Band: Facedown
Album: The Will to Power (Black Lodge)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.facedown.nu
Rating: 8.5/10

Well, this has definitely been the year for comebacks, this time it's the return of Facedown.

Original members Joakim Hedestedt and Joacim Carlsson are reunited with vocalist Marco Aro after his stint in The Haunted, and new drummer Erik Thyselius completes the line up. Formed back in 1993, Facedown were on the verge of something big, releasing a couple of albums before hitting problems, the band decided to call it a day in 1999. The members went their own ways, the most notable of course is Marco Aro going on to join The Haunted. Now 6 years later, the band are back to together, and have released a killer album in "The Power to Live". This time apart has obviously done them some good, as this is easily their best album to date. No mess, no fuss, just pure impact!

If your expecting another band like The Haunted, then think again, Facedown play some of the heaviest and catchiest Hardcore/Thrash I've heard this year. Facedown are "Hell bent on annihilating all your audio systems with the heaviest and meanest music possible", I couldn't have put it any better myself. Has the wait been worth it? Oh definitely!!! Check out the Interview with Guitarist Joacim Carlsson in the Interviews section.

Band: Facedowninshit
Album: NPON – Nothing Positive, Only Negative (Relapse Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.facedowninshit.com
Rating: 8/10

Harsh, lo-fi tones abound on "NPON", as Facedowninshit parlay a great deal of influence from Eyehategod with the result being foreboding, coarse, doom-sludge with more than enough disparity to seize the listener’s interest.

Over the course of seven drawn-out musical beatdowns, Facedowninshit incorporates significantly gruff undercurrents of NOLA-inspired dissonance. During the record's boisterous title track, the band steers well clear of conventional definitions of melody, instead opting to deliver a sound that is bitterly jagged, discordant and considerably unforgiving. Random, squealing feedback and slow moving, teeth-gnashing reverberations infect "Countless", a track that is powered by random string scraping and a thick, sludgy riff. A touch of hardcore worms its way into "Ten Strip", but the band’s propensity for keeping a restrained tempo gives the track a slow motion effect.

Overall, Facedowninshit will be most appealing to those who take pleasure in a particularly anti-musical experience. Rough sounds such as the ones that listeners will unearth here are often difficult to swallow, but Facedowninshit provides an admirable antithesis to the plethora of sugarcoated sounds currently accepted as metal these days. Review by Erin Fox

Band: Falkenbach
Album: Heralding - The Fireblade (Napalm Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.falkenbach.de
Rating: 9/10

Originally, this was supposed to be their debut album back in 1995, but due to recording problems it never got released. After a complete re-recording, the album finally see's the light of day.

I'm not familiar at all with Falkenbach, and this is the first time I have heard them. Luckily, Falkenbach came as a big surprise, as it's bands like this that really interest me. The Norse Mythology themed "Heralding - The Fireblade" is a truly intriguing album, definitely not one I'm going to put down for a while. It's a very varied and diverse album, with its Folky acoustic passages, classical string instruments with full on chanting backing vocals one minute,  and then a more raw and aggressive black metal style with harsh vocals the next. Words simply cannot do this album justice.

After listening to it a number of times, my only conclusion is that this is a great album. If your into things epic, and like Folky Black/Viking Metal, I highly recommend this to you.

Band: Fall ov Serafim
Album: Nex Iehovae (Regain Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.fallovserafim.se
Rating: 8.5/10

After internal conflicts and former members registering/copyrighting the name Misteltein for themselves, and thus claiming that band name for their own, the remaining members had no choice but to reform under the moniker of Fall ov Serafim

There are obviously going to be some comparisons between the two bands, but, for what it's worth, Fall ov Serafim are much more complex and varied, and there is more of a death metal influence on "Nex Iehovae" than Misteltein ever had. It's mainly Symphonic Black Metal, but with the added bonus of Thrash and Death sounding moments. There are also plenty of interesting and diverse song structures throughout the album, which makes them so much more that just another Dimmu Borgir or Cradle of Filth clone. Lyrically, they deal with religion, death and so on, the usual Anti-Christianity kind of stuff.

There's usually trouble in finding a Symphonic Black Metal album that has a good balance between melody and aggression, but Fall ov Serafim manage to pull it off, resulting in a thoroughly impressive debut.

Band: Farmakon
Album: A Warm Glimpse (Elitist Records)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 04.08.03)
Website: http://www.farmakon.cjb.net
Rating: 9/10

Formed in 2000, the band got together for some jamming sessions and not really taking things further. Then in 2001, they released a demo. They posted the demo on MP3.com without any serious plans for the band, they just wanted to make music. Then remarkably, within days of the demo being posted, they were contacted by Elitist Records who had heard the demo and were very impressed by what they had heard and quickly offered them a contract.

So this is there debut album, having read about them I was expecting some very good things. The album is nothing sort of a prog-melodic death metal masterpiece, very similar to Opeth, yes! OPETH, even both clean and harsh vocals sound very similar. I'm not saying this is an exact copy as Farmakon, utilize funk and lounge-Jazz passages, but if you were to walk into a room whilst this was playing you would instantly say that this is Opeth.

I will be watching the progress of Farmakon because I think they are destined for good things, if there debut is this good I can't wait for future releases! To sum the album up, the riffs twist and turn, before turning into melodic acoustic passages with tasteful solo's that bring the 70's prog movement to mind. Farmakon do not follow any trends, this is a diverse and multifaceted album, ideal for those that have heard it all, oh and fans of Opeth of course. Truly great stuff from a band that is still young.

Band: Farmer Boys
Album: The Otherside (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 26.01.04)
Website: http://www.farmerboys.de
Rating: 7.5/10

This could have been a great CD! Heavy modern sounding guitars, some great riffs, plenty of synth and keyboard work and intricate guitar parts, but there is some also bland and boring bits to it.

Taking influences from British pop music of the 80's; charming, bombastic, glamour, melancholy and some catchy hook lines, there is plenty of heaviness and melody to please fans of the current modern metal scene. Almost bordering on Nu-Metal, The Farmer Boys could easily become a commercial success and get into the charts with any of these songs, but for me it was like a roller-coaster, there are plenty of ups and downs, interesting parts and some dull melodic parts that left me pretty un-impressed.

Of all the modern metal stuff I've heard, this is easily amongst the best. Nothing that I haven't heard before though.

Band: Fear Factory
Album: Archtype (Roadrunner Records)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 19.04.04)
Website: http://www.fearfactory.com
Rating: 8.5/10

Legions of vocalists from the crop of new metal artists employ a patterned technique of alternating between aggressive and melodic structures from which influence may be attributed directly to Burton C. Bell of Fear Factory. His pioneering efforts have helped to establish a style which was instrumental in bringing the metal genre to the next level, and those efforts continue today with Archetype, a pummeling dose of cyber metal that forms an assault upon the aural senses.

From the relentless machinations of "Corporate Cloning" to the vicious offensive of "Cyberwaste", this album sets the benchmark for other bands of this ilk to follow. Containing thirteen tracks of pure metallic onslaught, "Archetype" is an inroad to apocalyptic melodia which fans should no doubt satisfy the appetites of votaries old and new.

The band executes it’s rhythms with the precision of a well maintained machine, bringing forth cacophonies of new age metal harmony on the relentless "Default Judgment". With it’s steely riffing courtesy of Christian Olde Wolbers, (the group’s former bassist) this track is an exercise in Thrash riffing 101, while new member Byron Stroud (formerly of Strapping Young Lad) skillfully plucks the four string on the spacey and dynamic "Human Shields" The band does a superlative rendition of Nirvana’s "School" that is raw and brutal. Such a choice for a cover belies the diverse influences of the outfit. Fear Factory is in the prime of their career, blazing trails into the great heavy metal unknown. Thou shalt not miss them whence they arrive to devastate your city! Review by Star (contact)

Band: Fear of Eternity
Album: Spirit of Sorrow (Moribund Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.egagency.com/it/band/fearoheternity.php
Rating: 7.5/10

"Spirit of Sorrow" is the second Fear of Eternity album released this year by Moribund Records. Those who noticed the keyboard-heavy atmospherics of "Toward the Castle", are sure to enjoy "Spirit of Sorrow". The band’s identity has not changed; however, the production has knocked off the cryptic cobwebs of its predecessor. With a cleaner production, the keyboard passages create lush soundscapes, allowing the listener to further fall into "singers" fantastic, sonic realms.

Andrea Tilenni uses keyboards as the foundation for his music. The keyboards create the rhythm, tone, and pace, with the guitar being use primarily as a backdrop. "Atrocious Pain" is an example of Tilenni's effective use of keyboards to change the mood of each song. This track's structure is a common motif found throughout the album. It begins with happy synth and piano, similar to the soundtrack music on late ‘70s and early '80s After School Specials or "3-2-1 Contact". This bright, hopeful tone is only a disguise to lull the listener into a false sense of happiness until Tilenni breaks down the bouncing beat to a nightmarish crawl. It is easy to note his affinity for soundtrack music, especially horror movies. The first track, "Staring at the Dark" begins with funeral, organ notes, which instantly recall the horror film classic "Phantasm". Fear of Eternity’s bizarre ambiance is often compared to horror film score producers, Goblin. The creepiness contained in each song and the instruments he chooses make this comparison obvious.

In terms of production, Tilenni took a step backwards on "Toward the Castle" (originally created after "Spirit", but not released domestically) with a necro production, but the vocals surely improved from album-to-album. His vocals on "Toward the Castle" were much stronger by using a staggering, vocal echo. "Spirit of Sorrow" features gurgling, Merman-like vocals. Also, he should make the guitar stand out more. With the mournful themes Tilenni presented here, using his guitar for some doomier moments might just be the element needed to create the ultimate ode to gloom. Melancholiacs need not cry, though, "Spirit of Sorrow" has enough sadness to keep you in the grip of despair for weeks! Review by Darren Cowan

Band: Final Dawn
Album: Under the Bleeding Sky (Candlelight Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.final-dawn.com
Rating: 6/10

Swedish melodic death metal with more crunch and grit than usual.

A varied mix and a great deal of Chuck Schuldiner influence and some technical Dream Theatre type fluffiness. Final Dawn experiment with many styles in the metal genre but never really come into their own. That and the singer needs to go (sorry guys, someone had to say it). Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: Final Sigh, The
Album: If You're Not Part of the Solution, You're Part of the Problem (Anticulture Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.thefinalsigh.co.uk
Rating: 4/10

Not one of my favourite styles I must admit.

I'm not going to beat around the bush with this review. Mathcore is on the agenda for today and "If You're Not Part of the Solution..." was a hard listen, a very hard listen, even bordering on annoying. Plenty of discordant, somewhat technical riffing and complex time signatures mixed with quieter, ambient passages and Electro "toots" and "beeps" but if I'm honest, it just didn't do anything for me at all.

I haven't got a clue what they are singing about, and the shrieked vocals are like nails down a blackboard. It would be very interesting to hear the whole album again, but with a guttural/death vocal. Looking back at the 12 tracks I've just heard, apart from a few moments, none of them are really that memorable.

Band: Finntroll
Album: Trollhammaren (Spikefarm Records)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 19.04.04)
Website: http://www.finntroll.net
Rating: 8.5/10

Not only do we get a new Finntroll album in 2004, we also get a new five track MCD too.

Entitled "Trollhammaren", you get the song of the same name taken from the Nattfodd album, and four others that don't appear on the album. This EP should be brought together with their new Nattfodd album as they both go hand in hand. "Trollhammaren" is easily the best track on here, and probably on the album too, but the other four are more of the same, top quality, black metal tinged "Humppa".

If you want to know more, then read the review of the album below. Finntroll are truly a unique band and are not afraid to take chances and try new things. There's not more I can say other than you need to experience this amazing band.

Band: Finntroll
Album: Nattfodd (Spikefarm Records)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 19.04.04)
Website: http://www.finntroll.net
Rating: 9.5/10

Well, what can I say about Finntroll? I don't think there is much I can say really, they are one of those bands that have to be heard to be believed.

It's amazing how a combination of totally different styles such as Black Metal and "Humppa" (A Finnish style of Polka) can be pulled off with total conviction. As soon as I put the album into the player I was awestruck, the sheer diversity of the album is truly amazing. I can't ever recall hearing songs that are as catchy, yet evil sounding as this before. I'm not even going to go into the song structures as words simply cannot do them justice, as I've just mentioned, Finntroll have to be heard to be believed as I bet many of you cannot contemplate what they sound like. The Finntroll sound is totally indescribable, can you imagine an accordion right in the middle of a brutal death/black metal song?.....No?..neither could I until I heard this. What they have done on "Nattfodd" and indeed previous albums is truly amazing.

Fintroll are easily one of the most interesting and innovative bands to surface over the past few years.

Band: Finnugor
Album: Black Flames (Adipocere Records)
Year: 2002
Website: http://members.lycos.co.uk/ywolf/Finnugor/finnugor.html
Rating: 7.5/10

Finnugor, consisting of Nikolai Stalhammer on guitars, drums, synths and lyrics and Gabriel Wolf on vocals, computer, synths and lyrics play very symphonic gothic/black metal similar to early Type O Negative and in places like Cradle of Filth.

I usually like my black metal played fast, hard and necro, but having heard this that opinion has changed completely. I don’t know what it is it’s something about the synths and the orchestration, which are very high in the mix that I find intriguing.

The usual blast beats and black metal riffs are there but I feel that the operatic synths and melodies add that special touch to this album. A definite for CoF fans, and for those of you who find Darkthrone and early Emperor are too much black to take, I suggest you go hunt this down.

Band: Finnugor
Album: Death Before Dawn (Adipocere Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://members.lycos.co.uk/ywolf/Finnugor/finnugor.html
Rating: 8/10

Finnugor return with their follow up to last years "Black Flames", again released on the impressive Adipocere label.

Whilst some feel Finnugor's last release over used synths and keyboards, I'm sure they will find this much better. Some may call them weird and some may call them intriguing but you have to admit they are quite an original band. I feel "Death Before Dawn" isn't as original sounding as their previous release as it tends to follows a more fast paced, melodic black metal style.

Gabriel Wolf still uses his gothic instruments and performs all vocals, and Nikolai Stalhammer again on guitars, drums and synths. One instant highlight on the album is "Cosmic Nest of Decay", not only is this probably the best tracks on the album, the video to the track on the CD and the vocals are performed by the one and only Attila Csihar (Aborym/Tormentor/Mayhem). One downer is that the guitars and drums can tend to sound a little "Fake" now and again, but other than that with the synths etc, placed well in the mix and never drowning out the rest of the music, "Death Before Dawn is probably the bands best release to date.

Band: Firewind
Album: Forged by Fire (Century Media)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.firewind.gr
Rating: 9/10

I don't know about you, but, when guitar virtuoso Gus.G announced that he was leaving Dream Evil to focus on Firewind, I was more than a little surprised. OK, I may not have heard Firewind up until now, but Dream Evil seemed to have so much going for them.

Completing the current Firewind line-up is Sri Lankan native Chity Sompala (ex-Avalon) on vocals, bassist Petros Christo (ex-Breaking Silence) Stian Kristoffersen (Pagans Mind, Jorn Lande) on Drums and keyboard wizard Bob Katsionis (Nightfall/Imaginery). If you've heard Gus.G play, you'll immediately know it's him straight away.

Only time will tell whether Gus.G made the right decision in leaving Dream Evil to focus more on Firewind, but listening to this, it was a brave move but I think it was the right one. The whole album is a joy to listen to, and there is everything you could ever want from a classic heavy metal album. Also, listen out for the guest leads from former Megadeth axe man Marty Friedman and the legendary James Murphy.

Band: Firkins, Michael Lee
Album: Decomposition (Provogue Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.quetepires.net
Rating: 7/10

"Decomposition" is basically an album of covers that has influenced Michael Lee Firkins over the years including the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "I Know a Little", Johnny Winter's "Still Alive and Well" and renditions of Henry Mancini's "The Pink Panther" and "Manic Depression" by Jimmi Hendrix.

Firkins combines an usual mixture of rock, blues and country licks to create some interesting pieces. Although of the 9 tracks, eight of them covers that we've probably all heard before, Firkins adds his own touch to every single one of them making "Decomposition" an enjoyable, almost relaxing chill-out album.

Firkins is without doubt a very exciting and creative guitarist who, or so I've been told, uses fingers instead of a pick. I'm always impressed with guitarist who never need to show off their skills, Firkins is not one of those "hey, look what I can do" guitarists if you know what I mean. Well worth checking out if you like guitar albums.

Band: Firstborn, The
Album: The Unclenching of Fists (ProCon Media)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.thefirstborn.net
Rating: 8/10

"The Unclenching of Fists" is a concept album dealing with subject matter rarely dealt within the confines of Black and Death Metal. This concept is Tantric Buddhism, based on the Bardo Thödol, the Tibetan "Book of the Dead". Besides Japan's Sigh, who writes many songs based on the dark side if Buddhism and Goreguts, who did a concept album pertaining to nihilistic ideas of Hindu sects, I can not think of any other bands who have written albums about Eastern, oriental mysticism.

The Firstborn makes use of trippy feeback, keyboards, flutes, sitar, and meditative humming to create a trance-inducing sound. The sitar near the end of "Movement for Practicing the Way" gives the mind's eye a vision of incense-filled tents, and red tracers reflecting from candle light. All these elements really help put the listener at the scene of a ritual involving the Book of the Dead. The singing is very similar to Ihsahn of Emperor in that the singer switches between black shrieks and clean heralding. The clean vocals are either produced by layering the singer's vocals or by a choir of two. Whatever method they use, the clean vocals are superb. "The Roaring Voice of God" is a one of the album's many highlights, alternating Death growls with the clean style.

The fast, Death Metal and Black Metal verses recall other bands who pay homage to ideas of the ancient near east like Nile, Melechesh, and Morbid Angel. Although the music is unmistakably metal, the scales and style of eastern sitar players is often used. The forbidden tones heavy metal dares to create give this album a dark feel that can not be created on acoustic instruments. "The Unclenching of Fist" is an album you can not simply play, you must experience it! Review by Darren Cowan

Band: Flesh Art
Album: Art Brut (Grindethic Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.fleshart.cjb.net
Rating: 7/10

Flesh Art are an extremely brutal death metal band from Greece, who opt for mid-paced riffs rather than hyper fast with lightning blast-beats.

This is my first experience of Fleshart, and although the band seems an exciting prospect, maybe this isn’t the ideal CD to get if you are just starting out.

This MCD contains four tracks in total, three new songs and a Banished cover. Hopefully a full-length album is on it’s way because "Art Brut" has left me very excited about Fleshart and I look forward to future releases. It’s pretty hit or miss, as I feel the four tracks on offer may not be enough to convince people one way or another.

Band: Fleshgrind
Album: Murder Without End (Century Media)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 18.08.03)
Website: http://www.fleshgrind.com
Rating: 7/10

"Murder Without End" is a very simplistic album, no lightning fast riffing, super fast drums or wild solo's, just skull crushing mid-paced death/grind.

The good thing here is you can really hear the hatred in the music. Vocalist (if you can call it that?!?) Rich Lipscomb is brutal, imagine a more eviler sounding Glenn Benton! but unfortunately whilst "Murder Without End" is a good addition to your death/grind collection, there isn't really anything new or original on here that will keep you entertained month after month.

If you like your death metal melodic or technical then check out a few other reviews. Despite the repetition of some of the songs, if you are looking for an ultra heavy and ultra brutal death/grind album, this could be the one you have been looking for. For me I've heard it before.

Band: Flight 16
Album: Flight 16 (Bam Bam Records)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 01.03.04)
Website: http://www.flight16.net
Rating: 7.5/10

After being signed by some obscure Polish label and touring Europe whilst still in their teens, Flight 16 found themselves signed to Sony's 550 label and subsequently found themselves touring with some great bands such as Goo Goo Dolls, Jerry Cantrell and Fu Manchu.

Flight 16 have since returned to the UK after Sony decided to absorb 550 into the parent label, and they lost their A&R man in the process, subsequently leaving the label. This Single/EP is the bands first release since signing to Bam Bam Records, and see's the band recapturing the lost essence of grunge rock with some great songs, heavy bass lines, chunky riffs and a fresh vocal style.

The whole EP has a very Soundgarden-esque sound to it, and if you liked Jerry Cantrell's "Degradation Trip", then you'll surely like Flight 16 too. A very promising UK band and a great talent. One to watch during 2004

Band: Flotsam & Jetsam
Album: Live in Phoenix (Mausoleum Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.flotsam-and-jetsam.com
Rating: 4.5/10

Probably best known for being the band that Jason Newsted left to join Metallica, Flotsam & Jetsam have never really got the attention they really deserve.

If your into Trash in general, then F&J are a band you should be checking out, but if I'm honest, I would steer clear of this unless your a die hard fan. OK, it may be live, but its a very murky recording, almost bootleg quality.

The actual set-list is mediocre at best, the drums are really upfront along with the bass (it actually does showcases some pretty decent bass work though), the vocals are wishy-washy and the guitars just fade in and out of the mix. Unfortunately "Live in Phoenix" catches the band on a rare off-day, and the production work definitely makes it worse for them. Not one to get if your new to the band.

Band: Foetopsy
Album: Bizarre Gynecology 7" (Murder the World Prod.)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.foetopsy.com
Rating: 8.5/10

Foetopsy, one of the states newest and sickest grind acts, are back with a new 7" courtesy of MTW Productions. "Bizarre Gynecology" delivers totally mincing goregrind complete with multi-faceted vocal rantings at times sounds like hundreds of pigs being brutally slaughtered, heavy sludgy guitars, and some of the most crippling blasts I have ever heard. "Bizarre Gynecology" consists of 6 new tracks on side A and 5 unreleased demo tracks on side B.

If you like grind then you must own this, that's if it is still available. Its very limited so get in early to avoid disappointment. The whole album is just so aggressive yet has an almost "groovy" feel to it. With songs like "I knew it had something to do with Interest in Vagina's", "My Balls Replaced with Eyeball's" and "Slightly Damp Genitalia", you just know the band has an unnatural obsession with the sexual perversion, which played loud is going to annoy everybody, I even had to turn the bass down to stop my speakers being destroyed.

It may be short, but the overall power, aggression and total destruction makes up for that. Oh, did I mention it was only $5 available from Murder the World Prod. That's if there's any left of course, I've got my copy and it's on the player non-stop.

Band: Force of Evil
Album: Black Empire (Escapi)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.forceofevil.net
Rating: 10/10

Oh man, if you liked their debut, wait until you get a load of this.

"Black Empire" is a heavier, and a lot more darker follow up to last years s/t debut. Although "Force of Evil" was a great album, like I said before, it failed to really blow me away, now "Black Empire" on the other hand is a different story. This one does actually blow me away, classic Shermann/Denner driving Rhythms and dual guitar work as usual but everything has been generally been greatly improved,  but the biggest surprise was with the vocals. Although they were good on the first album, Martin Steene sounds right at home on this album. He can hit the high notes with ease, yet come down to a growl when need be, overall they just sound a lot stronger and better.

"Black Empire" is an absolutely classic Heavy Metal Album reminiscent of Judas Priest and of course, King Diamond and Mercyful Fate. If your yet to hear Force of Evil, your going to be pleasantly suprised!

Band: Force of Evil
Album: Force of Evil (Escapi)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.forceofevil.net
Rating: 8/10

Force of Evil is the brainchild of Mercyful Fate guitarist Hank Shermann which see's him join forces with Ex-Fate partner Michael Denner.

The rest of the lineup include other members of the Fate/King Diamond camps, Bjarne T. Holm and Hal Patino and Iron Fire front man Martin Steene. The band's debut combines crunching, classic metal sounds reminiscent of classic era Fate rounded off by Steene's almost gruff vocals, but he does show hints of Rob Halford, especially in the higher regions. It's great to see the Shermann/Denner attack back in action, these guys have an understanding with their amazing dual guitar leads and know how to pen some great riffs.

If your into classic, dual guitar heavy metal a-la Priest/Fate/King Diamond, look no further than Force of Evil. Although it failed to blow me away, "Force of Evil" is a solid slab of traditional metal. It's going to be interesting to see the outcome of the band.

Band: Forest Stream
Album: Tears of Mortal Solitude (Earache)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 27.01.03)
Website: http://foreststream.ultimatemetal.com
Rating: 10/10

So, this took NINE months to finish. Was it really worth all the trouble....? OF COURSE IT WAS!!! "Tears of Mortal Solitude" is truly a masterpiece. They create some the most sorrowful music in existence with the ultimate sadness in every sound they create, you can really feel the pain and despair going on.

Forest Stream has slowly begun to build a reputation for themselves (10,000 downloads on MP3.com purely by word of mouth), which they deserve. 9 Tracks, around 80 minutes of truly unbelievable, epic, symphonic and majestic blackened doom of the highest quality. Really, I am having trouble trying to describe what this is like as I have never heard anything quite like this before. Earache has something special with Forest Stream that will make any label green with envy. "Forest Stream are ready to plunge the world into Darkness" and I’m not complaining!

Band: Forgotten Tomb
Album: Springtime Depression (Adipocere Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.forgottentomb.com
Rating: 9/10

Before I begin, I'd just like to say that we here do not support suicide or self-mutilation in any way. The whole concept of Forgotten Tomb is to express and spread Suicide-Propaganda through the listeners, self-destruction in other words. Whilst I do not agree with it, I am not going to delve into details as you can read more on the official site, anyway, who am I to questions someone's beliefs or thought's?

After releasing "Songs to Leave" in 2001 on the Swedish suicide-supporting Selbstmord Services label, it was immediately hailed by all true suicide fanatics. The reactions from the media were amazing, enthroning FT as one of the new true revelations of black metal.

The Follow up "Springtime Depression", recorded at the renowned Abyss Studios, is some of the greatest, raw black metal I have ever heard. Raw, yet atmospheric and melodic and not at all repetitive or simple, actually, I shouldn't label this as black metal as there is so much more to it. You can really hear the pain and suffering in the vocals, I don't think I have ever heard anything as depressing and hate filled as this before.  Be prepared for something utterly fanatic, suicidal, grim and nocturnal. Listening to this is like sitting in an ice-bath. Not for the weak minded.

Band: Forsaken
Album: Anima Mundi (Golden Lake Productions)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.forsakenmalta.com
Rating: 10/10

Hailing from the tiny island of Malta, it would be all to easy to compare Forsaken to the likes of Candlemass and My Dying Bride.

Formed way back in 1990, "Anima Mundi" is the bands third album and the follow up to 2002's "Iconoclast" which gained some very impressive reviews worldwide. Excluding the spoken "The Poet's Passage", every track is over the 7 minute mark containing some of the greatest Doom I've come across. Powerful, majestic, epic and extremely heavy mixing traditional doom riffs, eerie keyboard layers and an amazing atmosphere throughout, all rounded off by a top notch production job. By far the crowning glory on here is the haunting 11 minute "The Eyes of Prometheus", which is just the perfect example of how it should be done properly, this is definitely not a short album that sounds rushed.

There are some remarkable song structures on here, the clean, powerful vocals courtesy of Leo Stivala just make the album complete and it's great how they maintain the amazing atmosphere throughout the whole album, What else is there left to say?......Easily the best doom album so far this year!!!

Band: Forsaken, The
Album: Traces of the Past (Century Media)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.theforsaken.net
Rating: 8/10

"Traces of the Past" is the third album from Sweden's The Forsaken and is much more aggressive than the previous two releases.

This will appeal to fans of the Scandinavian Death Metal genre, in particular The Haunted, At the Gates and old Soilwork. There is a lot more death metal influences on this album, sure it's fast and aggressive, but there isn't really anything new or original on here. There is also a lot of modern touches and influences on the album which I feel helps propel the band away from mediocre and into an interesting listen, they offer all the things that are good about the Scandinavian Death Metal genre and add that little bit extra.

Sweden has once again produced a band worth listening too, with some great melodies and harmonies combined with some skull crushing riffing and lightning fast double-bass, "Traces of the Past" will take pride in any fan of Swedish Death Metal.

Band: Forlorn
Album: Hybernation (Napalm Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.forlorn.no
Rating: 7/10

This release sees Forlorn completely move away from its Viking metal background instead opting for a more melodic black metal style.

I would definitely like to hear some of Forlorn’s earlier efforts as this, although very atmospheric, very competent and an enjoyable listen, it doesn’t really offer anything new to the ever-expanding melodic black metal genre.

There is always a risk of loosing old fans when a major change in style takes place but I feel this will please fans of old and new which was a brave move, but I’m afraid doesn’t break any boundaries. It will be interesting to see if they keep this style for their next release.

Band: Fragments of Unbecoming
Album: Skywards: Chapter II - A Sylphe’s Ascension (Metal Blade)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.fragmentsofunbecoming.com
Rating: 8/10

And here we have Brian Slagel wising up a little, realizing that it’s time to exploit the Black Dahlia Murder cash cow.

No problem here if you ask me, "Skywards: Chapter II - A Sylphe’s Ascension" is by far one of the better melodic death metal albums in some time (great to see a German band outdo their Swedish predecessors for once). Fragments of Unbecoming’s debut kicks off in classic form with an Opeth-like acoustic intro and head dives straight into a fancy head spinner. The harmonies are just off the scale and the riffs are colossal. The heaviness of genre tyrants such as At The Gates, Centinex and Morifade are given tribute, with each composition thoroughly realized with little repetition.

Fragments of Unbecoming rock above all, eight gazillion different riffs scattered throughout the album that all flow seamlessly. Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: Frantic Bleep
Album: The Sense Apparatus (The End Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.franticbleep.com
Rating: 6.5/10

Mega-foofy, keyboard heavy Scandinavian euro-prog.

This is very Arcturus, up and down. I give them props for their ambitions, although it’s so scattered there just ain’t no tunes. The vocals are tight and range between gremlin-like growls and some operatic singing. This band is a nightmare of guitar pedals.

I like a lot of the parts, although as a whole this album is a mess of underdeveloped ideas tossed into a realy cool packaging design, some tracks are just flat out boring. However, this band isn’t lazy, they just lack true cohesion. Can’t wait for the follow up. Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: Freya
Album: As the Last Light Drains (Victory Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.freyamusic.com
Rating: 7.5/10

Karl, Eric and Bulldog from Earth Crisis are back! When Earth Crisis finished, Karl Buechner was already making plans for a new project that would retain the heaviness of Earth Crisis while incorporating a new level of melodicism.

I think Freya will interest fans of Earth Crisis as there are definitely moments that are reminiscent of the old band, but has other influences that stop it from being just a replica. The heavy parts of this album are great, amazing vocal power and real hardcore! but the "emo" touches could put a few people off as it adds a real soft, melodic touch to the album.

A very wide vocal range to a very varied album, maybe to varied for my liking. It's a shame that the best tracks are towards the end so I would recommend listening to this before you go out and buy it.

Band: Frightmare
Album: Midnight Murder Mania (Razorback Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.frightmare.us
Rating: 7/10

Slick packaging – check. Slasher flick samples – check. Endless barrage of generic death/gore/grind lunacy?

Unfortunately yes, but Frightmare still tear it up regardless of the fact that this is a basic high-voltage run though of everything that’s been done before in this particular genre. With "Midnight Murder Mania" we get a hearty slab of excruciating death metal with influences ranging from Impaled, Hemorrhage, Machetazo and the like, complete with pig grunts, gurgling vocals and pummeling double bass action. The guitar work is generally badass throughout the entire disc – the riffs are giant and the speed is commendable. Dozens of hair-spinners, bangers and mosh frenzies ensue, with plenty of nods to "Slumber Party Massacre", "Friday The 13th" and "My Bloody Valentine" that would make big Will Rahmer proud.

Good shit my friends - don’t hesitate to pick this bad boy up if you can’t sleep sound each night after a romantic dinner over Aborted or Sepsism. Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: Frontside
Album: Forgive us our Sins (Regain Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.frontside.alpha.pl
Rating: 7.5/10

Formed back in 1993, Poland's Frontside have steadily progressed from a primarily Hardcore band to a more Deathcore style.

"Forgive us our Sins" has a very European Thrash/Death metal sound to it, but you can still hear the American Hardcore style aggression of old. One comparison that springs to mind during certain moments of the album is Stampin' Ground. Whilst they aren't going to set the world alight with their originality, they have enough going for them to keep them going in the long run. They've got the right idea, and for most of it, "FuoS" is a decent album. Whilst the hardcore influenced riffs are heavy as hell, mid-paced they sound great, its when they speed things up it can get a little repetitive. Your not going to miss anything by skipping over this one, if you do however go and buy it, you won't be disappointed.

I think this will appeal to both fans of Hardcore and Death Metal, and especially if you were impressed by the latest Stampin' Ground record.

Band: Frost
Album: Out in the Cold (Mausoleum Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.truemetal.org/jackfrost
Rating: 7/10

An all-star cast of characters joins Seven Witches' axeman Jack Frost on this solo effort, released on the Mausoleum imprint. Frost explores all manners of eighties metal here, with plenty of well-known players supporting his attempts to execute Dokken-style metal injected with thrash metal overtones. Frost is obviously a George Lynch aficionado, as the opening riff to this album's title track indicates, but his love of more intense forms of metal certainly makes a mark upon the album, as "Crucifixation" includes piercing, powerhouse vocals courtesy of original Anthrax vocalist Neil Turbin and a relentlessly thrashing bout of metal school riff mastery. Further highlights include a rendition of the April Wine standby "Sign Of The Gypsy Queen", where Ted Poley (Danger Danger) steps in for some rough, yet highly melodic vocals and Frost imparts some patently tasty leads overtop the track's monstrously powerful backdrop.

A commendable rendition of Foreigner's "Cold As Ice" features howler Jeff Martin, with one-time Quiet Riot fill-in Paul Shortino tossing in his two cents on background vocals, but they double bass drum rolls are simply unnecessary in this track, it's simply not the right feel, especially in consideration of the track's classic status. Excellent bass runs by Mike Duda power the cut with a suitable thunder and Frost himself turns in a very good performance, leading the song to coda with an impressive bout of guitar runs. The Frost original "Covered In Blood" ratchets up the intensity, Judas Priest-style and Martin turns in a vocal performance that's a solid cross between Halford falsetto and King Diamond growling. A rendition of .38 Special's hit "Hold On Loosely" is a hit-or-miss affair, with Frost doing a fine job at the mic as well as o guitar, but an effort to metalize the cut is a bit too much of a stretch for such a familiar tune. An extremely heavy version of John Waite's "Head First" closes the album on a positive note, with Poley's vocals in fine form, making the singer an excellent choice to flesh out this particular track.

While Frost's takes on the classis can at times be difficult to swallow, the majority of the time, the axe-slinger hits the nail on the head, making this collection of cover renditions and original cuts feel very similar to an evening at a local rock bar, watching a batch of lesser-known players aim for their big break on the scene. Fortunately, the caliber of playing is a notch above that which you might hope to find on an A-circuit, making "Out In The Cold" an album that will be of interest to those that enjoy hard rocking heavy metal served up with a honed edge. Review by Erin Fox

Band: Furia
Album: Un Lac de Larmes et de Sang (Adipocere Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.furia.metal.free.fr
Rating: 8.5/10

Furia are an epic, melodic heavy/death metal band similar in some parts to In Flames and early Soilwork. Furia are another French band on the very impressive Adipocere label.

Created in June 1997, Furia currently consists of Damien (v), Seb (g), Mick (g & v), Guillaume (b), Julien (d) and Mehdi (k). Tight, razor sharp riffs, beautiful melodies courtesy of the dual guitars, harsh rhythmic and symphonic keyboards and harsh growled vocals sung entirely in there native language are just some of the things you can expect to hear on this album. The Orchestra's you can hear in the background are recorded by a real orchestra and once again the female vocal is supplied by Adeline from Akin.

Since the release of "Un Lac de Larmes et de Sang" (A Lake of Tears and Blood to us english folk), Furia have been relentlessly working on the visual concept of their live shows, so judging at what I've heard, Furia are an exciting live band so if you can, go check them out. Furia will definitely have there name spoken about outside of France. Another great release by Adipocere.