Band: Rage
Album: Speak of the Dead (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2006 (Release Date: 20.03.06)
Website: http://www.rage-on.de
Rating: 6/10
Ah, Rage...These German Metallers have been around for ages and the new album "Speak Of The Dead" will be their seventeenth since 1986’s "Reign Of Fear". This new album is nothing special though and sounds like a lot of other European metal.
The abilities of this three-piece’s "new" line up (this is already the fourth album) isn’t in question with Victor Smolski (Guitar, ex-Mind Odyssey) and Mike Terrana (Drums, Axel Rudi Pell, etc). This time, Rage have used an old idea in power metal an epic multi part song with everything but the kitchen sink. "Suite Lingua Mortis" (divided into eight parts), with which "Speak Of The Dead" begins, is the continuation of the classic influenced period of Rage but they have just gone for something epic and even huge and even recorded with the symphony orchestra of the city of Minsk and although it sounds suitably big and epic its hardly groundbreaking.
The second part of the album contains powerful and progressive metal songs in and is a bit more varied as far as the song writing goes. Tracks like "Soul Survivor" or "Full Moon" are both impressive and have some nice riffing and catchy hooks. Interestingly "Full Moon" was also recorded in different languages (Spanish, Russian, German, etc.), which can be heard on the special editions of the record, a nice idea. Overall its an OK album but nothing special. Joe Freeman
Band: Rain Paint
Album: Nihil Nisi Mors (My Kingdom Music)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.rainpaint.cjb.net
Rating: 9/10
Finland's Rain Paint, consisting of Aleksi Ahokas (Prophet, Fragile Hollow, Rapture & Diablerie), Sami Koikkalainen (Fragile Hollow) and Tim Toivanen (Denigrate) create a very interesting mix of Gothic Metal, Dark Wave, Doom, Prog Rock and Melodic Death.
"Nihil Nisi Mors" is quite a slow moving, intense and emotional album made by the abrasive guitars, sad melodies and liquid atmosphere's, similar to Katatonia and Sentenced.
There are also some guests that appear on the album, keyboards by Tea Dickman (Fragile Hollow), drums on a couple of tracks by Make Vainio (Fragile Hollow) and vocals by Micko Hell (Denigrate) and Henri Villberg (Rapture), the later providing some excellent low, guttural vocals on a few tracks along side the clean singing. "Nihil Nisi Mors" is a great album that is a must for fans of the mentioned styles and people into sad and depressive music in general.
Band: Raise Hell
Album: City of the Damned (Black Lodge)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.raise-hell.net
Rating: 7.5/10
Originally formed under the name "In Cold Blood" back in 1995, this is their fourth album and first on the Swedish Black Lodge Label.
You'll have to forgive my lack of knowledge regarding Raise Hell as I've never came across them before, but first opinions were how frustrating they were. Although It's obvious Raise Hell are good at what they're doing, I found the album inconsistent. The good songs on here are great! but there are also a few that really fail to hold my attention. What I do like about them though is they opt for a more technical approach rather than just blast their way through the album at super speeds. Think later-day Exodus and Destruction and you get e pretty good idea of what Raise Hell are about.
You get your classic heavy, thrashy riffs, but they throw in plenty of melody which, alright, isn't that groundbreaking, but the majority of it is a decent listen. From the good things I've heard on the album, I can't help but think that we haven't heard the best from them just yet.
Band: Rajoitus
Album: Discography (Hardcore Holocaust)
Year: 2004
Website: http://home.swipnet.se/~w-43999
Rating: 8/10
Now THIS is what I call good Scandinavian hardcore!
Discography is basically their Hardcore Attack 1995 12", Historia Kusessa 7", NYT on Kuolemaa Taalla 7" amd Systeemiin Naulittu 7" releases on one great album, 41 tracks in 43 minutes so it's short yet brilliant. I've not long been introduced to the Scandinavian Hardcore scene, and man is it thriving with great bands and one of them is Rajoitus. Heavy distorted bass-lines, fast "crunchy" riffing with pounding drums throughout all rounded up by one pissed off vocalist is what you can expect to find, think of an angry Discharge style hardcore and you come quite close to what Rajoitus are about.
It would be great to experience Raijoitus in the live arena as I bet they would be totally devastating. If like me you're new to the Scandinavian hardcore scene, or you think you'd be interested, Raioitus are the place to start. Also worth visiting is the Hardcore Holocaust label (link above)
Band: Rakoth
Album: Tiny Deaths (Elitist Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://utenti.lycos.it/rakoth
Rating: 7.5/10
This is my first experience of the Russian band Rakoth and instantly I realized that this will divide fans and critics alike.
The bands unique take on black metal, combining intelligent song-writing skills with Tolkien inspired folk leaning, is unlike anything I have heard before. It really is a strange album to listen to, its complex, challenging and totally defies simple categorization. A combination a clean and harsh black metal vocals, flutes, pianos and keyboards meet a wall of black metal guitars is just some of the things to expect on here.
For those of you who like to explore new music, maybe looking for something that pushes back the boundaries of modern music, then this could be the one for you for you, but if your just looking for something hard, heavy and traditional then I would recommend you listen to it many times before you buy it. "Tiny Death's" is a daring album, borne of a contempt for convention and nurtured with genuine originality.
Band: Rapture
Album: Silent Stage (Spikefarm Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.rapture.tk
Rating: 7.5/10
Finnish Goth-Metallers Rapture are back with their third album, and follow up to 2002's "Songs for the Withering".
I've never heard Rapture before, and when I heard it for the first time, I was really impressed. A little familiar sounding perhaps, but on the whole, a pretty decent listen. The thing that really gets to me though is, as the album progresses, it starts to get a little repetitive and ultimately I lost interest. They're obviously big Katatonia fans, with other influences including Paradise Lost and Opeth, especially with the use of both clean and the Mikael Akerfeldt inspired Growls.
Not a particularly bad album, just sounds a little familiar here and there.
Band: Rate of Depress
Album: Bleach the Sky (Casket Music)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.rateofdepress.co.uk
Rating: 6.5/10
Rate of Depress formed back in March 2002 with a vision of turning the tide in modern day metal. Hailing from the UK, they've supported such acts as Sikth, Defenestration, Brutal Deluxe and Fallen To.
"Bleach the Sky" is a raw yet polished album, with plenty on offer for fans of modern metal and probably even Nu-Metal. The first part of the album is definitely the best, unfortunately it get a little predictable towards the end. Whilst there are comparisons to Raging Speedhorn, I would personally put them amongst other UK acts in the Metalcore/Emo genre, in other reviews they have been grouped together with the likes of Coal Chamber, I personally can't really see it, as there is much more on offer here than the simple offerings brought to us by Coal Chamber.
For a debut album, "Bleach the Sky" isn't a bad one at all, unfortunately it's a mixed bag. All the melody, catchiness and aggression seems to be in the first half or so. Bright hopes for the future.
Band: Raunchy
Album: Death Pop Romance (Lifeforce Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.raunchy.dk
Rating: 6/10
Although these Danes switched vocalists with the induction of new shouter Kasper Thomsen and the exit of one Lars Vognstrup, fans of Raunchy can consider the group to be that much more formidable as a result. It is a rarity that a band can effectively swap frontmen without a major backlash yet Raunchy proves that they're suitably up to the task with broad soundscapes and aggressive sensibility on tracks such as the hooky "Phantoms" and "The Cruse Of Bravery", a real nail-biter featuring a crisp, deadly main riff.
Although the band's songwriting remains mostly predictable, top-quality production and talented performances soften trend-sniffing arrangements. Structuring songs in order to achieve maximum dramatic impact is one thing, but the best songwriters avoid repetition and patterns more frequently than you will uncover upon listening to this record. An A+ is due for the bright, punchy tones offered during solid bashers like "Abandon Your Hope", the mix is tight and quite redoubtable. But upon listening to tracks like "Remembrance", it must be noted that chugging on the low register guitar strings for measures on end is not only unoriginal, overdone and unthoughtful, it can become downright irritating if taken in without the proper frame of mind. If As I Lay Dying or any of the countless similar acts that have invaded metal like a supernatural strain of flu were major Faith No More fans, they would probably sound a lot more like Raunchy. Unfortunately, the big hooks don't always save "Death Pop Romance" from being yet another speck on the pimply face of metalcore.
Does this album have merit? Yes, "Live The Myth" and the aforementioned "Phantoms" come off as being detached enough from the stereotypes at times. Further maturity and a willingness to further develop their own identity would be recommended, but if you have been living under a rock for the past five years, this still might be something that’s new to you. Review by Erin Fox
Band: Raunchy
Album: Confusion Bay (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 09.02.04)
Website: http://www.raunchy.dk
Rating: 8/10
Wow! I've never heard of Raunchy before this, so I decided to do a little research before hand, what I found is the amount of amazing reviews they've received for this and their previous album "Velvet Noise".
Just their name put me off at first, hell, what can you expect from a band called "Raunchy". The band have been described as a cross between Soilwork, Machine Head and Fear Factory and I can see why. The songs are heavy and very riff orientated with some incredible drum work, there is also major variation from song to song. On one they're exploring the dance/groove-metal vibe, and on the next they are blasting their way through the song with some great melo-death riffs. There are also some synths and keys to keep things interesting, which sit nicely in the background and never get in the way.
I don't really know what else to say about Raunchy, I was quite shocked yet pleasantly surprised. There were a couple of things on here that weren't my cup of tea, but for most of it was a new and refreshing experience for me. Raunchy are one of modern metal's best kept secrets, I'm sure they're going to be the next big thing.
Band: Ravenous, The
Album: Three on a Meathook (Season of Mist / Red Stream Inc. )
Year: 2002
Website: http://gtod.50megs.com/ravenous
Rating: 9/10
Here’s that man again, Killjoy along Danny Lilker and Abcess members Chris Reifert, Danny Coralles and Clint Bower.
When I received this and realized it only contained four tracks, I was a bit disappointed. But, putting this into my CD player, into the first minute I knew this was better than their previous album (OK, obviously not in length but definitely material wise). Cleaner Production, Heavier and even MORE sicker than before are few of the reasons why you should get this.
OK, initially it might disappoint some, but when you listen to this that will go! Great Death/Gore Metal again from this mighty super group.
Band: Re:Aktor
Album: Zero Order (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 29.09.03)
Website: Re:Aktor @ Nuclear Blast
Rating: 6/10
When I read the press sheet, I was really looking forward to hearing Re:Aktor. "Cyber Industrial and Modern Rock" sounded great on paper but after the first few minutes I soon realized Re:Aktor want to be Fear Factory.
I'm not saying that sound exactly like Fear Factory because they don't, They sound like Fear Factory with hints of Disturbed thrown in for good measure. There are a couple of great tracks on here, "Damage Zone" instantly springs to mind but unfortunately I've heard this all to often. I think what they mean when they say "Modern Rock" is Nu-Metal.
The band have came from nowhere and released their debut on Nuclear Blast, which should be welcomed by the newer generation, especially those into Fear Factory and Disturbed. Its good to see NB broadening their horizon's but I hope this isn't a change of direction for the label.
Band: Recourse
Album: Weakening The Structure (Dark Reign Recordings)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.recoursemusic.com
Rating: 9/10
A non-Dying Fetus project produced by DF mainman John Gallagher?
You just know right off the bat it's gonna be good. Recourse take a Dying Fetus vibe but factor in a healthy amount of non-lazy, ultra-slick hardcore breakdowns. The vocals employ some cool patterns, the riffs are very hooky and thrashy. Politically charged lyrics and cover artwork give a full package - think Internal Bleeding if they weren't complete meatheads. This disc is scary good. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Relaypse
Album: Promo 2002
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.relaypse.com
Rating: 7.75/10
Reylapse are Italy’s answer to Godsmack. Although there are obvious modern influences, there is enough stuff here to stop them sinking in the pool of unoriginal and very much the same Nu-Metal genre.
Their Kerrang TV friendly style and heavy as fuck riffs are sure to please the hordes of Nu-Metal followers along with others who maybe aren’t into the style just looking for heavy stuff.
Reylapse are a band that can keep the Nu-Metal flag flying in an otherwise piss poor genre at the moment.
Band: Renstrom, Rick
Album: Until the Bitter End (Mascot Records)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: ??/06/03)
Website: http://www.rickrenstrom.com
Rating: 9/10
Rick Renstrom is supposedly one of the guitar-world's newest hope for a new hero. Beginning at the age of 15, Rick has so far won the "Best Lead Guitarist" at the CFMA awards, M.A.R.S Challenge and has won the "Best Metal Guitarist" at the Orlando Metal Awards. What is my opinion I hear you asking? well.....
This is his debut album, half vocal, half instrumental featuring the likes of Rob Rock (Warrior/Rob Rock), Mat Sinner (Primal Fear/Sinner) & Wade Black (Seven Witches/Crimson Glory), Rick himself on Guitar, Stephen Elder, Brian Gloddle & Mat Sinner on Bass, Ferdy Doernberg and Mistheria on Keyboards and Richard Christy (ex-Death/Iced Earth) on Drums, the outcome is truly exceptional.
I can't recall ever hearing Power Metal like this never mind the amazing guitar work, this has to be some of the most melodic and soulful sounding work ever recorded, all the music was written by Rick himself. The riffs are huge, the melodies are huge, everything is just totally blown out of proportion. What I can't believe is it's taken this long for label interest. I bet he had a huge smile on his face after hearing the final outcome, I MUST interview this guy!
Band: Requiem Aeternam
Album: Philosopher (ICorp America)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.requiem-aeternam.com
Rating: 9/10
Sometime last summer I got an email from this South American band asking if I wanted to try out as the drummer. A mass swinging for a piñata in the dark email I’m sure, but it certainly appears they got one of the best pout there.
This is like the avant BM equivalent of Gorguts. As a three-piece Requiem Aeternam pull of shit I haven’t heard anywhere else in the history of metal with this experi-blackened-death-jazz-tech-melodic fusion. This band is destined to end up in that sacred Bethlehem/Akercocke realm where only a few thousand die-hards worldwide actually get it and buy every frickin’ vinyl, demo, 8track, cassette and cd this band squeezes out. Brilliant, but so disjointed and weird that it loses it’s steam at times. A little more cohesive song writing and they’ll straight up be metal gods.
Can’t wait for the follow up. One of the most impressive debuts I’ve heard in years. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Reverend Bizarre
Album: Slice of Doom (PsycheDOOMelic Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.reverend.shows.it
Rating: 8.5/10
I've been very impressed with what I've heard from Reverend Bizarre and, listening to "Slice of Doom" immediately took me back to the glory days of Trouble, Saint Vitus and early Cathedral.
What you get is the definitive edition of Reverend Bizarre's demo "Slice Of Doom" which includes the first and second edition intro's and hidden tracks. You also get 5 bonus tracks, 3 unreleased (an excerpt from the Lohja-era rehersal tape , "Doomsower" & "Dark World") and 2 which are taken from various compilations ("Funeral Summer" & "Doom Over the World"). You also get both edition's artwork and also notes about the demo.
Clocking in at just over 74 minutes, "Slice of Doom" is great value for money and, if your into raw, old-school Doom, Reverend Bizarre are a band you should take a look at.
Band: Reverend Bizarre
Album: Harbinger of Metal (Spikefarm Records)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 05.01.04)
Website: http://www.reverend.shows.it
Rating: 9.5/10
In the vein of such classic doomsters as St Vitus, Witchfinder General, early Trouble and the mighty Black Sabbath, their combination of painfully slow, ultra heavy riffs and the great clean vocals style of Albert Witchfinder are sure to interest fans of old school and modern doom alike.
Clocking in at 74 minutes over 7 tracks, some people will find this a tough listen, but their occasional tempo changes will keep the attention of most listeners. I've always been a fan of Doom, especially the bands mentioned above, and I can easily say the "Harbinger of Metal" will stand side by side with the great doom metal albums in my collection.
This is their first release on the impressive Spinefarm/Spikefarm label and they say it's going to be their heaviest yet. The label really has picked up a great band in RB, and I think they can help the band get the attention and following they deserve. Any proclaimed fan of Doom should have this in their collection.
Band: Revolvers, The
Album: End of Apathy (People Like You Records)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 22.09.03)
Website: http://www.the-revolvers.de
Rating: 7.5/10
"End of Apathy" gets of to a flying start but unfortunately starts to go downhill towards then end.
The Revolvers play a blend of classic 80' sing-a-long/anthem, guitar driven rock, similar to bands like Hanoi Rocks and Backyard Babies with modern punk influences, that whilst is entertaining, especially the huge choruses and riffs, "End of Apathy" did start to annoy me a bit and I didn't exactly know what it was
There are a quite few tracks that are unavoidable to sing/bounce along to, highly recommended to fans of Backyard Babies.
Band: Rhapsody
Album: Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret (Steamhammer/SPV)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.mightyrhapsody.com
Rating: 9/10
Finally, I've managed to get round to reviewing the new Rhapsody album. I've had it for a while now and it still never fails to impress.
Sure, it's not going to be to everyone's liking, but that's Rhapsody in general, but you'll have to agree just how complex and original this is. If like me you were a little disappointed with "Power of the Dragonflame", you'll be pleased to hear this will restore your faith with the band. I won't go into detail with the story lines for their Film Score Metal because, well, it's far to complex and the review would be way too long. You don't want to be sitting there reading pages and pages of storylines etc, when you could be out buying this, It's way better to discover the story for yourselves anyway.
Fans of old will be pleased, and it's also a great place to start for newcomers. If you are a newcomer, read the review of the companion EP below to get a better idea, if your already a fan, well, this is Rhapsody, you know what to expect!
Band: Rhapsody
Album: The Dark Secret (Steamhammer/SPV)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.mightyrhapsody.com
Rating: 8.5/10
Well, it's that time again, and just before the release of the new album, we get a treat with "The Dark Secret" EP from the Masters of Epic.
As you probably well know, Rhapsody like to do things properly and they won't settle of anything less that perfect. For starters, a special guest appearance by legendary actor Christopher Lee who plays the part of a the role of a king who guides the listeners through this unique saga by narration. Also, they've once again gone full whack and incorporated a dozen or so international guest soloists, the entire Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic Orchestra from the Czech Republic and a 50 piece choir (told you they like to things properly!)
This may only be an EP, but this is by no means just a taster, or something to pass the time until their new album, "The Dark Secret" see's Rhapsody is great form, their Film Score/Hollywood Epic Metal is catchy and over the top as usual. Not only a CD, you can follow it along and it turns out to be a great story. Nothing more to say, this is Rhapsody after all, Recommended!
Band: Rhapsody of Fire
Album: Triumph or Agony (Steamhammer/SPV)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.mightyrhapsody.com
Rating: 5/10
The masters of "foofiness" are back with not only a new album, but also a new name. The change from Rhapsody to Rhapsody of Fire was due to some kind of trademark/copyright issue, and according to the band, "The name Rhapsody of Fire better represents the energy that has always been present in this band and its music".
With a budget that surely equals that of the latest Hollywood blockbuster, R.O.F once again aren't afraid to lay on the operatics and orchestration, but in turn, forget to add any metal. There are no fast or heavy songs like on previous albums, and instead it's just an album full of over the top, mid-tempo ballads.
The album as a whole lacks any real excitement, and even though there are songs that are split into chapters, it really just sounds like one long song. The whole epic thing and Classical Orchestration really has taken the front seat on this one, and I agree it definitely does sound like a motion picture soundtrack, but come on, bring back some of that fast paced metal.
Band: Rivera Bomma
Album: I am God (Mausoleum Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.riverabomma.net
Rating: 3/10
God must be a dairy fanatic because Rivera Bomma offers up party-sized platter of cheese with "I am God". The album begins on a hopeful note with the title track, which is the highlight of the album. This song has powerful vocals and a catchy, galloping Power Metal groove set to the backdrop of a keyboard programmed to an organ setting. The album soon gets very cliché, with these fervent Christian devotees preaching god's gospel on the track "You are my Child". The said track uses mediocre Power Metal to sing about us all being god's children. The next song "He died for you" highlights the tenets of Christianity. The chorus, "He died for you, your sins he will remove, call on his name, your life will change", have been heard on any given Sunday. Come on; tell us something we don’t know!
Cheesy Glam Metal lyrics soon enters the foray with "Oh Girl" when lead preacher, Johnny Bomma sings (get ready) "They say that we were young in love, and our lives will stay that way, two love birds flying high to the top of the sky". He must have been wearing a mesh shirt and spandex when he wrote this one.
With a better songwriter scribing the album's lyrics, Bomma could be a band to take seriously. Each band member has talent, and even though Rivera Bomma plays Power Metal, it is not a Helloween clone. Power Metal needs another Helloween clone like the Atlantic Ocean needs salt. Because the album is Christian-themed does not necessarily mean it is going to be bad. Candlemass made a great album with Christian concepts with "Tales of Creation" and Trouble with "The Skull". The difference between those bands and Rivera Bomma is the song writing. If Rivera Bomma took a couple of writing courses, maybe I’ll be able to listen to it without making constipation faces. Review by Daren Cowan
Band: Rizzo, Marc
Album: Colossal Myopia (Shrapnel Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.marcrizzo.com
Rating: 7/10
Soulfly member, Marc Rizzo proves that some nu-metal musicians can actually play their instrument or in this case, instruments. The "Colossal Myopia" is a forum for Rizzo to show off his musical talent in a way you would never hear on a Soulfly record. Imagine Yngwie Malmstein getting together with Jeff Loomis from Nevermore to record an album with a mariachi band. The album’s opening track "Kilocycle Interval" is a dictionary example of the term "shred". Rizzo gets right down to business, his fingers moving up and down the fret board to the speed of a hummingbird flapping its wings. Teddy Gibbons does a commendable job pounding the skins, sometimes sounding like Dave Lombardo on Meth.
As evidenced on the next track "Introspection of an Introvert", Rizzo and Gibbons must have spent a fair amount of time in the practice room together. The beginning of the track is a math metal clinic, showing the two all over the place, yet still flawlessly following each other, beat for beat. The thump-and-bump rhythm of this track is akin to the technically portrayed on Death's "The Sound of Perseverance". Just like any good soloist, Rizzo has a knack for alternating finger bleeding fret work, with superb string-bending melodies. Sometimes Rizzo practically makes his guitar talk. If it were talking, it would probably say, "buy me". The next track "Remember the Future" shows Rizzo putting down his electric guitar and picking up an acoustic. The sounds of the ocean welcome in this track and add to the tranquil feeling conveyed through Rizzo's organic tones. This track is only the beginning of the non-metal portion on "Colossal Myopia". "Pantheistic Utopia" has a Greatful Dead or Santana hippy jazz feel to it. "Infinity", "The Pinata Hits Back", and the cattle-terrorizing-beast-of-folklore-titled "Chupacabra" all show Rizzo giving a shout out to his Hispanic roots. Rizzo plays a swift Spanish style guitar along with Kathie Rizzo shaking the zills, and Roger Vasquez tapping out the percussion.
The ethnic leanings on "Colossal Myopia" are a bit of a dichotomy because while it is good for metal heads to broaden their horizons with music from different cultures, especially Latin music done as well as Rizzo, headbangers may find themselves getting a little bored after a while, and yearning for the speed and heaviness that consists of at least half the album. Maybe Rizzo should have featured just a little less ethnic music and more metal. Still, this is one of the best guitar virtuoso albums for fans of heavy metal. Review by Darren Cowan
Band: Roadkill
Album: Pyramid
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.roadkill.nl
Rating: 8.25/10
Roadkill are a power metal band from the Netherlands in the vein of Jag Panzer and Iced Earth.
Heavily riff orientated, the three tracks on this promo CD are excellently constructed and written, and remain an enjoyable listen played over and over.
Although only three tracks long, there is plenty of quality on show musically and vocally (although it could do with a bit more power). The Maiden style dual guitar harmonies are spot on with timing, everything just blends so well together. With this and their earlier demo’s, 97’s "Criticus Patheticus", 96’s "Turn Page" and "Decider" from 1993, now is the time for that first album.
Band: Roger Merit And The Disasters
Album: 1984 (Hellcat Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.thedisasters.com
Rating: 7/10
When he’s all tore up from the Agnostic Front scene, AF vocalist Roger Merit likes to opt for the sing along goodtime punk route.
Equal parts Articles of Faith, Dictators and Dropkick Murphys, The Disasters manage an above average blend of the genre. Nothing too spectacular, but more than competent with plenty of good leads and hooks. The Disasters aren’t trying to make a great statement, they’re just rocking and having a damn good time while they’re at it.
Lyrics infuse street family sentimentality with political/social nods, nothing too depressing. This is definitely an upbeat celebration of the underdog. Worth a spin or two. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Rosetta
Album: The Galilean Satellites (Translation Loss Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.rosettaband.com
Rating: 10/10
If I'd have known just how good this was when sitting
in the random neglected clump of discs on my desktop for the past month, this would have
easily made my top ten of 2005.
As a two disc set, Rosetta goes from one bi-polar extreme of the avant-doom movement to the other. The first disc is ethereal and pulsating with beautiful, dreamy Sonic Youth sub-melodies yet mixed with soul-scarring doom, these gut-churning screams over mountains of wondrous noise. The second disc is purely ambient and very dark, brooding, exploding textures battling the forces of Light and Darkness. "The Galilean Satellites" resides somewhere between Masaretti, Buried Inside, ISIS and Ganon.
When the depression comes, buried beneath a mountain of darkness, looking out the window at the grey and dead landscape of pure white, this is the remedy... or the curse to blindly dive in deeper. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Rotten Anal Enema
Album: Always Respond Promptly to the Urge to Defecate (World of Philth Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.worldofphilth.com/WOPR001info.htm
Rating: 6/10
This is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to write about. ROTTEN ANAL ENEMA! what can I say?, is this the biggest pile of crap I've ever heard or is it a stroke of pure genius.
Techno Porn Death Grind is what they like to call it, all I can think about is what the hell was going through their minds when they were doing this, these people are well messed up. Their low budget, Ultra guttural vocals, heavy grind riffs, thumping bass lines and a cheesy drum machine sounds just plain weird.
I don't know what else to say, I've never heard anything like this EVER. If you like this, you'll love it and if you hate it, well, you will be shocked. I highly recommend you get this, as it's the most original thing I've heard. They may well be labeled the crapest band on the planet, it's taken me a few listens but I do have to admit I quite like it, I think the track "Serial Killer Farm Animal Rapist" with it's added sheep and cow noises is what did it for me. sick, sick bastards!
Band: Rotten Sound
Album: Exit (Spinefarm Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.rottensound.com
Rating: 8/10
Rotten Sound plays a very caustic sort of Grindcore and they do it quite well, thank you. If Terrorizer's "World Downfall" wets your panties or Napalm Death's "From Enslavement To Obliteration" is your E.D. cure of choice, you'll blow some juice upon hearing "Exit", most certainly.
Whether the band takes on rapid-fire blasting, as they do during "Maggots", or teeth-gnashing, punky grind during "Sell Your Soul", it does it with both precision execution and an appropriately intense flair.
By the time you've headbanged your way through the eighteen tracks on this album, you'll be in need of emergency services, without a doubt. Even though it clocks in at just under a half hour, this badass bastard is highly recommended. Review by Erin Fox
Band: Rotting Christ
Album: Sanctus Diavolos (Century Media)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 20.09.04)
Website: http://www.rotting-christ.com
Rating: 9/10
Rotting Christ never fail to impress, and what I like about them is they aren't afraid to progress and try new things.
With the departure of long time members George and Costas, I was keen to hear whether this was the beginning of a new era for the band, or the start of a downfall, luckily "Sanctus Diavolos" carries on where "Genesis" left off. You can hear various elements from different albums on here, from their early black roots to the gothic sound of the excellent "Dead Poem" album, I particularly like the combination of black, death and clean vocals which makes this one of the most atmospheric and experimental RC albums.
They use a lot of keyboards on this album, but it never for one second sounds out of place or too up front to dilute the aggressiveness of the album, you definitely get the best of both worlds here. Rotting Christ have always been amongst the elite of Dark/Black Metal, and "Sanctus Diavolos" only builds on that fact.
Band: RPM
Album: Irrational Anthem (7940 Records)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 20.01.04)
Website: http://www.rpm.tv
Rating: 6.5/10
Who is this young lady gracing the front cover ;)
Born in Kentucky and raised in Virginia, RPM grew up in a politically conservative Catholic family. Studying classical voice, piano and flute at a young age, she quickly tired of the polite side of music. RPM, are the initials of the front woman (no idea what they stand for?), the main brains behind the band, and as much as I tried to hate this, I just couldn't. With some fairly powerful, controversial lyrics, melodic guitar driven rock and some catchy choruses, it made a change to the usual stuff I receive, and there is some real great songs on here.
"Irrational Anthem" is a collection of some interesting and catchy Pop/Rock that will no doubt be a success and appear on radio's around the US. I can't see her being the next pop role model, but the outspoken boys and girls of rock will love here for sure.
Band: Rudi Pell, Axel
Album: Mystica (SPV)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.axel-rudi-pell.de
Rating: 8.5/10
Well, well...looks like Mr. Pell and Co have been receiving some very average reviews for "Mystica", his 11th studio album.
As far as I'm concerned, 2004's "Kings and Queens" is by far the best ARP album to date, so "Mystica" really has a lot to live up to. What I've always liked about Pell is that it's obvious he's a great guitarist, but he's always been more of a team player rather than opting to blast through song after song showing off his skills. The album starts with intro and straight into the usual up-tempo opener, this time it's "Fly to the Moon" with a riff that's straight off the "Magic" album. Musically, once again the whole band is on top form. It has to be said that vocalist Johnny Gioeli has one the greatest voices in metal.
Listening to the album, it's pretty clear he hasn't just opted for a "Kings and Queens – Part II". "Mystica" isn't as heavy or as instantly catchy as its predecessor, as this time he's gone for a more mature, slower and more emotional style that works well, even if it did take a few listens to fully appreciate it. It's not his best album, nor is there any real change in direction, but hey this is ARP, the man can't put a foot wrong in my opinion. If you're yet to discover ARP, think along the lines of Dio/Rainbow inspired Melodic Metal.
Band: Rwake
Album: Hell is a Door to the Sun (Retribute Records)
Year: 2002
Website: http://rwake.homestead.com
Rating: 8.5/10
This has to be one of the best Doom/Sludge albums I’ve heard in a while. They have also played at The Milwaukee Metal Fest twice (both times receiveing great reviews from the metal press).
Combining classic sludge, doom, stoner, throughout the whole album the listener is taken on a nightmarish, but addictive journey through the musical style I mentioned. You can also feel the pain and aggression in the vocals.
Very original and an impressive listen from start to finish. I will be recommending this to a lot of people. Anyway, I’m off to replay this album a couple of times.
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