The promo for Enterprise Earth‘s The Chosen in my inbox said they are from Spokane, Washington. My interest was piqued, as I will soon live in their neck of the woods. Although Tech Death isn’t always my thing, these guys bring it in a way that should make every Metal fan notice.
Continue reading “Enterprise Earth – The Chosen”
Having a presence amongst the metal masses since 2008, quintet, One-Way Mirror, will be releasing their third full-length album, Capture, next week. These guys are pretty big in their native France and originally were signed to Metal Blade Records, so that tells you that they’ve successfully been on one of the biggest metal labels out there on the scene. Each of the members of the group used to be in other projects and eventually all met up and decided to form a supergroup with each of the member’s greatest influnces input into this group. The group soon tapped into their musical strengths and brought out some strong, melodic hard-hitting anthems that they slowly became known for in their area. After pitching some ideas and adopting each other’s styles, the group went into the studio to record their initial album which led to them to become support for Swedish legends, Soilwork on their tour. Over the next few years the group toured a few more times, sharing the stage alongside bands such as Gojira and Loudblast.
Stinkin’ Of Gold is definitve is raw and gritty hard rock. It’s edgy riffs and light harmonies are pleasing for an opener. A track that really got me going was the third track, The Clock Is Ticking. The group certainly turns the amps up on this one as well as the vocals getting harsher. A harder track, the melodies on this one really got me. It’s a satisffactory blend of hard rock and melody. While this song is pretty hard, if you’re looking to spike your adrenaline and get into a biker fight, switch it to the track, Confusion Core. The heavy and rigourous double bass really gives me eargasms, combined with the in your face riffs, oh boy, talk about a rush. Screenshot has me thinking of the group, Faith No More. The track is simplistic and the vocals take on an almost rap-style approach with slight hints of nu-metal.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1zkvjtWd9A[/tube]
What took me by surprise was their cover of Lady Maralade. Though I’m not a fan of the original track, these guys did a decent job of making the track catchy. Possibly one of the best titles for a track, Fuck Your Autotune, also comes with more harsh attitudes even the vocals get heavier with their screaming capabilities. Their musicianship gets very tight later on, and I think it’s kind of ironic the track gets slightly electronic with the title of the track as so. I am sure this track will lure those that are passionate of the genre. The final track, We Love To Complain, brings back some of those nu-metal style riffs and what I liked were the additional featured instruments like violins and strings to add some elements of epic proportion.
It’s been a while since I’ve listened to a hard rock album and this was a pretty good album that helped reinforce my habits within the genre. If you’re a fan of Alice In Chains, Volbeat and even Mudvayne this album will pretty much connect instantly. While this was a more diverse approach that the group brings, I personally would have liked to have seen more aggression and speed throughout the album. The rather unique tones some of the other tracks bring were not too bad either. Nonetheless, a group that is still underground, perhaps after this album, their name will reach bigger masses. Merci! Stay Metal m/
Capture: 7/10
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My first album review for the year, today’s album is a strong one full of pleasing elements. A large conglomerate of ambience, atmosphere, unique tones and instrumentals among other eargasmic affairs, Germans, Voices Of Destiny, are on the verge of releasing their third album titled, Crisis Cult. Ten tracks, nearly an hour of metal mayhem, the group mostly encompasses Symphonic and Epic metal, while again, featuring tastes of other elements. This is the groups first album with new singer, Ada Flechtner. I really like the album cover, with songs theming around wolves, prey and hunts this is an album for those who follow the wolfpack out there. The album also got pushed, with the album hoping to be released in October of last year, the album will now be released January 20th, 2015 and the wait is oh so worth it.
Overall the album is a concept album, like I mentioned, many of the songs revovle around one main theme. What epic metal album couldn’t be complete without en epic opener? After about a minute of instrumentals, the first metal track, Wolfpack comes with a slightly progressive attitude and then shifts to a general melodic metal tense, a pretty tasty moment for headbanging and breakdowns arrives later on. The Easy Prey is one of the favorites with eargasmic melodies opening the track, and of course room for headbanging. For a track titled as so, the energy this track showcases is just phenomenal. This is why I love Heavy Metal, for tracks like this one, oooh just gives me goosebumps.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAd7Zm4m47A#t=204[/tube]
At The Edge is a pretty intense ballad that also features Manuela Kraller, who used to sing for famous symphonic act, Xandria. Both of their voices are very distinct but flow harmoniosly and majestically in the chorus’. You can feel the emotion from them throughout the track. Stormcrow begins with the sort of apocalyptic electronic progressive attitude and continues with that fragment later on. The track also comes with notions of harmony and melody with singer, Ada, using her smooth and beautfiul vocals to deliver a daunting message. If you’re a fan of sentimental piano ballads, you’ll definitely love the final track, Your Creation. I thought it was a decent track but the one previous to it is my other favorite track, titled, The Great Hunt. Another song that captivates the title through it’s rigorous musicianship, the track brings forth all their best elements into a track that pushes close to eight minutes. If you thought what they had expelled earlier was heavy, just wait till you enter this track. It’s epicness is massive, the galloping riffs and drums are eargasmic and the melodies make one feel as if they’re part of this exquisite hunt. The vocals come together to deliver another final prophetic message. The message is pretty long but ill post the last few sentences. “How can you win unless you fight. Fight or flight…So what will it be? Are you a sheep or a wolf?”
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjxVA9JxUe4[/tube]
This album is truly exquisite and unique. There was enough of everything I had hoped for. Intensity, epicness, melody and more, this is another one of the more particular albums I am glad to have listened to. This is the first album I have listened to by them, so I am definitely going to check out their other works. Hopefully they’re explosive, such as Crisis Cult. If you’re a fan of all of these aforementioned elements, this album will not disappoint. These musicians are masters of their musical craft and deliver amassing talents that are dominant and strong. I can’t get enough of this album, I’ll be listening to it for a long time to come. A strong start to 2015. Wow. Stay Metal m/
Crisis Cult: 9/10
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Let’s bring some very old school influenced death metal to the masses. In fact, their newest album recently released titled, Rise From Ruins is perhaps the most vintage and old school metal influenced album I have reviewed. Highly influenced by band such as Entombed, Autopsy and Pestilence, Wreckage almost bring a sort of “Death’n’Roll” sound to the metal game. The Greek quartet released their album about a month ago and features nine tracks that terrorize the listener’s ears and make them bleed from a pulverization and beat-down from all their tracks. It is one intense trip as the tracks really waste no time in making an impact and furthermore, there is still diversity among the sound that they play. Originally starting as a side project about 5 years ago, it wasn’t until these last few years where the members decided to take this further and turn it into a full-time gig.
If you’re like me and like your death metal to be as thrashy and as headbangable as possible, the first set of opening tracks will feed your appetite. Screaming Weeping Bleeding and Deadliest Tool are a mosh feast. I found the second of the two a notch better as the tuning on this track was eargasmic while the first one also had that intense essence, it just wasn’t as savage as Deadliest Tool. One of the tracks that steps on the brakes on this forever intense trip momentarily is the track, Escaping The Tomb. Again, it is pretty wild, but later one the track slows to make way for a heavy breakdown and crazy low gutterals. A pleasant cover of Entombed’s Eyemaster, is done very well. No filler, no unecessary add-ons, its replicated very well. Proceed on and you will be exposed to more ravage vocals and the assurance of blast beats. I really found the raw captivation of sound in Maggot and Crawl as another slight variation of sound the group can create.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpXsygQ8Mls[/tube]
All of these tracks do not slow down whatsoever for anyone. After listening to the album, I was expecting a drastic change in tempo or sound but nope, this album is for you freakishly devilish metalheads. It’s a barrage or drumming, heavy riff and bass and spanning vocals that showcase an array of intrepid moods, with of course the vintage death metal sound, highly influential here. Who knew that this sound comes from Greece? I was pretty surprised to see that and what I noticed and enjoyed was the minimal use of blast beats. While some bands can rock the blast beats, these guys execute a sound that doesn’t need that, as this is intense as it is. Anyway, this album will give you that edge, that ravenous sense of metal that makes us passionate about our music. Stay Metal m/
Rise From Ruins: 8/10
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It’s here, it’s finally here. The most talked about album of 2014 and their fifth album, The Gray Chapter, dedicated to the late fallen Paul Gray. We’ve seen their faces at some point this past year on magazine covers, in magazines, in news reports online, and their music on radio stations, and any other media source, as their infectious presence has been talked about vastly, especially these past few months leading up to the release of The Gray Chapter. Joey Jordison is gone from Slipknot, only seven originals remain. The identities of the new recruits to the maggot capitol have been discovered, all this hype has been pretty dam immense. You’re probably wondering, is the hype even worth it? Is this their best album to date? Well thats where we step in and give you a heads up and what the ruckus is on this album. By the end of this review, I’ll have hopefully given you a bit of fair warning of what will be unleashed next week. These guys need no introduction, and for Abbath’s sake, you’d have better of heard their material, unless you’re 12 years old. Welcome to The Gray Chapter.
The album offers a wide array of variety, with many of the tracks being dark and brutal with a twist of melody and other elements, while some of the other tracks step on the brakes just a tad bit and offer a calmer demeanor, Slipknot style. With an opender like XIX, one source claims that this is their most emo track yet. Emo? What have you been huffing? It is a suspenseful and haunting intro to the album with heavy chanting, but in no way is the track emo, that’s just blasphemy, and yes, I will walk with Corey as he invites the listener to walk with him. Straight into track two, Sarcastrophe, this is a whopping track. I can say after hearing the whole album, this is one of the heaviest tracks Slipknot offers. Their hook and riff method is eargasmic, as a demonic ghost is painted in my head. Corey’s infuriating vocals followed by blast beats fuels this anger from within that rarely comes out, while showcasing nostalgic elements from their older albums. This one goes out to the headbangers, hands down. For those who are freakishly nut fans like I am with the track, Surfacing, the next track should not disappoint and paves more time for headbanging and evil attitudes. AOV is lyrically intense, in addition to a heavy persona of thrash and mosh environment tunes. Corey’s vocals speed up as his messages of fear are fast and quick. Simply put best, the track has an equal blend of melody and aggressiveness.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgA7KIwKlOE[/tube]
The first official single of the album was The Devil In I, and if you’ve heard this track, it does not lack anything in any department. It’s semi-groovy, it’s catchy, it’s direct and in-your-face. It’s everything a devoted Slipknot fan could want, and my personal favorite is the tremolo picking style in the chorus, it’s quite addicting. Check it out if you haven’t yet. Another grandiose track I found myself growing fond of was the track, Skeptic. Though I felt like it followed a traditional metal formula, the harmonics on this track is what drew me in, as well as Sid Wilson’s contrasting blend of effects. Lech, is one of the five-star tracks on this album, and follows a smiliar rigorousness as the first few tracks.. The tempos and rhythms are fast and quickly change, the vocals aren’t as evil unfortunately, this track focuses more on the instrumentals that made an impact on me, rather than the vocals, as many artists tend to do that. In the dictionary the word Lech is defined as ‘an act in a lustful manner’. Hopefully that sums up the temperment of this one.
Goodbye, I found myself deducing that the track is appropriately about Joey Jordison and Paul Gray. The lyrics mention, “Maybe we can all recognize a moment of sadness, Maybe we can finally agree on the same point of view, A long time ago we believed and we were united, So the last thing I am ready to do is say, Goodbye”. I perceive this one as that the group has come together to say one final goodbye, and recognizing the same point of view, meaning that while some of the members were ready to say their goodbyes, others were distracted with side projects like Joey with his side projects and Jim Root with Stone Sour. It’s about them coming together to say their byes in the best possible way. I wasn’t too fond of the track instrumentally as it is gloomy and occasionally hard, but lyrically it is a potent one. A perfect turn-around to get back into the groove of things, Nomadic, returns with speed and a solo that is freakishly quick with arpeggios and killer shred. Custer, certainly got my hairs raising, and is one of the favorites for me. Perfect for a live setting, the reoccuring angry tone that Corey brings is stronger than before, and the chorus certainly makes me want to punch my car dashboard, anything for that matter. Corey does not fail to deliver the lyrics, “Cut, cut me up and fuck, fuck, fuck me up”. I love that, as one fan commented on this one, “This track is a middle finger to those who thought Slipknot were going to sound like Stone Sour.”
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdBqOCS8LmM[/tube]
The Negative One, was the first track the masses heard off of this album, yet it wasn’t the official single. I think this one is my favorite off the whole album, and no this track is not about Joey, as annoying rumors swirled around pointing fingers at Corey and Joey. Personally I find Corey’s vocals being ultra evil here, as many times I mention it, it is true. Sid’s well defined scratching skills are obvious and the riffs are strenously heavy in a good way. The final two tracks are different to the rest of the album,, that doesn’t mean that the other tracks sound alike, I just find myself really pointing out the differences on the tracks, Override and The Burden. A steady and melodic tempo carries us to the end of the track where things really start to get interesting, as in the group throws in a little breakdown. The Burden……the final track off of this anticipated album…..what can I say….well for one, it’s gloom and doom. It is very down-tuned and heavier than usual, yet Corey’s vocals were not as enraging as I hoped. No speed, no headbanging…well doom banging…..its a slower change of style to finish off the album.
On my final thoughts of the album, it did cater an assortment of styles, rather than staying brutal throughout. Personally speaking, I think they should stick with being thrashy and aggressive in their music, for the slower and I guess more intimate tracks really did not click with me too well, and there are a few of those on this album. Perhaps this is their way of appropriately dedicating the album to Paul Gray, it is just an opinion of mine. There wasn’t a whole lot of insane double bass that Joey is known for, but the drummer did do his best in replicating his style though, it’s quite obvious. Overall, the group still has that spark that they haven’t lost since day one, and hand’s down this album is better than All Hope Is Gone, without a doubt. If you haven’t heard yet, Slipknot are due to kickoff a North American tour soon and they will kickoff the resst of their world tour early next year, with Korn being on both bills. Though Joey and Paul are gone, the group’s essence that they have is as strong as ever, this album was written pertinent in dedication to Paul. I’m sure we miss him, and above all his family and brothers in Slipknot. Rest In Piece my metal brother. Stay Metal m/
The Gray Chapter: 8/10
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When we think of certain genres, there are usually a mind-set of metal bands that are associated with those genres. What bands do you think of when I ask you to think of a Symphonic Female Fronted band? Nightwish perhaps? Most likely?
Well, from Hamburg, Germany, Symphonic metal band, Neopera, recently released their debut album titled, Destined Ways. Why did I mention Nightwish? According to the group, this album is not your typical memorable Nightwish riffs and string sets. While many artists have done the classical music and metal fusion, Neopera intend to showcase that they are not your half-baked Soprano imitations. The front duo singers, Nina Jiers and Thorsten Schuck, are professionally classically trained along with the rest of the band having metal expertise that can be compared to bands such that of Gamma Ray or Dark Age. What are the results? You get some explosive tracks, some intimate songs, alongside screams from third vocalist, Mirko Gluschke, aggression and themes of love, compassion and more. Destined Ways can be related to The Phantom Agony by Symphonic pioneers, Epica. In other words, this album is nothing short of genius expressions and creative art. Nearly an hour long, everything a Symphonic and Epic metalhead with diversity could want is all here. So grab a seat, enjoy the show, Neopera have debuted their first album.
The bombastic, epic, majestic, spectacular opening track, The Marvel of Chimera, showcases that this is probably the anthem of the album. The headbangable track encompasses the Opera elements with metal screams and an epic atmosphere. Pertaining to the name of the group, the Neo-classical shredding solo adds more power to a spectacular opener. The next track gives way to catch our breaths, as most of the track is slower and more melodic. A Call To Arms, features a beautiful, harmonious solo that brings in another essence that is wondrous and magical. Remote invites the heavy riffs, double bass and Symphonic atmosphere back in addition to the screams, as they were absent from the previous track. Don’t worry the Opera duo also is present in the track. More noticable the track, Falling Water, is the ballad of the album. The Celestial atmosphere give the track something a bit more intimate and special among the rest. The track also is very fantasy inspired and ends pretty quickly, heck maybe I was into the track more than I thought. The lyrics are emotionally penetrating as well. For those who liked the opening track and are craving more headbanging, the track, The Greed, might tame your attitude momentarily. I say momentarily because the end half of the track is a lot more calm as a flute comes in to transition the track to another ambience. A more tragic ending, befitting the moment, settles in as The Greed has done it’s magic.
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7Hqg9yQp4g[/tube]
Last Pantomime, is another ballad, but a heavier one with full on guitars and drum sets. Thorsten Schuck is the main vocalist present on this one. A gradual entrance sets up a formula for Neo-classical beauty, as he continues to note that “the show must go on…” Input from the other two vocalists is minimal, but effective as the vocals intertwine and create dramatic chemistry. Requiem, is an epic moment the leads us to the final two tracks of the album. Song of Revenge, speaks for itself. A heavier presence of screams and choral vocals, riffs, everything one could want in a Death metal band and more is all accounted for. This track showcases screamer, Mirko Gluschke’s vocal capacities. Another favorable element is the definite presence of the Choir style backing vocals. This is the last, heavier affair found on the album. The final track, The Unspeakable, begins with a proper tone. Sad, gloomy, you know it’s the last track, the lyrics and piano set up a slow and steady recipe to let the rest of the instruments come in and showcase what they are worth one last time, while keeping it relative to their Neoclassical sound. I would say the closing track did a satisfying job of ending Destined Ways.
This album was fairly decent for the most part. Two of the tracks sounded similar and had a more toned down attitude, which I wasn’t too keen on. I am aware, this is not your attempt at making an art that is fierce, rather more so at making it more beautiful and flow smoothly with marvelous results. This album is definitely one of the better ones I have listened to recently, plus there is a track for each vocalist to show off their vocal strengths, I knew this album was going to be a bit more special. After having recently appeared at the Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany, I wonder what holds next for Neopera. While their sound does not lure in many extreme metalheads, for those who are familiar with the genre, will not be disappointed. This album only adds fuel to the largely increasing fire that is Female Fronted Symphonic Metal (with the addition of clean and screaming male vocals). As far as Metal Hammer claiming that Neopera are one of the “Metal Heroes of Tomorrow”, that statement only adds to the strength of this album and band. I know I will most definitely be looking forward to their next release. Count me in. Stay Metal m/
Destined Ways: 8/10
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I’ve never really been a fan of the music bands put out when it’s in a demo form, re-mixed, or even live, especially live. But today’s artist, have recently released a new Demo collection of tracks, one that I am highly fond of and could not get enough of. From of course Sweden, Entrails, are a four-man outfit that play tunes that are, according to the band, “Death Metal and no fucking else…” I couldn’t agree more with them. Their recent Demo release, titled, Resurrected from the Grave, is a lengthy, dark, brutal and sinister trek that showcases the group’s early potential that comes to us in eighteen tracks. Talk about a badass album cover too. Starting in the very early nineties, original founding members Jimmy Lundqvist and Fredde J, decided to form Entrails. Still to this day the only original member in the group, Jimmy Lundqvist, drives the band forward. After the formation, two other members joined the group and were keen on continuing the sound that other famous groups had been establishing, like bands such as Dismember and Entombed. Right after that, their initial demo did not produce the results they were looking for. A few years later half of the group went on to pursue other ventures, in which Lundqvist, continued writing songs for a few more years, but the project was put to rest in 1998. A decade later, in 2008, Lundqvist, came across his old tapes he had recorded and felt passionate enough that he believed the first recordings needed to be released and heard. About a year later, after modern technology could aid in his wish, 2009 saw the release of the first demo recordings, in which he appropriately titled, Reborn. The only changes were minor riff and lyrical changes. That same year, months later, after positive results from Reborn, the second demo was released with more vintage tracks. He titled the demo, Human Decay, and once more Lundqvist recorded the instrumentals and a new vocalist, Jocke Svensson, joined Entrails, and recorded the vocals. After realizing he would have to recruit more people to make an official band, 2010 saw the addition of new members as well as the group’s official first album. From then on to present day, Entrails, released two more full-length studio albums, an LP, a Singles album, and of course, the recent release of today’s demo.
Perhaps the most evil and demonic of intro’s, Reborn Intro, lures the listener into another world, one where one must embrace and prepare thyself for intensity, volatile results and barbaric events. Did someone say Halloween is here? Let the old school trash begin with Evil Obsession. A track I could not get enough of, the heavily old school Death Metal influenced track, reminds me of bands like Obituary. More blast beats are present in the second track, The Morgue. The riffage certainly brings that raw sound that is present in demos, not bad at all. The speed changes on occasion with thrash and speed to steady verses and tempos. The double bass gets pretty insane in this track too. While the previous two track were fast and aggressive, Your Dog Dead Smile, also beings with that in your face, fast metal. Later on though the track slows down and brings in the down-tunings. Voices I found to be more on the groovy side, but thus far ALL of the tracks have come at me with ferocity and speed. Not one completely slow track thus far. The solo in this track is pleasurable as the solo takes on harmonious melodic note, I was almost starting to question if the album would have any solos at all? Guess this track answered my predicament.
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSNDzGxHN2k[/tube]
If you’re into the Doomier, Deathier, slower tracks, then Triumph of the Sinners, will be one for you, but if you’re like me and like your thrash, brash, aggression and sometimes onslaughts, Stormy Death, will unleash your inner monster. Perfect to reveal to the mosh pits, the track follows similar notions as with the first few tracks. Another element I like from band’s is when they tap into the melodic side, and that happens in the track, Midnight Death. While overall, the track is gradual, again, the melodic aspect is surely passionate. For the double bass speed freaks and more, Breath of Blood, goes out to you. The sound, the recording, the heavy riffage, everything about this one makes me want to give it a perfect five star score. You rarely come across bands whom title a track after their band name, but Entrails have done so. Their title track, is confidently one of the best on this demo. From the get-go the harshness and speed and aggression consume the listener, and the eargasmic ambient bit around the two-minutes mark showcase that they can do more than just get angry. A smart choice to throw some variety in this track especially, the tempo changes constantly, keeping the listener wondering what is next.
The remaining tracks of the album really did not keep me intrigued as the aformentioned tracks had done. For example, Depression, was super slow, very doomy, and while the temperment of the track did capture the essence of the title, for me, it was not the best. Again, I like my Death Metal with speed and aggression. Similarly, Total Death, follows the same, slower progression, really doesn’t offer anything new on this album. The final two tracks awoke the slumber I was in after listening to so many tracks, sometimes metal does take it out of you! Human Decay turns the tides 180, as the mosh and headbanging can commence once more. Old school Slayer and Metallica, is whom this track reminded me of. The final track of this demo, is actually a cover from Swedish legends, Dismember, whome broke up a few years ago in 2011. The track titled, Casket Garden, was done amazingly, the catchy hook and riffs were what my ears needed to hear to end it on a well executed note.
Being a demo that this album is, after hearing the sound production and how raw some of the tracks sounded, this is perhaps the best demo I have heard from any band. I keep nodding my head in shock, I still cannot get over that the sound quality is almost professional. This is surely a demo album to check out deemed worthy, considering they are on one of the biggest labels out there for metal, they certainly know what they are doing. 20+ years Entrails has been going at it, and yet they remain purely in the underground. Perhaps their upcoming TBA fourth album will give them some more publicity and exposure. One of the more brutal and assaulting albums I have heard in a while, with a classic twist and influence, Entrails, is another hidden jewel in the Metal Kingdom. Stay Metal m/
Resurrected from the Dead: 7.5/10
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For all of you Modern Melodic Progressive fans, today brings a band from the shores of Gothenburg, Sweden. Named, Deceptic, their beginnings started in 2011 when the three founding members strived to create music that is unheard of, something that would make one think twice. By the end of the year, the first official lineup was born and their debut EP was released as well. The following year, the band begun to write material for this debut album, but unfortunately two of the members departed due to difficult circumstances. Upon the recruitment of two new members, not too long after that, the band was invited to play the biggest metal festival in Sweden, Metaltown. From then on, they realized now that the band was much more than a hobby, making a real career from it, to live music as an everyday job. Sadly, the last two members to join the group departed to focus on other things in life and to grow as people, so the original founding trio decided to continue on and focus more on the album, taking their time and finalzing it with some producers famous for working with bands such as Dir En Grey, The Haunted, Dark Tranquility, Mnemic, and more. As of now, the group recruited two local musicians to their group and now all share a passion, genuine skill and energy for sharing and playing the stage. The group cites bands such as Soilwork, TesseracT, Periphery, Mnemic, Pantera, Tool, In Flames and more as part of their influences. Ready to release their debut album, The Artifact, on August 29th, they are ready to tour wherever and whenever, this is where the real journey of Deceptic begins.
A befitting way to kickoff their debut album, Heart Of The Swarm, is easily one of my favorites of the album. Lead vocalist, William Gustafsson, does an astonishing job of keeping the melodic vocals intact, among talented technique. The guitars keep a perfectly executed tone, just enough of the guitars were present, no overwhelming riffs and onslaught. Overall the composition of the opening track is superb. Oceans, has it’s high set of changing rhythm sections, pleasurable guitar melodies and touches of progressive manners that set a sound that Deceptic are catering innovatively to the masses. One of the more melodic related tracks, A World Unknown, also comes with it’s highly driven changes and breaks. Moreso melodically apt, personally speaking, any measures of melody are favorable. Classic vintage-sounding In Flames sounds bring us into the track, The Shining Throne. Highly influenced by the Gothenburg metal elements, another band comes to mind when I hear this track, Soilwork. The track, Lead Astray, brings back the empowering vocal talents of lead man, William Gustafsson. The clean and gutteral vocal shifts are quick and smoothly transitioned on this track, and really overall on the album.
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfsoZx8k9fw[/tube]
I was receiving hints of Melodeath in the track, Depraved. The lead vocals are as murderous as they get in this one and the instrumentals are almost true with the Swedish Metal scene. Just when I didn’t think the melody of these tracks wouldn’t get even more intimate and truer to their native metal connections, the track, Smorgasbord of Shame, maintains a balance of Death metal elements and their staple sound on the album. The Whah guitaring really adds only more dimension and outlooks on the group. Reborn, is undoubtedly the most melodic and astral track of the album. The track alone deems them oh so worthy of sharing the stage with some of these other bigger named Progressive Acts. Check it out. A more groovy affair completes The Artifact with the track, Life Finds A Way. The eargasmic melodic progression just after the halfway mark puts the band in another light, one that certainly I underestimated. The track has a slight raw edge to it, but nonetheless, a more appropriate way to end the album with. No fade outs, just a normal final cut.
The album gave me much more insight into the genre of Modern Melodic Progressive Metal. I find the album felt complete, showcasing enough talent and skill to be deemed worthy of listening to. In addition, the structural aspect is finite, especially with the group’s well executed complexity of it’s rhythms changes and more. The sound quality is done very professionally and the technique is very well done, to show that they have been practicing for many a time, for a while now. A mostly decent album to debut with, I too would feel most proud of this album to set my initial mark on. The young multi-talented musicians known as Deceptic, continue to push a genre that is growing and gaining immense popularity. Stay Metal m/
The Artifact: 8/10
More information can be found on their Official Website, as well as their Official Facebook Page. Don’t forget to ‘LIKE’ We Love Metal Dot Com on our Facebook Page as well.
Though on one of the biggest Metal labels in the world, Gothic Swedes’, Deathstars, have a more intimate cult following overseas. Speaking of cults, the now quartet, have recently released their fourth album titled, The Perfect Cult. This new album takes us on a darker journey for just over forty-minutes. According to singer, Andreas “Whiplasher Bernadotte” Bergh, all the tracks deal with personal situations each member has faced, with a jet-black perspective. Personally speaking, this album is a straight-forward, dark driven, atmospheric trip, that includes Industrial elements and edgier rock and metal. Formed in 2000, after growing up together in Stromstad, Sweden, the band was inspired by an early 90’s Black Metal band, hence their choice of face-paint at the time. Over time, the group has opened for such large name bands like Korn and Cradle of Filth and Rammstein. Notably, their style and image has had the group mostly compared to a fusion of Marilyn Manson and Rammstein. The group’s name is not a Star Wars reference, but a combo of “Death Metal” and “Stars”. The group also has lost a few members in the past for lack of enthusiasm in the band, thus before the recording of The Perfect Cult, the group parted ways with Cat Casino, and as of now have decided to continue as a quartet. Deathstars, are one of the few bands that follow closely to the Gothic Scene.
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mu4FYCzQ4mc[/tube]
The hard-driven astounding, aggressive track, Explode, opens the album perfectly. Though no typical, short instrumental prelude to open the album, the track is in my opinion, one of the best of the album. The vocals and chorus are supercharged, the ambience is noted, the song flows perfectly and almost grooves as well. The riffs are heavily presented too. I sure hope they turn this track into their next video single. What a strong opener. Continuing along a similar strength, Fire Galore, is another track saturated in high energy. The faster midnight-type groove of the track, gives way for headbanging and of course, the keys and Gothic elements surround the chorus. Staying strong thus far, the following track, All The Devil’s Toys, was the first single to be released. A Gothic Beauty that sends out a moral message, we traverse to their more industrious side, while maintaining the Gothic essense once more. For the older fans, you may notice this track does remind one of one of their older tracks, Death Dies Hard.
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG5Q98X7TWI[/tube]
The title track of the album, The Perfect Cult, is one of the more vocally superb tracks. In addition to the bold vocals and inviting lyrics, the electronic elements are more present in this track above all the others. The track also retains the catchy aspect once more. Interestingly titled, Asphalt Wings, from the get-go sets the mood of the track. A direct, riff-driven path to an uncharming chorus, Deathstars style. A horrific sound effect lures the listener in the next track, Bodies. The slower-paced track sets a doom style setting, that haunts us with an industrious tone. The same pace of track is constant throughout. Let’s add some more evil, turn the notch up a bit, and set the apocalyptic world, in the track, Temple Of The Insects. Perhaps the more present of electronic elements is heard here, while keeping more riff driven orientation. A dark atmosphere certainly adds the the eerieness of the track. Headbangable rhythms and Gothic sets, really push this song to stand out a bit more than some of the previous ones. The final track of the album, Noise Cuts, is not an above and beyond track to end the album with, but does relay a strong message. They are the last thing we will see in the Devil’s Lair. Strong lyrics to end the album with, while instrumentally abundant to their signature sound.
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvchkBS2V7g[/tube]
The first few opening tracks do a whopping way to showcase their talents. The first three tracks in my opinion, are their strongest ones, then the album does start to dip down just a bit in terms of creativity and originality. Getting closer to the end of the album, the songs pickup again but their end was not as strong as I was hoping for. Perhaps this is the way that Deathstars intended for the attitude of the album to complete. As mentioned, they have a more intimate following, moreso overseas, hence their touring regimen to be revolving around Europe and The UK, throughout the end of the year. It would be a delight to see them come over to the states, who knows when that day will come, I’ll be anticipating that. Their fourth album, Deathstars, and being young, can bring us many, many more tunes and albums to come. Their staple genre is there, but their experimentation in sound overtime has been noticed, which in many ways can be both bad and good. One of the last remaining bands, playing true to the Goth scene, The Perfect Cult, is a modern Goth trip, one that even the original Goth bands from the 80’s could say they would be proud of listening. It is now time to give in and join ‘The Perfect Cult’. Are you ready to join their ranks? Stay Metal m/
The Perfect Cult: 8/10
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Today brings a darker and more vile and sinister day at We Love Metal. From Austria, blackened death metal duo, Belphegor, are on the verge of releasing their tenth studio album, titled, Conjuring The Dead. The album close to 40 minutes long, takes us on an immense, putrid trip down Death’s graveyard. Everything you’d excpect from a Black Metal and Death Metal band, and more, fuse to bring us this dark craft that has been mended into an explosive terror. The group takes it’s name from the mythic and legendary demon called, Belphegor, whom was one of the seven princes of Hell. His luring of people into making persuasive inventions that supposedly make them rich, is his specialty. The band begun their days in the early 90’s where they released two albums under Lethal Records. The mid 90’s saw the group release two more albums, as well as tour with Behemoth. New members were also recruited to the ranks of the group and by around 2002/2003, the group signed on to their first major label, Napalm Records. Unfortunately, the group left the label pretty early and only released one album on the label, on grounds of “not being supported enough” and not being treated as the group feels like they should have been treated. The group then signed onto it’s current label, Nuclear Blast Records, which is the label where half of their discography has been released under. The other full-time supporting member, Serpenth, joined the band in late 2006, after original other founding member, Bartholomäus “Barth” Resch, had to depart due to a hand injury that prevented him from playing again. Scheduled for an August 5th release, this is Conjuring The Dead.
The initiating track, Gasmask Terror, is rich in Black Metal essences. Blast beats, fast tremolo picking, lots of wah and whammy, just absurd guitar playing. The traditional Belphegor style of play and sound is all there. The title track, Conjuring The Dead, has a more Death Metal approach to it. Slower play and progression, with darker and evil vocals. Not your typical speed demon track. One of the favorites comes in next, with track three, In Death. Your signature Death Metal riffs and thrash drum play that would make old school Death Metal bands proud, are what revolves around this neck crunching headbanging tune. Rex Tremendae Majestatis, correlete once again with the signature Belphegor sound. A heavier gloomy atmosphere partake rigorously to create a special ambience. Black Winged Torment, comes at the listener with a bombardment and belligerence of blast beats, double bass and whammy power. The Eyes, is an uncanny and mysterious instrumental prelude, in my opinion compliments the album and gives it diversity.
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAIEb9XpQ5k[/tube]
The following accompanying track, Legions of Destruction, is dominant in the Black Metal teorritory. The vocals easily remind me of Shagrath of Dimmu Borgir. Harsh riffs and throw in some elusive and abstract solos, and you have yourself another great track. Without a doubt, the group shifts to their Death Metal correlation in the track, Flesh Bones and Blood. The style and sound of play are obvious in their tone. Lots of squeals and pinch harmonics, and steady pounding performance takes hold and sets notice. Track nine falls under my favorites, titled, Lucifer, Take Her!. This aggressive and melodically ill and foul track, is perhaps the pinnacle of the album. If I were to choose one track to represent the album, this one would be it right here. Lastly, Pactum In Aeternum, goes hand in hand with the previous one. Themed around Lucifer once more, the track begins on the unsettling note, but the latter half ends in a slower, traditional Black Metal spirit.
Though the album was not as speedy as I presumed, lots of performance focused more on quality of sound and technique of play, in addition to the uncommon lyrics that the album holds. Not every album has to be brutal in structure, unfortunately the masses disagree. Conjuring The Dead, sounds like an attempt to establish another sound that the band can demonstrate. From now, through the end of the year the band will be touring in and around Europe, as well as Japan and South America. When will they come to the US, you may ask? Who knows, maybe next year? An album that once again, fed me more than I could handle at this feast of metal, the band overall made a lasting impact on me. I will continue listening to this album for a while, till who knows when. The album and band, continue to prove that they do not lack that dark essence they’ve been carrying since day one. Stay Metal m/
Conjuring The Dead: 8/10
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The Metal Alchemy 