REVIEW: AMORPHIS, Am Universum

 

AMORPHIS, Am Universum (2001)

Relapse Records

Νέα χιλιετία, νέο ύφος. 

Ένα ακόμη συγκρότημα με πολλές προσωπικότητες, από δίσκο σε δίσκο. Από το «Karelian Isthmus», π.χ., έως το προηγούμενο αυτού, το αγαπημένο «Tuonela», υπάρχει ένα χάος και έρεβος που χωρίζουν τον τρόπο παιξίματός τους. Φανταστείτε τί άλλο μας επεφύλασσε αυτό το τρομερό σχήμα χαμαιλέοντα. 

Οπότε, εδώ ακουμπάνε το alternative και, όντας πλέον Progressive Heavy Rock ο δίσκος, έχουμε ακόμα μία μεταμόρφωση των Φινλανδών, με ακόμη και χρήση πνευστών (alto σαξόφωνο) σε αρκετά σημεία του άλμπουμ! Με το καλημέρα δείχνουν τις καλύτερες προθέσεις με τα «Alone», «Goddess (Of the Sad Man)» και «The Night Is Over». 

Την εποχή εκείνη δεν ήμουν ακόμη φίλος τους, αλλά παρόλα αυτά θυμάμαι καλά τον σάλο που προξένησαν, από συζητήσεις συμφοιτητών που είτε γούσταραν αυτή τη στροφή είτε τους απέρριψαν, επιμένοντας στα τρία πρώτα κλασικά τους άλμπουμ. Πλέον κατανοώ και τις δύο πλευρές. Καλό το Doom Death Metal, αλλά γιατί όχι και πιο Groove/Heavy Rock; 

Άλλες αξιοπρόσεκτες στιγμές είναι τα «Crimson Wave», «Drifting Memories», «Veil of Sin» και το τελικό «Grieve Stricken Heart». Ήθελα επίσης να θυμίσω την εποχή που όλα τα αντίστοιχα συγκροτήματα (Paradise Lost, Anathema, My Dying Bride κ.ά.) είχαν ρίξει το βάρος στον πειραματισμό, με διαφορετικά αποτελέσματα το καθένα.

English:

New millennium, new style.

 

Another band with multiple personalities, evolving from album to album. From “Karelian Isthmus”, for example, to their previous release, the beloved “Tuonela”, there is a chaos and darkness that separate their ways of playing. Imagine what else this incredible chameleon-shaped band had in store for us. 

So, here they lean towards alternative, and with the album now rooted in Progressive Heavy Rock, we see yet another transformation of the Finns, including the use of wind instruments (alto saxophone) in several parts of the album! Right from the start, they show their best intentions with tracks like “Alone”, “Goddess (Of the Sad Man)”, and “The Night Is Over”. 

At the time, I wasn't yet a fan, but I clearly remember the buzz they caused—discussions among classmates who either liked this new direction or rejected it, insisting on their first three classic albums. Now, I understand both sides. Doom Death Metal is good, but why not incorporate more Groove or Heavy Rock elements? 

Other noteworthy moments include “Crimson Wave”, “Drifting Memories”, “Veil of Sin”, and the final “Grieve Stricken Heart”. I also want to recall the era when all similar bands (Paradise Lost, Anathema, My Dying Bride, etc.) had shifted toward experimentation, each with different results.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης!

REVIEW: HOUSE OF LORDS – Big Money

 

HOUSE OF LORDS – Big Money

Frontiers Records

House of Lords, a veteran band renowned within the melodic rock and hard rock scenes, continues to demonstrate their enduring craft with their eighth studio album, “Big Money”. Having established a significant reputation with classic releases such as “House of Lords” (1988) and “Sahara” (1990), the band has maintained a consistent output over the past decade, reaffirming their place within the genre.

The album opens with the track “Big Money,” a high-energy rocker characterized by a prominent riff and driven by vocalist James Christian’s confident delivery. The song sets an assertive tone, blending a hard-edged attitude with melodic sensibilities. Following this, “First to Cry” emerges as a standout track, showcasing strong songwriting with memorable hooks and melodic richness that could be considered among the band’s finest work in recent years.

“Big Money” offers a diverse array of compositions that reflect the band’s versatility. For instance, “Living in a Dream World” features a harder, nearly metal-leaning sound, complemented by an oriental-inspired riff that adds an exotic flavor. The blues-infused “Searchin’” demonstrates the band’s ability to incorporate different influences while maintaining their melodic core. The album also revisits classic House of Lords themes with tracks like “One Man Down,” “Seven,” and “Once Twice,” which lean towards arena rock, emphasizing strong choruses and anthemic qualities.

Overall, “Big Money” is a solid addition to the band’s discography. It showcases a band that, while rooted in their traditional melodic rock style, is capable of exploring different sonic territories without losing their identity. The songwriting is consistent, and James Christian’s vocal performance remains a key strength. While it may not radically reinvent their sound, it offers a satisfying listening experience for fans and newcomers alike who appreciate well-crafted melodic rock with a touch of hard-edged intensity.

Chris  Kappas

DIVNI SAN Releases Lyric Video for "Dreamlike Tales"

 

Belgian metal band DIVNI SAN has unveiled a lyric video for "Dreamlike Tales," from their upcoming album set for release on May 30, 2025. Formed in 2021 by ex-MIDRANGE members, they blend hard rock, thrash, and progressive metal.

The album features a mix of energetic tracks like "Dreamlike Tales" and "Ready to Fight," as well as atmospheric songs such as "In Utero." It includes reworked versions of their 2023 EP songs and the new epic "Keep The Dream Alive."

Signed with Wormholedeath Records, DIVNI SAN is gaining international attention. The album will be available on streaming platforms in May 2025, with physical release details coming soon.

Members: Dragan, Philippe, Fabrice, Thomas.

KRYN Releases New Album "Risset"

 

Greek metal band KRYN has launched their latest album, "Risset," a powerful blend of heavy riffs, haunting melodies, and emotional vocals. Known for their intense and complex style, KRYN creates a raw, honest sound that explores human emotions and struggles.

"Risset" is now available on all digital platforms, offering a visceral musical journey for metal fans and those interested in dark, introspective themes.

CHASING FEAR Drops New Single "Empires Falling"

 

German band Chasing Fear has released their new single "Empires Falling," recorded at their home studio by guitarist Robert Haug. Formed in 2021 in Ebersbach an der Fils, the band combines Thrash, Death, Groove, and Metalcore. After their debut live show in 2023, they quickly gained attention for their energetic, genre-blending sound. "Empires Falling" marks their continued rise in the modern metal scene.

AIRBORN Unveils Visualizer for "Midnight Riders"

 

Italian heavy metal veterans AIRBORN have released a visualizer for their new single, "Midnight Riders," the third preview from their upcoming seventh album, “Lizard Secrets: Part Three – Utopia”. The track offers a taste of the dark, atmospheric themes fans can expect from the full release.

GODIVA Releases "Superbeast" Live Video and Announces Greek Tour

 

Portuguese symphonic metal band GODIVA has released a live video of "Superbeast" from Laurus Nobilis 2024, showcasing their powerful stage presence.

They are also announcing their first Greek tour, “Damnation Over Greece,” in November, with shows in Larisa, Ioannina, Athens, and Patra.

Before heading to Greece, GODIVA will perform two final Portuguese shows in August and October, wrapping up their 2024 tour before working on their next album.

REVIEW: DREAM THEATER, Live Scenes From New York

 

DREAM THEATER, Live Scenes From New York (2001)

Elektra Records

Χορταστικά ζωντανό.

Αυτό λοιπόν το τρίτο ζωντανά ηχογραφημένο άλμπουμ των Prog Metal μικρών θεών αιχμαλωτίζει μέσα του όλη τη μαγεία μιας πλήρους συναυλίας τους, "εντός έδρας" προφανώς. Σε τρία CD, εκ των οποίων τα δύο πρώτα περιέχουν ολόκληρη την εμφάνισή τους εκείνο το βράδυ, ενώ στο τρίτο δισκάκι βρίσκεται μια συλλογή από βίντεο που δεν μπήκαν στο ομότιτλο DVD που κυκλοφόρησε τότε. Δεν έχουμε πολλά να πούμε ή να γραφτούν· η μουσική των τεσσάρων μαέστρων και του "λαμπρού" τραγουδιστή τους James LaBrie, στο αποκορύφωμα της περιοδείας για το άλμπουμ Metropolis 2: Scenes from a Memory, μιλάει από μόνη της. Ειδική μνεία αξίζει το εξώφυλλο του άλμπουμ, το οποίο, κατά τρομακτική σύμπτωση, κυκλοφόρησε στις 11 Σεπτεμβρίου 2001, την ημέρα που η μεγαλύτερη αιματηρή συνωμοσία (ως το 2020 και τον COVID) εκτελέστηκε με ολέθρια αποτελέσματα για τους ανθρώπους που έχασαν τις ζωές τους, αλλά και για όλο τον πλανήτη. 

Η αρχική μακέτα είχε, αντί του σήματος του συγκροτήματος, μπροστά στο ίδιο γκρι-σεπια φόντο, τη Νέα Υόρκη με το Empire State Building και τους δίδυμους πύργους σε μια φλόγα, πάνω από μια στεφανωμένη με αγκάθια καρδιά, η οποία υπήρχε στο κλασικό τους δεύτερο άλμπουμ, Images and Words. Αποσύρθηκε την ίδια εβδομάδα και όταν κυκλοφόρησε αργότερα, είχε αυτή τη μορφή. 

Αν κάποιος έχει το CD με την αρχική απεικόνιση, συγχαρητήρια· διαθέτει ένα υπερσπάνιο άλμπουμ στη δισκοθήκη του.

English:

A Satisfyingly Live Experience

This third live recorded album by the small gods of Prog Metal captures all the magic of a full concert of theirs—most likely a home-town show. It spans three CDs, with the first two containing the complete performance from that night, while the third disc features a collection of videos not included in the original DVD release of the same name. There's not much more to say or write— the music of the four maestros and their "brilliant" singer James LaBrie, at the peak of their tour for the Metropolis 2: Scenes from a Memory album, speaks for itself. 

A special mention is deserved for the album cover, which, in a terrifying coincidence, was released on September 11, 2001—the day when the greatest violent conspiracy (until 2020 and COVID) was carried out with devastating consequences for those who lost their lives, as well as for the entire planet. 

The original design featured, instead of the band's logo, a depiction of New York City with the Empire State Building and the Twin Towers engulfed in flames, above a thorn-crowned heart—a symbol from their classic second album, Images and Words. This cover was withdrawn the same week, and when it was later re-released, it took on the form seen today. 

If someone owns the CD with the original artwork, congratulations— they have a very rare album in their collection.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης!

REVIEW: SEBASTIAN BACH - Kicking & Screaming

 

SEBASTIAN BACH - Kicking & Screaming

Frontiers Records

Released in 2011, “Kicking & Screaming” marks the return of ex-Skid Row vocalist Sebastian Bach. The album features 21-year-old guitarist Nick Sterling and renowned drummer Bobby Jarzombek.

Vocally, Bach demonstrates notable energy and maintains his distinctive style throughout the record, with his signature screams prominently present. However, the overall musical direction leans toward a modern rock sound, characterized by subdued guitar tones, contemporary American riffs, and compositions that may not align with traditional hard rock expectations.

The album includes collaborations such as "TunnelVision," featuring guitarist John 5, known for his work with Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, and "Lost in the Light." While these tracks showcase notable musicianship, they diverge from classic rock sensibilities.

Among the tracks, the power ballad "Dream Forever," along with "Wishin’" and "Dance on Your Grave," stand out as stronger compositions within the album. Nonetheless, the overall reception suggests that the material may not fully meet the expectations set by Bach’s previous work, and some listeners might find the modern approach less compelling.

For a sample of the album’s style, the music video for "Kicking & Screaming" provides a visual overview of the record’s sound and aesthetic.

Chris  Kappas

REVIEW: NORM REJECTION – Belligerent

 

NORM REJECTION – Belligerent

Independent

Norm Rejection, a band originating from Malta, has been active since 1993 and is considered a veteran within the metal scene. After a lengthy hiatus of nearly eight years, during which they released the EP "Malta not for Sale," the band re-emerged approximately three years ago with new material. Their latest release, the EP titled "Belligerent," continues to showcase their musical direction.

The "Belligerent" EP features three new tracks—"Kemm Hawn Dwejjaq fil-Pajjiz," "Encounter," and "Belligerent"—which exemplify the band's crossover style, blending industrial, nu-metal, and modern thrash metal elements. In addition to these new compositions, the EP includes a reissue of their 1994 debut demo, "Subtly Mesmerized?," marking its first appearance on CD.

Musically, the EP presents a modern sound characterized by clear and impactful production. The vocals are both clean and aggressive, with tempos ranging from mid-paced to fast. The guitar work, including both rhythm and solos, demonstrates technical proficiency and adds to the dynamic nature of the release.

Overall, "Belligerent" offers a cohesive listening experience for those interested in contemporary metal with a potent sound and diverse stylistic influences. Fans of modern metal production and energetic performances may find this release noteworthy.

Christine  Parastatidou

REVIEW: DORO, Fear No Evil

 

DORO, Fear No Evil (2009)

AFM Records

Η μεταλλική μας μητέρα

Ένα ακόμη άλμπουμ της ξανθιάς Γερμανίδας που τότε γιόρταζε τα 25 χρόνια παρουσίας στη σκηνή, αρχικά με τους Warlock και βέβαια από τις αρχές της δεκαετίας του '90 με το σόλο συγκρότημά της. Φόρος τιμής που ξεκινά από το εξώφυλλο, όπου στο βάθος υπάρχει η απειλητική μορφή του γέρο-μάγου, όπως αυτή εμφανιζόταν σε άλμπουμ όπως το Triumph and Agony των Warlock. Ένα άλμπουμ, λοιπόν, που διατηρεί καλά την επαφή της Doro Pesch με το heavy παρελθόν της (διότι κι αυτή είχε υποπέσει σε κάποιες δισκογραφικές ατασθαλίες στις αρχές του 21ου αιώνα), με τρόπο σύγχρονο, αλλά που ευτυχώς φέρει στο πίσω μέρος του ήχου το κλασικό χρώμα που μας είχε συνηθίσει και κακομάθει στις παλιές, περασμένες εποχές. Ξεκινώντας με το "The Night of the Warlock", χωρίς να χρειάζεται άλλη σύσταση, περνάμε σε κομμάτια όπως τα "Running From the Devil", "Celebrate", το πολύ σκληρό "Caught on a Battle", τη γερμανόφωνη μπαλάντα "Hertzblut" (αίμα της καρδιάς), το γρήγορο "On The Run", και συνεχίζουμε με μια ακόμα αργή σύνθεση, το ντουέτο με την Tarja Turunen (πρώην Nightwish), "Walking With The Angels". Ακόμη, τα "It Kills Me", "Long Lost for Love" και το ένα από τα δύο bonus της αρχικής έκδοσης, το "Wildfire", αξίζουν και με το παραπάνω την ακρόαση μας.

English:

Our Metal Mother

Another album by the blonde German artist, who at the time was celebrating 25 years on stage, initially with Warlock and, of course, from the early 1990s with her solo band. A tribute that begins with the album cover, where in the background there is the threatening figure of the old wizard, as seen in albums like Triumph and Agony by Warlock.

So, this is an album that maintains a strong connection between Doro Pesch and her heavy metal past (after some musical missteps in the early 2000s), presented in a modern way, but thankfully still carrying the classic sound that had accustomed and spoiled us in the old, bygone days.

Starting with "The Night of the Warlock"—which needs no introduction—we move on to tracks like "Running From the Devil," "Celebrate," the very hard "Caught on a Battle," the German-language ballad "Hertzblut" (Blood of the Heart), the fast-paced "On The Run," and then continue with another slow piece, the duet with Tarja Turunen (former Nightwish), "Walking With The Angels."

Additionally, "It Kills Me," "Long Lost for Love," and one of the two bonus tracks from the original edition, "Wildfire," are more than worth listening to.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης!

REVIEW: THE BROWNING – Burn This World

 

THE BROWNING – Burn This World

Earache Records

“Burn This World”, released by Earache Records, presents a fusion of genres that blends aggressive deathcore with electronic music elements. The album incorporates samples, synthesizers, and techno-influenced sounds alongside traditional deathcore components such as down-tuned guitars and intense vocals. This combination results in a stylistic crossover that can be described as a form of electronic-influenced deathcore, or perhaps a "dance deathcore" approach.

While some listeners who prefer traditional deathcore or electronic music may approach this release with skepticism, it is worth noting that “Burn This World” demonstrates a creative integration of these styles. The album features tracks that utilize electronic textures and rhythmic programming to complement the aggressive guitar work and vocal delivery. Although individual elements may seem conventional within their respective genres, the overall sound achieves a fresh and engaging quality that can be described as catchy and compelling.

It is important to recognize that this album may not appeal to all audiences or suit everyday listening, particularly for those who do not gravitate toward heavy or electronic music. Instead, it appears well-suited for specific occasions, such as energetic activities or moments requiring high-impact music. The production values are notably strong, supporting the dynamic and powerful sound.

 

In conclusion, «Burn This World» offers a distinctive listening experience that may resonate with fans of bands like Dark Tranquillity’s «Haven», given its similar principles of genre blending. While it may not be universally accessible, it represents a noteworthy effort in combining aggressive and electronic musical elements effectively.

Christine  Parastatidou

REVIEW: THERION, A' Arab Zaraq Lucid Dreaming

 

THERION, A' Arab Zaraq Lucid Dreaming (1997)

Nuclear Blast Records

Ένα απ' όλα.

Συλλογή με b-sides, μερικές πολύ καλές διασκευές κι μία σουίτα/soundtrack για την τηλεταινία "The Golden Embrace", γραμμένη από τον εγκέφαλο του συγκροτήματος, τον πολύ κύριο Christopher Johnson. Ο ύμνος "Black Fairy", που είχε περισσέψει κι αυτός από τα sessions του προηγούμενου άλμπουμ τους "Theli", βρίσκεται εδώ μέσα, όπως και οι διασκευές στα "Fly to the Rainbow" (Scorpions), "Children of the Damned" (Iron Maiden), "Under Jolly Roger" (Running Wild). Ένα ιδιαίτερο "ενδιάμεσο" άλμπουμ με καλούδια από το συγκρότημα που μόλις τότε είχε αρχίσει να απογειώνεται.

English:

A Bit of Everything

A collection of b-sides, some very good covers, and a suite/soundtrack for the TV movie "The Golden Embrace," written by the band's mastermind, the one and only Christopher Johnson. The anthem "Black Fairy," which was also left over from the sessions for their previous album, “Theli”, is included here, as are covers of "Fly to the Rainbow" (Scorpions), "Children of the Damned" (Iron Maiden), and "Under Jolly Roger" (Running Wild). This is a unique "in-between" album with goodies from a band that was just beginning to take off.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης!

REVIEW: CHRIST INVERSION - Christ Inversion

 

CHRIST INVERSION - Christ Inversion

Housecore / Hammerheart Records

Originally released in 2008 and reissued in 2011 through Housecore Records and Hammerheart Records, this self-titled album by Christ Inversion is a compilation of the band's 1994 demo. It features the addition of the intro track, "Crucifucking the Possessed" but otherwise, the original recording remains unchanged.

The production maintains the raw, unpolished sound characteristic of a mid-'90s demo. The mix is noisy and muddy, intensifying the primitive feel of the music. This aesthetic choice is intentional, highlighting the band's old-school approach to black and death metal.

Musically, the album blends elements of both genres. The tempos shift between mid-paced grooves and blistering blast beats. The guitars are heavily distorted, contributing to the album's aggressive, lo-fi character. The vocals lean heavily toward a black metal style, consistent with the era's sound.

As Christ Inversion is a defunct band, the reason for this reissue may be to introduce their cult-status demo to a wider audience. The album serves as a historical document of the band's early work and will likely appeal to fans of raw, classic black/death metal.

Christine  Parastatidou

REVIEW: ENTOMBED A.D., Dead Dawn

 

ENTOMBED A.D., Dead Dawn (2016)

Century Media Records

Άλλη μία μίτωση σε ένα μεταλλικό κύτταρο.

Ήταν φαινόμενο της σκηνής, με πάμπολα παραδείγματα από τη δεκαετία του '90 και ήδη τότε. Συγκροτήματα που τα μέλη τους άλλαζαν ρότα για λόγους μουσικών ή και άλλων διαφορών, έπαιρναν μαζί το όνομα ή κάποιο μέρος του ονόματός τους. Ο μακαρίτης πλέον L.G. Petrov, φεύγοντας από το συγκρότημα που έγραψε λαμπερές σελίδες, πρόσθεσε στο όνομά του το Ano Domini (μετά Χριστόν / Έτος Κυρίου, ως συμβολισμό στις χρονολογίες) και συνέχισε να παράγει καλή Death 'N' Roll, όπως και στα κλασικά άλμπουμ των παλιών Entombed. Ίσως, βέβαια, τα άλλα μέλη να πρόσθεσαν το λιθαράκι τους, αφού σε αρκετά σημεία υπάρχει ανακατεμένο και Doom Metal, κάτι που ταιριάζει στη μουσική γάντι. Αυτό είναι ένα από τα τρία - τέσσερα άλμπουμ που κυκλοφόρησαν με αυτό το σχήμα και όνομα. Μαζί του οι Nico Elgstrand (κιθάρα), Victor Brandt (μπάσο) και Olle Dahlstedt (ντραμς).

Midas in Reverse, Dead Dawn, As the World Fell, Total Death, Silent Assassin, Black Survival, Not What It Seems είναι οι κυριότερες στιγμές στον δίσκο.

English:

Another mutation in a metal band.

It was a phenomenon on the scene, with numerous examples from the 1990s and even then. Bands whose members changed direction for musical or other reasons would often keep the same name or a part of it. The late L.G. Petrov, after leaving the band that wrote many shining pages, added "Ano Domini" (After Christ / Year of Our Lord, as a reference to the dating system) to his name and continued to produce good Death 'N' Roll, just like on the classic albums of the old Entombed. Of course, perhaps the other members also contributed their share, as in several parts there is a mixture of Doom Metal, which fits the music perfectly. This is one of the three or four albums released with this lineup and name. Alongside him were Nico Elgstrand (guitar), Victor Brandt (bass), and Olle Dahlstedt (drums).

"Midas in Reverse, Dead Dawn, As the World Fell, Total Death, Silent Assassin, Black Survival, Not What It Seems" are the main highlights of the album.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης!