Menacing darkness descends upon us from the gloomy corners of Scandinavia, is exactly what Swedish death metal act Arch Enemy created here.
“Rise of the Tyrant” does not take any prisoners. One head smasher after another make this record one of the heaviest in ’07. “Rise of the Tyrant” being total assault on your ears (I mean that in a good way) where track after track is coupled with crystal clear production with enough rawness in the mix to satisfy hungriest of hard core fans.
Dark but hopeful; heavy but melodic “Rise of the Tyrant” is my favorite Arch Enemy’s release so far. Passionate and almost nostalgic guitar melody lines are excellently countered by Angela’s brutal vocal delivery (believe it or not vocals are bit cleaner here then on their previous releases), creating truly original Nordic atmosphere. Read the rest of this entry »

Germany’s Brainstorm brings nothing new to the table on this one but still manages to sculpt the sound that’s only their own. Besides how can you not love those crushing riffs, monstrous hooks and majestic vocals. If nothing, it’s ten times better then some unimaginative and already too crowded power metal out there. Don’t get me wrong I love Power-Metal, but I haven’t heard anything new and refreshing from power metallers in a while now.
I place these guys in same realm of “somewhere between classic and power metal” category along with Swedish band Wolf. Brainstorm being more of a Priest-Accept school while Wolf is more of a Maiden recipe. Read the rest of this entry »

Long, long overdue Symphony X’s new album finally reaches music store shelves in June, 2007.
Don’t let the already exhausted theme on John Milton’s book “Paradise Lost” (and no it’s not a concept album) turns you off from this album. This is a truly fresh kick in the guts to already stale power-prog metal scene out there.
Textured with beautiful tapestry of multidimensional sonic madness Paradise Lost easily becomes one of my favorite metal releases of 2007. If I had to describe overall feel and sound of the album I would say that it’s a mixture between early Dream Theater meets Pantera’s “Far Beyond Driven”. Cross that with good Yngwie Malmsteen era and you’ll have some idea of what Paradise Lost sounds like.
A bit darker, more aggressive and less neo-classical then any of their previous releases, Paradise Lost immediately bombards listener with such a complex but tight face metlers like melodic “Set the World on Fire” and odd rhythmic speeder “Domination”. Read the rest of this entry »

Tobias Sammet’s new project “Scarecrow” has even bigger names then “Metal Opera I” and II.
Some of the guests include: Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween), Eric Singer (Kiss), Alice Cooper, Rudolf Schenker (Scorpions), Kai Hansen & Henjo Richter (Gamma Ray), Bob Catley (Magnum), Jorn Lande and many more.
This one deserves track by track analysis on account of multiple guests and just great arrangements.

Track 01: Twisted Mind
Tobias Sammet, Roy Khan (vocals), Sascha Paeth (lead guitars)
One of the best tracks on the album. Intro just slams with concrete strength and German engineered precision. This one is real mid-tempo Accept groover. Read the rest of this entry »

Tireless German growler Udo Dirkschneider releases another solid metal fireball. Not lot of expectations on this one, and no surprises from Udo neither. After seeing a really wicked cover and title one would think the album is about something really horrifying, but according to Udo, Mastercutor is a short for “Master Executor” which is the host of a stupid talk/game show.

What lacks in originality is quickly replaced with musicianship and just cool fricking grooves. I mean UDO and Accept (and maybe Hammerfall) has to be best metal groove-makers on the planet, and along with Motorhead they are the most consistent metal band around. And that voice… One could swear that Udo was fed steel wool as a kid. Read the rest of this entry »

In 1981 New York based Riot released their best metal cruncher ever in my opinion. Here is little sample of what’s inside this metal beast. Think UFO meets early Anvil meets 70’s era Priest. Don’t even flinch or think for a second if you find this in bargain bins or in regular sections. Just snag the damn thing and give your ears majestic sonic ecstasy. I’m still clueless about their mascot though.

Don’t Hold Back

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Lineups:

• Mark Reale – Guitars
• Mike Flyntz – Guitars
• Pete Perez – Bass
• Jimmy Ioime – Bass
• Frank Gilchrist – Drums
• Tony Moore – Vocals
• Rhett Forrester – Vocals
• Guy Speranza – Vocals

It is so hard to believe that this avalanche of crushing metal is debut of Colorado based Jag Panzer. Named after World War II German tank with good reason, because as soon as you hear this thing you will have feeling that tank just rolled over you.

Album opens up with “Licensed to Kill” and you’re immediately assaulted (I mean it in a good way) with such a vocal power and conviction, not seen in metal so far. Harry (the Tyrant) Conklin sounds just like he is ready to explode and burst out of skin on every damn song. He is type of metal vocalist that you just cannot ignore while listening. It’s right in your face, convincing yet melodic, commanding you to pay attention.

Album continues with onward marching “Symphony of Terror”, NWOBHM-like “Harder Then Steel” and thrasher “Reign of the Tyrants” (intro riff sound too close to Rammstein’s “Adios”) Read the rest of this entry »

Formed in early 80’s Chateaux were British Heavy Metal act that somehow got missed by media. They also feature Steve Grimmett (ex-Grim Reaper, Onslaught, Lionsheart) on vocals (just as a guest). In a case you haven’t heard it, I highly suggest checking out their 1983 release Chained and Desperate.

Despite bad production album still delivers powerful metal kick with bombastic drumming, melodic guitar lines and of course superb vocal performance by Grimmett himself (just check out “Shine on Forever” and tell me if that does not send chills down your spine).

Chateaux is truly one of the lost gems that every metal head should at least hear it, and if you’re obsessed (like me), own it.

Here is one of the best tracks from the album Chained And Desperate

“Spirit of the Chateaux”

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Krys Mason 1983-1986 Bass, vocals

Tim Broughton 1981-1986 Guitars

Chris Dadson 1983-1986 Drums

Steve Grimmett 1983 Vocals

Alex Houston 1981-1983 Bass

Andre Baylis 1981-1983 Drums