the group's hot singer. After all, one good song does not an album make. Since that time two things happened though to change my mind and, as a result, get me truly excited to hear the whole album. The first [..] > read more

Angel King-World Of Pain

Published on 2012-04-26 06:27:00

meantime music2012Another Swedish sleaze metal/glam rock band? Is it just me or does it seem as if another new one pops up everyday? Taking a look at the album art left me with one of those "been there done that" feelings. And while I appreciate a hot angel with a gun as much as the next guy I wasn't exactly expecting to be blown away with anything original or inspiring. Thankfully Angel King were not as bad as I feared. This Stockholm based quartet was formed in late 2010 by guitar player Jack [..] > read more

NWOBHM WEDNESDAY: INCUBUS

Published on 2012-04-25 20:23:00

Andy says-This cult British band should not to be confused with either the rock band Incubus or the five or so other bands known as Incubus. Rather what we have here is a short-lived NWOBHM band that managed a 5 Way Split album on Guardian with fellow NWOBHM bands Millennium, Spartan Warrior, Risk and Tokyo Rose ("Pure Overkill") and their one odd album, " To the Devil a Daughter". What makes the album so odd? Well, first things first. Let's take a quick look at the band. Despite what the pictur [..] > read more

Top of the heap-Saxon

Published on 2012-04-25 09:06:00

Andy Says-Released only a few months after the classic "Wheels of Steel" the band's third studio album is my personal favorite by these NWOBHM legends. Seeing as we have covered this classic British act more than a few times already (be sure to check out our NWOBHM WEDNESDAY feature on the band) I won't spend too much time of the band's history. Needless to say along with Iron Maiden these guys are NWOBHM and the reason the movement had a lasting impact on future bands. Now, as is "Strong Arm Of [..] > read more

Kissin' Dynamite-Money, sex and power

Published on 2012-04-25 08:51:00

AFM2012This is the third album from this German sleaze/hard rock outfit. They wear their influences on their sleeves with Guns and Roses, AC/DC, Motley Crue and Skid Row showing through. Plus some comparisons to current younger acts like Reckless Love and Vains of Jenna could be drawn as well. This band seems to be getting some hype. I am not sure if that's because people really like them or if they are just amazed to see a band who isn't from Sweden playing this style these days. What I liked a [..] > read more

Strong Intention-Razorblade Express

Published on 2012-04-25 08:49:00

PATAC Records2012This six-track EP has been getting a bit of press thanks to the fact that the title cut, "Razorblade Express", features a guest spot from Eyehategod's one and only mad man Mike IX Williams. Forget that number for a second and consider the fact that the five other cuts on this release also offer the listener great bodily harm music wise. These tracks are just as intense, angry and in your face as the title cut is even without the help of Williams and his gargling razor blades voi [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems-Supernaut-s/t

Published on 2012-04-25 08:31:00

This is a strange one, folks. Strange because of it's origins so let me share that before getting at the music. Kissing Spell records released this album in 1999. This Supernaut were from England and are not be confused with 70's Australian glam band of the same name. This Supernaut supposedly formed in 1973 and had entered into negotiations with Vertigo records, but the record company decided not to release it because "it was too heavy". Too heavy? Well that sounds too good to be true...and it [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems: Black Widow-Satan's Playground

Published on 2012-04-25 06:14:00

Jab Productions2003Several years ago if you were to have asked me if I knew any bands by the name of Black Widow I'd have either brought up the occult rock/progressive rock act that released "Sacrifice" back in 1970 or the Belgium act that released the excellent "Streetfighter" in 1984. Just how Maryland's own Black Widow came to my attention is a long tale that is better suited for another day. For now at least let's just say that it was initially Black Widow's 7 minute track "Heavy Metal Warri [..] > read more

Incoming Cerebral Overdrive-LeStell: A voyage adrift

Published on 2012-04-25 05:08:00

Supernatural Cat2012Some people probably spend some time going over a band's background before listening to an album they are going to review. I rarely do that. Nope, I frequently just fire it up and give it a shot then do the research on the band later. I don't see the need to have any preconceived ideas about > read more

MENACE-MENTALLY ILL (Demo)

Published on 2012-04-25 03:28:00

Self-Release/Independent2012It's always good to hear that thrash music is alive and well even a place like Greece. To be precise the four-piece band Menace hail from Crete, but honestly this particular brand of thrash sounds more akin to something you'd expect to hear coming out of North or South American. The band has been around since 2006 although this seems to be their first recording. Or at least that is according to the Metal Archives. Now, before I get too far ahead of myself the promo ma [..] > read more

Trioscapes-Seperate realities

Published on 2012-04-24 20:16:00

Metal Blade2012Too often when a band gets the label of metal with jazz the results are more metal than jazz and you get varying results. What if a band's music involves just drums, bass and tenor saxophone? I see the metal fans that are still reading this getting antsy already. Hold on, it's more promising then you may think. How can it be metal without guitar? The answer is the saxophone takes lead parts that you may think would be assigned to the guitar. Now there are still some unpredictable [..] > read more

Dead Lord - No Prayers Can Help You Now

Published on 2012-04-24 12:20:00

High Roller Records 2012There isn't much to go by with this 7' EP I'm afraid. All I got from Pure Steel Promotion was a e-mail that suggested I check out the link. With that link I got the album cover and these two tracks. Nothing else. Likewise, online I didn't find much information on the group and as I'm pressed for time at the moment I will just cut this review short. Call it lazy journalism if you will or just the mad desire I have right now to figure out why my Itunes will not open. Dead L [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems: Leather-Shock Waves

Published on 2012-04-24 03:42:00

Leviathan Records1989Leather Leone is sadly not a name you hear mentioned much anymore. Despite fronting Ohio's Chastain through the eighties (and in the process helping to create some of heavy metal's top albums) she is often forgotten when discussions turn to metal's top singers. Even in Chastain itself it seemed as if she was overshadowed by the skills of guitarist David Chastain. One could certainly make the argument that Chastain's early albums would not have had the impact they did if not [..] > read more

Dragonsclaw-Prophecy

Published on 2012-04-23 14:25:00

Arkeyn Steel Records2012Dragonsclaw hail from Sydney, Australia. The band was formed in 2007 by guitarist Ben Thomas (Paindivision, ex-Thundasteel as well as a guest spot in Empires of Eden) with this, their debut album, just now being released. It actually took the band from 2007 to 2010 just to get a stable line up in place. Along with Ben's technical guitar skill the rest of the band is now being rounded out by fellow Paindivison member Ray Martens (keyboards), Giles Lavery (vocals) and (of K [..] > read more

The Love Below-Every Tongue Shall Caress

Published on 2012-04-23 06:45:00

A389 Records2012The Love Below is a fairly new California-based act made up of members of Carry The Casket, The Mistake and Mother Speed. After hearing The Love Below's (TLB for short) top-notch 2009 demo A389 Records approached the band with a contract in hand. After issuing their well-received debut EP, "Reproductive Rights" the band did a split with fellow A389 label mates Homewrecker. Now, on we move to 2012's full-length, "Every Tongue Shall Caress" where TLB offer up 10 new tracks (three t [..] > read more

Lyriel-Leverage

Published on 2012-04-23 03:38:00

AFM Records2012Even though this is the fourth full-length album for Germany's Lyriel it is my first experience with the group and their take on folk metal. Even if I am not the best judge of the genre (and would much rather be checking out some old fashioned traditional heavy metal act or even thrash band right about now) I am always looking to broaden my tastes and review music outside my comfort zone. Of course my comfort zone already includes everyone from ABBA to Napalm Death so how much mor [..] > read more

Best hair metal albums 5-1

Published on 2012-04-22 20:03:00

Here they are.5-Twisted Sister-Stay hungry-1984Any of their first three albums would fit here but I think this one had the greatest influence on the genre. 4-Def Leppard-Pyromania-1983These guys started out doing NWOBHM and eventually became an AOR band. In between they knocked out this really catchy album. > read more

Roach Clip-Night Falls

Published on 2012-04-22 10:56:00

PURE ROCK RECORDS2012It was back in 1990 when Roach Clip released their debut album, "Till Morning Light" on vinyl. This German band might have been around since 1986, but this is only the group's third album so the output leaves a bit to be desired. It would take until 2009 for the group to return with the aptly titled "The Return". In between the time of their debut and this, the group's third release the individual band members have kept themselves busy with other projects including Rose Tatt [..] > read more

Reaper-Fairies Return

Published on 2012-04-22 03:39:00

Karthago Records2012It never ceases to amaze me what heavy metal collectors will covet. With this 2012 re-release the fine folks over at Karthago Records are offering the obsessive heavy metal public another chance at owning 1986's "Fairies Return". This 4-track EP was a private pressing and as such is almost impossible to find. It is another one of those long sought after collector's items that seems to be valuable due more to it's scarcity than to the actually quality of the music itself. This [..] > read more

Best hair metal albums 10-6

Published on 2012-04-21 19:02:00

The countdown rolls on.10-Tigertailz-Bezerk-1990Heaven is a horrible ballad, but the rest of the album > read more

Cop Problem-Cop Problem

Published on 2012-04-21 07:02:00

War Torn / Prejudice Me2012Philadelphia's Cop Problem are a four-piece band that employs a D-beat-infused punk rock/crust/hardcore sound to get their political message across. On this, the group's debut 7", the listening public is treated to three songs of pent-up & abrasive punk rock that should resonate well with fans of the early crust scene. As the band fights against the powers that be the group is lead into battle by lead vocalist Deborah Cohen and let's just say that the ensuing assault i [..] > read more

Iron Mask-Black As Death

Published on 2012-04-21 03:20:00

AFM Records2012Iron Mask is a side project for Magic Kingdom guitarist Dushan Petrossi. It seems to a band in name only though as from all accounts Petrossi alone is the driving force for this neo-classical hard rock band. Iron Mask was formed back in 1998 by the Belgium guitarist and for this album at least the line-up also includes Mark Boals (Holy Force, The Codex, ex-Royal Hunt, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, etc.) and Roma Siadletski (Magic Kingdom) on vocals, Vassili Moltchanov (Magic Kingdom) on ba [..] > read more

Alocoholator-Coma

Published on 2012-04-20 07:39:00

High Roller Records2012Alcoholator is a four-piece band from Montreal that was formed in 2010. Influenced by bands such as Razor, Exodus, S.O.D., Kreator, Anthrax and Destruction the band made it their mission to play thrash metal that paid homage to the greats while retaining it's own identity. Even if the band's first demo was called "Drunker Than Thou'." and this album has such classic song titles as "Intoxication 101" (Instrumental), “Liquid Thrash”, “Drink Beer … Or Die Trying” an [..] > read more

Current playlist

Published on 2012-04-20 07:24:00

Currently listening to... > read more

French Metal Friday: Ocean

Published on 2012-04-20 05:36:00

Today's French Metal Friday feature actually dates back to 11/11/11. That was the date when I first started working on this Ocean article. At the time I couldn't even find a picture on the band online let alone any solid leads to a back story on the group. It wasn't for lack of trying that I finally decided to just walk away from the article. No, there was just very little information to be found on Ocean. Even now (after all the months that have passed) I'm still left trying to find my way arou [..] > read more

Best hair metal albums of all time 15-11

Published on 2012-04-19 20:23:00

Here you go.15-Quiet Riot-Metal Health (1983)Really helped push hard rock into the mainstream. Whether or not that was a good thing or not is debatable.14-Gypsy Pistoleros- Wild, beautiful, damned (2007)Easily the best hair metal band of the last 10 years.13-Tesla-Mechanical resonance (1986)One of the more talented bands of the genre. Also one of the more consistent as well.12-Lizzy Borden-Give 'em the axe (1984)They always kind of rode the line between hard rock and metal.11-Faster Pussycat-s/t [..] > read more

US Christmas-Bad Heart Bull

Published on 2012-04-19 11:24:00

Play The Assassin2012"Bad Heart Bull" was originally a 2004 self-released debut album from Appalachian doom/folks act US Christmas. Now dubbed USX, the band is led by guitarist/vocalist Nate Hal. The band's promo describes USX's sound as "Neil Young without the Heart Of Gold” and in a weird way that description is rather fitting. Think along the lines of a garage rock/folk rock act lead by Neil Young as he channels the spirit of a fuzzed-out Black Sabbath. Sounds odd doesn't it? And yet there [..] > read more

Interview with Slander

Published on 2012-04-19 09:38:00

HMTM-For those readers who might not be familiar with Slander can you share how the band came about. Steve Slater (original Singer) and Andy Saxon-Lamb had known each other for a while and had been discussing starting a band during 1989. They already had Andy ‘Greg’ Gregson (original guitarist) on board and they started auditioning people in early 1990. They received a phone call from Robin Duke (Entertainments correspondent @ the Blackpool Evening Gazette) stating that a band had dropped [..] > read more

Crystal Viper-Crimen Excepta

Published on 2012-04-19 05:35:00

AFM2012Poland's female fronted Crystal Viper return with a concept album about black magic and an inquisition. So keeping with that theme each track has an intro which is basically a few seconds of sound effects pertaining to what's going on in the story. As far the music the band continues on with the traditional metal they have been playing on their previous albums. You hear some Maiden, Priest, Manowar,Mercyful Fate, Warlock, Dio and others in their sound. It's not a whole different than thei [..] > read more

Dizzy Bitch-In The Pink (2011 Re-issue)

Published on 2012-04-18 03:32:00

Azra/FIJI Records/1986FnA/ 2011Oh dear God in heaven what in the name of all that is holy is this? "In The Pink" came out in 1986 and just in case you thought that eighties rock couldn't possible get any worse we have this three piece act and this pile of dung to prove that not only was there a rock bottom (see any "Hair Metal Hell" for proof), but there was a rock bottom to said rock bottom. Lead by vocalist/guitarist Hondo Blackout (it gets worse) the band also featured Tim Tation (ugh) on bas [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems-Metal Warrior compilation

Published on 2012-04-17 12:01:00

This mini-album compilation came out in 1987 and features some decent early 80's metal. Wait, 1987 wasn't the early 80's. True, but someone didn't tell the six bands on this album that because even though thrash, early death metal, prog-metal, power metal and other styles were going on elsewhere in 1987 the bands on this album were still playing NWOBHM inspired material. Not that this is a bad thing because what matters is it was good. Let's see what we got here. Deuce from UK are up first with [..] > read more

Primal Rock Rebellion-Awoken Broken

Published on 2012-04-17 10:33:00

Universal, Spinefarm2012Primal Rock Rebellion features Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith and former SikTh front man Mikee Goodman. Smith has written all of the tracks plus played all the guitars and bass. Goodman does all the lead vocals with backing vocals done by Smith and Tarin Kelley. Dan Foord (SikTh) does the drums on the album. Goodman contributes screams, screeches and spoken word bits. Smith contributes some heavier playing that what we are used to but he also puts in some of his chara [..] > read more

Iodine-An abyss at nightfall

Published on 2012-04-17 09:31:00

2012Portugual's Iodine play straight up no-nonsense death/metalcore/hardcore on their four song EP. That's not a style I am always thrilled by because so many bands fall in the trap of just being noise with no style. That's not totally the case here."Silent King" leads off the album and it's thick, twisted attack from the start. It never gets out of control and eventually they get some pace and mood changes going which it give it some needed texture. "Chaos swan" has a chaotic groove bouncing al [..] > read more

Running Wild-Shadowmaker

Published on 2012-04-17 04:13:00

Steamhammer2012Recently my 12 year old son Matt discovered a new pirate role playing game. As the two of us have been playing it and reflecting on the wonders of pirate life (from pillaging and plundering to scurvy and being made to walk the plank) I thought what better time than now do I have to review every one's favorite pirate metal band Running Wild? My first taste of the band came in the form of 1988's "Port Wild". As I made my way backwards to their earlier material I was rather surprised [..] > read more

Mydra-Mydra

Published on 2012-04-17 03:52:00

Yesterrock2012Mydra was one of many German melodic hard rock bands to come out of the later half of the eighties. As the story goes the band emerged out of the ashes of another Hamburg band called Charon. After two albums under that name Charon’s line-up changed so much that a new name was in order. Or at least Phonogram Records thought as much so after the names Midas Touch and Hydra were rejected by the label the band settled in on Myra. The rest as they say is history. Recorded between 1987 [..] > read more

Loaded Gun-s/t

Published on 2012-04-16 08:03:00

Pictured above: Ron Mitchell guitar, Colin Spence bass, Ed Owens Vocals, Jim Holmes drums, Dave Classen guitarSelf-produced2012This album includes seven tracks from New Jersey's Loaded Gun. This is 80's inspired hard rock that reminds me some of 80's Alice Cooper, Little Caesar, Cinderella, and others. "Loaded Gun" comes sliding on with a comfortable groove and gets even better as it goes along. "Lie alone" begins with a thick and heavy vibe. This is a fairly basic track, but it benefits from b [..] > read more

Lord Mantis-Pervertor

Published on 2012-04-16 06:25:00

Candlelight Records2012This is another promo that has been sitting around the headquarters of Heavy Metal Time Machine waiting to be review. Again looks can be quite deceiving. I half expected this to be vile black metal of some sort. Instead we get really vile and greasy sludge metal. Lord Mantis hail from Chicago and are comprised of bassist/vocalist Charlie Fell (Nachtmystium, Von, Von Venien), drummer Bill Bumgardner (Indian) and guitarists Andrew Markuszewski (Avichi, Nachtmystium, Von, Von [..] > read more

First Jason-Jason Is Watching

Published on 2012-04-16 03:32:00

Thom Hazaert Company2012First Jason is a band fronted by a certain Ari Lehman. For those of you who don't recognize the name he played the very young and decayed corpse of Jason Voorhees in the first Friday the 13th (1980). At the end of the film there is a scene when lone survivor Alice floats peacefully in the canoe before Jason (Ari Lehman) leaps up out of the water and pulls her underwater. The scene if truly shocking and has been on numerous top 10 "Most Scary Moments" lists. After Aril qui [..] > read more

When Tigers Fight-Death Songs

Published on 2012-04-16 03:32:00

Closed Casket Activities2012Sometimes it feels so good to be wrong. Looking at this band's name and cover art work I was really expecting some sort of post-rock/black metal hybrid. Instead this is another vehicle for vocalist Mike McTernan of Washington DC-based hardcore band Damnation A.D. With Mike on vocals and Jonathan Dennison of Another Victim, Unholy, Santa Sangre, The Path Of Resistance, The Promise and more on guitars this one couldn't help but win me over. Had I bothered to do my homew [..] > read more

Tyketto-Dig in deep

Published on 2012-04-15 09:03:00

Frontiers2012I downloaded this one like a week ago and there it sat on my computer staring at me untouched. The fear of another older band doing a comeback made me hesitate on this one. This is the first new album in 18 years from the original lineup. While I liked Tyketto's early albums and felt they suffered from coming out in a crowded scene I couldn't help but have visions of this being a cash-in comeback attempt that left me hollow. I couldn't have been more wrong. There's always one or two [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems: Purgatory-Tied To The Trax

Published on 2012-04-15 07:36:00

Auburn Records1986As far as I am concerned no label has done more for the Ohio metal scene that Auburn Records. From as far back as I can remember (my late teens/early twenties being a bit of a blur as it is) I've loved the Ohio metal scene. Thanks to Auburn Records I had been exposed to great groups like Breaker, Chemikill, Attaxe, Destructor (great live!), Wretch and Shok Paris. Thanks in no small part to their excellent 1990 cassette compilation, "Heavy Artillery" (article to follow on this k [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems-Born to Metalize compilation

Published on 2012-04-14 10:43:00

This compilation came out from Megaforce records and featured four New York/New Jersey bands. I remembered seeing the album cover for this on an ad from Megaforce that was in Hit Parader or one of those magazines back around 84/84. The album title sounded good to my teenage mind, but the cover was bland and I never saw it pop up at my any record store. I forgot about it entirely until recently when I saw a review on it with a download link. Each band has multiple tracks. I'll take on each band i [..] > read more

Steak Number Eight-All Is Chaos

Published on 2012-04-14 05:46:00

PID/2011Metal Hammer/2012If I had early on decided that album opener "Dickhead" was the way this album would unfold there is no doubt whatsoever that I'd have missed out on something good. This juvenile track is full-on "Big Dumb Sex" (lyric wise) and seemly presents itself so far out of place one wonders why they opted to have it open the album. Lyrically these four young lads (average age now seems to be 20) are much more thoughtful and open as the album unfolds so having "suck my dick" lyrics [..] > read more

Warlord-Anthology

Published on 2012-04-14 04:05:00

Arkeyn Steel Records2012There are some bands who are destined for greatness from the word go. These bands seem to be riding with lady luck if you will. Everything they do makes their audience grow and suddenly they are the biggest band in the world. Or at least they get the props and fans they deserve. One such act would be Motorhead. For all their hard work and long fought battle within the music industry they have become legends. They deserve every bit of glory and praise that is heaped upon t [..] > read more

Current Playlist

Published on 2012-04-14 01:31:00

Here you go.Andy-Listening to- Slander-Careless Talk Costs LivesMetal City CompilationNitro-LethalMidnight Blue-Midnight BlueDefender-Remaining TalesDark Heart-Shadows Of the NightSkew Siskin-Skew SiskinMidevil-Forced To BelieveIronheart-ArchivesHeavy Artillery CompilationWatching-Doctor Who-Paradise TowersFuturama Season 5Bad MoonGraveyard ShiftReading-Sherlock Holmes And The Case Of Sabina HallMetal Mark-Listening to-Tigertailz-BezerkIron Maiden-Brave new worldSmash Alley-Too late to say noSle [..] > read more

Pantera-"P**s" Single

Published on 2012-04-14 01:10:00

Atlantic Records2012Is "P**s" really the only "complete" previously unheard/unreleased track left for Pantera? Drummer Vinnie Paul seems to think so. The track in question was a leftover number from the "Vulgar Display of Power" sessions and it was only discovered when drummer Vinnie Paul was putting together the pieces for the 20th anniversary reissue of said album. This rediscovered track should be more than enough to drive Pantera fans into convulsions. The track might have been "forgotten" o [..] > read more

Best Hair Metal albums of all time-20-16

Published on 2012-04-13 10:17:00

The countdown moves on to numbers 20-16. By looking at this set it's safe to assume that 1989 was good year for hair metal. 20-Skid Row -s/t (1989)I don't like this one near as much as I did back then. Still was a decent kick in the pants that went against the sappier hair metal that was on the rise.19-Tigertailz-Young and crazy (1987)Not their best album (hint hint), but it does feature their best vocalist-Steevi Jaimz.18-Tora Tora -Surprise Attack (1989)These guys played a solid brand of blues [..] > read more

Sleep-Dopesmoker

Published on 2012-04-13 07:22:00

Southern Lord2012Let's get he back story out of the way here first. SLEEP had done two album in the early 90's and then signed to London records for their next project. Well, the band went in the studio and cranked out a 63 minute long song called Dopesmoker.Their label was not happy with this so the band went back to the studio and edited it down to 52 minutes and called it Jerusalem. The label still didn't like it so they shelved it and dropped the band. The band would eventually call it quits [..] > read more

Desaster-The Arts of Destruction

Published on 2012-04-13 04:33:00

Metal Blade Records2012Time to dust off a few promos that have been left untouched here at Heavy Metal Time Machine. Or at least that is my goal in the next few days. With the kids back to school after spring break and the house a little more quiet than usual I thought I would sort through some of the "interesting" releases that have not been reviewed by either Metal Mark or myself. Now with that we take a look at and listen to the band Desaster. German metal act Desaster can trace their history [..] > read more

Kane Roberts-Kane Roberts

Published on 2012-04-13 03:41:00

Yesterrock/ Universal2012This re-release should make fans of Kane Roberts quite happy. This is especially true if you have held off on picking up this release thanks to the outrageous price on sites like Amazon ($90 for this album! Really?) and Ebay. For those of you out of the loop Kane Roberts is mostly known for his work with Alice Cooper. As Alice's guitar player he performed on the albums “Constrictor” and “Raise Your Fist To Hell” as well as performing live on the tours for those a [..] > read more

Best Hair Metal albums of all time-25-21

Published on 2012-04-12 15:43:00

Before I begin the countdown I just have a few more rules. Live albums and anthologies are not eligible for the list, just studio LPs and EPs. A band can have more than one album on the list. So here we go.25-Poison-Look what the cat dragged in (1986)This may be at the top of some people's lists. The playing is very basic, but this is an influential album in this style.24-Smash Alley-Too late to say no (2007)Chicago's Smash Alley were active back in the hair metal hey day, but this wasn't releas [..] > read more

Wytch Hazel-"Surrender" Single

Published on 2012-04-12 06:35:00

Self-Release2011If one didn't know better you could be forgiven for thinking this 2-track single/demo was a long lost NWOBHM release. Hailing from Preston (United Kingdom) this four piece band was formed in 2011 releasing this 2-track hard rock/NWOBHM sampling shortly there after. Their bio states "Inspired by the likes of Henry VIII, Sacred vocal works and other Medieval and Renaissance music there emerged a band who decided to do something a bit different within the area of old fashioned Hard [..] > read more

Unisonic-Unisonic

Published on 2012-04-12 04:54:00

Armoury2012Unisonic's big claim to fame seems to be the fact that it is the first musical union between former Helloween members Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen in some 23 years. Besides featuring the former Helloween vocalist (Kiske) and guitarist (Kai Hansen also of Gamma Ray) the band features guitarist Mandy Meyer (Asia, Gotthard and Krokus), bassist Dennis Ward and drummer Kosta Zafiriou (both of Germany’s Pink Cream 69). This self-titled album was preceded by their debut EP, "Ignition" earl [..] > read more

Havok-Point of No Return

Published on 2012-04-12 02:11:00

Candlelight Records2012Havok's sophomore release was reviewed by Metal Mark (link below) and as I was just reading it (I like to re-read both of our old reviews on bands we've covered prior to writing the new reviews) I found myself in complete agreement with my friend on the band's influences. This is old school thrash from a band still rather young and just starting their career. With this special EP release you get two new songs, remakes of Sepultura and Slayer classics, and both of the thras [..] > read more

Best Hair Metal albums of all time-Honorable mentions

Published on 2012-04-11 18:30:00

As I announced the other day I will be tackling a top 25 hair metal albums of time list. Over the last few days I listened to albums and made the list. However I decided to put out some honorable mentions first and then tomorrow and I'll begin the countdown with numbers 25-21.Here in no order are the honorable mentions.Spread Eagle-s/t (1990)Generally I think hair metal was getting weaker in the 90's, but these guys were one of the exceptions.Black-n-Blue-s/t (1984)Now they may have made the top [..] > read more

Wardrum-Desolation

Published on 2012-04-11 12:04:00

Steel Gallery Records2012Right after the Greek band Wardrum unleashed their debut album “Spadework” to the metal community they went back to work on the follow-up. With only a year removed from then to now this new release, "Desolation" is a step-up as far as follow ups go and an amazing display of highly skilled progressive power metal. Everything from the song writing to the album's artwork (which is a work of Piotr Szafraniec created specifically for Wardrum) to the band's new singer Yann [..] > read more

Crazy Lixx-Riot Avenue

Published on 2012-04-11 05:10:00

Frontiers2012This is the third album from Sweden's Crazy Lixx. I remember when their debut received quite a bit of hype as have a lot of recent glam bands from Sweden. Although I don't think any of these bands have quite exploded like many people predicted they would four or five years ago. Back to Crazy Lixx. They have a definite Def Leppard mixed with sleaze rock sound. This time around they have definitely made an effort to put some rock into their approach. Now this album is at times more su [..] > read more

Demon Lung-Pareidolia

Published on 2012-04-11 04:08:00

Self-Release2012Of all the places in America Las Vegas is the last place I would think of when it comes to doom metal. So how is it then that they have such a highly skilled doom band? And one that is less then 2 years old to boot! With my surprise aside what better way could you find to wind down a cold and snowy Tuesday evening in April than with 22-minutes of Black Sabbath/Candlemass inspired doom? Fronted by Jinx Dawson loving Shanda Frederick (Jinx was in the band Coven who incidentally are [..] > read more

Trixter-New Audio Machine

Published on 2012-04-10 16:54:00

Frontiers2012It's safe to say that almost every band from years ago will make a comeback of sorts if they can. Sometimes they'll do it whether anyone wants them to or not. Before you say something like "they don't make music like they used to" maybe you better try and remember all the bands that were around in your day. That brings us to Trixter, remember them? They made a slight impact towards the tail end of the hair metal ride in the early 90's. Their young faces were in Metal Edge and all th [..] > read more

Desultor-Master of hate

Published on 2012-04-10 05:40:00

Abyss2012Sometimes having too many ingredients can cause problems if you don't know how to mix them right. Then other times in the right hands having numerous items mixed together can turn out to be quite spectacular. Desultor's album falls in that second category. They grabbed some power metal, progressive metal plus some black and death metal inspired growls. There's even some thrash riffs and some almost hardcore touches too. We all know that it's quality not quantity that matters. Fortunatel [..] > read more

Thunderskull-Thunderskull

Published on 2012-04-10 05:16:00

STF-Records / Finetunes2012Here we have another album that has made it's way into my hands thanks to some fellow music collectors. For this being a new release (March) there really is not much to go on. Online it seems as if this is one obscure band with hardly any mention made of them. Even a search over at my bookmarked fave the Encyclopedia Metallum yielded no results. It is highly unusual these days for The Metal Archives not to have a band listed so that tells you something right there. All [..] > read more

Stahlmann-Quecksilber

Published on 2012-04-10 04:15:00

AFM Records2012Draw a nice long line from German electric rock pioneers like Die Krupps and Oomph to electric rock/metal act Rammstein. Now draw a much shorter line from Rammstein to Stahlmann and the result is more German electric rock with little in the way of original ideas. What more do Stahlmann bring to the table than that? Is there anything they have other than a love for all things Rammstein? Nothing as far as I can tell. Listen to this album and there really is nothing to hear that dist [..] > read more

Hellyeah-"War In Me" Single

Published on 2012-04-10 03:47:00

Eleven Seven Music2012If it wasn't for Vinnie Paul being the drummer of Hellyeah I highly doubt anyone in their right mind would have given their self-titled debut a listen. Even with Vinnie Paul involved in this so called "super group" the end result was watered down hard rock with about as much credibility as Celine Dion covering AC/DC. When you have the lead screamer of mallcore/crap metal act Mudvanye fronting your band you deserve to be ridiculed folks. So how is it then that the new single [..] > read more

Top Hair Metal albums of all time

Published on 2012-04-09 11:53:00

I have contemplating doing this list for some time and there are plenty of reasons to do it and plenty of reasons not. Ultimately I have decided to do a Top 25 all time Hair Metal albums list. I'll probably do it as a countdown in sets of five and then put the whole list together at the end. Before I begin the lists I wanted to add come clarifications and lay down ground rules. I think the term hair metal is a big broad and some people may include bands that others would not. I have seen Ozzy an [..] > read more

Charm City Devils-"Man Of Constant Sorrows" Single

Published on 2012-04-09 10:04:00

Fat Lady Music2012Have you ever wondered what it would have sounded like if Metallica had opted to cover the traditional American folk song "Man Of Constant Sorrows" for their Garage Inc. album? No? Me neither. With that said I suspect this is what it would have sounded like. For fans of hard rock Charm City Devils only....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii8u4GDCwRU > read more

Mike Armine – Verse & Cleansing Undertones of Wake / Lift

Published on 2012-04-09 09:36:00

Translation Loss 2012This 2 CD set compiles the solo albums from Rosetta front man Mike Armine. "The Cleansing Undertones of Wake/Lift gets remastered on this version. This is a selection of various blasts of ambiance and pure drone. Frequently the music also encompasses sounds, rhythms and tones that sound like an early 1980's science fiction movie soundtrack as interpreted by someone with a sense of melody. Although the albums could be seen as demanding a certain amount of patience from the li [..] > read more

Forgotten Gema-Matthias Steele-Haunting tales of a warrior's past

Published on 2012-04-09 04:08:00

Rhode Island based trio Matthias Steele formed in 1985, knocked out a demo in 1987, but it would be four years until they put out a full length album. I downloaded this at some time and frankly I don't remember when or why. I was looking on my computer for something to listen to listen and saw this album sitting there. I knew I'd never listened to it and don't really remember putting it on there. So I cued it up, gave it a shot and was in shock with just how good this album was. It's a real blen [..] > read more

A New Decree-A New Decree

Published on 2012-04-09 03:59:00

A New Decree/CD Baby2012Hailing from the "southern-most part of Georgia" is four-piece band A New Decree. Formed in the early part of 2010 the band is made up of vocalist/guitarist Garrett Cross, lead guitarist/vocalist Kevin Morris, bassist PA Morgan and Dustin Cross. The band's bio lists bands like Alter Bridge, Alice in Chains, Black Sabbath, and Black Stone Cherry as influences as well as artists like Paul Gilbert, Buckethead, Zakk Wylde, Mark Tremonti and Jon Fred Young. Vocalist Garrett Cr [..] > read more

Paradise Lost-"Crucify"

Published on 2012-04-09 03:35:00

Century Media2012As I recently found myself in possession of some free Amazon MP3 credits I decided to download some new material to review. I'm familiar with England's Paradise Lost although I'd say our relationship is more of a casual friendship than anything else. I do seem to recall a doomdeath sound coming from this band in their early days and one quick search later it all came back. Listening to the band's early works subsequently jogged my memory and helped clear some of the cobwebs out [..] > read more

Fury-Burn the Earth

Published on 2012-04-08 17:43:00

Self-released/independent2012This is the second EP in two years for 4-piece thrash metal act Fury. Note that this Fury hail from Worcester, West Midlands and shouldn't be confused with any of the various other bands known as Fury. I know what your thinking because I'm thinking it as well. It sure gets confusing when you have half a dozen bands with the same name. For what it is worth (and for some it might be worth more than others) this Fury sounds decent and this isn't a bad little 4-track EP. [..] > read more

Vladimirs-The Late Hours

Published on 2012-04-08 05:12:00

High Roller Records2012This one actually came out in 2011 from what I've read. High Roller Records is just offering "The Late Hours" on LP for all fans of this classic horror punk group. This Ohio act was formed in 1995 (a fateful year for me!) and "The Late Hours" makes album number eight for the gang. Not much has changed for the group over the years and other than the departure of original bass player Doug Nevels in 2007 the line up has not changed at all. Granted there was a gap of five year [..] > read more

Black Messiah-The Final Journey

Published on 2012-04-08 04:58:00

AFM2012Normally if you asked me if I would rather listen to folk metal or have a brick dropped on my foot I'd say give me a second to get my foot ready. This is because many folk metal/black metal mix bands just sound like someone tossed a bunch of various instruments together, swirled them up fast, mixed in some viking conquering lyrics and then dumped it onto a CD. Fortunately some acts are more talented and take a little pride in their music. Black Messiah have the writing skills and the pla [..] > read more

Halestorm-The Strange Case Of…

Published on 2012-04-08 03:20:00

Atlantic Records (US)/Roadrunner Records (UK)2012When the sophomore release from Pennsylvania hard rock outfit Halestorm came my way I didn't plan to review it. Like every other person in the world I heard their first single, “I Get Off”, and wasn't overly impressed. Without spending too much time on the subject I wrote them off as another post-grunge/hard rock/radio rock band. How many does the world really need? From the album art I thought this one would be lame. Maybe just maybe I'll hav [..] > read more

Cancer Bats-Dead set on living

Published on 2012-04-08 03:11:00

Metal Blade2012Canada's hardcore act the Cancer Bats have released their forth album. This is actually a mix of hardcore, and various metal elements including some definite blasts of doom. Most of the tracks are fairly heavy and I like how they cut to the chase and get straight into the songs. I also appreciate the raspy, seared through vocals particularly on "The void" and "Road sick". The music flows well away, but sometimes the riffs get buried below the vocals and even the drums in the mix. [..] > read more

Struck By Lightning-True Predation

Published on 2012-04-08 02:39:00

Translation Loss Records2012Columbus, Ohio might be known for it's college and athletics. Indeed the campus is very lovely and the highlight of the sports department has to be the Horseshoe. Get outside the campus area though and man are there some scary and run down parts of town. These are the sorts of spots where you do not want to get stuck there on foot at nighttime. I have to imagine that is where we would find Struck By Lightning. This four-piece band features Gregory Lahm (previously of [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems-Buster Cherry-s/t

Published on 2012-04-07 12:37:00

Not to be confused with the album Buster Cherry released by Cherry St. in 1999. This band Buster Cherry recorded this EP in 1990and according to Retrospect it was not released until they released it in 2005, but now it's out of stock. Very little is known about this band. The band credits are in the CD card but only first names with first initials for the last name. Plus there's not even a band picture. You are probably hoping the music is better than the band name. Well, fortunately it is. Open [..] > read more

Iron Maiden-En Vivo!

Published on 2012-04-07 09:58:00

DVDUniversal2012Iron Maiden have several years between studio albums, but part of that is due to their extensive touring schedules. Of course they have released plenty of live CDs and DVDs along the way. Now we get En Vivo! take from a show on April 10th, 2011 when Maiden played in Chile's Estadio Nacional in Santiago in front of 50,000 fans. Iron Maiden have been around for well over three decades and they have been through ups and downs. However age hasn't slowed them down and the last decade [..] > read more

Trippy The Clown-"Shitting On Da Cop Car" - Single

Published on 2012-04-07 08:57:00

Independent/Tunecore2012Shit sandwich. > read more

Mania-Unchained Wrath

Published on 2012-04-07 08:54:00

Firefield Records2012Not to be confused with the other German heavy metal band Mania or the Texas heavy metal band Mania. Rather this Mania is all about thrash. Since they do come from Germany there is a lot of Sodom, Destruction and Kreator to be found as well as some death metal leanings. This debut album follows two demos and from the sounds of it these guys might be onto something down the road. Again, not original in the least and not something we haven't seen a thousand times before. But i [..] > read more

Mechanikill-Operation: Rebell

Published on 2012-04-07 04:05:00

Mechanikill/CD Baby2012Not much to go on with this band I'm afraid. Mechanikill was suggested by a friend of mine who is a total thrash metal junkie. How he came across this band I didn't think to ask. All that I have to go by is a very brief bio on their ReverbNation page. Based in Salinas, CA. the band was founded by guitarist David Carrasco and drummer Bijan Kooroshfar in 2010. The bio goes on to say "Metal is our specialty and we are serving it to the whole world". Pretty straight forward ap [..] > read more

Reviews for suckas-Judas Priest-Nostradamus

Published on 2012-04-06 19:02:00

Mr. T is a true tough guy, but this time he's taking on an album that's so bad it could wear down most people. Hey, this is Mr. T, surely he can take it and give Judas Priest what they deserve. Let's see what he has to say."I didn't need to be Nostradamus to predict this album was going to smell like a full dumpster on a Sunny day. This band used to be good, but they just ramble on like idiots and spout out crazy jibba-jabba on this album. Look at some of these songs. "Alone"? No wonder they're [..] > read more

Current Playlist

Published on 2012-04-06 12:56:00

Andy-Listening to:Incubus-To The Devil A Daughter Killers-Fils De La Haine Taist Of Iron-Resurrection 2011 Re-issue Radio Birdman-The Essential Radio BirdmanLeather-Shock Waves Carrion-Evil Is There! CJSS-World Gone Made Criminal-Dead Souls Shok Paris-Go For The Throat S.N.F.U.-And No One Else Wanted To Play Watching- The Omega Man Escape 2000 Doctor Who The Movie Lisa And the Devil Hell Night Nightmares Metal Mark-Listening to-Iron Maiden-A matter of life and death and Piece of mindExecutioner- [..] > read more

Atom Smash-Beautiful Alien

Published on 2012-04-06 08:30:00

Panacea Records2012Miami's Atom Smash was formed in 2006 by vocalist "Serg"io Sanchez and Producer Paul Trustto. The duo began to write music and were soon introduced to Dr. Bill Ray owner of Panacea Records. After numerous line-up changes the group ended up in the services of Dirk Hemsath owner of Doghouse Records and The Working Group Artist Management. Hemsath took over management for the band and suggested the name Atom Smash. Two EPS were released in 2009. After recording a demo with produc [..] > read more

Speedpig-Hog roast in hell

Published on 2012-04-05 09:16:00

Self-produced2011Hailing from Bridgend, South Wales is the two man project Speedpig. What we have here is a strong combination of stoner rock, 80's metal and a modern touch as well. Beginning with "Kill you to death" they launch into a multi-level attack and never let up. "Black Acid" slides on like great oily monster, but soon erupts into a faster burst of energy. "Rise up and die" is a bit more sedate, but it really focuses on the vocals and some simple yet heavy drum beats. "Tsunami" is a fuz [..] > read more

Blaze-Blaze

Published on 2012-04-05 04:22:00

High Roller Records2012Before anyone else gets confused there are two bands from Japan named Blaze. One was formed in 1975 and one was formed in 1998. Now the one that was formed in 1975 has a complicated enough story so thankfully this is the younger one of the two. While they both play heavy metal/hard rock this younger group is influenced by British metal. More specifically the NWOBHM movement. With that said this is more on the melodic side of the genre with names like Urchin, High Treason, [..] > read more

Rizon-Masquerade

Published on 2012-04-04 04:12:00

Kathargo Records2012Pure Steel Promotion had Switzerland's Rizon listed as melodic power rock. Given the fact that I had never heard of this group I approached this release with caution. Lately the bulk of promo material I've accessed from Pure Steel has been of the traditional heavy metal variety so I found myself wondering exactly what would be in store for my ears. With two albums already to their name ("Evolution" in 2005 and "Sudden Life" in 2008) this 7 (!) piece band proved that you shoul [..] > read more

Tester-"Undone" Single

Published on 2012-04-04 03:50:00

A little over one year ago I was turned onto Framingham, MA act Tester. This hard rock/heavy metal act blew me away with their "King Of The World" album. The band draws from acts like Kiss, Anthrax, AC/DC, Motorhead, Foo Fighters, Black Sabbath and Van Halen to create a sound all their own. Imagine something like traditional rock meets 70's hard rock only with much more street fighting ability. Yeah, I know it's only heavy metal but I like it....yes I do. According to a Facebook remark the band [..] > read more

Gates of slumber-Suffer no guilt re-issue

Published on 2012-04-03 19:16:00

Deepsend2012Originally released in 2006 this album gets a re-issue from Deepsend records. Gates of slumber sometimes get multiple labels because they normally get to doom label which is deserved due to the thick slow riffage, but they certainly have a bit more of a classic metal sound as well. I liked their early albums, but for me this was the one where they opened up a little bit and began moving away from being just a doom band. So we get ten tracks with four being instrumentals and three are [..] > read more

Overkill-The Electric Age

Published on 2012-04-03 12:37:00

Nuclear Blast Records2012When "Electric Rattlesnake" was released awhile back I would have never guessed that it would end up being one of the new album's strongest tracks. Overkill's sixteenth studio album is not bad or anything it is just that they released the best cut as a single. Of course usually that is the way singles are supposed to work so who I am to argue right? Now I know Metal Mark is more of an old school Overkill fan and frankly that is understandable as prime Overkill is nothing [..] > read more

Phenomena – Awakening

Published on 2012-04-03 12:08:00

Escape Music2012Phenomena's story begins back in the early part of the eighties. This hard rock/melodic metal band was created by record producer Tom Galley with the term super group in mind. Throughout the band's career numerous well known musicians have been involved and the results have been pretty impressive. The best way to describe the band's approach would be to point toward Liberty N' Justice. In other words bring in any and every musician you could think of from hard rock/AOR and melodi [..] > read more

Heavy Metal albums: Physical vs. Digital

Published on 2012-04-02 09:11:00

When I started getting promos to review for this site back in 2007 they were 90% physical copies and now just a few years later the promos are 98% digital. I think at first I was always for physical copies because that's what I grew up with. I was hesitant to switch to digital promos, but did so because that's the way promos were going. After doing it for a while. I actually found it easier in some ways. Positives for digital:-You have it on your computer so no searching and wondering where did [..] > read more

Hair Metal Hodge Podge-Johnny Burning and Kik Tracee

Published on 2012-04-02 08:14:00

It's time for another round of Hair Metal Hodge Podge. I closed my eyes and pulled two discs out of the bag. Here they are.Johnny Burning-Get up, get loose, get off!Background-The guys hailed from Italy and released this album in 2008. I reviewed this album a few years ago and after a quick search through other reviews it looks like I was one of the few people who didn't fall head over heels in love with this one. I gave it a so-so review, but the record label must not have been happy with it be [..] > read more

Shok Paris-"Those Eyes/Battle Cry (Live)" Digital Single

Published on 2012-04-02 07:44:00

Auburn Music2012If you grew up in the shadow of Cleveland in the eighties there were two bands you knew about-Breaker and Shok Paris. Those two bands were the top of the heap when it came to Ohio's heavy metal scene in the eighties and put us on the map. Of the two acts I always gave the slight edge to Shok Paris. Their music was part mainstream hard rock and part melodic/traditional heavy metal. In other words it was hard and heavy music that often bordered on power metal. For many of us collec [..] > read more

Solipsist-Extinction Protocol

Published on 2012-04-02 04:19:00

Self-Release2012When Solipsist posted on FaceBook that they were looking for sites to review their new EP I jumped at the opportunity. Having reviewed the group's "The Human Equation" (link below) I can tell you that these guys bleed metal. Maybe I really am a gluten for punishment because listening to Solipsist can be like having someone hit you upside the head with a spiked baseball bat ala Escape From New York. There is heavy and then there is HEAVY. Solipsist fall into that second category. [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems: Madd Hunter-Madd Hunter

Published on 2012-04-02 03:36:00

GME Records1997Madd Hunter is a two-man heavy metal project from Brockton, Massachusetts. This self-titled debut was released in 1997 and features Phil Grasso on vocals, guitar and bass alongside drummer Barry Spillberg. Steel Assassin fans should already know who Phil is. As the bass player for Steel Assassin he can be heard on the group's latest release "WW II: Metal of Honor" as well as the band's older releases. His bass playing is simply wicked and along with veteran drummer Barry Spillberg [..] > read more

Hollywood Burnouts-Excess all areas

Published on 2012-04-01 17:24:00

Rock Road Entertainment/Soul Food2012The opening line on album opener "Hands of rock" states "we are the new generation". Wow, really? Germany's Hollywood Burnouts sound more like hard rock/AOR leftovers from the mid-late 80's. These guys formed in 2008 and quickly knocked out a demo and then an EP before now putting out a full length effort. This band has received some hype going into this album and in recent years plenty of young acts have been hoping to re-charge the hard rock scene or cash i [..] > read more

Heavy metal and hard rock comebacks in 2012

Published on 2012-04-01 12:28:00

There are always band attempting comebacks every year. Some work out and some don't. SO here are one quarter of the way through 2012 and already there have been some comebacks and there are more on the horizon. Van Halen are probably the one that is the most high profile comeback. On top of that Fastway, Exumer and others have made comebacks as well. The best one to me so far this year is far and away Angel Witch with their album "As above so below". It's such an impressive effort that it would [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems-Titan-Steps

Published on 2012-04-01 07:17:00

This album came out a little over two years ago. I reviewed it back then and I had forgotten it about for a while until I was moving some CDs around. This disc fell out in front of me as I was moving stuff. I noticed the cover and thought "oh, yeah Titan, I liked that album". So it was set in pile of stuff I needed to give another listen to. Not to be confused with the stoner/prog act Titan, this Titan hailed from Sweden and played 1980's style AOR. I say hailed because even though this just cam [..] > read more

Interview With Bob Mitchell

Published on 2012-04-01 06:46:00

Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing legendary heavy metal vocalist Bob Mitchell. In addition to singing with Alchemy X, Attacker and Vyndykator Bob is currently fronting a re-formed Sleepy Hollow. I want to thank Bob for taking time away from his busy schedule to talk with us here at Heavy Metal Time Machine and if you haven't already be sure to pick up a copy of Sleepy Hollow's new album "Skull 13"Andy: Bob, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for Heavy Metal Time Machi [..] > read more

Randy-Randy

Published on 2012-04-01 05:24:00

No Remorse2011Astute readers will no doubt recall that I covered Randy once already in a Forgotten Gem segment. In fact here it is:http://metalmark.blogspot.com/search?q=Forgotten+Gems%3A+Randy-%22Shadows+Are+Falling%22+Single+ This release is the best-of album mentioned in that segment that the record label No Remorse released at the tail end of 2011. After hearing the group's single and a few tracks off of this release (one of which was the top-notch "It's Got To Be Love") I decided to track d [..] > read more

The Tide Will Take Us-Putrid Dynasty

Published on 2012-04-01 04:53:00

Self-Release2012With just a little over one year together as a group The Tide Will Take Us has made some serious waves. Take from that pun what you will but honestly as far as debut albums go “Putrid Dynasty” is nine cuts of groove based melodic deathcore. Having shared the stage with such acts as Assassinate The Following, Ending Tyranny, Biocide, Behold! The City, Magnacarta and Abide this five-piece band has quickly risen the ranks to become an act to be reckoned with. The Tide Will Take [..] > read more

Cover songs in metal-Observations

Published on 2012-03-31 20:22:00

I have ranted on about cover songs before here. This time I just wanted to throw out a few observations about who to and not to cover.The top three hard rock/metal acts to cover. Now this doesn't mean everyone can pull off covering these acts. However these are three of the most covered acts in metal and hard rock and with good reason.1-AC/DC-So many bands cover AC/DC. Why? Because they are classic or because their music is easy to play? Some of both, but the second factor probably wins out. Not [..] > read more

Impiety-Ravage and conquer

Published on 2012-03-31 19:55:00

Pulverised2012Long running Singapore based death-metallers Impiety return with another truly venomous and blasphemous release. Only a few months into 2012 and these guys already had a DVD, a live album and this new studio album out. Impiety believe in just knocking out totally brutal death metal with raging blasts of thrash interwoven. These guys play merciless music and have done so for two decades. They never get much off track or try any new avenues. We are given eight songs here and six of t [..] > read more

Jack Blades-Rock-n-roll ride

Published on 2012-03-31 18:31:00

Frontiers2012Jack Blades (Night Ranger, Damn Yankees) releases his second solo album only a year after the last Night Ranger release "Somewhere in California". So he has obviously been busy. I have always been lukewarm to the acts he has been in, but most surprisingly this is a fairly solid album. Of course there is nothing groundbreaking, but Blades sticks to what he knows which is AOR tinged hard rock. This album could have been released in 1989 from the way it sounds. I mean that last comment [..] > read more

NoMoreSpeech-NoMoreSpeech

Published on 2012-03-31 09:17:00

Fernando De Luca2012“NoMoreSpeech” is the self-titled debut album from this young female-fronted Italian band. Unapologetic crossover rock is how the promo describes the group's blistering sound and as unusual as that might sound somehow it fits them like a glove. Lead by fiery and intense front-woman Alteria (who is also a television personalty with Rock Tv and RAI TV as well as hosting a radio show at Rocknrollradio.it) the band is rounded out by Tony Cordaro (guitars), Nando de Luca (bass [..] > read more

Accept-Stalingrad

Published on 2012-03-31 07:25:00

Nuclear Blast America2012 Considering the fact that Accept's first album came out in 1979 and that they originally owed a huge debt to AC/DC one can't help but marvel at how this band has changed over the years. Musically these German legends are heavier than ever and as "Stalingrad" proves there is still plenty of fight left in the band. 2010's "Blood of the Nations" may have introduced new singer Mark Tornillo to the world in grand fashion. For many it was one of the best comeback albums of 20 [..] > read more

Black Burn-The Invocation

Published on 2012-03-31 06:08:00

High Roller Records2012In the early part of the eighties heavy metal was alive and well over almost all of Europe except seemingly for the post-Cold War Berlin. In what little scene there was one name that stood above the rest was bassist Jörg Franke. He spent time playing with Tantalos, Skylla, Ballantinez and Calderone. Ballantinez recorded a EP entitled “Charged” for Noise Records in 1985 and Calderone released a s/t EP for Parallel Lines Records in 1988. In Between these groups he found [..] > read more

Current Playlist

Published on 2012-03-30 05:28:00

Last one of these for March. Here you go.Andy is listening to:Randy-RandyD.A.D-No Fuel Left For The PilgrimsKiller Khan-Kill Devil HillsMessiah Force-The Last DayKiller-Stronger Than EverRoxcalibur CompilationCrumbsuckers-Life Of DreamsD.C. Lacroix-Crack Of DoomThe Hellraiser-We'll Bury YouNoMoreSpeech-NoMoreSpeechMetal Mark is listening to-Ignitor-Year of the metal tigerRedrum-Power corruptsLed Zeppelin-Houses of the holyIntroducing the SonicsAlien Force-Hell and high waterOrchid-CapricornDOA-W [..] > read more

Steel Assassin- WW II: Metal of Honor

Published on 2012-03-30 04:19:00

High Roller Records2012Boston classic metal band Steel Assassin was formed back in 1980. Originally known as Assassin they started out as a cover band playing music by the likes of Saxon, Raven, Accept, Judas Priest, AC/DC, Iron Maiden and Tygers of Pan Tang. They were one of countless eighties bands to get their start on the "Metal Massacre" compilations. In their case it was on volume VI with the killer song "Executioner". Despite a seemingly solid fan base and tons of potential they broke up [..] > read more

French Metal Friday: Highland Queen

Published on 2012-03-30 04:03:00

Some days it does not pay to get out of bed. I had typed up a nice long article on this French group and despite the fact that I had little to go by originally it did explore this unheard of traditional heavy metal act. Well, after I typed up the last sentence and hit publish post it asked me to sign in again. That is when everything went downhill for me and somehow Blogger lost my work. This was even after I had saved it! Like I said, sometimes it is better to just stay in bed than to have to f [..] > read more

Tellusian-Scania

Published on 2012-03-29 20:19:00

Handshake Inc.2012This 7 inch includes two tracks so I'll take each. "Eight years of rest" begins with a surge of force and despite the raw vocals you know right away this band is going to stress the technical elements of their playing. And indeed they shoot progressive elements in between the mid-tempo death metal assault. Some times this style doesn't blend together, but these are guys clearly competent to not only pull it off, but make it an enjoyable adventure as well. Side two contains Carn [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems-Viking-Do or die

Published on 2012-03-29 19:58:00

In the last ten or so years viking metal is normally metal with some chants and maybe folk elements mixed in. Back in the mid-late 1980's in the thrash hey day there was Viking the band. They liked the viking and battle theme (obviously), but they played pure thrash. These guys hailed from California and started out as Tracer. They released a demo in 1986, appeared on Metal Massacre 8, signed to Metal Blade and this their debut in 1987. This album frequently gets split reviews. Half of the peopl [..] > read more

Liberty N' Justice-Hell Is Coming To Breakfast

Published on 2012-03-29 06:07:00

Roxx Records2012Christian hard rock group Liberty ‘n’ Justice was formed in 1991 by Justin Murr and Patrick Marchand. Since 2002 only Justin Murr has remained and he has been the driving force behind Liberty ‘n’ Justice ever since. With 2012 being the band's 20th Anniversary here we find the release of their 11th studio album "Hell is coming to Breakfast". This album is also the band's second release on Roxx Records and really after all is said and done remains another fine example of wh [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems: Killer Khan-Kill Devil Hills

Published on 2012-03-29 03:38:00

Independent/Private Print1999This album has only been in my collection a short time and already I have grown to love everything about it. "Kill Devil Hills" came my way thanks to a friend I trade with every so often. Had I know about these guys earlier I would have tracked down more music from them. Bands like this are all about playing metal for metal's sake and really letting other fans know about great music like this is the reason why Forgotten Gems is such a fun article to write. This North [..] > read more

Cathedral-The garden of unearthly delights re-issue

Published on 2012-03-28 18:06:00

Metal Mind2012"The garden of unearthly delights" was eighth album from veteran doom mongers Cathedral and was released in 2006. The band had been around for over a decade and a half at the time when this album came out so their sound was well established. In their early days I really wanted to like Cathedral, but the first few albums were so slow and frequently dull. I think the band loved the idea of playing slow, but it took them a few years to really get a direction going. This album certainl [..] > read more

NWOBHM WEDNESDAY: BABY TUCKOO

Published on 2012-03-28 13:26:00

Formed 1982 in Barnsley, England this short-lived band took their name from the James Joyce novel "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man". As part of the NWOBHM scene the band managed two full-length albums in 1984's "First Born" (Ultranoise) and 1986's "Force Majeure" (Music For Nations) as well a single and EPs. Baby Tuckoo featured Andy Barrott (keyboards) formerly of Geddes Axe (where he played guitar) in their ranks as well as future Jagged Edge member Rob Armitage (vocals). While the gro [..] > read more

Ignitor-Year of the metal tiger

Published on 2012-03-28 05:58:00

MVD2012Old school metal act Ignitor return with their forth album,their first on MVD records and their second with Jason McMaster (Watchtower, Dangerous Toys) on vocals. With just seven tracks I suppose it's technically an EP. My problem with this band in the past has been that they just seem to showcase a rather generic often times retrained style of classic metal without much of anything to really set them apart from others doing the same style. With everyone and their brother trying to re-cre [..] > read more

Furyon-Gravitas

Published on 2012-03-28 03:15:00

Frontiers Records2012For a Wednesday I would rather be doing a NWOBHM feature. Instead we will settle for a group from the UK. This full-length album from Brighton's Furyon was actually released back in 2010. All that Frontiers Records is doing is simply re-releasing the band's debut with 2 additional bonus tracks. Supposedly this group is the next big thing in the UK or so the hype goes. In case your paying attention even a little bit in life then you'll notice that we seem to hear that every m [..] > read more

Big Daisy-Dig Daisy

Published on 2012-03-27 10:13:00

High Roller Records2012I've always thought that if Rush were English and had been influenced by the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal movement they would have sounded like Big Daisy. That is the best way to describe this oddly named act. The band was formed in Lichfield in Staffordshire in early 1978 and are known for the above quirky artwork. This collection features demo material, various singles and the track "Don't go" from Ebony Records' 1982 "Metallic Storm" compilation. This is an essential [..] > read more

Teramaze-Anhedonia

Published on 2012-03-27 03:31:00

Nightmare / Sony / Red2012Australia's Teramaze formed in 1993 and despite having several albums to their name are pretty much an unknown entity outside their homeland. At first listen (and run through of the promo material) I thought these gentlemen are just another act lost in the field of thrash. With some patience though "Anhedonia" unfolds as much more than just common thrash. The band actually have adopted a sound that mixes in thrash, speed metal, progressive metal, power metal and groove [..] > read more

Shroud of despondency-Pine

Published on 2012-03-26 07:21:00

2012This is a somewhat confusing album from Wisconsin's Shroud of despondency or maybe it's just that this band is confused about their direction. It's a black metal album first, but on occasion they seem to get a notion in their heads to be an experimental act as well. Unfortunately it doesn't always sound like they planned on both of these styles ahead of time. The results are that it works on occasion and at other times the experimental parts sound tacked on. That's kind of a shame because ma [..] > read more

Picture-Warhorse

Published on 2012-03-25 16:17:00

Artist Station Records2012My first exposure to Dutch traditional metal band Picture came from a friend at my old workplace. This had to have been a good 10-12 years ago we are talking about because it was certainly before you could even hope to find their music on Amazon or Ebay. I have no idea how he came across the group or what made him decided to take a gamble of downloading their albums. He came in one day with "Heavy Metal Ears" and "Diamond Dreamer" (the band's second and third album) in [..] > read more

Exumer-Fire and damnation

Published on 2012-03-25 07:16:00

Metal Blade2012Every band seems to come back at one time or another. I am rarely surprised by who comes back. It's what they do this time around that matters. Some bands are content to just be a copy of themselves, others go in a different musical direction, but the most effective route is usually in taking what worked the first time around and building around that. Germany's Exumer knocked out two albums back in the 80's before calling it quite in 1990. They reformed briefly in 2001, but more l [..] > read more

Ninja Magic-Lethal Ninjaction

Published on 2012-03-25 03:25:00

Self-Release2012When you think about all of the names this band could have choose and then they settled on Ninja Magic? And that album cover? Wow. Just plain bad folks. Honestly it looks more like some sort of B-grade martial arts film right? Get past that and what you will discover is top of the line female-fronted melodic heavy metal/power metal with plenty of skill and memorable hooks. Hailing from northern Sweden this is another one of those bands to keep an eye on. Now, the best part of all [..] > read more

Frantic Amber-Wrath Of Judgement

Published on 2012-03-25 03:17:00

BlueFreya2011Fan's of either female-fronted or all-female metal groups should feel quite pleased with the wealth of material out there these days. It seems as if the more I look around for new acts to cover (or old acts to check out) wave upon wave of material comes pouring my way. The latest group that I stumbled upon (or rather tripped over as it was right in my way when I was off looking for another group!) is Stockholm, Sweden based melodic death/thrash Frantic Amber. Since I half expected a [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems-Blood Money:Red, raw and bleeding!

Published on 2012-03-24 12:02:00

Back in the mid to late 1980's thrash was certainly my favorite metal sub-genre. I listened to any thrash I could get my hands on. That doesn't mean that I liked all the thrash that I heard back then, but I did enjoy a lot of it. However like any popular musical movement there are bound to be bands that slip through the cracks. Some times there is a good reason why that happens and some times not so much. Even though I am not as amaze by thrash as I was 25 or so years ago I am open to giving a c [..] > read more

Jon For A Cowboy-Demonocracy

Published on 2012-03-24 09:58:00

Metal Blade2012If you'd like a brief history lesson on Job For A Cowboy be sure to check out my review of their "Gloom" EP below. I'm going to just cut to the chase and say this nine-cut album slays.With new guitarist Tony Sannicandro (a session guitarist for Despised Icon) and Cephalic Carnage bassist Nick Schendzielos brought into the fold things have improved for the band as a whole. For one thing Tony's lead work brings the band to a new level. In his own words Tony states “I think I bring [..] > read more

UFO-Seven Deadly

Published on 2012-03-13 09:42:00

Steamhammer/SPV2012Don't ask me what is behind that odd album art. Quite honestly it seems better suited to some sort of post-punk/new wave band than this UK act. Whatever the reason was they choose it and no matter how much it makes me want to sing Wall Of Voodoo's "Mexican Radio" the fact remains this is some killer stuff from these pre-NWOBHM legends. Very few have ever played melodic hard rock with such skill and grace like UFO and "Seven Deadly" is no exception. Original UFO members Phil Mo [..] > read more

Overkill-"Electric Rattlesnake" 2012 Single

Published on 2012-03-13 09:26:00

Nuclear Blast Records2012With thrash legends Overkill all set to release "The Electric Age" later this month many of us wondered just what could be expected out of studio album number 16? Since the band has just recently released a new brutal track by the name of "Electric Rattlesnake" my guess is that as always Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and the rest of Overkill will deliver classic thrash metal with no frills but plenty of thrills. My money is on the band that they will deliver another home run. [..] > read more

Jeff Scott Soto-Damage Control

Published on 2012-03-12 18:28:00

Frontiers2012Some times the term journeyman in the music brings about a bit of a negative attachment. Like s player hasn't really established themselves, but instead bounce around performers with various acts. However another way to look at it is they are staying busy doing music when and wherever they can. Jeff Scott Soto is definitely a journeyman singer who has played with Yngwie, Journey, Talisman and others over the years. Yet he also been one of the most consistant vocalists of the last se [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems-Cry of love-Brother

Published on 2012-03-12 17:55:00

Many of our Forgotten Gems have been more obscure albums, but this band was on a major label (Columbia)and had a major opening slot with Aerosmith. I heard the opener from this album "Highway Jones" on the radio a few times and liked it. I was really impressed with them when they opened for Aeromsith. They played a solid set, but I remember looking around the arena and being surprised that my friends and I were some of the few people who were really into them. In fact most people were still sitt [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems: Damien-Every Dog Has Its Day

Published on 2012-03-12 10:39:00

Select/ Power Play Records1988 /2004 (Re-issue)I was working my way back through some boxes of CDs the other day looking for this one particular eighties album I knew I had. As I was sorting through box after box looking for the disc I can across this forgotten (and underrated by far too many metal fans today) oldie by Ohio's Damien. Now alert readers (or those with incredible memories) might recall that this is not the first time Heavy Metal Time Machine has tackled the subject of this unherald [..] > read more

Tribune-Elder Lore/The Dark Arts

Published on 2012-03-12 08:18:00

Corpse Corrosion Music2012On their second full-length release, "Elder Lore/ The Dark Arts" the band Tribune (who hail from Burnaby, BC.) decided to break into my house, steal all of my heavy metal collection and then craft an album that explored all the various bands I listen to. How else does one explain everything this five piece band throws out to the listener? Classic heavy metal? Check. Thrash? Check. Melodic hardcore? Check. Progressive metal? Check. Death metal? Check. Doom? Check. It is [..] > read more

Cannibal Corpse-Torture

Published on 2012-03-11 11:01:00

Metal Blade Records2012Ever since Cannibal Corpse made their debut back in 1990 with the ever so charming (and wonderfully titled) "Eaten Back To Life" they have been a love them or hate them band. Never mind people who don't care for death metal (for them the title "Torture" would be quite apt) as I'm not talking about them. I'm addressing death metal fans in general who find Cannibal Corpse terribly trying. For me Cannibal Corpse were always a shade too goofy with cheesy albums covers and over [..] > read more

Current Playlist

Published on 2012-03-09 10:44:00

Another week and we are listening to more stuff. Here you go....Andy-Warrior-Fighting For The EarthNo Trouble-Looking For Trouble But WatchOut!Various Artists-Metal MindedAngel Witch-As Above, So BelowSabbat-History of a Time to ComeJapanese Voyeurs-YolkNo Shame-Good Girls Don'tMad Max-Rollin' Thunder Fastway-Dog Eat DogGirl-Sheer GreedMetal Mark-Angel Witch-As Above, So BelowWino and Conny Ochs-Heavy KingdomMegascavenger-Songs Of Flesh: Part ILord Mantis-PervertorJeff Scott Soto-Damage ControlR [..] > read more

Evile-Five Serpent's Teeth

Published on 2012-03-09 10:13:00

Earache2011While wandering aimlessly around my local Marc's looking for blank CDs I came across this album in a clearance bin. How it could be in a clearance bin when it has only been out a little over six months I do not know. It did not exactly bode well for the album. That said at only $3.99 I took a chance on Evile's third album and headed for my car to see what all the fuss was about. While I never did find those blank CDs at Marc's I did walk away with a pleasant little surprise from this [..] > read more

Fastway-Eat Dog, Eat

Published on 2012-03-09 06:38:00

MVD Audio2012Even though the promo lists April of this year for a US release date the fact is "Eat, Dog Eat" has already been readily available for anyone who wished to pick up a copy. As a casual Fastway fan myself (really the first two albums) I checked out this album as soon as I could pick up a copy. Since then I have listened to the album quite a few times and already had a general impression of the album. When Mark suggested I tackle Fastway's new album then (since the promo material just [..] > read more

Megascavenger-Songs of flesh-Part 1

Published on 2012-03-08 19:35:00

Selfmadegod2012 Megascavenger is the latest project from Swedish musician Rogga Johansson. He is known for his work with Paganizer, Ribspreader, Demiurg, The Grotesquery, Bone Gnawer, Revolting and more. This album features duets with Jörgen Sandström (Grave, Krux, Torture Division) and Paul Speckmann (Master, Death Strike, Abomination). Only two tracks here, but Johansson makes it count and wets out appetites for the full length album that is s [..] > read more

Hair metal hodge podge- Maximum, Loud n' nasty

Published on 2012-03-08 17:28:00

I have not bought a CD in almost two years I believe unless you count blank discs to record on. However there was a time when I bought way too many CDs. Recently I was moving some of my CDs to a different part of the house and I saw a bunch of hair metal discs I bought years ago and decided to start a new feature around them. So here's the deal I threw all these discs in bags and when I do a segment I'll reach in and grab two at random. The write a little about their background, list influences, [..] > read more

Crimson Cult-Tales Of Doom

Published on 2012-03-08 13:39:00

Pure Steel Records2012Austrian band Crimson Cult were assembled piece by piece in 2008 by ex-Stygma IV members Günter Maier ( keyboards and guitars) and Alexander Hilzensauer (bass). Adding two top notch new members in Walter Stüfer (vocals) and Peter “Beda” Bachmayer (drums) the pair looked to carry on the power metal style of Stygma IV. Between then and now the band released a 5 track demo and their s/t debut. Now while Stygma was more or less pure power metal in nature the new creature [..] > read more

Mortad-The Myth Of Purity

Published on 2012-03-08 06:20:00

Metal Hammer2012For the handful of people out there who have read more than one of my reviews (I thank all six of you greatly by the way!) you should already know that the only heavy metal magazine I consider any good at all is Metal Hammer. In fact after the year I had (don't ask) I decided to treat myself to a subscription after making sure my two kids had everything they needed. The times in life that I spoil myself can be counted on one hand folks (with several fingers left over) so signing [..] > read more

Wino and Conny Ochs-Heavy Kingdom

Published on 2012-03-07 17:43:00

Exile on Mainstream2012Veteran vocalist/guitarist Scott "Wino" Weinrich is no stranger different projects having played with Saint Vitus, the Obsesseed, Hidden Hand and many more. So now he has a new solo album or rather a duo project with Conny Ochs. Wino and Ochs during the tour for Wino's Adrift when Ochs was the opening act. The two realized they had some things in common and begin working on material. This album picks up on the acoustic path that Wino started on 2010's Adrift. Although this [..] > read more

Pretty Maids-It Comes Alive

Published on 2012-03-07 12:49:00

Frontiers Records2012Leading off your first ever live CD/DVD with an Obama sample is not the best way to hook me or get my interest peaked. It is a lucky thing then that these Danish melodic hard rockers kick things off in such grand fashion with the excellent “Pandemonium”. Despite the melodic keyboards the track (which by the way was the title track from their last album released in 2010) plows through the audience and right out of speakers with that familiar sound that has always made the [..] > read more

Amgel Witch-As above, so below

Published on 2012-03-06 18:04:00

Metal Blade2012NWOBHM pioneers Angel Witch have returned again with another offering. This marks their first studio album since 1998. This line-up consists of founding member Kevin Heybourne (vocals/ lead guitar) plus drummer Andrew Prestidge and Will Palmer on bass. Veteran guitarist Bill Steer will appearing live with the band, but he didn't play on this album. These guys are kind of an odd act. Depending on who you talk to they were either one of the most overrated or one of the most underr [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems: Meanstreak-Roadkill

Published on 2012-03-06 15:08:00

Mercenary Records / MFN1988Meanstreak is New York thrash at it's finest. Formed in 1985 this all-female heavy metal band hit the scene when thrash was at the height of it's popularity and had they managed more than this one lone album before folding who knows what would have become of them. My first taste of female thrash came by way of Sweden's Ice Age. Or should I say all-female thrash as there have been tons of great women musicians in the field of hard rock and heavy metal. Ice Age though pu [..] > read more

Oliver/Dawson Saxon-Motorbiker

Published on 2012-03-05 07:08:00

Angel Air Records2012Search the web and you'll find out that a lot has already been written about the feud/lawsuit that lead to this particular band. Even here at Heavy Metal Time Machine we have tackled the subject in a NWOBHM Wednesday segment if I'm not mistaken. The short version though for those of you who are interested is that the band was formed in the late nineties as Son Of A Bitch. Son Of A Bitch was actually the original name of Saxon. The band was formed by original Saxon band mates [..] > read more

Current playlist

Published on 2012-03-03 10:36:00

Andy-Rellik-KillerConey Hatch s/t 2005 re-releaseTaramis-Strech Of The ImaginationSleepy Hollow-Skull 13Mox Nix-Mox NixStatetrooper-StatetrooperDangerous Toys-Dangerous ToysAction Pact-Mercury Theatre/Survival Of The FattestRatt-Invasion Of Your PrivacyMetal Mark-Budgie-NighflightMenchen-Red rockVan Halen-Diver DownExecutioner-In the name of metalDeath-Spiritual HealingSigh-In somniphobiaGoatwhore-Blood or the masterReino Ermitano-Rituales Interiores Led Zeppelin-IIIHanoi Rocks-Back to mystery [..] > read more

DEADIRON-Out of the Rust and Ruin

Published on 2012-03-03 07:02:00

Self-Release2012Cleveland metal fans already know just how awesome and intense DEADIRON are having witnessed the band live and in living color. Now my heavy metal friends it is time for the rest of the world to wake up to the fact that these guys are the real thing. As "Out Of The Rust And Ruin" (the band's full-length debut) is unleashed upon the masses (and ears bleed as a result!) those of you unfortunate souls living on the outside of life will finally pay homage and respect to this force of [..] > read more

Movie Review: The Dead

Published on 2012-03-02 06:06:00

Anchor Bay Entertainment2012Those who know me well know that I have a passion for zombie films. Maybe passion isn't the best choice of words as it is more like an obsession. Ever since I saw the original Dawn Of The Dead as a 14 year old I have loved all things living dead. Over the years I have built up a decent collection of films from Romero's dead series to films like Let Sleeping Corpses Lie, Zombie, Hell Of The Living Dead and many, many more. In fact I could probably fill up this article [..] > read more

Sigh-In somniphobia

Published on 2012-03-01 08:53:00

2012 I am sure that everyone has had dreams that are so crazy and there yet there is something intriguing about them that burns them into your brain. Sigh's music has always been that way to my ears. Even after twenty plus years in this business the ideas are still flowing for this band. Sigh were more a metal band in their earlier days, but they spread their wings over the years. They are still metal in the sense there is a layer of heaviness that is almost always present to some extent. Howeve [..] > read more

Sleepy Hollow-Skull 13

Published on 2012-03-01 07:58:00

Pure Steel Records/High Roller Records2012Good things come to those who wait and that certainly holds true for Sleepy Hollow's long-awaited new album. "Skull 13" is an album I have been anxious to hear and from the opening moments of "Death of the Horseman" you just know that the long wait has been worth it! The instant Bob Mitchell lets out that first Rob Halford meets David Wayne shriek you know your going to be in for some great old-fashioned US metal of the highest caliber. Added by fellow ( [..] > read more

NWOBHM WEDNESDAY:ETHEL THE FROG

Published on 2012-02-29 23:02:00

Andy says-If it seems like it has been forever since we did a NWOBHM Wednesday that means it probably has been forever. Time slips away from you though the older you get and you know the old saying about how time flies when your having a good time and all. Well, here we are with the oddly named Ethel The Frog. An odd name for an odd band. After naming their band after a Monty Python sketch about the "Piranha Brothers" the group built up quite a sizable local following. As part of the early NWOBH [..] > read more

Lotus Pedal-Pedal To The Metal

Published on 2012-02-29 13:14:00

Self-Release2011Ignorance is bliss or say they say. Mind you said ignorance does little to explain the mind numbing experience I call life and how forgetful I have grown in my old age. "Pedal To The Metal" is another album I stumbled across recently that I had meant to review some while back as a promise to a friend. Sorry. Really though this one was released in the later part of 2011 so the dust hasn't really settled on this album so let's roll up our sleeves and take this powerful muscle car f [..] > read more

One sixth of the way

Published on 2012-02-28 16:47:00

So we are almost one sixth of the way through 2012. Not a huge chunck, but it does seem just like yesterday that the Christmas tree was up and now here we are not from from Spring. Last year was a very good year for music, just a lot of solid albums from numerous sub-genres. Now I am not one to look ahead at what music coming out. Seriously even though I review a lot of new material I rarely check ahead for release dates. Instead I just take what comes down the pike and plan on being surprised. [..] > read more

The Cult-Lucifer Single

Published on 2012-02-28 07:07:00

(Red) MRI2012Color me surprised to find out that The Cult have a new single out. I must have been sleepwalking my way through life again because I love Ian Astbury and company. "Choice of Weapon" makes album number nine for The Cult and it is five years in the making. By the sounds of "Lucifer" it seems as if the long wait has paid off. The album was co-produced by Chris Goss (Queens of the Stone Age) and longtime collaborator of the band Bob Rock (Metallica, Aerosmith among many others). Yes, w [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems-Bang-s/t

Published on 2012-02-27 14:14:00

In the late 60's to the early 70's there were a lot of bands playing heavy fuzzed rock of varying styles and degrees. Some got noticed and some didn't yet many made and impact on the sound that would become metal. One of the best who never quite got their due was Florida's Bang. Like many heavy bands of the day they had a blues rock based sound although not as outward as say someone like Cactus. Bang frequently get compared to Black Sabbath. There is definitely some similarities, but I would say [..] > read more

Frozen Rain-Ahead Of Time

Published on 2012-02-27 11:11:00

Avenue Of Allies2012Belgian song writer & multi-instrumentalist Kurt Vereecke is the driving force behind AOR group Frozen Rain. Four long years has past by since the release of Frozen Rain's self titled debut album. With a new album comes new faces. Joining Kurt and original Frozen Rain members Jurgen Vitrier (keyboards) and Vincent De Laat (bass) are Carsten Schulz (Evidence One,Paradise Inc., ex-Domain) on vocals, Rik Priem (rhythm, solo and acoustic guitars) and Kurt’s brother Hans Vereeck [..] > read more

Massive Assault-Death Strike

Published on 2012-02-27 08:00:00

FDA Rekotz2012Hailing from the Netherlands this band has been around since 2001. They have knocked out a pair of demos, a pair of EPs and "Death Strike' is their second full length effort. This is old style death metal along the lines of Dismember and Entombed. The album consists of ten tracks clocking in around 36 minutes so the songs are brief. The music forges ahead from the start of every song. So that's a good sign and they waste time because every second is full of aggressive no-nonsense d [..] > read more

Zombie Inc.-A Dreadful Decease

Published on 2012-02-27 07:21:00

Massacre Records2012It's kind of like the old Reese's commercial. You know someone put chocolate in my peanut butter. Only instead of that someone put zombies in my death metal. Although really if you think about it they have been there all along what with Death's "Scream Bloody Gore" coming to mind right off the bat. Anyway, on this quite cold Monday morning and after a night of tossing and turning I find myself minutes away from watching this week's episode of The Walking Dead (yes, I read the [..] > read more

Currently Playlist

Published on 2012-02-24 19:30:00

Here is what we are listening to...Andy-AC/DC-Dirty Deeds Done Dirt CheapRock Goddess-Rock GoddessBlue Öyster Cult-Agents Of FortuneSlayer-South Of HeavenDark Wizard-Reigh Of EvilCutty Sark-Die TonightAnthrax-Spreading The DiseaseTarot-The Spell Of IronDeep Purple-In RockAlice Cooper-TrashMetal Mark-Dragon's Cave-Elektro MotionGoatwhore-Blood for the masterWizardry-s/tBlind Date-s/tDark Angel-Leave scarsMenchen-Red rockHay Perro-Eastern Ideas of deathAnthrax-Fistful of metalPost Mortem-Message [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems:Chozzen Phate-Chozzen Phate

Published on 2012-02-23 11:19:00

Steel Legacy Records2009Back in January I got a box of mix and match CDs from a fellow tape trader. Over the past month or so since that box (or late Christmas present as I like to call it) landed in my hands I have been listening to the various discs. Some discs have found their way into my CD player more times than others have with Chozzen Phate being in that list. Before that fateful day when I opened up the mystery box (I knew some of what my friend was sending with others being more of a su [..] > read more

Firebrand Super Rock-Firebrand Super Rock

Published on 2012-02-23 07:54:00

Rising Records2011To steal a line from Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles "...What in the Wide World of Sports is a-going on here?" with that lame as all get out name? Are you serious? Pretentious much or did you purposely go out of your way to come up with the most goofy name you could think of? So many questions here for this hard rock/heavy metal four piece. Formed in Edinburgh in late 2004 this 10 track album is the band's debut. Just for the record the band lists bands like Iron Maiden, Metallica [..] > read more

Reviews for suckas-Queensryche-Operation Mindcrime 2

Published on 2012-02-22 04:02:00

Over most of the last twenty years Queensryche have certainly been guilty of numerous musical atrocities, but none quite as bad as Operation Mindcrime 2. I asked Mr. T to share his opinion on this album."Those fools from Queensryche were bad enough with their crazy jibba jabba on the first Operation Mindcrime, but then they went and put out another one! I like to give out the pain not receive it! Nothing makes me madder than some idiot trying to get something for nothing and this pathetic albums [..] > read more

Tokyo-San

Published on 2012-02-21 08:41:00

Yesterrock2012For the first time every Germany's AOR masters Tokyo will release "San" on CD. What does this mean for you the reader? Well, for starters it means you'll be able to fully experience this AOR classic in all of it's glory. For those who have never experienced Tokyo some have compared them to Toto while others have mentioned bands like Foreigner, Survivor, Journey and Kansas. Personally I'd say the Toto tag might be the closest fit but even then Tokyo possessed more pure pop and rock [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems-Inzest-Another religion, another war

Published on 2012-02-20 15:34:00

Topping my "you probably have not heard this, but you sure need to list" is this album. This four song seven inch flexi disc was self-produced by Japan's Inzest back in 1987 . This is total noise (for the time) with some shades crossover mixed in, but mostly just noice. Although unlike more well known noise of the time like Cryptic Slaughter, these guys actually had some direction and knew how put their energy into it instead of just blasting around without a purpose. Every track is under two mi [..] > read more

Earth-Angels of darkness, Demons of Light 2

Published on 2012-02-20 15:11:00

Southern Lord2012This is the second part to Angels of darkness, Demons of light from Earth. The first part was released early last year and was one of my favorite albums of 2011. Since this band is an instrumental drone band it's not easy to figure what the second part was going to be like. The length of the songs are similar to the first album and there are five on each album. Other than the two albums are rather different. This second part isn't nearly as dark and music is a bit less focused. [..] > read more

Dark Empire-From Refuge to Ruin

Published on 2012-02-20 13:13:00

Nightmare Records2012With vocalist Jens Carlsson being replaced by Brian Larkinand this latest release from New Jersey's Dark Empire (album number three) finds the band in familiar territory only with a new and improved map to guild them. For those who might be concerned though by Carlsson's departure rest assured that this New Jersey band continues to churn out music that will appeal to older fans as well as those of you into the likes of Symphony X, Nevermore and Opeth. Lead by the skills of g [..] > read more

Ministry-Relapse

Published on 2012-02-20 09:25:00

AFM/13th Planet Records2012What happened to Al putting Ministry to rest once and for all? It sure does not seem like that lasted very long did it? Anyway, for the record this is Ministry's first studio album featuring new and original material since 2007's "The Last Sucker". Thankfully Al has moved past his George Bush is the devil nonsense and tackles new subjects on "Relapse". Thank God for that because personally I can only take so much political crap out of Al and company. Although, with the [..] > read more

Van Halen-A different kind of truth

Published on 2012-02-19 19:52:00

Interscope2012So one of the most anticipated and most hyped hard rock albums in some time is finally released. I loved the Roth-era of Van Halen and still do because I listen to those first six albums regularly. The Hagar-era never impressed me and that was more because of the writing than just because of Hagar's voice or the fact that he wasn't Diamond Dave. So a few years ago the band reforms with Eddie's kid in for Michael Anthony and Dave comes back in the fold. They tour and talk about a ne [..] > read more

Liberty n Justice-Stretch Armstrong Single

Published on 2012-02-19 17:45:00

Roxx Records2012"Stretch Armstrong" is the new single by Liberty n Justice from "Hell is Coming to Breakfast" and in typical Liberty n Justice fashion we know two things: The first thing is that it is going to feature some top-notch guest stars. In this case the new single features the talents of Louis St August of Mass and Keri Kelli of Alice Cooper. The second thing you should know is that it is going to be solid hard rock. Sure enough this new single hits both marks and makes you hunger for " [..] > read more

Current playlist

Published on 2012-02-19 12:28:00

What we are currently listening to...Andy-1) Fifth Angel-S/T2)Exodus-Bonded By Blood3)Ramones Mania4)Geddes Axe-Escape From New York 1980-835)Anti-Nowhere League-The Punk Rock Anthology6)Cold Steel-Freakboy7)Pandemonium-The Kill8)Death-Human9)Cobra-Lethal Strike10)Rapid Tears-Honestly/Cry For MercyMetal Mark-Ted Nugent-Full bluntal NugetySacred Few-Beyond the iron wallsBlack Breath-Sentenced to lifeWo Fat-PsychodelanautVan Halen-A different kind of truthSigh-In somniphobiaMystic Force-The eterna [..] > read more

Forgotten Gem: Forever's Edge-Chaotic Silence

Published on 2012-02-19 12:10:00

Nightmare Records 2010 This particular piece of musical bliss was sent to me by my friends at Team All About The Music. In the past this group has sent me great promos from the likes of A Band Of Orcs, Above This, Krampus and Truth Corroded (among others). This latest one, "Chaotic Silence" continues in that tradition which means this is one fine release and that Team All About The Music really knows their stuff and doesn't get behind a band unless there is real talent. Now, since [..] > read more

Midnight Blue-Take the Money And Run 2012 Re-Release

Published on 2012-02-17 08:24:00

Yesterrock2012For those of you not familiar with British melodic rock band Midnight Blue they are perhaps best known for having featured the one and only Doogie White. While he currently might be fronting British metal band Tank the fact is White has been at the game for a long time now starting off with La Paz back in 1984. Around the time of Midnight Blue's formation in 1988 White had been in Rainbow after having auditioned for and losing out to both Iron Maiden and Pink Cream 69. With Midnigh [..] > read more

Top Of The Heap: Alice Cooper

Published on 2012-02-16 18:01:00

Andy Says-Of all the albums I could choose by dear Alice I come walking away with "Trash" you say to yourself? Especially with obvious choices like "Welcome To My Nightmare" out there? I'm not saying for one minute that Alice Cooper isn't a legend based solely on his work in the 70s. The hits are all there and then some. I could spend this whole bit just naming them all off and trust me when I say I love them all. So, what's the story then? Well, back in the day when glam and hard rock were busy [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems-Ogre-Dawn of the proto-man

Published on 2012-02-16 17:23:00

One of the best stoner rock bands ever was Maine's Ogre. I say was because unfortunately they broke up a few years ago. In the ten years they were around they knocked out three full length albums, a demo and were on a split album. This their debut remains my favorite. It's not as polished as the other two perhaps, but that's part of the charm. This trio obviously grew up on early and mid-70's heavy rock including Sabbath, Pentagram, AC/DC, Deep Purple, Blue Cheer, Uriah Heep, Budgie and others. [..] > read more

Black Breath-Sentenced to life

Published on 2012-02-16 17:03:00

Southern Lord2012I remember the first time I heard this band a few years ago on their Razor to Oblivion EP. I was intrigued by their cross of old thrash, death metal and hardcore. Now a few years later the production values on their music have improved, but the band still has their raw musical foundation intact. If anything they have become even more savage. Think about the sounds of Celtic Frost, Venom, Slayer, Discharge and Broken Bones all being tossed into blender. Then set it on high pour i [..] > read more

Witch-The Hex Is On...And Then Some

Published on 2012-02-16 08:49:00

FNA Records2011Just where does FNA Records unearth this stuff? If there is any band out there that deserves to have a nice re-package job on them then it is Witch. Now, Metal Mark has already done an excellent job already (back in April of 2011 with Forgotten Gems) of covering Witch's lone EP of superb hard rock/sleaze "The Hex Is On" (http://metalmark.blogspot.com/search?q=witch-the+hex+in+on). Honestly that review alone gives you a great insight into this underground cult 80's band. Now while [..] > read more

Hard Riot-Living on a Fast Lane

Published on 2012-02-16 08:22:00

Pitch Black Records2012I'll give you three guesses what Hard Riot sound like and the first two don't count. If you guessed Motorhead & AC/DC inspired biker rock then you my friend can take the rest of the day off with pay. Officially the promo lists AC/DC along with Metallica and the Scorpions but let's be honest for once and say these four young Germans pretty much just stick to the classics of heavy metal and rarely deviate. Is it bad? Well, two ways to look at this one folks. First off this y [..] > read more

Landmine Marathon-Gallows

Published on 2012-02-16 08:00:00

Prosthetic Records2012Landmine Marathon's base of operations is Phoenix, Arizona and with three albums under their belt already it looks as if just maybe "Gallows" might be the one to finally break them to the masses. Fronted by the full-time political activist/part-time librarian and all around intense vocalist Grace Perry (who MTV called a "dynamic she-beast"!) this death-grind band have laid down a thunderous assault on the senses. When your raised on punk and hardcore like Perry was then fro [..] > read more

Exciter-Death Machine

Published on 2012-02-14 17:20:00

Massacre2012Exciter were one the first bands to really get the thrash scene rolling and one of the first thrash bands I got into. This album was originally released in 2010. It's the most recent effort from Exciter now it gets a North American release. This is the second release with this band line-up. They reach back to the formula that dominated most of their classic releases of the 1980's. They throw out a bunch straight froward thrashers like "Dungeon Descendants", "Razor in your back" and " [..] > read more

Buck Dharma-Flat Out 2011 Re-Issue

Published on 2012-02-14 10:43:00

Rock Candy Records2011Blue Öyster Cult are a band that needs no introduction. When your talking about the cream of the crop of American rock these guys are it. Whether you choose to call their sound rock, hard rock or even heavy metal these guys created some of the greatest music of all time. "Godzilla", "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" and "Burnin' for You" are all classics and their influence can be traced to everyone from Metallica to The Minutemen. One of the main driving forces behind the band (a [..] > read more

Pilgrim-Misery Wizard

Published on 2012-02-13 15:20:00

Metal Blade2012 This is the debut from this Rhode Island based trio. As you have probably already guessed from the cover and album title this is doom metal. The riffs come slowly on winding their way along. The influences are obvious as they include such legends of the field as Candlemass, Reverand Bizarre and Saint Vitus. So with influences like that then this must be good, right? Well, not exactly. The ideas are in the right place, but as I have witnessed before there is more to being good at [..] > read more

Forgotten Gems-Powermad-The Madness Begins

Published on 2011-07-05 17:31:00

Warner Brothers1988Hailing from Minneapolis Powermad were one of the many thrash hopefuls of the 80's who never quite made it. I think that's more because the scene was so crowded and not a reflection of the band's talent. Having formed in 1984 these > read more

Forgotten Gems-Asgard-In the ancient days

Published on 2011-07-04 16:08:00

Noise1986Originally known as Angel Dust, this band from Holland would soon change their name to Asgard likely avoid being confused with Germany's Angel Dust. They played a largely mid-tempo style of classic metal and on a few occasions they close to > read more

Night Fever-New Blood

Published on 2011-07-04 07:02:00

Tankcrimes2011Hailing from Copenhagen Night Fever plays an adrenaline fueled style of hardcore. Think early/mid 80's Boston style hardcore mixed in Motorhead infused riffs and you have a good idea of where this band is coming from. The playing is a b > read more

Obsessor-Obsession

Published on 2011-07-03 07:44:00

Tankcrimes2011Obsessor hail from Richmond, Virginia and they are all the brainchild of Brandon "The Obsessor" Ferrell who has spent time in Direct Control, Government Warning, Wasted Time, and Municipal Waste. Ferrell handles the vocals and all of th > read more

Forgotten Gems:Star Star-The lovedrag years

Published on 2011-07-02 13:15:00

In 1992 I saw an ad for this album in Rip or one of the other metal mags of the time. From the band's name and the album title I gathered that they were a glam bands of sorts. I wondered why a glam band would be signed to Roadrunner and why they coul > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-07-01 06:32:00

This week we'll try to have out reviews of albums by Admiral Browning, El Drugstore/ A fucking elephant,Obsessor, Night Fever, Whitehorse and End of level boss. Plus Clash of the album covers, Forgotten Gems,Heavy Metal Thunderdome and more. > read more

Reviews for suckas

Published on 2011-06-29 05:42:00

Mr. T takes on the 1989 KISS release "Hot in the shade"."You knows it's bad when these fools become bigger clowns after they take the make-up off. Just listen to some of these songs. "Forever"? These idiots made this song feel like it lasted forever. > read more

Enablers-Blown realms and stalled explosions

Published on 2011-06-28 17:10:00

Exile on Mainstream2011What we have is some rather solemn spoken word laid upon a backdrop of textured sounds that range from smoothly melodic to odd and heavy. The most difficult thing about spoken word is getting the music and prose to compliment e > read more

Isolation- Closing A Circle

Published on 2011-06-28 12:06:00

Eisenwald2011After being let down by their 2008 split album ( the well named "Bleak") I wasn't expecting loads from this one. Formed in 2004 the band is just now releasing their debut album. In the meantime Isolation has released a few demos, one EP, > read more

Mortulalia-s/t

Published on 2011-06-27 16:52:00

Moribund2011This album was originally released in 2007 and received many accolades. Moribund records is putting it out with a bonus track. The move is probably to get even more people excited for the band's next album which is supposed to come out la > read more

The Resurrection Sorrow-The Scorpion Savior Sessions

Published on 2011-06-27 16:09:00

Self Release2011Meant as a tide-me-over release for fans, The Resurrection Sorrow is preparing to digitally release The Scorpion Savior Sessions EP shortly. While the band has been streaming the songs on their website now for a few months fans have n > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-06-26 15:14:00

It is...Rush-Hemispheresvs.Whitesnake-Trouble***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Megalomaniac-Speed Demon

Published on 2011-06-26 12:58:00

Self-Release2011This 2011 demo was uploaded by Megalomaniac's vocalist JÖNS-OLLE at another blog I frequent quite often. Hailing from Sweden (Östhammar to be exact) and previously known as Cobra Rax the band was formed in 2007. After playing locall > read more

Take It Or Leave It - A Tribute To the Queens of Noise: The Runaways

Published on 2011-06-26 08:04:00

Main Man Records2011As a rule of thumb tribute albums are usually a thinly veiled attempt to make a quick buck by assembling a few well known bands and then having them rush through cover songs with little or no attention given to the actual quality > read more

Anthrax-"Fight ‘em ’til You Can’t" Single

Published on 2011-06-25 17:51:00

Nuclear Blast Records2011With their new studio album Worship Music due to be released on September 13th Anthrax is offering the track “Fight ‘em ’til You Can’t" as a free download. With Joey Belladonna now back on board yet again this will be > read more

Moon-Canduceus Chalice

Published on 2011-06-25 09:04:00

Moribund2011I tried hard to find something to like on this album from Australia's moon. Indeed I found a few moments where they focus on creating some eerie tones. Unfortunately those moments are few and far between. When the drum machine is the heav > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-06-24 08:30:00

For the next week we hope to have out reviews of albums by Take It Or Leave It-A Tribute To The Queens Of Noise, Admiral Browning, Enablers, Moon, The Resurrection Sorrow, Audvandil, End of level boss, Isolation and Mortualia. Plus Clash of the album > read more

6th year blogiversary

Published on 2011-06-23 17:37:00

I missed this by a few days, but better late than never. June 21st marked the 6th year blogiversary of this blog. Thanks for reading and stopping by over the years. To honor this occasion I came up with six hard rock/metal songs that I could listen t > read more

Pestilence-Doctrine

Published on 2011-06-22 20:27:00

Mascot2011I loved Pestilence during their first three releases in the late 80's/early 90's. Heack I even liked "Spheres" to some extent although I don't think it was completely well thought out. When the band returned two years ago with "Resurrection > read more

Heavy Metal Thunderdome

Published on 2011-06-22 09:58:00

Remember you are just judging by the music on this one.It is...Dokken-Tooth and nailvs.WASP-s/t***Which album do you prefer? > read more

Chained and Desperate-Divine Authority Abolishment

Published on 2011-06-21 13:02:00

Pitch Black Records2011Taking their name from NWOBHM act Chateaux's album title Greek melodic black metal outfit Chained and Desperate offer up their sophomore release, “Divine Authority Abolishment” to the metal gods for consumption. Formed in 1 > read more

Yes-Fly from here

Published on 2011-06-20 17:19:00

Frontiers2011Yes have returned with their first studio album in ten years. This band has had a long career complete with some peaks and valleys. Their earliest works were undoubtedly their best and since then the albums have retained some of their pr > read more

Death Strike-Fuckin' Death 2011 Reissue

Published on 2011-06-20 15:54:00

Dark Descent2011All one needs to know about Death Strike is the fact that they featured one of the most important names in all of death metal and that is the one and only Paul Speckmann. Formed out of the ashes of War Cry (who appeared on Metal Massa > read more

John Wetton-Raised In Captivity

Published on 2011-06-20 14:20:00

Frontiers Records2011One listen to John Wetton's sixth solo album and you'll know that this former King Crimson guitarist has aged ever so gracefully. Seeing as Raised In Captivity features guest appearances from the likes of Steve Morse (Deep Purple > read more

Xibalba-Madre mia gracias por los dias

Published on 2011-06-18 18:36:00

Southern Lord2011Not to be confused with the Mexican black metal band of the same name, these guys actually from California. I was kind of torn on this album so lets get at the positive first. Xibalba have a deep, heavy plodding hardcore sound not fa > read more

Harm's Way-Isolation

Published on 2011-06-18 13:36:00

Closed Casket Activities2011Once upon a time hardcore and heavy metal were separated living on opposite sides of the tracks.Before bands like C.O.C., D.R.I. and S.O.D. made crossover an acceptable term most real hardcore bands wouldn't be caught dead > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-06-18 11:26:00

It is...Black Sabbath-Neon Knightsvs.Motorhead-Deaf Forever***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Forgottem Gems: Hammerhead-Will To Survive

Published on 2011-06-18 06:54:00

Cult Metal Classics2005Best-known for their rare 1981 7" "Time Will Tell / Lonely Man" cult NWOBHM band Hammerhead were formed in the late 70's in Workington, Cunbria, U.K. Other than an appearance on the 1984 It's Unheard Of compilation (Sane Record > read more

French Metal Friday-Satan Jokers

Published on 2011-06-17 06:34:00

Despite the fact that Satan Jokers are still unknown to most American heavy metal fans the fact is that their first two albums are landmark achievements. This semi-obscure 80's French band was formed In 1979 by Renaud Hantman (drums and vocals) and L > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-06-17 05:59:00

Over the next week we hope to have out reviews of albums by Harm's Way,Yes,Death Strike, Admiral Browning, Pestilence, Xibalba and John Wetton. Plus Clash of the album covers, Forgotten Gems and Heavy Metal Thunderdome, > read more

Seven sisters of sleep-s/t

Published on 2011-06-16 09:08:00

Southern Lord2011This album has eight tracks, but runs around twenty minutes. So that would put it around the length of an EP. That format doesn't seem to happen too much in the doom realm. So in a way Seven sisters of sleep have created a doom album > read more

NWOBHM Wednesday-Fist

Published on 2011-06-15 19:35:00

Andy says-Despite the fact that Fist never achieved the success predicted for them by critics and fans alike they are an important piece of the NWOBHM puzzle. Formed in 1978 as Axe the band would record the song "S.S. Giro" and then break up. Reformi > read more

Half-way point

Published on 2011-06-15 10:06:00

This year is almost half over believe it or not.So what is the best hard rock/metal album of 2011 so far?What album or albums that are due to be released in the second half of this year are you most looking forward to? > read more

Entrenched-Preemptive Strike

Published on 2011-06-15 06:53:00

Self-Release2011When your bio claims that your "one of the best unsigned death metal bands on the planet" then you better back that up with a monster of a debut album. New Jersey's Entrenched were formed in 2009 by Sean Fitzpatrick (guitarist/bassist > read more

Reviews for suckas

Published on 2011-06-14 11:53:00

Mr. T weighs in on Poison's 1986 debut "Look what the cat dragged in"."Wait a minute, what’s this talk dirty to me jibba-jabba? This ain’t metal, this is just sissy lookin’ suckas making weak noise. Cry tough? Ain’t no cryin’ in metal, you > read more

Coffins-Ancient Torture

Published on 2011-06-14 11:06:00

Deepsend Records2011Since forming in 1996 Japan's Coffin has released a few demos, several studio albums, a single and what seems like thousands of split recordings. In fact if you were to try to collect the entire catalog of this death/doom band it > read more

Crucible Divine-Commitment

Published on 2011-06-13 18:08:00

Tate Publishing2011Sometimes in this line of work you have to approach bands and labels about promo requests and other times bands end up approaching you. Crucible Divine was a band I was familiar with thanks to their cover of “Ramming Speed” for > read more

Under Fire--s/t

Published on 2011-06-13 15:38:00

BG2011Under Fire was a project started by guitarist Cary Sharaf. Sharaf is perhaps best known for having played with Billy Squier's band on the "Don't say no" album and tour. Sharaf began to organize his own group so he could have an for songs he had > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-06-13 13:30:00

Here you go.Manowar-Fighting the worldvs.Overkill-Taking Over***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Icon In Me-Head Break Solution

Published on 2011-06-13 08:05:00

Goomba Music2011Russia's Icon In Me are led by Vocalist Tony JJ (Tony Jelencovich). Tony JJ has already made a name for himself thanks to his involvement in bands like C-187, B-Thong, Transport League, Iron Shit Snakes, Mnemic, Commander, Angel Blake > read more

Planks-The darkest of gray/Solicit to fall

Published on 2011-06-11 17:07:00

Southern Lord 2011Some times if you had to too many ingredients to the mix it's gets out of control. However some one who is in control and knows what they are doing can make different ingredients work to their advantage. I think this applies to musi > read more

Von Isley-Von Isley EP

Published on 2011-06-11 12:15:00

Self-Release20102011 has seen a few changes in the Von Isley camp. This Ohio born band remains committed to bringing their own sound to the masses as usual but with a new drummer and second guitarist added the new music promises to be more heavy. Let > read more

Shining Steel Interview

Published on 2011-06-11 10:28:00

Recently I was able to conduct an interview with new French traditional heavy metal act Shining Steel. A big thank you goes out to Raskal at Metal Integral who translated the interview for me. Andy-How did Shining Steel come about? How did you guys f > read more

Spellcaster-Under The Spell

Published on 2011-06-11 08:55:00

HEAVY ARTILLERY2011When you have to compete with the likes of Malice, Metal Church and Wild Dogs you'd better come out all guns blazing. Trying to get your name mentioned in the same breath as these legends of Pacific Northwest heavy metal takes some > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-06-10 15:00:00

For the week to come we will have reviews of Spellcaster, Von Isley, Crucible Divine, Coffins,Icon In Me, Xibalba, Seven Sisters of sleep, Plank, Entrenched and more. Plus a Shining Steel interview,Forgotten Gems, NWOBHM Wednesday, French Metal Frida > read more

French Metal Friday:Voie De Fait

Published on 2011-06-10 08:00:00

Welcome to the debut of French Metal Friday. In this new weekly feature I hope to offer a sampling of what made French heavy metal some of the best in the world. Together we'll explore history as we tackle the bands and the moments that helped shape > read more

Hair Metal Hell: Jailhouse

Published on 2011-06-09 18:32:00

Restless Records1993Andy says-Where to begin. Well, thankfully this is only an EP so the torture is limited so to speak. Jailhouse's debut was a live affair. Because we all know live albums are the way to go right? Right? Anyone? Yeah, not so much. M > read more

Trillion Red-Two Tongues

Published on 2011-06-09 12:42:00

Self-Release2011Patrick Brown (Vocals, keys, guitar, bass) and Max ( Drums) are the creative force behind new band Trillion Red. The bio that came with this promo let me know that "Two Tongues EP were written from 2007-2009 in San Francisco. Patrick > read more

NWOBHM Wednesday-Dark Heart

Published on 2011-06-09 00:03:00

Andy says-In the past few years of collecting anything and everything out of the NWOBHM era I must have passed this album by a dozen plus times. I don't know if that is the original album art or not on Metal Mind's re-release (I suspect it is) but se > read more

Seven Witches-Call upon the wicked

Published on 2011-06-08 17:29:00

Frostbyte/eOne entertainment2011Seven Witches are one of those bands that I always wanted to really like. They have generally been alright, but I have mostly found them to be rather ordinary. However this album has changed my opinion. The band has su > read more

Behemoth-Abyssus Abyssum Invocat

Published on 2011-06-08 07:51:00

Metal Blade Records2011Polish black/death metal band Behemoth formed in 1991 and along with Vader, Decapitated, Vesania and Hate are considered to be the forefathers of the Polish extreme music movement. Abyssus Abyssum Invocat isn't so much new mate > read more

SEIDR-FOR WINTER FIRE

Published on 2011-06-08 07:19:00

The Flenser2011Since their 2009 inception Louisville, Kentucky act Seidr have released a handful of self-released demos and EPs. Featuring Panopticon's Austin Lunn (guitar, vocals, recorded drumming) and Wheels Within Wheels' Crow (guitar, vocals, re > read more

Orange Goblin box set

Published on 2011-06-07 17:20:00

Metal Blade2011Okay so Metal Blade decided a box set of five albums from British stoner act Orange Goblin. We get 1997-Frequencies from Planet Ten (1997), Time Travelling Blues(1998),The Big Black (2000), Coup De Grace (2002) and Thieving from the Ho > read more

FORGOTTEN GEMS: RENEGADE-RENEGADE

Published on 2011-06-07 16:53:00

Sri Lanka1986Germany's Renegade were formed in the early eighties. Brothers Peter Scholl (guitar/vocals) and Michael Scholl (drums/backing vocals) were no doubt inspired as much by the NWOBHM movement as they were by fellow German bands like Accept a > read more

Endangered Reign-Fractured Reality

Published on 2011-06-07 11:09:00

Self-produced2010Michigan based outfit Endangered Reign have been around for over a decade and "Fractured Reality" marks their third full legnth release. The band claims to sound similar to Nevermore, Iced Earth, Evergrey, Megadeth, Maiden, and Brain > read more

The Black Dahlia Murder-Ritual

Published on 2011-06-07 08:09:00

Metal Blade Records2011I've always thought that Detroit, Michigan of all places seems like an odd place to find a band so tightly wrapped in the Swedish melodic death metal style. Take out a world map and if one was to guess where you'd find one of t > read more

Rote Mare-Serpents of the church

Published on 2011-06-06 10:09:00

Altsphere2011Rote Mare originally began as a one man project but soon became a 4 piece. They have been a 4 piece band now for almost 2 years. They knocked out a few demos and in 2010 released their debut EP "Sorrows Path". Now we get their first full > read more

The Living Fields-Running Out of Daylight

Published on 2011-06-06 08:47:00

Candlelight Records2011It would be unfair to just label Chicago, Illinois act The Living Fields as simply symphonic metal. If anything the music is much more eclectic than the majority of acts within said genre. While this is the first album of their > read more

PESTE NOIRE-L'Ordure à l'État Pur

Published on 2011-06-06 08:20:00

Transcendental Creations2011Founded by La sale Famine de Valfunde in 2000 as a solo black metal project Peste Noire has carved out quite a catalog. As the creative force since the start La sale Famine de Valfunde has managed yet again to craft quite > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-06-04 14:28:00

Two recent releases to choose from.Alestorm-Back through time vs.Tyr-The lay of Thrym***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

THE KONSORTIUM-THE KONSORTIUM

Published on 2011-06-03 15:54:00

Agonia Records2011Norwegian act The Konsortium got quite a bit of press with their 2008 demo. Not that black metal is anything new (especially in Norway of all places) but rather it was their take on the genre and their unique sense of style. Followi > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-06-03 11:06:00

This coming week we hope to have out reviews from The Living Fields, Orange Goblin, The Konsortium, Behemoth, Riverside, Seidr, Rote Mare and Endangered Reign.Plus Forgottem Gems, Hair Metal Hell,Clash of the album covers, NWOBHM Wednesday and French > read more

Forgotten Gems: Dream Death-Journey into Mystery

Published on 2011-06-03 00:07:00

New Renaissance1987Formed in 1984 Dream Death knocked out a pair of demos a few years later and then got signed.They are yet another overlooked band on New Renaissance records that never got their due. This label was mainly known for speed metal and > read more

TOP OF THE HEAP: OZZY OSBOURNE

Published on 2011-06-02 20:20:00

Andy says-You shouldn't need us to introduce you to the man they call Ozzy. Any good student of heavy metal history should know the name and his association with the band Black Sabbath. As the "Godfather Of Heavy Metal" Ozzy has carved out quite a ca > read more

Voivod-Warriors Of Ice

Published on 2011-06-02 10:38:00

Sonic Unyon Metal2011In 1989 Voivod released Nothingface. I was 16 and had my mind blown apart. Along with Souls At Zero (which would be released three years later by Neurosis) this album opened me to genre splicing metal. More than just progressive > read more

NWOBHM WEDNESDAY: AVENGER

Published on 2011-06-01 19:56:00

Andy says-Proto-thrash act Avenger were a second-generation NWOBHM band formed in 1982 by Brian Ross, Mick Moore and Garry Young. Ross and Moore had previously been in Blitzkrieg together and looked at Avenger as a fresh start. However Brian Rose's s > read more

Heavy Metal Thunderdome

Published on 2011-06-01 16:28:00

Time for another contest. Remember you are judging just on music this time around.It is...Dream Theater-Images and wordsvs.Queensryche-Operation Mindcrime***Just based on the music which album do you prefer? > read more

Job for a Cowboy-Gloom

Published on 2011-06-01 14:56:00

Metal Blade Records2011Truth be told I should give these guys serious props for their name. For a death metal band to have such a unique name (especially in a field that can be as deadly serious as this) shows character. Pity that 2005's Brokeback Mo > read more

Brent Hinds presents Fiend without a face and West End motel

Published on 2011-06-01 04:06:00

Rocket Science2011Mastodon's Brent Hinds presents two separate and rather different projects on this set. Both different from Mastodon of course and different from one another as well. First up is Fiend without a face who mix up psychobilly and surf > read more

Falconer-Armod

Published on 2011-05-31 16:08:00

Metal Blade 2011Falconer have been trotting down the folk metal road for some years, but they opted to go a slightly different path for their latest release. The bulk of Armod leans much further towards a folk sound and the metal parts serve more to > read more

FORGOTTEM GEMS: SLEEPY HOLLOW-1989-1992: REST IN PIECES

Published on 2011-05-31 11:48:00

Unisound Records2002Sleepy Hollow was one of those bands who released classic 80's inspired metal, got great reviews, had a huge cult following and then for whatever reason just disappeared. Featuring the one and only Bob Mitchell (Alchemy X, Attacke > read more

Barn Burner-Bangers II: Scum of the Earth

Published on 2011-05-31 11:04:00

Metal Blade Records2011Montreal, Quebec, Canada natives Barn Burner are an odd entity. Sounding like the unholy union of Metallica, Thin Lizzy, Black Sabbath and any/all crossover band of your choosing (C.O.C., D.R.I. or S.O.D. would be good calls) B > read more

In solitude-The world. The flesh. The devil

Published on 2011-05-29 19:41:00

Metal Blade2011Sweden's In solitude have been knocking around for almost a decade now. The cranked out a few demos and a debut full length a few years ago. Now we get treated to their follow up. In recent years we have certainly seen so many bands th > read more

Shining Steel-Heavy Rockers

Published on 2011-05-29 13:05:00

METAL INTEGRAL2011I like it when an album's title describes what's waiting for you inside. On Shining Steel's 2010 demo "Heavy Metal Shock" I was treated to shockingly good 80s style French heavy metal. And now on their latest album "Heavy Rockers" I > read more

BLACKWOLFGOAT-DRONOLITH

Published on 2011-05-29 12:38:00

The Maple Forum2011BLACKWOLFGOAT is the solo drone/ambient project from ex-HACKMAN/MILLIGRAM guitarist Darryl Shepard. "Dragonwizardsleeve" was the debut album released last year if I'm not mistaken. "DRONOLITH" follows closely in the footsteps of BL > read more

Witch Mountain-South of Salem

Published on 2011-05-29 07:05:00

Self -produced2011Of course you can't always judge a book or an album by it's cover, but I was interested in this album after just seeing the cover. This is the sophomore album from Portland's Witch Mountain, but it's been ten years since their debut > read more

Night Ranger-Somewhere in California

Published on 2011-05-28 14:04:00

Frontiers Records2011"Sister Christian" came out in 1984. Let that sink in for a second. I realized this while doing the normal leg work involved with album reviews. Who knows how many drunks have sang this song since it first hit the radio. If your > read more

Hair Metal Hell-The WIld Boyz-Unleashed!

Published on 2011-05-28 09:46:00

Welcome to the debut of hair metal hell where we'll take a hunk of junk and give it the ripping it deserves. Polaris Records1991Andy says-Unleashed is the perfect title for this turd. In the toilet bowl word of glam (otherwise known as 2nd and 3rd ge > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-05-28 09:12:00

Here you go.Dark Angel-Darkness descendsvs.Testament-The Legacy**Which cover do you prefer? > read more

SPEEDKILL/HATE- OUT FOR BLOOD

Published on 2011-05-27 14:15:00

Hammerfist Records2011Back in 2002 Overkill guitarist Dave Linsk let the vicious beast known as SPEEDKILL/HATE out of it's cage and things got crazy. Pulling in some familiar faces (Derek Tailer and Tim Mallare of Overkill) he went out and recruited > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-05-27 12:28:00

Over the next week we hope to have out reviews of albums from Orange Goblin, Falconer, Shining Steel, Voivod, Night Ranger, BlackWolfGoat, Barn Burner, Job For A Cowboy and Speed/Kill/Hate. Plus we will have Forgotten Gems, NWOBHM Wednesday, Hair Met > read more

S. A. Adams - Unearthed

Published on 2011-05-26 15:53:00

FnA Records2010This one is a little past it's sale by date (in other words this review is a little late in coming) so if that offends you move along. Fact is I got it along with the excellent Eight Lives Gone ( Priscilla http://metalmark.blogspot.com > read more

KATANA-HEADS WILL ROLL

Published on 2011-05-26 07:28:00

Listenable Records2011There must be something about Sweden that it keeps rolling out old school metal acts. Hailing from Gothenburg, Katana (named for a type of Japanese sword often referred to as "samurai sword") released their first EP, Heart Of To > read more

NWOBHM WEDNESDAY: SAVAGE

Published on 2011-05-25 19:29:00

Andy says-Formed in 1976 Heavy Metal/NWOBHM act Savage is known mostly for the fact that Metallica covered their song "Let It Loose" on one of their early demos. With that said there is actually more to Savage than just that particular song. Along wi > read more

Sister-Hated

Published on 2011-05-25 18:19:00

Metal Blade2011The first time I heard Sweden's Sister was listening to some very rough versions of some tracks they had on their myspace back around 2007 I think. It was raw, but good. I know they knocked out some demos around that time too. By late > read more

Marduk-Iron Dawn EP

Published on 2011-05-25 14:49:00

Regain Records2011Since I mentioned Marduk in an earlier REV 16:8 review I thought it would be fitting to cover the source of inspiration for not only REV 16:8 but legions of other black metal bands. With just three songs chances are if your not a Ma > read more

REV 16:8-ASHLAND

Published on 2011-05-25 13:56:00

AFM Records2011Revelation 16:8 reads as follows- "The fourth angel poured his bowl on the sun, which then was allowed to burn people with fire". Not your typical AFM signing, REV 16:8 (formerly known to the world as Scythe and then Bloodshed) play ra > read more

FOGOTTEN GEMS: EXXPLORER- SYMPHONIES OF STEEL

Published on 2011-05-25 13:39:00

HHH Recordings1984U.S. power metal has never sounded so good! Keansburg, New Jersey cult band Exxplorer formed in 1982. This was an epic debut album that showcased straight ahead metal that took power metal and provided it with a much needed spark. W > read more

Pharaoh-Ten years

Published on 2011-05-25 09:05:00

Cruz Del Sur2011Pharaoh fans waiting for the full length follow-up to 2008's "Be gone" will have to wait a little longer although they are working on the next full length and it is set to be released later this year. For now we get a six song EP incl > read more

Lake Of Tears-Illwill

Published on 2011-05-25 07:22:00

AFM Records2011It has been 19 years since Lake Of Tears first set foot upon the Earth. Formed out of the ashes of a death metal band by Daniel Brennare, Jonas Eriksson and Michael Larsson ( after which point they hooked up with Johan Oudhuis ) Lake O > read more

Debauchery-Germany's Next Death Metal

Published on 2011-05-24 11:37:00

AFM RECORDS2011The story of Thomas Gurrath losing his job as a teacher in May of 2010 because his performances were "a form of mental instability that made him unsafe to be around children" is nothing short of funny. Being told it was his job as a te > read more

Fill in the blanks

Published on 2011-05-23 17:49:00

Remember fil in the blank tests from school? They could be fine when you knew the answers, but horrible if you didn't. I made some easy ones for you because there is no right or wrong so have a go at them.1-The best band of the last decade is _______ > read more

Crashdiet-Generation Wild

Published on 2011-05-23 11:43:00

Frontiers Records2011Crashdiet (often spelled Crashdïet) was originally formed in Stockholm, Sweden in the year 2000. Born and raised on rock the group drew influences from the likes of Guns N' Roses, Mötley Crüe, Skid Row, W.A.S.P and Hanoi Rocks > read more

Hell-Human Remains

Published on 2011-05-22 14:27:00

Nuclear Blast Records2011Without a shadow of a doubt this has been one of the hardest reviews I've had to write. This would have nothing to do with the quality of this release or the material available to fill in the blanks in regards to the band Hel > read more

Gypsy Pistolero-Duende-Last of the pistoleros

Published on 2011-05-22 06:36:00

JamSync2011Without a doubt the most impressive glam band of the last five years in my book is the Gypsy Pistoleros. Their blend of glam, punk and flamenco music had me hooked from the first time I heard them. They have received positive reviews and p > read more

Interview with Aura

Published on 2011-05-21 14:40:00

Aura are a very talented progressive hard rock/metal band. I recently reviewed the impressive album "Deliverance" and had the pleasure of interviewing them as well.MM-Tell us a little about the history of your band.We’re from Sapri (Sa) and we form > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-05-21 13:37:00

It is...Napalm Death-Utopia Banishedvs.Obituary-Back from the dead***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Hatriot-4 Song Demo

Published on 2011-05-21 13:18:00

Self-Release2011For those of you who don't know the name Steve "Zetro" Souza let me fill you in a little. This one time vocalist of Exodus has been around the block a few times. With a resume that includes stints in Legacy, F-Bomb, Testament, Dublin > read more

FOROTTEN GEMS: REX VECTOR-BREATHE FIRE 7"

Published on 2011-05-20 13:51:00

METAL ROCK1985 This 7" single is the sole recording of New York's Rex Vector. Having seen it floating around the web on various blogs I finally decided to check it out thanks to the encouragement of some friends (who like me live and die for obscure > read more

Iron Maiden-From fear to eternity:The best of 1990-2010

Published on 2011-05-20 13:23:00

EMI/UMe2011Iron Maiden are no strangers to best of albums that's for sure. This time around we get material from "No prayer for the dying", "Fear of the dark", "Brave new world", "Dance of death", "A matter of life and death" and "The Final Frontier" > read more

Bloodbound-Unholy Cross

Published on 2011-05-20 10:57:00

AFM Records2011Many wondered what would become of Bloodbound after lead vocalist Urban Breed left for the second time. I'm quite happy to report that new lead vocalist Patrik Johansson (Yngwie Malmsteen, Stormwind) fits right in with the bands new di > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-05-20 08:53:00

Over the next week we hope to have out reviews of albums from Bloodbound,Iron Maiden,Debauchery, Orange Goblin, Lake of tears,Kinetick, Rev 16:8, Pharaoh, Hatriot, Hell and Gypsy Pistolero. Plus an interview with Aura and Forgotten Gmes, Clash of the > read more

Hair Metal Hell and the 2011 M3 Rock festival

Published on 2011-05-19 18:33:00

Like any genre of music hair metal has both good and bad, but I think it is definitely a style with far more bad acts than good. Back in the 80's/early 90's it was like for every stand out band like Motley Crue or G-n-R you had 6 or 7 awful bands lik > read more

Interview with Sanktuary

Published on 2011-05-19 18:16:00

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing classic/thrash metal band Sanktuary.MM-Tell us a little about the history of your band.-The beginning of the band dates back to 2003 when there was just two of us, myself on drums and Alan on guitar. We Sta > read more

Something Involving A Monkey- Demo

Published on 2011-05-19 15:12:00

Self Release2011A 3 song demo from a 3 piece band. I'll leave it to Something Involving A Monkey to discuss their demo "Our 3 song demo we did at Closed Door Studios in Willoughby, under the guidance of Jerome Cylin, who was involved in the group Con > read more

Whitesnake- Live At Donington 1990

Published on 2011-05-19 09:11:00

Frontier Records2011On August 18th, 1990 Whitesnake headlined at the premier UKfestival, the legendary Monsters Of Rock at Castle Donington, now known as Download. This 2 disc collection captures the band (Steve Vai & Adrian Vandenberg on guitars > read more

Twisted Sister - Under the Blade Special Edition

Published on 2011-05-19 09:00:00

Armoury Records2011This just might be the holy grail of reissues. This package has the works. On the heels of Armoury Records 25th anniversary edition of Stay Hungry (which in and of itself was amazing) now we get the royal treatment with Under The B > read more

Panzerchrist-Regiment Ragnarok

Published on 2011-05-18 16:54:00

Listenable2011Did you ever start watching a movie or read a book where the beginning is promising, but then it just feels like not enough happens to advance the story or the ideas? I was left left feeling that way on several songs of the latest from > read more

NWOBHM WEDNESDAY: ROGUE MALE

Published on 2011-05-18 16:21:00

Andy says-As you can see for this weeks NWOBHM choice Metal Mark has already done a great job covering the short career of England's Rogue Male:http://metalmark.blogspot.com/search?q=rogue+maleWhat more can be said than has been said already by Mark? > read more

Gravehill-When All Roads Lead To Hell

Published on 2011-05-18 10:28:00

Dark Descent Records2011Wouldn't it be kind of comical if a band that looks like this played pop rock? I don't know where that came from I just thought it would be kind of ironic. When your band's promo picture looks like this you can guess the music > read more

Nether Regions-Into the breech

Published on 2011-05-17 08:40:00

Self-released2011Portland's Nether Regions have unleashed a snarling monster of an album upon us. It's hard to pin down style wise though. It includes parts of doom, thrash, post metal and maybe even another sub-genre or two. Tracks like "Into the br > read more

Liberty n' Justice-Chasing a Cure LP

Published on 2011-05-17 08:33:00

Roxx Records2011In 1991 Liberty N' Justice (LNJ) began life as a full fledged Christian hard rock band. Formed by Justin Murr and Patrick Marchand the band turned into more or less a solo project for Murr around 2002. Keeping the Liberty N' Justice n > read more

FORGOTTEN GEMS: ANNEX-POWERS THAT BE

Published on 2011-05-17 06:46:00

Powergame Records1990Just the other day I caught myself yearning for true blue American power metal. Nothing fancy mind you. Simply power metal in the Mox Nix sense. I have my friends at Strapp's site to thank for this little goodie. Annex was formed > read more

Afterparty Massacre Movie Soundtrack

Published on 2011-05-16 12:33:00

Ibex Moon Records / HorrorMerch2011Horror movies and heavy metal go together like beer and pretzels. With Afterparty Massacre(http://www.afterpartymassacre.com/) you have a new horror film that promises not only blood and guts but death metal as well > read more

Heavy Metal Thunderdome

Published on 2011-05-16 12:17:00

Time again to throw two albums into the thunderdome and let you pick which one you prefer based on the music. Doing something different this time around by choosing two albums by the same artist. So here are two Maiden albums to choose from.Piece of > read more

Manifest-Contents Of Conviction

Published on 2011-05-16 08:41:00

Self-Release2011Chelmsford, MA act Manifest was formed in 2001. The band would release an EP in 2003 while building up a sizeable local following in and around the New England area. Being that the band members were still young though (they were atten > read more

For All We Know-For All We Know

Published on 2011-05-15 11:49:00

Independent Release/Self-Release2011As I was on my way out of the house yesterday (to do some much needed grocery shopping) I grabbed a handful of promos figuring I'd listen to one in the car. Along for the ride would be my 12 year old daughter so I > read more

Alberto Rigoni-Rebirth

Published on 2011-05-15 07:46:00

Nightmare2011This is the second solo album from Twinspirits bass player Alberto Rigonia. This project features contributions from a number of musicians, including drummers Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree, King Krimson) John Macaluso (Ark, TNT, Yngwie > read more

Karma to burn-V

Published on 2011-05-14 14:01:00

Napalm2011West Virginia's burn return with "V" and they are one of the most energetic stoner rock bands going today in my opinion. They knock out thick-chugging songs with ease. There are five instrumental songs on here and three with vocals. With th > read more

Arachnid Demos‏

Published on 2011-05-14 11:29:00

Self Release2011Arachnid are a new teenage metal band from my home state of Ohio. While looking to make a name for themselves the group has been hit with line-up changes as well the usual name change game (so many bands go through the name game it am > read more

Gernotshagen-Weltenbrand

Published on 2011-05-14 09:41:00

SMP/Trollzorn Records2011Pagan Metal act Gernotshagen was formed in 1999 under the name of "Grafen von Gleichen". This is the German band's third full length release. Now being as it is in German I can't comment on the lyrical content. Sure I had two > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-05-13 17:53:00

It is ...Forbidden-Twisted into formvs.Vio-lence-Oppressing the masses***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Whitesnake-Live At Donington 1990

Published on 2011-05-13 13:33:00

Frontiers Records2011Daily visitors will no doubt have noticed that we lost some of our content when blogger went down. It seems to have happened across the board with other blogs as well. With that being the case I lost my review of Live At Doningto > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-05-13 13:13:00

For this coming week we hope to have out reviews of albums from For All We Know, Karma to burn, Gernotshagen, Manifest, Panzerchrist, In solitude, Nether Regions and more. Also we'll have Clash of the album covers, Heavy metal Thunderdome, NWOBHM Wed > read more

FORGOTTEN GEMS: TROJAN-CHASING THE STORM

Published on 2011-05-11 09:05:00

Roadrunner Records1985One and done. What a shame that is too. Formed in 1982 Trojan released their sole album in 1985. Part of the NWOBHM scene the band were more akin to acts like Venom and Avenger. In other words NWOBHM speed metal. Featuring the t > read more

TYR-The lay of Thrym

Published on 2011-05-11 08:17:00

Nampalm2011Some times I cringe a bit when I see a viking/pagan metal album waiting for me to review it. Not that I don't like the genre, but it's a style that where a band can quickly go into the cornball category just because of the theme. A bad vik > read more

Gates of slumber-The wretch

Published on 2011-05-11 06:01:00

Metal Blade2011What a road a band takes once they are a few albums in can really depend on the individuals involved and what mood they happen to be in while writing a certain album. Some bands progress or try to while others stay the same course. The > read more

Ruins-Chambers Of Perversion

Published on 2011-05-10 09:47:00

Negative Existence2011Originally released as a limited edition vinyl piece (250 copies) Chambers Of Perversion sold out almost immediately. Now Negative Existence is set to offer the official CD release from Germany's one man band Ruins. The promo ra > read more

Culo A Boca/ The Eruptors

Published on 2011-05-09 12:24:00

Self-produced2011This one showed up in my mailbox the other week with a hand drawn picture on the envelop of a punk rocker throwing bottle at another dude's head on the envelope. Plus there was Cula A Boca sticker on the envelope as well, but I had n > read more

Turbocharged-AntiXian

Published on 2011-05-09 10:45:00

Chaos Records2011With an original vinyl version release limited to just 300 copies in 2010 this is is the official CD release due out in June of this year. Mastered at Leon Music Studios by Rikard Löfgren (VOMITORY, DEATHSTARS, ENFORCER) AntiXian is > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-05-08 06:57:00

It is...Alice Cooper-Welcome to my nightmarevs.Ozzy-Blizzard of Ozz**Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Warrant-Rockaholic

Published on 2011-05-07 09:00:00

Frontiers Records2011In all honesty I specifically requested this promo with the sole purpose of giving it a scathing review. After hearing Warrant's horrible 2006 offering Born Again (with Jaime St. James on vocals) I fully expected that Rockaholic > read more

Alestorm-Back through time

Published on 2011-05-07 05:15:00

Napalm2011Just the other day I was thinking that "I could really use some Scottish Pirate metal about now". Okay, I wasn't thinking that exactly but after hearing the new one from Alestorm maybe that should have been my thought. I knew of this band, > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-05-06 11:16:00

This week we'll have reviews from Warrant,Gates of Slumber,Twisted Sister, Alestorm, TYR and more. Plus Clash of the album covers, Forgotten Gems and Heavy Metal Thunderdome. > read more

BlackGates-Demo

Published on 2011-05-06 07:43:00

Self-Released2011Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few years you should already know the story behind Dan Nelson. Sure he was with Anthrax. And sure enough Anthrax pulled the same stunt with him that they pulled with John Bush. That > read more

Aosoth-3

Published on 2011-05-05 19:03:00

Agonia2011Combining the bitter, chaotic fury of black metal with the depths of grief infused doom would seem to be a natural marriage. Some of bands have attempted to the join the two and succeeded while others just fail to pull it off. This leads me > read more

The Dwarves-Born Again

Published on 2011-05-05 06:18:00

MVD VISUAL2011Formed in the mid-eighties (originally known as Suburban Nightmare) in Chicago, Illinois The Dwarves began life as a punk rock outfit. Still in their teens when they began The Dwarves became known for their wild and crazy shows. Like GG > read more

NWOBHM WEDNESDAY:WRATHCHILD

Published on 2011-05-04 14:01:00

Why is it that as I type up this weeks NWOBHM article I've got Motley Crue's "Kickstart My Heart" playing in my mind? Maybe it is the fact that we choose the kings of L.A. glam as our Top Of The Heap subjects? More than likely it is that while lookin > read more

FORGOTTEN GEMS: D'VINE RYTE-WHEN

Published on 2011-05-04 12:58:00

DVR RECORDS1994As one who believes in giving credit where credit is due I must thank Garth Conan for turning me onto this album. I've already mentioned how much I appreciated my friend turning me on to the likes of J.J. Merciless' Wicked Witch so now > read more

IGGY AND THE STOOGES-RAW POWER LIVE:IN THE HANDS OF THE FANS

Published on 2011-05-04 08:04:00

MVD AUDIO2011Listening to the reformed Stooges (Iggy Pop, Scott Asheton, James Williamson, Steve Mackay, Mike Watt) perform Raw Power live made me want to dust off my own vinyl copy of this original classic. Recorded at All Tomorrows Parties in Sept > read more

Deep Machine-Deep Machine EP

Published on 2011-05-03 12:17:00

High Roller Records2011For those of you not familiar with the story behind Deep Machine here is the short of it. A British heavy metal band formed in 1979 by guitarist Bob Hooker the band is known for being sort of this N.W.O.B.H.M. all-star band. Du > read more

Top of the Heap-Motley Crue

Published on 2011-05-03 11:09:00

Andy says-If there is one album by Motley Crue that could best be called (or rather described) as traditional heavy metal it is Shout At The Devil. Released in 1983 the album showed a move away from the more punk rock leanings of Too Fast For Love to > read more

Backslider/Nimbus Terrifix

Published on 2011-05-03 03:09:00

Give Praise2011This split 7" features Backslider from Philadelphia and Nimbus Terrifix from Scranton. Backslider's side of the album mixes explosive, but short bursts with longer drone type passages. They handle both styles well even the transitions > read more

Fester-Silence Re-issue

Published on 2011-05-02 10:39:00

Abyss Records2011 Re-issueOriginally released in 1994 Fester's sophomore release Silence was an impressive addition to the Norwegian black death scene. Having already been re-released in 2000 on CD by No Fashion Records (with different cover-art and > read more

U.D.O.-REV-RAPTOR

Published on 2011-05-02 07:22:00

AFM Records2011Making your way past the eye sore of an album cover on Rev-Raptor Udo Dirkschneider sounds like his old self. There is hunger in his voice as he looks to prove that the new Accept has nothing on him! Joining him as usual is fellow ex-A > read more

Diamond Lane-World without heroes

Published on 2011-05-01 06:30:00

Self-produced2011When I received this promo I remembered the band name and checked back and saw I had reviewed their "Save this city" EP back in 2008. I also noticed that in that review I mentioned reading they had slated to release an album called " > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-05-01 03:38:00

Here you go.Megadeth-So far, so good, so what?vs.Metallica-Ride the lightning***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Soil of ignorance/Wadge

Published on 2011-04-30 07:33:00

Give Praise2011This split 7" features Canadian bands Soil of ignorance and Wadge. Soil of ignorance are up first and they play a sick style of brutal powergrindcore that will leave your ears ringing. What I liked about this band was that while firing > read more

Forgotten Gems:Jesters Of Destiny-Fun At The Funeral

Published on 2011-04-29 14:16:00

Restless1986L.A. band Jesters Of Destiny were "alternative metal" long before the description became a household term. In fact in a day and age before the world would see bands like Jane's Addiction, Faith No More, Last Crack, Mindfunk, Medication an > read more

American Speedway-A Bigger Boat

Published on 2011-04-29 10:10:00

Prophase Records2011Beer drinking punk and roll band American Speedway hail from the Philadelphia-area and have already made a splash with their hit single "One Foot In, One Foot Out". Back in the summer of 2008 the song ended up topping the charts o > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-04-29 05:32:00

This week we'll have reviews of albums from U.D.O, Gates of slumber, Iggy Pop, Diamond Lane, American Speedway, Soil of ingnorance, Wadge and maybe more. Also we'll have Forgotten Gems, Clash of the album covers and Top of the heap. ***Have a great w > read more

Beer Corpse-Keg Nuts

Published on 2011-04-28 16:29:00

Give Praise2011This 7" from Australian thrash/grind/noise act Beer Corpse is short, but certainly not sweet. The put ten tracks on this 7", but most are so short they didn't even have to work to cram them on. The music is generally late 80's style th > read more

Vomitory-Opus Mortis VIII

Published on 2011-04-28 12:02:00

Metal Blade Records2011No bones about it this is no frills and no bull shit death metal. What a refreshing thought. Pure unfiltered in your face death from one of Sweden's oldest and finest bands. Vomitory does not mess around on Opus Mortis VIII. Fo > read more

Primordial-Redemption at Puritan's hand

Published on 2011-04-28 05:11:00

Metal Blade2011Ireland's Primordial have been making music for a long time and that experience shows up once again on their latest effort. Their blend of folk and black metal is very polished, but they are certainly very much in control of every aspe > read more

NWOBHM WEDNESDAY: SPARTAN WARRIOR

Published on 2011-04-27 16:38:00

Andy says-United Kingdom's Spartan Warrior were formed in 1980. With an original line-up consisting of Dave Wilkinson on vocals, Neil Wilkinson on guitar, Tom Spencer on bass and Gordon Webster on drums the band would spent their first two years craf > read more

Voodoo Circle-Broken Heart Syndrome

Published on 2011-04-27 11:39:00

AFM2011Voodoo Circle was founded by Silent Force guitarist Alex Beyrodt for the sole purpose of with the aim of paying homage to bands like Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Rainbow and Yngwie Malmsteen (all major lifelong inspirations for eve > read more

Pharaoh Overlord-Out Of Darkness

Published on 2011-04-27 07:05:00

Ektro Records2011Finland's Pharaoh Overlord are a side-project of the group Circle. Featuring three members (Jussi Lehtisalo, Janne Westerlund and Tomi Leppänen) the group was originally conceived of as an outlet to explore their shared love of ston > read more

Between the buried and me-The parallax: hypersleep diaries

Published on 2011-04-26 19:38:00

Metal Blade2011Surprises in music can be a wonderful thing if done correctly. With a band like Between the buried and me I kind of know what's coming on a new album, but only in a loose sense. I know they'll bring a huge platter piled high with eleme > read more

Shakra-Back On Track

Published on 2011-04-26 10:42:00

AFM RECORDS2011Switzerland-based hard rock act Shakra have been trying for 14 years to break out of their native land and catch on with the mainstream rock scene. Since their last album Everest (which made its way to #4 on the Swiss album charts in 2 > read more

Heavy Metal Thunderdome

Published on 2011-04-26 08:20:00

It's time for another for another round of the Thunderdome. I pit two albums against each other and you pick the one you prefer based on the music. So it it...AC/DC-Highway to hellvs.Aerosmith-Rocks**Which album do you prefer? > read more

Murder Junkies-Road Killer

Published on 2011-04-25 11:28:00

MVD Audio2011You can't write about the Murder Junkies without mentioning GG Allin. As his backing band they were the soundtrack to his notorious live act. A live act in which he would defecate and urinate onstage (not to mention rolling in it, eating > read more

Forgotten Gems-Whiplash-Power and pain

Published on 2011-04-25 08:53:00

Roadrunner1985Ah, early Whiplash, truly an album that stunned me back then and even today retains much of the force that it did back then. My first run in with this band was hearing them do "Thrash 'till death" on the Speed Metal Hell compilation in > read more

Pentagram-Last Rites

Published on 2011-04-25 08:09:00

Metal Blade2011This is certainly one of the most eagerly anticipated albums of 2011 for sure. No wonder, it's the first studio album from them in seven years and an even greater reason for celebration is the fact that it's the first in seventeen year > read more

Sourvein-Black Fang

Published on 2011-04-25 07:56:00

Candlelight Records2011North Carolina-based Sourvein was formed in 1993 by vocalist/guitarist T-Roy Medlin. A sludge doom band, Sourvein have released three full length albums,a EP, split recordings with Buzzov’en, Bongzilla, Rabies Caste and Churc > read more

Happy Easter

Published on 2011-04-24 08:20:00

Enjoy the holiday! > read more

Winterius-In carbon Mysticism

Published on 2011-04-23 13:37:00

Lifeforce2011The press release for the debut from Kalamazoo, Michigan's Winterius says they "are the musical equivalent to nature". That's a bold claim, but Winterius seem to have ambitious intentions. This is black metal from a band that tries to go > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-04-23 13:27:00

It is...Raven-All for onevs.Saxon-Denim and leather***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Crucified Mortals-Crucified Mortals

Published on 2011-04-23 12:25:00

Hells Headbangers2011Crucified Mortals' self-titled release feels like it fell out of space and time and somehow found its way into Hells Headbangers' hands. It's mission statement? Keep on thrashing in the free world while you've got it. Formed back > read more

Anytime, anywhere

Published on 2011-04-22 13:28:00

I may have done this topic before, but my answers change so I'll tackle it again. I like a lot of albums, but there are ones I only listen to every once in awhile. On the other end of the spectrum are those albums I could listen to at any given time. > read more

Romeo Must Die-Hardships In Season

Published on 2011-04-22 13:00:00

Romeo Recordings2011When the United Kingdom band Stampin’ Ground decided to call it a day in 2006 (after 11 years together) vocalist Adam "Bomb" Frakes-Sime and bassist Ben Frost (neither of whom were original members of Stampin' Ground to begin wi > read more

Interview with Intervention

Published on 2011-04-22 11:18:00

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Finland's one and only thrash band Intervention.Andy-Would you introduce yourselves and tell me how Intervention came about and what made you choose your name?Intervention-Intervention is a thrash metal ban > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-04-22 07:04:00

For the next week we hope to have out reviews of albums from Romeo must die,Pentagram, Crucified Mortals, Winterius,Murder Junkies, Between the buried and me,Sourvein, Primordial and maybe more. Plus an interview with Intervention, Forgotten Gems, He > read more

Aerial Ruin-Valleys of the earth

Published on 2011-04-21 14:02:00

Vendlus2011Aerial Ruins is a one man accoustic folk band. It is the project of Erik Moggridge who has been in Old Grandad and Epidemic. Much of the music is done on the acoustic guitar. This works well in that Moggridge has a strong handle on the str > read more

SOASHYANT-SOASHYANT

Published on 2011-04-21 07:15:00

Palapal2010The brotherhood of heavy metal knows no color or language. There are no class restrictions. When your together thrashing madly it becomes a universal cause. A chance to stand together and tell the world we will not be silenced. Here in Ame > read more

Gamma Ray-Skeletons and Majesties

Published on 2011-04-20 16:17:00

Armoury/Eagle Rock2011I guess when Helloween released "Unarmed" last year I should have known that Gamma Ray would have to also do an album oddly updated versions of some of their songs. This is called a mini-album not an EP for some reason. We get s > read more

NWOBHM WEDNESDAY: TANK

Published on 2011-04-20 13:07:00

Andy says-If you've never had the pleasure of having your eardrums assaulted by Filth Hounds Of Hades I want you to stop what your doing and go track down a copy right now. Try Youtube for clips. I'll be waiting. Back now? Yeah, Tank are a bit like t > read more

Stilllife-Requiem

Published on 2011-04-20 11:57:00

Self Release2011Traverse City, Michigan plays host to The Traverse City Film Festival (founded by every one's favorite filmmaker and activist Michael Moore) every summer. I'm wondering if that kind of environment has anything to do with the amount of > read more

Free Reign-Heavier Than Metal

Published on 2011-04-20 09:38:00

DC Rightside Music2011Having a band with the tag "heavier than metal" makes you think that they might be pretty "Hell Bent For Leather" HEAVY. Free Reign are only heavy if you consider their weight. If you don't know the gimmick is that the band feat > read more

And justice for all- Yearly visit

Published on 2011-04-19 20:03:00

One of my most anticipated albums of 1988 was of course Metallica's And justice for all. I remember going to the local Sound Waves the day it came out. There was a huge banner for it hanging out in front of the store and posters all in the store wind > read more

Forgotten Gems-Witchkiller-Day of the Saxons

Published on 2011-04-19 16:30:00

Metal Blade1984Canadian band Witchkiller released just album that being this five track EP. I stumbled upon a used copy of this on vinyl at a record store around 1987 or 88. They had long hair, wore leather and had some cheesy rubber mask with them s > read more

Faithsedge-Faithsedge

Published on 2011-04-19 09:32:00

Scarlet Records2011Streaming online at AOL Music is the self-titled debut album from California's own Faithsledge. Who you may ask? Well, Faithsedge is another so-called "supergroup" of sorts (although not your normal all ego no chemistry supergroup > read more

Concrete Force-Mental Enforcers

Published on 2011-04-19 06:23:00

Blower Records2011Mental Forces was a 2008 demo first before getting the royal treatment (which among other things meant the addition of two new songs) and a re-release in late 2010. That didn't stop me from checking the sell by date a few times. 200 > read more

Forgotten Tomb-Under Saturn Retrograde

Published on 2011-04-19 04:39:00

Agonia2011This is the fifth full length album from Forgotten Tomb. Forgotten Tomb play a brand of blackened doom with the a rather lonely frequently gloomy feel to many of the songs. Yet it's a mood they are very well suited for creating. The music c > read more

Mark Deutrom-The Value Of Decay

Published on 2011-04-18 09:52:00

Southern Lord 2011 In some way I thought it would be harder for me to wrap my head around The Value Of Decay the solo album from Mark Deutrom. Maybe I've just forgotten my own past among all the young punks of my teens. Too much metal has gone into m > read more

More questions for you

Published on 2011-04-17 14:48:00

Here are some simple questions about your music buying.What was the last CD/album you bought where you think you got a bargain?What was the last CD/album you bought where you think you overpaid for it?Name one CD/album you have considered buying in t > read more

Forgotten Gems: Tarot-Spell Of Iron

Published on 2011-04-17 13:02:00

Flamingo Music 1986 I hadn't thought about this album in awhile which is a tragic shame because if their is one band who truly define heavy metal it's Tarot. So, what made me decide to give Spell Of Iron a spin and a nod? Well, while visiting another > read more

Symfonia-In Paradisum

Published on 2011-04-17 11:30:00

Armoury/Eagle Rock 2011 This heavy metal super group formed in 2010 and this ten-track offering was recorded mainly in Finland, mixed and mastered in Italy and produced by Timo Tolkki (who also plays guitar on the this release). With a line-up featur > read more

USX-The valley path

Published on 2011-04-17 06:30:00

Neurot2011This album from North Carolina's consists of one track that clocks in a little under forty minutes. Don't let the track influence your opinion, just turn on the disc, sit back and follow the journey. What a journey it is because it doesn't > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-04-16 05:33:00

Here you go.Death-Scream bloody gorevs.Sodom-In the sign of evil***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Twisted Tower Dire-Make it dark

Published on 2011-04-16 05:10:00

Cruze Del Sur2011Metal in general is faring well these days. However those of who got into metal in the 80's probably have various, but strong memories of the changing musical climate as the 80's made way for the 90's. I remember the mid-90's being p > read more

The Poodles-Performacracy

Published on 2011-04-16 03:51:00

Frontiers2011Sweden's the Poodles return with their latest effort and fans are not going to be disappointed. These guys obviously grew up listening to the likes of Motley Crue, Def Leppand, Bon Jovi and other 80's-early 90's hard rock bands. They hav > read more

Ravencult-Morbid Blood

Published on 2011-04-15 16:24:00

Hells Headbangers 2011 Hells Headbangers (which by the way is a superb name for a heavy metal record label I must say!) have presented me with some early Easter presents by the look of things. Browsing through the available promos I feel like a kid i > read more

The Approach & The Execution Contest

Published on 2011-04-15 14:24:00

April 15th,2011 I have two autographed copies of The Approach & The Execution's The Blood March CD and one regular copy to give away. Just go over to the right on this page where it talks about contacting Mark and click on "HERE". Send Mark a mes > read more

Wolverine-Communication Lost

Published on 2011-04-15 11:32:00

Candlelight Records 2011 Last time I checked in with Swedish act Wolverine they were still a progressive power metal band with some death metal leanings (mostly in the form of the back-ground vocals of drummer/vocalist Marcus Losbjer). Even their nam > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-04-15 11:05:00

This week we hope to have up reviews of albums from Wolverine,Twisted Tower Dire, Symfonia, USX, Mark Deutrom, The Poodles, Winterius and maybe more. Plus Clash of the album covers and Forgotten Gems.Have a great week! > read more

Flame-March Into Firelands

Published on 2011-04-15 10:40:00

Hells Headbangers 2011 So here it is another typical rainy day in Ohio and I sit down to digest another unholy slab of black thrash from my new friends at Hells Headbangers. March Into Firelands is album number two for this Finland band who formed in > read more

Hrizg-Anthems to Decrepitude

Published on 2011-04-15 07:52:00

Moribund Records 2011 Anthems to Decrepitude is the second full length release for Hrizg. Hrizg by the way is "Orcish" (World Of Warcraft) for pain so right from the start you should be able to figure out where this is going. Indeed this is primeval > read more

Interview with Surtr

Published on 2011-04-14 19:50:00

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing French doom band Surtr.MM-Please introduce the members of your band. JeFF: SURTR has been founded by Régis (drums) & myself (guitar, vocal) early 2009, then Julien joined us on bass around August 2010. > read more

Believer-Transhuman

Published on 2011-04-14 16:21:00

Metal Blade Records 2011 Transhuman is the fifth full-length release for Believer and in keeping with their desire to get more experimental (read: weirder) with each passing recording it is a concept album about the subject of transhumanism (hence th > read more

Lillian Axe-Take The Bullet Single

Published on 2011-04-14 14:28:00

Love & War Records 2011 Lillian Axe have yet again found a new singer? Last I had heard they had enlisted Ronny Munroe to fill the spot. It's just way to difficult these days to keep up with all the various line-up changes that go on in the world of > read more

Alien 2 on earth

Published on 2011-04-13 19:23:00

DVDMidnight Legacy2011In the early 1980's there was a small trend in Italian horror movies to give them titles that might imply they were sequels to much more known (and larger budget) non-Italian horror flicks. This is one such case, but trust me th > read more

Across Tundras-Sage

Published on 2011-04-13 17:57:00

Neurot2011This is the seventh full length album and their first on Neurot. I never heard them before, but right away loved the band name and this album cover. One spin had me knowing that band is all about creating musical landscapes. The opener "In > read more

Danger Zone-Line Of Fire

Published on 2011-04-13 13:48:00

Avenue Of Allies 2011 One day soon I really must do a Forgotten Gems piece on Danger Zone's excellent 1984 EP Victim of Time. Someone please remind me to do that. This album though was the follow-up (there were several demos done in between though) a > read more

Essence-Lost In Violence

Published on 2011-04-13 10:52:00

Ultimhate Records 2011 This is for my good friend Jason who said I just had to check out this album. Now Jason is a thrash fan first and foremost so it's not like I didn't know what I was getting myself into with Lost In Violence. This full length de > read more

FORGOTTEN GEMS: HOLOCROSS S/T

Published on 2011-04-13 08:18:00

New Renaissance Records 1988 Andy says-Pennsylvania thrash metal band Holocross were a popular (if controversial thanks to their weapons based shows) live act who were a tad late on the scene with their self-titled debut. Originally formed in 1982 un > read more

NWOBHM WEDNESDAY: GRIM REAPER

Published on 2011-04-13 06:57:00

Andy says-Grim Reaper were formed in 1979 and were discovered after beating out over 100 other acts to win a Battle of the Bands. They were awarded studio time and from that studio time came the Bleed em' Dry demo. The demo would serve as Grim Reaper > read more

King Kobra-s/t

Published on 2011-04-12 16:28:00

Frontiers2011Maybe you remember these guys if you are of a certain age. The brainchild of drummer Carmine Appice (Cactus, Vanilla Fudge and many more), he put the band to together after Sharon Osborne gave him the boot from her hubby's band. After so > read more

Black 'N Blue-Hell Yeah

Published on 2011-04-12 13:04:00

Frontiers Records 2011 Whatever happened to Black 'N Blue? Formed in the early eighties under the name Movie Star this Portland, Oregon band would make the move to Los Angeles in 1982. Their first recorded appearance (to my knowledge) would be on the > read more

Top of the Heap-Deep Purple

Published on 2011-04-12 08:57:00

Andy says- Warner Bros. Records 1972 Released one year before I was born Machine Head would be album number six for Deep Purple. As everyone should already know it is also an album that is considered to be influential in the development of the genre > read more

Pagan's Mind-Heavenly Ecstasy

Published on 2011-04-12 07:57:00

SPV/Steamhammer 2011 It's hard to believe that "Heavenly Ecstasy" will make album number six for Norwegian progressive power metal act Pagan's Mind. Formed in the year 2000 (and originally playing 80's inspired metal) the group started off as Silvers > read more

Interview with Brian and Chris of Hay Perro

Published on 2011-04-11 16:57:00

Hay Perro play a fantastic blend of metal and punk rock. I recently got to interview Chris and Brian to find out more about the band and their music. MM-Please introduce the members of your band. Chris: I’m on guitar and vocals, and I do most of th > read more

Artillery-My Blood

Published on 2011-04-11 16:24:00

Metal Mind2011Some shoes are bigger to fill than others. That's one of the first thoughts that comes to mind as I hear Søren Nico Adamsen fronting Artillery. Even though this is his second studio effort with the band there are still reviews calling > read more

Cypher Seer-Origins

Published on 2011-04-11 14:34:00

Nightmare Records 2011 This New Jersey/New York based traditional metal band was born under the name of Malakis Reign in 2003. In 2007 the band had to change its name to Cypher Seer due to legal issues. They signed to Sentinel Steel Records that same > read more

Intervention-Growing Line Of Caskets Demo

Published on 2011-04-11 11:41:00

Self Release 2011 Intervention hail from the frozen lands of upper Finland and this is demo number three for the group. Formed in 2007 the band (Vocals - Tuomo Marttinen, Lead and rhythm guitar - Johannes Leipälä,Rhythm guitar - Juho Kilpelä,Bass > read more

Conflicted-Never Be Tamed

Published on 2011-04-11 10:10:00

Nightmare Records 2011 Formed in 2008, Toronto's Conflicted are an award winning Hard Rock/Progressive Metal band.The band is made up of veterans of the 1990's metal scene and they have already released two critically acclaimed EPs. A popular live ac > read more

Heavy Metal Thunderdome

Published on 2011-04-10 05:58:00

Time again for Heavy Metal Thunderdome where you pick which album you prefer based on the music. If you think of the early 1980's and England you probably think of the NWOBHM scene and that's understandable because it was a very busy and exciting sce > read more

Interview with Death Mask's Steve Michaels

Published on 2011-04-09 08:31:00

Cult power metal band Death Mask have just released their new album Sitting In the Dark (their first album in over twenty years). A serious contender for comeback album of the year Sitting In the Dark is both a throwback album to American power metal > read more

Forgotten Gems-Witch-The Hex is on

Published on 2011-04-09 06:45:00

O.T.T. Records 1984 LA's Witch were by all accounts a wild act and between 1983 and 1985 many people thought they were going to break out and find the same success that other LA acts like Motley Crue, Ratt and WASP had found. The played plenty of sho > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-04-09 03:40:00

Here you go.Lizzy Borden-Appointment with deathvs.Ratt-out of the cellar***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-04-08 18:30:00

For the coming week we hope to have out reviews of the latest from Pagan's Mind, Kinetik,Conflicted, Across Tundras, Cypherseer, King Kobra and possibly more. Plus Clash of the album covers, Top of the Heap, Heavy Metal Thunderdome, Forgotten Gems an > read more

U.D.O.-Leatherhead EP

Published on 2011-04-08 13:56:00

AFM 2011 What is it with U.D.O. and his choice of album cover art? I don't get the face paint my friend. It distracts from what is otherwise a pretty good EP. “Leatherhead” and “Rock´N´Roll Soldiers” are both from U.D.O.'s new album "Rev-Ra > read more

Atomic Roar-Atomic Freaks

Published on 2011-04-07 11:54:00

Bestial Invasion Records 2011 If you've already read Mark's excellent review of Evil Survives new album then you'll know that retro-metal loving bands are popping up everywhere these days. While Evil Survives hail from up north our friends in Atomic > read more

Evil Survives-Metal Vengeance

Published on 2011-04-07 09:40:00

Heavy Artillery2011Originally this album was released in late 2008 on War on music, but now Heavy Artillery brings us a re-issue with a bonus track. Hailing from Winnipeg Evil Survives are huge on early-mid 80's metal including Priest, Maiden, Satan, > read more

Death Mask-Sitting In The Dark

Published on 2011-04-07 06:25:00

Self Release 2011 "Time Of The Signs" starts off Sitting In The Dark with the sounds of air sirens before kicking into heavy power metal. It seems rather fitting to give a fair warning to the bombing this album does on the senses. Really, 20+ years a > read more

Ichabod Crane-Brimstone

Published on 2011-04-06 14:52:00

Under The Current2011Those of you who are a little older (and a lot more grey around the edges) like yours truly should remember Disney's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (taken from "The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad"). Ichabod Crane (the main cha > read more

Satan's Host-By the hands of the devil

Published on 2011-04-06 12:12:00

Moribund2011Satan's Host bring back their original singer Harry Conklin (of Jag Panzer) for their newest album. Although he was listed as Leviathan Thisiren back during the decade he was originally with the band (1977-1987). The band broke up at tha > read more

Vastum-Carnal Law

Published on 2011-04-06 11:43:00

20 Buck Spin 2011 I didn't know that the Bay Area was good for more than just energetic thrash. It's actually true that there is a lot of good death metal coming out of there. The newest one Vastum features members of Acephalix, Infest, Saros,etc. Wh > read more

Death Wolf-Death Wolf

Published on 2011-04-06 11:23:00

Regain/Blooddawn Records 2011 Once upon a time Death Wolf was known as Devils Whorehouse. Formed in 2000 by Marduk guitarist Morgan Håkansson and Hrafn (who was playing in some local band at the time) the group started out as a Misfits/Samhain cover > read more

NWOBHM WEDNESDAY: RAVEN

Published on 2011-04-06 03:57:00

Andy says- Raven was formed in Newcastle, England in 1974 by brothers John & Mark Gallagher (vocals/bass and guitar respectively) and guitarist Paul Bowden. According to John Gallagher the band would settle on the name Raven because at the time i > read more

Graviton-Massless

Published on 2011-04-05 19:55:00

Translation Loss 2011Gravaton features Sacha Dunable of Intronaut and members of the Californian band National Sunday Law. "Massless" is an appropriate enough album title as the overall sound tends to float out there just beyond your senses. They pul > read more

Priscilla-Eight Lives Gone

Published on 2011-04-05 10:48:00

FnA Records 2011 Cleveland, Ohio has another claim to fame now besides the whole river catching on fire ordeal. Introducing the one and only Priscilla and their take on sex,drugs and rock 'n roll destruction. Long story short this glossy glam band ha > read more

R.I.P. Scott Columbus 1957-2011

Published on 2011-04-05 05:57:00

Former Manowar drummer Scott Columbus has passed away at the young age of 54. The information was first posted by ex- Manowar guitarist Ross “The Boss” Friedman on his own Facebook page.It was sadly later verified by Columbus’girlfriend Nancy. > read more

Forgotten Gems: J.J. Merciless' Wicked Witch - Olde Smoke

Published on 2011-04-04 11:43:00

Modesty Records 1993 True believers of traditional heavy metal/hard rock take heed for today I give you J.J. Merciless' Wicked Witch. I've heard the crying in the night. I too have felt the longing of those in need of true metal. Indeed it is a just > read more

Questions for you?

Published on 2011-04-04 09:35:00

Here are some simple questions for you about 80's metal/hard rock. 1-Who was the most underrated hard rock or metal band of the 1980's? 2-Who was the most overrated hard rock or metal band of the 1980's? 3-What 80's hard rock or metal album do you lo > read more

Guardians Of Time-A Beautiful Atrocity

Published on 2011-04-03 12:05:00

Mayhem Music 2011 It's within human nature to change how you view something on any given day. Something that might not appeal to you on say Monday might peak your interest on Tuesday. Often times the way in which we absorb the information around us c > read more

Scale the summit-The collective

Published on 2011-04-03 06:16:00

Prosthetic2011I was very impressed by 2009's "Carving Desert Canyons" from Scale the summit with it's seamless mix of prog rock, jazz and metal. Now the Houston based instrumental band return with a new outing. Quite honestly I think "The collective" > read more

Forgotten Gems-Thought Industry-Songs for insects

Published on 2011-04-03 05:18:00

Metal Blade1992 I heard a demo from this band back in 1990 and was slightly impressed, but definitely felt that they needed to tighten their sound considerably. The playing skill was highly evident, but the songwriting wasn't quite there. They were c > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-04-03 04:15:00

Since it's April I decided to toss out some bunny album covers.Beehoover-Heavy Zoovs.Helloween-Rabbit don't come easy***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Opposite The Satellite-Blind Spot E.P.

Published on 2011-04-02 15:41:00

Self Release 2011 Richmond,Virginia should already be well known to fans of all things heavy. Having already blessed us with Gwar, Lamb of God and Municipal Waste now the city can boast of being the birthplace of young rock band Opposite The Satellit > read more

ZeroZonic-God Damn,Better,Best

Published on 2011-04-02 13:28:00

Ozo Music 2010 ZeroZonic was formed in 2004 by Daniel "Peisy" Olaisen (Blood Red Throne, Scariot, Cobolt 60, Trioxin (Nor), Depths of Catharsis, Satyricon) as a side project. Longing to get his groove on the early line -up included vocalist Roy Egela > read more

Hydra Vein Interview

Published on 2011-04-01 12:25:00

Andy: First off I'd just like to say thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Hydra Vein are now heald in such high regard despite only two releases. Does it surprise you any that even after all these years new people are still discovering > read more

Forgotten Gems-Executioner-In the name of metal

Published on 2011-04-01 09:15:00

New Renaissance 1986 I first heard Executioner when they contributed "Victims of evil" to the Speed Metal Hell compilation in 1985. The production was horrible on that song and the playing was rough, but there was no denying the energy. That same ene > read more

Lunocode-Last day of the earth

Published on 2011-04-01 08:03:00

Spider Rock2011 "Last day of the earth" is the debut from this female fronted progressive/power metal band. It consists of six songs and clocks in around 34 minutes, but is listed as an EP. I guess times have changed as most of Van Halen's early albu > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-04-01 06:24:00

For the next week we hope to have up reviews of albums from Guardians Of Time, Scale the summit, Zero Zonic, Lunocode, Deathmask, Graviton and more. Plus a Hydra Vein Interview, Forgotten Gems and Clash of the album covers. > read more

Forgotten Gems: Death Mask-Split the Atom

Published on 2011-03-31 10:29:00

Killerwatt Records 1986 Formed in 1984 this New York speed metal band would begin life as Savage Choir. Vocalist Steven Michaels joined up with guitarist Benny Ransom and the pair quickly became good friends and writing partners. The original line-up > read more

Argus-Boldy stride the doomed

Published on 2011-03-30 19:51:00

Cruz Del Sur 2011 Pennsylvania's Argus return with their sophomore effort. I was very excited as I prepared to hear this one because I was quite impressed with their 2009 self-titled debut. They sure don't disappoint this time around either. If I had > read more

NWOBHM WEDNESDAY: JAGUAR

Published on 2011-03-30 17:06:00

Andy says- The story of Jaguar is short and bittersweet. Formed in 1979 they would come along at the just the right time to have an impact on the NWOBHM movement. The original line-up consisted of Ron Reiss (vocals), Garry Pepperd (guitar), Jeff Cox > read more

Vreid-V

Published on 2011-03-30 13:39:00

Indie Recordings 2011 Vreid (which is Norwegian for "wrath") was formed out of the ashes Windir. After the tragic death of Windir frontman Valfar in 2004 three of the former members would continue on as Vreid. They added new guitarist Ese who would b > read more

Kicker-Innit

Published on 2011-03-29 19:08:00

Tankcrimes 2011 Writing short songs is fine with me as long as the band accomplished something during that time. So usually I think of short songs as causing a band to have to focus to accomplish something without much time. However if a song two or > read more

Top Of The Heap: Anthrax

Published on 2011-03-29 14:58:00

Andy says- Does Anthrax need an introduction? As part of the "Big Four" the band has released countless albums and have been at the forefront of the thrash movement since their humble beginnings in 1983. Despite numerous line up changes and a declini > read more

Heavy Metal Thunderdome

Published on 2011-03-29 11:25:00

Another match-up of two hard rock giants. Remember you are picking based on the music in this contest. If you were a teenager or older around 1983-84 then these two albums were likely staples for you. Or at least I am assuming you have good taste bas > read more

Aura-Deliverance

Published on 2011-03-28 05:31:00

Spider-rock 2010Italy's Aura formed back in 1996, but it was twelve years later that they released their debut album "A Different View From The Same Side". Now they return with their sophomore outing. This is a concept album that is the telling of a > read more

Interview With The Approach & The Execution

Published on 2011-03-27 15:12:00

Last Friday night I meet up with vocalist/guitarist Jeremy Langham and vocalist/bassist Nick Kozono of The Approach & The Execution to discuss life on the road, the new album and the group's future plans. Being the extreme guys they are we hit th > read more

The Tards-Guillotine

Published on 2011-03-27 13:06:00

Self-produced 2010 Hailing from Kansas City The Tards are a 4 piece metal act from Kansas City, Missouri formed in 2004. Musically they are very much influenced by early thrash. I hear some early Metallica and Megadeth, but the biggest influence is d > read more

Mhorgl-Antinomian

Published on 2011-03-27 12:39:00

The Execution Kollective (TEK) 2011 "Antinomian" is the second full-length release from Australian black metal band Mhorgi. People might actually be surprised to learn that there is a growing black metal movement going on there. Formed in 2004 Mhorgi > read more

The Tards-Guillotine

Published on 2011-03-27 08:02:00

Self-produced 2010 Hailing from Kansas City The Tards are a 4 piece metal act from Kansas City, Missouri formed in 2004. Musically they are very much influenced by early thrash. I hear some early Metallica and Megadeth, but the biggest influence is d > read more

Panzer Bastard-Centurion

Published on 2011-03-27 07:29:00

Patac 2010 Boston's Panzar Bastard offer upa five song EP comprised of three originals and two covers. Both are Celtic Frost covers. The first is the backbreaking "The Usurper" which is a fine representitive of where Celtic Frost was in their early d > read more

Forgotten Gems : King Kobra-Ready to strike

Published on 2011-03-27 03:54:00

Capitol 1985 It was early Summer of 1985 and I had earned $10 for helping a neighbor with farm work and the money was burning a hole in my pocket. My dad had to go get groceries and I went with him so I could run down to get a cassette from the newly > read more

Inner Axis-Into The Storm

Published on 2011-03-26 16:16:00

Coast Rock Records2011Formerly known as Midgard this German band actually formed in 1999 and originally featured a female vocalist. The group would change their name to Inner Axis in 2008 and swap out their old vocalist Martina Hacker for new guy Kai > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-03-26 09:32:00

It is...Clutch-s/tvs.Electric Wizard-Come my fanatics....***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Ruled By Reason-The Dawning Of Dystopia

Published on 2011-03-25 14:30:00

The Execution Kollective (TEK)2011Ruled By Reason was formed in the fall of 2008 by guitarist Brian Montgomery and bassist Chris Glavac. The two musicians had already been playing music together for several years when they went about searching for fe > read more

Pegazus-In metal we trust

Published on 2011-03-25 13:11:00

Black leather2011Let's see the cover of this one has a leather clad couple flying through the night on a steel covered winged horse-motorcycle hybrid. If you would guess this is old style fist pumping metal then you would be almost on the mark. Austr > read more

Saxon-Hammer Of The Gods Single

Published on 2011-03-25 08:44:00

Militia Guard Music.2011"Hammer Of The Gods" is the first single to be released from Saxon's new disc "Call To Arms". Now while I actually do prefer early Saxon (I was just listening to their s/t album the other day on my turntable) I didn't mind 200 > read more

Echtra-Paragate

Published on 2011-03-25 07:46:00

Temple of Torturous2011Oregon of all places seems an odd place to find an instrumental black metal artist. Especially one that specializes in drone/folk. Echtra (of Alethes, Fearthainne, and Threnos fame) handles all instruments on what is his second > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-03-25 05:29:00

This week we'll aim for having out reviews of Echtra,Ruled By Reason,Pegazus, The Tards,Panzer Bastard,Scale the summit,Phobia and more.Plus an interview with The Approach & The Execution, Forgotten Gems, Top of the heap, Heay Metal Thunderdome a > read more

Nasty Tendency-Hello suckers

Published on 2011-03-24 20:23:00

My Graveyard2011Back with their sophomore effort Italy's Nasty Tendency remind me of quite a few other acts. The first one that comes to mind is Sister Sin only with male vocals. That's because they embody a similar mid-80's accept meets Shout at the > read more

Lekamen Illusionen Kallet-The Second Wind

Published on 2011-03-24 08:17:00

Nordvis Produktion2011As the Ramones once sang "Somebody Put Something In My Drink". It must have been my morning coffee becuase I was under the impression this was just another black metal release. Stoif (Graav) - all Instruments and JM - Drums (Ses > read more

NWOBHM WEDNESDAY: BLITZKRIEG

Published on 2011-03-23 19:18:00

Andy says-Love them or hate them Metallica introduced the world to Blitzkrieg. I'm not saying that Blitzkrieg needed Metallica's help. That's an argument reserved for another day. What I am saying is that having their song "Blitzkrieg" covered on the > read more

Zombiefication-Midnight Stench

Published on 2011-03-23 12:19:00

Chaos Records2011What's this we have here? More brutal death metal from south of the border? Midnight Stench is the debut from Mexico's own Zombiefication and yes this is another unhealthy serving of bloody death metal from the fine folks over at Cha > read more

Forgotten Gems: God Is LSD-Spirit Of Suicide

Published on 2011-03-23 08:59:00

Century Media1992The time has come for something a little different for our Forgotten Gems column. Today's entry is the German band God Is LSD. As far as I know this was their only full length release. Spirit Of Suicide would be a late entry into the > read more

Omision-In the Shadow of the Cross

Published on 2011-03-22 10:18:00

Chaos Records2011Tijuana, Mexico is known for many things most of which involve it's fair share of alcohol and drug use. Well, that and half naked college kids. So how is it such a place could give us such a brutal death band like Omision? Formed in > read more

Forgotten Gems-Kublai Khan

Published on 2011-03-22 08:29:00

New Renaissance1987This band actually had a small buzz back then just because their guitarist/vocalist Greg Handevidt had briefly played guitar in an early version of Megadeth. Handevidt was a childhood friend of Dave Ellefson. The two moved to LA to > read more

Underride-Distorted Nation

Published on 2011-03-22 04:30:00

Distorted Nation2011I remember "One of us" from Seattle's Underride a few years ago. What most impressed me then was how they managed to take the spirit of late 80's/early 90's hard rock and bring it into present day. On their new release "Distorted > read more

Hell- Save Us from Those Who Would Save Us / On Earth as It Is in Hell

Published on 2011-03-21 14:25:00

Nuclear Blast Records2011Hell was formed in Nottingham, England in 1982. A hard working nwobhm band Hell would release four demos (demos II & III were both released in 1983 and were the two I just recently heard again after far too long thanks to > read more

Warfield-Trivmvirat

Published on 2011-03-21 13:32:00

Chaos Records2011 Mexico’s Warfield are a pretty young band having formed in 2008. This seven song EP is their follow-up to 2009's full length Conquering the Black Horde. It includes three new non-album tracks, three bonus live cuts, and a bonus re > read more

VARIOUS ARTISTS-SIN-ATRA

Published on 2011-03-21 07:04:00

Eagle Rock Entertainment2011Time for my Monday morning confession. I like Frank Sinatra. I have tons of his LPs and even a few CDs somewhere around here. That is just how I roll. Even if it makes no sense to anyone else I've always loved Ol' Blue Eye > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-03-21 04:50:00

It is...Deep Purple-Who do we think we arevs.UFO-Phenomenon***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Witchrist-Beheaded Ouroboros

Published on 2011-03-20 08:07:00

Invictus2011Witchrist hail from Auckland, New Zealand and play an explosively brutal style of black tinged death metal. There are some sitar and church bells thrown in largely in a few songs, but other than those this is a stripped down approach. The > read more

Thinning the herd-Oceans rise

Published on 2011-03-20 07:20:00

St Mark's2011With some albums I get a bead on it right away and boom my impressions of it are formed. Other albums it takes a while for me to come to a conclusion. This album fell into that second category in fact I listened to it twice sat down to w > read more

Rocka Rollas Promo 2011

Published on 2011-03-19 10:26:00

Self Release2011Hailing from Storvik, Gävleborgs län, Sverige (Sweden) is the two piece band Rocka Rollas. While I am going to go out on a limb and say they took their name from the Judas Priest album the band has more of a (early) Running Wild wor > read more

Forgotten Gems-Post Mortem

Published on 2011-03-18 20:09:00

New Renaissance1986In the mid-to late 1980's I was completely into thrash. Every band with leather jackets, high top white Nikes, stringy hair and some fast riffs probably had my attention at least for a little while. So if I bought an album thinking > read more

Forgotten Gems: Runestaff-Runestaff

Published on 2011-03-18 11:56:00

Heavy Metal Records1985In the early eighties Heavy Metal Records was well known as the home of such band's as Handsome Beasts, Bitches Sin, Cloven Hoof and Witchfinder General. In addition to these NWOBHM acts the label also released The Heavy Metal > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-03-18 07:48:00

The weather was certainly nicer here this week with definite hints of Spring. The events going on Japan are indeed scary and we need to keep them in our prayers in this difficult time.This week the reviews will include albums from Warfield,Underride, > read more

Questions for you

Published on 2011-03-17 15:06:00

Okay, it's almost 1/3 of the way through 2011 so far. Two simple questions for you.1-What is the best or some of the best albums that you have hard so far this year?2-What upcoming album or albums are you most looking forward to coming out in the nex > read more

Interview with guitarist Glenn Rogers

Published on 2011-03-17 13:41:00

This past week I've had the pleasure of talking with legendary guitarist Glenn Rogers. For those of you who might not be familiar with his name let me start off by saying that Glenn has quite the resume and has played with such bands as Hero (U.S.A.) > read more

Anaal Narthrakh-Passion

Published on 2011-03-17 11:22:00

Candlelight Records2011The first time I saw Hellraiser it really bothered me. The concept of sex as pain and pain as sex wasn't new. But a twist of horror and tons of blood really set the tone for it being something of utter evil to a younger me. Not > read more

Xerath-II

Published on 2011-03-17 09:30:00

Candlelight Records2011I sat and stared at a blank computer screen for well over 15 minutes trying to come up with an opening for this review. This is the best I can up with so if your still reading this then there will be an extra cookie for you at > read more

Birth A.D.-Stillbirth of a nation

Published on 2011-03-16 09:07:00

Self-produced2011This is a like trip back to about 1984-85 as Birth A.D. sound the kind of hardcore/early crossover that bands like D.R.I and C.O.C. were cranking out. In fact this Austin, Texas based band sound a lot like D.R.I did back then only wi > read more

NWOBHM WEDNESDAY: VENOM

Published on 2011-03-16 08:26:00

Andy says-Very few names in metal stir up the kind of controversy that Venom does. Formed in 1979 the band would unleash "Welcome To Hell " in 1981 during the tale end of NWOBHM. More of a mystery than anything Venom would not hit the road right away > read more

The Defiled-Grave Times

Published on 2011-03-15 15:38:00

Raise The Game2011What do we have here friends? Well, it's another one of those "free" albums you get when you pluck down your hard earned money on a music magazine (in this case Metal Hammer). Yes, you are correct when you say that I just ragged on > read more

Hay Perro-Eastern ideas of death

Published on 2011-03-15 08:22:00

Self-produced2011I began this review like three times with different introductions and I eventually scrapped all three. Each time I kept getting into long explanations about metal and punk and the history of or lack of blending the styles. Instead I > read more

M.I.C-3rd degree

Published on 2011-03-15 08:00:00

Self-produced2011When I heard this band's last album I pretty much dismissed them as a rough sounding bar band. A year has gone by, this band has gone through some line-up changes and a new album has emerged. M.I.C (Made in China) sound a little bett > read more

Amon Amarth-Surtur Rising

Published on 2011-03-15 05:56:00

Metal Blade2011Swedish melodic death metal band Amon Amarth take their name from the Sindarin translation of Mount Doom, a location in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth and have been waving the Viking flag since their formation in 1992. This is actuall > read more

Heavy Metal Thunderdome

Published on 2011-03-14 17:33:00

I still think that 1984 was absolutely the best year ever fro hard rock and metal. Think about the albums that came out that year from the likes of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Metallica, Van Halen, Dio, WASP, Dokken, Accept, Anthrax, Deep Purple and W > read more

Forgotten Gems: "Where Are They Now Special" Featuring Ohio's Midevil

Published on 2011-03-14 15:00:00

Thrift stores (love them or hate them) have always been one source for me in my pursuit of the ultimate music collection. While it's usually obscure pieces of vinyl that I've found (or had found for me as is the case with the two bootleg Ozzy live al > read more

The Approach and The Execution-The Blood March

Published on 2011-03-14 09:30:00

Self Release2011For all of my regular readers who follow my reviews (yes, I am referring to all of you over at Glenbeigh and the Ohio Reformatory for Women) you should already know that I am pretty high right now on the Buckeye metal scene. You can't > read more

Blaspherian-Infernal warriors of death

Published on 2011-03-13 08:46:00

Deathgasm2011This Houston, Texas based act began back in 2004. They knocked out a few demos and did a couple of split 7" before deciding it was time to record their full length debut. Death metal is usually a very hit and miss genre to my ears. So ma > read more

Tora Tora-Before & After

Published on 2011-03-12 15:27:00

FnA Records 2010I really feel that Mark should be reviewing this "new" record of Tora Tora seeing as he is more familiar with their work. It's not that I don't know who Tora Tora is it is just that I missed out on them the first time around. I'm sure > read more

TheResemblance-Various Sample Cuts

Published on 2011-03-12 09:35:00

Self Released 2010/2011Usually when I talk about how young a band is it is in regards to their years together and not their actual age. With TheResemblance you actually have a young band who are....well, very young. Band member Paul Murray might seem > read more

Surtr-World of doom

Published on 2011-03-12 05:29:00

Altsphere2011I remember reviewing the three song demo from France's Surtr just over a year ago and being very impressed. However since it was only three songs and one was a cover it was difficult to totally get a handle on this band. Now they have re > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-03-11 18:02:00

Here you go. It is...Mercyful Fate-Return of the vampirevs.Venom-From hell to the unknown***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Old Wainds-Where the Snows are Never Gone

Published on 2011-03-11 17:46:00

Negative Existence 2011Time to get out Andy's guide to heavy metal folks. Does the band have an unreadable logo? Check. Bleak album cover? Check. Song titles like "Unholy Nordland Fire" and "Eternal Wanderer of Winter Nights"? Check. And finally do t > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-03-11 10:08:00

For the next week we hope to have out reviews of albums from Tora Tora, Surtr, The Approach and the Execution, Hay Perro, Blaspherian and more. Plus Forgotten Gems, Clash of the album covers and Heavy Metal Thunderdome.***Have a great week! > read more

Sign Of The Jackal-The Beyond (Limited Edition EP)

Published on 2011-03-11 07:42:00

EP, Heavy Artillery2011CD format limited to 2000 copies.Vinyl format limited to 500 copies.Vinyl pressing info:300 on black vinyl.Limited deluxe vinyl version is numbered of 100 copies on purple vinyl and 100copies on orange vinyl and includes a bonu > read more

Forgotten Gems: Hydra Vein-Rather Death Than False Of Faith

Published on 2011-03-10 10:39:00

Metalother/ Blackend Records1988/ 2008Formed in Brighton in the spring of 1987 Hydra Vein came about after Deathwish bassist Damon Maddison decided he wanted to move on and write his own material. Joined by his brother Nathon ( who had also played in > read more

TOP OF THE HEAP:DIO

Published on 2011-03-10 08:27:00

WB/Mercury Records 1983Andy's pick-Without a doubt Dio's solo debut Holy Diver is the best album he put out post-Black Sabbath.In 1982 disagreements over the mixing of Black Sabbath's Live Evil resulted in vocalist Ronnie James Dio and drummer Vinny > read more

NWOBHM WEDNESDAY-WITCHFYNDE

Published on 2011-03-09 17:02:00

Andy says-Welcome to the first edition of NWOBHM WEDNESDAY. In our new column we are going to look at the history of the genre, review some of our favorite albums and look at the influence some of these bands would have on current acts. For our first > read more

Twisted Sister-Love is for suckers

Published on 2011-03-09 07:31:00

Spitfire1987/2011This was the Twisted Sister album that really wasn't a Twisted Sister album. Yes, confusing I know and the whole back story didn't come out until well after this album was released late in the summer of 1987. This album was originall > read more

Hammer Witch-Legacy of Pain 2010 Reissue

Published on 2011-03-09 07:24:00

Hammer Witch 2010 Originally released in 1991 on cassette (google it kids if your too young to know what those are) Legacy of Pain was Texas based Hammer Witch's third release following a 1986 demo and a 1987 EP. Remastered and available for the firs > read more

Twisted Sister-Come out and play

Published on 2011-03-09 04:42:00

Spitfire1985/2011Twisted Sister's forth full length album has the unfortunate but not totally deserved reputation of being a real missed opportunity. After the success of Stay Hungry in 1984 this band was really at the brink of becoming huge. They ju > read more

Stone Axe-s/t (Collector's Edition)

Published on 2011-03-08 10:19:00

Ripple Music2011Albums get re-issued left and right these days and frequently they have to receive some label to mark them as different from the original release. The words "special edition" or "collector's edition" get slapped on releases a lot. If > read more

A Life Divided-Passenger

Published on 2011-03-08 09:19:00

AFM Records 2011Commercial sounding electro rock from Munich, Germany. Founded in 2003 the band have already released two records on a smaller label and toured with OOMPH! in 2006 and with EISBRECHER in 2007. The group has a special relationship to t > read more

The New Black-II Better In Black

Published on 2011-03-07 06:56:00

AFM Records 2011When you think Germany and heavy metal do you think of bands that sound like the Scorpions? How about Accept? Most likely right? Well how about a German band that sounds more like Black Label Society? Yeah, I found it a bit odd too at > read more

Heirs-Fowl

Published on 2011-03-06 11:32:00

Denovali Records 2011Melbourne, Australia instrumental band Heirs return with their second album Fowl. Following on the heels of their 2009 debut Alchera (which was hailed as one of the best post-metal albums of the year) Heirs offers up seven number > read more

Re-animator-Condemned to eternity/Deny Reality

Published on 2011-03-06 07:17:00

Kraze1989/1990/2011In the late 80's-early 90's thrash bands were popping up everywhere. The UK was no exception. Although not nearly the hot spot of say Germany or the Bay area of the United States they still had several bands churning out high power > read more

Heavy Ripples vol.1

Published on 2011-03-05 11:47:00

Ripple Music2010This brand spanking new album from Ripple music is a split 7" and includes five songs from four bands. As we approach the end of winter this is the perfect thing to melt those frosty edges off of you and warm you up a bit. Stone Axe t > read more

Gates Of Babylon-Demo

Published on 2011-03-05 11:36:00

Self Released 2010Honestly folks we have had this talk before about the proper way to market your band. Now imagine you walked into your neighborhood record store and saw the above demo under local talent. Would the artwork inspire you to take a chan > read more

Neuro Massacre-Demo 6-17-10 and Killing Game Single

Published on 2011-03-05 10:35:00

Self-Released 2010Formed in 2006 by drummer Nolan Best and guitarist/vocalist Scott Hamman Virginia band Neuro Massacre are digging up the corpse of old school thrash metal and pumping life into it one gig at a time. Originally the band formed under > read more

Tester-King Of The World

Published on 2011-03-04 14:12:00

Self Release 2011I apologize ahead of time if I'm not more prepared for this review as my computer had a brain fart and decided it wanted to take some personal time off. Maybe it belongs to a union and wanted to show it's support? Who knows what goes > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-03-03 17:41:00

For the coming week we will be having reviews of Tester, Stone Axe, Heirs, Re-animator, Neuro Massacre, Scale the summit, Gates Of Babylon, Heavy Ripples compilation and possibly even more. Plus Forgotten Gems, Clash of the album covers, Top of the h > read more

AGE OF END - FREE DEMO SAMPLER 2011

Published on 2011-03-03 13:13:00

Self Released 2011From Haverhill, Massachusetts comes hardcore metal act Age Of End. This two song demo is a showcase for their new singer Tripp Helix and is available for free courtesy of our friends over at NEGB1.com. This NEGB1.com exclusive demo > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-03-03 10:30:00

It is...Iron Claw-s/tvs.Ghost-Opus Eponymous***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Afterlife-Buried Alive Demo Single

Published on 2011-03-03 07:14:00

Self Released 2011In 1985 the Swedish based band Razorblade independently released the killer 7" single "Run For Your Life/Ready To Fight". The single and a 4-track demo would be their only releases before disbanding. After almost thirty years they d > read more

Brian Robertson-Diamonds and dirt

Published on 2011-03-02 12:23:00

SPV2011Guitarist Brian Robertson is of course most known for his time in Thin Lizzy, but he also had a short stint with Motorhead and was in Wild Horses with Rainbow/Dio bassist Jimmy Bain. Some albums have a story behind them and this one is no exce > read more

De Magia Veterum-The Divine Antithesis

Published on 2011-03-02 11:20:00

Transcendental Creations 2011There are some albums I review that I can sort of get away with having them on while the family is home. Not many though as my wife complains that it all sounds like "noise". With that in mind The Divine Antithesis would > read more

Thurkills Vision-Simple Day

Published on 2011-03-02 09:51:00

Thurkills Vision has posted their song "Simple Day" for sale over at NEGB1. Be sure to check this group out as they will be huge one day!http://thurkillsvision.bandcamp.com/album/simple-day > read more

Cynthesis-DeEvolution

Published on 2011-03-01 15:08:00

Sensory Records2011DeEvolution is the upcoming debut album from prog rock/metal band Cynthesis. The band is made up of three original members of the beloved band Zero Hour ( founding twin brothers Jasun and Troy Tipton and original vocalist Erik Rosv > read more

Last of questions

Published on 2011-03-01 08:56:00

I do one of these every year or so. Just some simple music related questions for you.What was the last recent album you listened to (recent as in made in the last year)?What was the last pre-1990 album that you listened to?What was the last rock band > read more

OvO-Cor Cordium

Published on 2011-02-28 17:12:00

Supernatural Cat2011Italian avant/extreme duo OvO's sixth album Cor Cordium (the title translating to "heart of the hearts") is an epitaph to the memory of idolized English Romantic poet and adventurer Percy Shelley. That's the quick and dirty backgr > read more

Rock and roll children by Michael LeFevre

Published on 2011-02-28 15:23:00

2010Rock and Roll Children is the first novel from Michael LeFevre Michael D. LeFevre although he has published articles and book reviews in the “Times Education Supplement.” Most of Rock and Roll Children is based on his experiences during the 1 > read more

Black Spiders-Sons Of The North

Published on 2011-02-28 13:11:00

Dark Riders 2011Sons of the North is the debut album by English rock band Black Spiders. Formed in early 2008 the band released two EPs and were dubbed a band to watch by magazines like Kerrang! and Classic Rock. In fact it was through the magazine C > read more

Feral-Dragged To The Alter

Published on 2011-02-27 14:59:00

ibex Moon Records 2011Entombed's "Wolverine Blues" introduced the world to the sound that would be known as death n' roll. And while Entombed themselves dismissed the notion that it was anything more than a natural progression of their sound the fact > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-02-27 09:58:00

Some of those late 80's covers were not exactly subtle with imagery or colors. Here are your choices this time around.Laaz Rockit-Know your enemyvs.Toxik-World Circus***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Forgotten Gem: Ript-Ript Digital Re-Release

Published on 2011-02-26 13:34:00

IODA/SONY via Dark Star Records 2011I'm going to let you in on one of the best kept secrets in rock and roll. In 1991 a bunch of hard rock musicians broke into the studios where Guns N' Roses were recording Use Your Illusion I & II. After stealin > read more

Uncanny-MCMXCI - MCMXCIV

Published on 2011-02-26 06:53:00

Dark Descent2011Sweden's Uncanny were active in the death metal scene in the early 90's and released one full length album with 1994's "Splenium For Nyktophobia". The band faded away not long after that album and unfortunately that album was it for t > read more

Bullet-Highway Pirates

Published on 2011-02-25 14:43:00

Black Lodge Records 2011From the country that brought us ABBA comes hard rock/heavy metal act Bullet. Highway Pirates is album number three for vocalist Dag Hell Hofer and company. With song titles like "Stay Wild", "Blood Run Hot" and "Heavy Metal D > read more

Dirty Filthy Mugs-Up in the downs

Published on 2011-02-25 12:12:00

DC Jam2011The sophomore album from Dirty Filthy Mugs is a mix of numerous. Tracks like like "Intro", "Bodkin Downs" and "She's a riot" call on a bouncing pumped out style not far off from Dropkick Murphys and Rancid (minus the reggae bits). There are > read more

At No End-Urban Holocaust

Published on 2011-02-25 08:39:00

True Metal/Blastzone Entert. 2010My friends and I have this saying in regards to sports teams in my home state of Ohio-"Jesus hates Cleveland". Sometimes I suspect it isn't just the sports teams either. Indeed Cleveland is a city forever perched on t > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-02-25 03:30:00

For the next week we hope to have out reviews of albums from Bullet, Uncanny, Ript, Brian Robertson, The Black Spiders, Stone Axe, Feral, Mincing Fury and guttuaral clamour of queer decay, Dirty Filthy Mugs and Cynthesis. Plus a book review and Clash > read more

Withering Soul-No Closure

Published on 2011-02-24 08:07:00

Mortal Music 2011No Closure, the new album from Chicago's Withering Soul (following 2004's Apparitions of the Surreal ) is a wicked blend of symphonic black metal and Scandinavian melodic death. Recorded and mixed by Chris Wisco (Novembers Doom, Mich > read more

Forgotten Gem: Tobruk-Wild On The Run Reissue

Published on 2011-02-24 03:07:00

(Parlophone / EMI) 1985Majestic Rock 2007 Andy's view-Tobruk was formed in 1981 in England. A demo was released by the band and it brought them exposure on BBC's "The Friday Rock Show" in 1982. They played out as much as they could in an attempt to p > read more

Nekromantheon-Divinity of death

Published on 2011-02-23 16:16:00

Vendlus Records2011Every time I turn around another old-school early death metal or retro-thrash act pops up. Like any other style there's both good and bad acts. Not to be too dismissive, but I can normally tell if one of these bands is worth or not > read more

Pollution-Limited Promo Edition

Published on 2011-02-23 15:18:00

Bologna Rock 2011I might be repeating myself with this story (something I do all the time now that I'm older just ask my wife!) but when I was in high school I had to attend one of those anti-drugs presentations where they had a cover band come in an > read more

Cruachan-Blood on the Black Robe

Published on 2011-02-23 10:45:00

Candlelight Records 2011On paper the combination of black metal, folk metal and Irish music seems odd at best to me. What is it then about Ireland's Cruachan that is so magical? On album number six the band- Keith Fay (vocals/keyboards/bodhran/bouzou > read more

Stratovarius-Elysium

Published on 2011-02-22 09:34:00

Armoury2011Power metal is a genre I freely admit to liking, but I always tend to have a lot of if's added to that admission as in I like power metal if it doesn't too over the top or too caught up those soaring melodies that so many European bands se > read more

Monsterworks-The God Album

Published on 2011-02-21 14:17:00

Casket Music 2011Formed in the late nineties in New Zealand the band Monsterworks went the usual route of releasing demos and building up a local following before releasing their debut album in 2000. The God Album is lucky number seven for the band a > read more

Bang Tango-Dancin' On Coals 2011 Limited Edition Re-Release

Published on 2011-02-21 07:50:00

Metal Mind 2011 Re-ReleaseIn 1991 Blood Sugar Sex Magik was a guitly pleasure of mine. Sure I loved my Slayer and Metallica. I loved Guns, Motley and Ratt as well. Somewhere though inside this white boy loved his funk. I had the Chilli Peppers and Fa > read more

Nidinger-Wolf Father

Published on 2011-02-21 03:41:00

Vendlus2011It's been five years since the last album from Norway's Nidinger, but they roar back with their latest brutal assault. We get six songs of mythology themed black/death metal that's big on churning fury and there are even a few guitar melod > read more

Burzum-Fallen

Published on 2011-02-20 14:20:00

Full-length, Byelobog Productions2011"Fallen" is the eighth studio album by the one man project Burzum. Formed in 1991 by the notorious (and sole member) Varg Vikernes Burzum are elders in the field of Norwegian black metal. I'm not going to get into > read more

Heavy metal thunderdome

Published on 2011-02-20 12:33:00

The year 1982 was a very good year for hard rock and metal. So I selected two of the best from that year for you to choose from. For Heavy Metal Thunderdome you are picking based on the music you prefer. So it is...Judas Priest-Screaming for vengeanc > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-02-19 10:06:00

Here you go.Accept-Russian Roulettevs.Van Halen-Woman and children first***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-02-18 12:19:00

If you are in one of the areas that is enjoying unseasonably warm weather then enjoy it while you can. If you get a three day weekend then enjoy that as well. For next week we plan to have out review of Bang Tango's Dancin' On The Coals re-issue plus > read more

Arkhum-Anno Universum

Published on 2011-02-18 03:20:00

Vendlus2011Hailing from Oregon this band managed to secure Jason Walton (Agalloch, Self Spiller, Sculptured) as their mixing and mastering engineer for this their debut album. I never heard of these guys before, but after hearing this album I'll neve > read more

Cauldron-Burning Fortune

Published on 2011-02-17 16:30:13

Full-length, Earache Records 2011In what has to go down as one of the most frustrating moments in promo history for me so far Earache Records provided Mark and I with a "beeped" copy of Burning Fortune. While I have stated in the past that curse fill > read more

Thinking of backpatches and buttons

Published on 2011-02-17 10:52:13

After weeks of snow, ice and just nasty cold weather it's great to have a nice sunny day even it will get cold again because it is still Winter. I even abandoned my heavy coat for my denim jacket today. I have a few buttons on my jacket and no backpa > read more

Bang Tango-Ain't No Jive...Live! Limited Edition Re-release

Published on 2011-02-17 06:00:36

Metal Mind 2011"Ain't No Jive... Live!" is a live EP originally released in 1992. It was actually Bang Tango's second live material as the group had already released "Live Injection" in 1989. Right off the bat the thing that struck me about this EP i > read more

Baptists-s/t

Published on 2011-02-16 17:33:26

Southern Lord2011Vancouver's Baptists features members of Sports and Ladyhawk and this is also the band's debut 7". This is just pure grindcore with no apologies. Don't expect melodies of well thought out solos, but instead it's just insane noise. Op > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-02-16 09:01:22

It is a battle of live (or looks live) photos on the cover of studio albums. It is...Ted Nugent-s/tvs.Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force-Marching Out***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Bang Tango-Psycho Cafe' Limited Edition Re-release

Published on 2011-02-15 12:30:00

Metal Mind 2011Originally released by MCA Records in 1989 Bang Tango's Psycho Cafe' spawned the band's MTV hit "Someone Like You". A big hit on Headbanger's Ball it introduced the world to the infectious groove of funk/glam metal act Bang Tango. At t > read more

Made of hate-Pathogen

Published on 2011-02-15 12:16:00

AFM2011I listened to this album Poland's Made of hate four times before feeling like I could review it. Not because it was that outstanding, but because the volume and initial intensity had me hooked. However on many of the songs those sparks occur r > read more

The Beast of the Apocalypse - Henosis

Published on 2011-02-15 12:08:00

Transcendental Creations 2011To steal a line from Spinal Tap-"It's like, how much more black could this be? and the answer is none. None more black." If primitive black metal in the vein of Beherit,Samael and Archgoat is your bread and butter or if y > read more

Top Of The Heap-Def Leppard

Published on 2011-02-15 08:09:00

Time again for Top of the heap. Andy and I tell our favorite album by a band and then you can comment on your favorite. This time around we are talking about Def Leppard.Andy's pick- Mercury Records 1980While I am very tempted to write about how Hyst > read more

Stryper-The Covering

Published on 2011-02-15 07:37:00

Big3 Records 2011I've sat on this review now for a few weeks. Let's just say Stryper and I have a love/hate relationship and leave it at that. While cover albums are nothing new (one of my favorite discs is the original Garage Day's EP by Metallica) > read more

Hemoptysis-Misanthropic Slaughter

Published on 2011-02-14 13:23:00

Self-produced2011Tempe, Arizona's Hemoptysis return with their full length debut. The style isn't terribly far removed from what they doing on their 2009 EP "Who needs a shepherd". In fact two tracks from the EP "And the world dies" and "Shadow of de > read more

Volturyon- Coordinated Mutilation

Published on 2011-02-14 12:07:00

United Guttural 2011I'm going to skip commenting on the album cover by Polish artist Lukasz Jaszak. It is what it is.With that said this sophomore release from Swedish death metal act Volturyn is really good. Recorded at Black Lounge and Abyss studio > read more

The Bronx Casket Co.-Antihero

Published on 2011-02-13 16:38:00

eOne Music 2011The Bronx Casket Co. was formed as a side project by bassist D.D. Verni in 1998 to explore his other musical interests outside of Overkill. A studio only project the group has already released three full length albums. On the first thr > read more

Madlife-Angry sonnets for the soul

Published on 2011-02-13 03:28:00

RBE/60 Cycle2011On their third album LA based outfit Madlife offer up a platter of songs mostly guided by the aggressive vocals of frontman Angry Phill. Most of the songs get too the point quickly and in fact only one track goes past the four minute > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-02-12 17:28:00

Here you go.Overkill-The years of decayvs.Testament-Practice what you preach***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Solipsist-The Human Equation

Published on 2011-02-11 14:29:00

Self Released 2010There is a scene in Lucio Fulci's 1979 movie Zombie in which actress Olga Karlatos has her eye gouged out by a splintered piece of wood. As a zombie hand grabs hold of her hair and slowly pulls her towards it you get an uneasy feeli > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-02-11 11:16:00

I am sure that I will be suffering from football withdrawal this week. Here's hoping both management players eventually reach an agreement and that there is a season next year. Anyways for the coming week we will aim to have out reviews of Volturyon, > read more

Warlock-Triumph and agony

Published on 2011-02-10 18:06:00

Metal Mind1987/2011After getting some notice in the mainstream circuits from 1986's True as steel Warlock seemed ready to take the next step up the ladder. I remember seeing ads for this one in every metal magazine and seeing the video the opener and > read more

Benedictum-Dominion

Published on 2011-02-10 10:04:00

Frontiers Records 2011Fronted by the extremely beautiful Veronica Freeman this San Diego, California heavy metal band will be releasing Dominion (their 3rd full length release) within the next month or so. Produced by Ryan Greene (Megadeth,Alice Coop > read more

Forgotten Gems: Skew Siskin-Skew Siskin

Published on 2011-02-09 12:09:00

Giant 1992I hate to admit to this people but I had this in my collection for years without every listening to it. If my memory serves me correct this gem of hard rock goodness was a bargain bin pick up. The album art wasn't a selling point for me at > read more

Warlock-True as steel

Published on 2011-02-08 17:29:00

Metal Mind1986/2011After the tour for 1985's "Hellbound" Rudy Graf left and was replaced by Nicko Arvantis (ex-Stormwind). Then the band signed with Phonogram and the stage was set for album number three. "True as steel" was released late in the summ > read more

Fen & De Arma-Towards the Shores of the End

Published on 2011-02-08 10:28:00

Nordvis 2011 Towards the Shores of the End is a split album featuring four tracks from Fen and three from De Arma. Starting off with Fen's "Soilbound" I was treated to what could best be described as atmospheric black metal meets post rock. Rather > read more

Heavy Metal Thunderdome

Published on 2011-02-08 07:31:00

Here is another main event match-up for you.In this corner we have the original masters of hard rock stage theatrics including snakes, guillotines and more, it is....Alice Cooper-Billion Dollar BabiesAnd their opponents hailing from New York and feat > read more

Vicious Rumors-Razorback Killers

Published on 2011-02-08 07:19:00

SPV/Steamhammer 2011Vicious Rumors has been guitarist Geoff Thorpe's creative outlet for well over 25 years now. With more line up changes than you can shake a drum stick at though the group's music has never reached the level of other successful pow > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-02-07 16:07:00

Here you go.Bongzilla-Gatewayvs.Orange Goblin-Coup de grace ***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Fallen Captive-In Remembrance EP

Published on 2011-02-07 11:58:00

Self Released 2011Hailing from Twinsburg,Ohio underground and unsigned band Fallen Captive offer up this 4 track, 16 minute EP of top notch metalcore. "In Remembrance" features some amazing production for a self released affair. Band members Mitch Pi > read more

Mongrel-The New Breed Of Old School

Published on 2011-02-07 07:56:00

Immolation Records 2010In botany, the term mongrel sometimes means the offspring of a variety of species which is in contrast to the hybrid (per wikipedia). Mongrel (the band) could be seen as the offspring of a variety of different bands that is in > read more

Super Bowl XLV

Published on 2011-02-07 05:49:00

Congratulations to the Packers for winning the Super Bowl! > read more

Encore-Out the window

Published on 2011-02-05 09:30:00

Thundercage2011When I was a teenager I was just getting into listening to metal and hard rock. Some teenagers do more than just listen to it as they are actually inspired to pick up their instruments and have a go an channeling their influences. That > read more

Warlock-hellbound

Published on 2011-02-05 06:59:00

Metal Mind1985, 2011Germany's Warlock's originally formed in 1982, then released a demo in 1983 which eventually lead to them getting signed and releasing their 1984 debut "Burning the witches". Their sophomore disc Hellbound was originally released > read more

Cold Blue Rebels-Blood, guts n' rock and roll

Published on 2011-02-05 03:31:00

Self-produced2010As a huge fan of Halloween and horror movies I get little down when my favorite holiday is past and next October is a long ways off. If someone can combine horror and music well I like that just as well and that kind of music frequen > read more

Ten-Stormwarning

Published on 2011-02-04 15:23:00

Frontiers Records 2011According to the bio that came with this promo this is Ten's "ninth all original studio album". I'm going to come right out and say I've honestly never heard any of the other albums. Considering the fact that they formed the sam > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-02-04 04:39:00

Hope everyone is surviving the cold weather and I for one am ready for Spring. For this next week we'll have reviews of Ten,Hemoptysis, Benedictum,Arkhum, Fen,De Arma,Warlock, Mongrel, Fallen Captive, Cold Blue Rebels.Plus Forgotten Gems, Clash of th > read more

Emerald Sun-Regeneration

Published on 2011-02-03 12:06:00

Pitch Black Records 2011Regeneration is the sophomore release from Greek power metal act Emerald Sun. Recorded, mixed and mastered by ex-Sanvoisen front man Vagelis Maranis (who provides vocals on the 12 minute track “Fantasmagoria”) Regeneration > read more

Astrosoniq-Quadrant

Published on 2011-02-03 09:25:00

Exile on mainstream2011Astrosoniq technically hail from Oss in the Netherlands, but you wouldn't really know that from listening to them. Judging from their music you might they grew up near some swamp in Bayou around the late 60's-early 70's and the > read more

The Antikaroshi-Per/son/alien

Published on 2011-02-03 08:30:00

Exile On Mainstream 2011It's hard to find any real information about The Antikaroshi online. From what I understand they had another release before this ("Crushed Neocons"), hail from Germany and are inspired by post-punk and the DC punk/hardcore sce > read more

Scheepers-Scheepers

Published on 2011-02-03 07:02:00

Frontiers Records 2011Let me start off by saying I have the greatest respect for Ralf Scheeper. As a vocalist he is top notch with a style not too far removed from that of Rob Halford. He has sung with 80's metal band Tyran Pace and power metal act G > read more

NEGB1&NEGB1 Radio

Published on 2011-02-02 11:48:00

Here at Heavy Metal Time Machine we strive to bring you not only the best in well known heavy metal acts but also up and coming indie and local talent. Thurkills Vision was kind enough to suggest that I check out the website NEGB1. Site founder Jeff > read more

Macabre-Grim Scary Tales

Published on 2011-02-02 07:16:00

Decomposed Records [via Willowtip in North America] 2/28/2011From the home of the infamous mobster Al Capone comes everyone's favorite murder metal act Macabre. It's hard to believe that it's been eight years since the groups last release. A cult ban > read more

Beehoover-Concrete Catalyst

Published on 2011-02-02 04:12:00

Exile on Mainstream2011The duo of Ingmar Petersen (bass and vocals) and Claus-Peter Hamisch (drums and vocals) collectively known as Beehoover return with their brand of experimental doom/post rock noise. Some bands try to bring everything they can t > read more

Betzefer-Freedom to the slavemakers

Published on 2011-02-01 09:21:00

AFM2011Israeli metal act Betzefer have been around for about a decade. They play a straight up style of metal that's inspired by the likes of Pantera and not far off from more recent acts like Five Finger Death punch. Let's get to the positives first > read more

Ana Kefr Interview

Published on 2011-02-01 08:59:00

Having just reviewed their groundbreaking new album The Burial Tree (ll) I was fortunate enough to be able to get an interview with Ana Kefr's creative driving force Rhiis D. Lopez. I want to thank Rhiis up front for being so down to earth and for ta > read more

Forgotten Gems: Cirith Ungol-Frost and Fire

Published on 2011-02-01 03:03:00

Liquid Flames Records 1980Andy's view-Taking their name from The Lord Of The Rings (it means "Pass of the Spider" apparently) Cirith Ungol's debut album Frost and Fire was universally panned by critics upon it's release in 1980. I'm not sure if it wa > read more

Wive-PVLL

Published on 2011-01-31 08:28:00

Exile On Mainstream 2/22/2011When I was in my late teens I was involved with a young lady heavily involved in the art scene. We got along fine enough on the surface and used each other to bounce creative ideas off of. But what put me off was her insi > read more

Drugs of faith-Corroded

Published on 2011-01-31 05:45:00

Selfmadegod2011One thing about listening to music for review on the computer as opposed to a stereo is that I can't help but notice the individual track time even before I hear song. For this album I noticed there were fourteen songs, but a total run > read more

Heavy Metal Thunderdome

Published on 2011-01-30 17:47:00

Time again to match-up two highly thought of albums and see which you prefer based on the music. This time around it's two from the 80's and we'll see what are considered break through albums from half of the Big Four. Let's get ready for our heavywe > read more

Ana Kefr-The Burial Tree (II)

Published on 2011-01-30 11:36:00

Muse Sick Records 2011One of the worst things about reviewing music is that if you proclaim every album that comes across your desk as good people will start to doubt your listening ability. The fact is most promos I get these days are usually good. > read more

Earth-Angels of darkness, demons of light

Published on 2011-01-29 19:00:00

Southern Lord2011Masters of drone Earth return to do what they do best which is to slowly drag us down into their world of agonizing slow yet masterful sounds. It's a world where repetition is king and flash is non-existent yet they crank out this ki > read more

Thurkills Vision EP

Published on 2011-01-29 12:14:00

Self Released 2011Thurkills Vision hail from Lowell, Massachusetts and are set to release a new 5 song EP this March. Lucky for me though the group was kind enough to send a sneak peek my way. Releases like this make me glad Mark decided to take me > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-01-29 09:42:00

Here are your choices.Motorhead-Bombervs.Thin Lizzy-Night Life***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Forgottem Gems: Crisis-Armed To The Teeth / Kick It Out 2 CD 2010 Reissue

Published on 2011-01-28 12:31:00

Shadow Kingdom Records 2010 ReissueOne day soon Mark and I need to make up a list of the most outrageous LP covers of the 80s. I'm sure Armed To The Teeth would get a mention. This 1984 EP has all the classic hallmarks that made heavy metal album cov > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-01-28 11:44:00

Lots of snow around here this week as it's snowed almost every this week so far. I for one can't wait for Spring to come around. Anyways for next week we are aiming to have out reviews from Vicous Rumors, Earth, Quicksand Dream, Madlife, Wive, Thurki > read more

Forgotten Gems: Maineeaxe-Going For Gold Reissue

Published on 2011-01-27 08:19:00

Lemon Records 2010Today's forgotten gem is a real hidden treasure. I would wager to say very few people have ever heard of Maineeaxe. I can honestly say I had never heard of them until a month or so ago when I came across a YouTube clip of "Get Up, G > read more

Top Of The Heap-Overkill

Published on 2011-01-27 04:50:00

Time again for Top of the heap. We pick a band and then Andy and I share our favorite album by that band and tell whyAndy's pick- Megaforce Records 1988I was just trying to remember the first time I heard about Overkill. I know I was a little behind > read more

Shroud Of Despondency-Dark Meditations In Monastic Seclusion

Published on 2011-01-26 11:08:00

Self Release 2011I'd be excused for thinking I played the wrong album after listening to the opening cut "Seeing One Last Ray Of Light". This stunning piece of acoustic rock is smothered with classical guitar is simply breathtaking. I had been under > read more

Onslaught-The Sounds Of Violence

Published on 2011-01-26 05:53:00

AFM Records 2011As some of you may know Onslaught started out as a hardcore band back in the earlier 80's. Over the years the band's sound morphed into something more metallic in nature. Starting with a Venom/Motorhead sound (Power From Hell) the ban > read more

Havok-Time is up

Published on 2011-01-26 03:22:00

Candlelight2011I remember first getting into thrash around 1985-86. It was an exciting time because before that I had been into classic style metal like Iron Maiden, Priest, Dio and the like. I still enjoyed that style too, but as I began to get into > read more

Erasing Never-Killing Yesterday

Published on 2011-01-25 13:31:00

Self Released 2010Hailing from my home state of Ohio Erasing Never formed in the fall of 2008. Tired of the same old metal scene the group set out looking to add something different. Something fresh. Having played out for a year honing their skills t > read more

Forgotten Gems:Obsession-Methods Of Madness

Published on 2011-01-25 08:41:00

Enigma Records 1987Featuring the talents of vocalist Mike Vescera (Loudness,Yngwie J. Malmsteen) 1987's Methods Of Madness was the most professional and accessible album of Obsession's career. It would also be their last until 2006's Carnival Of Lies > read more

Best Albums Of 1991

Published on 2011-01-25 03:45:00

Andy's Choices- In 1991 I was a junior in high school. I was 17 and had no idea what I wanted out of life. I was out of touch with life around me and felt like an outcast in my own skin. Music was an escape for me. I certainly never tried to follow t > read more

Praying Mantis-Metalmorphosis 30th Anniversary Special Edition EP

Published on 2011-01-24 12:55:00

Praying Mantis 2011Celebrating the 30th anniversary of their album "Time Tells No Lies" Praying Mantis are set to release Metalmorphosis a collection of re-recorded material in Feb. of this year. This classic NWOBHM band gained exposure with the trac > read more

Ektomorf-Redemption

Published on 2011-01-24 11:00:00

AFM Records 2011Redemption is the latest release from Hungary band Ektomorf. Having been in existence since 1993 ( and having released I believe 9 full length albums)one would reasonably assume that they have some sort of following. While listening t > read more

Sanktuary-Black Magic Brew

Published on 2011-01-24 05:50:00

Self-produced2010This four song EP comes from Sanktuary who are based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. These guys have me thinking that they have spent quite a few hours sitting around in a basement or garage with an old turntable cranking out the likes > read more

Pale Chalice-Afflicting the dicotomy of trepid creation

Published on 2011-01-23 04:23:00

Flenser2011Hailing from San Francisco play a frenzied, but intense brand of black metal on this four song EP that clocks in around half an hour. Opener "Transplant Of Dimensional Recourse" explodes with furious sounds. Yet they soon settle into a con > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-01-22 05:52:00

Here you go.Alice Cooper-Constrictorvs.Quiet Riot-Condition Critical***Which cover do your prefer? > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-01-21 19:29:00

This week we hope to have reviews of the latest from Praying Mantis, Sanktuary, Pale Chalice, Ektomorf, Onslaught, Shroud Of D., Havok and Drugs of faith plus Best albums of 1991, Forgotten Gems on Obssession, Maineeaxe and Crisis, Clash of the album > read more

Helstar-Glory Of Chaos (Limited Edition Version)

Published on 2011-01-21 08:34:00

AFM Records2011For those paying attention Glory Of Chaos made my list of best albums of 2010. Originally released here in the states in digital format only this new edition features two bonus tracks-covers of "Heavy Metal Thunder" (Saxon) and "Animal > read more

Crystal Viper-Legends

Published on 2011-01-20 16:13:00

AFM2011Poland's traditional metal/power metal outfit Crystal Viper returns with their third studio effort. This album came out in Europe back in the fall, but won't out until February here in the states courtesy of AFM records. This is slick, but ext > read more

Times Of Grace-The Hymn Of A Broken Man

Published on 2011-01-20 11:09:00

Roadrunner Records 2011It was 4am sometime in the summer of 2002 while driving to work that I first heard Killswitch Engage. While the actual date escapes me I do remember the time for the reason that there I was on a dark and lonely stretch of road > read more

Primal Fear-Devil's Ground

Published on 2011-01-20 07:24:00

Metal Mind2004/2011Primal Fear's forth release "Devil's Ground" was originally released in 2004. This seems to be the top Primal Fear album that fans have some problems with. That may be putting it mildly as some fans like it, others rate it as medio > read more

Abacinate-Genesis

Published on 2011-01-19 11:18:00

Epitomite Productions 2011 Before starting this review I must mention my condolences to Abacinate after the death of their front man Jason "Plunger" Sica in September of 2010. For a young band to endure such a tragedy early in their career is heart > read more

Top Of The Heap: Judas Priest

Published on 2011-01-18 11:31:00

As promised here is the debut of Top of the heap. It's simple, twice a month we pick a band and then Andy and I pick our favorite album by that band and give reasons why we picked it. Then you are invited to comment on what your favorite album by tha > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-01-18 11:23:00

Here you go.Brocas Helm-Black Deathvs.Iron Angel-Hellish Crossfire***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Forgotten Gems:Screamer-Target:Earth

Published on 2011-01-17 14:50:00

New Renaissance Records 1988Dismissed outright as a Queensryche clone (although by some accounts Screamer appeared in the early 80's supposedly before Geofe Tate and company) Target Earth was released in very limited quantities. Supposedly most of th > read more

Twisted Sister-Club Daze: Volume 1 The studio sessions

Published on 2011-01-17 10:29:00

Armoury1999/2011Many people didn't get into Twisted Sister until the mid-80's when they briefly became a household name due their anthems and crazy videos. Sometimes it's easy to forget that they spent nearly a decade playing in clubs in New York, Ne > read more

Forgotten Gem: Helstar-Burning Star

Published on 2011-01-17 08:07:00

Nosferatu Records 1984 Serious fan's of heavy metal should already be familiar with the band Helstar. Featuring the vocal talents of James Rivera (Seven Witches, Vicious Rumors and Destiny's End) Helstar have been around on and off sinc > read more

Hate-Erebos

Published on 2011-01-17 07:38:00

Listenable Records 2011With a name like Hate what kind of music would you expect this band to play? Any guesses? I'll give you a hint. The band hail from Poland home of Behemoth, Vador and Lux Occulta. If you guessed extreme black death you'd be righ > read more

Primal Fear-Nuclear Fire

Published on 2011-01-17 05:14:00

Metal Mind2001/2011Primal Fear's third album Nuclear Fire originally came out in January of 2001 following up the band's 1999 release Jaws of death. Former Sinner guitarist Henry Wolter was brought into the band before the recording of this album. Th > read more

Twisted Sister-You can't stop rock and roll

Published on 2011-01-16 04:05:00

Armoury1983/1999/2011Like many people I didn't get into Twisted Sister until Stay Hungry in 1984. I loved that album so much and played it over and over. Of course I wanted more so I sought out their two previous albums "Under the blade" and "You can > read more

Primal Fear-Jaws of death

Published on 2011-01-14 10:43:00

Metal Mind1999/2011 Re-issueIn 1997 former Tyran Pace / Gamma Ray vocalist Rolf Scheepers and Sinner bassist Mat Sinner decided to form Primal Fear. Primal Fear's 1998 debut frequently became labeled as Judas Priest clone of the Painkiller variety. I > read more

Neurosis-Souls At Zero (reissue)

Published on 2011-01-14 09:00:00

Neurot Recordings 2011I was pleasantly surprised when Mark presented Neurosis's Souls At Zero reissue for me to review. Originally released in 1992 Souls At Zero is nothing short of a masterpiece. While Neurosis had started out as a hardcore band by > read more

The Eyes Of A Traitor-Breathless

Published on 2011-01-14 08:21:00

Listenable Records 2010The Eyes Of A Traitor present us with Breathless which is the group's second full length release. For those not in the know these young lads hail from Britain and play some brutal metalcore. Breathless leaves you feeling breath > read more

Allen/Lande- The Showdown

Published on 2011-01-14 07:44:00

Frontier Records 2010The Showdown is the third collaboration between Symphony X vocalist Russell Allen and Masterplan vocalist Jorne Lande. Also featuring the talents of Magnus Karisson (guitar/bass/keyboards) of Primal Fear fame and drummer Jaime S > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-01-13 16:32:00

There is of course snow on the ground in many places so stay warm over the next few days. Enjoy the second round of the playoffs as well because there should be some great games this weekend.For us we'll over the next few days we'll have up reviews o > read more

Jag Panzer-The scourge of the light

Published on 2011-01-12 17:41:00

SPV/Steamhammer2011Long time Colorado based power metal band Jag Panzer return with their first album in seven years. Hard to believe that this band formed some thirty years ago, but here they are still going strong as their new album shows. Back in > read more

New feature coming soon

Published on 2011-01-12 14:25:00

We will a new feature coming next week. It is "Top of the heap". About twice a month we will pick a known hard rock/metal artist then Andy and I will our favorite album by that band. We may pick the same one, but we may not. Anyway we will share our > read more

Creation's End-A New Beginning

Published on 2011-01-12 08:29:00

Sensory Records 2010A New Beginning is the debut album by Creation's End. Featuring one time Riot singer Mike Dimeo Creation's End sound could best be described as progressive power metal. The band keeps things interesting the whole way through even > read more

Forgotten Gems: Armageddon-The Money Mask

Published on 2011-01-11 15:37:00

Retroactive Records 2007 (2 Disc. Collector's Edition) Originally released in 1989 The Money Mask was the one and only release from Christian metal band Armageddon. Musically in the realm of bands like Metal Church, Armoured Saint, Vicious Rumors an > read more

Forgotten Suns-Revelation

Published on 2011-01-11 14:58:00

Pathfinder Records 2010From all accounts Forgotten Suns-Revelation is an EP of leftovers from the band's live set and writing sessions in which they explored their lighter side. Being that I am unfamiliar with the band's sound it should be noted I ca > read more

Heavy Metal Thunderdome

Published on 2011-01-11 09:45:00

Welcome to the first post of a new monthly feature. Once a month I will two highly regarded hard rock or metal albums and pit them against each other. You the reader get to chime in as to which album you prefer. So let's get at this month's main even > read more

Razorwyre-Coming out

Published on 2011-01-10 16:23:00

Self-produced2010The number of bands playing 80's style metal seems to me like it has tripled over just the last say 3-4 years. I for one don't mind that at all. Not only are they plenty of these kind of bands springing up, but they coming from plent > read more

Forgotten Gems:Satanic Rites-Which Way The Wind Blows

Published on 2011-01-10 09:55:00

Cult Metal Classics 2010 Re-ReleaseDespite their ominous name Satanic Rites are not some occult/black metal band. In fact this nwobhm band took their name from the film "The Satanic Rites Of Dracula" staring Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee. In hind > read more

Dakrya-Crime Scene

Published on 2011-01-10 09:20:00

Sensory Records 2010Hailing from Athens,Greece Darkya are an experimental metal band who are as much about their theatrical live shows are they are their studio works. "Crime Scene" is the group's sophomore release and is a concept album about a twis > read more

Coma-Excess

Published on 2011-01-10 07:45:00

Armoury Records 2010 Despite being huge in their native country Poland the band Coma are unknown to the American public. "Excess" is an English version of the group's album "Hipertrofia" ( note: only 9 tracks were taken from the album as it was origi > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-01-09 04:20:00

Your choices are...Death-Symbolicvs.Sepultura-Chaos A.D.***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Mockingbird-Mockingbird EP

Published on 2011-01-08 10:41:00

Innervenus Records 2010Mockingbird was formed in the winter of 2008 by three friends (Andy-guitar,Chad-drums and Mike-bass w/ Tom joining on guitar eventually) all veterans of the Ohio music scene. Taking a D.Y.I approach to their music and lifestyle > read more

Y&T's Phil Kennemore Passes Away

Published on 2011-01-08 09:54:00

The world has lost another great as Y&T's bassist Phil Kennemore lost his battle with lung cancer on Friday Jan.7th, 2011. As one of the original members of the group Phil was not only a great musician but also a great man. His music and memory w > read more

Weedeater-Jason the dragon

Published on 2011-01-08 06:32:00

Southern Lord2010It’s been four years since the since last album from North Carolina’s Weedeater and in between 2007 and now they have toured a lot and suffered some injuries.In fact the injuries to the band members delayed the release of Jason t > read more

Death-Live in Japan 1995

Published on 2011-01-08 03:27:00

XXL MediaDVD2010This concert was filmed in Tokyo for television back in 1995. Chuck Schuldiner's band was touring in support of their outstanding "Symbolic" album and they present 13 tracks. The visual quality isn't the greatest as the band often jus > read more

Forgotten Gems: Malice-In the beginning

Published on 2011-01-07 14:04:00

Atlantic 1985 Re-issue: Wounded Bird 2005For this Forgotten Gem we will both be chiming in with our views on it. Enjoy!Andy's Take-L.A. band Malice got their start on the first Metal Massacre compilation. After securing a contract with Atlantic Recor > read more

Assassin-Breaking The Silence

Published on 2011-01-07 13:46:00

SPV/Steamhammer Records 2011German thrash metal produced by Harris Johns (Voivod/Kreator/Sodom). Very similar sounding to later day Sodom Assassin's-Breaking The Silence is 11 slabs of fast and furious no frills thrash. Tailor made for fans of At War > read more

Svart Crown-Witnessing The Fall

Published on 2011-01-07 09:23:00

Listenable Records 2011 My knowledge of black metal is limited to Venom, Hellhammer and Bathory. That's really about it. I do enjoy blackened thrash and death metal (Death being an all time fave band) though so it isn't like I'm not in a position to > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2011-01-06 17:36:00

Hope the first week of the year finds everyone well. In the next week or so there will be a whole lot of reviews coming your way including these:Svart Crown, Razorwyre, Assasin, Mockingbird, Forgotten Suns, Jag Panzer, Creations End, Coma, Pale Chali > read more

Forgotten Gems:Europe-Europe

Published on 2011-01-05 13:01:00

Hot Records 1983When I think of great Swedish heavy metal bands from the early 80s groups like Gotham City, Heavy Load, 22o Volt and Glory Bells come to mind. What doesn't come to mind is the band Europe. Europe brings up memories of high school and > read more

Wino-Adrift

Published on 2011-01-05 10:47:00

Exile On Mainstream Records 2010 Adrift is Scott "Wino" Weinrich's acoustic solo recording after many years of urging from family,friends and fans. While Wino is most known for his work in doom metal (St. Vitus/The Obsessed) Adrift is just a man and > read more

Bruce Lamont-Feral Songs For The Epic Decline

Published on 2011-01-05 07:52:00

At A Loss Recordings 2011It seems fitting that Bruce Lamont's album would be released on a label called At A Loss as I am kind of at a loss on how to take this disc. For those not in the know Bruce is most well known for providing vocals,saxophones a > read more

Votum-Metafiction

Published on 2011-01-04 10:49:00

Armoury/Mystic2010This is the sophomore release from Poland's Votum. There are definite similarities to Porcupine Tree and Spock's Beard as they play heavy progressive rock. Although it's instantly obvious that Votum fall into the dark side of the sp > read more

Clash of the album covers

Published on 2011-01-04 03:35:00

First clash of the new year involves two albums I have not heard yet.Holy Grail-Crisis in Utopiavs.Skullfist-Heavier than metal***Which cover do you prefer? > read more

Axe Battler - The Wrath Of My Steel EP

Published on 2011-01-03 14:52:00

Metalmania Records 2010 Heavy metal from Chile. You've got to love the universal appeal of the almighty guitar and the unholy racket it makes when tuned up to 11 on the amp (thank you Spinal Tap). Axe Battler are not out to reinvent the genre. Instea > read more

The Damned Things-Ironiclast

Published on 2011-01-03 11:19:00

Mercury Records 2010The problem with most super groups is that the sum very rarely equals the whole. Usually you end up with fan's of one group or another upset that it sounds too much like band X and not band Y or Z. With the Damned Things you have > read more

Acelsia-Quietude

Published on 2011-01-01 05:45:00

Self-produced2010Norway's Acelsia formed in 2007 and have knocked out several demos and been including on a few compilations before knocking out this EP. They are a female fronted gothic metal band that attempt to splice in various musical styles int > read more

What's coming up?

Published on 2010-12-31 10:17:00

The New Year is almost upon us so I'll jump ahead and wish a Happy New Year to everyone! Hopefully it will be a good year for music as well.Coming up this week we are aiming for reviews of the latest from Wino, Weedeater, Bruce Lamont,Damned Things, > read more