ASTRAL FIRE - Defy the Lights EP Review

ASTRAL FIRE - Defy the Lights EP

Independent

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Italy has one of my favorite metal scenes. If I have to make a catalogue of my favorite bands from over there it will be a long list. It is also very encouraging to see that it still produces good heavy and power metal releases (not that the other metal genres there lack of quality). ASTRAL FIRE are a new power metal band from Italy who introduce themselves to the metal audience with this EP which includes 5 tracks.

Στην καρδιά της θάλασσας

Στην καρδιά της θάλασσας by Nathaniel Philbrick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ένα από τα αγαπημένα μου κλασσικά εικονογραφημένα ήταν η ιστορία του Μόμπι Ντικ. της λευκής φάλαινας και του αποφασιστικού στα όρια εμμονής καπετάνιου Άχαμπ. Η ιστορία με είχε τόσο πολύ εντυπωσιάσει που στην Ε΄τάξη του Δημοτικού έγραψα και σχετική έκθεση με αποτέλεσμα να εισπράξω το πολύ καλή αλλά βλέπεις πολύ τηλεόραση... Βλέπετε η δασκάλα είχε μπερδέψει το Μόμπι Ντικ με την ταινία Όρκα η φάλαινα δολοφόνος. Μόλις λοιπόν έπεσε το μάτι μου στο συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο που στις πρώτες σειρές στο οπισθόφυλλο του έγραφε η αληθινή ιστορία που ενέπνευσε το Μόμπι Ντικ, αμέσως το αγόρασα (το βρήκα μάλιστα και σε πολύ καλή τιμή).

THUGNOR - The End of Time Review

THUGNOR - The End of Time

Independent

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THUGNOR is a four piece band from Portugal, the music child of A.J. on lead guitars and drums well known with the Portugal veterans of the death metal band DECAYED.

THE ORDER OF CHAOS – Apocalypse Moon Review

THE ORDER OF CHAOS – Apocalypse Moon

Killer Metal Records

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We will stay in Canada and I will present to you another female fronted band that differs from CATEGORY VI, but they also have has common ground the inspiration they draw from the traditional heavy metal sound. “Apocalypse Moon” is the third studio album of the band THE ORDER OF CHAOS.

DEICIDE – In Torment In Hell Review

DEICIDE – In Torment In Hell

Roadrunner Records

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DEICIDE doesn’t need an introduction really, they formed in Tampa, FL in 1989 under the name AMON with all the original band members, the Hoffman brothers, Glen Benton and Steve Asheim. 

OPEN BURN – Open Burn EP Review

OPEN BURN – Open Burn EP

Independent

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OPEN BURN is a U.S. metal band with very talented and experienced musicians; the bassist, guitarist and drummer used to be in the legendary power progressive metal band LETHAL on the “Arrival” and “Programmed” era and the singer comes from bands such as SIMPLE AGRESSION, CHASTAINS’S SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN and HUMAN COMETH. Do I have to say more?

CATEGORY VI – War Is Hell Review

CATEGORY VI – War Is Hell

Killer Metal Records

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There are countries like Canada that when you start thinking about its metal scene you realize it has one of the strongest in the world and that has offered us through the years some really great bands which have released some classic metal albums. CATEGORY VI are hailing from Canada and their debut album under the title “Fireborn”, which was released in 2013 as an independent work, caught the attention of Killer Metal Records and decided to offer them a deal for their sophomore album which I will present to you here.

VITAL REMAINS – Icons of Evil Review

VITAL REMAINS – Icons of Evil

Century Media

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This band formed in 1988 and are still active, but haven’t released an album in about 10 years. Tony Lazaro (rhythm guitar), David Sazuki (drums, lead guitars, bass) and Glen Benton on vocals are all that contributed forth in this latest release. 

ART OF SIMPLICITY - When Fables Have a Bitter Taste Review

ART OF SIMPLICITY - When Fables Have a Bitter Taste EP

Independent

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ART OF SIMPLICITY is a very interesting band from Greece with a demo CD and 2 official releases (an album and currently a 6 track CD).

MESS EXCESS – From another World Pt1 Review

MESS EXCESS – From another World Pt1

Qua’ Rock Records

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There are many bands in the metal scene that have created concept albums and some of them are considered all time classics. Such an example is QUEENSRYCHE’s “Operation Mindcrime” which I mention here due to the similarities it has with the concept story of MESS EXCESS’s album, but first thing first….

MONSTROSITY – Rise to Power Review

MONSTROSITY – Rise to Power

Conquest Music

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These guys have been around for 27 years, in 1990 to be exact. They’ve been producing some quality death metal over the years. Even early on. From the Tampa area, many of the more prevalent death metal acts around. I don’t think they’ve gotten enough attention though. That’s just my view.

JMP – Jam Movie Project Review

JMP – Jam Movie Project

Qua’ Rock Records

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Jamming in music is something that helps musicians to improvise and expand their imagination and creativity. JMP started as their name stated as a jam project of the guitarist Gabriele Bellini and the opera singer Claire Briant Nesti back in 2014. A little later the drummer Michel Agostini joined the project and with this line up JMP released this debut album.

GARDENIAN – Sindustries Review

GARDENIAN – Sindustries

Nuclear Blast Records

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Short career for these Swedish melodic death freaks, which is rather unfortunate. This one was a follow up from a more emotional album entitled “Soulburner”, that one is my absolute favorite. But yeah, I’m not entirely certain of the reasons of their departure from the Gothenburg music scene, it’s just sad.

TEN – Gothica Review

TEN – Gothica

Frontiers Records

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Number thirteen, if you are superstitious, is not considered a lucky number. For TEN though it seems to be a fortunate one since “Gothica” is their thirteenth studio release and also their comeback to Frontiers Records with whom they have signed a contract for many record releases in the future. I think that this can make the fans of the band really happy.

SUFFOCATION – Pierced From Within Review

SUFFOCATION – Pierced From Within

Roadrunner Records

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This band doesn’t really need an introduction, but I’ll give a short one anyway. SUFFOCATION has been making death metal music 1990, but formed in 1988. They have a pivotal point in the death metal scene, this release being a monument in the genre.

TABERAH – Sinner’s Lament Review

TABERAH – Sinner’s Lament

Killer Metal Records

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In every form of art and the same goes for heavy metal we don’t have virgin births. The story of the huge names of our music (BLACK SABBATH, JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN, METALLICA etc) is the story of musicians that had the idea to take their influences and give them their own interpretation and this led them to create their own original sound. In our days, heavy metal is back and we witness new bands formed by young musicians release albums that have quality and offer us some really good moments, but the fact is that most of them don’t do anything more than copy the old school metal. I want to say that the new generation of metal fans need their own heroes and I think that TABERAH from Australia, who so far they have released 3 great studio albums, have the potential to be those heroes.

BLOODSTRIKE – In Death We Rot Review

BLOODSTRIKE – In Death We Rot

Redefining Darkness Records

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This Colorado based band has a lot to offer here to the death metal scene. They’ve been around since 2013 and have a demo out, this one is their first full-length. They have a female vocalist, too.I’m always thrilled when there’s a newer death metal band out.

DETHONATOR – Dethonator Review

DETHONATOR – Dethonator

Killer Metal Records

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DETHONATOR from the U.K. started their career in 2002 under the name KALEB which they kept until 2009. In 2009 the band changed its name into its current one and in 2010 they released their debut album under the title “Dethonator”. In 2013 they released their sophomore album under the title “Return to Damnation” and in 2014 the EP “Monuments to Dead Gods”. In 2016 the band signed a deal with Killer Metal Records and this is their first release.

BEAR MACE – Butchering the Colossus Review

BEAR MACE – Butchering the Colossus

Gypsyblood Records

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This Chicago based band spews out old school death metal with lyrical concepts on war, death and of course bears. Personally, I like this style of theirs, not that I’m biased though.  It just has an old school death metal vibe to it.

MEGA COLOSSUS – Hyperglaive Review

MEGA COLOSSUS – Hyperglaive

Killer Metal Records

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MEGA COLOSSUS are no other than COLOSSUS who started as a band in 2005 and existed with that name until 2016. I don’t know the reasons that led them to add the word MEGA in their band’s name, but this decision makes this album their debut release.

DANZIG - III - How the Gods Kill Review

DANZIG - III - How the Gods Kill

Def American Recordings

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A solid follow-up to the awe-inspiring “II – Lucifuge”, DANZIG hits the heavy metal scene again circa 1992, but hey, it's never too late to celebrate a 25 year anniversary of a well appreciated release. Glenn is back at it with his notorious vocal outputs and the rest of the band that was with them for the first three albums as well. So yeah, you'll hear the heavy blues influenced John Christ, the rubble ling of Eerie Von's bass, and sick drum outputs by Chuck Biscuits. The music is quite admirable, notably "Dirty Black Summer." There were more, but that one (to me) stood out the most out of the whole album. The tempos vary, some songs are slow, meaning tempo-wise. Some filled with vigor. All of them are very dark indeed though. But that's what the whole reason for this concept that they've chosen for the album.

ΤΟ ΣΑΒΑΝΟ ΤΟΥ ΙΗΣΟΥ

ΤΟ ΣΑΒΑΝΟ ΤΟΥ ΙΗΣΟΥ by WILSON IAN

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Το Σάβανο του Ιήσου είναι μια έρευνα του συγγραφέα Ian Wilson που έχει σπουδάσει Ιστορία στην Οξφόρδη για το αν η σινδόνη του Τουρίνου είναι πράγματι το σάβανο του Ιησού μετά τον μαρτυρικό του θάνατο στο σταυρό. Η σινδόνη εμφανίζεται για πρώτη φορά στον δυτικό κόσμο το 1300 μ.Χ. και ο συγγραφέας προσπαθεί να ανακαλύψει αν υπήρξε προγενέστερη αναφορά της στην ιστορία. Καταλήγει στο συμπέρασμα, μέσα από αποδείξεις - ενδείξεις που επικαλείται, αλλά και τα αποτελέσματα κάποιων επιστημονικών ερευνών που έγιναν στο λινό αυτό ύφασμα, ότι η σινδόνη είναι το Μανδήλιον του Χριστού που ανακαλύφθηκε στην Έδεσσα και μεταφέρθηκε στην Κωνσταντινούπολη περί το 900 μ.Χ. και εκ των υστέρων ότι είναι το κεφάλι για το οποίο κατηγορήθηκαν οι Ναϊτες ότι προσκυνούσαν.

KILL FOR METAL – Vol. I Presentation

KILL FOR METAL – Vol. I

Killer Metal Records

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When YouTube and of course other sites like that entered our lives and sharing videos became an easy task, this also affected the metal fans too. We have reached a point where many people in our days listen to music directly from the above mentioned sites. This leads also many bands to create video – clips in order to promote their music since the power of image is irresistible. Having all these in mind, I believe, this is why Killer Metal Records released this DVD which has over an hour of duration and includes video clips of some of the bands that belong to its roster (it would be nice if they could include videos or live footage from all of their bands, but maybe this will happen in their next release).

SODOM - Decision Day Review

SODOM - Decision Day

Steamhammer Records

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This one is definitely a step-up from “Epitome of Torture”, it just has more energy to it and is catchier. I'll admit that I only have 2 SODOM albums in my collection. I've never been a huge fan until “Agent Orange” came out some 20+ years ago... then my interest faded after succeeding albums with lineup changes left me in disinterest with the band. But I tried “Epitome of Torture” and just ultimately didn't care for much. I feel that “Decision Day” is filled with good lyrics, fresh riffs, good leads and cool vocals by Tom Angelripper. I think that this is one of their best albums that I've heard by them. Helped a little with technology, the production quality is superb and the music just says it all. It's simply original sounding and has a lot of balls to it.

AGE OF DISCLOSURE – To the Universe Review

AGE OF DISCLOSURE – To the Universe

    Kunz Soundcorp.

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It seems that Adriano Troiano (bass player) is a musician that participates in most of the interesting metal bands that come from Switzerland, although AGE OF DISCLOSURE is not exactly his own band as DISTANT PAST is (if you like traditional heavy metal with progressive touches you should check them out). AGE OF DISCLOSURE actually were formed when the guitarist and songwriter Ben Sollberger decided to professionally record some of the many songs that he had written in the past. The catalyst which helped him to make his dream a reality was Adriano Troiano with the huge experience he has in the metal scene (he was also a member of the great band EMERALD). So, the cooperation of these two musicians led to the realization of this album in which four singers participate amongst the other musicians.

LETHAL SHOCK - Evil Aggressor Review

LETHAL SHOCK - Evil Aggressor

Witches Brew Records

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A very METALLICA – “Kill ‘em All” based release...with a better production of course. This is a debut album, it's only about 30 minutes in length, but it sure kicks butt. I can't relate to the lyrics, but the vocals were just OK, the music I'm more keyed into than anything else on here. The guitars just kick total ass. For a debut, this sure is one to appreciate. The music is speed sort of style of metal and it has a good mixing/production sound to it. It's one of 2016's better releases by a band. This album just simply rips from beginning to end.

ESSENZA - Blind Gods and Revolutions Review

ESSENZA - Blind Gods and Revolutions

SG Records

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In the search I did, I found out that there are two bands with the same name both coming from Italy. The one that plays black metal and doesn’t exist anymore and the one that I am about to present to you that has many years of existence, although I only learned about them with this release.

KREATOR - Gods of Violence Review

KREATOR - Gods of Violence

Nuclear Blast Records

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Now this far outweighs “Phantom Antichrist”, big time. This is another KREATOR album that's melodic, filled with hateful lyrics, Mille's unique vocals and music that's just totally kick ass. These guys really did a number with this one. I think it was worth the wait. Mille said in an interview that metal can be "spiritual" which I totally agree with. And that he picks out music that's like no one else's except for KREATOR. What he is implying is that it's all his own creation when writing songs, the whole process. A lot of bands are bankrupt of ideas and turn to other artists/composers just to make and sell an album. KREATOR isn't like this. Sure they've gone through musical changes over the years but yeah now they're back to their roots in thrash metal and they have been.

PECTORA – Redemption Review

PECTORA – Redemption

Independent

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There are some countries that we don’t listen to very often in the metal scene, but when they pop up they have something interesting to give. Denmark for example is a country that might not have the quantity of metal bands of other countries, but definitely has the quality that many would envy. This is the country of PECTORA who in early 2017 released their second 5 track EP (they have also released in 2013 the EP entitled “Burgeon of Hate”) entitled “Redemption”.

VEKTOR - Terminal Redux Review

VEKTOR - Terminal Redux

Earache Records

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This album resembles “Outer Isolation”, but to me it's better. It's lengthy too, clocking in over an hour long. Progressive thrash which isn't my type of genre but the music is so awesome on this album. Way technical guitar work. The only thing that I don't like about the album or band are the vocals. They sort of shriek. The guitars make up for that. I suppose that THAT is the concept behind the music, is the vocals to try to match the guitar work. I would presume that's the case. Otherwise, I'd say get different vocals. The guitars are so technical here and really perfection to the tee. It's amazing the leads and music overall.

PAOLO BALTARO – The Day after the Night before Review

PAOLO BALTARO – The Day after the Night before

Banksville Records Company

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I am not used to receiving a vinyl as a promo. Most of the labels have us used to digital promos. So this is something that I will remember and of course something that impressed me. However, this doesn’t mean that someone can “bribe” me with such a move (but you can try if you want to hehehe). So let me get to the point… this is a release of Paolo Baltaro from Italy who I have never known before this release, although he has achieved some great accomplishments in his career as the award of best progressive of the year2010 by the Prog Award Webzine. But besides that he is a musician that can play all the instruments, someone with a restless spirit that can feel satisfaction in a specific genre. So, if you do a research in his career you will find out that he has played from experimental nu-jazz to punk rock and in 2016 he even released a book that soon will be translated in the English language. If you are not impressed, personally I am.

MEGADETH - Dystopia Review

MEGADETH - Dystopia

Tradecraft Records

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For a while, I hated MEGADETH. That is, until I bought their re-mastered “Peace Sells...” CD that I had on tape 25 years ago. I think it was the vocals that killed my interest. Now that I have that CD, I appreciate it more and more. And with this new album, it's a great follow-up from a flop album “Super Collider”. This one rips in every respect. It just doesn't let up in originality, the vocals are tolerable and the music/leads are fantastic.

ARTEMISIA – Rito Apotropaico Review

ARTEMISIA – Rito Apotropaico

Onde Roar Records

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ARTEMISIA from Italy is a band that I have already presented to you here. It is an interesting band that through its music tries to create a melancholic and dark atmosphere without though their music lacking in melody. “Rito Apotropaico” is their new effort and let me tell you a few things about it.

BORKNAGAR - Winter Thrice Review

BORKNAGAR - Winter Thrice

Century Media Records

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This album is a gem, it's deeply emotional. Not a fast paced release, only in some parts. There are mood changes to this one; it can go from melodic to quicker, screaming vocals to clean. It really is unpredictable when those swings come up. But that doesn't take away from the magic of the album. I'd say this is one of the best releases in 2016. It's hard to put this band in a category they're sort of Viking/folk metal. The Viking sort reflects that of AMON AMARTH and the folk kind of like FALCONER but not so much with the vocals. Just sort of like that, but not totally exact. They have their own sound and vibe to them. But yeah, mood-swings.

NARNIA – Narnia Review

NARNIA – Narnia

Massacre Records

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When C.J. Lewis created the “Chronicles of Narnia” he wanted to write a tale that was also a metaphor about the Christian religion. Actually the Lion Aslan is considered to represent Jesus Christ. So, I think this is the reason that the band chose to use this name, because if you check their lyrics then you will realize they have themes about Jesus and the Christian religion in general. It is what we can simply say a white power metal band.

FROM THE DUST RETURNED – Homecoming EP Review

FROM THE DUST RETURNED – Homecoming EP

Sliptrick Records

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All good things start as an idea, but to materialize this idea and make it happen requires talented musicians to be found and of course to be determined. I think that talent and determination is what made this EP possible for us to listen to. FROM THE DUST RETURNED was an idea of Alex De Angelis (vocals, guitars) in 2015 which he managed to realize after a change of line-ups. Actually the band managed to find a stable line –up during the recording of its debut album. The problems continued when the recordings of this EP were lost and the band decided to re – record it in a new studio. So after so many line–up changes and misfortune which the band’s determination surpassed I have in my hands their lost EP.

CONCORDEA – Over Wide Spaces Review

CONCORDEA – Over Wide Spaces

Independent

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Russia really has a very interesting and worthy to mention metal scene. I think that the reason why its bands have not become so known abroad is mainly because of the use of the Russian lyrics by most of them and that they are interested mainly to spread their music inside their country. However, there are exceptions to that rule and there are bands like CONCORDEA that use the English language and are interested to spread their music all over the world.

FOGALORD – Masters of War Review

FOGALORD – Masters of War

Limb Music

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Epic symphonic power metal or else Hollywood metal, if you remember the term (though I would prefer the tag Cinecitta metal) is a genre to which Italy has offered some very good bands. However, as any successful genre, we had an overproduction of such bands from all over the word and somehow this caused its decline. Personally, I have reached to a point of avoiding listening to such bands, although I am a big fantasy fan. FOGALORD, though, with their debut that was released in 2012, caught my attention and made me realize that there are still musicians that can bring something fresh to the symphonic power metal sound.