REVIEW: KISS, Lick It Up (1983)

 

KISS, Lick It Up (1983)

Mercury ‎

Αναγέννηση από τις στάχτες, πράξη δεύτερη.

Με Vinnie Vincent, Eric Carr (RIP), Gene Simons και βέβαια Paul Stanley κατά σειρά εμφάνισης στο εξώφυλλο, πρώτη φορά χωρίς το κλασικό μεικαπ που τους έκανε να ξεχωρίσουν, πέραν της μουσικής τους, στη δεκαετία του '70, αυτό είναι η διάδοχη κατάσταση του παρά πολύ καλού Creatures Of The Night εν χρόνο πριν, μα τί συνέχεια! Οι Kiss εδώ μουσικά "παίζουν" (επιτηδευμένα) ξανά με το Heavy Metal ύφος.  Βαριά αλλά μελωδική Hard Rock με τραγούδια σαν το ομώνυμο του δίσκου, το εναρκτήριο πολύ γρήγορο Exciter, και τα Not For The Innocent, Young And Wasted, A Million To One, Fits Like A Glove να το πάνε καλά, πολύ καλά κατά τη γνώμη μου.

English Text:

Emerging from the ashes, a sequel unfolds.

With Vinnie Vincent, Eric Carr (RIP), Gene Simmons, and, of course, Paul Stanley gracing the cover in succession, it marks a significant departure - the absence of their iconic makeup that once defined them alongside their music in the '70s. This is the evolution following the commendable Creatures Of The Night, a mere year prior, but what a progression it is! Kiss, deliberately and deftly, delve back into the realm of Heavy Metal, showcasing a blend of weighty yet melodious Hard Rock. Tracks such as the eponymous opener, the briskly-paced Exciter, alongside Not For The Innocent, Young And Wasted, A Million To One, Fits Like A Glove, resonate strongly, exceptionally well, in my humble opinion.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης

VIRGINS BLOOD OF CACHTICE dropped their new maxi-single, "YHWH."

 

Russian Blackened Death Metal band Virgins Blood Of Cachtice recently unveiled their latest maxi single, titled "YHWH." This release, recorded in their home studio, showcases their signature sound and was meticulously mixed and mastered by Vladimir Gurevich. Originating from Protvino, Russia, the band was founded in 2009 by Oleg on vocals and Anton "Behemoth" on guitars. Their debut album, "Sektor: Accelerating Storage Complex," dropped in 2015 under the Russian label FONO RECORDS. Presently, Virgins Blood of Cachtice is actively working on new music, promising more intense sonic experiences to come.

REVIEW: HOLY KNIGHTS - The Demo 1999/2000 (Gate Through The Past)

 

HOLY KNIGHTS - The Demo 1999​/​2000 (Gate Through The Past​)​

Sleaszy Rider SRL

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Let's begin with the captivating centerpiece of this latest release: the cover art. It's truly awe-inspiring and profoundly epic, depicting a valiant Knight confronting a formidable dragon, setting the stage for the auditory journey that awaits.

While the Italian ensemble HOLY KNIGHTS may not boast the same level of recognition as their compatriots RHAPSODY and SKYLARK, they navigate the same musical waters with finesse. In essence, their style embodies the essence of melodic power metal, enriched with symphonic flourishes and lyrics steeped in heroic fantasy, encompassing the beloved tropes of the genre.

Just as the success of a recipe hinges on the skill of the chef, HOLY KNIGHTS craft their music with exquisite artistry, showcasing both creative ingenuity and technical prowess.

Despite being labeled as a demo, the production quality is exceptionally high, and the compositions retain a remarkable freshness. Personally, it transported me nostalgically to the golden era when epic symphonic power metal first emerged from Italy. While evoking nostalgia, their compositions maintain a contemporary allure, with symphonic elements that pay homage to their cultural heritage, drawing from Italian folk music and even the grandeur of Vivaldi.

This release stands out for its diversity, melodiousness, and captivating narrative. For enthusiasts of the early days of RHAPSODY and SKYLARK, HOLY KNIGHTS offer yet another hidden gem from that era to savor and appreciate.

Νικόλαος Παραστατίδης

SONS OF CULT reveal cover art, tracklist & 1st song from new EP!!

 

SONS OF CULT, a Spanish Heavy Metal band formed in Palma de Mallorca in 2020, have unveiled the cover art and first single for their upcoming EP titled "Desolation," set to be released on May 16th, 2024, via Fighter Records in CD and Digital formats.

The band consists of Vicente J. Payá (Unbounded Terror, Golgotha, Bis·nte, Holycide) on guitar, Jordi Segura on drums, Jaume Vilanova (Whoremagedon, War Pigs) on vocals, Vicky Offidani on bass, and Dan García on guitar. They debuted with their album "Back to the Beginning" in January 2023.

"Desolation" is a 4-song EP that pays homage to their musical influences from the 80s, including bands like Dio, Saxon, Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne, AC/DC, Judas Priest, and Scorpions.

The tracklist for "Desolation" includes:

1. Here We Are

2. Desolation

3. Now it's My Turn

4. Too Late Again

 

The EP will be released in very limited CD-Digipack (200 copies) and Digital formats.

EVERGREY Announce New Album, Theories of Emptiness

 

Evergrey, the renowned progressive metal band, announces their fourteenth studio album "Theories of Emptiness," set for release on June 7, 2024, via Napalm Records. Their latest single, "Falling From the Sun," serves as a powerful precursor to the album, showcasing their signature blend of heavy riffs, catchy choruses, and poignant lyrics. Led by founder Tom S. Englund, Evergrey has maintained a consistent presence in the metal scene, performing at major festivals worldwide and releasing thirteen studio albums. "Falling From the Sun" is described as an explosive representation of the band's essence, featuring Hollywood-level production in its music video. Evergrey eagerly awaits fan reactions to their latest offering.

NANOWAR OF STEEL Rocks German Parties with "Das Rote Pferd" Cover!

 

For over 20 years, Nanowar of Steel has delighted fans with their hilarious satire and musical prowess. Known for hits like "Norwegian Reggaeton" and "Valhalleluja," they're now releasing their take on Markus Becker's party classic, "Das Rote Pferd." With catchy synths and energetic drums, it's set to become a new favorite at German gatherings, adding to the original's 24 million streams and timeless party vibe.

REVIEW: ACCEPT, Balls To The Wall (1983)

 

ACCEPT, Balls To The Wall (1983)

RCA

Δίσκος - απόκτημα!!!

Το πετράδι στο στέμμα των πέντε γερμαναραδων, πραγματικά η χρυσή τομή τους δισκογραφικά. Udo Dirkscneider φωνή πριονοκορδέλα, Wolf Hoffman κιθάρες ξυράφι, Peter Baltes μπάσο κανόνι, Herman Frank κιθάρα τσεκούρι και ντραμς ο τρομερός Stephan Kauffman, στο καλύτερο δημιούργημα που έφερε το λογότυπο τους (εντάξει στο αρχικό βινύλιο και στο CD της RCA δεν είχε λογότυπο όπως βλέπετε, το είχε όμως στο οπισθόφυλλο!) με μερικές από τις πιο αγαπημένες στιγμές τους: Balls to the Wall, London Leatherboys, Head Over Heals, Love Child, Turn Me On, Losers and Winners, πραγματικά αν τώρα τους ακούτε σαν όνομα, ξεκινήστε με αυτό το άλμπουμ και δε θα χάσετε. Ότι καλύτερο έχει βγει απ' αυτούς τους πρωτοπόρους του ευρωπαϊκού Heavy Metal χώρου.

English Text:

"Disk - Acquisition!!!"

The jewel in the crown of the five German warriors, truly their golden ratio discographically. Udo Dirkschneider's voice like a buzz saw, Wolf Hoffmann's guitars razor-sharp, Peter Baltes' bass like a cannon, Herman Frank's guitar an axe, and the tremendous Stephan Kaufmann on drums, in their finest creation that bore their emblem (okay, it didn't have the emblem on the original vinyl and RCA CD as you can see, but it did on the back cover!) with some of their most beloved moments: Balls to the Wall, London Leatherboys, Head Over Heels, Love Child, Turn Me On, Losers and Winners. Truly, if you're now hearing them as a name, start with this album and you won't be disappointed. Oh, what better has come from these pioneers of the European Heavy Metal scene.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης