Guitarist Alex Mele (Kaledon) and vocalist Eleonora
Damiano (ex Epinikion) join forces to create the symphonic power metal band,
Requiem's Embrace. This talented lineup also includes bassist Silvia Pistolesi
(Hellucination), guitarist Francesco Ciancio (Kaledon), keyboardist Fabio
Bernardi (River Of Change), and drummer Manuele Di Ascenzo (Imperial Age).
Having recently inked a deal with Sleaszy Rider Records, the band is set to
unleash a debut-EP on July 5th
CRYSTAL
EYES - World of Black and Silver
Crazy Life Music
Lately, I've been feeling nostalgic and reflecting on
the albums that have significantly influenced me, even if they aren’t universally
considered classics. One such album is “World of Black and Silver” by the
Swedish band CRYSTAL EYES, released in 1999.
First, let's talk about the cover art. It features a
ghostly knight standing before a dark, mysterious landscape, perfectly setting
the tone for the music inside. This haunting image hints at the fantasy,
history, and science fiction themes woven throughout the album.
“World of Black and Silver” is a celebration of
traditional heavy and power metal sounds from the '80s and '90s. The influences
from iconic bands like GAMMA RAY, HELLOWEEN, RUNNING WILD, HEAVEN’S GATE, and
even IRON MAIDEN are unmistakable. Yet, what sets this album apart is its
deeply personal touch. CRYSTAL EYES manages to blend these influences
seamlessly into their unique sound, making the album feel both familiar and
fresh.
The album opens with the powerful track "Interstellar
War," setting an epic tone that carries through to "Gods of the
World" and the anthemic "Winds of the Free." As you progress,
the intricate storytelling in "The Power Behind the Throne" and the
adventurous "The Dragon's Lair" keep you captivated. The atmospheric
"Eyes of the Forest Gloom" and the epic "Rage on the Sea"
add depth and complexity to the experience.
"Victims of the Frozen Hate" and
"Extreme Paranoia" introduce a raw, intense energy, while "Glory
Ride" brings a triumphant spirit. The title track, "World of Black
and Silver," closes the album with a memorable and grand finale.
Each song brings something unique to the table, making
the album a cohesive yet diverse listening experience. The debut lineup—Mikael
Dahl on vocals and guitar, Jonathan Nyberg on guitar, Claes Wikander on bass
guitar, and Kujtim Gashi on drums—delivered a stellar performance. They crafted
an album that remains vivid and compelling even today.
For me, “World of Black and Silver” encapsulates the
essence of what makes a classic. It’s an album that not only showcases the
band’s talent but also their ability to create a lasting and personal
connection with their listeners. If that doesn’t define a
classic, then what does?
Νικόλαος
Παραστατίδης
HYPOCRISY, The Fιnal Chapter (1997)
Nuclear Blast Records
Μεγάλη
μπάντα, ευτυχώς όχι το τελευταίο
κεφάλαιο!
Εντάξει
παραλίγο αυτό να ήταν το τελευταίο τους κεφαλαίο, κυριολεκτικά! Αλλά ευτυχώς ο
κόσμος που τους ακολουθεί με κλειστά τα μάτια επέμεινε και τους έπεισε, οπότε
και συνέχισαν, ως τετράδα πλέον μετά από
αυτή τη συγκλονιστική κυκλοφορία. Οι τρεις Σουηδοί παίζουν ή μάλλον έχουν εφεύρει (κι αυτοί ) το μελωδικό
Death Metal και στη φάση αυτή, ως και τα τέλη
της της επόμενης δεκαετίας, έχουν την επιστημονική φαντασία να τους
εμπνέει στιχουργικά. O βασικός ένοχος, τραγουδιστής και κιθαρίστας αλλά και
παραγωγός Peter Tagtgren τους οδηγεί ακόμη και σήμερα, μαζί εδώ οι κύριοι
Mikael Hedlund μπάσο, Lars Szöke ντραμς. Οι At The Gates απέμειναν, απ' τη
σουηδική σχολή, οι Entombed/ Entombed A.D. δεν υπάρχουν ενώ δυστυχώς οι In
Flames... φυτoζωούν 23 χρόνια σχεδόν. Όμως ευτυχώς οι Hypocrisy, υπάρχουν
ακμαίοι. Εδώ θα βρούμε ύμνους της σουηδικής σχολής Death Metal σαν τα A Coming Race, Dominion,
Last Vanguard, Request Denied, Through The Window Of Time, Adjusting The Sun,
Evil Invaders κι το ομώνυμο του δίσκου στο τέλος.
English
Text:
Great band, and thankfully not their final chapter!
This album was nearly their literal last chapter.
However, their dedicated fans, who follow them without hesitation, insisted and
convinced them to continue. Thus, they pressed on, now as a quartet, following
this groundbreaking release. The three Swedes not only play but have arguably
invented melodic Death Metal. During this phase and extending into the late
2000s, they drew lyrical inspiration from science fiction. The primary
mastermind, vocalist, guitarist, and producer Peter Tagtgren, still leads the
band today, alongside Mikael Hedlund on bass and Lars Szöke on drums.
From the Swedish school, only At The Gates remain.
Entombed/Entombed A.D. are no more, and unfortunately, In Flames have been
merely surviving for nearly 23 years. Yet, Hypocrisy remains vibrant and
strong. This album features anthems of the Swedish Death Metal scene such as
"A Coming Race," "Dominion," "Last Vanguard,"
"Request Denied," "Through The Window Of Time,"
"Adjusting The Sun," "Evil Invaders," and the titular
track, "The Final Chapter," at the end.
Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS has released a new single,
"Tonight I’m Alive," from their upcoming album *Pirates II – Armada*,
which will be available on July 5, 2024, via Napalm Records. This track
features a percussive rhythm reminiscent of a pirate party on the eve of
battle, characterized by an uplifting melody that calls listeners to conquer
the seas with Pirate queen Clémentine Delauney and captain Michele Guaitoli.
The song showcases VISIONS OF ATLANTIS's unique talent
and marks their readiness to dominate the symphonic metal genre. The album, a
follow-up to their successful 2022 release *Pirates*, promises their heaviest
symphonic adventure yet. To promote *Pirates II – Armada*, the band will embark
on a grand European tour in the fall, featuring 33 shows—making it their
largest headline tour to date.
Clémentine Delauney describes "Tonight I’m
Alive" as a defiant dance in the face of danger, celebrating life and
existence despite looming threats.
German Blackened Death Metal band, THE HELL BEYOND,
has recently unveiled their latest single, "Dark Witch," which will
feature on their forthcoming album, "Cold Forest." The track, along
with the entire album, was meticulously recorded, mixed, and mastered at Dark
Times Records by Thorben Brysch.
THE HELL BEYOND originated in 2021 in Norderstedt,
Schleswig-Holstein, as a solo endeavor by Thorben Brysch, previously of Lost
A.D. Brysch aimed to forge a project where he could delve deeply into Death and
Black Metal genres. In 2023, the band introduced their sound to the world with
their debut EP, "First."
German heavy metal legends ACCEPT will celebrate their
50th anniversary with a unique anniversary tour at the end of 2025 and a
special anniversary album in early 2026. Wolf Hoffmann, a founding member and
the band's driving force, has significantly shaped ACCEPT's sound and success
since 1976 with his distinctive guitar style.
The anniversary tour will take fans on a journey
through the band's history, featuring classic hits, rare songs, and surprise
guests. Hoffmann remarked on the honor of celebrating five decades and hinted
at the uncertainty of future tours, making this one particularly special.
In spring 2026, the band will release an anniversary
album featuring re-recorded classics and rare tracks with surprise musical
guests. Hoffmann describes the album as a tribute to the band's journey and
loyal fans.
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ACCEPT has sold millions of albums and inspired
countless musicians with iconic records like "Balls to the Wall,"
"Restless and Wild," and "Metal Heart." After a hiatus, the
band reformed in 2009 with singer Mark Tornillo, achieving global success and
solidifying the Hoffmann-Tornillo partnership in metal history. ACCEPT invites
the heavy metal community to join in their 50th-anniversary celebrations.
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The song "Silent Disco" explores the
therapeutic power of dance and music and the liberation from the emotional
chains of the past.
The lyrics depict two individuals striving to forget
their struggles and wounds, finding solace and freedom in each other.
Overall, "Silent Disco" emphasizes the power
of music and dance to bring freedom and healing, highlighting the importance of
support and mutual understanding in a relationship.
"Silent Disco" is featured in the upcoming
album "Out of Line," set to be released on July 27, 2024!
