Band: Hammerfall
Album: Chapter V - Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.hammerfall.net
Rating: 9.5/10
Believe it or not, this is the first Hammerfall album I've listened to. Sure, I've heard a few tracks here and there, but this is the first whole album that I've sat down and listened to.
Well, as you are reading this review, I take it you are either a fan of Hammerfall or are interested in Heavy Metal in general. I have plenty of Heavy Metal albums in my collection, some good, some not so good, but once in a while something special will come along and totally blow the majority of them away, it doesn't happen all too often, but "Chapter V" is one of those such albums. You've got Judas Priest influences and all sorts of aspects from European Power Metal, but there is just so much more on here than just copy-cat material.
There are some great tracks on here that can easily be played over and over again, "Hammer of Justice", "The Templar Flame" and my personal favourite "Never, Ever" are just a few that could easily become singles. To put it simply, "Chapter V" is a pleasure to listen to, if you think you've heard it all, check this one out. The Pinnacle of Heavy Metal!
Band: Hammer Head
Album: Fear Itself/Rock Forever Re-Issue
Year: 2002 (1994 & 1987)
Website: http://www.hammerheadrock.com
Rating: 9.5/10
Hitting me like a brick in the face, Hammer Head combine the best elements of Jugernaut and NWOBHM, with this, the re-release of their two albums from 1994 & 1987 to much praise.
Consisting of Pacific Northwest musicians, Greg Martin, David Fender and Dave Layne, Hammer Head have made appearances if fanzines, Kerrang, Aardshock America, Metal Furry and many others and please fans around the world with its high energy and high diversity gigs.
With its heavy bass lines, crunching guitars, wild solos and sing along choruses, Hammer Head are near perfection. Every song on this double album CD is excellent (even with the poorish production of "Rock Forever").
And if this wasn’t enough, Hammer Head are working on a third album, which is due for release in early spring 2003. These albums are available from their site at $8.00 each; you could do a lot worse than add both of these to your collection. (If I had to pick one I’d go for "Fear Itself")
Band: Happyface
Single: Le Tigre (Anticulture Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.happy-face.co.uk
Rating: 8.5/10
If ever a name has been so inappropriate, this is it ladies and gentleman...Happyface! Expecting some kind of Indie band right?...WRONG!
If you're into a bit of Grind, be sure to check out "Le Tigre". Not your usual run-of-the-mill Grind here, not only are they brutal, they are also very innovative. Imagine if Meshuggah were to follow a more Grind/Death path. They churn out some incredibly heavy riffs and chugs, plenty of tempo changes and, along with the hardcore style breakdowns, creates a really remarkable and intense album. All 14 tracks and 24 minutes of it.
I'm not sure whether I'd go as far as groundbreaking, but they definitely push the boundaries of the genre. It suffers a little from that "tinny" drum sound, but you get used to it after as while.
Band: Happy Life
Single: Breathe For Me (Albert Productions)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.happy-life.co.uk
Rating: 7.5/10
Happylife are a must for fans of bands like Feeder and Placebo.
"Breathe for Me" is the bands debut single, and if these couple of songs are anything to go by, their debut album is going to be an absolute classic. The first, the single "Breathe for Me" has been aired on Kerrang TV this week and I'm sure it will do well, the song is full of big riffing and is very Placebo-esque sounding where the second "Stand Up" is a much more slower, mellower rock track. Both of the tracks are very singable with big choruses.
Also included on the single is the instrumental "Breathe for Me" for all you budding karaoke lovers and also the video to the track. Happylife are a band to watch as I'm sure they're debut album is going to be very well received. Pick up the single before the album comes out and see what you think!
Band: Harmful
Album: Sanguine (Steamhammer/SPV)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 19.01.04)
Website: http://www.harmfulweb.de
Rating: 6/10
Although "Sanguine" didn't really impress me at first, the more and more I listened to it, the more I found it grew on me.
Comparisons would be bands like Stone Temple Pilots, Foo Fighters etc. and although I did quite enjoy listening to the very catchy, heavy guitar driven songs, at the end of it all there weren't anything that memorable about the album, OK there were one or two songs that were good but that wasn't enough for me to score it any higher. It's quite unusual actually, as there is nothing particularly annoying or boring about the album, it's just as soon as it's finished your trying to remember what you've just listened too.
This won't win album of the year, neither is it the worst I've heard.
Band: Harms Way
Single: Oxytocin (Black Lodge)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.harmsway.se
Rating: 5/10
Featuring members from such extreme acts as Merciless, Unleashed, Born of Fire and Terra Firma, Harms Way is the latest of the side project/jumping on the bandwagon kind of bands.
They’ve also opted for the Stoner Doom Rock style in the vein of Queens of the Stoneage, Kyuss and Monster Magnet that seems to be poplar at the moment. There are a couple of decent riffs on here, but for the majority, "Oxytocin" is a familiar sounding album that lacks any real punch or excitement.
Overall, Harms Way opt to play it safe and are more than happy to sit back, reminisce and pay homage to the glory days of Stoner. They don't really add their stamp on things either, and the album starts to get repetitive pretty quickly. Ultimately it just sounds like four guys on one long Stoner jam session.
Band: Harpies
Single: Lie Down (Fortune & Glory)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 16.02.04)
Website: http://www.harpies.co.uk
Rating: 6/10
We don't get many female artists here to review, so I was pleased and quite interested in finding out that harpies is not fronted by one woman, but by two.
This is the second single by Birmingham's (UK) Harpies, and I really don't know how to describe it. Some intricate guitar work and some fantastic vocals harmonies pave way for some aggressive, dual screaming similar in style to Raging Speedhorn if they had two women vocalists instead.
There's only a couple of tracks on here so it shouldn't cost that much to pick this up as it provides a great intro to the band. There's not much more I can say really other than if the rest of their forthcoming album is going to be anything like this then Harpies will definitely attract some interest.
Band: Harvyst
Album: Winter Demo (Acid Victim Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.harvyst.com
Rating: 7/10
Hailing from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Harvyst proclaims to be the world’s only industrial metal jam band. This proclamation proves true right from the beginning of their newest demo "Winter". The opening track, "Ergo" is a shamanistic journey into the mind's neurons. Harvyst masterfully utilizes the principles of industrial metal with drug reference samples bouncing from speaker to speaker, a fiery guitar and bass blend that sounds like a smoldering Three-Mile Island, a consistent pounding beat that is best heard behind a steel cage, and vocal effects that give off a primitive yet futuristic feeling. The jam band portion of the song comes near the end when Phish fan, Randy sets into motion his bongo set with the reckless release of an obsessed polytheist devotee.
The atmosphere created by the murky production and subtle, background keyboards are also elements for, to quote Suicidal Tendencies front man Mike Muir, "a trip to the brain". At first listen, the production values seem to blur each instrument, but after a couple minutes of listening, each instrument tends to blend into one cosmic layer, which when combined with the three-way vocal contribution from bassist Aaron, keyboardist Ian, and guitarist Collin creates an out of the body experience sensation.
"Mercury" exudes more of laid-back feeling with a slower pace and rain drop-like keyboard sounds. A voice sample that sounds like it came from the 60's keeps popping in throughout the song saying, "They depend on hallucination for their philosophy", probably reminding the listeners, if they aren't already, what they should be doing. This track sounds similar to material from Relapse’s Alchemist.
Harvyst is a band of seasoned musicians like Aaron Klamer, who has lent his bass playing skills to such Michigan metal acts as Seppuku, Erotic Funeral, and Zeitgeist. This being said, the talent is there, and a label like Earache or Relapse could easily embrace their style. Fans of Alchemist, Meet Hook Seed, Godflesh, OLD, and even Soulfly should check out this band. With more exposure and some lucre, fans of the above-mentioned bands will see Harvyst in local record stores across the country. Review by Darren Cowan
Band: Haste
Album: The Mercury Lift (Century Media)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.themercurylift.com
Rating: 7.5/10
OK, "The Mercury Lift" may be good and very diverse, but I did find it rather inconsistent, some of the songs don't blend in with each other and, to put it simply, I think I've heard one too many bands like this.
The production is excellent, I particularly liked how "up-front" all the instruments and vocals sounded, everything sounded in proportion and equal. Without doubt the best track is "A God Reclaims His Crown" with guest vocalist D. Randall Blythe of Lamb of God.
Although Metalcore isn't really my specialty, Haste are probably one of the best in the genre and this is going to go down well with fans and critics, and should get airplay in the States. To sum it all up, there were some interesting moments but most of the album seemed a bit over done. My advice is to borrow it from a friend before you buy it!
Band: Hatesphere
Album: The Killing E.P. (SPV)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.hatesphere.com
Rating: 8.5/10
I've been following HateSphere's progress for awhile now and it is good to see that they have progressed as musicians.
The Killing E.P. is their latest, a 4 song thrash metal stomper with plenty of passion for the genre. The vocalist is far more out of hand than ever before and has reinvented his patterns to a far stronger degree. The solos are better, the riffs are cooler, the drums are more inventive. If this is any indication where these Danes are heading, than we're all the better for it.
Can't wait to hear the upcoming full length. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Hatesphere
Album: Ballet of the Brute (Century Media)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.hatesphere.com
Rating: 7.5/10
Now this band is speaking my language - HateSphere is a Danish outfit schooling the modern thrash genre.
Last year’s sophomore release "Bloodred Hatred" honestly didn’t do much for me, but "Ballet of The Brute" packs a far greater punch. Think The Haunted, Carnal Forge and Corporation 187 meshed together with an even heavier flow of adrenaline. Nothing groundbreaking, but the riffs are in place and the groove is perfectly centered.
Toss in two hidden covers – one of Ozzy’s "Bark At The Moon" and the other of Anthrax’s (finest in my opinion) "Caught In A Mosh" and you got yourself a titan in waiting. Good shit. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Hatework
Album: Thrash N' Roll (Beer City Records)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 19.07.04)
Website: http://www.hatework.it
Rating: 6/10
Not much too say on this one.
Above average cookie-cutter mid 80’s thrash in the vain of Kreator, Destruction, Exodus and Motorhead. Generic vocals, decent riffs, straightforward song format with some nice solos. Kind of cool but I’d rather listen to "Bonded By Blood" any day.
Only for die-hards with an obsession to collect all that is 80’s. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Haunted, The
Album: rEVOLVEr (Century Media)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 18.10.04)
Website: http://www.the-haunted.com
Rating: 8.5/10
"rEVOLVEr" is the bands fourth studio album, and not only is it on new label, it also see's the return of original vocalist Peter Dolving.
I'm yet to hear the bands debut album, so I didn't know what to expect vocally. The album gets off to a furious start with "No Compromise" through the more melody orientated "Abysmal" and "All Against All" and the groovy "99". The return of Dolving adds a new dimension to things and the overall out come is a much more varied and diverse album than "One Kill Wonder", with it's combination of up-tempo and aggressive parts over to mid-tempo and mellower/clean vocal parts. It's still contains the classic Haunted sound, but they've built on it and have come up with some really interesting work.
You can definitely hear the progression on "rEVOLVEr", and I think it will open a lot of new things and ideas for future albums. It may different from their earlier work, but I think that this change had to be done sometime soon. The Haunted once again prove their ability and just exactly why they are one of the top European Thrash acts around at the moment.
Band: Haunted, The
Album: One Kill Wonder (Earache)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 17.02.03)
Website: http://www.the-haunted.com
Rating: 9/10
 |
This is the highly anticipated third album from the Swedish Grammy award winner The Haunted. The first thing you’ll notice when listening to this is that it is less melodic and catchy than "The Haunted Made Me Do It" ("Bury Your Dead", "Trespass"). The dual guitar riffs are ever present creating a heavy thrash almost death metal feel with modern day influences creating one of the most brutal, yet diverse, album so far. The "Gothenburg" groove is still there, making The Haunted one of the best in that category way ahead of all competitors. With a full world tour starting with a UK headline beginning February, there is no better time to find out why I’m so excited. |
Band: Headmeat
Album: Destructive Entitlement (Baphomet Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.headmeat.com
Rating: 8/10
Their name is Headmeat and their guitarist/vocalist is called "Shit Faced Cock Master"....
So as you see, we’re already on the right course. "Destructive Entitlement" is a four song E.P. that shows this Belgian death metal band scathing forth some mentally scarring death metal with elements across the board. Added in are nods of grind, doom and crust punk to add even further gangrene to the material. As for the death metal aspect think "Human" era Death, early Obituary and Blood Red Throne.
It’s a very strong offering that calls on death metal elements both modern and classic. Highly recommended! Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Headless Cross
Album: Burning Sanctuary (Self Released)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.headless-cross.co.uk
Rating: 9/10
Midlands based Headless Cross are a young band with an average age of just 19, yet there sound isn’t one of Metalcore or Emo like peers Trivium or fellow Brits and Metal Mayhem faves Evile. Their young age belies the fact that at there very heart is the sound of classic Metal and Thrash of the likes of Judas Priest, Metallica, Exodus and Iron Maiden...major bands to be compared to, but do the live up to it?
Musically the band are extremely talented, vocalist Dave Silvers sound like a cross between Dave Mustaine and Bruce Dickinson which is no bad thing and sounds great. The guitars of Dave and guitarist Jack Wilks are excellent. They have some great riffs and some nice thrash shredding. Drummer Chad Ingram adds a solid and suitably heavy backbeat, and adds some really impressive double kick work. Andy Stone’s bass adds a nice groove to the tracks with some nice little flourishes here and there.
The production, art, and packaging of the CD are as professional as the musicianship, the production in particular is excellent and has a nice clean sound. As for the tracks themselves opener "Elysium", kicks off at full speed with some nice chugging riffs and high speed thrashing as a statement of intent to open an album you couldn’t ask for more. Next song "Circle Of Madness" doesn't let up and continues with un relenting thrashing riffs and speed, if your head isn’t banging by now your probably dead! "Testament of the Deceiver" slows things down a bit and has the sound of classic early Metallica about it and allows the drums and bass center stage for the rhythm parts. "Binding Sorrow" is a haunting ballad but doesn’t sound weak or contrived in the way that "Fade to Black" or "My Last Serenade" don't and that to me is the sign of a good ballad.
Unbelievably these guys aren’t signed but you pick up a copy of this awesome piece of metal from their web site, Get a copy today you wont regret it! Joe Freeman
Band: Heathen
Album: Recovered (Relentless Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.heathenmetal.com
Rating: 4/10
What in the fuck is this?
Very weird, and sure to have 90% of the metal world running for the hills within the first minute and a half. Think Andromeda meets Love Machine Blue meets Rush meets Dream Theater meets Faith No More meets Night Ranger meets Iron Savior meets Mr. Bungle with an Exodus twist. It’s a weird power metal prog carnival mixed with "Sound Of White Noise" era Anthrax. This album is great for getting mad stoned and staring at the speakers in complete confusion. For the most part it’s unlistenable - this coming from a prog junkie as well.
It’s just too choppy and incoherent, but when they go for the jugular with straightforward metal it’s a decent result, kind of a "Caught in A Mosh" flair. Ok, I’m hurting, no more. Worth borrowing at the bare minimum. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Heaven Shall Burn
Album: Antigone (Century Media)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.heavenshallburn.com
Rating: 8.5/10
The hardcore revolution continues. A marriage between Lamb of God, Unearth, Killswitch Engage, In Flames, Shadows Fall and Chimaria.
These adrenaline fueled badasses hail from Germany and make a case for some much-needed attention. Technically advanced, hard rockin’, ass kickin’ madness prevails with memorable hooks, strong riffs, a tight rhythm section and a varied mix of songs that are all distinguishable.
I’m digging it and I hope you all get a chance to whirl this killer soon enough. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Heaven Shall Burn
Album: Antigone (Century Media)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 26.04.04)
Website: http://www.heavenshallburn.com
Rating: 7.5/10
Heaven Shall Burn's sound has drawn comparisons to such bands Earth Crisis, At The Gates and The Haunted, which cannot be bad.
I've never had the chance to check them out before, so if like me your new to them, imagine the heaviness and brutality of say, Hatebreed, add the dual guitar melodies and hooks that hail from Scandinavian bands and throw in a little Hardcore/Noisecore then you come pretty close to what they're about. The bands third album and first on Century Media, "Antigone" is an extremely aggressive and powerful album with amazing production work.
Although they dabble with a little melody and piano work, they play it safe and don't really take any chances or try anything new throughout the album, which is fine, but eventually their aggression became a little too much to hack towards the very end of the album.
Band: (hed) p.e.
Album: Back 2 Base X (Suburban Noize Records)
Year: 2006 (Release Date: 06.06.06)
Website: http://www.hedshop.com
Rating: 3/10
I've never been what you would call a "fan" of (hed) p.e., they're just not my cup of tea at all.
Unfortunately, The 13 tracks on "Back 2 Base X" is exactly how I remember them. They remind me of a softer Rage Against the Machine crossed with a less aggressive Body Count, only not as good. It's mainly rap metal, but there's also moments of Ska, Hip-Hop and Reggae. Lyrically, I'm not sure whether it's meant to be humorous, tongue-in-cheek stuff or it's meant to be serious.
At nearly 45 minutes, it's a long album when there aren't that many highlights. It didn't matter how many times I listened to it, I still came to the same conclusion...Bland, lacklustre and repetitive.
Band: Hell-Born
Album: Legacy of the Nephilim (Conquer Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.hellborndirect.com
Rating: 9/10
Hell-Born's 2002 release "The Call of Megiddo" was a good release, but "Legacy of the Nephilim" betters it.
They sound refreshed, revitalized and have "beefed" things up a bit, again if your into bands similar to Destruction, Sodom and Possessed, you'll enjoy this even more than the last, as the songs on this one never get repetitive or dull, they have definitely done their homework on this one and ironed out all the flaws with "The Call of Megiddo". If you've heard or have that album, you'll know exactly what I mean. All-in-all, there's nothing really fancy of flashy with this release, it's just rock solid primitive old school blackened death played mainly at a heavy mid-tempo pace, but there's plenty of blast-beats making an appearance throughout.
The production work is also top quality, personally this is Hell-Born's best release to date, musically and quality wise. There are plenty of bands making an appearance from Poland, which is slowly becoming a hotbed for aggressive music. Hell-Born are easily one of the best.
Band: Hell-Born
Album: The Call of Megiddo (Conquer Records)
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.hellborndirect.com
Rating: 8/10
Hell-Born consist of former members of Behemoth and Damnation, playing early 90’s style Black/Death Metal.
There music is described as classic, "rooty" arrangements and guitar riffs fulfilled with the old-time spirit meet a high quality sound production in a powerful, skull crushing mixture, which is sure to please fans of early Morbid Angel and Immolation, and anyone into satanic Black/Death Metal.
Overall an enjoyable listen in all, about Satan, death, destruction etc, if this was any longer , I feel the songs would start to get repetitive and loose their potency!
Band: HellBox
Album: Devileashed
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.hellbox.4-all.org
Rating: 9/10
Before I start, I have to comment on the very high standard of all things send to us, and Hellbox is no different.
| This, their third demo, will know surely make people stand up and take notice. Obvious Venom, Kreator & Sodom influences with Black Metal touches. |
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Band: Hellfueled
Album: Born II Rock (Black Lodge)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.hellfueled.com
Rating: 10/10
I have to be honest here. I review many CD's, some of which are from bands I've never heard of. Many of them, yeah, are good, but guaranteed, they will go into a pile and will never or rarely be listened to again. Hellfueled as far as I was concerned were going to be another one of those bands, but oh dear, how wrong I was!!!
Things kick of with a very Zakk Wylde inspired riff and, OH MY GOD! is that Ozzy singing? That's right, this could be them!, but not to the extent that they are blatant rip-offs. The album gets of to a great start, and them just goes from strength-to-strength right the way through, leaving that feeling of both amazement and joy at what's just been heard. Yes! "Born II Rock" really is that good! all 11 tracks are just so memorable. Guitarist Jocke Lundgren is straight from the Zakk Wylde school of quality. The guy effortlessly combines heavy riffs with scorching solos and squeals.
Fans of the "No More Tears" era Ozzy Osborne, Black Label Society and indeed the guitar style of Zakk Wylde, I urge you to go out and get this, I am that confident you will like this as much as I do. It's clear where Hellfueled are going, and if they continue like this, it would be an absolute atrocity if they don't go on to achieve much bigger things. Strong contender for the best album I've heard during 2005.
Band: Helloween
Album: Rabbit Don't Come Easy (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.helloween.org
Rating: 9/10
This is the follow up to 2000's extremely underrated "The Dark Ride". That album for me, was very unique which combined modern elements with the old Helloween style and Most of the lyrics have a somewhat dark element to them with a lot of depth and meaning.
Before the recordings for "Rabbit Don‘t Come Easy", there were many rumors about who would replace Roland Grapow (guitars) and Uli Kusch (drums). The band found the very talented Sascha Gerstner as their next guitarist, who wasted no time contributing to the band as he wrote the tracks "Open Your Life", "Sun 4 The World" and "Listen To The Flies" together with Andi Deris. The band then found Mark Cross as their new drummer, however Mark became ill with the Epstein Barr virus which incapacitated him. Since the band could not delay the recording of the new album, they found Mikkey Dee to play the drums in the studio. Mikkey did an excellent job in the studio for the band. Meanwhile, the band still needed to find a drummer who could join the band full time, and they finally found a guy named Stefan Schwarzmann (formerly of Running Wild and Accept) to take up the position.
Some of you may be pleased that "Rabbit Don't Come Easy" isn't anything at all like the previous album, losing that "dark" feeling and opting for a more happy, upbeat tempo with plenty of melody and catchy choruses. To put it simply, Helloween are one of the top power metal bands, yet again putting out a great album. This is an album that really puts you in a good mood!
Band: Helltrain
Album: Route 666 (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.helltrain.net
Rating: 9/10
Not usually what I'd listen to, but the more and more I listen to "Route 666", I find myself liking it more and more.
The album combines bands such as Misfits and the fun rock edge of say Andrew WK, but with a death metal style vocal, which creates an amazing combination and an impressive debut album. One of the first things you'll notice is how simplistic the tracks really are, but it works for them and the songs are pretty damn catchy. Interestingly, all of the members have a past in the Swedish black and death metal scene, which is a big change for them.
The clever use of the Hammond organ and leads that sit nicely in the background throughout the songs really creates some memorable songs. Death 'n' Roll is the perfect way to describe this, with Jimmy Pop from Bloodhound Gang says "It’s like Misfits but with an attitude!". Nuclear Blast have snapped up an impressive band here, and hopefully we'll be hearing more of them. A debut to remember which contains some original and exciting music that gets better and better with every listen.
Band: Helmet
Album: Size Matters (Interscope Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.helmetmusic.com
Rating: 3/10
When I was 13, long before Napster and still a newbie in the BMG/Columbia House scam, Helmet was the shit and I listened to "Meantime" religiously.
Even now, looking back, all that classic material still rocks. Of course Helmet fell apart towards the end, broke up for years and now "Size Matters" is Page Hamilton’s big comeback attempt. Sad to say the glory days are over. It’s hooky, it semi-resembles the elder work as far as textures are concerned, but Helmet have fallen in that "AudioRevolverVelvetSlave" trap where everything is safe and polished, no chances are taken. To top it all off, the vocals have gone Puddle of Creed. Size Matters is worse than bad – it’s mediocre.
I feel like my cool older brother finally cut his hair and went Born Again. Ugh. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Heretic, The
Album: Chemistry for the Soul (Xtreem Music)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.the-heretic.go.to
Rating: 7/10
Formed back in 1996 the Spain's The Heretic released their first MCD "The Book of Faith" in 1998, the debut album "Fallen from Heaven" in 1999 and the first issue of "Chemistry for the Soul" in 2002. After a lack of promotion by the label, the album soon dissapeared into oblivion, never to be heard again until now. After signing to the Spanish label Xtreem Music, they re-released "Chemistry for the Soul" this year with 5 additional live bonus tracks.
essentially, "Chemistry for the Soul" showcases a diverse, and very varied style of modern death and symphonic black metal with several other influences. The press sheet states that The Heretic should appeal the fans of such bands as early Covenant, early Arcturus, Emperor and even Dissection and At The Gates, some maybe, especially Arcturus, but Emperor and Dissection I can't really see.
"Chemistry for the Soul" is a fairly complex listen with many hidden styles and influences. You really have to listen closely to really appreciate "The Heretic", which is something I just couldn't get into fully. If your into the more modern side of black metal, there maybe some interesting stuff on here for you, but if it's purely old school your after, look elsewhere.
Band: Himinbjorg
Album: Golden Age (Adipocere Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://membres.lycos.fr/himinbjorg
Rating: 6.5/10
Himinbjorg are a highly rated band in the French pagan metal scene and return with their fourth album, which is apparently their best work to date.
Essentially, contained on "Golden Age" is hints heavy metal, folk and a bit of progression all based on a Viking metal standpoint. There's isn't really anything wrong as such, in fact they are very good but I found the tracks tend to drag on a bit to long. There is only seven tracks on here that last for just over 35 minutes, but listening to it, the album seems much longer.
There is a lot of experimentation on here, the mixture of harsh black metal and clean chanted vocals and the guitar melodies, some which work and some that doesn't but I admire the band for trying something different. Himinbjorg seem to be a very competent band and can construct good original songs, but they lack that something extra that separates the good bands from the great bands.
Band: Hirax
Album: The New Age of Terror (Mausoleum Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.hirax.org
Rating: 9/10
It's always good to see old bands making a come back, especially when they are as good as Hirax.
With several splits/demo's/12" etc under their belt, as well as a slot on the renowned Metal Massacre compilation, and two other early Earache and Metal Blade compilations, their last full length album was way back in 1987, to which I believe is very, very rare. With the returns of Exodus and Death Angel, Hirax are another band you should add to your list of thrash greats. Straight from the off, you taken back to a time when Flotsam & Jetsam, Forbidden, Exodus, Vio-lence and a few other of the big boys ruled the roost.
Early 80's Thrash is what their all about and they never for one second sound dull, out-dated or rusty. It's probably not as good as the Exodus comeback earlier this year, but it's damn close. Technical and full of razor sharp riffs, all rounded off by a great vocals performance courtesy of Katon W De Pena make "The New Age of Terror" a truly great slice of Thrash that doesn't sound out of place when compared to the big albums of that era. Try not to make us wait for a nothing 17 or so years for the next one hey guys?
Band: Hollywood High feat. Glitter Rose
Album: Embrace the Sin (Self-Released)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.hollywoodhigh69.com
Rating: 6.5/10
Now this isn't really my sort of thing, but I have to give it to the stunning young front-woman Glitter Rose, she really knows how to pen a catchy song.
Imagine Blondie fronting Guns N' Roses or Motley Crue, then you have an idea of what Hollywood High are about. At only 18, her sexy groove and songwriting has transformed her into an artist who has plenty of things going for her. Hollywood High already pack venues with their in your face vocals and jamming live shows.
"Embrace the Sin" is only the bands first release, I'm not sure whether it's a demo or their first EP, but it is of very high quality which is sure to get the band noticed. If it’s high energy, guitar driven, powerful rock ‘n roll you’re looking for, give Hollywood High a listen.
Band: Hoods
Album: Pray for Death (Victory Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.sactohoods.com
Rating: 9/10
Hoods have been around for over a decade now, and how they have managed to get passed me I just don't know. This has to be one of the hardest hardcore albums I have heard in a long while, I will even go as far as putting it on par with Hatebreed's "Perseverance".
With their drop-D tuning and pile driver bass drum, all fourteen of the tracks hit you hard, I can just imagine how great the live gigs must be. With song titles such as "Bastard", "I Hate You", "Pray for Death" and "Heroin Sick" you can pretty much guess its an aggressive album from start to finish, absolute must for fans of Agnostic Front, Madball, Hatebreed and Cro-Mags.
The band as a whole are great, vocalist Ben Garcia is one pissed of guy, the rhythm section of drummer Navene Koperweis and bassist Mario Maynor are amongst the heaviest I have heard, and the way guitarist Mike Hood churns out riff after riff, none of them ever sounding similar. The album may be a short one I agree (clocking in at just over 25 minutes), but if you like one song, you will like them all. There are no standout tracks as they are all as good as each other. If your a fan of hardcore then add this to your collection immediately.
Band: Horna
Album: Envaatnags Eflos Solf Esgantaavne (Woodcut records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.legion-horna.com
Rating: 9/10
Monstrous black metal that keeps solid it's intent on the importance of the killer satanic death riff.
With Horna we get echoes of everyone from Mayhem to Carpathian Forest, Winter of Apokalypse to Thy Serpent, Dark Fortress to Taake. This is pure worship to Horna's influences while tacking on their own twists and turns. The songs are generally long with plenty of room to let the riffs breath and take their own menacing leads. The drums aren't crazy blast heavy. This is all live recording, a lot of mid-tempo work. But damn is it great to find a black metal band that gets the perfect head-banging groove on.
A modern BM band with some actual, bonefide tunes for once. Highly recommended, the sleeper BM hit of the year!!! Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Human Factor
Album: Unleashed (Mausoleum Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.humanfactorband.com
Rating: 6.5/10
Thrashy and powerful, Human Factor are easily labeled as being lovers of bands such as Yngwie J. Malmsteen's Rising Force, Judas Priest and Helloween from the onset. Thin production causes the tracks to lose a bit of the heft they more than likely carry in a live situation, but the leads cut through the mix like a four hundred degree knife.
Certainly, this group has a great bit of chops, as evidenced on standout cuts like "Sky Warning" and "We Are More", but two factors keep Human Factor from coming off as truly stellar on this release. First being, that aforementioned lack of punch in the mix and secondly being the band's tendency to become a touch too wrapped up in themselves for their own good.
Still, this is a good effort that will be most appreciated by other musicians, especially those with a keen fondness for the throwback innocence of classically-inspired eighties metal thunder. Review by Erin Fox
Band: Human Mincer
Album: Devoured Flesh (Xtreem Music)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.humanmincer.com
Rating: 7.5/10
Second album from this Spanish quartet.
"Devoured Flesh" is a decent album, simple as! Its Brutal, fairly technical, has plenty of tempo changes and groovy mid-paced chugging that really gets your head nodding. But then again, with so many other bands out there that are doing the same thing, you have to ask yourself whether your happy with another Death Metal band in your collection, or if you are looking for that something a little bit extra.
If your into Death Metal, "Devoured Flesh" is one of those albums that isn't essential, but on the other hand, won't disappoint either.
Band: Hyades
Album: Abuse Your Illusions (Mausoleum Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.hyadesmetal.com
Rating: 8.5/10
Italy is not a place thrashers usually picture when thinking about classic Thrash bands. Hyades would like to change that perception with their latest release of thrashing goodness, "Abuse Your Illusions". The said album is a tour-de force of head-kicking mosh grooves that will make you and your jean-jacketed friends do ‘The Toxic Waltz.” If you are fan of classic thrash, you won't be able to control your hand from rolling into a fist that pumps back and forth to the catchy, crunchy rhythms. Nor will you have any control of your neck as it snaps back and forth to chugging riffs and gritty gallops. Marco Colombo's vocals sound as if they were spawned from the DNA of Exodus' Steve Souza and Destruction's Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer. Much of the guitar style recalls a mixture of the two Thrash legends. "Liars" shows guitarist Marco Negonda moving back and forth on his fret board in classic Destruction style. The aggressively sung chorus is damn similar to Exodus' ‘War is my Shepard.'
While Destruction and Exodus are the two bands in the foreground, many other styles and band play an influence in "Abuse Your Illusions". The GNR pun-heavy title alone says the band has a sense of humor, and combined with old school crossover moments, it is evident this band is a fan of Anthrax. The band photo featuring drummer Mauro De Brasi sporting an Anthrax t-shirt, flowery jam shorts, and a skate board reaffirms their devotion to one of the four 80s Thrash Titans. He looks like Joey Belladona in a picture from "Antisocial". If he were wearing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle jams, you would swear this was an Anthrax photo. Also like Anthrax, the group focuses on social topics like war, hatred, and backstabbing friends. State of the ruined world lyrics and melodic, mini-solos on "Picture of a World" takes a cue from another of Germany's Thrash giants, Kreator. Other parts of the album show a definite NWOBHM influence. The biggest surprise of "Abuse Your Illusions" is the group's Thrash version of The Beastie Boys' "Fight for Your Right". The guitars are louder, heavier, and infinitely more metallic than the original high school party anthem. Hyades does a terrific job making this track their own without shaming the original. Genius!
"Abuse your Illusions" is a masterpiece of throwback metal, recalling some of the world's greatest Thrash bands at their creative peak. Only a small portion of the world's die-hard thrashers have been lucky enough to see this band play in Italy supporting classic metal bands like Virgin Steel, Manilla Road and Helstar. A stint on Europe's summer festival stages, mini-Euro tour and some festivals in the U.S. would surely have metal fans all over the world chanting "HYADES"! Review by Darren Cowan
Band: Hypocrisy
Album: Virus (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.hypocrisy.tv
Rating: 9/10
For those of you that wrote them off a while back, prepare to be amazed.
"Virus" is a glorious return to form, something which I was not expecting at all. I can't recall the last time I heard them sounding so fresh, and up for it. This new breath of fresh air could be due the inclusion of long time touring guitarist Andreas Holma and Immortal sticksman Horgh, who does an amazing job with the drums. The fantastic aggressive, dark riffery simply has to be heard. I could easily just babble on about this album for ages, but I won't. To put it simply, if you're a long time fan of Hyprocrisy and was dissapointed with their last four or five albums due to the change of direction of whatever you want to call it, Hypocrisy of old are back!
A great listen from start to finish, which will have fans of old rejoycing, It really has everything, its melodic yet aggressive, groovy, full-on and fast paced which wont let you catch your breath for one second. Highly Recommended!
Band: Hypocrisy
Album: The Arrival (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 16.02.04)
Website: http://www.hypocrisy.tv
Rating: 8/10
As with their previous album "Catch 22", I really do think that Hypocrisy will receive quite a bit of criticism from the old-school fans of the band, which it doesn't deserve at all.
I did get "Catch 22" when it cam out and after a few listens, it quickly fell towards the bottom of the pile. The album was both uninspiring and unremarkable. So, how does it compare to "The Arrival", luckily this is 10 times better. With the exception of a couple of tracks, I really do think that the older Hypocrisy fans faith in the band maybe reinstalled. There are still little modern touches, but from what I've heard of the bands older albums, "The Arrival" has a similar sound, there are even low guttural vocals appearing now and again.
"The Arrival" is more like the albums "Abducted" and "Hypocrisy" than it is "Catch 22" so there are going to be a lot of relieved fans. "The Arrival" is a great slab on melodic death, this however is coming from someone who has never been a big follower of Hypocrisy, it's going to be interesting to see what long time fans will say.
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