DEVILUSION - Devilusion EP (Self Financed)

 DEVILUSION - Devilusion EP (Self Financed)

It was with a little bit of surprise my first listening of the debut EP by Devilusion from Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. You know, that kind of surprise you go through when you listen to a totally new band delivering music that somehow manages to stab you in the back from the very first listening minute. I pressed the play button on my stereo letting a "what the fuck" phrase to slip from my mouth as the first riff of the opening "Intruder" track was hammering my speakers. So for the next twenty minutes (maybe a little more), I left everything aside, focusing on the material of those newcomers.

Devilusion deliver a mixture of Heavy, Speed and Thrash Metal. Listening to their music you would be able to discover a wide range of influences: from Metal Church ("The Dark" and "Blessing In Disguise", era) and Intruder ("A Higher Form Of Killing" era), to Megadeth ("Rust In Peace" era), Anthrax and Iron Maiden. Their songs are perfectly balanced between power and melody. The power that marks the band's Thrash / Speed Metal part, is generated thanks to the main riffing of each song, however the melody and the feeling that re-present the more Heavy Metal oriented part of their music, is generated mainly through the vocals and the fantastic lead guitar parts.

Manos Fatsis (ex Dark Nova) makes the difference in here. You see, on your everyday typical Thrash newcomers (and older ones) you would meet those "angry again" vocals that mark the genre. However in Devilusion's music you would hear melodic vocal lines, double vocal parts and a wide range of vocal expression that mark each and every song. To tell you the truth I was not surprised at all. Having heard the excellent latest Dark Nova album (plus some more music) I was aware of Fatsis talent, which is simply represented in this EP. However the vocals are not the only big thing in here. You can clearly hear a fantastic drummer (Uwe Rudolph), an incredible bass player (Marc Stemmer), and a double axe attack through the hands of Sascha Kuss and Patrick Lessmann. Well those are the pieces that complete the Devilusion puzzle. I would advise you to spend some extra time focusing on the performance and the ideas of each musician in here and you would realize why I am referring to them this way. Well this team works great.

The band have wisely selected "Intruder" as the opening track cause it is the most catchy tune of this EP thanks to its mighty chorus (excellent double vocals). I bet that even on your first EP listening, you would go back to this song on the repeat more than one times, BEFORE you roll to the next one, exactly like I did (air guitaring to its lead part). "Almighty Hypocrites" with its ala Megadeth main verse (thanks to the main riff and the vocals) is another powerful track. The chorus is catchy, the double guitar bridge is great and the lead part is a big plus.

The Thrash and Heavy Metal flavors are successfully combined for one more time under the "Crown Of Gold" song. Great mid tempo chorus and a Megadeth-ish small lead guitar part, before the main melodic guitar lead. Not bad at all. "Raising Hell" is the most technical tune of this release. Many different themes and riffs on different tempos wisely combined on a song to bang your head at. Very interesting mid tempo opening themes (there is a great band line on the initial part of the song), outstanding mid tempo verse, faster bridge before the fantastic chorus and ok what else can we ask for? "Tribe Of Slaves" is the faster track in here. I am sure that this one would be one of their strongest tunes on stage. I really enjoyed the drumming in this one. 

The EP's final song is a cover version of "The Four Horsemen". What do you mean by which band? Come on they just re-released their "No Life 'Til Leather" 82 demo tape on time for the record store day a few days back (18/4) and this song was called "The Mechanix" back on this demo. You got it, Metallica is the band.  But I bet that Devilusion selected it cause it was co written by Mustaine, I will ask them on the forthcoming interview. Ok I liked the cover a lot. Fatsis has studied every breath of the young Hetfield adding his own approaching as well, but I am still trying to get why the band left a big part of the song behind. Yes their version is sorter than the original studio recording. Well they basically grab the version that was played live by Metallica which is sorter (check out some of their 90s live stuff), but you know I still miss those lead parts. So to cover or not to cover guys? I guess this is another good interview question. Ok all in all this is a bonus track done for fun I guess, so my point on the sorter version is not a big deal, you can still headbang on the sorter one.

The production is loud and clear and does justice to the songs. It would be a pity such good songs to suffer from bad production but this is absolutely not the case in here. Sascha Kuss recorded all the stuff on the band's own studio. The recorded material was mixed and mastered by Rene Bannasch at Schreiraumstudios, Solingen (Germany).

All in all here we got a release by musicians that first of all are passionate fans of the music they play. This is crystal clear on each and every part of the songs in this EP and you know something? One of the main reasons for each one of my positive comments about this release is the passion I discovered, behind the leads, behind the vocals, the drumming etc etc.

So if you look for a good piece of stormy steel delivered in fast tempos, raw power and touched by a fantastic voice, this one is for you. If you keep yourself amazed by new under the ground stuff coming armed and dangerous this one is also for you. The sure thing is that our eyes and ears should be open to this band, they will offer even more good stuff in the future. For sure.

 http://devilusion.de/

Chris Papadakis
 

Agnosia - A Blot On The Landscape (Steel Gallery Records)

Prog Metallers Agnosia are back with their long awaited Mini CD entitled "A Blot On The Landscape". In my hands I got an advanced Promo of the final release that will be out December 15th on Steel Gallery Records, so I guess it is worth writing some words. 

Six tracks in total length of 31 minutes is what you will find on this release. Five new compositions plus one remake of "Pain And Sickness" which was included in their "The Inner Conflict" debut demo.

"In Awareness" is the opening track. It is basically a piano based composition on a prog structure. Its melodic and emotional main piano theme will attract the listener. The lyrics in Greek are from a poem written by keyboardist Pantelis Kyramargios.

"Noetic Healing" is also the band's video for this release. Having in mind the sometimes complex and surrealistic Prog Metal that the band have released on their "Trace decay" debut, I was surprised enough to hear a Prog tune that simply stuck in my mind from the very first time I heard it. Inspired by fates warning "Parallels" era, in mid tempo, withe excellent guitar and keyboard themes and melodic vocal lines the track simply rocks. Wise selection for a video if you want my opinion.

"The Dyadic Encounter" is probably the darker composition of the album. I discovered some Dream Theater (Awake era) and some Pain Of Salvation (first two albums) features, especially in the song's first part but I can assure you that I discovered some of the dark Prog moments of While Heaven Wept as well. Without doubt an excellent composition.

"A Blessing In Disguise" is the best track of the release and probably the best composition that the band has released EVER. It has a light Prog / Power touch on the beginning, brilliant vocal melodies on the first verse -based on oriental scale- and a fantastic and enigmatic refrain. Moreover on the track you will be able to discover some fantastic Rush oriented Prog moments -right in the middle of the song- and lots of other features that made this song a masterpiece. What features? Some more excellent guitar themes played the Prog Metal way we love, and some magnificent lead parts. But I will not write more, you've got to listen to this.  

"Numb" is a very emotional piano based ballad. It represents the vocal abilities of Takis Nikolakakis who really gives a great performance in this. Well it was about time for Takis to enter the studio with Agnosia and the material of this CD proves for one more time that he was simply the right choice.

"Pain And Sickness" is re-recorded and a new powerful version is represented here. It is surely the heaviest song included in here based on some great riffing however its adventurous structure will make you realize that this is another little Prog anthem (I really enjoy those "clever" breakings). Pay some extra attention to the magnificent guitar lead part. My favorite parts is the final -ala Memento Mori- riff but this is the useless info on this review ok.

The sure thing is that during the 31 minutes of this Mini CD you will find yourself enjoying some really inspired music that keeps the interest high and that during each and every new listening you will discover something new, that you probably have not noticed before. Well I think that this is the main point of a good Prog release isn't it?

The amazing production done by Kimon Zeliotis does justice to the album. The front cover (by Jen Anastas) fits very well with the general concept of the album and all in all this is a great Prog release NOT to be missed.

Chris Papadakis

WHILE HEAVEN WEPT - Suspended at Aphelion (Nuclear Blast)

Every new album by While Heaven Wept is a new musical experience, a new musical quest and of course this point should be made for their latest "Suspended at Aphelion" release. Three years after "Fear Of Infinity", WHW return with a new album and believe me there is so much to hear and discover on this excellent album.

Before I go on with the review of the album I must point that "Suspended at Aphelion" is meant to be heard as a whole. Only if you listen the album at once you would be able to fully get into its vibe, as it is actually a single song in 11 parts. You can always listen each and every song on its own but the real magic awaits you only if you really get into the record, listening ti as a whole. That is what Tom Philips himself is also advising you on the inner notes.

All of the songs in here were mainly composed during 2011 (with the exception of two songs which have been composed even later). So it is crystal clear that the music included on this album reflects the musical vibe that the band follows since "Vast Oceans Lachrymose": an excellent mixture of Epic, Progressive, Power and Doom Metal under a unique touch which includes many more musical elements as well.

Yes someone would discover lots of musical elements & influences inside this release. Influences that have been gathered into Philips mind through his journey the last 25 years both as a musician in many bands and as a listener too. So you should not be surprised if you -for example- find some Black (actually Thorn-sh) Metal touches here and there.

The sure thing is that Prog Metal is becoming a serious basis in this record. The inspiration by the golden Fates Warning era ("The Spectre Within", "Awaken The Guardian") is clear, however someone would discover lots of European Prog Metal influences (from the early 90s till the mid 00s) as well (the phrase Spiral Architect on steroids came into my mind when I first heard some of the Prog parts of this record).
  
Going on to discover the elements and influences of this album I must point that the whole thing is also classically based, full of counterpoint stuff. Not only on musical parts but on song structure as well, there is a serious classical vibe. From song interludes to acoustic and keyboard parts you can discover many Renaissance and Baroque musical touches. Mark Shuping's Cellos and violins and Christophers Ladd's classical guitar would be enjoyed on such parts. Also if you pay some extra attention to keyboards (by Jason Lingle), both on their melodic main parts or their symphonic fillings, you would get more into this classical vibe on the album.

Well all those points sound interesting, but what about the songs themselves? The truth is that album by album it gets harder and harder to describe While Heaven Wept music with simple words. Here we got a magnificent record, full of inspired music that deserves lot of listening not because you would not "get inside it" even from the first listening time but because new musical treasures are waiting for you every time that you would return to this masterpiece. The melancholic / romantic vibe of WHW is still a big trademark in here however the music is expanded into the Prog-sphere, it sounds even more epic and powerful.

I will not refer to each song (as I usually do on such important records), it is difficult to choose anyway and as I already pointed ""Suspended at Aphelion" should be listened as a complete concept. However I should mention the magnificent opening track of the record: "Introspectus" which is a magnificent acoustic interlude, the storm-taking "Icarus and I", the orgiastic Prog masterpiece "Indifference Turned Paralysis" and the apocalyptic "Searching The Stars" as my personal favorite picks from the record.

Tom Philips manages to transform all his inspiration and talent into his big musical vision: While Heaven Wept. We as listeners of albums like "Suspended at Aphelion" are the lucky ones. We enjoy this musical heaven under a universe of influences of a person who is first of all a passionate listener himself. 

Rain Irving offers probably his best vocal performance in this album. It is obvious that his voice is ideal for WHW music. I do not know if some parts of WHW songs are composed with his voice in mind or if he manages to get so deep into the music and the vibe, but the result is magnificent. I sometimes try to find a way to explain the beauty and the harmony of his voice and his melodies, but at the end I find myself going back to the songs leaving the thought behind.

Mark Zonder sits behind the drum kit on this record. So you can be sure about the drumming perfection. The bass lines of Jim Hunter fit perfectly in here. And if you listen more carefully you will discover the guitar magic of Victor Arduini (ex Fates Warning) on two of the songs("Reminescence of Strangers" & "Lifelines Lost"). Scott Loose is also delivering the guitar magic, together with Tom Philips they are offering this wide guitar sound that WHW have managed to build. Trevor Schrotz is performing some additional percussion and Michelle Schrotz is also performing additional percussion and is doing harmony vocals. Yes all those talented musicians are important pieces of the puzzle that is called "Suspended at Aphelion".

The production is excellent. I should point that there different masters have been made for LP, CD and digital download versions for the best possible performance. The album was mixed and mastered to be as organic and dynamic as possible and thanks to this fact the production is not following the today's common "as loud as possible" path so it will require you to turn up the volume slightly compared to other releases in your queue from 2014. Tom Philips is clearly pointing this on the album's inner notes, but you will also realize it by yourselves.

With albums like this While heaven Wept manage to go on into the writing of their very own very important chapter on the music book of our times.

I already have written enough. Go on and get the record as soon as possible. This is inspired music, music for the mind AND soul. Heavy Me(n)tal stuff? You could say so hahaha.

Chris Papadakis

DOOMOCRACY - The End Is Written (Steel Gallery Records)

"The End is Written" is the title of the debut album by DOOMOCRACY from Heraklion city (island of Crete, Greece). The band delivers Doom Metal in the veins of bands like Solitude Aeturnus, Candlemass, Memento Mori and Veni Domine. Ok it sounds like an easy task to give a sort description for the musical genre that the band follows in the process of a review - writing. But this is actually a hell of a mission impossible to sit down, focus and transform into written words all those feelings that are exploiting inside me while hearing this album. I will try.

First of all let me directly point that I consider this debut as an absolute masterpiece. I would put it on a high slot next to classics that have shaped the musical culture of Epic Doom Metal. So on a personal list with the most inspired and important Epic Doom Metal albums I would put this debut next to releases by bands like Solitude Aeturnus, Sorcerer and Candlemass. It is not only my personal opinion and the fact that the album fits 110% into my personal musical criteria. There are some real facts in here that can not be ignored by anyone who would listen to this release. Read bellow and you will understand.

Songwriting: I will place it as much simple as it gets. Songwriting is the most important part for every band or artist in music, no matter the musical genre. Doomocracy have written some of the most amazing Epic Doom Metal compositions that I have heard the past ten years. Everything else that you would read on this review could be an interesting and positive point about this album, but if the songs were not on that high level of inspiration that actually characterizes them, nothing else of those features described bellow would be THAT much important.

Musically the band is standing on an Epic Doom Metal basis which is the main canvas on which their music is built upon. However on their Epic Doom Metal they combine lots of Power Metal features which are fitting smoothly on every song's structure, a structure that is shaped on an almost Prog way. What I basically mean is that each and every song of the album manages to keep the listener's interest into high level from start to finish. Lots of different riffs, lots of different melodies, very wise selection of specific musical parts placed on current time points on each song. So yes this is not your typical everyday boring Doom Metal structure with songs based on one riff. Doomocracy represent their music on an adventurous way.

The voice of Michael Stavrakakis is brilliant. Its color brings into my mind the young Robert Lowe of the first two Solitude Aeturnus albums mixed with a a little John Calvin. Stavrakakis finds a way to express each and every lyric on an emphatic way (another John Calvin credit? Probably). On the higher notes his voice carries the color, the power and the passion of Tom Mallicoat. Hey do not get me wrong: Michael is not trying to copy anyone of those singers who are used as references, representing my personal opinion. Speaking honestly I think that real lethal weapon in the case of Stavrakakis voice is the vocal melodies he composes. Those melodies are actually transforming the Doomocracy songs into real hymns.

It was actually one of those very times that I really enjoyed guitar work on a Doom Metal album. While everyone is focusing on the heaviness of main riffs only, Doomocracy would deliver some of the most magnificent lead guitar parts and solos you can imagine. They are adding lots of extra guitar melodies to many parts of their songs. Angelos Tzanis and Harry Dokos did a great guitar job on the album. Who said riffs are enough? They are not. We need more melody. 

Rhythm section plays a very important role in here. After all we are talking about Doom Metal, right? So take some extra time and listen CAREFULLY the bass lines of  Manolis Schizakis. Thanks to the production there is justice been done to the bass which can be heard loud and clear. So we can enjoy the magnificent bass melodies included in here. Of course the puzzle is getting completed with the hammering of Minas Vasilakis. Ok he does it the right way and with a Prog, emphatic attitude.

It is really difficult for me to select a specific song of the album as favorite. There is NO boring song in here. There is NO song that can be "selected". Each and every tune in this record will drive the listener on an ecstatic journey. You do not believe me? Press the play button. Listen to "Sadness and Hesitation", its main vocal melody sounds like a siren song to me, you can focus on its majestic phrygian lead parts and its hammering chorus. Greatness. Ok go on and listen to "Faceless" a Doom Metal anthem, how can someone describe the agony which fills the air through a a vocal melody, a riff and those lyrics: "All The Cowards, Lets Step Up And Speak Our Minds, Will You Listen?". 

Check out "Doormacht (Der Apokalyptische Untergang)" and its main -ala Tad Morose- riff. Too heavy for you? Maybe. "The Celephais Curse" comes next. This main riff, those breakings... and this bridge before the chorus... You got to listen to understand and yes... when was the last time you heard a chorus like that? Lots of inspiration here, on a Power / Doom opus with Prog touches. 

"The End Is Written" comes next. Listen to this main vocal melody on the song's first -and main- part. I know, it is difficult to find words to describe it. "Emissary Of Vengeance" re presents all those features that I have described above. The Powerful rifing, the magnificent lead parts -perhaps this songs includes my favorite lead guitar part of all the album, but I am still thinking about that- and the vocals of Stavrakakis that will take you to hell and back. Yes a hammering anthem full of vengeance glory... I worship this tune. "Hanging Puppet" represents another great riff, some great vocal melodies and some killer lead parts. It carries a special Memento Mori touch being the most "Prog / Doom" song of the whole album.

I have left the last song of the album to be the last one on my little song by song reference. "Sins": I like the whole song but I think that its acoustic guitar interlude will haunt me forever. It is mainly the vocals. It is the way that this interlude is sung in EACH and EVERY word. This is music for the soul.

The sound of the album is great. The band entered "Mad Hat Music" studio in Heraklion Greece to record the album. Nikos Vogiatzakis was the sound engineer. The album is produced in Sweden by Daniel Bergstrand (Meshuggah, In Flames, Dimmu Borgir, Evergrey) and mastered by Peter In De Betou (Morgana Lefay, Memento Mori, Entombed). 

The cover and artwork are done by Piotr Szafraniec. Can you recognize the mascot on the cover?

I simply have nothing more to write. This is an excellent album for everyone who searches some good Metal music. To me this record is like a treasure. With the hope to find such treasures we spend the biggest part of our life in music... and time goes by until the end, which is written...

www.doomocracy.com

Chris Papadakis

RIOT V - Unleash The Fire (Steamhammer / SPV)

Σε περιπτώσεις ξαφνικής απώλειας από οποιαδήποτε μπάντα ενός μουσικού με το ταλέντο και την ευρηματικότητα  του μεγάλου Mark Reale, δεν ξέρω αν θα ήταν εύκολη υπόθεση η συνέχιση της παραμονής στο προσκήνιο. Για τους Riot -Riot V πλέον-, μπορούμε όμως να είμαστε σίγουροι. Τα πρώτα πειστήρια ήρθαν με τις ζωντανές εμφανίσεις. Πλέον όμως υπάρχει ένας δίσκος για τον οποίο και εκείνοι σαν δημιουργοί αλλά και εμείς σαν ακροατές μπορούμε να είμαστε περήφανοι.

Θα το πω απλά, συνοπτικά και περιεκτικά. Ότι έχουμε αγαπήσει στους Riot υπάρχει στο Unleash The Fire. Δυναμικό καλοπαιγμένο μελωδικό Power Metal υπό το Riot πρίσμα. Μεγάλες μελωδίες, χαρισματικά lead σημεία και πάθος που περισσεύει. Όπως θα ήθελε και ο Mark. Τόσο στα γρήγορα κομμάτια -πραγματικούς Power Metal δυναμίτες- όσο και στα μελωδικά mid tempo διαμαντάκια η έμπνευση ξεχειλίζει. Η μπάντα ακούγεται δυναμική και παθιασμένη και βάζει τα δυνατά της να αποτίσει φόρο τιμής στον κιθαρίστα που όρισε τον ήχο αυτής της μπάντας χαρίζοντας μας τραγούδια που μόνο ως έπη μπορούν να χαρακτηριστούν.

Μπορώ με σιγουριά να γράψω πως η φωνάρα του Todd Michael Hall είναι από τα μεγάλα -ίσως το μεγαλύτερο συν- για τους Riot V αυτού του δίσκου. Το κιθαριστικό δίδυμο των Lee / Flyntz αποδίδει τα αναμενόμενα και ακόμα παραπάνω οργιάζοντας παθιασμένα σε τραγούδια που κάνουν μεγαλειώδη είσοδο στην λίστα με τα Riot Classics. Και δεν νομίζω να διαφωνεί κανείς ότι κομμάτια όπως το "Metal Warrior" (απλά δνε μένει τίποτα όρθιο στο πέρασμα του), "Land Of The Rising Sun¨ (μαθήματα μελωδικού Metal), "Take Me Back" (μαθήματα μελωδικού Metal, μέρος 2), "Unleash The Fire" (δυναμίτης) και "Until We Meet Again" (από τα ποιο όμορφα τραγούδια που άκουσα τελευταία, η ένταση και το συναίσθημα ξεχειλίζουν, είναι προφανές το γιατί) δεν είναι τέτοια. 

Θα ήταν άδικο να μην γίνει και μια μικρή αναφορά στο ατσάλινο ρυθμικό τείχος των  Don Van Stavern και Frank Gilchriest σε μπάσο και τύμπανα. Κάτσε καλά.. οι τύποι παίζουν τις κάλτσες τους και αφήνουν την σφραγίδα τους σε έναν δίσκο που θα μνημονεύεται για καιρό. Εμ, τέτοιες κομματάρες που έχει αυτή η δισκάρα, αποδίδονται καλά μόνο από τέτοιες μουσικάρες....

Και στιχουργικά οι Riot φανατισμένοι θα βρουν την χαρά τους με θέματα και φράσεις που αναδεικνύουν το Riot πνεύμα. Γενικά η μπάντα τιμά και αναδεικνύει την αισθητική που την έχει χαρακτηρίσει όλα αυτά τα χρόνια, μουσικά, στιχουργικά, καλλιτεχνικά -βλέπε ΚΑΙ εξώφυλλο-. 

Τι άλλο να γράψει κανείς; Παράδειγμα προς μίμηση τούτη η μπάντα.... Στα δύσκολα βάζει την έμπνευση και το ταλέντο στην πρώτη γραμμή και προχωρώντας μπροστά τιμά την ιστορία της, την στιγμή που διάφοροι άλλοι την «Metal ήρωες» την ξεπουλάνε φτηνιάρικα για μια χούφτα ευρώ.

Χρήστος Παπαδάκης

SORROWS PATH - Doom Philosophy (Iron Shield Records)

 With the review above, a new articles series is starting, written in Greek language and sorted under the "Greek Language" label. / Με την παρακάτω κριτική εγκαινιάζεται μια σειρά άρθρων γραμμένα στην Ελληνική γλώσσα (κάτω από την ταμπέλα «Greek Language»).

SORROWS PATH - Doom Philosophy (Iron Shield Records)

 Παρακολουθώ τους Sorrows Path από πολύ παλιά. Και τώρα που το σκέφτομαι έχουν περάσει ακριβώς 20 χρόνια από εκείνο το περιβόητο demo του 1994 στο οποίο η μπάντα παρουσίασε ένα εξαιρετικό δείγμα γραφής ανήσυχου Doom Metal με Progressive τάσεις. Από τότε βέβαια έχει κυλίσει πολύ νερό στο αυλάκι και για την μπάντα που διέλυσε για να επανέλθει στα μέσα των 00ς, αλλά και την ίδια την μουσική της η οποία ως γνήσιο πνευματικό παιδί των δημιουργών της άλλαξε με τον καιρό.

Προσωπικά χωρίζω την δημιουργική πορεία της μπάντας σε τρεις περιόδους. Η πρώτη -και καλύτερη τους για μένα- φτάνει μέχρι το 1996 και περιέχει τόσο το demo του 1994 όσο και το Promo του 96 ως δείγματα γραφής. Τα είπαμε για τότε: ανήσυχο Doom Metal με προοδευτικές τάσεις. Η δεύτερη περίοδος έχει σαν δείγμα γραφής το ντεμπούτο "The Rough Path Of Nihilism" του 2010. Εκεί θα συναντήσει κανείς ένα κράμα Doom Metal με αρκετές Power Metal αναφορές και μια εν γένη σκοτεινή διάθεση γραφής στα κομμάτια, τα οποία βαδίζουν σε ξεκάθαρες δομές «αρχής, μέσης, τέλους», -σε αντίθεση με τις ποιο απελευθερωμένες συνθέσεις της πρώτης περιόδου-. Αρκετά από τα κομμάτια αυτού του δίσκου τα σιγοτραγουδώ μέχρι και σήμερα.

Τέσσερα χρόνια μετά οι Sorrows Path ανοίγουν και άλλο τους μουσικούς τους ορίζοντες μπαίνοντας στην τρίτη δημιουργική της περίοδο με το δεύτερο άλμπουμ της "Doom Philosophy". Το στοιχείο που έχει παραμείνει αναλλοίωτο είναι αυτό το σκοτεινό δείγμα γραφής που χαρακτηρίζει  την μπάντα και την κάνει αναγνωρίσιμη στον ακροατή ανάμεσα σε τόσες άλλες. Θα μπορούσα λοιπόν να αναγνωρίσω ένα κομμάτι από το "Doom Philosophy" ανάμεσα σε δεκάδες άλλα και θα ήμουν σίγουρος ότι το έχουν γράψει οι Sorrows.

Σταδιακά αφήνουν το λυρικό κομμάτι της μουσικής τους. Δίνουν έμφαση στην βαρύτητα των riffs τα οποία ως επί το πλείστον κινούνται σε mid tempo ταχύτητες. Είναι χαρακτηριστικό το γεγονός ότι τα κύρια riff σχεδόν όλων των κομματιών είναι σε μεσαίες ταχύτητες ενώ τα πλέον αργόσυρτα χρησιμοποιούνται ως αλλαγές ή γέφυρες με σκοπό την έμφαση. Τα φωνητικά εστιάζονται στην ποιο κυνική τους εκφραστική πλευρά -στοιχείο που υπήρχε και στον πρώτο δίσκο μα εκεί ο λυρισμός κέρδιζε το παιχνίδι-. Ενώ τα lead καθαριστικά σημεία τόσο σε μελωδίες όσο και σε σόλο είναι αυτά που δίνουν ένα μελωδικό στίγμα στο υλικό (σε αυτό βάζουν και το χεράκι τους τα «καθαρά» κιθαρισιτκά σημεία που χρησιμοποιούνται είτε ως ιντερλούδια είτε ως αυτόνομα σημεία μέσα σε τραγούδια).

Σε πολύ μεγάλο βαθμό  η μπάντα πειραματίζεται μουσικά σε ένα ευρύτερο πεδίο συνδυάζοντας το Doom Metal, με το Power Metal, προσθέτοντας μικρές δόσεις oriental αναφορών μα και γενναίες δώσεις του ευρύτερου Σκανδιναβικού Dark Metal πεδίου -το οποίο εντοπίζεται σε αρκετά μοντέρνα σημεία μέσα στον δίσκο, κυρίως στο πρώτο του μισό-. Σε κάποια κομμάτια διακρίνει κανείς μια κάποια ροπή προς τις συμφωνικές Metal αναφορές οι οποίες συναντιούνται -ξανά- ως σημεία έμφασης στα κομμάτια τους και όχι σαν ολοκληρωμένος προσανατολισμός, μα υπάρχουν. Όπως υπάρχουν και κάποια ηλεκτρονικά περάσματα καθώς και κάποια φωνητικά με Gothic ηχόχρωμα, περισσότερο θεατρικά και λιγότερο απόκοσμα. Γενικά υπάρχει έντονο το θεατρικό στοιχείο στην μουσική αυτού του δίσκου και είμαι σχεδόν σίγουρος πως όλα τα παραπάνω στοιχεία που αναφέρθηκαν σε αυτήν την παράγραφο υπάρχουν στην μουσική της μπάντας για να εξυπηρετήσουν αυτήν την θεατρική τους τάση. Έχοντας αυτό στο μυαλό μου δεν εξεπλάγην όταν άκουσα για παράδειγμα ακόμα και κάποια ακραία φωνητικά περάσματα στο άλμπουμ.

Ένα μεγάλο μέρος του υλικό τους διακατέχεται από μια ψυχρότητα και οι μελωδίες είναι πλέον ποιο υπόγειες και ποιο αινιγματικές. Υπάρχουν και σαφής λυρικές στιγμές όπως για παράδειγμα το θαυμάσιο  "King With The Crown Of Thorns"" το οποίο ξεχωρίζω από τον δίσκο όπως ξεχωρίζω επίσης το μυστηριώδες "Epoasis" και το "Clouds Inside Me"  κομμάτια που αποτελούν τις ποιο αμιγώς Doom Metal στιγμές του δίσκου. Θα προσθέσω στη λίστα με τα αγαπημένα μου και το χειμαρρώδες "The Venus And The Moon" με το ala Crimson Glory main θέμα του. Να μην ξεχάσω να αναφέρω και το οργιαστικό Prog διαμαντάκι «Damned (O)fish-L.S.D» που κλείνει το δίσκο, σαν να ακούς Memento Mori ποτισμένους με το μαγικό φίλτρο του Asterix. Δεν αφήνετε τις γκοθιές και να παίξετε έτσι σε όλον τον επόμενο δίσκο λέω εγώ;

Έχουμε και διάφορες guest συμμετοχές στο άλμπουμ με σημαντικότερες αυτές του μεγάλου Edgar Rivera (τι θα πει ποιος είναι αυτός;) στο σόλο του "Tragedy" και του Snowy Shaw στα φωνητικά του  "Everything Can Change".

Γενικά ο δίσκος μου άφησε ανάμεικτα συναισθήματα. Ομολογώ πως μετά από πολλές ακροάσεις μπήκα στο κλίμα του και ανακάλυψα αρκετές κρυμμένες αρετές του, μα χρειάστηκα χρόνο για να εγκλιματιστώ. Νιώθω ότι αυτή η μπάντα που μας έχει δώσει εξαιρετικά δείγματα γραφής όλα αυτά τα χρόνια έχει τυλιχθεί με ένα πέπλο «σύγχρονης darkίλας» που εμένα προσωπικά δεν μου λέει και πολλά. Ευτυχώς υπάρχουν κομμάτια που αναδίνουν το πραγματικό ταλέντο τους και σώζουν την κατάσταση.

Δώστε χρόνο στον δίσκο και βγάλτε τα δικά σας συμπεράσματα, αν μη τι άλλο μπάντες σαν τους Sorrows Path αξίζουν το σεβασμό μας.

Χρήστος Παπαδάκης

SECOND GRAVE - Antithesis (Pariah Child)

Bostonian Doom Metallers Second Grave have came to my attention lately and it is a fact that I have been listening to their "Antithesis" 10'' Mini LP on a non stop basis since the day I got it into my hands (thanks Theodosis). Actually this is the second release of the band as they have already released their self titled debut EP back on 2012. Musically the band delivers a very interesting mixture of Doom and Heavy Metal. This actual brand is getting more and more popular these days with the success of bands like Christian Mistress, Castle or Jex Thoth and their female fronted approach. The truth is that Second Grave deserves a slot on the list next to those -successful- bands Their music is heavy and inspired enough to catch your attention, a good start could be this release on Pariah Child (hail to my good friend Danny Angus who still bring some Doom to the masses out there).

Front woman Krista Van Guilder is the band's highlight IMO, her brilliant and characteristic voice and her heavy riffs are the noted trademarks of the sound someone can listen on Second Grave. Ok the band only formed back in 2012 but the lady is far to be mentioned as a newcomer. Van Guilder formed Warhorse back on 1996, but left the band shortly after. By the way you should check her amazing work on the band's debut "Warhorse" demo released back in 1997, which IMO was their best release. She was also in a short lived death metal band called “Obsidian Halo”. Back on Second Grave and musically speaking what really matters the most in here is her brilliant voice. Yes the riffing is good but her crystal clear voice and her great vocal melodies is what you probably grab the most from the band's music.

So what are we going to here on this "Antithesis" release? Well the first track “Mourning Light” is one of those tunes that would stick into your mind no matter what, built on mid tempo carrying a heavy meanwhile melodic vibe, the song is of course blessed by the riffs and the vocals of Van Guilder. It would bring into your mind bands like Christian Mistress ("Agony & Opium") with a little of Iron Maiden on the lead parts. Doom Metal vibe is here however it is expressed on a traditional Heavy Metal way that makes you want to hear the song... again. Come on you know the recipe, Castle have did it before. Second Grave are doing it better. Fantastic track. Hey let's not forget that I really enjoyed the lead parts on the middle of the song, they are carrying a heavy / jazzy mood, that attracted me a lot.

Off we go to the twelve minute long second track “Drink the Water”. Well it is a fact that the tempo is slower in here -although we got some fast breakings- and the atmosphere is even darker. I really enjoyed the lead vocal melodies in this one, yes as I already pointed there is some great work done on the vocal melodies -and this goes for both of the tracks included here-. The riffing is still strong and a melancholic vibe is laid around the composition. Some great lead guitar parts to be listened in here as well, pay attention. I guess that the heavier part of this song is the final part with the harsh vocals and the doomy riffing going on and on. This was quite an emphatic addition which I enjoyed (lets hope that they would keep such parts only for an emphatic use, otherwise they would slowly move to a different direction and with such a talented voice on their line up it would be a pity). Well it is a fact that with songs like this the band represents a huge piece of talent.

Second Grave delivers Doom Metal. If you are still waiting for any modern influences like folk “vintage” instrumentation or a fake-Satanic background, well you are looking on the wrong band. On the other hand there are influences from the Maryland scene (the EP was mastered by John Brenner of Revelation / Against Nature) and there's also this epic doom feel found in bands like Solitude Aeternus. I guess you are getting the point. I could bring to front some more band references to get you into the point. For example the British Doomsters Mourn or Ritual Of The Oak from Australia mainly thanks to the female vocals that offers a special vibe to the Doom Metal of those bands and the same goes for Second Grave.

So what are the first words that would come to my mind after hearing the name "Second Grave"? Riffs, atmosphere, great vocals and interesting lyrics. Well I guess they have it all. So you would better check them now.

The 10'' Mini LP can be found @ Secret Port Records.

Chris Papadakis

PSYCRENCE - A Frail Deception (Steel gallery Records)

 Are you in for some melodic Prog Metal? Yes but you are getting tired of all those bands that would call themselves "Progressive" while they are obviously missing the point of good and inspired song writing? Ok I understand you. So I would introduce you to a band that first of all carries a bunch of great songs in their debut, leaving everything else aside. still want to listen?

 

Ladies and gentleman, Psycrence, one of the finest Prog Metal bands from Greece, releases its debut album on Steel Gallery Records. Those who have listened their 2010 "Distance" demo are already aware of the magnificent melodic Prog Metal that this band delivers. 

Ok what about those who have not listened the demo? What they should expect from Psycrence? Brilliant guitar melodies, beautiful, deep keyboard themes and a fantastic voice are the key features of this band. What really attracted me on their material is this ultimate sense of melody they are carry on each and every song of this album.

Psycrence would use complex but solid guitar riffing -that would sometimes remind me some of the new age Progressive Metal bands but I can even discover many Power / Prog touches-, they would build their songs based on adventurous rhythm section, they would combine beautiful keyboard and piano themes on their music (I really enjoyed their main piano parts) and they would use those fine vocal melodies just for one reason: to deliver music that would awake your emotions. 

Each and every time that you would hear a Psycrence tune there is a little musical treasure waiting to be discovered. Ok, I know their melodic choruses is the first feature you would take notice -there has been AGES since I heard a band with such catchy and memorable choruses in their songs- but this is just the beginning. Listen carefully. A sea of melodies and many other little musical secrets is awaiting for you. Inspired music from heart. That is what this band delivers.

If you are into Redemption ("The Origins Of Ruin" era), Threshold ("Hypothetical" era), Fates warning ("Inside Out" era), you would sure enjoy this band. 

http://www.steelgallery.com/

Chris Papadakis

NOTHING SACRED - Let Us Pray (Arkeyn Steel Records)

From Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Nothing Sacred delivered a crushing mix of Power and Speed Metal back on the 80s. Arkeyn Steel Records re-releases their -both out of print- "Deathwish" (MLP - 1985) and "Let Us Prey" (LP - 1988) on one CD. The three tracks that the band recorded for their never released second LP ("Nemesis" 1989) are included as bonus together with a selection of live tracks that re present the band's raw power.

 Nothing Sacred combined Speed and Power Metal with many Thrashy elements. However I would not call them a pure Thrash band. Their music is much more complex and melodic than your everyday Thrash pick. What I really liked on their stuff is that they were always approaching their music more technically with loosing neither melody or power. They would even remind me -the faster parts of- Taramis. Bring into your mind bands like Abattoir and / or Defiance and you would get quite into the vibe of Nothing Sacred.

So here is some Metal to bang your head at. Re-mastered by the band, packed with many photos, lyrics and info. The original front cover by Joe Petagno (Motorhead, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Nazareth, Sweet) has been used on this re released edition. So if you are aware of this record "visually" you would not miss it. And you would better not.

http://www.arkeynsteel.com

Chris Papadakis

BELLICOSE - Love On Ice (Arkeyn Steel Records)

 
Here we got the re release of the debut "Love On Ice" CD by Dallas, Texas Melodic Metallers, Bellicose. To cut a long story sort this is one of the best Melodic Metal albums from USA, case closed. Perhaps you are not aware of it cause it has been out of print since ages but now it is out there. the way it deserves. 

So you want to learn more about the music of this little masterpiece? OK lets give some hint points: Imagine a brilliant mixture of the melodic mid tempo parts of Riot, the shining guitar parts of Leatherwolf and the catchy choruses of Fifth Ange with some more Hard rock touches here and there. bellicose would take all those features and would re present them on their unique Melodic Metal way, delivering songs that were written to stay.

The strongest feature of the band is their pure songwriting talent. Absalutely no fillers on this album. Each and every song of this release carries its own magic. I have written it thousands of time in the past and I would repeat it again: the ability to write good music is the KEY feature for a band. Everything else comes next.

Ultimate is the magic that the double guitar parts of Michael Laurence and  Ru Spearman produce in here. The vocals of Joey Darcangelo is the ultimate trademark in here. You GOT to listen him singing "Torn From The Mold" and maybe you find a slot from him to the list of your all time favorite singers like I did. Steven Grillo and Tim "Chopper" Grugle rock their guts out on bass and drums providing this wall of heaviness suitable for the music of Bellicose.

No no, do not ask me to pick a favorite track from the album. Masterpieces are not treated this way. 

On the re release there is some bonus matterial -as usual on the Arkeyn Steel releases-: The band's unreleased demo from 1984 plus two fantastic unreleased tracks from 1988. Everything is remastered from scratch. The package comes on completely new artwork plus never before seen photos and in depth liner notes. 

Anyway look. Nothing more needs to be written. DO NOT miss this album, DO NOT miss   this band's music -yes they are back in action and this re release if one of their first steps after this-.

http://www.arkeynsteel.com

Chris Papadakis

POEMA ARCANUS – Transient Chronicles (Solitude Productions / BadMoodMan Music)

The fifth full-length album from the famous Dark Doom / Death Metal band previously issued in Chili as a strictly limited addition (on Australis Records) is now available worldwide thanks to Solitude Productions. Poema Arcanus, being one of the most distinctive Chilean bands at the edge between Dark Metal and Doom / Death metal, gained love of many fans due to unique atmosphere, sincerity, melodies and high production quality. 

 The very special feature in this release is actually the re presentations of the band's inspired song-writing under an darker, solid and heavy musical background. They actually carry lots of nostalgia for those early to mid 90s days which have been marked as the golden era of Doom / Death Metal. 

It is obvious that you would not hear only slow tempo material in here as the mid tempo songs are a trademark in here. However if you are really missing some old school Doom / Death Metal riffing, some really misty atmospheres -thanks to the keyboards- and enforcing combination of clean / melodic and growling vocals, well those are elements that you would widely discover on this album. 

I have to point out that the Solitude Productions edition of the album is remastered. So you should expect a better sound compared to the original edition. There is also one bonus track which is one of the best compositions that I have heard from Poema Arcanus lately: "Erant Souls" a ten minute long mournful anthem. Fans of early My Dying Bride and Paradise Lost should not miss this one. 

http://solitude-prod.com/

http://www.poemaarcanus.cl/

Chris Papadakis

AUGUST - August (Arkeyn Steel Records)

"Now what is this?" Someone would wonder... Is it Lethal on steroids? Is it a wilder and more technical version of Crimson Glory or an explosive version of Queensryche? Well I would answer to all your questions and I would mention that August from Hollywood, California, USA were a combination of all the above. And yes it was about time for an official release of the band's demo material for all of us the US Prog / Power Metal addicted.

Formed around 1988 by former students of Musical Institute of Hollywood, California, Huston Thad Cranford (Bass / Backing Vocals) and Mike Moore (Lead Guitar / Backing Vocals) this band pushed their Prog / Power Metal to the limit and they even broke it. You can of course hear the recordings of many bands that were following the Ryche / Glory / Lethal mood in the USA of late 80s - early 90s. But how many bands that represented this kind of music on an ultra, complex and technical way, delivering lots and lots of riffing in each and every song which is trademarked by a vocalist who singed on a passionate almost semi-paranoid way, would you be able to discover? Well August was one of them and their music is released officially for the very first time. 

YOU GOT to listen Tonny Russo singing. I really mean it. His name many not even fill a slot on the list of  your five best singers of all time, but his way of singing was unique. Both in his mid ranged and higher notes he was totally FEELING every single breath he was taking, every single word he was singing. Was it passion or paranoia? I do not know. But I can assure you it was pure talent. He unfortunately passed away on an auto accident so we would never have the chance to hear him singing on something new. At least he was lucky and talented enough to take the slot behind the August microphone during a single audition which was his first one after moving to Hollywood, trying to find a slot on a band while he was living on his van. And yes we are more than lucky being able to hear his recordings the way they deserved to be heard thanks to the remaster done by the band's founders on this Arkeyn Steel release.

So dear listener focus into the music, you would be able to listen some catchy Prog / Power Metal anthems. Catchy may be the final result of each song, but if you pay more attention to the music you would discover some outstanding melodic guitar parts delivered under technical rhythms, you would be also able to count many crushing riffs and witness some really interesting song structures. Catchy music delivered the Prog way? Yes and it is done the US Metal way and it rocks. Do you remember this Arch Rival "In The Face Of Danger" debut? Well the mood is -a little- similar. OK we must accept that the most US Metal bands always wanted to write catchy songs hoping for some airplay. That is why some of the greatest melodies in the Metal world have been captured on USA, and yes the most of them on the Prog / Power Metal genre.

Well I believe that you are already on the mood of this release. And I know that you are crying for your Power / Prog fix already and I know that you worship Heir Apparent and Lethal and Ryche and I know that you would soon bang your head on "The Wings Of An Angel" one of the best songs of the genre that you would be able to discover thank to this release. 

Go for it. Now.

http://www.arkeynsteel.com

Chris Papadakis

  

 

CIRCLE'S LINE - Circle's Line (Steel Gallery Records)

Focusing closely to the music of those newcomers from Northern Greece I realized very quickly that Classic Heavy Metal is still a very big source of inspiration for nowadays musicians. On their debut Circle's Line are delivering a massive musical strike of Classic Heavy Metal that should not be missed. Tasos Karapapazoglou (Vocals), Panos Kaides (Rhythm - Solo Guitars), Taxiarhes Apostolakopoulos (Bass Guitar) and  Nick Tsilicoudis (Drums) joined forces and the result is their 2013 same titled debut.

Actually the story of this band is a little bit longer, no this is not a quick debut recorded during some nights, there is a little background behind this band: during November of 2011  Tasos Karapapazoglou listened to some music composed by Panos Kaides who is the main composer and spiritual father of this project. Back on the day there was not an actual vocalist for the project and Karapapazoglou proposed to fill the slot. Circle's Line soon became a full band as more musicians were found to complete the rest of the slots. A Promo was released during 2012 and finally this debut is showing the daylight just a month before the end of 2013. Now if you are familiar with Greek Metal scene and you are able to remember names, you probably have already realized that two of the members from the legendary Power / Prog Metallaers Nemesis from Kavala, Greece are participating on Circle's Line. Tasos Karapapazoglou on vocals and Nick Tsilicoudis on drums, furthermore this album marks the return of Karapapazoglou into the lead vocals slot, yes it is a fact that he is one of the best and most characteristic Metal singers on the Greek Territory and every new recording featuring him should be at least checked out with no second thought. 

Musically it is more than obvious that the band servers the Classic Heavy Metal genre and they are doing it really well. They are delivering an outstanding mix of -mostly- European Classic Heavy Metal focusing on those lead guitar parts and those riffs that would bring into the listener's mind giant names like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Saxon (all from the UK. Is it random?). I can also clearly listened some Dio -first tow albums- inspired parts and themes on their songs and there are even moments where the band is crossing the US Power Metal line for a little while -for example in the first part of "Book Of Lies". There are lots of melodic moments on the record sometimes carrying an Epic , and dark mood, a good example is the "Dark River" tune. Yes indeed, I should mention the song's brilliant acoustic interlude, IMO this is one of the best compositions included in here thanks to the great riffing and lead parts but also due to the nice acoustic guitar parts that are spread around the composition.

"James' Story" would also stick into your mind thanks to the riffing and "Queen Of Dreams" is actually the most Dio worshiping song in the album but meanwhile it carries a very light US Power / Prog touch. The song becomes really explosive when the melodic guitar parts are taking the main role and Karapapazoglou is hitting those high notes. Mentioning the vocals I can simply say that they are brilliant, I must also point that there are a lot low and mid range vocal parts which are re presenting a very expressive side of Karapapazoglou's voice. I enjoyed to listen him singing this way although I remain a big fan of his high range vocals, fortunately there are lots of those on the record!

One of the album's big surprises of the album is the last song:  "Die With Honor" a skull crushing Heavy Metal tune ideal for head banging I enjoyed very much!

If you take sometime to focus a little deeper into the music you would realize that each and every member of the band is delivering a great performance, so yes here we got a passionate record and fortunately the production is doing justice to the final result, so do not expect anything weak in here. Just pure steel as heavy as it can be thanks to the music and to the way its produced.

I would spin the record again and again in maximum volume. I guess that is the only way to listen this kind of music. You would better grab your copy soon and do the same. You can have your six pack with you if you like, I don't like beer that much but I am still enjoying the album! All hail Circle's Line!

http://www.steelgallery.com/

Chris Papadakis

 

VARIOUS ARTISTS - Sons Of A Dream - A Tribute To The Majesty Of Warlord (Metal Breed Records USA)

Finally the long awaited tribute album to US Melodic / Epic / Power Metallers Warlord has been released by Metal Breed Records in two editions: as a digital release (which is already out) and as a CD (which is on the way).

Metal Breed Records USA is proud to announce the release of the highly anticipated "Sons Of A Dream", the first commercially available Warlord Tribute Album officially endorsed by the band.

Warlord is one of these bands that have influencedthe development and evolution of Heavy Metal music in various of tis genres and this tribute album is a big proof of this fact. The listener will notice many bands form different genres of Metal taking part in this tribute album covering the tunes of Warlord: from AOR and Hard Rock genres to neoclassical, Epic and Power Metal the passion, love and respect for the music of William J. Tsamis is expressed by all of the bands participating on this tribute. 

Artists from places like Australia, Puerto Rico, Italy, Germany, Cyprus and of course Greece are joining forces in this album. You will not be surprised to learn that in this album the personal bands of two Warlord singers are featured: Current Warlord frontman Nicholas Leptos' band Arrayan Path and former live singer Giles Lavery's Dragonsclaw are covering the masters. There are also two female singers featured: Fofi Roussos an Iowa, USA native and Moja Nardelli hailing from Düsseldorf, Deutschland, whose renditions of classic Warlord compositions "Penny For A Poor Man" and 'My Name Is Man" can only be described as excellent.

The album contains 11 tracks (10 on digital format). So lets see the songs and the band that appearing on the album: "Deliver Us From Evil" is performed by BattleroaR (this one would appear on the CD edition only), well this is a calling into battle and I can not think about a more suitable band to cover it, their version is great with respect to the original. 

"Winter Tears" is performed by Bob Katsionis, this is one of the greatest tunes in here, excellent arrangements, great vocals as already pointed. "Child Of The Damned" is performed by Angelo Perlepes' Mystery, in this cover the Greek guitar maestro has put all his talent in this one, fantastic guitar work, this is a raw, powerful version of the Warlord's classic. 

"Mrs Victoria" is performed by Arrayan Path, well this is one of my favorites, Leptos has done excellent work on vocals adding a more "exotic and mysterious" touch to the most haunted track that Warlord have ever recorded. "Penny For A Poor Man" is performed by 4Bitten and they have actually given a more Hard Rock vibe to the tune mainly thanks to the vocals. It sounded a little strange to me on the first listening but on the end I liked it. 

"Black Mass" is performed by Innerwish, who have managed to deliver a real majestic version of one of Warlord's darkest songs. "Lucifer's Hammer" is performed by Dragonsclaw who are transferring the vibe of the original very well thanks to the excellent guitar work and the vocals. 

"Lost And Lonely Days" is performed by Delivers is brought to us with a little AORish touch thanks to the vocals, they are even expanding the song a little adding some extra guitar phrases before the main lead, not bad at all. "Winds Of Thor" is performed by Dexter Ward is sounding as you may expect: epic. 

The two last songs of the tribute are "My Name Is Man" which is performed by Blacklands on a dreamy version -one of my favorites on this tribute-  and "Sons Of A Dream" which is performed by Dark Nova, well the Greek Metallers have offered a fantastic version of the tune adding their Neoclassical touch into it, really great.

All the bands have done their best to pay tribute to the greater Metal band in the world. This is something that each and every listener would realize, listening each and every tune.

The production is great, doing justice to the tracks included: Main engineering and mastering took place in Studio R-Mic in Athens, Greece under the care of Warlord 2013 Tour sound engineer Noam Tselentis with the exception of "Black Mass", recorded at Devasoundz, Athens and mixed in Sweden, "Mrs Victoria" recorded in Cyprus and mixed in Italy, "Lucifer's Hammer" which was recorded in Australia and Athens (additional keyboards) and mixed in Greece, "Winds Of Thor" (vocals recorded in Italy) and "My Name is Man" which was recorded in Germany and mixed in Athens.

"Sons Of A Dream - A Tribute To The Majesty Of Warlord" is abailable November 1st on iTunes/Amazon MP3 and all major e-tailers worldwide. A special, CD specific mastered edition will appear in early 2014 again by Metal Breed Records USA.

Chris Papadakis

MAYFAIR - Schlage Mein Herz, Schlage... (Pure Prog Records)

Surrealistic Prog Metallers from Austria are back with an album that was long awaited. This is a new born creation of the band since the reunion. After almost 15 years of silence  Mayfair finished their new album “Schlage mein Herz, schlage…”. The band which wrote Metal underground history with their 1993 album “Behind”, were fascinating bright stars on the music heaven in the 1990s, but unfortunately only for a short time. But their history continues: founding members Mario (vocals) and Rene (guitars) have got together with Johannes and Jolly (bass and drums) releasing their new album “Schlage mein Herz, schlage….

One fact is sure in here: we got a deep, inspired album, full of melodies, full of emotions, full of sound colors. The psychedelic guitars are drawing musical landscapes in dark and melancholic  colors bringing into front a sound vortex that would drive the listener straight into the 70s sound paths that Pink Floyd once crossed when released their most mysterious tunes. 

The record's musical range is very wide, so get ready to come across many musical influences as you are taking your trip into the album. There is often a minimalistic musical approach to many song's parts but this approach is just one piece of the atmospheric puzzle that the band is creating with the music of this record. On the other hand there are parts that are acting like real explosions of melody and passion, so it is obvious that those two opposite directions -minimalistic parts, rich and explosive parts- are finally combined to a unique result. 

The melodies are so strong and the vocals are so passionate, but you know that fact does not surprise me. This is actually what Mayfair was about: melody and passion. The familiar Mayfair melody lines are here and for those that are already into the band's discography I may add that this album stands somewhere between “Die Flucht” and “Fastest Trip to Cyber-Town”: it is raw, it is wild sometimes, but is is also calm and very emotional.

If you are searching for a melancholic, progressive, musical trip, go for this album.

 http://www.mayfairbrigade.com/

Chris Papadakis

WARDRUM - Messanger (Steel Gallery Records)

Well things are getting even more simple for the case of Wardrum from Thessaloniki Greece, who are releasing their third "Messenger" album on Steel Gallery Records. This band has already broken all the borders of what is called "Greek Metal Scene". Their vision was clear even from their debut album. With their second release they just confirmed their talent and with their third album they simply point out that they are here to stay.

Well it is a fact that one of the greatest US Power Metal albums for the year 2013 has been released by a... Greek band. In "Messenger" the band presents two different sides of their musical approach: On the first side they are able to deliver mid tempo riff based, US Power Metal anthems, enforced by choruses that would stick into your mind forever -"Lady Jane Grey", "Phoenix", "Looking Back"-. influences by Crimson Glory, Riot and similar bands can be mentioned as reference points. On the other side the band speeds up the tempo a lot, bringing into everyone's mind US Metal pioneers like Helstar, Vicious Rumors and Obsession -songs like "Shelter", "The Messenger" and "After Forever" can be taken as examples-. In BOTH cases the bands that are mentioned as influences mainly to help the reader to understand the vibe of the music. Yes it is crystal clear that Wardrum have already their unique special song writing that is a trademark into their music since day 1. Strong into the point riffing, magnificent lead parts, solid rhythm section -yes when you have Scandalis and Kourou on bass and drums you got NOT to worry about the rhythm section, case closed- and lots, LOTS of talent are the features that mark each and every song of this album as well.

"The voice of the young Yannis Papadopoulos has driven the music of Wardrum into a new dimension surely making much easier for the band to present their US Power-Prog influences". This was my comment for their current singer back on my second release review. Well OK. Now Papadopoulos has became the ultimate trademark for the band. You GOT to hear him singing and you would realize that he have now got 100% into the band's stuff. Crimson Glory have already paid attention to the cover songs he have released. Yeah? Yeah, Of course the other big trademark in here is the excellent multi guitar work of Kostas Vretos. Again through the riffing and the excellent extra melodies plus the magnificent lead parts, Vretos is delivering the magic.

The more I hear this release the more I realize that this band is blessed with talent. I may repeat myself in here but when you will hear songs like "Looking Back", "Red Ruby Heart", "Four Seasons" you would understand my repeated point. This is simple Power / Prog ecstasy. Are you getting it or not?

The production of the album is for one more time heavy, loud and clear doing justice to each and every instrument and to the final result of each and every song. The cover is fantastic, simply the best Wardrum cover ever made!

What else can I write. I am speechless, really speechless.  Go and get the album now.

Chris Papadakis

ps. If you still can not get enough of Wardrum -that is the way it should be- you can read an unpublished until today interview I have done with Wardrum during the summer of 2012. In there Stergios Kourou revealed many interested topics about the band's saga. Grab a cold beer and read it.