Band: Kaos
Album: Kaos Among Us (Self-Release)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.kaosamongus.com
Rating: 9/10

Bay Area Thrashers Kaos have been getting some great reactions lately and have gained some excellent reviews amongst the press, so the arrival of their new full-length "Kaos Among Us" was the ideal time to delve into why?

Kaos successfully blend hardcore with thrash to create a style very similar to Stampin Ground's "A New Darkness...", great riffs, technical lead work, blazing percussion and all with a real energy to create an exceptional album. There is also plenty of variety during the album which keeps things interesting throughout. There's not much more to say really other than I can see why they've been getting some amazing reactions, a heavy, hard working band that really deserves to be known

You can tell when albums are just thrown together, and you can tell when albums have been placed together and actually worked on, which is exactly what we have here. It would be a crime if Kaos didn't progress onto much bigger things. One of the best self-releases I've heard in a while.

Band: Kataklysm
Album: In the Arms of Devastation (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2006 (Release Date: 24.02.05)
Website: http://www.kataklysm.net
Rating: 8/10

"In The Arms Of Devastation" is the 8th album from the Canadian extreme metallers, it’s quite a hard album to define in terms of genre, its thrash, its death, its heavy and brutal yet melodic. All I can say for sure is that it’s extreme metal, its powerful and its pretty good stuff! Having released a series of albums of varied styles in their 15 year career from thrash, grind, technical, death they remain in the purest form an out and out metal band.

It’s no great departure from their last album "Serenity In Fire", it has heavy brutal songs with melodic elements, although not in the European style of melodic death metal, this is more traditional death mixed with added groove. Having said "Serenity in Fire" was a great album, "In The Arms Of Devastation" improves on that especially in the drum parts, with the inclusion of new drummer Max Duhamel. It’s also nice to hear some guitar solos on a Kataklysm record for a change on "Open Scars", and "The Road To Devastation". While this is not as fast or brutal as the previous album what they have lost in speed and brutality they have made up for in song writing and playing.

As I said before this is a really powerful album not straight up dark and evil like black metal or gory and grinding like death metal. Sure some songs like "Like Angels (Weeping The Dark)" and the slowed down grinding of "Crippled and Broken" are pretty heavy and brutal, but there are also nice melodic touches especially on the duet "It Turns To Rust" with Kittie singer Morgan Lander.

All in all I would say this is Kataklysm’s best album to date. If you like Death or thrash or any form of extreme metal I would recommend this album totally. Review by Joe Freeman

Band: Kataklysm
Album: Serenity in Fire (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 08.03.04)
Website: http://www.kataklysm.net
Rating: 8.5/10

Although well-known, I've never picked up a Kataklysm album, so "Serenity in Fire" is a great place for me to start.

I'd heard good things about the band, but I was not prepared for what was about to hit me. Kataklysm are like a breath of fresh air, and, if like me you've become a little board of some of the death metal releases lately, "Serenity in Fire" is a great album for you to pick up. The great thing about Kataklysm, are although they are extremely brutal, the are also elements of melody which breaks up the insanity now and again. Moving onto the drumming, to call them blast-beats would be an understatement, try hyper-blasts and then you're a little closer to the speeds this guys gets to, they have to be heard to be believed. What goes on during the 10 tracks is just total mayhem, luckily there are plenty of tempo changes and slow, heavy riffing to break things up a bit otherwise things would just get too crazy.

I've heard plenty of devastating albums in my time, but they tend to be a little unmemorable, not with this though, the added "modern" touches which is fairly "catchy" at times really make things interesting. If you were to buy only one death metal album this year, "Serenity in Fire" would definitely be one I'd recommend.

Band: Kataplexia
Album: Catastrophic Scenes (Xtreem Music)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.kataplexia.com
Rating: 3/10

How could a band that plays a style somewhat rare in its country still sound so generic? Finland's Kataplexia does it by creating music that is neither memorable nor original. In the late 90s', brutal death metal and gore grind was done to death (ignore the pun). In the U.S., every extreme metal festival was over populated with Cookie Monster vocals and fecal-sludge produced death metal bands, so when a band like Kataplexia puts out an album of this sort, it is hard to get hard over it.

Fans that can't get enough guttural vocals and brutal, face-smashing grooves are sure to revel in "Catastrophic Scenes". There are plenty of unrelenting breakdowns, speed, and sick fuck vocals. Also, the album has a bonus video track for those with a PC at home. However, the constant buzzing speed of the guitars and the distant, unintelligible vocals seem to make every melt into a cornucopia of sludge. The drum sound is weak, sounding as if he is hitting a tin can. All these factors and the lack of catchy rhythms make for one mediocre-at-best death metal album. Review by Darren Cowan

Band: Katatonia
Album: The Great Cold Distance (Peaceville)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.katatonia.com
Rating: 9.5/10

Looking for something upbeat and cheery? Well you're not going to find it here I'm afraid.

"The Great Cold Distance" is the seventh studio album by the masters of all things cold, dark and depressing. There's just something about Katatonia that never fails to impress, whatever they do, they never seem to put a foot wrong. This album see's a natural progression from "Viva Emptiness", it's a little more darker and drearier and it also has very modern touch to it which, all-in-all surpasses anything they did on their previous album. "Viva Emptiness" was great, but this just goes that one step further. There are plenty of highlights and standout points on the album, but one particular favorite is the first single "My Twin", it's more mainstream than anything else on the album, but it's just a fantastic song (you can watch the "My Twin" video HERE).

Just why Katatonia aren't huge is beyond me...!!! When it comes to melancholy, is there any band out there that can match them in terms of sheer quality? I think not!

Band: Katatonia
Single: My Twin (Peaceville)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.katatonia.com
Rating: 7.5/10

This is the first single taken from their brand new album, "The Great Cold Distance" out next month (review to follow)

This is a great little package, and a nice accompaniment to the album. Not only do you get the track "My Twin", you also get the Opium Dub Version of it, and two new songs, "Displaced" and "Dissolving Bonds". No real change of direction, or nothing surprising to be found on here, just a few quality Katatonia tracks to whet your appetite for the new album.

It's maybe a little more modern sounding that previous albums, but I still can't get enough of their complex and depressing dark sound. If this is anything to go by, the new alum should be incredible.

Band: Katatonia
Album: Viva Emptiness (Peaceville)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 24.03.03)
Website: http://www.katatonia.com
Rating: 9/10

The mighty Katatonia return with their sixth studio album titled "Viva Emptiness". Personally, I feel "Viva emptiness" carries on from "Last Fair Deal Gone Down", it’s similar in some terms but this is a lot darker than the last couple of albums, but maybe not as melodic. You can feel the sadness, gloom, loneliness and depression in every song which makes you appreciate the time and effort that went into this album, as every song has something to offer and never feels as its just a filler. For fans that were unhappy with the change of direction of the band, probably since "Tonight’s Decision" this carries on in that same vein, and isn’t really going to cheer any of you up by the change. As a fan of all Katatonia material, this is a lot more experimental with samples and keyboards and I rank this very highly. Katatonia are without doubt one of the best bands around at the moment, and this just builds on that reputation. They are still instantly recognizable, never sit in one category and for me, haven’t let me down and I hope others feel like this. A masterpiece by a great band.

Band: Kaura
Album: Kaura EP (Self Released)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.kaura.com
Rating: 8.5/10

Oh Man! If this EP is just a taster of things to come, I predict big things lurking not too far in the distance for these guys!

Labeling these guys simply as just "Rock" doesn't give them the credit they deserve. Kaura try new things and the outcome is just brilliant, they combine the aggressive power of hard, yet melodic rock with the haunting and ethereal sounds of ancient instruments. I've got no idea what the actual instruments are, but they sound great blended in, which results in a really expansive depth of sound.

At times there are hints of A Perfect Circle, Tool and maybe even QOTSA, but the majority is their own creative ideas, which leads to a really unique listening experience. It's nice to hear a band that actually try's to be different! One to definitely watch!

Band: Keen of the Crow
Album: Premonition (Independent)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.myspace.com/keenofthecrow
Rating: 8/10

"Premonition" is an excellent title for a band’s initial effort. In the case of Keen of the Crow, the title is also a companion to the morbid history of the crow due to the superstitions attached to this scavenging bird, so the word "Premonition" adds to the supernatural aura surrounding the band's name. Sometimes a band's cover art, name, and song titles are no indication of what the band has to offer, That is not the case with this dark Californian five-piece group.

In some cultures, the crow is a symbol of death—an emissary of the dead—so the best form of music to represent this gloomy topic is doom metal. Keen of the Crow knows doom metal quite well with bassist Justin Christian and drummer Rhett Davis being former members of the ex-Relapse doom cult, Morgion. Fans of the first two full-length Morgion albums "Among Majestic Ruin" and "Solinari" should be excited to know that KOTC does not stray too far from the mystical path of their former band. KOTC follows much of the same formula utilizing monumental chord sequences with sordid tones, speaker blowing bass slaps, savage death growls, and mellifluous melodic interludes.

"Nightbringer", the album's opening track, begins where Morgion's "Cloaked in Ages, Crowned in Earth" left off with epic lifting guitar notes and controlled, clean vocals. The melancholy tone leers into an even slower swagger when the guitar’s electricity is turned off in favor of acoustics. The acoustics give a false sense of tranquility, fore the pace picks up to a mammoth, medium stride and Dan Ochoa's vocals take a raucous turn. The opening heavy verse is comparable to the glum death chords produced by Opeth, but soon the band shows its peripatetic ways with a victorious feeling, stop-n-start rhythm. Davis never showed this side in his former band, nor did he and his former band show their affinity for Celtic Frost (at least not on a proper release) as KOTC does so well on "Speaker of the Suns". Davis and Arthur take a riff from the "To Mega Therion" days and slow it down, tune it down, further warp it by bending their strings just a little longer, then add a second guitar harmony.

"Premonition" was hailed as a perfectly fitting album title in the beginning of this review. A closer look at KOTC’s arrangements shows "Premonition" may be a deceiving title. Due to some of the members’ former musical creations, "Premonition" may give off preconceived notions about what this band is supposed to sound like. Those assumptions prove wrong after a couple of minutes of the first track. "Premonition", however, does send a clear vision of what is to come. Review by Darren Cowan

Band: Kegcharge
Album: Sadistic War Glory (Hardcore Holocaust)
Year: 2004
Website: N/A
Rating: 7/10

Starting off with some banal Bush rhetoric cut and paste in usual Ministry fashion, Kegcharge than blasts into hardcore punk battering ram more.

It never really lets up. Once again, a generic HC album thats straight tot he vein but is so raw it can't be denied. For fanatics only. Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: Khold
Album: Morne Gravers Kammer (Candlelight Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.khold.com
Rating: 4/10

Being somewhat a fan of "Phantom" and "Masterpiss of Pain" I found it quite surprising how incredibly lazy and uninspired "Morne Gravers Kammer" happens to be.

Khold went from lethal black metal to boring nu-metalish goth rock in the span of one year. All but two of the ten tracks drag ass and are mid-tempo bullshit that is unnecessarily long. The guitar riffs are almost exclusively terrible – even when they kick into Marduk mode and try to go full speed they still fizzle.

Fuck it, I’m sick of writing about it. Burn it out of curiosity but prepare to be robbed by that mail order. Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: Killaman
Album: Killaman (Displeased Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.killaman.net
Rating: 7/10

Forming back in 2002 and featuring members of Insision, Deranged, Reclusion and Murder Corporation, "Killaman" is the bands first offering of pummeling Death/Thrash.

From the off the band pay no attention to speed limits or melody, hyper fast riffing and blasts throughout with very little tempo change. Whilst they are both fast and brutal, things tend to get a little dull as the album progresses. Probably the best comparisons are a cross between Slayer's fastest works and bands like Dew-Sentenced, only more aggressive.

If you enjoy the very aggressive, thrashy side of death metal, Killaman may well be a band worth checking out. Nothing overly technical, and certainly nothing epic, but they know all about brutality and aggression.

Band: Killer
Album: Immortal (Mausoleum Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.4-killer.com
Rating: 8/10

"Immortal" is not only the bands 6th studio alum, it also marks their 25th anniversary.

Adored by a myriad of loyal fans all over the world, and loathed by just as many scathing critics, Killer have been dubbed a "Poor Man's Continental Motorhead". Don't let that put you off though, Killer are flying the flag for 80's Heavy Metal, especially NWOBHM pioneers such as Saxon and Iron Maiden. However, its the use of keyboards (sometimes quite prominent) that sets them apart from everyone else. Another dodgy cover too, but hey!, it wouldn't be a Killer album without a dodgy cover.

It's got to be said that "Immortal" is a damn fine listen. From the fast, driving openers "Immortal" and "Frozen Fire - Burning Ice" onto the more keyboard driven "Stone Cold" through the Celtic influenced "Highland Glory" and onto "Liquid Shadows", which appears to be a piano based ballad only to break into a full-on double bass driven hard rocker. If you like a bit of traditional Heavy Metal, look no further!

Band: Killswitch Engage
Album: The End of Heartache (Roadrunner Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.killswitchengage.com
Rating: 6.5/10

It’s become a standard rule of thumb that anytime Roadrunner Records puts out an excellent debut, the sophomore jinx almost always takes effect.

Killswitch Engage have thankfully avoided that trap with a worthy follow up that unfortunately falls short of its predecessor. "The End of Heartache" shows the boys back up to their old tricks although far restricted. The diversity just isn’t there and the material is more narrow-minded, sticking to a proven formula and not budging except for the occasional Swedish death metal nod. There is a far greater deal of singing as well. It’s not as pissed off as "Alive or Just Breathing", "The End of Heartache" is reflective and rocking. There are a handful of standout tracks but a lot of it just kind of melds together.

A word to Killswitch – don’t get too comfortable. Lose the innovation and you’re through! Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: Kingsize Blues
Album: Live Fast and Die (Anticulture Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.kingsizeblues.com
Rating: 8.5/10

Damn Right!!!! Prepare for an immense aural assault! and the best thing about it is, they're from the UK.

I can't remember the last time I was this excited about a British band, they could easily stand up against the elite from the US, but let's take it one step at a time though right? Their Maiden-esque dual leads with hardcore aggression and break-downs and neck-breaking thrashy riffs is just a pleasure to listen to. Imagine if Stampin' Ground were a little more melodic and had dual guitar leads and it's pretty close to what you can expect. Vocally they are intense as well, severely pissed off screams with a nice accompanying guttural roar to back things up. Kingsize Blues are all in their early 20's and have a very, very bright future ahead of them. They could easily make it to the forefront of the UK extreme music scene.

If you like your music loud, fast and heavy, be sure to check out Kingsize Blues! Why Oh Why is this only 4 tracks long, I need more dammit! 

Band: Klimt 1918
Album: Undressed Momento (My Kingdom Music)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.klimt1918.com
Rating: 9/10

After leaving their previous progressive death metal band named Another Day, brothers Marco and Paolo Soellner formed Klimt 1918 back in 2000.

The pair decided to follow a new musical path and took influences ranging from the likes of Katatonia, Opeth, Novembre as well as bands like The Cure, Depeche Mode and Tears for Fears, to create an absolutely classic album. "Undressed Momento" is probably the best thing I have heard come from Italy for a while, it's interesting, moving, atmospheric and above all original.

With their elegant melodies and melancholy atmospherics, I think that Klimt 1918 is definitely a band that musical fans of all genres could listen to and enjoy. "Undressed Momento" isn't the heaviest thing I've heard, in fact it has a lot of 80's pop feel to it, which works well with the intricate guitar and the melodious vocal work from Marco Soellner . Great album from a truly unique band.

Band: Knight, Michael
Album: Mechanica Diablo (KM Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.kmrecords.com
Rating: 8/10

I've got many guitar albums (Satriani, Vai etc) but what I was lacking was a real "heavy" solo album, dark and evil sounding, something original.

When "Mechanica Diablo" arrived, it turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. 13 tracks of quite eerie, creepy excursion into darkness. First, I must point out that this album is not easy listening as it is quite unusual as far as guitar albums go, there is no shredding as fast as possible through the songs, or no wild leads, it's quite slow moving, (in a good way!) heavy, lots of rhythms and is almost like a journey through the album . The first half of the album is great, but towards the end the songs loose some of their potency.

There are lots to listen to on the album, some of you may get it, some of you may just scratch your head and wonder what the hell you've just listened to, all in all, an original guitarist and an original album with well constructed songs that show his talent without showing off.

Band: KO Kaine
Album: Accelarator (Casket Music)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.ko-kaine.com
Rating: 4/10

If K.O. Kaine were intentionally going for a stripped-down, simple approach, they would be better off to follow the path laid out by their label mates Everything For Some. For reasons unknown, their bottom heavy alt-rock sound turns up being decidedly uninspiring through much of "Accelerator".

Whiny, complaining vocals and patently simple approach performance-wise ensures you'll be nodding off by the third track. A demo-quality production ambience doesn't help matters much either. A bit of practice and a larger studio budget are definitely in order here.

Copro Records is experiencing a severe quantity above quality problem here. Will someone please ask them to stop releasing so many records by groups that are simply not ready for prime-time and duly concentrate on the handful of great acts on their roster instead? Wait a minute, I just did. Review by Erin Fox

Band: Kotipelto
Album: Coldness (Century Media)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 26.04.04)
Website: http://www.kotipelto.com
Rating: 8.5/10

If you've been wondering what the former Stratovarius front man has been up to since his departure...well, here's the answer.

The follow-up to 2002's "Waiting for the Dawn", Kotipelto once again is on fine form and again has a very impressive band behind him featuring members of Children of Bodom, Stratovarius, Symphony X, Thunderstone and Tunnelvision, so, as you can probably guess, it's not just your average backing group. Going solo, Timo Kotipelto can write songs that suit his voice best, and he can do what he likes, where as with Stratovarius, the majority were written by Tolki, some of them didn't bring out the best of Kotipelto which isn't the case anymore. 

I personally rank Timo Kotipelto highly as a vocalist and if you like Stratovarius, this is a little heavier but you'll know what to expect. Basically if your looking for a solid traditional Power/Heavy Metal album, you could do a lot worse than pick this up, especially with the inclusion of so many notable musicians.

Band: Kottak
Album: Therupy (Escapi Music)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.krunkland.com
Rating: 5/10

Formerly known as Krunk, Kottak are a poppy/punk band based around Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist Jimmy Ratchitt (also known as Scorpions Drummer, James Kottak).

Completing the line-up is Rev Jones of MSG fame on bass, Guitarist Dave Whiston and Tommy Lee’s younger sister, Anathema Kottak on drums. The band describe themselves as "Cheap Trick meets Green Day, on a bad day", which is a spot on description of what to expect on "Therupy". There are a couple of decent covers on here, the Scorpions' "Holiday" and Cyndi Lauper's "Money Changes Everything" but really, the album is fun for about 10 minutes before it starts getting repetitive.

Not really my cup of tea, but if you like poppy, sing-a-long punk, check them out.

Band: Kreator
Album: Enemy of God (Steamhammer/SPV)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 17.01.05)
Website: http://www.kreator-terrorzone.de
Rating: 10/10

Well, well, here's a name that I haven't heard in a long while.

The follow-up to 2001's "Violent Revolution" was recorded and mixed at Backstage Studios in Derbyshire, England with producer Andy Sneap, and has been described by Front man Mille as "pure brutal thrash! Tons of fast shit, sick solos and agro riffing". For those who like to know everything, Arch Enemy guitarist Michael Amott makes a guest appearance on lead guitar on the track "Murder Fantasies". I've always been a fan of Kreator, but as of late I haven't really heard much from the thrash Titans, so, could "Enemy of God" provide that push that I needed. I still consider "Endless Pain" one of the great thrash albums that I've had the pleasure of listening to, but wait till you get a load of this. I've been listening to this fro the past month or so, and it just gets better and better. You've got a short wait until it's released, but the Thrashers are going to love this, the album has a perfect mix of aggression, melody and technicality.

The album is just massive, it took one listen to get me hooked, in fact it took about three songs and I just knew the rest was going to be amazing. This is usually the point where I try to find something that I don't like, and, well, there just isn't any at all. I could easily sit here and just praise it non-stop, but I can probably guess that you've got the gist of things and you're just about to pre-order it. This will get Thrash off to the greatest start possible in 2005, and here's to hopefully a good year for Thrash in general.

Band: Krieg
Album: The Black House (Red Stream)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.destructionritual.com/
Rating: 6/10

This is a concept album attempting to purge the demons in Imperial’s head by musically expressing "The Black House" – a tormenting labyrinth on horrors that forever plagues him through his dreamscapes (feel you there 100% buddy).

However it is nothing radically different from the U.S. black metal militant droning sound, still jam-packed with the rapid-fire monotone kick drum/snare rape and a basic one or two riff guitar range per selection. The Krieg I have heard preceding this disc is similar, so no huge jumps in format except for a half-ass cover of the Velvet Underground classic "Venus In Furs". Although it is a good attempt it just doesn’t work with the raspy blackened vocals over saturated with echo effects.

The last track is "Rooms", a departure from the other material as well – this one’s straightforward instrumental Bethlehem worship. Listen before you buy it. Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: Krisiun
Album: Bloodshed (Century Media)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.krisiun.com.br
Rating: 9/10

If you can count on one band to release a brutal death metal album, it's Brazil's Krisiun.

It may not be a new full-length album, but it does feature no less than 8 brand-new tracks (incl. 3 intros/outros) that show a different side of the band when compared to last years "Works of Carnage". It also includes four re-mastered tracks of their rare "Unmerciful Order" MCD, which was originally released in 1993. The eight new tracks are more slower and primitive, and lack any real speed when compared to previous work, which is going to surprise, but NOT disappoint.

Despite a total playing-time of 40 minutes, "Bloodshed" will be available for the fan-friendly price of a mid-priced CD, so there's no reason at all not to check out one of THE best death metal bands around!

Band: Krisiun
Album: Works of Carnage (Century Media)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 22.09.03)
Website: http://www.krisiun.com.br
Rating: 8.5/10

Krisiun are a band that I rate very highly, and with "Works of Carnage", the band have crafted another one hell of an album.

Over 30 minutes, and 12 tracks of total chaos, destruction and aggression. The vocals are brutal yet decipherable, the technical fretwork courtesy of Moyses Kolesne is amongst the best I've heard on a death metal album, especially the wild solo's, and the drumming, well, what can I say? how this guy carries on at breakneck speeds for so long is beyond me, he must have tree trunk size arms and legs by now. The track "War Ritual" has convinced me that this guy has to be one of the fastest drummers ever, the track is basically a drum solo which sounds like an army firing machine guns, it has to be heard to be believed.

Although "Works of Carnage" is great, I do have to admit they have got the timing spot on, because if it was any longer I can image it would start to get a bit repetitive. Excluding the outro, they round things up with a great cover of Venom's "In League with Satan", they haven't changed it that much, but they have added their own aggression to it. It is now my mission to see Krisiun live!

Band: Kronos
Album: Colossal Titan Strife (Xtreem Music)
Year: 2004
Website: http://kronosbrutaldeath.free.fr
Rating: 9.5/10

Kronos's latest album "Colossal Titan Strife" is easily amongst the best Death Metal albums I have heard, and proves once again that France is becoming a hotbed for extreme music.

Formed way back in 1994, "Colossal.." is only their second album, and follow up to 2001's "Titan's Awakening". There albums maybe few and far between, but this album is an absolute classic. The concept of the album is once more directed towards Greek mythology, and speaks about the fights to the death for the world domination and the absolute power opposing the Titans lead by Cronos against the Olympic Gods headed by Zeus. 

11 tracks and 43 minutes of top quality brutal death metal. Low guttural vocals with some screeching backing and some fantastic, aggressive drum work. There is little melody amongst the ultra heavy, technical riffs which although brutal, is very catchy, similar to bands like Aborted and Severe Torture. There is also hints of American death acts like Cryptopsy and Monstrosity going on which all-in-all creates a truly great album. One listen is all it will take for you to get hooked. Only time will tell, Kronos will conquer!

Band: Kulick, Bruce
Album: Transformer
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.kulick.net
Rating: 7.5/10

Former Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick returns with this latest solo album, Transformer. You'd be forgiven in thinking that there isn't going to be anything more than just a guy showing off his guitar skills, that couldn't be more wrong, this is a solid, catchy hard rock album.

Bruce Kulick is no stranger to great Rock and Roll, after starting his professional career playing with Meatloaf on the seminal Bat out of Hell tour and working with Billy Squier on his debut album, Tale of the Tape, Kulick went onto to join the ranks of one of the most legendry bands, Kiss, in 1984. Bruce's 12 year stint in Kiss earned him a wall full of gold and platinum albums, as well as a legion of fans that remained loyal, even after his departure in 1996.

Most recently, Bruce can be found working with a new band, Union, with former Motley Crue vocalist John Coralbi and the newly revamped Grand Funk Railway. Back to this album though, Bruce struts his stuff through 12 tracks, handling all vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, bass, mandolins and dulcimer with the help of Brent Fitz on drums. The songs flow well without no real fillers, just good rock tracks, great riffs, great solo's and leads. All in all, a relatively good and refreshing album that fans of  traditional Rock should check out.

Band: Kutabare
Album: Finger Food Fetish for the Morbidly Abnormal (Razorback Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://bloodharmonic.com
Rating: 7.5/10

Featuring members of Bestial Warlust, Undinism, and Corpse Molestation, Kutabare hit you hard with their "Low End Aussie Sewer Vomit".

It's mainly bass-driven, totally low-tuned grind/death, the kind of grind/death that's catchy sort of in the vein of Autopsy. The majority of the album is slow-mid paced ultra heavy, sludgy, almost groovy which is definitely what they do best. When they up the tempo, it sounds weak in comparison. The very low-pitched grunts/growls/gurgles are totally sick even though, although it doesn't put a downer on the album, they get a little monotonous at times.

There's nothing really groundbreaking on here, the usual horror film samples make an appearance, but this album definitely has it's moments, especially when they're laying down the thick, down-tuned slabs of noise which is recommended to those into grind in general. This is not the usual kind of stuff Razorback release, but it's a welcome change in my opinion.