Band: Eatmyfuk
Album: Wet Slit & A Bottle of Whiskey (From Beyond Productions)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.displeasedrecords.com/bandpages/eatmyfuk.php
Rating: 9/10
Eatmyfuk are a GG Allin-inspired sleazy, raw, explicit punk rock band featuring Abscess and Autopsy members, Reifert, Coralles and Allen.
The packaging is of course littered with pictures of porn and the lyrics are about as tasteless as they come, some will no doubt find this offensive, but if your into raw punk and even fans of Abcess and Autopsy fans in general will no doubt enjoy this. Just mentioning the song titles such as "Slit Lickin' Scumbag", "I Wanna Cum on You" and "Kneel Before my Cock" is enough to let you know how explicit these songs are, great fun!.
You can hear the Autopsy/Abcess influence on here, but as Abscess trades in some of it's raw gutter punk feel for a more hallucinogenic mind fuck, you can still find sleazy sex punk rock on here. Interestingly, the originally planned artwork turned out to be so explicit the original pressing plant refused to do the job. As stated in the booklet and on the cover: "If you are not satisfied with this record for any reason, tough fuckin' shit! It's all you deserve". It's Raw, Sick, Dirty and Tasteless.....Great Stuff!
Band: Edguy
Album: Rocket Ride (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2006 (Street Date: 20.01.06)
Website: http://www.edguy.nu
Rating: 8/10
Edguy although usually described in as power metal and lumped in with the likes of Hammerfall they are in my view just a straight up metal band and that’s in evidence more on this album than any before it. There influences are worn on there sleeve its classic melodic metal Deep Purple, Kiss, AC/DC and Iron Maiden all the way. They have melody, talent and a sense of humour that really comes across in there songs so lets dig into their latest album!
"Rocket Ride" is the follow up to 2004’s "Hellfire Club" and hot on the heels of the "Superheroes" mini CD earlier this year. Opener "Sacrifice" is a bit of an epic at over 8 minutes then it starts with a piano intro leads to a melodic but heavy track swathed in orchestration. Next up is the title track ‘Rocket Ride’, this is just a straight up great metal song. "Wasted Time" is another slab of classic metal with, a super melodic hook for the chorus. The only track that really hints at power metal is "Return to The Tribe", and is reminiscent of the old Edguy material. "The Asylum" is another Epic, this time with acoustic guitars before the killer main riff kicks in this is an awesome track. "Catch of the Century" is a good fun knockabout metal song while "Superheroes" is super-catchy, but I wonder why it is on this album when its already been released on the superheroes mini album? "Trinidad" is a very odd and a bit out of place although fun and very light hearted but its pretty far away from Edguy’s usual sound to say the least!
All in all a good solid metal album with something for everyone and guaranteed to get you rocking with a smile on your face. Joe Freeman
Band: Edguy
Album: Hellfire Club (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2004 (Street Date: 15.03.04)
Website: http://www.edguy.nu
Rating: 8.5/10
Edguy are a band I'm not familiar with, but front man Tobias Sammet is also in Avantasia, which is a band I am familiar with so hopefully it was going to be as good.
Edguy play mainly power-metal, but never reach such speeds as some of their European counterparts, instead they are more riff orientated and heavily influenced by rock groups such as Rainbow and Deep Purple which creates a very interesting style, everything is just over the top, and I don't mean in a bad way. To help build up their fairly unique style, they use the hand of German film-orchestra Babelsberg which, I'm not sure if they've used orchestra's before, but it really sounds great. One thing that annoyed me about this promo copy was that during each song, the song faded and front man Tobias Sammet gave a little speech about what the song was about, which although interesting really did interrupt the flow of the song, it would have been much better either at the end or on a data sheet with the package. Every song on "Hellfire Club" is great, apart from a few that sound very similar riff wise, all standout with huge sing-a-long choruses and melodies, it's a solid album that sounds complete if you know what I mean, some albums leave you wanting more which isn't the case with Edguy's new album. Unfortunately you've got a bit of a wait till the release date, but mark it down, you won't be dissapointed.
If you like Power Metal, or just bombastic, powerful, sing-a-long songs in general, then "Hellfire Club" is an album you should find of some interest.
Band: Eighthnerve
Album: Lies In Received English (Demo)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.myspace.com/eighthnerveuk
Rating: 7.5/10
British heavy metal has become a joke a non entity in the 1970’s & 1980’s British bands were revered as the pioneers of heavy music from Led Zeppelin through to Venom and Iron Maiden. In recent years British bands have been overtaken by their American counterparts, in the wake of the awful "nu-metal" scene of the late 90s, most bands seem to just take the blueprint of bands like Korn and repeat it taking any life from the sound. While nu metal became formulaic and ended up dead, bands have learned from this and we see it these new young bands mixing their influences while including the classic metal trademarks of bands like Iron Maiden Slayer and Metallica along with a more contempory influences. Again it’s America Leading the change with bands like Killswitch engage, Trivium, Lamb of God and Chimera, returning metal back to its roots while also adding new life. And it looks like the UK may have found our own metal champs in the form of Eighthnerve.
I see and receive lots of demos from Metal bands of different types but this is something very special. Eighthnerve play metal, pure and simple no need for pigeon holes. If you like metal of any kind, be it extreme Death metal or more melodic stuff like Guns n’ Roses and everything in between you will LOVE Eighthnerve. This is music born out of honesty and love for the music, the passion and brutality is laid bare for us to see. The sound, production on this demo is of better quality than most "proper" metal cd’s I have bought in the last couple of years. Bludgeoning riffs, infectious hooks and shredding solos are all here from the duel guitars of Matt Davey and Brett Houslop backed up by a monster thundering Bass sound from Gareth Penn and the drumming of Will Romain. Vocalist Dave Wallace sings, grunts shouts screams the lyrics out turning them from mere lyrics to another instrument, he sounds like he actually bares his very soul every time he sings. My only criticism of the band is that the vocals need a bit of tweaking, I am sure that will come together at the moment things are pretty raw and I assume they are developing their sound and style.
As for the songs, no worries there at all, "At Least I Value You", "Polarise The Thought" are immense riff heavy songs and the awesome "Seasonal Effective Disorder" was, according to there web site, the first song the band ever wrote together, impressive stuff most bands would struggle for years to write a song like this. They ride roughshod over most metal bands out there today both musically and in terms of there song writing and lyrics, they seem to get all different styles of metal into each song without sounding forced or messy and that truly is a skill, the sound remains clear and clinical throughout. Review by Joe Freeman
Band: Ektomorf
Album: Instinct (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.ektomorf.net
Rating: 8/10
Woah!, once again very Sepultura/Soulfly sounding, but they have taken all the good aspects of last years "Destroy" and built on it.
If you're into the Max era Sepultura, Soulfly and the more modem sort of bands like Slipknot, then you're going to be impressed with this. They've still got the great catchy, groovy almost tribal like rhythms and not only that, they must have read my review of "Destroy", because they've gone and thrown in a bit of technicality whilst still maintaining the "chugging" riffs, and few leads here and there.
I'm not the greatest fan of this modern metal stuff, but I could easily sit down and listen to Ektomorf. They are easily one of, if not the best modern sounding band on the Nuclear Blast Label. Yep, I'm impressed with Ektomorf and "Instinct" is a really enjoyable listen.
Band: Ektomorf
Album: Destroy (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2004 (Street Date: 08.03.04)
Website: http://www.ektomorf.net
Rating: 7.5/10
This Hungarian four piece has been around for quite a while now and play a modern crossover between Hardcore and Thrash Metal with some ethno-influences.
This is their fifth album, first on Nuclear Blast, of very heavy Sepultura/Soulfly sounding rock, in fact, if you were to walk into a room with this playing, you would be forgiven thinking it was one of them. Whilst "Destroy" is heavy as hell, with some great riffs, the lack of melody and leads is what was missing for me, I'd rather go and put on a Sepultura record if I wanted to listen to how it should be done properly.
Ektomorf could easily be labeled as Nu-Metal, and from what I've heard, they would be easily one of the best. I however prefer my Metal with a bit more technicality. If you like your metal heavy and fast, this could well be the one for you.
Band: Electric Eel Shock
Album: Go Europe (Demolition Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.electriceelshock.com
Rating: 9/10
Japan's Electric Eel Shock have been causing a stir everywhere as of late due to their furious live performances. Whilst I have yet to experience them live, hopefully their latest album Go Europe could explain just what it is about them.
The first thing you'll notice are the song titles, tracks such as "Suicide Rock 'N' Roll", "Rock 'N' Roll can Rescue the World", "Joyride Rock 'N' Roll" and "Do The Metal" to name but a few, really sum up the album. There's no flash, polished production or effects, its just three guys with a guitar, bass, and drums creating raw, fun Rock 'N' Roll (as if you never guessed!) with plenty of feedback, catchy choruses, cool as hell riffs and solo work, there's metal, garage rock and punk influences, all-in-all there is just so much going for this band.
It's all about the music, there not interested in appearances which is obvious when you listen to the rawness of the album. Put it on and crank it up to full volume for maximum effect.
Band: Electric Wizard
Album: We Live (Rise Above Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.electricwizard.net
Rating: 7.5/10
After several months of speculation and uncertainty, Electric Wizard are now ready to officially unveil a new album (their 5th!) with a brand new line-up.
Joining founding member Jus Oborn on "We Live" is Justin Greaves (ex-Iron Monkey) on drums, Rob Al-Issa on Bass and second guitarist, Liz Buckingham, who had previously played with legendary cult all girl New York Doom/Crust band 13 and more recently with Southern Lord recording artists Sourvein. With 6 tracks clocking in at over 55 minutes, "We live" is not the easiest listen you will hear, but if you like Doom, this is one you'll definitely want to check out. With all the good aspects of previous releases, Electric Wizard have built on that, gone are the distorted vocals of "Let us Prey" to create their most polished album yet. The Closing track, the 15 minute "Saturn's Children" plods along at a snail's pace is a great way to end the album. "We Live" is a very good album, but whether you'll want to listen to it over and over again is debatable.
Out and Out monstrous Doom with mammoth riffs and very little in the way of tempo changes, which, if your heavily into the doom/sludge thing and are a fan of previous work will not disappoint.
Band: Ellipsis
Album: From Beyond Thematics (Adipocere Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.ellipsis-music.com
Rating: 8/10
With the successful "Cosmatory" from last year, I was eager to see if Ellipsis could carry on with their "Psycho Symphonic Prog-Metal" as they like to call it.
Ellipsis are a fairly experimental and unconventional band that remind me of the stuff Faith No More and to a degree, Dream Theatre were doing. "From Beyond Thematics" is full of keyboard layers and some real great, complex ideas, which, if your into experimental and progressive metal, should really interest you.
Ellipsis are a very diverse band who aren't afraid to mix several, daring styles, which definitely works for them. It's hard to say if it's any better than last years "Cosmatory", so it's an idea to read both reviews and have a listen before you go out and buy, as their style may not impress everybody.
Band: Ellipsis
Album: Comastory (Adipocere Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.ellipsis-music.com
Rating: 8/10
Ellipsis are an experimental band and are very progressive yet heavy, symphonic and also quite dark in parts. With Influences ranging from the likes of Dream Theater and Symphony X to maybe even Faith No More, "Cosmatory" is an excellent album.
Their "Psycho Symphonic Prog-Metal" is full of Symphonies and Melodies, but has enough heaviness and originality for Ellipsis to get the attention they thoroughly deserve.
I have nothing but good things to say about Ellipsis, and I feel there isn’t anything quite like them. With all the rubbish coming out nowadays, it really is good to see something original for a change. A highly enjoyable listen.
Band: Elvira Madigan
Album: Angelis Daemonae: Wiccan Aftermath Bloodstained Covers for Sirens and Sinners (Black Lodge)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.elviramadigan.com
Rating: 6/10
"Angelis Daemonie: Wiccan Aftermath Bloodstained Cover for Sirens and Sinners", my fingers are getting sore from just typing that. Although long-winded, the album title does carry a certain amount of imagination, using words like Wiccan, Sirens, and Angelis Daemonie, which all relate to mythology and the super natural. The album does well in relating that feeling in the music. Through lush keyboards, the music gives off a feeling of enchantment. Moreover, like the album's title Wiccan, there are many parts that seem Celtic, especially the album's opening intro "Chrono Cross".
One man, Marcus Madigan, creates all the music. It is always impressive when one man can create an album's worth of music, especially when he can convey an atmosphere like the one on this album. Madigan's vocals are in the vein of Cradle of Filth's Dani, with high-pitched shrieks, that also fit well with the album's overall mood. Madigan's guitar work often follows his shrieking vocals, with many harmonic squeals. The guitar work is the least impressive aspect of the album, though. Although some of his guitar tricks are at times impressive, the mid-paced chugging gets tiresome after a few songs. Sole black metal projects seem to always use the guitar for atmospheric purposes, and never pick up the pace.
If melodic and atmospheric black metal is your thing, "Angelis Daemonae" is worthy purchasing. It is a descent album of this type of music. It is no Emperor, Cradle of Filth, or Dimmu Borgir, though. Review by Darren Cowan
Band: Elysian Fields
Album: Suffering GOD Almighty (Black Lotus)
Year: 2005
Website: ?
Rating: 6.5/10
The curse of Fruity Loops mutated Grecian death metal strikes again.
Like Rotting Christ mixed with Cradle of Filth plus a dash of At The Gates or In Flames. The guitar work makes this album – this guy can shred. The programming is multi-dimensional, although it sounds way too cheesy. The vocals are run of the mill raspy/blackened without any real dynamics. After a few listens I found myself liking this a bit more, although I can’t see too many jaded bastards getting too into this. So here’s my prognosis – get an intense frontman and ditch the "foofiness" (i.e. better equipment).
Decent effort, but still in need of work. Review by Ryan Barek
Band: Emancer
Album: Invisible (Golden Lake Productions)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.emanceronline.com
Rating: 6.5/10
This is my first experience of Norwegian Emancer, but this is their third album and follow up to 2002's "The Human Experient"
Consisting of lead vocalist Gorbag and multi-instrumentalist Mithrin (guitars, bass, electronics and spoken parts), mixes raw Black Metal with a progressive and modern, melodic style to create a unique sounding album. Whilst there are some exceptional melodies and riffs on "Invisible" and I won't deny that it is a complex piece of work, I just couldn't get into the album fully. I can't place my finger on what it is, the CD is not at all bad, they successfully switch between blasting parts, slower catchy riffs and intricate, acoustic interludes whilst they maintain the aggression throughout the more melodic parts of the album.
I'm all in favor of adding a bit of experimental stuff to a tried and tested genre, but there was just something about the album that didn't hit me, maybe it was the length of the songs (ranging between 5-8 minutes) I just don't know. It depends how you like your black metal, if your more into the raw Darkthrone style, the give this one a miss, but if you like a more diverse/experimental/melodic style, then you might find this the best thing since sliced bread.
Band: Eminence
Album: Humanology (Hardibaran)
Year: 200
Website: http://www.eminence.com.br
Rating: 6.5/10
Consisting of former member of Sepultura and Overdose, it'll probably coem as no suprise that both bands play a major part on Emininence's style.
The problem I found with Eminence was, even though the bland of Thrash, Death and Nu-Metal was decent enough, and the tribal drumming added some nice touches, after a few tracks, things started to get a little repetative for my liking anyway. The vocals too, the powerful, guttural/harcore style soon becomes a bit monotonus.
I have no doubt that this will appeal to fans of such bands as Sepultura and Fear Factory. Its a shame really, because its packed with grooviness, great riffs and some interesting tribal drum work. It just seemed to lose its potency about half way through, and starts to sound familar.
Band: Empty
Album: A Source of Hollow Essence (Blackened Moon)
Year: 2003
Website: http://emptyhorde.cjb.net
Rating: 9/10
Despite the pretty poor name, the corpse-painted Empty is exactly what I've been looking for in a black metal band. Aggressive, fast yet has many tempo changes to keep in enjoyable, blast-beats and double bass drumming coming from every direction and vocals that sound like they have been possessed by Satan himself.
I've heard many black metal bands that just seem to blast their way along at lightning speeds, all the songs sound similar and you soon get bored. Not with Empty though, this is probably one of the best Black Metal albums I've heard so far this year, great trad. black metal arrangements combined with many tempo changes and acoustic passages that even Opeth would be proud of. "A Source of Hollow Essence" has so much to offer and, unlike many black metal albums I've listened to, I've actually wanted to play it through again.
Not only is the music and production great, lyrically, there are also some interesting bits. I wouldn't call the lyrics Satanic, but more from a pain, suffering, torture standpoint. The lyrics are sung excellently by the ultra harsh vocals courtesy of Drizzt, he really does sound as if he's trying to sing whilst vomiting blood, they have to be heard to be believed. This proves that there is black metal other than by the Kings of the North.
Band: Enchanted, The
Album: For Those Who Fall (Golden Lake Productions)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.theenchanted.co.uk
Rating: 7.5/10
The Enchanted have a very good reputation here in the UK, and I've been hearing very good things for a while now.
The "For Those Who Fall" EP is the bands second release, which carries on along the thrash/death metal lines of their excellent debut album. It's another fine example of why they are amongst the elite when it comes to extreme music here in the UK, lets hope they can reach a broader spectrum of fans internationally, which is something they deserve.
It may only be four tracks, and only clocking in at 19 minutes, all four tracks and 19 minutes of this are great and should be heard. If you like your Death Metal with melody and technicality, you could do a lot worse that pick up this, or indeed their debut album. A great taster of the band if your unfamiliar, and something to listen to before their next full-lengther.
Band: End, The
Album: Within Divida (Relapse Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.allchaos.net
Rating: 8.5/10
Alright, that settles it – The End are one of the finest math metal bands on planet Earth.
Not only does "Within Divida" absolutely decimate the sophomore jinx, it is by far more structured than their haywire, speedball debut. "Within Divida" strays from the Dillinger Escape Plan comparison and relies on more of a flowing approach that presents The End coming into their own. The avant-metal influences of Burnt By The Sun, Neurosis and Today Is The Day as well as a hearty dose of grind creep in the overall guitar sound and atmosphere of this pulsating masterwork.
Every guitar riff is raging, every drum line is schizophrenic (just dig them poly-rhythms), every bass line is genius and every vocal lick is straight from the core of torment. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Enforsaken
Album: Sinners Intuition (Crash Music Inc.)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.enforsaken.com
Rating: 8/10
A thrash-injected wall of sinister sound ensues with "Witness To The Fall" as Enforsaken rip through blasting, bitter tones like a whirling dervish.
Incorporation of thunderous breakdown sequences, gothic melodies and black metal guitar rhythms further feed the band's tornado-like sonority, with attention paid to the finer details that make a metal song great. Stephen Sagaia is a sufficiently wicked character, his aggressive approach perfectly complementing the group's grueling cacophony with the proper balance of evil ambience and distinct phrasing. "Blacklist Assassin" roars with a determined vengeance, while "The Slain" offers a critically brutal introduction, leading to an overpoweringly crushing chug. Often, the group sound like a more multifaceted or diverse Kreator, but hardcore muscle rears its head in the sound of Enforsaken as well, making for a melting pot of sounds that fit together flawlessly. One of the largest drawbacks to the album is its slightly stuffy production, yet the delivery of this overtly brutal crew is nonetheless weighty as a result. Deep growls combined with urgent axework make "Halo Of Ruin" a standout track. The powerful chugging and masterful fretwork here is only overshadowed by an ultra-tight and thoughtful arrangement. It’s difficult to see how any follower of modern metal won't be able to get into music such as this, Enforsaken have basically every aspect a metal fan could look for, yet still, they manage to keep things very, very dark sounding.
Although there are only eight songs here, each provide more than enough entertaining deviations to hold the attention of listeners. If you're looking for an album that's unrelentingly heavy and extremely well executed without succumbing to trends or fashion, look no further, this is dark metal at its finest! Review by Erin Fox
Band: Enoch
Album: Gravetard Disturbances (Baphomet/Red Steam Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.necrophagia.com
Rating: 6/10
Enoch is Killjoy (Necrophagia) and Mirai (Sigh) pulling a Goblin routine.
Yet another testament to their endless horror fixation, Enoch is their attempt at intentionally shitty instrumental Casio b-movie soundtrack music. Ever rock out to the scores of Fabio Frizzi, Richard Band, John Carpenter or Ennio Morricone? Well, I for one actually do. And although Enoch is a really cool novelty item, it doesn’t demand repeated listening (unless you’re super hardcore into the gore cheese).
I would recommend giving "Graveyard Disturbances" a shot if you’re looking for some background music to your independent splatter film. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Ensoph
Album: Opus Dementiae (Cruz Del Sur Music)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.ensoph.it
Rating: 7/10
Ensoph marked a very rare occasion for me in which I honestly had to say "What the fuck am I listening to?"
Yes, that would be Ensaph, an Italian cyber goth schlock euro-cheese example of massively overproduced Cradle of Filth plagiarism. I, being A) a stern hater of Cradle of Filth and B) a fond lover of euro-cheese… this is an odd situation to be thrown into. So here we have this exotic, Amazonian sounding Johnny Mnemonic atmosphere complete with band members resembling lesser-grade Mushroomhead characters. As goofy as it is, with it’s sci-fi zaps and Big Trouble In Little China keyboard effects, it is a highly entrancing, addictive prog-romp across the board. This band is insanely talented at what they do.
Does it have a shot in the U.S.? Hell no. It’s probably too damn weird for the Europeans. But it’s definitely worth checking out for the ingenuity factor alone. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Enthral
Album: Subterranean Movement (Displeased Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.enthral.org
Rating: 6/10
Enthral play a fairly modern, technical style of black metal in the vein of Thorns and Satyricon, but maintain a fairly raw sound to the recording.
On the album, they utilize ex-Dimmu Borgir keyboardist Stian Aarstad as a session member, but to be quite honest I never even noticed any keyboards. There are a couple of good moments on here, some of the dual guitar work is quite good, but for the most the songs tend to drag on and become a little repetitive. Enthral also include a little death metal influence into the recording similar to Zyklon, which does keep things a tad more interesting, although there is nothing you wouldn't have heard before from the likes of Emperor, Thorns or Satyricon.
Fans of the mentioned bands may finds things a bit more interesting than I did. Not bad but nothing groundbreaking.
Band: Enthroned
Album: Carnage of Worlds Beyond (Napalm Records)
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.enthroned.de
Rating: 10/10
I haven't really heard anything by Enthroned before this, so I can't compare it against any of their other releases. What I do know is, is this is the best Black/Thrash CD to emerge this year, maybe even the past few years.
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If traditional black metal has interested you before and, you have been dissapointed by the production (or lack of it), then this is definately one you want to look into.
The musicianship on this album, traditional Black Metal with Thrash touches, consisting of mainly chord-based riffs with lightening fast double bass-driven drums and heavy bass, is as good, if not better than any of the so called great Black Metal albums. Every song on the album is great, but "Bloodline" is definately the highlight of the album. |
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Band: Entombed
Album: Inferno (Candlelight Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.entombed.com
Rating: 7/10
"Inferno" is a two-disc set from Swedish death vets Entombed.
Disc one is all new material showcasing Entombed’s more modern, thrashy, stripped down "black album" style that will appeal to fans of Skinlab, The Haunted and Pantera. Second disc is remixes, a few videos. Decent, but it feels like a paper thin retread of everything they’ve done before and better.
For die-hards only. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Entwine
Album: DIEversity (Spinefarm Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.entwine.org
Rating: 7.5/10
Entwine are a very commercial, radio friendly band and every track on "DIEversity" has the potential to be a hit.
Thanks to the brilliant production work (mixed at the one and only Finnvox-studios), the album has a very clean sound to it, with up-front, "beefy" sounding guitars, but what really makes the album though is the atmospheric keyboard work, they are what keeps this album interesting. Obviously, if your into H.I.M then your going to piss your pants at these guys. Although Gothic Rock isn't really my thing, Entwine have created an album with powerful, melancholic choruses and catchy songs leaving all bands of this style wishing they had written them.
I heard a band on the radio the other day called The Rasmus, if they can achieved commercial success, then it's only a matter of time before Entwine get there too. Not really my favorite style, but they are one of the best I've heard.
Band: Eros Necropsique
Album: Crisis de Lucidite (Adipocere Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.erosnecropsique.net
Rating: 1/10
Eros Necropsique sing, well.... speak totally in French, and with song titles which translate as "The Fable of the Liquid Manure", "Alcohol" and "The Necrophile", I dread to think what sort of things the speak about in the eight tracks..
I would describe Eros Necropsique as a medieval style band. The use spoken male passages with some female singing and use almost all keyboards and synths to create a very slow moving, somewhat atmospheric folk style.
I'm afraid that I found this totally uninspiring, and the spoken male vocals really annoyed me, it took about half-a-minute into each track before I got bored. I would only recommend this to people into symphonic/melodic folk.
Band: Euphrosyne
Album: The Year of Dead Water
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.euphrosyne.net
Rating: 8.5/10
This two track promo EP from Finland’s Euphrosyne is too short to get a good overall picture of their style, but the two tracks "Sys" and "Dead Water Diary" sound very promising.
I would describe them as Melodic Gothic Rock consisting of Aleksi Parviainen - Vocals, Teppo Parviainen - Guitars, Markus Hellas - Keyboards, Kenneth Bergstrom - Drums & Taneli Helminen - Bass. All five members are tremendous musicians and really know how to write a good song.
Think of later day Katatonia and "Host" era Paradise Lost and your getting close to what Euphrosyne are about. As I said earlier, a bit to short to really get into. Can’t wait to hear their full debut album.
Band: Evaline
Album: Postpartum Modesty – A Portrait Of Skin (Maverick Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.myspace.com/evaline
Rating: 1/10
Dear Bono,
Long have we have looked from afar and imagined what it would be like to fondle your inner persona. Growing up, we listened to nothing but U2 repeatedly, enjoying the brilliance that is the raw emotion of your inner being. We have aspired to mimic your techniques down to the last iota in hopes that we might be closer to you through our deeply heartfelt and loving mimicry.
Going so far as to recruiting a guitarist with a similar style as The Edge, we have longed to mold our own vision of your bold, vibrant, manly passion. Although it's sometimes difficult for us to realize that we will never measure up to your holy magnitude, we are still compelled to continue to strive toward imitating your patterned beauty down to the most insignificant minutia.
Please take this blatant worship of your artistic accomplishments as seriously as those afternoon brunches with Kofi Annan that we know you enjoy so much.
Your Greatest Admirers and Hopeful Future Lovers,
The boys known as Evaline
Review by Erin Fox
Band: Evemaster
Album: Wither (Crash Music Inc.)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.evemaster.net
Rating: 7.5/10
"Wither" is one of those albums that needs time to "open up" and grow on you.
On first listen, the album seemed dull and lifeless. As I never dismiss an album on the strength of one or two listens, I sat down and listened to it a few more times at home and at work, and after a while the complexity and arrangements really hit me. It's not the most original or the greatest album I've heard, but if you like atmospheric and melodic Death Metal, "Wither" is well worth checking out. 'Wither' is a distinctive dark metal album with power and a lot of melody and harmonies, there are plenty mood changes, brutality and parts that break through the usual death metal boundaries. OK, so I may have heard a few bands similar in style to this but it's always a pleasure listening to this kind of music.
"Wither" may not be the bands breakthrough album, but with a bit of work on the arrangements etc, Evemaster will be a band we will be hearing more about for sure!
Band: Everfest
Album: Rising (Mausoleum Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.everfest.de
Rating: 7/10
While "Rising" is a record that takes a certain amount of time to warm up to, it's one that gets better the further you venture in. Picture Queensryche with a tad ballsier guitar sound, maybe gaining inspiration from a tour with Judas Priest or something of that sort.
But, Crickey, those screams are enough to make you want to cut off your ears at times, or at least send you in a hot fit for some earplugs. Ixnay on the falsetto, bub – it ain't that appealing. Rough spots aside, there's a great deal to enjoy about the band, generic as they sometimes seem. The album's closer, an obligatory ballad entitled "I Want To Save You" would make for fine radio fodder in times more open to mush and such, while "The Fall" and "See Me Rising" rock out in fine fashion.
Ditch the silly screams, ill thought-out band moniker and tacky retro appeal and you have a solid, traditional metal record that your missus would likely sit through for the duration. Review by Erin Fox
Band: Evergrey
Album: The Inner Circle (SPV)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.evergrey.net
Rating: 7/10
Just looking at the band pic I had this one all figured out – suave, "mature" euro-metalheads in black silk dress shirts, all but one goateed, ass-length black hair brushed all so delicately.
Here we have "The Inner Circle", a slick power metal release that is equal parts Dio, Sentenced and (at times) modern Dark Tranquility. Pretty standard fare but well balanced in its variety. Power ballads a-plenty, dark god sound samples, heartfelt solos, hot shit leads and a general sense of "hair flowing from the industrial strength power fan mid-80’s video shoot" lunacy.
If this is your bag, prepare to shit your pants. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Evidence One
Album: Tattooed Heart (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.evidenceone.de
Rating: 9/10
Germans Evidence One put forth a resoundingly convincing melodic hard rock effort with "Tattooed Heart", an album that recalls the mightiest moments of groups like Europe and Dokken, while bearing enough originality to consider Evidence One as a breed unto their own. Rich vocal harmonies, fluent and inspired guitar soloing and most importantly, fundamentally sound songwriting are each highlights of this illustrious showing. Singer Carsten "Lizard" Schulz exercises outstanding vocal control that's coupled with power and considerable range. Tin all honesty, Schulz sounds like a more metallic version of Journey singer Steve Perry, but if the AOR sounds of Perry are a bit too soft for your tastes, don't let that stop you from hearing this superb record, because the execution here is geared toward a much heavier outcome.
Bandleader Robby Boebel wails on his axe in profound fashion and provides the keyboard accompaniments that flesh out the sound of Evidence One, his dual-duty serving to make the outfit's material that much more engaging and authoritative. On the album's opener, "Moonsigh", Schulz' vocals reach soaring heights, accentuated by a medium-paced chorus that is as colossal as it is tuneful. Boebel's ringing guitar rhythms leave plenty of room for the rest of the instruments to breathe. A fantastic opening statement, this cut sets the tone for the entire album, which in turn, rises to the occasion in majestic fashion.
As the group follows with the driving, guitar-driven "Written In Blood", the ambitiously ornate title track and street-tough "When Thunder Hits The Ground", its obvious that Evidence One can hold their own with the rest of the melodic rock crowd, and then some. As the group prepares to wrap up their latest melodic rock masterpiece, tentatively titled "E3", later this year, "Tattooed Heart" should provide you with all the high-energy rock you'll need in the interim. Review by Erin Fox
Band: Evile
Album: All Hallows Eve EP (Self Released)
Year: 2005
Website: http://evile.co.uk
Rating: 9/10
It seems that thrash metal is undergoing a real resurgence at the moment, the sound of the 80s has been taken on and added to, its influences can be heard across the board in a host of new bands from Lamb of God to Municipal Waste. Young UK band Evile play pure old school thrash, with their own twist. Originally formed as Metal Militia, a Metallica cover band, they decided to become real band playing their own stuff and I am glad they did!
Don’t be confused when I say old school thrash I don’t mean the Scandinavian sound of the 90s I mean 80s era thrash, think Exodus, Forbidden, Annihilator, think battery, toxic waltz, in short think metal! opener “Killer From The Deep” kick things off properly the riffs are there and that’s the main thing in thrash, The vocals, are solid and really do the job, Ol Drake’s guitar is just plain awesome and deserves a special mention. The solos are Jaw dropping. All the best bits of thrash can be heard here, fast riffs, awesome solos, thunderous drumming, pounding bass and raw vocals.
For such a young band (in their early twenties) they have already caught the imagination of thrash fans including Jeff waters of Annihilator! "I must say that this is a great band. good drumming. good bass and guitar work and cool singer. I saw em live. CHECK THESE GUYS OUT!" Praise indeed! Sure this isn’t ground breaking stuff but who cares?!?! If you love thrash you NEED this, they deserve to be huge, and this is only their first release, do yourself a favour go and get it! Review by Joe Freeman
Band: Ewigkeit
Album: Conspiritus (Earache)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.ewigkeit.co.uk
Rating: 8/10
What is about this band that keeps dragging me back into the olden days of the 1990's?
A semi-cheese feel ala Billy Idol's Cyberpunk, a lost band from the Hackers soundtrack, a BBC future-imperfect sci-fi soap opera? "German eccentric" Mr. Fog is the force behind this, if I am still correct. It has the experimental "anything goes that sounds cool" Pigface feel, with acutely messy perfections but tied into the Killing Joke's penchant for a rock backbone. Martin Atking influence is soaked in this thing. The album cover alone is drenched in illuminati fear, the near-apocalypse brink we currently stand - Buch, Blair, Bin Laden, Mabus. The hooks are excellent and the textures all around dreamy.
In "Conspiritus" we are dragged into the weird world of Ewigkeit and we are all the much better for it. If not better, than certainly entertained. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Ewigkeit
Album: Radio IXTLAN (Earache)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.ewigkeit.co.uk
Rating: 7.5/10
For one reason or another, Ewigkeit brought me back to that very special yesteryear of 1995.
This is the product of thr eccentric Mr. Fog. Indsutrial with a Dr.Who vibe prevails, although warped by multiple genres dragging material in dozens of intertwining directions. Part Pigface, part Laether Strip, part OLD with an all around Martin Atkins influence. Nine tracks, all very distinguishable. It explodes, it drags, it weeps, it melts, it's frantic and epic, at times stalling yet always having a push of curiousity keeping it rolling onward.
Download the song "Journey To IXTLAN" if intrigued. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Exiled on Earth
Album: Duality Conflicts (Independent Release)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.exiledonearth.it
Rating: 1/10
This demo contains some of the most annoying vocals ever. In no way do they match the music of Exiled On Earth and the manner in which they are produced is atrociously grating on the nerves.
Similar to Chinese Water Torture, this is a slow, painful process that is in no way alleviated by the fairly decent instrumentation of the band. It's virtually unthinkable that a recording such as this would be taken seriously by most metal fans. There's a few decent musical ideas here, until that horrendous singing begins again, making you want to take this one out and perform a tap dance on it in the middle of the street.
One of the most annoying records I have ever reviewed. Ever. Review by Erin Fox
Band: Exodus
Album: Shovel Headed Kill Machine (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.exodusattack.com
Rating: 10/10
After waiting for 12 years for 2004's "Tempo of the Damned", Exodus are back a mere year later with an album that surpasses it.
Notable absences are not only vocalist Steve Souza, but also long time guitarist Rick Hunolt and Drummer Tom Hunting, so continuing where "Tempo of the Damned" left, could have been difficult. Good News though, new guys Lee Altus, Rob Dukes and Paul Bostaph do an amazing job, A vast array of riff structures, blistering solos and a more heavier, faster approach results in what possibly could be Exodus' finest hour.
The songs are fairly long, ranging from 4 minutes up to 8 minutes, but there is so much going on, the songs fly by as you listen in amazement. If your into Thrash, then you're going to know who Exodus are, but if your into Metal in general, dont miss out on what could easily be one of the greatest moments of 2005.
Band: Exodus
Album: Tempo of the Damned (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 02.02.04)
Website: http://www.exodusattack.com
Rating: 9.5/10
After 12 goddamn years, Exodus are back with a new studio album!
It's been almost 20 years since the release of "Bonded by Blood", one of the most important albums of all time and the only Exodus album that I listen to on a regular basis, anyway, what you all probably want to know is whether "TOTD" any good? Well, If your into Thrash, then this album is a MUST have, and in my opinion their best since "Bonded by Blood" if not their best. It's heavy as hell with plenty of variety and tempo changes over the 10 tracks, simply a great listen throughout. Also worth mentioning is the top notch production work of the one and only Andy Sneap, he has really achieved a perfect mix and balance between, drums, bass, guitars and vocals.
If you can remember back to the early 80's and all the speed/thrash metal bands around at that time, take a look at what they all were doing then, what they're doing now, and if they're still around today, how they're doing it now! Along with the likes of Overkill and Slayer, Exodus are one of the few bands today from that era still flying the flag high and remained true to their roots, OK they may have developed a little or added a more "modern" touch, but compared to Metallica's "St Anger" this rules, Metallica would have given their right arm to have released this. I challenge you all to find a negative review of this, "TOTD"; could easily be the album of 2004 and will be talked about in 2014. Hopefully we don't have to wait until then for the next album.
Band: Exsecrator
Album: Vehemence of Human Displeasure (Independent Release)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.exsecrator.com
Rating: 6.5/10
Exsecrator is a brutal death metal band hailing from Italy. The group plays a fiery style of death metal most akin to Krisiun. Exsecrator does a good job of mixing things up, switching between slow, grinding grooves and up-tempo blasting. Their vocal style is slightly guttural, but lyrics seem easy to figure out after a couple of listens. The vocal style and the production, which is slightly muddy but easy to discern each instrument, are the elements, which make this album comparable to older Krisiun. The Morbid Angel-like mini whammy bar solos, courtesy of guitarists Fausto and Mayler, also bring to mind Krisiun.
Being only a three-song EP/Demo, "Vehemence of Human Displeasure" is a good, European death metal appetizer. Review by Darren Cowan
Band: Extol
Album: Blueprint (Century Media)
Year: 2005 (Release Date: 21.02.05)
Website: http://www.undeceived.net
Rating: 5/10
Although I have never actually heard anything by Extol, I had been told they were a pretty decent Black/Death outfit from Norway.
So, after being fairly excited with the prospect of a hearing a new extreme band, I was somewhat surprised by the fact that either they were on about another band called Extol, or the band have taken a new, somewhat strange new musical direction.
No exciting Black/Death, just a modern, whiney, Deftones sort of style. There's some fairly technical stuff going on, but its' very slow moving and in the end just gets boring. They try to throw in some extreme, somewhat screeched vocals amongst the clean, melodic vocals, probably to add a bit of aggression to the recording, which ends up sounding like a few of these modern bands that I've been hearing so much about. There were a few moments, but for the majority, was very little on "Blueprint" that kept me entertained.
Band: Eyes of Fire
Album: Ashese to Embers (Century Media)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.eyesoffire.us
Rating: 7.5/10
Somewhere between Agalloch’s "The Mantle", Radiohead’s "The Bends" and Neurosis’ "Through Silver In Blood" does Eyes of Fire’ latest disc "Ashes To Embers" lay.
This is a very hypnotic, downtrodden record that maintains the heavy yet somber guitar tones and atmosphere of The Rapture. Ashes To Embers opens up with a seven minute droning epic that sucks you in, later pounding out shorter tunes that have a more upbeat tempo to them. The material is catchy as hell and there is a great deal of innovation going on. A few weak tracks pop up though like "Fear", an obvious attempt of appeasing the mosh-hungry crowd with a few blasts and palm muted stomp-riffs. It’s totally out of character and pretty half ass and has no real reason to be on this record because it just fucks up the flow.
At times the vocals are a little cheesy although the album is pretty solid in this respect. Still it’s a pretty tight album altogether. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Ezayah
Album: Awakening of an Angel (Demo)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.ezayah.com
Rating: 8/10
Ezayah is an atmospheric black metal band from Turkey that consists of one member, Emrah. Ezayah was formed by emrah and cenk (keyboards) in 1999 Istanbul/Turkey, the band followed a gothic style sound untill 2001. Emrah along with Cenk and Aslý (female vocals), made songs such as "A Story from the Forest Unknown", which was a much more gothic style. After Cenk and Aslý left the band, Emrah opted for a much more experimental black metal sound. Not much more is known about this band, but judging by their guestbook on the site, they seem to have a small following in Turkey and that’s about it.
The whole demo is interesting from start to finish. Most of the album is slow-mid paced black metal, very necro with occasional samples, keyboards and an unbelievable atmosphere. Ezayah are a very original and experimental band.
They need to start spreading the word about the band, maybe sending a few CD’s to other webzines and magazines, and I am sure they will get a following of fans.
Band: Ezurate
Album: An Ending To Revelations (Independant Release)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.angelfire.com/band/ezurate
Rating: 7/10
Oh Illinois, land of... well... lots of boring shit. Driving by all that farmland is probably what drives guys like Sir Murbas Daemoneus Hellstorm to slap on the corpsepaint, breath fire and jam some highly sinister morbid pagan war metal shit.
Yes, black metal is the order of the day. Bullet belts, pigs heads on stakes, blood spitting - these guys go for the jugular. Like early Marduk crossed with Nargaroth, Mayhem, Darkthrone and Gorgoroth. The thing that really holds this back is the production. These dudes put out an album a few years back on Forever Underground with this crazy evil looking castle on it that was just raw beyond belief. They need to stay that way - grim, hollow, raw as fuck. "An Ending To Revelations" is more of a basement job and doesn't have the kick to do the material justice. The riffs are good, the drumming is good, the vocals are dead on. What could be done to improve the all around product is a steroid treatment in general. Speed up the tempo on everything, give each bassline it's own definitive personality, distort the hell out of the vocals in Xasthur fashion and no flange effects ever again please. This is one of those bands you know that could be in the top of their class if they had the right producer behind them. There is brilliance here. I'd like to see what would come out of these guys if you threw them in a room after eating chunky handfuls of psilocybin. Yeah, thats an idea. Take this shit to even weirder, darker lengths of musical malpractice (oh the possibilities...).
Anyway, there is a lot of cool shit going on here. Ezurate just needs to be able to execute it a little better on disc. I'd like to see what these guys pull off live. Can't wait to hear the follow up. Review by Ryan Bartek
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