Κυριακή 1 Οκτωβρίου 2023

REVIEW: KAIVS - Horrend EP

 


KAIVS - Horrend EP


Independent


Bandcamp


In under 13 minutes, this Rome-based band delivers a crystal-clear and relentless Swedish death metal frenzy that defies expectations. Throughout the entire duration, they maintain an unyielding intensity. Max's commanding vocals perfectly complement the exceptionally heavy music, all impeccably produced.

REVIEW:OverKill, Feel The Fire (1985)

 


OverKill, Feel The Fire (1985)


Megaforce Records


Αδικημένοι αλλά και πάλι cult.


Το εναρκτήριο λάκτισμα για τη θρυλική μπάντα απ' το Νιου Τζέρσεϊ. Η αρχική σύνθεση τους μετά το ομώνυμο Ε.Ρ. τους την ίδια χρονιά βγάζει και το πρώτο πλήρες άλμπουμ. Thrash ή Speed (πολύ αμυδρά τα όρια τους) μια φορά σίγουρα Metal και με θρυλικά τραγούδια σαν τα Raise The Dead, Rotten To The Core, Hammerhead, Kill At Command, Feel The Fire και την απαραίτητη διασκευή το Sonic Reducer των The Dead Boys, μιλάμε για ένα ντεπούτο που άνοιξε την όρεξη...


English Text:


Unjustly overlooked, yet undeniably cult.


The explosive debut of the legendary New Jersey band. Following their self-titled EP in the same year, their original lineup unleashed their first full album. Hovering between Thrash and Speed (with boundaries subtly blurred), it's undeniably a Metal masterpiece. Featuring iconic tracks like Raise The Dead, Rotten To The Core, Hammerhead, Kill At Command, Feel The Fire, and the obligatory cover of The Dead Boys' Sonic Reducer, this debut whetted the appetite and left fans craving more...


Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης


Σάββατο 30 Σεπτεμβρίου 2023

REVIEW: HELLOWEEN, Chameleon (1993)

 


HELLOWEEN, Chameleon (1993)


EMI


Δε μπορεί, λάθος θα έγινε!


Θα τύπωσαν το λογότυπο με τη κολοκύθα σε εξώφυλλο δίσκου από WHITE LION, RATT, POISON, DEF LEPPARD, BON JOVI ή MOTLEY CRUE... Αλλά όχι τελικά. Αυτό το cd, στην expanded edition των αρχών του 2000, απλώς έχει τα b' sides των πολλών singles από την αρχική κυκλοφορία στο δεύτερο δισκάκι. Ως εκεί καλά. Ο "χαμελεοντας" σαν άλμπουμ πάντως είναι η ζωντανή απόδειξη ότι τα σφάλματα δεν είναι ανθρώπινα τελικά. Έχοντας βρει το ορίτζιναλ διπλό βινύλιο στη Καλαμάτα στις διακοπές μου το 1996 σε πολύ καλή τιμή για διπλό LP  και καινούργιο παρακαλώ (το ξερα ότι είναι πιθανή φόλα από το αφιέρωμα του Metal Hammer το ίδιο καλοκαίρι στα χειρότερα άλμπουμ όλων των εποχών) και ξέροντας ότι η κομματαρα Giants είναι σε αυτό, επένδυσα. Έχει και κανα-δυο άλλα που αξίζουν π.χ. το Crazy Cat ή το εναρκτήριο First Time και τέλος. Όλα τα υπόλοιπα είναι απλώς  από μπαλλαντοειδη ως ακουστικά, κανένα ίχνος όχι Power Metal, καλά καλά ούτε καν Rock!


English Text:


"It's unbelievable, a mistake must have occurred!


They were supposed to feature the logo with a pumpkin on the cover of a record by WHITE LION, RATT, POISON, DEF LEPPARD, BON JOVI, or MOTLEY CRUE... But in the end, it never happened. This CD, part of the early 2000s expanded edition, simply contains the B-sides from the original release on its second disc. That part is clear. However, the "chameleon" album serves as undeniable proof that errors aren't exclusive to humans. Back in 1996, during my vacation in Kalamata, I chanced upon the original double vinyl at a remarkably reasonable price, brand new, no less. I suspected it might have been a leftover from Metal Hammer's feature on the worst albums of all time that same summer. However, knowing that the standout track "Giants" was part of it, I made the investment. There are a few other noteworthy tracks, like "Crazy Cat" and the opening piece "First Time," but that's about it. Everything else on the album ranges from ballad-like tunes to acoustic melodies, with no trace of Power Metal, not even Rock!"


Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης


REVIEW: MEGADETH - So Far, So Good...So What! (1988)

 


MEGADETH - So Far, So Good...So What! (1988)


Capitol Records


Νέα εμφάνιση αλλά μέχρι εκεί!


Ο Dave Mustaine κράτησε τον Junior (David Elefson) στο μπάσο και πήρε Chuck Behler και Jeff Young σε 2η κιθάρα και ντραμς απολύοντας Gar Samuelson, Chris Poland μετά τα δύο πρώτα άλμπουμ στους Megadeth. Έχουμε εδώ ενα βελτιωμένο Killing Is My Business... Αλλά με τίποτα, ούτε ένα καν μέτριο Peace Sells...! Η παραγωγή δεν βοηθάει όπως και στο ντεμπούτο κι ίσως χαντακωνει το άλμπουμ. Μπορεί η διασκευή στο Anarchy In The U.K. των Sex Pistols να σέρνει τον χορό αλλά το υπόλοιπο σύνολο δεν λέει δυστυχώς πολύ. Mary Jane, Set The World Afire, In My Darkest Hour (για τον θάνατο του φίλου του Cliff Burton των Metallica) και Hook In Mouth έχουν άνισο έργο να επιδείξουν. Ευτυχώς, η επόμενη αλλαγή του lineup θα οδηγήσει στο Rust In Peace.


English Text:


A fresh look, but with limitations!


Dave Mustaine kept David Elefson on bass and brought in Chuck Behler and Jeff Young on second guitar and drums, replacing Gar Samuelson and Chris Poland after Megadeth's first two albums. This results in an improved 'Killing Is My Business,' but falls short of 'Peace Sells...!' The production doesn't help, and the Sex Pistols' 'Anarchy In The U.K.' cover stands out, but the rest of the album disappoints. Tracks like Mary Jane, Set The World Afire, In My Darkest Hour (dedicated to Cliff Burton of Metallica), and Hook In Mouth show uneven quality. Fortunately, the next lineup change leads to 'Rust In Peace.'"


Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης


FORGOTTEN Unveils Their New EP "Whispers Of Existence"

 


Forgotten is an emerging force in the realm of black metal, beckoning listeners to explore the depths of night through their musical creations. Their inaugural foray into recorded music is marked by the announcement of the EP "Whispers Of Existence." This release serves as the foundational opus for Forgotten..., a black metal entity destined to submerge audiences in the realms of existential introspection. "Whispers Of Existence" stands as an eerie testament to the band's unwavering quest for atmospheric obscurity, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the enigmatic recesses of the human psyche.


With each composition, "Whispers Of Existence" weaves a tapestry of melancholic melodies, intricate guitar craftsmanship, thunderous rhythms, and haunting vocals. From ethereal whispers to cathartic crescendos, each moment resonates with a profound sense of self-examination and despair, captivating listeners within its otherworldly embrace.


This inaugural release encapsulates the band's exploration of the fragile nature of existence, delving deep into themes of isolation, introspection, and the inherent struggles of the human condition. Through its dense atmosphere and introspective lyricism, "Whispers Of Existence" serves as a vessel for catharsis and deep introspection, beckoning listeners to confront the profound depths of their own existence.


Prepare to embark on an auditory journey that transcends the mundane and reveals the mysteries hidden within. "Whispers Of Existence" serves as a testament to Forgotten...'s commitment to atmospheric black metal, forging a connection between darkness and the essence of existence, leaving an indelible mark on the very fabric of existence.


In a recent development, Forgotten has inked a deal with the esteemed British Extreme Metal label, UKEM Records. The label issued the following statement: "UKEM Records is thrilled to welcome Greek Black Metal outfit 'Forgotten' to our artist roster! We are set to unleash the band's debut EP, 'Whispers of Existence,' on CD by the end of 2023. Additionally, a cassette release is in the works, to be handled by a foreign label, and further details will follow for all cassette enthusiasts!"


Παρασκευή 29 Σεπτεμβρίου 2023

REVIEW: THE COLOR OF RAIN (TCOR) - Oceans Above

 


THE COLOR OF RAIN (TCOR) - Oceans Above


Void Wanderer Productions (VWP)


Facebook


The truth is, as a devoted fan of traditional metal and the classic forms it upholds, I had never delved into the realm of "post-black metal," a term claimed by THE COLOR OF RAIN (TCOR) in their music. However, life has a way of teaching you things, and with the release of their latest album "Oceans Above" slated for November 7, 2023, I decided to explore this genre.

Amnesia Pills + Loose Ties + High Hills Live at ΙΛΙΟΝ plus – Friday, October 13th

 


On Friday, October 13th, three dynamic bands from the local music scene - Amnesia Pills, Loose Ties, and High Hills - extend a warm invitation to ilion+ for a night brimming with music and electric energy.


Admission: €10