Πέμπτη 28 Μαρτίου 2024

Captain Hawk: Ghosts of the Sea - A Metal Opera by Elina Englezou and Bob Katsionis

 


Four years after their collaborative release "Goditha - The Rock Opera," the Athens-based duo returns with a new epic venture titled "Captain Hawk: Ghosts of the Sea." Elina Englezou pens and Bob Katsionis orchestrates, mixes, and produces this cinematic power metal opus. The album promises a thrilling journey with pirate-themed metal riffs, soaring guitar solos, cinematic arrangements, and robust choruses. Featuring a stellar cast of Greece's finest metal vocalists and accompanied by a dynamic four-voice choir, the album delivers a captivating experience. Producer Bob Katsionis admires Englezou's relentless dedication to her craft, highlighting her singular creative vision in composing, orchestrating, and producing the entire project. "Captain Hawk" offers a power metal escapade that blends fantasy and adventure, available for streaming, digital download, and physical editions.


REVIEW: PRIMORDIAL, The Gathering Wilderness (2005)

 


PRIMORDIAL, The Gathering Wilderness (2005)


Metal Blade Records


Απόκοσμα όμορφο.


Οι Ιρλανδοί στην πέμπτη προσπάθεια τους, και πλέον σε καθαρό Blackened Doom Metal χρώμα, είναι πλέον στα καλύτερα τους. Αυτό το άλμπουμ το πήρα είδηση χάρη στο βίντεο για το The Coffin Ships κομμάτι. Έχοντας κατά νου ότι τα πρώτα δύο τους άλμπουμ είναι αμιγώς Black Metal, εδώ με τα τόσα folk και doom στοιχεία, γίνεται το breakthrough τους. Το ομώνυμο κομμάτι του cd αγγίζει τα δέκα λεπτά, Golden Spiral, Tragedy's Birth και Cities Carved in Stone είναι στιγμές που μένουν.


English Text:



Ethereal Beauty Unveiled.


In their fifth endeavor, the Irish musicians, now steeped in the raw essence of Blackened Doom Metal, have reached their pinnacle. It was through the captivating video for 'The Coffin Ships' that I stumbled upon this album. Departing from their earlier pure Black Metal roots, here they seamlessly blend folk and doom elements, marking a significant breakthrough in their musical journey. The eponymous track of the album unfolds over ten mesmerizing minutes, while 'Golden Spiral,' 'Tragedy's Birth,' and 'Cities Carved in Stone' etch unforgettable moments into the listener's soul.


Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης


Τετάρτη 27 Μαρτίου 2024

REVIEW: EXHORDER - Defectum Omnium

 


EXHORDER - Defectum Omnium


Nuclear Blast Records


Homepage


This release has its highs and lows. While it features some noteworthy peaks, they aren't quite sufficient to warrant an "A" rating. There are plenty of Pantera-esque riffs throughout, seemingly utilizing the same tuning as Dimebag (likely drop D). However, Pat O'Brien delivers commendable solos and rhythms. While lacking standout moments, there's still enough quality to merit a "B" rating. Although I'm not extensively familiar with this band, their 2019 release collectively earned a score of "91%," sparking my interest in exploring more of their catalog. Despite my reservations about this particular release, primarily due to its inability to fully captivate me, the music itself doesn't quite achieve the level of excellence I expected.


The vocals range from aggressive yelling to cleaner tones, complementing the music effectively. Pat handles guitar duties on most tracks, possibly with some guest appearances. Certain songs incorporate vocal effects like reverb or echo.



Beyond the Pantera influences, the album as a whole is a commendable effort. Pat's journey, including his departure from Cannibal Corpse due to legal and addiction issues, and subsequent return, adds a layer of intrigue. While his involvement with Exhorder last year suggests a continued commitment to music, his dedication to this band's distinct metal style is admirable. They possess a collection of riffs that leave an impression.


The album's energy, coupled with the synergy between guitars and vocals, keeps the momentum going. Overall, I found this album enjoyable and a testament to the band's talent. While their discography isn't extensive, they've carved out a niche, and one can only hope they'll continue to evolve and endure in the metal scene.



Ryan “Death8699” Fanucchi


Begravd: Melodic Death Metal Single Release and Band Update

 


Swedish Melodic Death Metal band Begravd, known for their powerful sound, recently dropped their latest single, "Lullaby of Obliteration." The track, recorded, mixed, and mastered at "Studio Death House" by Fredrik Joakimsson, showcases the band's signature intensity. Formed in 2020 in Lund, Sweden, by Kristoffer Schultz (Guitars) and Fredrik Joakimsson (Bass), Begravd gained momentum with the addition of Adonis Fredrik (Vocals). Currently on the lookout for a drummer and a second guitarist, once their lineup is complete, they are poised to dominate live stages with their electrifying performances.


Inhuman Rampage's New Single 'Brotherhood' Signals the Arrival of 'Savage'

 


Luxembourgian modern death metal band Inhuman Rampage has unleashed their latest single "Brotherhood" from their upcoming album "Savage". Recorded at "Kohlekeller Studios" by Kai Stahlenberg, the band, formed in 2011, consists of Patrick Wagener (Vocals), Pierrot Brotons and Jonas Lippert (Guitars), and Malte Janik Jöris (Drums). Following their debut EP "Pathfinder" in 2014, they toured Europe with "All Misery" and released their debut album "Funeral March" in 2019, which led to performances in South America and Europe. "Brotherhood" serves as a prelude to their forthcoming album, promising a relentless fusion of brutality and melody that defines their sound.


Δευτέρα 25 Μαρτίου 2024

REVIEW: ASKA - Knight Strike

 


ASKA - Knight Strike


Vanadium Records


Homepage


The ASKA band holds a cherished position in my musical journey, for they were the inaugural group to extend their trust to my then-nascent webzine, BEHIND THE VEIL, by sharing their material for review. It was a time when we were but fledglings in the vast landscape of the heavy metal scene. Notably, the material they entrusted us with was none other than their magnificent and, to me, seminal album entitled "Avenger."


Since those formative years, ASKA has traversed musical realms, unveiling subsequent works, the latest being the 2013 release, "Fire Eater." Now, 11 years on, ASKA resurfaces with their latest opus, aptly titled "Knight Strike." Perhaps, the delay can be attributed to George Call, the band's vocalist and guitarist, who, in the intervening period, lent his talents to outfits such as OMEN, BANSHEE, and CLOVEN HOOF.


Upon delving into their latest offering, one is immediately struck by ASKA's steadfast commitment to their distinctive heavy/power metal sound, despite the passage of time. Their sonic lineage undoubtedly traces back to legends like IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST, yet when pondering domestic comparisons, echoes of LIZZY BORDEN reverberate within my mind. These references serve not only to delineate their sonic identity but also to underscore the unmistakable imprint ASKA has left on the metal landscape.



Of particular note is the track "Soul Stealer," where ASKA deftly interlaces hard rock elements, evoking influences reminiscent of AC/DC and BULLET. It is a composition that resonates deeply, standing as a testament to the band's artistic versatility and innovative spirit.


In essence, with "Knight Strike," ASKA not only meets but exceeds expectations, offering a tour de force of U.S. heavy/power metal replete with vigor, melody, and fervor. George Call's vocals, a sublime fusion of Coverdale's grit, Defeis's range, and Lizzy Borden's theatricality, further elevate the sonic tapestry, infusing it with depth and resonance. This album is a masterful amalgamation of diverse sounds and emotions, inviting listeners on a captivating sonic journey.


So, here's to immersing oneself in the sonic tapestry woven by ASKA, where each listen unveils new layers of intricacy and emotion, reaffirming their status as stalwarts of the metal realm.



Νικόλαος Παραστατίδης

 

Κυριακή 24 Μαρτίου 2024

Billy Morrison's 'Crack Cocaine' Sets Stage for 'The Morrison Project'

 


Billy Morrison, the accomplished British guitarist and songwriter, is gearing up for the release of his new album, "The Morrison Project." Featuring 12 electrifying tracks and guest appearances from music legends like Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, and Steve Stevens, this album is highly anticipated in the rock music scene.


The excitement builds with the release of the second single, "Crack Cocaine," on March 21, 2024. Featuring Osbourne's iconic vocals and co-written by Morrison and Stevens, the song delivers a powerful message with its raw energy and intense lyrics. The accompanying music video, starring Paris Jackson alongside the musicians, adds another layer of allure to the narrative.



As fans eagerly await the album's release on April 19, 2024, "Crack Cocaine" serves as a tantalizing preview of the musical brilliance to come. With its captivating rhythms, blistering guitar solos, and unforgettable vocals, Billy Morrison proves once again his prowess in the realm of rock music. Stay tuned for more from "The Morrison Project," a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and creativity in the industry.