Band: Paganizer
Album: No Divine Rapture (Xtreem Music)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.paganizer.com
Rating: 7/10
Well, Well...Yet another Old School Swedish Death band has arrived on our door step, as I've said before, 2004 is a great year for the genre and I simply can't get enough of it at the moment.
They're not up their with the big boys just yet, nor do they offer us with anything we haven't heard before, but fans of the genre will no doubt welcome this. It's mainly straightforward stuff with little melody, but my god is it aggressive. They definitely pay homage to some of the great bands of the genre with some great pummeling riffs, a vocal performance similar to what Mikael Akerfeldt did on Bloodbath's "Resurrection Through Carnage" and near perfect production job.
So what if they're not that original, (hell....I can't even remember that last time I heard anything ground breaking in this genre!) if your looking for a prime example of what Old School Swedish Death Metal is all about, or indeed your a newcomer to the genre, you could do a lot worse that Paganizer.
Band: Panchrysia
Album: Malicious Parasite (Soulreaper Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://come.to/panchrysia
Rating: 7.5/10
After a few couple of line-up changes, the band finally settled down on Belgian Soulreaper Records label, and release the follow-up to 2002's "In Obscure Depths".
If you like the rawness of Darkthrone when it comes to Black Metal, then there's probably nothing of much interest here for you, but, if your more into the modern day stuff, more in the vein of Satyricon, Zyklon and later day Immortal (especially on "Sons of Northern Darkness"), then "Malicious Parasite" may be one you pick up. Whilst there is nothing you won't have heard from the mentioned bands, "Malicious Parasite" is an uncompromising and fast paced black metal onslaught that will take you on a journey through fear, desperation and depression. As I've just said, whilst they have there moments and there are some very nice touches on here, there is nothing groundbreaking.
Whilst Panchrysia aren't the most original band on the planet, they play their thrash influenced black metal very well. If your into modern black metal with with plenty of melodic guitar work which isn't flooded with synths and keys, This is definately worth having a listen to.
Band: Pantera
Album: Reinventing Hell (Elektra/Rhino Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.pantera.com
Rating: 10/10
Well, what is there to say about Pantera? They are without doubt one of the greatest metal bands of my lifetime and also, some of you may agree and some won't, one of the best metal guitarists around, Dimebag Darrell.
If there is any of you who have never heard Pantera, were the hell have you been for the past 10+ years? Anyway after 5 studio albums and 1 live (not including Pre-Anselmo days), "Reinventing Hell" is possibly the last thing we'll hear by the band, after rumours of the band splitting. This double album, which includes a bonus DVD contains 14 of the bands greatest hits which is mostly their older stuff (there is 1 track of both "The Great Southern Trendkill" and "Reinventing the Steel") and two tracks which you've probably heard "Imortally Insane" and "The Badge" taken from the Heavy Metall 2000 and The Crow soundtracks respectively. The Bonus DVD, which I recommend you look for contains 10 video's such as "Cowboys from Hell", "Cemetery Gates" and "5 Minutes Alone" swell as live performances of "Domination" and "Primal Concrete Sledge", you would of seen these video's if you've got the bands videos, but there nice to have anyway.
Obviously there isn't room to fit all the bands greatest tracks on here, namely "A New level", "Primal Concrete Sledge", "Hollow" and "Strength Beyond Strength", but "Reinventing Hell" is a great purchase, I especially recommend getting it with the bonus DVD. A fitting tribute to one of the all time great bands!
Band: Papercut Homicide
Album: From Filth comes Grace (Retribute Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.papercuthomicide.com
Rating: 8/10
Featuring members of the now defunct Red Sky and current members of Nemo, PH create a concoction of Grind, Noise, Hardcore and even elements of Jazz. Obvious influences are Cephalic Carnage and Dillinger Escape Plan.
Although it can get TOO noisy and annoying, I found myself enjoying this. I’m not really a great fan of this style, nor will I become one.
Their tortured screams, machine gun drumming and hyper riffing will probably make their way into my CD player the next time I have a boozing session. Definitely one for the fans of this style.
Band: Parabellum
Album: Stainless (New South Metal Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.geocities.com/parabellum666/PFW.html
Rating: 7.5/10
Stainless opens up with "Skull And Bones", a pretty obvious slice of "Black Sabbath" worship (the anthem and the band). As it unfurls, we get influences ranging from Eye Hate God to Crowbar to St Vitus and beyond.
This is a very diverse doom metal record that pulls elements from everything that inspired it. As far as musicianship goes, Parabellum are pretty tightly wound and know exactly what they are doing. Sometimes they give off a more up-tempo Down feel or early Corrosion of Conformity. I like the sludgy aspects especially. The vocals are a little sleepy and have that Ozzy reverb on it (although more of when Zack Wylde pathetically tries to emulate it [although Parabellum are just fine when they do it]). I'd like to see the vocals engage in a little more growling and screaming, but he usually opts for a throaty Mastodon growl.
Overall this is a cool independent release with a tightly knit selection of "swamp metal" tunes, as they put it. I'm really interested to hear the next batch of tunes once this band full irons out their sound. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Passenger
Album: Passenger (Century Media)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 28.04.03)
Website: http://www.passenger.nu
Rating: 8.25/10
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Passenger is the side project of In Flames front man Anders Friden along with Hakan Skoger (Headplate, Bass), Patrik J. Stern (ex-Transport League, Drums) and Niclas Engelin (ex-In Flames, Guitars). The band formed 1995/1996, but it wasn’t really until 2000 that they realized what used to be an idea turned into a fully-fledged band.
The idea of the band was to "Mix up the harder, meaner and groovier stuff with a little pop music!" and, whilst Passenger remain in the heavier end of the spectrum, there are also melodic parts and take different styles and genres to create something unique yet diverse. Instant favorite is the first single "In Reverse", but I’d say almost every track stands out. Passenger is a very modern sounding band. Heavy riffs, a mix of clean and screamed vocals, parts of this album reminded me of later day Katatonia. Passenger have created a unique and a very good album, I’m glad this isn’t just a replica of In Flames. |
Band: Pearcy, Stephen
Album: Rat Attack (Mausoleum Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.stephen-pearcy.com
Rating: 6.5/10
Ex-Ratt front man Stephen Pearcy has an inimitable vocal presence that's instantly recognizable, and for long-time fans of his former group, thirteen tracks of classic Ratt hits coupled with four songs from the band’s original Mickey Ratt demo is quite an interesting proposition indeed. Featuring Pearcy's current-day backing outfit, coupled with prominent appearances from both Dokken guitarist George Lynch and Tracii Guns of L.A. Guns, this collection does a better job of putting the best of Ratt all in one place than the multi-platinum group's greatest hits collection "Ratt N’ Roll '81 – 91". The downside to the entire affair is that these re-recorded tracks occasionally miss the mark slightly in comparison to the originals, most notably in the backing vocal and guitar solo departments. Even so, Pearcy still has as much fire as he displayed on the original "Ratt" EP, and most interestingly, cuts like "Sweet Cheater" and "You Think You're Tough" are nearly dead-on representations of the original cuts.
Indelibly burned into the brains of rock listeners, "Round And Round" was the group's biggest hit and Pearcy's revisitation, although being quite close to the original recorded rendition, is not quite as fresh and exciting as the original. Pearcy sounds a bit comfortable and the obviously hungry, dangerous edge of the original is lost in translation. Lynch chips in some commendable guitar work here, but it's not enough to save the cut from falling short of the new jack brilliance that Ratt attained the first go around. Another "Out Of The Cellar" cut, "Lack Of Communication", fares much better, as does second blockbuster Ratt single, "Lay It Down", a cut that's still garnering airplay more than two decades after its initial release. Tracii Guns contributes some fiery axe work here, rivaling the slick guitar playing of Ratt guitarist Warren DeMartini on the well-known hit. Guns also brings his ballsy style to "Back For More", delivering a performance that actually tops the two previous recordings of this instantly recognizable cut.
Disappointments include "Wanted Man" and "I'm Insane", both of which are rather flat and lifeless in comparison to the old-school versions. Also, where’s "Way Cool Jr.?" The major selling point here is the sheer volume of music, with Lynch gracing each of the Mickey Ratt tracks with his fluent style and Pearcy doing a great job of bringing these songs up-to-date. Ratt fans undoubtedly can't go wrong with seventeen reworked versions of their favorite tracks and the bulk of the redone tracks are quite enjoyable. If you consider yourself a die-hard member of the Ratt gang, you'll want to pick this one up. Review by Erin Fox
Band: Peccatum
Album: The Moribund People (The End Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.peccatum.com
Rating: 8.5/10
The last Peccatum album really didn't do much for me. It was atmospheric and eerie, but was kind of haphazard in it's construction.
This is a more straight-forward E.P. of Scandinavian gothy prog rock with lots of pretty, semi-operatic female vox. In case you didn't know, this is Ishasn (ex-Emperor) and his wife cooking up the John and Yoko treatment. Reminds me of The Gathering or the latest Ulver (plus some "Perdition City"). There is a lot of programming, some nice guitar work. When Mr. I hops on the mic and starts screaming it really blasts off. Three tracks, fifteen minutes, a bonus video for Quicktime players.
Definitely worth checking out if you're a Peccatum or Emperor fan. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Peccatum
Album: Lost in Reverie (The End Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.peccatum.com
Rating: 4/10
Emperor’s Ihsahn and wife pulling a bad John and Yoko styled experimental project.
Normally I’m all about weird ambient atmosphere with fragments of displaced jazz, soft piano, cold textures and hellish outbursts but this one happens to be on the lazy side. "Lost In Reverie" is awkward and fumbles around. The keyboards are chinsy and I feel the compositions themselves are arranged weakly. This record goes for ambience and atmosphere and it succeeds, but never once did it’s attempted hypnosis overcome my jaded mind.
It just doesn’t cut it but you can’t blame Ihsahn for trying. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Penetrator
Album: Unleash the Fury (Metal Queen Management)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.penetratorpower.com
Rating: 8/10
From the name right down to the music, this is 80's power metal all the way.
Tunes about the "Wheels of Justice", "Guns And Whiskey" and that evil bitch "Adulteress" that steals all men's souls are ever present. What we have here is a milange of Judas Priest (Painkiller era mostly), Mettalium, Primal Fear, Iron Maiden and Helloween, among others. This is no frills, no bullshit power metal straight to the vein. And guess what? Good solos, soaring vocals, awesome riffs, galloping drumwork and rivers of frickin' alcohol. Threw a show with them in Detroit awhile back and they were just as awesome live as they were on disc. The guitarist had a wireless system and kept running up to the bar to solo for all the drunken biker types up close and personal. Damn this band is hot shit.
Any power metal freaks check them out. Let Pentetrator penetrate your heart... heh. So many possibilities. Fuckin' awesome. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Persefone
Album: Truth Inside the Shades (Adipocere Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.persefone.com
Rating: 7.5/10
Persefone are the first band we've had from the Andorra, a small Principality between France and Spain with a population of only 73,000.
Firstly, I must stress the competence of the band musically. There are some very interesting parts on "Truth Inside the Shades", imagine a cross between Children of Bodom and Opeth, that is what to expect here. Secondly, this is a very impressive album, but they have a tendency to annoy me a little, sure I like progression, but with Persefone I couldn't help feel there was too much going on at the same time at certain points through the album which ultimately sounds like a band that is capable of better things. One thing that I won't moan about is the guitar work, there's some decent lead work going on here, especially with the dual guitars that create some great sounding harmonies.
Also, they use some excessive keys and synths throughout, luckily most sound OK and create some great atmosphere's but there are times which sound too out of place and awkward. You may think that I may be blasting the album a little, but that's not the case at all, "Truth Inside the Shades" is a decent enough album which I would recommend to fans of prog Death/Black but I feel I have definitely seen a glimpse of a band that could, and will do better.
Band: Pharoah
Album: The Longest Night (Cruz Del Dur Music)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.solarflight.net
Rating: 8/10
While the soaring vocal harmonies of Pharoah front man Tim Aymar should be perceived to be the most compelling element of "The Longest Night", it would have been pleasant to hear the vocals on this album positioned a bit more upfront, from an engineering standpoint.
Whereas the Maiden-loving axe work of guitarist Chris Black can be alleged to be adept, there’s no good reason for the guitars to be placed above the singer in the mix. However, don’t let the album’s initially flat sound scare you away from checking this record out. There are plenty of other reasons to find "The Longest Night" to be gratifying and upon repeated listens, the general sound of the album becomes much more palatable. In addition to providing inspiring individual performances from each of the members of Pharoah, this record’s fantastic songwriting is enough cause to forgive the slight production miscues. Aymar displays a rough, well-controlled vocal style on the excellent cut "I Am The Hammer", while the flowing sounds of "In The Violet Fire" give Blind Guardian a run for their money, integrating a majestic approach without sacrificing a degree of thunderous intensity. Meanwhile, the expertly composed "By The Night Sky" stands out as being highly extraordinary song. During tracks like these, you’ll find the band melding progressive, traditional and power metal elements into a deftly arranged package guaranteed to connect with any devotee of epically themed heavy metal.
Although "The Longest Night" takes a bit of time to warm up to, the appeal of the record advances with each repeated listen, making it an album that is well recommended for fans of any of the above-mentioned styles of metal. Review by Erin Fox
Band: Phluid
Album: Release (Casket Music)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.phluid.co.uk
Rating: 7.5/10
I have to admit that at first this annoyed the hell out of me, but after a few listens it started to grow on me.
The UK's Phluid play a blend of energetic modern punk with an 80's glam influence which is quite original sounding at times. Whilst the bands debut "Cynical Smile" was a more heavier affair, "Release" see's the band opting for a more catchier approach, which works well, but I couldn't really decide if I liked them or not with 6 tracks on offer. If your new to Phluid I recommend getting their debut full-length first.
Although the don't look very glam, they really add some interesting and at times unique touches to the songs, which I think saves the songs from becoming dull. If your into modern punk, I'd check Phluid out. The Wildhearts are one of the bands that instantly come to mind when listening to this, so if your into them then you might find this of some interest too.
Band: Pig Destroyer
Album: Terrifyer (Relapse Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.pigdestroyer.net
Rating: 10/10
Savage, uncomprimising, kinghell thrash-core grind machine.
Featuring Scott Hull from the legendary Agoraphobic Nosebleed on guitar, "Terrifyer" is a two disc program complete with album and DVD. Explains the gruesome story of Natasha. Off the f**kin hook yo. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Pleurisy
Album: Dazed & Deranged (Soulreaper Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.pleurisy.nl
Rating: 7.75/10
Pleurisy are a well known band amongst the Dutch metal scene and are influenced by such bands as Bolt Thrower and Edge of Sanity. Their combination of brutality and melody have gained them some good reviews and a fierce live reputation playing alongside the likes of Cannibal Corpse, Arch Enemy and Ancient Rites.
The dark, gloomy riffs, hypnotizing melodies and growling vocals courtesy of George Oosthoek (also of Orphanage) create a good album, not ground breaking but fans of the bands I just mentioned will be impressed.
If Pleurisy carry on as they are, they will be a worldwide known band for sure within the next year or so, maybe not this album though. There is definitely something I like about the mid-paced death/thrash Pleurisy portray!
Band: POD People
Album: Doom Saloon (Rise Above Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.stonerrock.com/podpeople
Rating: 9/10
Following on from three fairly successful EP's, Australia's POD People have seen their sound progress from Stoner Rock style to an out-and-out snail's paced Doom style.
"Filling the Void" is a great way to kick off the album, with it's heavy, stoner style chugging riffs and the combination of clean and almost guttural vocals definitely make it one of the many highlights on the album. I think probably the best way to describe POD people would be Sabbath laced riffage with the groove of bands like Kyuss and Cathedral. The two greatest moments on here are the gargantuan "Subterranean" and "Non Prophet", 10:12 and 8:29 respectively, these are as slow and Doomy as it gets.
Amongst everything, I think the inclusion of both clean and very aggressive vocals make this a very impressive album, that will be of interest to many especially if your into Doom, Stoner and heaviness in general. One of the best Stoner/Doom releases so far this year, can't recommend it enough!
Band: Poisonblack
Album: Lust Stained Despair (Century Media)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.poisonblack.com
Rating: 10/10
Century Media has found their Nickelback. Well, maybe not – but Poisonblack's "Lust Stained Despair" is easily one of the most commercial-sounding, safest recordings in the label's history. Sony, via RED Distribution, is sneaking a sellout through the back door this time, with all of the credibility of the metal underground in bearing the CM imprint, to boot.
Is that a good thing? Most metal fans will dispute that labels which build their fortunes off the backs of extreme music ought to have the right to go out and pull off a cash-in like this one, but Poisonblack, in however safe fashion, manages to throw together enough memorable hooks and snazzy riffs to guarantee them a spot in MTV rotation, on one of any corporate-backed Ozzfest sort of things and to garner a damn fair bit of radio airplay, undoubtedly. Although Poisonblack retains its pseudo-gothic imagery and typically romantically bleak thematic substance, the heaviness that's injected into "The Darkest Lie" actually offers something that's a break from the plethora of acts cloning Finnish Gothic Rock (Read – HIM) these days. "Rush" says radio hit all over it, with a definitely ear-catching hook, a driving beat and a bit of stand-up metal integrity as well. "Raivotar" is a fine example of yet another brilliant hook backed up by a stellar arrangement and an undeniably killer bridge that will bang the types of heads that never bang. Score one for ex-Sentenced front man Ville Laihiala. It's the record the man has been trying to make for years. Intensely melodic without sacrificing either heaviness or drama, Poisonblack has suddenly been catapulted to the forefront of their craft. Once a side-project in the eyes of most, it's easy to see why the impassioned crooner Laihiala killed Sentenced for this. One thing is for sure. Every label from the Goth-loving Napalm Records to the Warner Brothers themselves would have given three left nuts and five million smackeroos to release an album that's as well put-together as "Lust Stained Despair". Hop on this bandwagon now, kiddies, before the black hair dye is all used up.
Will the fans of old-school Sentenced material honestly believe that this record wholly and completely sucks the big one? Without a doubt in the world. Can this album break the standards of today's new normal in metal sounds and achieve the now unreachable status of Platinum? Yup, it most certainly can, and quite probably, it will. Review by Erin Fox
Band: Polterchrist
Album: Engulfed By The Swarm (Season of Mist)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.polterchrist.net
Rating: 7.5/10
Polterchrist transmit fierce death metal and tuneful moody movements with ease on their latest record "Engulfed By The Swarm". My biggest complaint about the record is that the vocals are pushed back in the mix, rendering the Quarthon like howls of vocalist Kevin McClintock difficult to hear at times. That said, this band's style of composition is unique, ranging from swirling Death Angel style riffery to squealing harmonics which lend a nod to death metal giants Pestilence.
The album cover art is pretty cool, featuring strangely mutated locusts overtaking a Japanese city...I enjoy the originality of this concept, which is not your run of the mill death metal fare. An electronic intro kicks off "The Art Of Ferocity" and when the vocals set in, I am reminded a bit of The Kovenant until the band settles into a straight forward thrashing jam which makes you feel as if you are looking over the edge of the abyss.
Veterans of the Philadelphia metal scene, Polterchrist display a high degree of originality on tracks like "Alone" with it's ethereal, lost sounding vocal beckons and the chilling "Desolate Paradise". Remixing this album so that the vocals (which are actually quite masterful) were more clear and upfront would add two more points to the rating. Review by Star (Contact)
Band: Potential Threat
Album: 2.0 EP (Independent Release)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.potentialthreatsf.com
Rating: 4/10
Potential Threat plays a fairly straightforward version of thrash metal to be filed somewhere between Testament and Nuclear Assault, with the slightest touch of tough guy, NYHC thrown in for good measure. While the first track, "Day Of Infamy" gets a touch repetitious, the suitably thrashing "Enemy Within" picks up the pace nicely, but again – the chorus is rather lackluster.
"Walk Through Fire" is the all-around best track you'll find here, featuring a catchy riff and plenty of thrash action, but to call it anything except average would be a misnomer. Lastly, the band busts out "All For Nothing", which has a decent introduction and an adept snare march at the onset, leading into a massive floor tom build and a subsequent Nuclear Assault-type, bouncy verse that actually stirs up some headbanging action.
There's a shred of potential here, but Potential Threat is ultimately quite unthreatening, thus it's safe to say that this band is quite aptly named. Check it out if you’ve nothing better to do. Review by Erin Fox
Band: Powerful
Album: Super Metal (Independent Release)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.powerfulband.com
Rating: 1/10
The Italian act Powerful is so damn cheesy as to inspire uncontrollable laughter. Sure, the guitarists are sound musicians, with arpeggios and plenty of ripping sweeping, but the fundamentally elementary riffing and ludicrously amusing vocals uttered by front man Alexander Hate are plain terrible. Yes, Hate can sing with a lot of vibrato and hit super-high notes ala Jim Gillette, but his screeching and pouting deeper vocals are simply awful. Maybe this type of material could be considered as decent by a few backpatch-wearing Italian headbangers, and possibly something is lost in translation, but in most metal circles, such music is not only dated, it's plain silly.
Do you think this review is a bit too critical? Check out the ingenious song titles - "We Play Supermetal" "Fighting To Learn" and "Listen To Me". Sure, whatever. The drummer’s name is Campi. What more do you need to know?
With awe-striking efficiency, "Supermetal" makes its way directly into the trash can. Review by Erin Fox
Band: Power Quest
Album: Neverworld (Now & Then Records)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 15.03.04)
Website: http://www.power-quest.co.uk
Rating: 10/10
The UK's Power Quest return with the follow-up to 2002's "Wings of Forever", and once again it proves to be an absolute killer.
Can they put a foot wrong? I doubt it very much. This time around the band have opted for a much more keyboard/synth orientated approach to things which really does add that that extra touch. They've also adopted a more mature songwriting style which, although maybe not as instantly catchy as some of the songs on "Wings of Forever", this album is much stronger overall.
They still maintain the excellent traditional galloping rhythms, soaring vocals and triumphant choruses, but add many more layers and much more melody to proceedings. If your into Stratovarious and/or Sonata Artica, you will find Power Quest's "Neverworld" very interesting indeed and a worthy addition to your collection!
Band: Power Quest
Album: Wings of Forever (Underground Symphony)
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.power-quest.co.uk
Rating: 10/10
For those of you into Blind Guardian, Stratovarious and Rhapsody, I’m pleased to tell you that there’s another band to add to your list. The UK’s (YES! The UK’s) very own Power Quest.
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I’ve been listening to European Power Metal for quite sometime now and to be honest, this matches anything that I’ve heard by the so-called Power Metal Giants, if not better!
I don’t think I’ve ever heard a true Power Metal band from the UK before, so this must be a first. Every one of the tracks are fast up-tempo, melodic and catchy. An emotional, touching ride from start to finish. You will find yourself singing along to the choruses on every track. |
Band: President Evil
Album: Trash 'n' Roll Asshole Show (AFM Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.presidentevil.de
Rating: 6.5/10
Debut album from the Germans, who have really been getting some rave reviews back in their home country.
President Evil play a dirty, groovy style of hardcore. Plenty of chugging riffs, a few breakdowns thrown in for good measure, and they even turn up the tempo and blast their way at breakneck speeds. At 15 tracks long though, things soon start to get a bit repetitive and a little dull. The album gets of to a great start with a couple of decent, heavy tracks, but like I said, things start to go downhill from there. Its noisy and heavy, but its the kind of thing you can only manage in moderations. The rough, husky vocals also started to grate against me after a while, and don't even get me started on how they've decided to fade the tracks into one other cutting them short.
It's a heavy, hard hitting album, but apart from a few moments, it lacks any real excitement.
Band: Primaenoctis
Album: AntiChristian Information Distribution Service
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.primaenoctis.cjb.net
Rating: 7/10
If Bands like Aborym, Anaal Nathrakh and Axis of Perdition are your sort of thing, then you'd probably like to add Primaenoctis to your collection as well.
Primaenoctis play horrific Necro-technological blackened metal with samples from old films laid down throughout. I personally wouldn't call it black metal, the incomprehensible sounds, harsh vocals, and very hostile atmosphere is, well, beyond categorization.
Primaenoctis were formed between late 2002 and early 2003 by Necropsycho and Mutilator and "AIDS" is the bands debut demo/album, and a harsh debut it is. I can't really see what the band intends to do next but, Primaenoctis do not play for the consumption of the masses, or the acceptance of any self-styled elite, but only for their own satisfaction and artistic gratification. The likes of Dark Throne and Graveland make easy listening compared to this!
Band: Primal Fear
Album: Seven Seals (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.primalfear.de
Rating: 8/10
Seriously, can you ever actually go wrong with Primal Fear? Not if you're an unrepentant dork loser like myself.
This shit soars like that metallic eagle mascot hogging up the cover artwork of every album. The vocals are Halford inspired as usual, the music a grittier, harder rocking Stratovarius. The vocal chords on this guy tear the roof off the house. Almost everything on here is an anthem of some sort. It's a little more on the thrashy side than usual, and there are some more interesting track lead ins than usual. There are some cool ballads as usual. Primal Fear have pretty much done everything they can with their sound and are in a real push this time around to really try some new things. "Evil Spell" is probably one of the heavier tunes they've ever turned out. The deeper they go in the more on the Therion side it slowly goes, or that monster new two-disc Helloween epic.
Primal Fear are easily one of the best power metal bands in Europe today. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Primal Fear
Album: Devil's Ground (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 23.02.04)
Website: http://www.primalfear.de
Rating: 9/10
Primal Fear are a band that I've never really paid much attention to, the things I've heard have never made me want to get up and go and buy one of their albums. Now that this has arrived, I've got no excuse not to listen to them.
What you basically get is 12 bombastic power metal anthems, a little cheesy perhaps, but this made me sit up in my chair with delight. Songs like "Metal Is Forever", "In Metal" and "Wings of Desire" are a sheer joy to listen to, a must for true metal followers, especially those into Judas Priest. "Devil's Ground" couldn't have come at a better time for me, just as I was starting to get let down by power metal in general, this arrives. Powerful yet catchy riffs, wild leads and probably one of THE best vocal performances I've heard in a long time. There's nothing really new or original on "Devil's Ground" it's more that they take the best of every aspect of power/heavy metal and combined them to create a very impressive release, the whole album sounds "complete" if you know what I mean, like they've put their hearts and soul into it.
Now that Nu-Metal is all but dead, I really hope there is a rise in popularity in bands like Primal Fear and true metal in general. To sum it up 12 great tracks, no fillers, a little cheesy (but so what!) that will have you running around with your fist clenched and held high.
Band: Primigenium
Album: Intolerance (Drakkar Productions)
Year: 2002
Website: ?
Rating: 8.5/10
Spain’s Primigenium, consisting of Smaug and Alhaz play satanic "Lo-Fi" black metal influenced by the old school black metal bands of Scandinavia. The super fast, tinny riffs and smashing hi-hat are sure to interest any Darkthrone fan.
One of the good points about Primigenium besides creating a raw and very "Necro" atmosphere is the hints of Sodom and Kreator inspired Black Thrash.
Primigenium are one of Spain’s most interesting black metal bands, so, if you fancy adding something to your harsh black metal collection, I recommended you go and hunt this album down.
Band: Pro Pain
Album: Run for Cover (Spitfire Records)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 26.08.03)
Website: http://www.pro-pain.org
Rating: 7.5/10
On the 3-4 July, I traveled all the way to Dessel in Belgium for the Graspop Festival to see the mighty Iron Maiden and a few others. One band I was really looking forward to seeing was Pro-Pain. They played a great set and I thought to myself that I must get out all my Pro-Pain CD's when I get back and listen to them. When I finally got home, to my surprise (and excitement) this was on my door mat. "Run for Cover" isn't a new album as such, but is an album full of cover songs.
Unlike some, I'm a big fan of cover albums and this is great. Pro-Pain really stamp there mark all over these song which, co-incidentally are a collection of all the songs they say are major influences throughout their career. Songs like "Circle of the Tyrants" by Celtic Frost, "Refuse/Resist" by Sepultura, Motorhead's "Iron Fist" and Slayer's "South of Heaven" are the real standouts on this album, the other tracks are good but don't stand out from the rest, the other songs include tracks from the likes of Life of Agony, GBH, Discharge, Agnostic Front, Gary's first band The Crumbsuckers and many more.
Overall "Run for Cover" is a hard rocking album, with Pro-Pain playing a few songs that have influenced them over the years. A great addition to my Pro-Pain collection. If your unfamiliar with Pro-Pain, I suggest you get one of their own albums first and then get this.
Band: Project Apocalypse
Album: Epitaph of Creation
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.projectapocalypse.com
Rating: 5.5/10
PA are a brutal yet at times melodic death/grind band from Ionia, Michigan, sharing the stage with such acts as Dark Moon, Cradle of Filth, Nile, Deicide, Mortician, Exhumed, Hate Eternal, Cannibal Corpse, Macabre, Deeds of Flesh, and Summon.
While the music is interesting, the keyboards really do add another dimension to the brutality, the recording is a bit poor and the solo's, whilst there is nothing wrong with them, they really go through you like nails down a blackboard or a knife and fork scratching a plate.
Whilst they definitely have something to offer the underground scene, this CD doesn't really do them any justice. The CD will probably be enough to get an idea of the band, but from what I've heard, I know they are capable of better. As I said before, there is nothing at all wrong with the band, in fact they are quite original at times, it's just the recording that has let them down.
Band: Pungent Stench
Album: Ampeauty (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.pungentstench.net
Rating: 8.5/10
Formed back in 1998 by Martin Schirenc on guitar & vocals, bassist Jacek Pewrkowski and the excellently named Alex Wank on drums, Pungent Stench have never been what you would call a "mainstream" band mainly due to their scandalous and provocative lyrics and crazy artwork.
Pungent stench have been labeled many ways from Death Metal to Grind and what they like to call it, "Sado-Maso-Metal", but I personally think the best way is Death 'n' Roll. It's been three years since the child molesting priests and necrophilia themed "Masters Of Moral - Servants Of Sin", an OK album, but for me it lacked that Pungent Stench touch of old. Where as "MoM-SoS" was described as being a little sterile, I do feel "Ampeauty" is better, heavier, groovier and more offensive. With the title playing on the words Amputee and Beuty, you can probably guess the theme of this one.
What keeps PS interesting, besides their offensiveness of course, is their ability to combine complexity and heaviness. With songs like "Same Shit, Different Asshole" and "Got Milf?", "Ampeauty" will see the band rooted in the underground for a while.
Band: Pyorrhoea
Album: Promo 2002
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.pyorrhoea.org
Rating: 9/10
Due to the high demand for promotional material, I agreed to download their 7-Track 2002 promo, consisting of numbers like "Hung on a Hook", "Chainsaw Dance" and the excellently titled "Mynameisevaiamsixteenyearsoldiamstillvirginismyfathergay"
I would compare Pyorrhoea to the likes of Regurgitate. I can imagine that the first Pyorrhoea album is going to be one of those 30+ track offerings of pure grind chaos.
Musically, this is 15 minutes of very competent Gore/GoreGrind with the greatest vocal range I've heard in a long time. It ranges from vocals like Rikard (Regurgitate), Glenn Benton (Deicide) & Chris Barnes (Six Feet Under), full of blast beats and has sound clips from various films at the beginning of the tracks.
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