DAY OF DOOM - THE SECOND COMING

DAY OF DOOM 
THE SECOND COMING 

Reviewed by: Jessie “Motor Mouth”

I purchased a copy of Day of Doom’s release, “The Second Coming”, recently (on February 2, 2017), and it blew my mind on the first take. At first, I thought I would be listening to a Doom Metal band (which is my first choice of metal these days). I'm sure many like myself would think this way because of their band name. But the words, "never judge a book by its cover", rang true in this case, yet again.

I slapped Day Of Doom's "The Second Coming” into my CD player (yes, folks I still own one), and it blew my mind  This CD brings me back to the old school Death Metal days of cassette tapes. Back then, they released albums where you would have an A side and a B side. Either there were two releases on each side, or the album was split with half the songs on side A, and the rest of the songs on side B. In this case, it was as if you had two complete albums on each side.  You’re getting two past albums on one CD with this release that features both “Night of Horror” and “Slaves of Insanity".  I would be highly interested if Day of Doom will release this on both cassette tape and vinyl sometime down the road.

I cranked it up to 10, and was in for a brutal awakening. I think many of you will agree this is pure crushing Death Metal from New York. Day of Doom should never go unrecognized with their talents that is sweeping the nations worldwide.  Now, most of you heard of bands such as Suffocation and Gorguts, but you never know when something like this is lingering around the USA somewhere out there. It will kick you right in your ball sack, and knock you to your knees. Day of Doom deserves a high and mighty notice and recognition within the crushing brutal Death Metal scene. This is as raw as it comes. The blast beats and rolls made me sink into my current dwellings. I was  especially excited to hear a drummer playing away, and not some drum machine or program. It was refreshing to actually hear drums getting played by a human behind a kit, and on another note, it wasn't too trigger happy. Yes, Rich Hervey used some triggers, but it’s not overbearing or overcooked like my girlfriend makes her steaks.

Doug Randazzo's, guitar sections were brilliant with fast delivery and sickness. Both the leads and rhythms sounded like they came from beyond the abyss of hell.

Sam Lara’s bass lines were not hidden or buried six feet under.  The lead growls done by Sam were deep and clear. Definitely the kind of vocals that hit you like a hard punch to your throat. At times you’ll hear different vocal changes within each song. I had wondered if each member was taking a few verses.  This is a testament to the well rooted backing vocals of both Rich and Doug. Each growl, whether it was the leads or backing growls ripped my spine out.  Day of Doom are the true breed of what crushing old school Death Metal is all about. And they possess a unique style that is definitively their own. They are in a league of their own, in my personal opinion as a fan of the Death Metal scene.

As I mentioned earlier you’re in for a treat with this double album. "The Second Coming” contains two of their rare first releases making this one hell of a release all rolled into one. I look at is as them giving something back to the death metal family, and to its fans. Whether you are an old school fan, or are only recently getting into our scene, I recommend contacting Day of Doom on Facebook to get your own copy for your personal collection.

When first listening to “Night of Horror” (which I considered Part I), my favorite songs were “Tempest of Revenge”, “Nightmare Child” and “Womb of Hell”. Each of these songs were blasphemous and demonic from every note to the darkest growls. All seven tracks from this release were intense, sick, well-written, and stood the full course in representing what crushing death metal should be offering.

Now this brings me to “Slaves of Insanity". With another 7 tracks that were re-recorded, I almost wished I had heard the first release of this album so I could give a short comparison to see if they made any changes. In most cases, its usually on the production end these changes occur since we didn’t have all the modern technology we have now back in the day. All though it's re-recorded, it does not lose that rawness or thin out at all. Again, you hear pure drumming skills coming from a drum kit that sounds miced up.  Lunatic drumming, flaming guitar riffs, wicked soloing, thick bass lines, and the to perfect growls are all present here as well.  Not one track gets boring, but the release intensifies and  thickens as it plays on too. By the time it's done, I'm  left feeling very impressed which is something that doesn’t happen to often these days.

RAKE OFF, IMPAVIDUS AND CYBER HATE album reviews

Rake-Off from Italy play short sharp bursts of angry hardcore... The guys play well tough and do a convincing job with some quite tight and to the point bursts which stay entertaining the whole way through. The boys got together out of various bands from the local scene at the start of 2016 and by the end of the year had recorded and released the demo you see linked underneath this review. This is a well produced and great sounding little affair too, which serves well as a demo and a great teaser for whats to come next....... I gather it was only released on a limited run cassette late 2016 but now made available through bandcamp real cheap. This might appeal to fans of madball, agnostic front and the like. You could do a lot worse than give this a listen! https://rake-offhc.bandcamp.com/

Impavidus formed out of the UK in 2015 but even though they are a new unit the members have all previously been in bands and you can tell from the initial listen this is no beginner band! The sound of the sits somewhere along the lines of Arch Enemy with some quite techie music with vocals that sit fairly similarly to that of Angela Gossow, but with some clean vocals thrown in which I think gives the music a bit more of an accessible and memorable edge than just being an "Arch Enemy" clone, which lets face it a lot of bands tend to do! Anyway this here is their debut EP which was recorded in 2016 for your enjoyment! https://impavidus.bandcamp.com/album/impavidus

Cyber Hate: Here's something different ,,, its a hard one for me to review (as I don't listen to much in the way of industrial metal) there are a lot of techno parts in this and I can see how this would alienate many listeners but if you can get past that and listen with an open mind this isn't too bad... In fact its quite enjoyable. This is my second listen to it now and I'm starting to understand what the band is trying to achieve. To my ears it reminds me of Korn / Fear Factory in both their metal and techno phases but that's really because I can't think of much to compare it to. When the boys do get rocking there are some really cool metal bits which cross over into melodic metal / death metal territory at times with some great keyboard/ piano work spread through it. It's really a tough one to pin down, with so many different angles that the guys approach things from. Everything is recorded and presented rather professionally and rather easy to listen to. This won't be for everyone by any stretch but these guys are good at what they do and definatley worth having a listen to find out if you like it or not! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYwBtTRFEEA

DEIFIED, SET BEFORE US and ENDLESS CURSE ALBUM REVIEWS

Here's another batch of Heavy Metal Reviews for you! This time round we got Endless Curse from Germany, Set Before Us from Sweden and Deified from the UK! Read on dear listener....

Endless Curse Album review: This is some old school crusty death metal from Germany. I have to confess I listened to the wrong album first (which I think was an earlier demo) and thought to myself "these guys would be pretty cool if only they had decent production" Thankfully by the time I figured out which was their new stuff I was supposed to listen to, the production had improved markedly! I still think this release could benefit from some pro mastering (I think the album was self recorded) but to my delight the musicianship has also improved a long way as at least one of the songs was on both releases and allows this reviewer to compare the progress the band has made. The music is old school death metal in the vein of early death and a million old school death bands (like baphomet, incantation, immolation etc...). Its hardly groundbreaking stuff, but overall a very enjoyable to listen to and great to see bands still doing this stuff .... https://www.youtube.com/user/EndlessCurseTV

Set Before Us are another relatively new band hailing from Stockholm, Sweden... Their sound is a modern death / metalcore with influences like parkway drive / August burns red etc.... the band have been making quite a name for themselves touring Sweden, Germany and the surrounding regions. While this is not my chosen alloy of metal, I have to admit the boys are good at what they do, the songs I've heard are well written played and recorded and more importantly very easy to listen to. Some really cool melodic guitar solos punctuate the dropped down riffage adding some great contrast to whats going on. Some clean vocals and occasional keyboard breaks also spice things up nicely. Definately worth a listen if you're into metalcore but also if you're not into it this could be a great way to get aquainted with what the kids are listening to :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8g4I_FFuhU

Deified..... HOLY CRAP! U.K's Defied have certainly got an intense sound going on ... for my ears it sounds like a cross between death metal / thrash / and tech death... but it is a rather accomplished release. These guys do not piss around and a release like this can only come about through hard work and perseverence... well done guys! Some ultra tech 'angular' riffage (for lack of a better word) and drumming that can stop on a dime and start right back up again like nothing happened. I like this vocalist too ... great projection and presence ... obviously I'm not the only one as it topped the OCZ reader polls a while back.. and more importantly scoring a slot on the BLOODSTOCK metal fest. Over all this is a very classy act and I wish the guys all the best, the future is theirs! Don't take my word for it tho.... check the guys bandcamp page and hear for yourself! https://deifieduk.bandcamp.com/

DEMON INSIDE / EIGHTY88HATE / PROBLEM WITH DRAGONS / KOLD CREATURE REVIEWS

At Obscure Chaos Zine we've been getting a whole heap of material to review... here's some of the latest stuff we've been getting in! links are provided so feel free to check out and listen to some great new bands!

@officialldemonsinside are a Brazillian band that combine a few influences the guitar riffage of pantera and megadeth with some dirty rockin' female vocals. The overall feel of the band reminds me of a band meldrum. The bands aim is to create something unique and they've come pretty close, The band is still relatively new and in some respects probably still finding their feet, but in this short period of time since forming in 2014 have created something pretty cool, and varied (I've been checking out their soundcloud page as well) I look forward to seeing what these guys can do in the future https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUPT02Bh8TM https://www.facebook.com/pg/OfficiallDemonsInside https://soundcloud.com/demons-inside

Eighty88eight are an alternate / rock / metal combo from Milano, Italy formed in 2012 and releasing their first release, Step by Step in 2013 and a second EP which has yet to be released was recorded in 2015 which features this newly recorded video, MONSTER! Its not the heaviest tune that we featured by any means but its not a bad listen at all for those that appreciate the more rockin' alternate end of the metal spectrum. Great sound, riffage and production and an immensly watchable video defainately make this worth checking out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7eDxLUdrro

Problem With Dragons are a doom/sludge band from massachusetts USA... they combine riffage with some dissonant soundscapes its more than just doom tho as there are some faster metallic / punkier bits but all through the album that sludgey doom sonic range is present with lots of delicious feedback. The vocals can be harsh or eeiree/haunting affairs with some cool multilayered effects. This is not going to be for everyone but if you can imagine a cross between earlier bloody kisses era Type O Negative and Pentagram with all your favourate sludge thrown in this may be just the ticket for you! https://problemwithdragons.bandcamp.com/album/starquake

Kold Creature are a vairied and interesting act featuring some heavy and powerful vocals that range from a nu-metally Korn to an older school Testament style heavier vocals... with some quite interesting riffage with a great command of lighter and heavier styles and which might appeal to fans of machine head and some dynamic drumming these lads from Queensland, Australia are making some pretty cool noises .... definatley worth a look and a listen! https://www.reverbnation.com/koldcreature/songs

HEATHEN DEITY - RELIGIOUS PURIFICATION THROUGH FIRE (DEMO REVEIW)

HEATHEN DEITY - RELIGOUS PURIFICATION THROUGH FIRE DEMO

Heathen Deity are Black Metal from Merry old England.... their album starts out with the usual atmospheric intro that many band before them have used.... and then into the real stuff .... nothing unique or particularly groundbreaking but I have to admit the boys are pretty good and know how to construct a good song. Quite solid stuff... Kinda reminds me of Satyricon but most black metal fans would get something out of this.... the third song however starts to set them apart some very emotional old english style acoustic and clean tone electrics make for a very atmospheric listen showing how much talent these guys have. The recording is suitably grim but clean enough to let the listener comprehend what is going on which I think is important... this isn't your usual 'recorded in a toilet demo' it actually sounds pretty good and conveys the black metal feeling rather well.

https://heathendeity.bandcamp.com/…/religious-purification-…

Album Review: Unkempt Herald - Self Titled EP - Reviewed By: Alan Lisanti

Unkempt Herald

Self Titled EP

Release Date: June 26th, 2016

Label: Lion Heart Records LLC

Genre: Melodic Hardcore/Hardcore Soul

Website: http://www.unkemptherald.com/

https://www.facebook.com/unkemptherald/

Tracklist: 1. Parabolic Flaw

2. Like White On Brown Rice

3. Thunderstorms And Nightmares

Reviewed By: Alan Lisanti

Unkempt Herald hails from Bloomfield, NJ. They bill themselves as "thoughtful yet aggressive melodic hardcore music", and it's hard to disagree with that assessment. It's also hard to pigeonhole them or categorize them on your own, and that is an excellent thing in this day an age of music. The band has a full length under their belts to date (released last year) called Diatribe, and have just recently released a self-titled EP to give fans a taste of things to come on their follow up full length. Where Diatribe showed a big upside, and a notable diversity within the material, this EP picks up where they left off and pushes all aspects forward in the sense of cohesion and maturity. The band self produces, records, writes, and releases all of it's own material and seemingly embraces the true DIY aesthetic that so many bands these days seem to neglect to remember. The result, or accumulation of all of this tireless work is a strong and promising effort on this latest release. The organic element of rolling up your sleeves and embracing the process has yielded a 3 song teaser (so to speak) that showcases a band who's pieces are mere inches away from all falling into place. Not only that, but the songs have substance both musically and lyrically in an era where too many artists and songs can come across as overly contrived. This EP is not a manufactured effort, or an attempt to chase genre demographics. It is the end result of three members in a band that haven't forgotten it's all about the blood, sweat, and tears. And I say that, because you can literally hear it in the songs. Unkempt Herald can write a good song, but they also have a unique take on when to bring the melody and when to bring the heavy. Because of that, you may notice they seem to care less about labels and genre's, and more about what they and the song are trying to say. That's certainly a good quality to have in a time when so many bands wear their influences on their sleeves. If they stay the course they could very easily hit their stride on their upcoming album, and surprise some people while turning some heads. Personally, I really like the last track, "Thunderstorms And Nightmares" with "Like White On Brown Rice" coming in a very close 2nd. However, front to back, you don't want to miss out on this one. Diatribe showcased a band that was still finding itself. This self titled EP proves they have, and makes you eager to hear where the band is headed in the future. You may want to grab a copy of this while it's available because it could turn into one of those rare and sought after gems in a bands catalog down the line. The band says they will be re-recording the 3 songs on this EP for their upcoming full length. These are the rawer versions of this material, and while production snobs might turn up their noses longing for a more "polished" final product, that rawness works very well here and translates and transcends the music. This is what passion sounds like. In a world of polished productions, watered down lyrics and songwriting, trends, and genre pleasers, Unkempt Herald stands tall on their own feet because they haven't forgotten about the human element in music.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Album Review: STEVE BELLO Layers Of Time reviewed by Dave Wolff

STEVE BELLO

Layers Of Time

Independent

http://www.facebook.com/steviehimself

Steve Bello is a New Jersey based guitarist who is establishing his work on several social media outlets, producing and promoting it independently. His latest full length Layers Of Time was released in December 2015. If you’re a fan of progressive metal with lengthy solos and shades of Steve Vai and Al DiMeola you’ll want to check this out. The nine tracks are instrumentals serving as a backdrop for relentless lead playing reminiscent of 70s and 80s progressive rock. His Soundcloud profile only has four of them (plus older songs) but they’re enough to make you want more. The production is by Rosario Panzarella and lays bare Bello’s prowess as a guitarist. Each note in the leads and each background progression is meticulous, and the transitions from one mood to the next are spot on showing how much thought and planning went into them. There is a balance between heaviness and refinement indicating his search for his own identity is no joke, as there is something here that will appeal to fans of prog, thrash and jazz. You’ll understand this to a greater degree experiencing Layers Of Time firsthand. There were some moments I liked more than others; for my personal tastes the heavier, aggressive songs appealed more to me: the intense Nuclear Paradise, the intricate Slippery Gypsy, the hypnotic Jigsaw Mind and especially the title track. In those the rule book is thrown out the window as far as how a song should start, how it is supposed to progress and on what note it should conclude. You won’t be bored if you like albums that explore new territory each time a new track starts. Several moments reminded me of classic Rush, particularly A Farewell To Kings and Hemispheres. I found it ironic that Bello saved the heaviest song for last. The crunching, heavily distorted Layers Of Time ventures into doom metal territory with keyboards providing atmosphere and leads that reminded me of Fate’s Warning. This song is my hands down personal favorite. You can refer to Bello’s Facebook profile for updates on live shows; as several performances are being scheduled at present. -Dave Wolff

Track list:

1. Postcards from Mars

2. Nuclear Paradise

3. Instant Amnesia

4. Balancing the Sun

5. Slippery Gypsy

6. Too Far Below Zero

7. Jigsaw Mind

8. Dangerous Heat

9. Layers of Time

Album Review: Martyr - "You Are Next" - Reviewed by: Geoff McGraw

Martyr

Title: You Are Next

Date of Release: 2016

Record Label: Pure Steel/Limelight

Genre: Power/Thrash

Website: www.martyronline.nl

Reviewed by: Geoff McGraw

Track listings: 1. Into The Darkest Of All Realms 2. Infinity 3. Inch By Inch 4. Souls Breathe 5. Unborn Evil 6. Monsters 7. Crawl 8. Mother's Tear 9. In The End 

10. Don't Need Your Money

Martyr has been around for 24 years, (off and on) having released their 1st demo in 1982 and their latest release now in 2016.

Martyr's "You Are Next" deftly blends elements of traditional metal, power metal, and thrash together to drop a truly headbanging cd on us. Full of thunderous and galloping riffs, the guitar and bass work is excellent. The drums bludgeon in the best possible way, accenting and supporting the riffs and keep your head moving. Vocalist Rop van Haren provides well written lines that don't have to follow the riffs, he sings over the music in the fashion of truly great singers that can keep my interest, using traditional metal vocals as well as getting gruff when needed.

The album runs strong from beginning to end with really nary a weak point. It grabbed my interest right away, and by the time "Inch By Inch" hit my headphones I was sold. It is not often that an album literally makes me feel like I did when I was a kid. As a special bonus to Raven fans, Martyr covers "Don't Need Your Money" as the last track, bringing this romp through metal goodness to a close! Even if you aren't previously familiar this band from the Netherlands, with not a bad track, I recommend adding this album to your collection.

Btw The Album cover art is great, something that in the days of NWOBHM would have had many of us snapping up the album unheard.

Two Big Horns up and a whole bunch more as a rating.

9 out of 10 horns

Album Review: Cries Of Your Sins - 2016 Promo Reviewed by: Fury

Cries Of Your Sins

Album: 2016 Promo

Genre: Extreme Metal

Country: Czech Republic

Label: Independent

Release: February 15, 2016

Website: https://www.facebook.com/criesofyoursinsofficial/

https://criesofyoursins.bandcamp.com/

Reviewed by: Fury

Tracks:

A World of Two Suns

King of No-One

Here we have Mike Coy's solo Extreme Metal project Cries Of Your Sins from the Czech Republic. As of June 2014, Cries Of Your Sins put out their first 4-track demo simply entitled "Demo 2014". Wondering what happened for a while and two years have gone by before Cries Of Your Sins could release “2016 Promo” which includes two promotional pre-production version tracks, entitled "A World of Two Suns" and "King of No-One". Mike Coy wrote all the music, lyrics, played the guitars, bass and vocals on these two songs while hiring a session drummer named Honza Kapak. Mike is currently working on his debut album and on February 27th, 2015 Cries Of Your Sins signed with Naturmacht Productions, who will be releasing it, but no dates have been mentioned and will be released both physical and digital.

Cries Of Your Sins has a good assorted bag of goodies, borrowing different metal elements from Thrash, Melodic Death Metal, avant-garde and Black Metal, but Mike Coy is showing his ability to intertwine those elements into a coherent and flowing self-released recording. Both "A World of Two Suns" and "King of No-One" are utilizing the stringed instruments given a serene atmosphere while the vocals add a dark extreme style of metal. Each instrument starts to build momentum with thundering bass lines with interesting chugging bass overlays, while the guitars are rising great melody lines, waling thrash sound, scale driven riff work that was catchy and killer drumming, that will break down any obstructions while still staying within his personal realms of extreme metal.

I wonder if this was recorded, premixed, and produced with the assistance of Honza Kapak who is the mastermind behind Hellsound Studio and also a talented and well-rounded musician (After Rain, Avenger, Impuritum, Murder, Panychida, Radiolokátor, etc.). The production is well-crafted and at a professional level.

Cries Of Your Sins bring an intense atmosphere. Both pre-production version tracks are good offerings and looking forward to listen to the full debut album.

Album Review: Gloria Morti - "Kuebiko" - Reviewed by: Fury

Gloria Morti

Album: Kuebiko

Genre: Black/Melodic Death Metal

Country: Finland

Label: Willowtip Records

Release: March 18th, 2016

Website: https://www.facebook.com/gloriamortiofficial

Reviewed by: Fury

Tracks:

1. Syntymä

2. The Foul Stench of Vomiting Blood

3. Josef Fritzl

4. Chimeral Form

5. Death by a Thousand Cuts (Lingchi)

6. Case No. 1102162

7. Gallows Built in Rows

8. Executioner

9. The Termination of All Bonds

Gloria Morti hail from Finland and they have been creating some remarkable Black/Death Metal since they formed in 1999. Gloria Morti expertly blend a mixture of thrash, melodies and black metal, with a surreal atmospheric elements for many years throughout each release; ThornGarden (Demo, 2001), Ephemeral Life Span (Demo, 2002), Gomorrah (Demo, 2002), The Cerberos Gate (Demo, 2002), Lifestream Corrosion (Full-length, 2004), Phoenix Caged in Flesh (Demo, 2005), Eryx (Full-length, 2008), Anthems of Annihilation (Full-length, 2010), Lateral Constraint (Full-length, 2012) and their current release Kuebiko (Full-length, 2016).

While the album opens, you will hear some spoken word chants, leading into some killer death metal growls, blast beats and starting off their intensity musical direction with their first brutal track "Syntymä". The vocalist (under the name Pyscho), does a miraculous combination of vocal styles from deep death metal to some high pitched black metal throughout each track. While listening to "The Foul Stench of Vomiting Blood" it blew my mind with the intensity and my heart rate increased with strong guitar work, killer vocal ranges and drumming that shines through the darkness corners within my mind. Founding member Juho Räihä (Before the Dawn, Swallow the Sun (live) and Wolfheart (live)) is no stranger to the extreme scene with his creations. His guitar work and skills are brilliant on this release. Their lyrics are obscure and have an interesting morbid twist while Aki Salonen's bass lines in "Gallows Built in Rows" really show through along with the onslaught of soaring vicious riffs and solos created by both Juho Räihä and Eero Silvonen which almost left me salivating.

Gloria Morti's 5th album "Kuebiko" has displayed some skillful technically and notable riffs, striking solos, sick and yet brutal vocals, sufficient amount of keyboards enhancing the atmosphere, severe drumming creating a well-crafted level of brutality leaving you replaying this album constantly. The production was clear and very professional for this combination of metal. I recommend each track that delivers something everyone can appreciate in the melodic death metal and black metal scene.

Album Review: Tagarot - "Veleda's Prophecy" - Reviewed by: Fury

Tagarot

EP: Veleda's Prophecy

Genre: Folk Metal

Country: Austria

Label: Independent

Release: January 10th, 2016

Website: https://www.facebook.com/tagarotband/

Reviewed by: Fury

TRACKLIST :

01. Tears (Intro)

02. Veleda's Prophecy

03. Callis Sanguinis

04. The Shaman's Path

05. Samant

06. Bloodsoaked Earth

07. Fate and Fear

A relaxing evening in my metal throne while the lights are out and it's almost pitched black but the moon is peeking dimly through my window. It's a perfect setting to listen to traditional Celtic melodies... emphatic folk music beats and metal crunchiness go together quite nicely and soak it all in. I’m interested in listening to the folk metal band Tagarot (steams from the ancient German language meaning dawn), hailing from Austria who is an up and coming band in this scene and their debut EP, "Veleda's Prophecy" in which they released on bandcamp, Youtube and Soundcloud.

Their EP has brought to my attention that it’s a conceptual release based on a pagan priestess, Veleda, of the Bructerii, who led one of the greatest tribal European revolts against Rome. She was a dominating political, a diplomatic authority, rebellion against the Roman Empire, who guided battle strategies in conjunction with the chieftain Civilis and she also foretold Germanic folks will have victory of that war, for which many of us don’t learn about in history class. I guess it depends on what country you live in and your cultural upbringing. A German remembers Veleda as a goddess or as a "weird-elf" who would protect the forests, and roamed the lands on an outlook for any harm done to nature. Veleda is widely known for her considerable prophetic powers and was also held in high esteem by the Romans. In the reign of Emperor Vespasian she’s honored as a goddess. In ancient Germany (and among some Nordic individuals) it was believed that priestesses were capable of seeing the forthcomings. She was highly honored and worshipped by her tribe and these tribes treated women like Veleda as their living goddesses. Veleda practiced as a Völva (shamanic priestess) for her tribe, the Bructeri, in the northeast parts of Germany. The word Völva means ‘wand carrier’ or ‘wand bearer’. Today, many modern philosophies about witchcraft and wizardry stem from the practices of women just like Veleda. Within this release you will get a great sense of some emotional involvement from their point of view through listening to the sounds and tones of the music and their lyrics. That is well conceived and delivers after several times listening to it.

The spoken chanted words opening "Tears (Intro)" with wonderful folk instruments are setting off the atmosphere of this EP, leading into "Veleda's Prophecy", thus adding some heavy and melodic riffs and still have some mixed thoughts on the female vocals within this song. There were some moments that I felt the female vocals were a little off in some sections "Veleda's Prophecy" in the beginning but becomes stronger as the tracks play. She has good vocals and found them more enchanting as I listened to them many times. Although, I was just informed that vocalist Carina Linder has departed and I wonder who will take her place. "Veleda's Prophecy" traditional folk instruments, guitar riffs and drums were good and grabbed more of my attention compared to the clean vocals.

Through the use of traditional folk instruments, one of the biggest things about this band which really sold them to me was Julian Brockmeier. An excellent musician who -throughout this release- is playing Bagpipes, Mandolin, Tin & low whistles which stood out with impressive melodies. I also found it interesting that Julian can play Irish Bouzouki well because it’s an interesting instrument to enact and for some time it was lost in folklore as well as Bodhran. I would wonder if they will use Bodhran for their next release. But also many musicians started to use Greek bouzouki in the 60’s within Irish songs and dance music but was pleased he used Irish Bouzouki. Mandolin is also another interesting instrument that uses a fifth-based tunings, its most often used G2-D3-A3-E4 and I have noticed over the years many have been using an alternate tunings such as: G2-D3-A3-D4, A2-D3-A3-D4 or A2-D3-A3-E4 but you normally need to create perfect fifths and it’s a beautiful instrument to learn to play and its a part of the lute family. Occasionally, I’ll get a little side tracked and will add a little history especially for instruments that are used from my own background cultures, but I have to admit that Julian has mastered each instrument, bringing this release to a higher rating as each instrument is weaving in and out of songs extremely well. The tin whistles deserve credit bringing nice images through my mind as if I was in "Emerald Isle" (country side of Ireland) while hearing their melodies that enriches the EP.

The chief Callis are ready for battle, while holding up their chalices drinking the Romans blood is a short image that came into my mind while listening to "Callis Sangiunis". Excellent song to dive into and the guitar work is massive with melodies. Great work on vocals and other instruments that left a good impact.

Shamanism traditions and techniques can be trailed more than 5,000 years, while it roughly translates as “one who sees in the dark” and given to traditional tribal healers of the Tungus people. Several shamanic practices involve a deep meditation, sometimes in a deep trance state that will ameliorate with discovering the nature of a problem and while trying to determine potential hope, solutions, and healing. In many cultures, a shaman is a healer, and spiritual director.

While channeling, exchanging and releasing my energies listening to this EP, their song "The Shaman's Path" comes on and my darkened moods evoke magical or shamanistic powers with their rhythmic playing and sung passages, to glorify your future while seeing the beautiful side of our world. An eccentric song from the beginning to last note. "Samant" opens with talents and fervent choirs sung in a call and response pattern to a simple folk melody and around 2:38 into the song, an image of a Snake charming came into my mind with a slight Egyptian and an age old Indian folk art feel and powerful emotions. Lyrical section adds a contrasting energetic section with the instruments. Fantastic guitar leads and rhythms and solo work.

A good mixture of death and black growling vocals, clean and sung passages occurring in some songs, enlightened and branding their presence while evoking Germanic priestess battling against Romans through their lyrics and songwriting. The guitar riffs, solos, melodies were catchy and guitar tracks 2 through 7 were created by Benjamin Steiner were worthy. While Simon Brockmeier is very good accordion player, I wondered if Simon was using a Schrammelharmonika (Schrammel accordion) from Germany. Lukas Barani, trials of a few blast beats within some songs and not overcooked. Tagarot effectively harmonizing throughout the EP, which I found pleasant.

Overall, this album is good in terms of originality theme; rhythmic folk plots and has some catchiness. "Callis Sangiunis" sung by both Carina Linder and the growling of Daniel Wierczeiko, "The Shaman's Path", "Samant", opening with the skillful drums work building up an intensity and vocals dual contribute immensely to the creation of a folk music ambiance in "Blood Soaked Earth", while the mighty closing track "Fate and Fear" were my favorite ones off their EP. The folk instruments complexity and style won me over. The production was decent for a self-release recording and "Veleda's Prophecy" was mixed by Daniel Wierczeiko at Wooden Cube Studio in Germany. I’m looking forward to hearing more from Tagarot in the future.

Album Review: Crashdollz "Punks In America" reviewed by Dave Wolff

Band: Crashdollz

Location: Detroit, Michigan, USA

Album: Punks In Amerika

Genre: Punk/Metal

Label: RadicLea Records

Release date: March 18, 2016

Website: http://www.crashdollz.com

Label website: http://www.radiclearecords.com

Reviewed by: Dave Wolff

Track list:

1. Hellcat

2. Punks In America

3. Scumbag Superstar

4. Murder A Go - Go

5. Novakain

6. Stab The Ground

7. Activate

8. Getaway Man

9. Fuck Me Nation

10. Smack My Bitch Up

11. Blowpop Destruction

I was introduced to this Detroit band by Kat who put me in touch with guitarist Rachel Rekkit. Rachel in turn forwarded me the Soundcloud link to this album. I remember reading articles about the state of Detroit when the city was bankrupt for quite some time. The musicianship surely reflects that time period; you can almost feel the sense of extreme poverty and sense of mortal danger in every note. This was the city that gave us Death, a proto-punk band that wrote songs like Politicians In My Eyes and You’re A Prisoner, in the early 70s. Death was one of the first bands to openly discuss African American’s roles in the US before Bad Brains and Living Colour. Crashdollz do something similar raising points that have been the subject of debate for a good number of years. The songs on Punks In Amerika is a symbiosis of early punk and early metal that touches a lot on the role of women in music. This band’s position is clear as they make the argument that a female should be viewed as a legitimate musician and not eye candy. I relate this to the Lower East Side of New York, particularly from the 80s to the mid 90s, when the transgender lifestyle was in full swing and a frequent target of bigotry and local punks considered females equal to males while the mainstream looked down on them as ‘freaks’ and ‘sluts’ and not like the so-called ‘beautiful people.’ If you like Toilet Boys, you’ll appreciate Crash Dollz, as their ties to metal are similar in many respects. You have songs like Hellcat, Scumbag Superstar, Novakain, Stab The Ground, Getaway Man and Fuck Me Nation, which reawaken the aforementioned issues about women in rock and answer the question in no uncertain terms. The guitars are loud, distorted and slightly chaotic while Nikki Darling’s vocals project woman power over the cacophony with a vengeance. Recommended for those of you who are disillusioned with Britney Spears and other pop divas.

Album Review: Time To Bleed "Die With Dignity" reviewed by Dave Wolff

Band: Time To Bleed

Album: Die With Dignity

Genre: Death metal

Location: Braunschweig, Germany

Label: Kernkraftritter Records

Released: January 8, 2016

Cover art by: Lowenart (http://www.facebook.com/loewenart)

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/timetobleedmetal

Do Me A Favor And Kill Me (Facebook): http://www.facebook.com/DOMEAFAVORANDKILLME

Do Me A Favor And Kill Me (Youtube): http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCONuNEpKSCZDvTNooqsI2EQ

Reviewed by: Dave Wolff

This is not to say you should tell a book by its cover, but brutal death metal albums usually have descriptive covers promising music to encourage the savage beast. When checking out Time To Bleed, you can be sure to experience that. The cover artwork adorning Die With Dignity (designed by Lowenart) is like a madman’s depiction of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (the 1974 theatrical release), complete with a deranged killer, victims, blood, entrails and a secluded place far from the safety of civilization. More album artwork can be viewed at Lowenart’s Facebook community page linked above. The band formed in 2009, released a demo (Theory Of Cremation) in 2010 and released an EP (Necroscience) in 2013 prior to releasing Die With Dignity this past January. As they are from the country that gave us groundbreaking bands like Destruction, Sodom and Kreator, Time To Bleed have a profound tradition to uphold. All things considered, Die With Dignity is a worthy successor to the ancient champions of German thrash metal. You don’t get overdone blast here, and you get more than enough heaviness, precision, guttural vocals and double bass. Also elements of Death, Hypocrisy and Grave; all worthwhile bands who have influenced many in death metal. With frenetic, dissonant guitars, an appropriate amount of atmosphere to enhance certain songs and no groove or nu metal, the album is firmly entrenched in death metal’s 90s roots. I like how the first song Soil Their Bodies starts abruptly, indicating a drive to get things underway immediately. The next track, the title track, begins with a sample but it’s unclear where it’s from. I was thinking it could have been a movie about Jim Jones but don’t quote me. I would have liked to know the source of this sample but this is information I didn’t have access to. Impaled is one of the faster, more manic tracks and one of my personal favorites. Besides being one of the songs that display blast percussion, it shows the guitarists working hard on their riff playing. From Darkness To Death contains lots of crunching and some dissonant notes that slightly reminded me of old Burzum. Self Created Gods sees more crunching as well as Slayer-ish rhythms. I’d have liked to read the lyrics as the song’s suggested subject matter is the practice of using scripture for one’s own ends. Messenger Of Death has still more crunch, shades of Hypocrisy in the harmonies and riffs that speak of some classical influence. Devastation hearkens to 90s DM with more hints of Hypocrisy. Violated is another favorite, with more blast and involved songwriting. The Surgeon closes the album with inventive lead harmonies and an intensity that managed to last from the beginning.

Track list:

1. Soil Their Bodies

2. Die with Dignity

3. Impaled

4. From Darkness to Death

5. Self Created Gods

6. Messenger of Death

7. Devastation

8. Violated

9. The Surgeon

Album Review: Isolated Antagonist - Affirmation Of Entropy Reviewed by: Alan Lisanti

Isolated Antagonist

Title: Affirmation Of Entropy

Album Review Format: MP3

Date Of Release: February 16, 2016

Record Label: Bluntface Records

Genre: Sci-Fi Metal/Industrial Metal

Website: https://www.facebook.com/isolatedantagonist/

Reviewed by: Alan Lisanti

Tracklist: 1. Into The Dark

                  2. Void

                  3. Trapped

                  4. Receptor

                  5. New Light Now Made

                  6. The Archetype Defined

                  7. Dark Nomad

                  8. The Infernos Son

                  9. Words Beyond Time

                10. The Protagonist Denied

                11. Affirmation Of Entropy

                12. The Last Death

                13. Gather The Past

                14. Prototype For Babylon

                15. Celestial

Affirmation Of Entropy is the second offering from Isolated Antagonist. If 90's throwback Industrial Metal was the bands aim, as others have suggested, than the band hits their mark without question. If you were a fan of early Fear Factory, or even Demanufacture/Remanufacture era Fear Factory, than this release should be right up your alley. The music, and synths, as well as the combination of effects with the variations of both members vocals creates an atmospheric and layered sound that invokes a sort of futuristic dystopian sensibility. This is clearly intentional, and I suppose the name is fitting in this regard. This comes across just in the sound and overall feeling created by the combination of sounds in the songs. As it turns out, lyrically and thematically, the story and concept of this album is based around exactly that idea. This is the story of the last man left on Earth, and how he faces that reality. The concept is an interesting one, and is brought to life in the songs. While the Synth work clearly plays a key role in providing the backdrop for some sort of futuristic bleakness in the sound, there are times where it seems a bit too overpowering. However there are also times where it seems to be exactly what the song calls for. There are times where both the clean and harsh vocals are very reminiscent of Burton C. Bell's work, but there are also times where both are more unique and don't really sound like him at all. The Archetype Defined, has some of the more interesting riff work. Receptor, and Words Beyond Time also stand out as they are a bit more out of the norm from some of the other songs. That's a good thing. Besides being a bit too long with a total of 15 songs, I'm sure if Industrial Metal is your thing, you'll appreciate the bands efforts and execution. Affirmation Of Entropy is out now on Bluntface Records.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10 horns

Album Review: Occultation "Silence in the Ancestral House" reviewed by Dave Wolff

Band: Occultation

Album: Silence in the Ancestral House

Released: October 14, 2014

Label: Profound Lore

Genre: Dark metal

Location: New York City

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/occultationband

Bandcamp: http://profoundlorerecords.bandcamp.com

Reviewed by: Dave Wolff

Track list:

1. Intro

2. The First Of The Last

3. Laughter In The Halls Of Madness

4. All Hallows Fire

5. The Place Behind The Sky

6. The Dream Tide

7. Intermission

8. Forever Hereafter

9. Silence In The Ancestral House

When I heard of this band and their range of influences I jumped at the chance to review it, feeling suddenly inspired by the fact that the city still produces creative and innovative bands. There will always be bands that push the envelope of what metal bands can do with their songwriting and find new directions. Of Beauty And Madness was the last band I heard of that incorporated several genres into a sound to exclusively call their own. Occultation do the same on their 2014 full length Silence In The Ancestral House. I noticed the production is quite raw, indicating Occultation are at an early developmental stage. Or they chose to produce this with a certain amount of rawness to contribute to its effect. Either way the production presents a motif similar to raw black metal, which makes you feel you’re opening a forgotten centuries-old crypt and observing what’s inside through a thick haze. Add atmosphere and elements of punk, progressive rock, psychedelic rock, goth rock, 70s occult rock and traditional metal and the result is something truly eclectic arranged in a manner you wouldn’t expect. Think of Ozzy-era Black Sabbath and mid-80s era Voivod meeting through a time warp; even then you’re just beginning to conceptualize what this band is capable of. The surreal cover art also gives an impression of what to expect here but you really have to listen firsthand. The album was produced by Kurt Ballou who previously worked with Converge; this band proved a new experience given their diverse aspects. Silence In The Ancestral House begins with a bizarre intro; its circus like atmosphere gives way to an acoustic guitar passage similar to Testament. Then this haunting female voice kicks in. and by now you know you’re in for an otherworldly experience. And this is just an intro to the rest of the album. Over the next eight tracks you’re taken on a journey through unearthly landscapes and unexplored ethereal planes that might make those thought up by Pink Floyd seem a walk in the park. There are so many mood changes throughout this recording you’ll feel you had traveled longer and farther than you would have dared. The raw production I mentioned earlier works for many of these tunes but on future recordings I’d like to hear something more polished in that department.

Album Review: Band: Auðn - "Auðn" Reviewed by: Nick Yngve

Auðn

Album: Auðn

Label: Metallic Media

Genre: Melodic Black Metal

Website: https://www.facebook.com/audnofficial

Reviewed by: Nick Yngve

Tracklist:

1. Klerkaveldi

2. Undir blóðmána

3. Sífreri

4. Feigð

5. Landvættur

6. Þjáning heillar þjóðar

7. Auðn

Auðn were formed in 2010 in Iceland and this is their first album, released in November of 2014. It might be 1 and a half year almost, but it doesn't matter. This band knows what to do. Cold yet extremely melodic black metal with the use of lyrics in their own language and the package is ready. It took them 4 years to prepare their first first hit but it was worth the wait for sure. Throughout the album, I found influences from Immortal, Enslaved and even Manegarm and Hirilorn!!! The band is mature, well bonded between the members and it shows in every song, in every riff. For me, one very strong point is the singer. His vocals are harsh, yet clean and well performed. Of course that doesn't mean that the whole band doesn't know how to play. On the contrary, every instrument is played and nailed. Also the production of this album is something that must be mentioned. Not very clean, but exactly as raw as it should be for the atmosphere of music played under the cold mountains and fjords to be delivered! I wish that we could have more material to listen and review, but I hope that they will not stop here. We will see them down the road very soon and it will be a blast and you all can be sure about that! Well played Auðn... Well played!!!

Album Review: Serpent Noir - "Erotomysticism" Reviewed by: Nick Yngve

Serpent Noir

Title: Erotomysticism

Label: Daemon Worship Productions

Genre: Black Metal

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Serpent-Noir-411409432260637

Reviewed by: Nick Yngve

Tracklist:

1. Path of the Raven

2. The Veritable Red Dragon

3. Ayin

4. Al Runa

5. Desert of Azazel

6. The Initiatrice of A'arab Zaraq

7. The Dioscuri of Darkness

8. Ayahuasca

9. Mephistophelian Pacts

Serpent Noir hail from Athens, Hellas and formed in 2006. It is one of the few bands I know that still keep their lineup steady after 10 years of existence. So far they have released the "Sanguis XI" EP in 2010, the "Seeing Through the Shadow Consciousness (Open Up the Shells)" full length album in 2012 and "Gateway to the Nightside" split EP with Andramelech in 2013.

                                                                                                                                                                                  

"Erotomysticism" is their second full length album, which was released on the 30th of April in 2015.

The album begins with a ritual "song" that reminded me a lot of Phurpa (or the Masters of Bon as they are called by some people). A very mourning like track that gets you instantly in the mood of waiting what you listen next. The band is shows from the first second where their hearts and minds are devoted. After the second track, black metal kicks in. Don't expect ultra-fast blast beats and squealing vocals. Here we have some people with their minds settled and they know what they want to give to the people listening to them. With the addition of some help from respected musicians in metal, like Christofer Johnsson and Thomas Karlsson from Therion and Mika Belfagor from Ofermod among others, their second album becomes a masterpiece of ritualistic black metal art. The atmosphere that they put out along with the lyrics and the occult philosophy of the band and all of that combined with the Sumerian and Mesopotamian influences are giving the listener the means to "travel" to the ancient lands of Knowledge and Magick. Almost in the middle of the album, another ritualistic track comes and again it made me close my eyes and "see" further beyond our reality before they return to the overall black metal they can play so good.

All in all, this album is one of the best releases that came from Hellas the previous year. I highly recommend it to every black metal fan, especially to those who like Acherontas, Acrimonius, Melechesh and of course ambient and ritual music.

Album Review: Ad Noctem Funeriis - "Satan's March Black Metal" Reviewed by: Nick Yngve

Ad Noctem Funeriis

Album: Satan's March Black Metal

Label: Symbol of Domination Prod.

Genre: Black Metal

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Ad-Noctem-Funeriis-722921531058677/

Reviewed by: Nick Yngve

Tracklist:

1. Intro

2. Fuck Christian's Cross

3. Holy Whore

4. Inquisition of Christ

5. Arcana

6. Litanie a Satana

7. Raising Evil

8. Satan's March Black Metal

Here we have a band from Italy, existing since 2003. This is their 2nd full length album released in 2015. Before that, they have the "Apocalyptic Vision of Death" demo in 2004, the "Sotto L' Oscura Alleanza" split EP in 2008 and their first full length album entitled "...Of Evil and Torment" in 2009.

Once again, Italian black metal does not disappoints. After the intro which is something like an demonic possession during a Christian mass, Satan himself comes out of the speakers to take your soul, chew it and then spit it in the lower depths of Hell!!!  Obvious influences from Marduk and it is going that way until the end of the album! No compromising in this one! Speaking about the production of the album, there is nothing less that I could expect from a band like that. Clean and raw as it should be! The guitars with the tremolo riffing are like chainsaws straight to your face. The bass is a stone wall to cover your tomb and the vocals are probably coming from the demonic possession we listened in the intro of the album! Awesome from the first second until the moment the album closes!!! One more thing that will surely take you by surprise (a good one) is that the riffs at some point are a bit folkish... There are melodies here and there that will take you in a bit of a viking/celtic mood but just for a while. Then it is blasphemous black metal again!

A flawless album by an awesome band. I must admit that I didn't know about them, so I am glad I did this review. Check them out. They are here to stay!!!