Band: Sabaton
Album: Primo Victoria (Black Lodge)
Year: 2005 (Release Date: 28.02.05)
Website: http://www.sabaton.net
Rating: 10/10

Oh man, this has to be one of the finest heavy/power metal albums I have heard in a long time!

Come to think of it, with tracks like "Reign of Terror", "Panzer Battalion" and "Counterstrike", Battle Metal would be a better way to describe their anthemic, magnificent song-a-long style, the album really has everything you could ever want from a great album. Sure, it maybe a little cheesy, but their war based lyrics will have your fist in the air and your head banging within the first few seconds of the first track.

Think along the lines of a heavy Manowar, but with a more deeper, rawer vocalist. Music wise, the songs are heavy but have subtle keyboard passages that, along with the intricate lead work, create some amazing melody. I'm not lying when I say that every track on here stands out, that will have you chanting/singing along to, judge for yourself and go and get this now. If your into power metal and don't mind a bit of epicness and/or cheesiness, your going to fall in love with this. There are some great anthems on here, and if we don't hear more about Sabaton during 2005, it would be an absolute crime! 

Band: Sabaton
Album: Attero Dominatus (Black Lodge)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.sabaton.net
Rating: 8.5/10

Well, after "Primo Victoria", which was without doubt one of the greatest albums of 2005, musically and in terms of the overall theme, I was very interested in what direction they went next.

Listening to "Attero Dominatus" for the first time, it's clear they haven't just carried on from where "Primo Victoria" left us. For one, it's not as instantly catchy as its predecessor. They still go for the War/Terrorism theme, but this time round it's a lot more mature sounding, with some new ideas. Overall, the album is more complex and atmospheric sounding that "Primo Victoria" but ultimately they do lose some of that catchiness.

This is however, unmistakably Sabaton. You'll also be pleased to know they finish the album off with a trademark Metal Hymn that pays tribute to various bands, if you picked up their last album, you'll know what I mean. Their unique and innovative take on what can only be described as Heavy Power Metal, once again prove that they are easily one of the most exciting, and original bands that have emerged over the last good few years.

Band: Sacred Sin
Album: Mastery of Holy Imperial Art (Blackened Moon)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.angelfire.com/band/sacredsin
Rating: 10/10

Portugal's Sacred Sin have been around for just over a decade now, and "Mastery of Holy Imperial Art" is a collection of original, re-mastered and cover songs from the last ten years.

The 20 tracks of aggressive, mid-paced blackened death/thrash are very old school but it makes a very interesting listen from start to finish. Also worth mentioning in the very varied vocals courtesy of Jose Costa, they range from low guttural growls to screams and even soft cleanly sung parts. Apart from the bands own work, there are four covers of songs from Morbid Angel, Venom, Dark Angel and Slayer, all of which have influenced the band if one way or another. There is also a Portuguese traditional folk song to round things up called "Diablo na Mao" that they make totally brutal sounding.

So, after five brutal albums and 10 years later, "Mastery of Holy Imperial Art" gives the ultimate overview and marks the bands first (un) holy decade with some of the most representative material created by the group. It's a shame that he band never reached the heights of stardom that they thoroughly deserve, hopefully there is still time. Here's to the next decade. An absolute must for all fans of extreme metal!

Band: Sacrificio
Album: Fin De La Fe (Dans Crypt Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.danscrypt.com/sacrificio.htm
Rating: 7/10

Nearly 40 minutes of groovy Puerto Rican Death/Grind.

"Fin De La Fe" is sung entirely in Spanish, which doesn't really matter anyway, because they're totally indecipherable and, to keep it that little bit more interesting, there's tempo changes and groovy passages throughout.

Although its a decent and aggressive listen, the production work isnt the best I've heard and things do tend to become a little repetitive, especially on the three tracks that are well over 6 minutes. Sacrificio don't really offer anything new or groundbreaking.

Band: Sahg
Album: Sahg I (Regain Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.sahgweb.com
Rating: 9/10

Featuring members of such extreme acts as Gorgoroth, Manngard and Audrey Horne (winners of Norwegian grammy for best metal album this year), Doom wasn't what I was expecting when I put this on, especially with them coming from Norway.

If bands such as Pentagram, Electric Wizard, Kyuss, Monster Magnet and of course Sabbath interest you, then go grab this immediately. Vocalist/guitarist Olav Iversen even has that Ozzy style going, albeit not as high pitched. Sahg combines intricate guitar passages with heavy and brooding atmospheres, huge riffs and grooves, beefy bass-lines and that classic "fuzz" sound.

Sahg are just one of those bands that will be appreciated by fans of both old, and the more modern style of doom. Do yourself a favour, grab a beer and put on a bit of Sahg. You won't be disappointed.

Band: Sakurai
Album: The Room We Do Not Speak Of... (Copro Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.sakuraiband.com
Rating: 5/10

Sleepy sounding, bottom-heavy grooving typifies "The Room We Do Not Speak Of..." as Sakurai pull off a slightly-stonerish attempt at metal.

One of the major downfalls here is the difference in tonality in terms of guitar throughout the course of the album. Mark McKay, the band's vocalist, in turn often sounds too redundant from song to song. There are redeeming moments, most notably "Lo-Fi", but don't plan on seeing these guys on MTV any time soon.

Still in the developmental stages, but a good kick in the ass might bring these pups around. Review by Erin Fox

Band: Salem
Album: Collective Demise (System Shock)
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.salemband.com
Rating: 8.5/10

"Collective Demise" is the fourth alum by the highly established Israeli band Salem, and is definitely their most aggressive album to date.

12 new songs which explore new territories with the use of Afro-Cuban Percussion on "Dead Eyes" and "Slave", Arabic darbuka on "Broken Yet United" and "Act of Terror", female vocals on "Coming End of Reason", "Feed on Your Grief", "Act of War" and "Al Taster" and the most sophisticated second guitar harmonies ever laid down by the band. "Al Taster" is also the first single off the album, which is a cover of an old Jewish hymn. Lyrics are taken from Psalms, chapter 102, verse 3.

As I mentioned before, this is there most "experimental" album to date and musically is top quality death/black metal. The album never just plods along at the same speed; there is always something new and varied for the listener. Overall Collective Demise" manages to bring a breath of fresh air to the genre, recommended for fans of the black/death style.

Also, the package came with a bonus CD with a Salem Gallery and videos to "Broken Yet United", the very political "Act of War" and the single "Al Taster". Not sure if this comes as a bonus CD with the album or is a separate promo CD. Those interested in bonus CD should contact the band for more info.

Band: Samael
Album: Reign of Light (Regain Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.samael.info
Rating: 9.5/10

The Swiss masters are back with their sixth studio album, and their first on the impressive Regain Records.

Samael are one of those bands that are hard to categories, and a band that everyone should hear. Throughout their career, they have constantly released great and innovative albums, and Reign of Light is yet another to add to that list. It's been five years since their last release "Eternal", brothers Vorph and Xy have taken same path, but have built on it a great deal, and the outcome is amazing. The black metal vocals are gone but there are plenty of electronics and heavy guitar riffs.

Whilst I think that "Reign Of Light" is more aggressive that "Eternal", it's also a little less melodic. The usual Gothic tinge incorporated with industrial influences and almost techno like beats may not sound all that, but give it a listen, the complex layers sound near perfect. It may not be their best album, but the sheer diversity and experimentation on the album will easily see it amongst the best albums of 2004.

Band: Saxon
Album: Dogs of War (Steamhammer/SPV)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.saxon747.com
Rating: 6.5/10

"Dogs Of War" is no means as groundbreaking as the band's earlier catalog, nor is it as sonically mature as the band's latest effort "Lionheart", with this re-release bearing much more in common with bands like Molly Hatchet and AC/DC than much of the group's output.

Somewhat of an experimental venture into hard rock territory for the band, this release was eschewed by many Saxon fans upon its original release in 1995, a time when interest in this sort of music was at an all-time low. However, with rock sounds being more prevalent than ever in 2006, this revised offering indicates that it may have been a bit of an injustice to write Saxon off in the mid-nineties. Tracks like "Hold On" show wizened songwriting that might be a bit patterned, but is executed with raw talent nonetheless. Vocalist Biff Byford's talent as a vocalist has often been underrated over the course of his career and he proves here that he can pull off a solid pop metal track just as well as the next guy. Bluesy, Jimmy Page inspired guitar work in sprinkled throughout the record, with a great mix leaving Byford front and center, yet giving the other musicians plenty of room to breathe.

American fans of eighties metal for the most part never really warmed up to Saxon and "Dogs Of War" was clearly an impassioned attempt to appeal to a mainstream rock audience that, in those days, no longer appeared to exist. The group's return to a more metallic sound proved to be welcome, but this album, featuring very solid tracks like "Don't Worry" and "Walking Through Tokyo" should satisfy any hard rock lover's appetite. Review by Erin Fox

Band: Saxon
Album: Lionheart (Steamhammer/SPV)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.saxon747.com
Rating: 9.5/10

I can't remember the last time I heard Saxon, it was a while ago and it mustn't have left that much of an impression on me otherwise I would have been listening to them since then.

Saxon will always be known for being one of the founders of the NWOBHM, but they have always been somewhat shadowed by the likes of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, and have never reached the heights of success as they have. Coming back to "Lionheart", I really do feel that if it had been released 20 odd years ago, things would be very different. I'm sure they never sounded this good when I heard them before, the album sounds fresh and very energetic helped somewhat by new sticks-man Jorg Michael of Stratovarius, the song writing is also very impressive, dealing with the likes of all things British, from Witchfinder General's to King Richard Lionheart and even the attitude of British Soldiers to war.

Lionheart = Great Heavy Metal, simple as that, for get going out to buy albums by all these new bands that keep popping up here and there, go and get this. "Lionheart" has come out of nowhere and has taken me by surprise, no fan of Heavy Metal should be without this album, a powerful album with nothing but memorable tracks throughout.

Band: Scar Symmetry
Album: Pitch Black Progress (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.scarsymmetry.com
Rating: 9/10

Wow this was a real surprise! This was a band I wasn't familiar with before, although this is their second release after the debut album "Symmetric in Design" was released in 2004. Made up of members of Carnal Forge, Theory In Practice, Altered Aeon and Incapacity you would maybe expect the usual Swedish Melodic Death Metal by numbers, but you would be very wrong, this is an album of varied styles that pushes the envelope of the melodic death metal blueprint to new extremes.

Staring with Vocals of Christian Älvestam that range from deep snarling death grunts to higher cleaner vocals that recall power metal and even Judas Priest! This change in styles and the range really strike you and make you listen changing from death to power vocals is no mean feat and as strange as it sound it works brilliantly and feels totally natural. The Music itself is faultless but its not just clean clinical metal it has a real groove and rhythm to it, and there is some real virtuoso guitar soloing in here reminiscent of classic Megadeth, and old school Thrash of Exodus and Testament.

Stand Out tracks are the album opener "The Illusionist" and "Mind Machine" which are some of the heaviest cuts on here yet retain there harmony and groove. This albums blends melodic death metal, power metal, old school thrash and classic metal together to form a fantastic and super original album like nothing else you will hear this year. Review by Joe Freeman

Band: Scavenger
Album: Madness to our Method (Sentinel Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.scavenger.ie
Rating: 7.5/10

The press bit on the back of the sleeve states that these guys are Ireland's premier Power/Heavy Metal outfit, Power/Heavy Metal?...yes, Premier?...not just yet, although I do believe they could be.

I think they've got their foundations laid and need to build on this album. "Madness to our Method" is by no means a bad album, the songs are quite long in length and they opt for lengthy instrumental passages which I think could prove to be either their strength or weakness. I also think they need to add solo's to it to make it a little more exciting, other than that, the thrash influences, tight hard hitting rhythm section, thick guitars, memorable riffing and Peter Dunne's unique vocal style are very good. It's mainly mid-paced heavy riffing, but they can speed things up and slow things down, and they do just that throughout the album.

"Madness to our Method" is a great start for the band, but I think they can and they will do better with their next offering. I'm ready to watch them become one of Ireland's elite.

Band: Schenker/Pattison Summit
Album: The Endless Jam (Mascot Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com
Rating: 8/10

I usually steer clear of tribute/cover albums as many are just to dull, anyway, why not just listen to the originals anyway.

Putting that to one side, this is Michael Schenker were talking about after all, so it has to be good right..? Well, the album's not amazing but they add just enough of there own individual touches to the songs to keep things interesting. Looking down the track listings we get classic songs such as "Hey Joe", "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and a whole horde of songs from such bands as Free, Montrose, Mountain and many more. Schenker is on top form once again, easily one of his best performances for a while. The way he adds a harder edge to the songs without ruining them is amazing and vocalist Davey Pattison is the perfect vocalist for the project, he fits in with the whole blues/rock vibe perfectly.

A must for Michael Schenker fans and indeed any body into chilled out bluesy albums. There's plenty of variety and is easy to listen to over and over again. Unfortunately, I know many of you will give this a miss.

Band: Sear Bliss
Album: Glory and Perdition (Red Stream Inc.)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.searbliss.hu
Rating: 7.5/10

Epic Hungarian blackened melodic death with Viking influences to boot.

Well played, stellar production, plenty of variations and counter melody. At times, the vocals are lacking and some of the atmospheric bloops and bleeps from the keyboard are weak. The lyrics are pure Dungeons and Dragons with a war metal tilt. It's a mixed bag offering that is generally solid.

For fans of Manegarm, Aborym and Dark Fortress. Features guest vox from Atilla Csihar (Mayhem). Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: Searing Meadow
Album: Corroding from Inside (Crash Music Inc.)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.searingmeadow.com
Rating: 8/10

Finally Crash Music hits the mark.

As you might tell by the name, Searing Meadow are kind of an Amorphis/Dark Tranquility hybrid, although a little more on the melodic death side than usual. Add in a dash of Opeth, some early Metallica and Lillitu. Pretty cool stuff, a lot faster and more upbeat than one would assume. Strong production values really seal the deal. Singer could go, be he works decently for the material.

More impressive than I initially had suspected. Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: Seasick
Album: Beastie Mensch (PW Prod.)
Year: 1998
Website: http://www.seasick.de
Rating: 5.5/10

So what is Seasick all about?

Super pissed German hardcore punk of the most generic and poorly produced quality. It's basic two or three riff stuff. The production is chinsy (doesn't work in this case) but the music stays raw. The riffs are decent and thrashy, the rest of the band following the guitars one dimensionally. Seasick is like a lesser grade Aaaritila with a slight Carcass twinge, furious and militant sounding as Sadistic Execution. The vocals could go – you know when Trey Parker from South Park utilizes his angry metal voice? Yah, it's kind of like that.

Nothing special but hardcore obscurists might find interest. Features members of Deep End and Breadless Art. Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: Secret Sphere
Album: Heart & Anger (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.secretsphere.com
Rating: 8/10

Italy's Secret Sphere make a welcome return with their latest opus, "Heart & Anger"

It's not as an instant hit as there last album, but "Heart & Anger" is a great album. A with their last, although it an enjoyable, there's one or two things that they need to do, before they move up to that next level. Although there is nothing really groundbreaking, there are no dull parts whatsoever.

There is melody, technicality, and memorable sing along choruses. I like the technical tracks such as "Where the Sea Ends", but what really does it for me is the simple, sing-a-long, memorable tracks such as "Dance with the Devil", "I Wont say a Word" and "You Still Remain". Heavy/Power Metal fans will be pleased with this. Surely it will only be a matter of time before Secret Sphere step out of the shadows, and move alongside some of the leaders of the genre. 

Band: Secret Sphere
Album: Scent of Human Desire (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 19.05.03)
Website: http://www.secretsphere.com
Rating: 9/10

With their third album, and first on Nuclear Blast, the Italian based Secret Sphere have created a real Power Metal masterpiece. An epic, symphonic and magical album that will take you on a journey into fantasy.

Secret Sphere sound like a cross between Helloween and Queensryche with an Orchestra thrown in. As of late, Italy has been a hotbed of up-and-coming, great bands. Secret Sphere lead the march forward, now is the time for the New Wave of Italian Heavy Metal.

I definitely have to say that "Scent of Human Desire" has to be one of the most enjoyable albums I have heard this year, if not ever. The entire album keeps the listener intrigued with an equal balance of different paced tunes that flow well from start to finish. You can really hear the time and effort that went into this, with each song just blends together seamlessly. I only have good things to say about this, watch for the rise of Secret Sphere, and boy do they deserve it!

Band: Secrets She Kept
Album: Symphonies of Eternal Suffering and Damnation
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.mp3.com/secrets_she_kept
Rating: 7/10

With a name like Secrets She Kept, I was expecting some sort of Gothic band, what I got though, I was pleasantly surprised and very impressed.

I haven't got much info on the band, but what I can tell you is they play modern black metal with acoustic, sorrowful passages, I will even go as far as saying that they sound like the later-day Emperor, especially on their "Prometheus - The Discipline of Fire and Demise" album. The acoustic passages sound great and really add an atmosphere to the CD, in fact the whole demo has an atmosphere to it.

Unfortunately , I can't give you any more info on the band etc other than it's just a one man project, other than go visit their MP3 site (above) and check them out. Hopefully there will be a full-length debut in the works! Ultimately, a great start for the band who WILL go on to good things.

Band: Sepsism
Album: Purulent Decomposition (From Beyond Productions)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.sepsism.net
Rating: 8.5/10

Although fairly unknown to me, Sepsism have gained a large following of fans over the years and listening to this, their debut offering, you can see why.

Originally released on the defunct Repulse Records label back in 1999, "Purulent Decomposition" has been unavailable for several years despite the consistently high demand for it. The band later went on to join From Beyond Productions (Displeased Records Sub-Label) and release the follow-up "To Prevail in Disgust" (review to follow). With a new album done, the band asked their new label if they would be interested in doing a re-issue of their debut to satisfy the needs of many newly gained fans and those who missed out on it first time around. To simply put it, "Purulent Decomposition" is an absolute brutal Death Metal gem that is worthy of a re-issue. The band easily and constantly change tempo's throughout the album that keeps things interesting throughout, from a heavy skull crushing slow-mid pace to the hyper tight, speedy technical rhythms with lightning double bass drum work. Whilst the production work is top notch, they still maintain an almost raw approach to things.

Another thing worth mentioning is although the album is totally devastating, there is a certain groove to things that really improves the album. If your into Classic brutal 90's death metal, Sepsism are another and that you should add to your list. One of the Old-School's finest! Great Re-Issue!

Band: Sepsism
Album: To Prevail in Disgust (From Beyond Productions)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.sepsism.net
Rating: 7/10

Having recently listened to the re-release of the band's debut album "Purulent Decomposition", their latest album is a much more, "cleaner" and technical album.

Where as "Purulent..." was a raw, aggressive album, this just doesn't sound as brutal. Not that it's disappointing at all, it's still a decent album, but you can see the progression the band has taken. If your into Cannibal Corpse then you should definitely check this out.

There was just something missing with this, it just didn't hit me like "Purulent..." did. The songs just aren't as good, and some of them tend to get a little washed-out and repetitive as they seem to rush there way through the album. Sepsism are without doubt a very interesting band, with this though they have taken a much more modern approach and the end product is simply a decent album, but suffers compared to the brutality of "Purulent Decomposition"

Band: Septembre
Album: Rule 3: Conceal your Intentions (Sugar Shack Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.septembremusic.com
Rating: 3/10

Septembre feature former Vex Red front man Terry Abbott, both singer and bands are unfamiliar to me, so I haven't got a clue what to expect.

A couple of things I found whilst doing a bit of research was, although I've never heard them, Vex Red had apparently had a very bright future ahead of them before they suddenly imploded, and this and a previous Septembre release was produced by non other than producer-extraordinaire Ross Robinson (Slipknot, Korn, Machine Head, Limp Bizkit, Amen, etc). This all seemed quite promising.

So, then I listened to it, not what I was expecting at all. Dull, whiney, depressing, "Everyone Feel Sorry for Me" indie. I tried, I really tried to listen to it, but I just couldn't, every second just grated against me. Bound to appear on the radio, but try and avoid.

Band: Serpent Eclipse
Album: The Seven Desires & Wolves Blood (Oakenshield/Adipocere Records )
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.voidsector.com/se.html
Rating: 7.5/10

Hmmmm, Not to sure about the electronically distorted vocals but with drums sounding like their straight off a Samael record (much faster though) and classic black metal riffs, this is definitely one of the better US black metal releases.

Very raw, eerie electro black metal, which won't take long to decide whether you like it or hate it. With synths adding extra atmosphere, musically I have to admit it's nearly flawless.

Serpent Eclipse has created a very unusual and unique style, in which I'd be surprised if they didn't go on to do bigger things.

Band: Serpent Obscene
Album: Chaos Reign Supreme (Black Lodge)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.serpentobscene.com
Rating: 6.5/10

Hmmm, I'm not quite sure what to make of Serpent Obscene?!?

Consisting of members from Kaamos and Maze of Torment, this is the bands third album of ruthless and contentious Death/Thrash, which starts off so well, but just gets a little repetitive as it goes on. The majority is just speedy thrash, nothing really over technical with a few heavier breakdowns thrown in. Whilst on the subject of breakdowns, Serpent Obscene really need to throw in a few more to break up the album a bit. The ones on the album sound great, more next time please!!!! I would also have liked to have seen a couple of solo's here and there, as they opt for speed more than anything else.

I have hope for Serpent Obscene, I really do. There are a few moments that shine through, but they play things safely and don't really distance themselves from the competition.

Band: Setherial
Album: Death Triumphant (Regain Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.setherial.com
Rating: 6/10

Featuring members of Blackwinds and Diabolical, Setherial have their feet firmly planted in the mid-90's style of black metal, similar to such bands as Lord Belial, Dark Funeral and Naglfar.

"Death Triumphant" is the bands sixth album, and the first few new vocalist Infaustus and Funestus on bass. The album contains your usual run-of-the-mill fast paced, tremolo driven black metal, and, whilst the majority is pretty cold, aggressive stuff, hints of melody and even a bit of Synth make an appearance. The trouble I had listening to the album though, is that it was hard to distinguish one song from another as the melodies and tremolo driven passages all tend to merge together resulting in a very repetitive sound.

Maybe it's because I've heard things like this before, or that there's been some real outstanding black metal albums over the last couple or so years, but "Death Triumphant" doesn't really grab me and make me want to listen to it again and again. It's one of those albums that, if it was released a few years ago, it may have caused a bit more of a stir.

Band: Severed Head of State
Album: Anathema Device (Hardcore Holocaust)
Year: 2003
Website: ?
Rating: 8.5/10

Totally savage, anti-Christianity, anti-everything hardcore from the U.S., sounds good Eh?

The majority is fast aggressive hardcore, but there are plenty of metallic riffing and melody to stop this from being totally crazy. The whole album sounds like the band are on some sort of time schedule trying and to finish things as fast as possible, not that I'm complaining, they put everything into these songs and you can really feel the energy and aggression, it's fast but without sounding messy. I've never heard of SHOS before, but I bet their live sets are totally devastating.

I wasn't sure about Severed Head of State after the first couple of listens but now I can't get enough of them. "Anathema Device" is an album bordering on genius and insane, thank god the few and far between tempo changes, and the melodic parts are in there. Give them a chance, I know I'm glad I did. Totally Mad!

Band: Seven Witches
Album: Second War in Heaven (Crash Music)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.sevenwitches.net
Rating: 6.5/10

Crash has seen fit to capitalize on the attention surrounding the latest Seven Witches album by reissuing the band's older material.

Unfortunately, the band's previous incarnation just can't measure up to the current lineup, with scant highlights to be found on "Second War In Heaven". Guitarist Jack Frost's shredding is blistering yet clumsy and the complete cheeseball vocals of Bobby Lucas may be talented from a technical standpoint, but he often sounds amateurish and during his worst moments, just plain silly. Emphasizing themes that were worn out by Sabbath and Dio in the early eighties, Seven Witches certainly give a good try at what might be considered as the most traditional brand of metal, yet "Camelot" and "Nightmare (The Devil Inside)" often sound like really bad Sanctuary, with a thin production doing little to help matters. The record does; in fact, sound like it was recorded in the eighties, technologically speaking, with the exception of Frost's leads, which seem over saturated with effects in comparison to the rest of the mix.

With the interest for this type of music in the US being quite mediocre, "Second War In Heaven" winds up leaving similar sentiments. It's apt to be of interest to die hard Seven Witches fans, especially those looking to learn more about the group's history and the progression behind their current sound, but most metal fans will find this reissue to be lackluster at best. Review by Erin Fox

Band: Seven Witches
Album: Amped (Regain Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.sevenwitches.net
Rating: 7.5/10

Home of talented guitarist Jack Frost, Seven Witches' sixth studio album again features a completely new band.

This time around we have Jeff Curenton (13 Faces) on Drums, Bassist Kevin Bolembach (Non-Fiction and Tang!) and former Hades and Non-Fiction vocalist Alan Tecchio completing the line-up. Seven Witches are your typical American Heavy Metal band, "Amped" is a decent enough listen and it had me rocking quite a few times. With moments of Pantera and later-era Anthrax (there are even moments that remind you of John Bush) Seven Witches wont have you jumping around thinking that this is the greatest album ever, it's a solid Heavy Metal album, definitely entertaining, but nothing really new.

If you want something to rock to, "Amped" is everything you could want from a Heavy Metal album. If you're looking for that something a little bit more "groundbreaking", you wont find it on here. Solid non-the-less.

Band: Sewergrooves, The
Album: Constant Reminder (Wild Kingdom)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.sewergrooves.com
Rating: 7.5/10

It's time to Rawk!

70's stoner tinged rock 'n' roll, similar in some extents to bands like Backyard Babies, Helicopters and Gluecifer. To put it simply, it a high energy album, very radio friendly with a dirty sound that will get the fans of 70's blues rock grooving again. 

Whilst The Sewergrooves know how to groove, the trouble I found with "Constant Reminded" was it's inconsistency, the good songs are great, but there are a few on their that sound like nothing more than fillers. Despite this, fans of general 70's and garage rock could do a lot worse than pick up something by The Sewergrooves. 

Band: Sewn Shut
Album: Rediscovering the Dead (Selfmadegod Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.sewnshut.com
Rating: 8/10

"Rediscovering the Dead" contains 29 of the bands songs taken from all of their vinyl splits which include bands such as Squash Bowels, Embalming Theatre, Ulcerrhoea, Mind Collage, Man In Shackles and three additional tracks taken from "Polar Grinder" LP.

With 29 tracks clocking in at 27 minutes, you know exactly what your going to get with this, ripping and ferocious Scandinavian grindcore madness. No messing around, no complex or fancy stuff, just straight on hardcore brutality.

"Rediscovering the Dead" is a great little package that will please fans and newcomers alike and when compared to other Grind bands, Sewn Shut are like a breath of fresh air. Do we really need another Grind band....? Well, there's definitely room if they're anything like Sewn Shut! 

Band: Shadows Fall
Album: The War Within (Century Media)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.shadowsfall.com
Rating: 8.5/10

Having becoming darlings of the MTV circus and the public voice of the burgeoning hardcore/metalcore/NWOAHM universe, Shadows Fall have put their all into what will easily become a landmark of the zero's generation.

"The War Within" is an expertly crafted tome of their genre that is both as technically superb as it is versatile. All over the charts and rocking ass all the way.

Count this baby to end up in every non-elitist metal fan age 13-25's collection. Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: Shadows Fall
Album: The War Within (Century Media)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 20.09.04)
Website: http://www.shadowsfall.com
Rating: 9.5/10

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, wait till you get a load of this. It would be an understatement to say that I was a little excited about this album, as I couldn't see a way they could match, never mind better "The Art of Balance". However, they really have surpassed themselves with this offering.

Just as "The Art of Balance" was in 2002, this is going to be a massive album, and definitely one of the talking points of 2004. I don't know about you guys, but whenever I hear the term New Wave of American Metal, Shadow's Fall are the first band to spring to mind, they were one of the first, and they are without doubt the best in the genre. On first play, the album wasn't as instantly catchy as "The Art of Balance", but after a couple of listens, a whole new side of Shadows Fall emerged. They've managed to take all the aspects of what made "TAoB" so great, and built on that. Brain Fair seems to have improved his vocals somehow, and the guitar duo of Bachand/Donais sound as perfect as ever with the type of synchronicity that other modern duo's only ever dream of achieving.

It's clear Shadows Fall understand the delicate balance between skill, complexity and brutality by combining classic Metal with modern touches and a flair that is all their own.

Band: Shadows Fall
Album: The Art of Balance (Century Media)
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.shadowsfall.com
Rating: 9/10

I got this through the post a couple of days before I went to see them with Decimate at the Academy. Everyone has been mentioning Shadows Fall recently so I was eager to play it as soon as I got it.

With huge, galloping riffs not heard since the early days of Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax, the melody of bands like In Flames, and dual death grunt/clean vocals, this is what you can expect for those unfamiliar. Yes, it's that good and live they are even better.

I think that "The Art of Balance" is one of those albums that will please any type of metal fan; it even finishes with an excellent cover of Pink Floyd's "Welcome to the Machine". To round things up, in my opinion there has been a lot of crap emerging lately (just check out Kerrang TV) , thank god somebody has got the talent to try something new. This will be hailed as a classic in time to come.

Band: Shai Hulud
Album: That Within Blood Ill Tempered (Revelation Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.hulud.com
Rating: 7/10

It's been several years since their last release, and they return with a very average effort. There take on emotional melodic hardcore, at times gets very annoying. Some might say technical, I say there's too much going on at once and I found my self skipping a few tracks. One thing though is that the songs never get repetitive and the vocals by Dutch front man Geert Van Der Velde are amazing, really full of emotion and anger.

They have gained very good reviews of this, and there previous releases, some even going as far as using the terms epic and masterpiece. I'm not sure about that but, there are a couple of great songs on here but unfortunately they tend to get better as the record progresses.

I really tried to get into Shai Hulud, but the more I listened to this, the more I found myself becoming annoyed. This is only one of a few negative reviews you'll find so I urge you to check them out before you buy this.

Band: Shattered
Album: Behind the Wall (Independent Release)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.shattered.it
Rating: 5/10

Pantera apparently spread its influence all around the world before coming to an end. One example of Pantera's sound influencing bands on distant shores comes with Italy's Shattered.

Shattered borrow much of its style from the now-defunct legends, most notably powerful, "God Damn Electric" rhythms and a vocal style that unmistakably seeks to emulate Phil Anselmo. Shattered's music is well played, has plenty of catchy, crunch-driven rhythms worthy of a few listens. The melodic intro to "I'm your Father" is one of the album's highlights, showing the band attempting to create its own version of Pantera's "Cemetery Gates". The last track "Heavy Damage" shows the band sprinkling a dash of Death Metal with a couple of blast beats and "Show No Mercy"-era Slayer riffing.

"Behind the Wall" is a competent attempt for a band to create music in honor of it heroes. Because Shattered makes music that is so undeniably Pantera worship, one has no choice but to make unfair comparisons, unfair because Shattered's guitars are nowhere near as technical as the great Dimebag Darrel (R.I.P.). Nor are the drums as bruising as Vinnie Paul. While vocalist Ian nails the sound that Phil Anselmo gets in his vocals, he doesn't come close to having the lung power. Many bands of today claim Pantera as a major influence, but those bands only have small moments of Pantera adulation, which is even more surprising that more bands do not take Shattered's approach, considering how Pantera is one of the most influential metal bands of the last twenty years. Perhaps these bands do not want to look bad when placed next to Pantera. Review by Darren Cowan

Band: Shattered Realm
Album: From The Dead End Blocks Where Life Means Nothing (Eulogy Recordings)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.shatteredrealmnj.com
Rating: 2/10

It is not often when I spend the time harping on a giant piece of shit, but I don't really have any other option here.

I do believe that this unnecessarily long titled record is in the top ten worst knuckle-dragging, meathead hardcore albums ever released. For instance the song "Eat Shit". Two riffs, choppy Jamie Jasta vocal delivery - "Eat Shit.. Go... To Hell..." Those are the only lyrics than it goes into a "picking up the change/spin kick" mosh. Yep, there's a whole lot of them. Two generic riffs, beat the shit out of everyone lyrics, lame breakdown.

Snooze... Ryan Bartek

Band: Shatter Messiah
Album: Never to Play the Servant (Dockyard 1)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.shattermessiah.com
Rating: 9/10

After stepping out of the shadows of such bands as Annihilator and Nevermore, guitarist Curran Murphy now releases the debut of his new band, Shatter Messiah.

"Never to Play the Servant" really shows off the impressive guitar work of Murphy, which works well together with the vocal talents of former Archetype front man Greg Wagner. He kind of reminds me of a cross between Rob Halford and Ron Rinehart (Dark Angel). Shatter Messiah's actual sound is a viciously intense combination of Curran Murphy's technical metal roots and classic heavy thrash. Besides the general heaviness of the album, there is also a modern Prog feel to it at times that really keeps you entertained throughout the 14 tracks.

Shatter Messiah are an obviously highly skilled, technical and proficient band, and "Never to Play the Servant" shows us just how good they are. If you're into classic thrash, with a modern, heavy edge to it, check out Shatter Messiah for size.

Band: Shelter
Album: Eternal (Dockyard 1)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.myspace.com/eternalshelter
Rating: 5/10

Straightedge Pop-core pioneers featuring ex-Youth of Today vocalist Ray Cappo, release their 11th album of their career, and the first after the bands five or so year hiatus.

I'm not familiar at all with Shelter before this, and it's interesting because they label themselves as a Hare Krishna Hardcore punk band, but to me they just sound like a hardcore version of Weezer. "Eternal" is a fairly short album and straight to the point, but I found it really incoherent as my interest kept drifting in and out as the album progressed.

I personally can't really make my mind up about Shelter, but if you're into the whole pop-punk thing, or don't mind a bit of melody, be sure to check them out.

Band: Shortie
Album: Worthless Smiles (Earache)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 21.04.03)
Website: http://www.shortiemusic.com
Rating: 7.5/10

Hmmm… "What the hell is this?" I wondered as I opened this and saw "Intense Emo-Core" and "Earache" on the same packaging. Once I gave it a spin, I quickly realized that this is the sort of CD that is welcomed by all at a house party or the background music you hear on those American teen movies, to be honest I quite like it!

"Worthless Smiles" is the bands debut album and, since arriving on the scene four years ago, Shortie has kicked up a California-style dust storm with their unique brand of aggressively intense, yet melodic and very emotionally charged songs that once heard you will find it impossible not to sing along.

I think Shortie have crafted a unique style of their own and are going to become a very popular band. The whole CD just plays along without any real weak spots and whilst its not going to push the likes of Opeth of the top of my pile, it's a good, solid release that I will be taking to parties or maybe just a spin when there's people around. Not what you really expect on Earache and I couldn't help wondering if this is a change of direction for the mighty UK label.

Band: Sigma
Album: Win or Lose Promo 2003
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.sigmaonline.co.uk
Rating: 8/10

There are a lot of very poor Power Metal bands that are emerging, just trying to imitate the leaders in this field. Anyway, enough of them and let's move on to Sigma.

There Italy is THE place to be at the moment for power metal bands, I have heard some great bands from there recently. Sigma doesn't really break any new boundaries, but play Power Metal the way it should be, and play it well. This is the follow-up to their debut album, which received good reviews.

As soon as the intro starts, you know something good is going to happen; it builds up and up and then immediately goes into the first track, WOW! The melody, the fast double-bass drums, the power, this sets the standard for the rest of the album. Every song is well above average but by far the greatest track on this promo is "Eagle's Den". This is an absolutely classic Power Metal song. I hope the four full-length tracks on here are what I can expect the full album to be like.

Band: Sigma
Album: Win or Lose (Shark Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.sigmaonline.co.uk
Rating: 9/10

Following this years "Win or Lose Promo" which featured five tracks, all of which can be found on this album version with another 8 tracks of European Power Metal.

The band have not long ago signed to Shark Records and have managed to release this on that label. 13 tracks of speedy, melodic power metal, it's not really that original as I have quite a few albums like this, but I do have to admit "Win or Lose" is a damn enjoyable listen from start to finish. All that needs to be said you can read in the review of the promo version above.

Another reason why I like Sigma, is that the songs a very well constructed, there are some very interested pieces on this album. When you listen to the songs you can really hear the amount of time and effort the band must have put in, Sigma should be very pleased with the final results. One I shall be playing for a while yet!

Band: Silencer
Album: Death of Awe (Mausoleum Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.silencer.cc
Rating: 8/10

Mausoleum Records continues to sign quality metal acts from around the world. This time they deserve a few kudos for the signing of a young American band, Silencer.

Silencer plays a brand of metal that could be tagged "modern thrash". Their sound falls somewhere in between Fear Factory and Carnal Forge. This group does a balancing act between hyper fast, blasting death metal and slow, chunky melodies. Drummer Brian Kotal is remarkably fast, setting the blistering beat. Kota's drums seem to jump out of the speakers, sounding like a stampeding herd of elephants. The vocals during their fast moments echo their violent mood with sand papery screams. The slower moments show their affinity towards Fear Factory, utilizing atmospheric keyboard passages and clean vocals in the vein of Fear Factory's Burton C. Bell. The mechanical artwork and futuristic, Terminator-like doomsday scenario the lyrics paint recall the futuristic feeling contained on Fear Factory albums like "Obsolete".

Mausoleum has their selves a winner with Silencer. Silencer has an up-to-date sound that would fit quite well on a larger metal label like Nuclear Blast or Century Media. Mausoleum should do all that they can to keep this young band on its label because they could become the label’s all-time best selling artist. Review by Darren Cowan

Band: Silverstein
Album: Discovering the Waterfront (Victory Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.silversteinmusic.com
Rating: 5.5/10

Surprisingly enough, the bands debut "When Broken Is Easily Fixed" went on to sell over 200,000 copies worldwide, and earned the band a spot in Alternative Press "100 Bands You Need To Know in the spring of 2005".

Although they are rated highly amongst aficionado's, to a neutralist like me, it's hard to see how they stand out amongst a crowded and overly tired genre. I just don't know what it is but all these Emo/Screamo/Punk bands sound so similar, perhaps its just me and I'm not cool or up to date with the whole "scene", but if I'm going to spend my heard earned cash on something, I want it to be decent. "Discovering the Waterfront" does actually get off to a pretty good start, OK, they may not be my cup of tea, but I could actually sit and listen to them if they were on. As the album progresses however, things start to get a little repetitive, and you start to think that you've head this before somewhere.

I will probably get shot down by fans of the genre and the band, but really, if your new to these, make sure you listen to them before you go out and buy. I know I'd rather spend it elsewhere. 

Band: Sinai Beach
Album: Immersed (Victory Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.sinaibeach.net
Rating: 8/10

Oh Man! After the last few Victory releases, I was not expecting this at all.

All that I can say is that "Immersed" could have been an amazing album. This hard hitting Christian Hardcore/Metalcore band has a bright future ahead of them, IF that can sort a couple of things out. Things get off to a great start with an absolutely crushing intro, and then straight onto "Obedience through Desecration", a heavy, chugging track with severely pissed off, growled vocals. All goes well the vocalist bursts out with what only can be described as Glenn Danzig style, which doesn't really do the songs any justice. It's mainly a mid-paced, chugging, riff-based album, with plenty of tempo changes to keep things that little more interesting. They could however do with throwing in a few leads or solo's here and there to make people really stand up and take notice.

They're also not afraid to dabble in digital synths and beeps, which adds their own touch to an already tried and tested formula. It's a decent album but they're a little way off the likes of Shadows Fall, Killswitch Engage or Trivium. They've got the foundations, they've now got to build on it.

Band: Single Bullet Theory
Album: Behind Eyes of Hatred (Crash Music Inc.)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.singlebullettheory.net
Rating: 6/10

I had heard some good things about Single Bullet Theory, but never had the chance the listen to them.

The first thing you'll notice about "Behind Eyes of Hatred" is the poor production, the drums sound like some guy banging away at tin cans, which is a shame because the actual drum work sounds pretty decent, the bass is clunky and the combination of shouted and clean vocals tend to get annoying. SBT sound like bands such as Pantera and Pissing Razors, with some pretty decent catchy, heavy riffs here and there, but it all just gets repetitive and dull.

They're not particularly bad, its just that I've heard this done before, and better come to mention it.

Band: Sinister
Album: Afterburner (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.sinistercentral.cjb.net
Rating: 7/10

So another Death metal band back from the brink and yet another line up change.

Having used a female vocalist on their last album, the mediocre "Savage or Grace" in 2003, front woman Rachel is now out of the picture and the band's drummer Aad has been handed the reigns on lead vocals. Sinister's comeback record is a return to form after over 2 years away. With songs like "Men Down" and "Into Submission" they have claimed back their, aggressive beasts and riffs, and added some much needed atmosphere , while retaining that old school death metal style.

Sadly not every track on this album is this good and its certainly far away from their best works on their early albums such as "Cross the Styx" & "Diabolical Summoning" but this is certainly a much more promising album than there last and a damn fine comeback. Joe Freeman

Band: Sinister
Album: Savage or Grace (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 12.05.03)
Website: http://www.sinistercentral.cjb.net
Rating: 7.5/10

The Dutch band Sinister have been around for about 14 years now, so I imagine everyone knows the band or has at least heard about them.

If you don't know about Sinister, they play very aggressive Death Metal similar to Bolt Thrower, surfacing around the time when death metal dropped in popularity under the rising black metal movement, Sinister took the time to experiment with both a new dimension in aggression and the kind of harmonic centering within melodic composition that had worked for many black metal bands.

After a few line-up changes and seven albums later, Sinister present us with technical and very aggressive death metal with vocals performed by Rachel, vocals that would put any male death metal vocalist to shame. Although I personally think this is a very good album, I can't help thinking that fans of death metal will have lots of albums like these. If you are getting bored with death metal and are looking for that "something special" you will not find it here, otherwise I recommend you add this to your collection.

Band: Sirenia
Album: Sirenian Shores (Napalm Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.sirenia.no
Rating: 7.5/10

Hooked by the hook and damn it hurts. Sirenia is a gothy rock band that you can easily envision being in every direct to video "Blade" spin off to emerge in the next ten years. And judging by the publicity photos, it appears as if one of their members is a pirate.

Anyway, this is a five song E.P. pimping on what I'm assuming is a strong euro-radio hit. Beautiful female vox merge with metal guitars, the occasional blackened element, the consistent, somber metal guitars ala Sentenced, Anathema or even The Cure. Programming like Portishead, aura like Dark Tranquility. The “Save Me From Myself” remix is gold. Napalm gets that thing played on American radio it's over. All those Lacuna Coil mall girls would riot girl their way all over this shit.

And the atmosphere-driven semi-acoustic track "Meridian", So epic, so massive. I'm thinking Atlantic sinking into the ocean and this decadent ancient society panicking as they drown to death from god's wrath. There's something Laibachian about this I tell you. Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: Sirenia
Album: An Elixir For Existence (Napalm Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.sirenia.no
Rating: 7.5/10

Downtrodden goth rock with a dark metal backbone.

Somewhere between Type O Negative, Beseech, Moonspell, Rotting Christ and Lacuna Coil. Keyboard heavy, super hooky, very uplifting in it's own melancholy way. So 90's it hurts. Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: Skarp
Album: Requiem (Alternative Tentacles)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.skarp.us
Rating: 7.5/10

So when was it that Jello Biafra decided to start pumping out all this crazy blackened metal?

Yowza. Meet the new Karyn Crisis. Her name is Renae Louise
Betts and the band is Skarp. They go by the tag of "blackout grind" and are this crust punk/black metal/doomy metalcore amalgam. They skin people alive, figuratively and (I'm assuming) literally. The lyrics are pretty good -- very devious and poetic, socially aware and razor sharp. This band has a tendency to take black and death riffs but play them off in a punk manner all the while caking on layers of metalcore in the structure and in transitions.

Not exceedingly tech but inventive and hooky with lots of changeups. There are lots of meaty Quorthon blackened thrash riffs flying around like ginsu in a Steven Seagal knife fighting picture. They are a culmination of their influences but it is clear that they are coming into their own. Time will only refine this band's approach. But as it stands, Requiem is a pretty solid offering. http://www.skarp.us -- killme_777@yahoo.com. Ryan Bartek

Band: Skid Row
Album: Thickskin (Steamhammer/SPV)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.skidrowonline.com
Rating: 9/10

A lot of people seem to think that Sebastian Bach was Skid Row, and that the band should of finished as soon as he left. OK, Bach is a great vocalist, but hardcore Skid Row fans should give this a spin.

"Thickskin" is the bands long awaited new studio album, it's been two years in the making and it's been at least eight years since the bands last album and see's newcomers Phil Varone and Johnny Solinger on drums and vocals respectively. The new album has a much more modern feeling to it and the vocals are much more grittier than Bach's, but are great non-the-less. The opener "New Generation" is not the greatest choice of opener and is probably one of the weaker tracks, luckily things start to sound much better from "Ghost" onwards, which co-incidentally is easily the best track on here, one of the more mellower, slower songs with a great vocal performance of new boy Solinger. The rest of the album see's a mixture of ballads and some heavy stuff as well as a punked up version of "I Remember You"

OK it's not the Skid Row of old but I've been playing this for the past few weeks and I can't get enough of it, this album is well worth checking out. One thing though is I can't help thinking that fans of old are going to pass over this simply because Bach isn't on vocals which is their loss.

Band: Skinlab
Album: Nerve Damage (Century Media)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.skinlabmusic.com
Rating: 7/10

Despite being in existence for around a decade now, Skinlab have never really gained the recognition like some of their fellow Bay Area counterparts have managed to achieve.

Skinlab have a very clean sound with harsh punishing riffs and some interesting rhythms. On paper, "Nerve Damage" is the ultimate introduction to the band, 2 CD's, 34 tracks, over two hours of music. What you get is 2 new tracks, various radio edits, remixes, demos, cover songs, acoustic track, live tracks all with linear notes and even the extremely hard to find "Eyesore" and "Suffer" EP's, which are surely worth the money alone..? There are no comparisons that instantly come to mind, but if your onto modern metal, Skinlab may be a band worth checking out.

Every Skinlab fan will no doubt go out and buy this, but for those unfamiliar with Skinlab, "Nerve Damage" isn't perhaps the best place to start. It's a fairly frustrating listen as there are some great songs on here, but a few seem to be nothing more than fillers. Whilst they have been categorized as modern metal and thrash, I feel they may be too metal for the Nu-Metal fans, and to modern/nu for the hardcore old school thrash hordes which puts the band in a bit of a predicament. So, as far as rarities go, full marks goes to "Nerve Damage", it's a must for all Skinlab fans. As for exciting new listeners, well, I can't say this made me jump about the room, but it did have it's moments.

Band: Skinless
Album: From Sacrifice to Survival (Relapse Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.4skinless.com
Rating: 9/10

Skinless exploded onto the face of humanity in 1992. Despite a variety of lineup changes, the songwriting team of Noah Carpenter (guitars) and Sherwood Webber (vocals) has remained constant since 1994. In 1998, SKINLESS released their full-length debut "Progression Towards Evil". Recorded at Max Trax Studios in Albany, NY "Progression..." stunned the underground, showcasing the musicianship and energy that the band had become known for via its intense live performances. The album blazed a trail of brutality around the globe leaving fans of death/grind devastated, and searching for more. An entirely independent release, "Progression..." received frenzied acclaim from press the world over and saw remarkable sales. On their Relapse debut "Foreshadowing Our Demise", SKINLESS painted violent atmospheres of devastation. "Foreshadowing Our Demise" sonically documented the endless energy of the band's burly live performances, delivering an annihilating combo of high-tension grooves and ultimate brutality. "From Sacrifice to Survival" is the band third album and is a serious killer.

Along with Dying Fetus, Skinless are without doubt, the leaders in the modern, technical death metal league. Gone are the samples of previous releases and in comes clean vocals although they mixed low in the background, "From Sacrifice to Survival" is brutal yet the technical, groovy riffs and tight, pummeling drumming creates the ultimate head-banging delight. Straight from the off, you know you are in for a heavy yet enjoyable ride. As soon as the band decide to come to the UK, I will be first in line to see them, if you miss out on Skinless, it's at your loss.

Anyone into death metal, grind or just aggressive metal should get this, it really is a superb album I simply cannot speak highly enough of it. I challenge you not to nod your head when listening to this!

Band: Slave Zero
Album: The Pain Remits (Independent Release)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.slavezero.net
Rating: 7/10

Ireland's Slave Zero plays an aggressive mix of old school Florida Death Metal, new style of Hard Core and the type of technical grind commonly found on Relapse Records.

The first track and title track ‘The Pain Remits’ makes their affinity for Death Metal known with a break down in the grand tradition of Death Metal legends, Deicide. That part transitions into a Hardcore groove that would get any Hatebreed fan swinging his arms and legs about in the most harmful way. Vocally, Slave Zero places a mic in the hands of three band members: one member does throat-shredding screams; another does Death growls, and the third sings pissed Hardcore vocals. The album's duration continues upon the path laid down with the first track, but with a few brief moments of melody and solo instrumentation.

Slave Zero is a promising young band, having opened for major acts like Chris Jericho's Fozzy and the well-known Irish act, Abaddon Incarnate. The quintet plays a refreshing blend of aggressive styles (no sissy emocore crap!) that is sure to sit well with international audiences, in particular American audiences. The group also displays an uncharacteristic amount of professionalism, having recorded an Indie EP with a big label sound. Worldwide audience rest assured this is not the last you have heard from Slave Zero. Review by Darren Cowan

Band: Slipknot
Album: Volume 3: The Subliminal Verses (Roadrunner Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.slipknot1.com
Rating: 2/10

"The Subliminal Verses" is a career ending epitome of a band and producer that are truly out of touch with their fanbase and any sense of a "cutting edge".

Slipknot's self-titled debut was excellent for it's time and the genre that had yet to become an unlistenable parody of itself. "Iowa" was rushed and underdeveloped yet still maintained a few decent tracks. But then came the side projects. Three years later here we have this hunk of "jump" metal cheese with "Can you feel this? Up, up 1-2-3" outbursts, completely neutered production (Digimortal style no less – the drums are total fluff) and compositions in which the band that cannot determine a single direction or focus from part to part. At times a grind, death or prog element will pop up but it's almost exclusively uninspired nu-metal with plenty of groove or the third tier scraps of Stone Sour. The vocals are terrible – Corey use to rage, now he's all digital processing. It's totally unnatural and kills any momentum.

"The Subliminal Verses" is a mess by the very definition of the word – a collection of unrelated tracks and weak b-sides. It is blatantly obvious that Slipknot have no reason to be together anymore except for contract fulfillment and an obsession with clinging onto the past. Heed my words - Slipknot is dead. Expect the poopy side project's to steer all eight members futures. Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: Slumber
Album: Slumber (Candlelight Records USA)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.slumber.se
Rating: 7.5/10

The second I saw the name I thought to myself this would either blow mad cock or be some amazing doom album.

Turns out it's an above average, dreary Swedish melodic death metal album that takes the aura of Anathema but mixes it with earlier Dark Tranquility or Sentenced. I like it because I'm into this shit. Slumber is by no means a champion of the genre, but still sucks me in on those grim, gray skyed rainy days. If you're into this vibe, you'll dig it. If not, stay far away. Really cool guitar passages and a very rhythmic, transcendental design and production feel. Pretty keydboards, nice solos, cool riffs. Vocals work but could be eight million times cooler.

They are just grumbling in the background with that My Dying Bride deathy growl. Worth checking out for any loser like me. Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: Slunt
Album: Get A Load Of This (Repossession Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.slunt.net
Rating: 7.5/10

Female fronted Rock 'N' Roll, two guys and two girls, not really my cup of tea, but I'll give it a spin anyway.

Well, to say I was a little surprised would be an understatement, sleazy Guns 'n' Roses/Motley Crue/Hanoi Rocks style rock is on the cards, and it's pretty damn impressive. Offensive, riff based sleazy rock, not the usual American teen flick soundtrack style stuff you hear, "Get A Load Of This" is that sort of album you'll find yourself nodding to without knowing it, or whether you want to.

A little cheesy maybe and clearly going to arouse the interest of adolescent teenage boys. It's fun and catchy, which can never be a bad thing, but you cant help notice a few fillers thrown in here and there. Definitely one to watch, as Slunt (great name by the way) have what it takes to become big!

Band: Smoking Popes
Album: At Metro (Victory Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.smokingpopes.net
Rating: 8/10

Capturing the reunited Smoking Popes' live at Chicago's Metro, this noteworthy CD/DVD set illustrates the group's pop punk group's smooth, upbeat sounds in their full glory, with tracks drawn from throughout the group's career nicely divided between the video and audio portions of this package.

After a seven-year break in the action, vocalist/guitarist Josh Caterer, guitarist Eli Caterer, bassist Matt Caterer and drummer Rob Kellenberger show that they still have what it takes to rock a crowd. With the rollicking "Rubella", the soulful, existential then pounding "Off My Mind" and the highly tuneful, jamming "Before I'm Gone" each being a testament to the group's ability to relay emotions with a deft combination of melody and strength, the group rolls through a tight, well played set with nary a mishap. Admirably, the band refrains from overplaying in a live situation, seeming quite relaxed and at home after so many years away from the stage. During "Before I'm Gone", Smoking Popes proves that they can actually dig into a real jam, a trait few groups of their ilk can muster. While some of the group's less bombastic material relies upon sheer emotion for sonic strength, tracks like "Need You Around", which was the groups first major single are driven by the band's signature power chord assault, which remains aggressive sounding even in consideration of Josh's non-threatening, Roy Orbison-like vocalizations. While the live record could easily stand alone as a release in its own right, the fact that a well-shot DVD is included makes this a must-have for any Smoking Popes fan.

With four extra tracks including a heartbreakingly excellent version of "Just Broke Up", the fan gets the full experience of the event and at times it feels like you're right there in the middle of the action, or at least as close as you can get in your own living room (putting a fence in front of the TV helps). It's plain to see that these guys are happy to be playing songs together in front of crowds again. Surely the fans will be overjoyed to once again enjoy these songs and more than anything, they'll be happy Smoking Popes is finally back. Review by Erin Fox

Band: Soil
Album: True Self (DRT Entertainment)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.soil-music.com
Rating: 6/10

Rarely can a group change vocalists and keep the same band name without it seeming as if you're listening to a entirely different band altogether.

Fortunately for Soil, new belter A. J. Cavalier does a fair job of making the grade, his fashion fitting in neatly with the Chicago-based hard rock act's beefy rock sound. Although this is the most understandable difference in comparison to the band's past, "True Self" is also a bit more streamlined than Soil's previous works. It's obvious that the band is shooting for commercial acceptance with this record, but songs like "Pick Me Up" and "Forever Dead" still possess enough toughness to be greatly appealing to fans of artists like Drowning Pool. Studio vet Ulrich Wild mans the console here and though the mix is very smooth, it's not the type of in-your-face production that these songs actually deserve. Long-time followers may be on the fence as to whether tracks like "Hear Me" and "Pick Me Up" are solid rock accomplishments or phoned-in attempts at appealing to as wide an audience as possible, but either way, it's hard to deny that Soil can perform modern rock in a competent fashion.

Middle-of-the-road, only slightly aggressive and for the most part, quite predictable, "True Self" is not going to blow your doors off, but it's a good enough album to attract a decent amount of attention nonetheless. Review by Erin Fox

Band: Soilent Green
Album: Confrontation (Relapse Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.soilentgreen.com
Rating: 9/10

Spazzed out, doom-laced, grind-frenzy death sludge coming at you.

Soilent Green deliver another blitzkrieg of what they do best. The band as a whole sounds more confident and flowing. This is some of the best work this band has put out thus far. I like the sound of the vocals on the earlier releases better. I'm not sure if this is a new guy, or if it's the distortion or what. He's got kind of an early Anselmo pumped up with spastic hardcore grit. I think the guitars should be louder in the mix, the drums could be a little harder hitting sounding. But I'm just knit picking. There's a lot of crusty sounding parts -- this thing bulldozes it's path throughout.

Old school Crowbar fans you'd dig the sludginess of this band completely. All Soilent Green fans will be pleased. Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: Soilwork
Album: Stabbing the Drama (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 28.02.05)
Website: http://www.soilwork.org
Rating: 5/10

I've seen many mixed reviews of "Stabbing the Drama", some totally praising the album, and citing it as the next big thing, and some totally dismissing it and labeling them as sell-outs.

Well, if your a fan of the modern Soilwork and don't mind their change of direction, you'll find this a classic. But, if your like me, and enjoy the days of "Steelbath Suicide" this will do nothing for you except disappoint and maybe even anger. They've gone the same way as In Flames, but more modern sounding and a lot more radio friendly. The band have obviously been listening to one too many New Wave of American Heavy Metal bands whilst working on this, not that there's anything wrong with the NWOAHM, it's just when you look back at what was, its a bit disappointing.

Sure, they'll lose fans, but they also gain a few. With the combination of aggressive and melodic, clean vocals bands like Killswitch Engage are very good comparisons. There's no real leads or solo's, no real complexity and apart from a few moments and a couple of songs, there's nothing that makes me really want to listen to it again.

Band: Solgrav
Album: Noitakansa Demo
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.solgrav.cjb.net
Rating: 7/10

Solgrav was created from the ruins of a previous death/black metal project by M. Suopeikko (g, k & v) & Mytho (g) late 2001. They released the very primitive "Pohjoisen Hamaran Sarastus" in late 2001/ early 2002, and then after Noitavasara joined the ranks in spring 2002 writing of the second demo "Noitakansa" started.

Solgrav plays a sort of Dark Gothic/Black metal with harsh vocals and heavy in melody creating a very eerie atmosphere. The keyboards are put to great use and remain in the background and never come too far into the mix, which would ruin the whole atmosphere. The main influences of the band include Thy Serpent, old Dimmu Borgir and Moonsorrow and, although there are little things that needs to be improved, over all its a demo to be pleased about and is much better than their first.

In my opinion, the four tracks are enough to get an idea of what Solgrav are about. Musically, the band are top notch and I think they have found the style they have been looking for. Not original by all means but a band that has great potential and I hope the band builds on this.

Band: Sonata Arctica
Album: Reckoning Night (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.sonataarctica.info
Rating: 8/10

I missed out on the bands last studio album "Winterheart's Guild", but it's the one before that, "Silence", that I rate very highly.

Compared to "Silence", "Reckoning Night" is a lot heavier, it's a good album, but it doesn't come close to matching that album. I don't know what it is, but it seems like there is something missing, the vocals just don't sound as powerful, things start to sound a little familiar and there just wasn't that instant feeling there, like when I heard "Silence" for the first time. Enough of comparisons now, whilst Reckoning Night may not be their best, it's yet again a solid album of catchy, melodic Power Metal.

Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad album, it's just that Sonata Arctica are capable of much better things. I really do think that the band need to do things a bit differently from now on as they seem to be happy just sticking to the same template. With the demise of Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica could be one of the bands that could step up a level.

Band: Souless
Album: In Darkness We Will Remain (Funeral Harvest Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.souless.com
Rating: 8.5/10

Formed back in '99 by brothers Ross and Jay Rossignoli, "In Darkness We Will Remain" is the bands debut EP after they split and reformed with new drummer Albert Bolleto.

Although it's fairly short, "IDWWR" is a slice of top quality old school American death/grind with extreme vocals ranging from ultra low guttural to a weird screeching. It really does make you realize there are so many unknown great bands out there and there are literally hundreds of mediocre bands relishing the limelight.

Another thing worth mentioning is the variation over the four tracks, there's plenty of tempo changes and some pretty technical work going on. "In Darkness We Will Remain" is available from Funeral Harvest Records for $6.00 or free to download. I look forward to hearing some more stuff from Souless, hopefully a full album soon!

Band: Soulstitia
Album: Second
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.soulstitia.com/
Rating: 7.5/10

Soulstitia's second demo cleverly entitled "Second" is filled with heavy gothic atmospheric riffs, male death-ish trashy screams and grunts and female operatic vocals, bombastic orchestral keyboards, deep dark pulsating bass-lines. A very atmospheric style which with the added male grunt adds that extra touch and makes it stand out from the rest of the so called “Gothic” style bands.

Usually when I listen to the Male/Female vocals on other records like this, I find that they usually clashes, with one ousting the other. But, I have to say that both male and female vocal styles are excellent.

Coming from someone who isn't really a fan of atmospheric, two vocalist operatic gothic bands, I can say Soulstitia can match anything done by other major bands like this I've heard. This will be the demo to get them some attention.

Band: Space Odyssey
Album: The Astral Episode (Regain Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.anderssonmusic.com
Rating: 6.5/10

Space Odyssey is the solo project of prog/power master mind, Richard Andersson. "Space Odyssey" is a fitting title because it sounds like the music one would hear on 70's Science Fiction movies like "Logan's Run" or "Battle Star Galactica", but without the analog sound that 70's rock acts were known to produce. Hanging keyboard notes create a spacey feel to each song. Because this is band is the brain child of Richard Andersson, much of the album is filled with impressive keyboard passages, looking to fellow countryman Yngwie Malmstein for influence as well as the intricacies of Classical music geniuses like Mozart and Vivaldi. In a more contemporary sense, his fast keyboard playing is similar to Children of Bodom.

Being a prog/power album there has to be plenty of jamming, which is provided by Magnus Nilsson, who wanders off onto long, shredding guitar solos. The problem with albums like this is that they depend more on technical aspects and less on song writing, which can make it their songs less memorable. Space Odyssey takes a few steps in this direction, but still manages to create some memorable songs. Nils Patrik Johansson's Ronnie James Dio-like vocals make songs like "Back from the Dark" and "Lord of the Winds" are fun to sing along with. It's also refreshing to hear a singer follow Dio considering he is a metal legend and is surely as influential to the Power Metal movement as Helloween. Johansson has perfected the Dio sound, but can not reach the empyreal highs of Dio, but few can. All in all, "The Astral Episode" is highly recommended for fans of Malmstein, Dio, and Symphony X. Review by Darren Cowan

Band: Spinal Cord
Album: Remedy (Crash Music Inc.)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.spinalcord.metal.pl
Rating: 7/10

It seems that every time I turn around a new Polish Death Metal band is put in front of me.

Poland is THE place for Death Metal, and I personally think it's now the Death Metal capital of the world at the moment. As you have probably guessed by now, Spinal Cord hail from Poland and Death Metal is their game, however, they have decided to do things a little differently this time and not stick to any rule books, which unfortunately works both in favor and against them. The album starts of at a blistering pace, fairly unusual patterns with Thrashy, Modern touches that is fairly brutal yet melodic at the same time.

As the album goes on however, things start to get a little too reparative for my liking, and the uniqueness of the album starts to get a little too unusual and ends up becoming hectic. There's some nice ideas throughout the album, but they need that little bit extra to stop things becoming reparative.

Band: Spirit Caravan
Album: The Last Embrace (People Like You Records)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 26.01.04)
Website: http://www.spiritcaravan.com
Rating: 10/10

"The Last Embrace" is a collection of nearly all of the material from both the band's full-length albums, plus the songs from the out of print 7"s and the Rise 13 compilation, as well as three never-before-released songs for an enormous twenty-nine tracks on two CDs with an expanded CD booklet including the complete lyrics and serves as their final audio document.

Featuring the legendary Scott "Wino" Weinrich (ex The Obsessed and Saint Vitus) as the driving force, heavy groove laden riffs along with thunderous bluesy bass lines and some great drum work, this should be in every doom/stoner fan's collection. Every track is great, Riff after riff after riff, this is an unbelievable gem that is going to take pride in my collection and is going to be played for a long while yet.

What else is there to say? I simply cannot express how great this is. Miss out on this at your peril but if your into Doom/Stoner and you haven't got this, well you should be ashamed. 

Band: Spiritual Meaning
Album: Lurker in the Dark (DBSM Music)
Year: 2003
Website: Unknown
Rating: 8/10

It's all about the riffs!

Sounding like a heavy Judas Priest, Spiritual Meaning should be of some interest to fans of 80's metal and heavy rock in general and their take on heavy metal has some interesting thrash influences thrown in. Despite me getting a little annoyed with the CD have 6 tracks and it just showed one long track which when the first track finished, it stopped meaning I had to use media player to quickly drag the progress bar across to the next track. Other than that I had to admit I was impressed with the band as a whole, and with a bit of work (production etc) they could sound a lot better.

Also, the guitar solo's need a little work, to me they OK but are maybe a little too short and I think a fat wild solo's could really make these songs amazing. The rhythm section is fine and the slightly rough vocals work great. Given a little time, I think we will be hearing about them soon.

Band: Spitalfield
Album: Stop Doing Bad Things (Victory Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.spitalfield.net
Rating: 7/10

OK, you might not like it, but this Emo/Pop Rock thing is big at the moment, it's almost like everything I see and hear at the moment on Radio and TV is Emo.

"Stop Doing Bad Things" is a pretty decent album to listen to, its catchy and has some great memorable songs, but with so many bands doing this sort of thing, Spitalfield have to get their head and shoulders above the competition if they want to get noticed. As I've said, it's a pretty decent album which is reminiscent of such acts as Jimmy Eat World, Taking Back Sunday and Fallout Boy, so if you're into those bands, or indeed Emo in general, Spitalfield are sure to please.

There's not really any initiative going on, as they seem to be happy following the set Emo pattern, which is fine, because it works for them. There are a few songs that I can easily imagine on Radio and on all these music video channels, but if that that extra bit of originality or creativeness your after, have a look elsewhere. 

Band: Splatterhouse
Album: The House that Dead Built (Razorback Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://geocities.com/rottenabode
Rating: 7/10

As with all Razorback releases, this disc is over the top in eye candy, a collectors item to the tee.

However, the music is only decent this time around. Splatterhouse is an above average Carcass clone with plenty of gore/grind elements tossed in. "The House That Dead Built" is like a tongue in cheek E.C. masterpiece circa '55, packed to the gills with sound samples.

Not the best of the genre, but worth a spin or two. Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: Stampin' Ground
Album: A New Darkness is Upon Us (Century Media)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 27.10.03)
Website: http://www.stampinground.f9.co.uk
Rating: 10/10

After a long wait, Stampin' Ground return with the follow up to the amazing "Carved from Empty Words", Five K's in Kerrang, 10/10 in Metal Hammer and many more great reviews, it was going to be hard to better that album and, if any of you have heard their previous album, you'll know what I'm talking about.

"A New Darkness Is Upon Us" see's a new drummer in Neil Hutton (ex-Benediction) and is unfortunately the last for long time bassist Ian Glasper who announced his decision to step down a couple of weeks ago. The band has spread its wings more than on previous albums but still maintain their heaviness. Concentrating more on the overall song structure, the band has successfully blended trademark Stampin' Ground riffs with modern rhythms and developed chorus-structured arrangements, and Although SG call themselves a Hardcore band, I do feel that the riffs, especially on this album are closer to Slayer than other hardcore bands.

Also, not only have the band improved musically, front man Adam Frakes-Sime has managed to improve his vocals a great deal. He has somehow managed to add even more aggression to his already aggressive vocal style. I do have to admit that I didn't think they could match "Carved from Empty Words" never mind better it, which is exactly what they've done with this. I think another reason why I like this album so much is that it will definitely appeal to fans of most thrash, death and hardcore. Stampin' Ground are easily one of the best bands in the UK at the moment and listening to this album you can see why, Amazing, truly amazing.

Band: Stand Aside
Album: Stand Aside (Demo)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.standaside.co.uk
Rating: 8/10

Finally, an unsigned British band that rocks!

Stand Aside play a thrasy style Heavy Metal/Hardcore similar to bands like Stampin Ground' and Unite, and play it very well indeed. Guitarist JT churns out riff after riff, mostly heavy chugging riffs but there is also plenty of melody to keep things interesting, vocalist Spanky's almost "Converge" vocals suit the style perfectly, both backed by the rock solid, faultless foundations of Swets and Adam on bass and drums.

I can just imagine the band live, it would be total mayhem on and off the stage, if Stand Aside don't reach success, it would be an absolute crime, because music this good should be heard!

Band: Sternenstaub
Album: Destination: Infinity (Black Attakk)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.sternenstaub.org
Rating: 8.25/10

Formed back in 1997, initially as a one-man project, Bernd Grünwald begin to write songs influenced by two totally different styles of music, classical and black metal.

It wasn't till 2002 that that the band became what it is today, Ex-Abigor sticks man Moritz Neuner along with Golden Dawn members Stefan Traunmüller and Karim E. Kienzle. "Destination: Infinity" is the bands debut release inspired by gazing at the stars and the philosophical aspect that we are all made of stardust, musically it's classical inspired black metal. The best way to categorize it would be Symphonic, Progressive Black Metal with both classical and harsh, screeched vocals. On first listen, this didn't impress me at all, but once I had chance to sit back and actually listen to it properly, everything fell into place. It's the mid tempo parts on here that are the most impressive, the fast traditional black metal is fine, but it's here where all the melody kicks in whether it's violins or synths to create some very varied and interesting music.

As for comparisons, the only real ones would have to be Limbonic Art or Arcturus, so if you like these then I'm sure you'll find this of some interest. They've got a little way to go before they match them, but "Destination: Infinity" is a great way to start.

Band: Stinson, Tommy
Album: Village Gorilla Head (Sactuary Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.tommystinson.com
Rating: 6.5/10

Stinson has obviously grown tired of waiting for Guns N' Roses to do something, and has decided to take things into his own hands and do a little solo work.

The former Replacements and current GN'R bassist has spent five years on this during off periods in the oh-so grueling Guns N' Roses schedule, I don't know about you but, if something takes 5 years, then it's got to be something damn special. "Village Gorilla Head" (the title is allegedly a combination of The Village People, Gorillaz and Motorhead!) is a mellow, semi-acoustic album that is, at times reminiscent of The Replacements and Bash & Pop. There's some good moments on here, but there's also some dreadfully dull parts too, so pressing the repeat button is going to be questionable.

An average album which does have it's moments, "Village Gorilla Head" may disappoint those trying to revisit Stinson's glory days.

Band: StormHammer
Album: Lord of Darkness (Mausoleum Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.stormhammer.de
Rating: 7.5/10

Germany's StormHammer successfully blend U.S. Metal a la Iced Earth and Manowar with more melodic European acts such as Edguy and Gamma Ray.

If you want to be taken back to the glory days of 80's metal, then "Lord of Darkness" might be an album worth checking out. It takes a little while for the album to get going, the first couple of songs are a little dull but, it's well worth the wait if you give it a chance. There's nothing much you wouldn't have heard before, nor is there anything if your bored with the current European Power Metal scene. For the rest of us "Lord of Darkness" is a worthy addition to your collection, especially if your into the abovementioned bands.

StormHammer may never be the leaders in the Power Metal genre. They don't break any new boundaries but what they do, they do it well, and "Lord of Darkness" is a solid album.

Band: Storyteller, The
Album: Underworld (Black Lodge)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.storyteller.nu
Rating: 8/10

If all this magical, fantasy, epic, folklore stuff just isn't your cup of tea, then you're definitely not going to like The Storyteller.

Even though they've been around for a while now, and "Underworld" is the bands fourth album, they've always been overshadowed somewhat by the likes of Nocturnal Rites, Hammerfall and Falconer. After numerous solid efforts, and now "Underworld", it's surely time for them to move up that extra notch to at least of par with those aforementioned bands. "Underworld" is proof that not all Power Metal has to sound the same, whilst there are hints of Blind Guardian and Helloween, their fairly unique Folky, Epic touches really gets you going. Whilst the majority of the album is mid-paced, the album is very up tempo and relies on the powerful vocals L-G Persson (can't think who he sounds like!), the very catchy choruses and the wonderful melodies and harmonies throughout. There's even Violins and other string instruments making an appearance on here. 

Whilst they may not be ready for world domination just yet, competition back home in Scandinavia is few and far between, so I expect them to rise from the shadows sometime soon.

Band: Strapping Young Lad
Album: Alien (Century Media)
Year: 2005 (Release Date: 21.03.05)
Website: http://www.strappingyounglad.com
Rating: 9.5/10

Although I've never had a proper listen to his stuff, I've never really been into anything Devin Townsend has done before.

OK, I've got no excuses now, the new album sitting in front of me, and to be honest I wasn't expecting much. My first opinion was oh my god!, I was definitely not expecting anything like this at all. I've heard plenty of great extreme metal albums over the years, but very few which are as groundbreaking as this, there are simply no boundaries whatsoever. Everything from Industrial, Death, Black and Thrash to create some amazing and totally unique sounds and ideas, which in turn creates the perfect introduction to Extreme Metal!

Sure, I could attempt to go into detail on just how great this album really is, but words alone could not do it justice. Crazy vocals and breakneck riffing, all rounded off by the lightning, super human drum work of Gene Hoglan, if you like it Extreme!, check this one out for size!

Band: Strength in Numbers
Album: Rise & Resist (We Make Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.strengthinnumbersband.com
Rating: 7/10

Quite a frustrating album to listen to, one minute its all out mayhem with harsh vocals, technical and melodic metal riffs and brutal drumming and then it will just stop and change to a more wimpy pop post-hardcore, at times its like listening to two bands.

The more aggressive parts of this album are truly great, if the whole album was like this it would of scored much higher which is a shame because all-in-all it's not a bad album at all, in fact most of it is a heavy, enjoyable listen, it's just there are parts which really let the album down.

Strength in Numbers are a very good band and I'm surprised that they are unsigned, but I think that the band should stay away from the post-hardcore/emo side of things as it doesn't really suit the overall aggressiveness of the band.

Band: Stride
Album: Imagine (Sensory Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.strideonline.com
Rating: 8/10

After deciding to release their debut as an instrumental, Stride return with vocalist Gary Berlin.

After listening to Berlin on vocals, it was clear they made the right decision in snapping him up, his soaring vocals suit the music to perfection. There's nothing that you won't have heard before, but you've just got to love the dueling guitars and keyboards, with some great trade-offs going on between the two. There's a couple of nice ballads and instrumentals, which really shows off their virtuosity.

Combining heavier passages, with intricate melodies and moving ballads, there's quite a few memorable tracks on here. Definitely one for fans of bands such as Dream Theatre, Symphony X and maybe even Rush and Journey.  It's clear that these guys can play, but "Imagine" is just so much more than a shred fest. No real weak tracks whatsoever. Great Listen if your into Prog and/or Power/Symphonic Metal.

Band: Struction
Album: 13 Minutes of Love and Doom (NFI)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.structionnoise.com
Rating: 7/10

"13 Minutes Of Love And Doom" is exactly what it says.

Avante noisecore, clunking and raw, with the aura of a Warhol jamboree circa '69. Female vox, some ripping organ, disjointed hell at every turn. This thing will make brains melt. 99% of the human race is destined to be repelled. I'm digging it. Review By Ryan Bartek

Band: Subterranean Masquerade
Album: Temporary Psychotic State (The End Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.submasq.com
Rating: 7/10

As with most The End releases, Subterranean Masquerade has an insanely well-produced sound capturing the ultimate vibrancy of the band.

This is a weird one – two songs, the first a spaced out, folky slab of Euro-prog that merges Anathema, Opeth and Agalloch into more of an "open mic night at a Greenwich Village coffee house" type of vibe. We've got violins, acoustic/electric guitars intermingled, blastbeats, alcohol stupor doomed love lyrical passages. As I said, it's a weird one. Track two is more of the same – pretty slick, very original with some female vocals to boot.

Art metal? No – post metal Euro-prog. Maybe. Possibly. It's interesting still and shows a great deal of promise for Subterranean Masquerade's future. Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: Subway to Sally
Album: Nord Nord Ost (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.subwaytosally.de
Rating: 8/10

You'll have to forgive my ignorance regarding the 15 year career, and as far as I can make out, 9 or so full length albums from these Germans.

Apparently these guys have built themselves quite a reputation in there home country, but whether we'll take to them over here is another thing. Their Atmospheric, Folky Industrial with heavy riffing is interesting, but the real question is whether you can sit through a whole album? For sure its not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but there's just something I find intriguing about them. All in all, about 40 instruments can be heard on "Nord Nord Oss": besides the classical rock instruments guitar, bass & drums, violins, violas, celli and contrabasses are featured as well as different hurdy-gurdies and bagpipes, flutes, shawms, trumscheit, renaissance lute and santur (No, I dont know what the majority of them are either!!!).

It's obvious "Nord Nord Oss" is a painstakingly crafted album, with some great ideas and atmosphere's, and just to think I was all but ready to write this album off after the first couple of listens. The more I listened to it, the more I realised the creativity and the different things that were going on. I urge you to give this a chance, and see what you think, it's not what I would listen to at all, but there's just something about it that really interests me. We'll have to wait and see if they can expand their reputation outside of Germany.

Band: Such a Surge
Album: Alpha (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.suchasurge.de
Rating: 3.5/10

Well, this is not the first time I've wondered to myself what Nuclear Blast are doing releasing such bands as this.

Such a Surge are a kind of modern hardcore, metal, rap, crossover band that totally lack any real excitement. They just rant on in German and plod through 12 songs, some heavy, some mellow but you just end up thinking what the hell is going on.

Listening to this, you will be left feeling unsatisfied. Apart from one or two moments, they don't offer me anything. Bit boring really.

Band: Sudden Death
Album: Injection of Hate (Dead Bang Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.suddendeath666.com
Rating: 7.5/10

Formed back in 1997, "Injection of Hate" is the bands second album, consisting of some pretty brutal Death Metal.

If your a huge fan of old school Death, and don't mind a bit of cliché, then you'd enjoy this. On the other hand, if your after that something a bit extra, something that goes that little bit further, then I'd make sure that I'd listen to this before I bought it. I think that the 28 minutes of brutal death on here is enough, if it was any longer then it would get boring. Sudden Death are obviously very proficient musicians, know exactly what they want and have created a solid album here. With lots of bands like this emerging, they need to go that little bit further, which I believe they can do.

One for fans of brutal, old school death metal, in fact, Brutal Truth sprang to mind a few times when listening to this! A very competent band, that sound promising, but they need to get their head above the rest if they want to achieve bigger things.

Band: Suffocation
Album: Suffocation (Relapse Records)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.suffocation.us
Rating: 8.5/10

The lords of brutality, Suffocation have returned with their second studio full-length album since reforming and revamping their lineup. After releasing several albums and going through nearly as many lineups, these New Yorkers finally feel they have created an album worthy of giving a self-title. Rightly so, this effort is the best album since the classic "Pierced from Within".

First, drummer Mike Smith has quieted all skeptics, he was one of the first drummers to introduce the blast beat to the world and truly defines the technique on this album. "Abomination Reborn", the album's first song (it begins with an intro) pulls no punches, showing the band firing a volley of string abuses, alternating high and low notes, which are filled in by speaker-damaging blast beasts and bridged through expert fills. Soon, Smith begins pounding away relentlessly, but nailing several, quick rolls to bridge each riff. Smith's ability to bridge the gap between rhythms, whether he flows from blast beat to a thrashy gallop or plays a standard rock beat during slower moments, his playing is outstanding! Mike Smith's playing dictates the ebb-and-flow of each song's rhythm; therefore, his playing is the first noteworthy element. His phenomenal skin bashing echoes in the rest of the band are playing. The music is tight and seems to transition at precisely the right moment. At times, they achieve this in classic death metal fashion with the band coming to a standstill, so Guy or Terrance can bust out a killer riff, which originates from only one speaker. This technique draws attention to the catchiness of each player's riff. Like in the case of "Bind Torture Kill", the duo will let a note linger for awhile, possibly just taping the strings, which lulls the listeners for a couple of seconds, only to blast back with more brutal chugging. It is similar to the moment just before a car crash, when you can see the other car surreptitiously approaching, silence, then BANG!

No Suffocation album is complete without the slow, bruising, palm-muted guitar chugging, and this one does it as well as any of their past efforts. "Creed of the Infidel" features a riff fatter than Anna Nicole Smith before hooking up with Trim Spa. "Bind Torture Kill" has one of the darkest riffs on the album, Mid way through the track, the three guitarists come together to play a slow, dangerous riff that moves in a stalking manner, like the BTK Killer closing in on his prey. Long-time fans of Suffocation and fans of death metal in general are strongly urged to pick up Suffocation's self-titled album. It is easily one of the best, if not the best, death metal album of the year, and a top ten overall. Along with Deicide, who also returned to top form this year, and David Vincent returning to Morbid Angel, death metal proves it is a musical phenomenon, that no matter how vile, just won't die! Review by Darren Cowan

Band: Suffocation
Album: Souls to Deny (Relapse Records)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 17.05.04)
Website: http://www.suffocation.us
Rating: 9/10

It's been a while since I heard anything by Suffocation, the only album I listen to on a regular basis is "Human Waste" from way back in 1991.

This is their first full length album in nearly a decade, so to say I was excited was an understatement. Suffocation have never been just another Death Metal Band, they've always had a reputation and a certain greatness about them. "Human Waste" still sounds as essential now as it did back then, but the natural progression the band has taken over the years is obvious. Some of you may say for the worse, and many of you will say they are just your average run-of-the-mill death metal band and that's fine, but for me, "Souls to Deny" is a pummeling yet complex album with plenty of technical guitar work.

Suffocation are a band that many have tried to immitate and have failed miserably. To me, they always will be pioneers of the genre and up alongside the all time Death Metal greats. To put it simply, "Souls to Deny" is a return to form and is highly recommended.

Band: Suicide Watch
Album: Global Warning (Mausoleum Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.suicidewatch.co.uk
Rating: 8/10

One look at the cover art of Suicide Watch's "Global Warning" will bring déjà vu to any metal fan because the artist is one, Ed Repka who is best known for his painting that adorned the cover of classic Megadeth albums, most notably "Peace Sells". The style on "Peace Sells" and "Global Warning" is very similar. It's that familiar 80's metal artwork style, which one look would tell you are holding a kick ass metal album. This style may take back the older metal heads to a time when Thrash reigned supreme, and Hard Core was as much about speed as it was muscular break downs.

The U.K.'s Suicide Watch owes much of its sound to the hybrid Hardcore/Thrash style perfected by such acts as Cryptic Slaughter, D.R.I., M.O.D., S.O.D. and probably many other bands with abbreviated names. Today, Crossover is a relatively unknown term by today's youth who, if having heard a description of this style, would probably call it Metalcore. Metalcore is an entirely unfitting categorization, though, especially for those who have heard the above-mentioned bands. Suicide Watch creates distorted, speedy down picked rhythms with fast drumming that is more apt to form a circle pit than have a bunch of baggy pants kids dancing in place as if they were trying to impress their sweet heart at a school dance. Today's greedy, corrupt world fuels vocalist's Rid's voice to the extreme limits of his vocal cords. He sounds much like D.R.I.'s Kurt Brecht in his high range and a mid-range recalling Agnostic Front's Roger Miret. Rid shows his diversity using guttural, death vocals on "By the Time you Read This…I will be Dead". Whatever vocal style he makes use of; he does most of the vocals his self, with his band mates rarely barging in for team-oriented choruses, a common practice by Punk and Hardcore bands.

Some Punk and Hardcore fans may find this album a little too Metal. They may find it hard to get into because of its lack of sing along anthems. That is a shame because this album has so much energy, memorable rhythms, and a killer sound. "Global Warning" is a must listen for Skater Punks, Thrashers, and old-school Hardcore fans. Review by Darren Cowan

Band: Suidakra
Album: Signs for the Fallen (Century Media)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 28.07.03)
Website: http://www.suidakra.info
Rating: 9.5/10

The mighty Suidakra are a band that hardly anyone seems to know about, but have been releasing quality albums for a while now. "Signs for the Fallen" see's the band focusing on their strengths and looked on this new record more into riff-based catchiness and straight forward melodic brutality. The result sometimes reminds you of young prime-time Gothenburg-Style Death Metal.

The album is so atmospheric, it has to be heard to be believed! The album is full of aggression yet is very melodic courtesy of Clean and Harsh Vocalists/Guitarists, Arkadius and Marcel. Having just successfully debuted some of the new songs during support shows for Children of Bodom & Soilwork, you can look forward to seeing them on the upcoming summer festivals and a comprehensive tour later in the year to support this album.

There are still hints of the Folkish, melodic black metal of old, but this album offers so much more. If this album doesn't get the band the recognition they deserve, well, there must be something wrong with you all because bands like this shouldn't just be ignored.

Band: Sun Descends
Album: Kanun Law (Self-Released)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.sundescends.com
Rating: 8.5/10

From the remnants on German thrashers Exumer comes Sun Decends, featuring vocalist Mehmet Von Stein.

"Kanun Law" is the bands second release, and features a whole new line-up which includes Sam Awry (Guitar), Jillian Ann La Boy (Bass) and Javier Medina (Drums). If Thrash is your thing, then this is going to be for you, high quality thrash reminiscent of "Hell Awaits" era Slayer, and at times, the very best of Euro-Thrash. It may only be an E.P., but it hits home hard, taking you back to the glory days of Thrash, and, if that's not enough, as an added bonus is Exumer´s legendary 3-song demo, "A Mortal In Black". Unfortunately, I can't tell you what the demo tracks sound like because...well, this copy doesn't have them on (Damn It!).

If your into raw, old-school thrash, then Sun Descends are a band you should check out. Just a warning though, Kanun Law is limited to 500 copies so get in there whilst you still can. Let's hope Mehmet decides to keep this line-up on the bands debut album!

Band: SunnO)))
Album: Black One (Southern Lord)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.ideologic.org
Rating: 8/10

In the highly underrated and lost-to-the-long-forgotten-annals of the mid-90's movie Phantoms, the chief antagonist was this oily black mass that lived beneath the crust of the earth.

This primordial being, similar to the blob, every hundred years or so would get hungry, rise to the surface and devour all the poor schmucks in sight. Whoever it killed the entity absorbed their fears as well, and over such a degree of osmosis came to believe it was the devil itself. When I listen to Sunn O)))'s "BLACK ONE", that beast is what comes to mind. This amorphous tidal wave of blackened noise layers upon layers of feedback, creating the darkest expression Sunn O))) has yet to conceive. With Xasthur on board this time we get his patented To Violate The Oblivious production hell, these musings of dead Cthulu that somehow seep from the deranged man's mind. Sub-sonic noise doom pulsates from every crevice. No lyrics and if they are their completely unintelligible "STALAGGH torturing mental patients" hellish moans. Evil, harsh.

Get it just to blare on Halloween night at all those mortified children and their stupid CVS Yu-Gi-Oh costumes. Review by Ryan Bartek

Band: SunnO)))
Album: White2 (Southern Lord)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.ideologic.org
Rating: 3/10

Sunn O)))'s "White2" is subsonic bass driven noise of the eeriest, most ambient, thick and droning variety.

Three massively epic tracks of pure snail-paced feedback are presented (this disc is so slow it actually reinvents the definition of the word). "Hell-O)))-Ween" clocks in at 14:06 and is reminiscent of Halo, but far mellower with oddly paced and abruptly timed snap crackle and pops from the guitar department. "bassAliens" is 23:22, same basic deal but a few guitar strings are hit and a slight flying saucer keyboard effect is tossed in. "DECAY2 [NIHIL'S MAW]" is at 25:19, same type of shit although a little more in the Spasm vein. This disc is going to be praised across the board for it's lineup (Attila Csihar, Stephen O' Malley, Greg Anderson, Joe Preston, Rex Ritter, Dawn Smithson) but in all honesty it's completely talent less. I don't give a fuck what any die-hard doom freak says, anyone with the same amount of processors, keyboards and fancy sampling machines could forge this thing completely impromptu within reading the first three pages of said equipments instruction manuals. Anyone disputing that claim is identical to a "St. Anger" or "Velvet Revolver" defendant. However, what "WHITE2" is good for is background textures for manic bouts of transcendental creative writing, nightmarish slumber visions or smoking an awful lot of dope and zoning out on the carpet. But most importantly this is surgically precise atmospheric noise for low-budget horror soundtracks and intense psychodrama of all film varieties (I keep thinking Alexandro Jodorowsky personally).

Indie directors and doom enthusiasts take note. And remember - just because it's over hyped and contains but a shred of musical aptitude doesn't mean it isn't cool – it's just different and meant to be taken as it's own. And in doing so, it becomes a one of a kind recording. Review by Ryan Bartek