Denied/Let Them Burn/Sliptrick Records/2013 CD Review

 
Denied  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  mixture  of  power  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Let  Them  Burn"  which  was  released  by  Sliptrick  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  brief  use  of  blast  beats,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars  and  at  times  they  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  power  and  thrash  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  along  with  a  great  amount  of  melody  being  thrown  into  the  riffing, while  the  lead   guitars  are  very  melodic  and  old  school  sounding  power/heavy  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  they  use  finger  picking  to  bring  a  power  ballad  feeling  to  the  album.

  Vocals  are  mostly  clean  singing  power/heavy  metal  vocals  with  a  brief  use  of  deep  growls,  spoken  word  parts  and  back  up  shouts,  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes  with  a  touch  of  occultism,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Denied  are  a  very  great  sounding  power/thrash  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  the  musical  genre,  you  should  enjoy  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Judas  Kiss"  "Garden  Of  Stone"  "Lessor  Son" and  "In  Hell".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Majesty Of Revival Interview

 1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

- Hey! At this moment we are about to finish the record of our second full-length album. It must be out soon. Also we're getting ready for few performances. In general, work is in full swinging :)

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album?

- The album sounds more heavier than the last. It builts on strong heavy and rocky riffs. The sound  of album is remotely similar to Sympnohy X in 2002-2007 period.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

- Themes that affecting life and death, self-perfection, feelings, emotions about the world around. In ballads the text often wrights on a love themes




4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

- I was looking for the band name that can submit our music and our band as well, also to set us up to a good path. I reckon the name Majesty of Revival is what we want.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?


- I can't allocate any performance. We always were warmly accepted by the audience, but particularly unforgettable was not yet. I wonder it's because of permormances only in Ukraine. We hope to make a tour beyond our country.
The performances is ordinary. As Symphony X, Dream Theatre and Stratovarius has. But we have some interesting ideas about show;)


6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

- Recently we signed a contract with tour agency which we'll announce soon.We  have  negotiation about tour but for the time being we don't know yet.

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of progressive and power metal?

- Excellent! We didn' expect such feedbacks. The second album will consolidate our reputation and bring us to the new level

8. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

-After the second release's out we are going to give a lot performances. Next album will be done within a year or two. Until that maybe we'll release an Live record, but it's not what we can talk about now.

9. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?

- We're recording the second album of PowerSquad, I wonder about few performances. What about Grotesque Orchestra — we're in studio on weekends:) Currently Konstantin has many performances with Sunrise and W.Angel's Conquest. I don't know anything more about that, you should ask him. I and Oleksa also working at his own project, it'll be interesting thing. And I don't know anything about projects of the rest members of the band.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

- The band influenced by such bands as: Time Requiem, Symphony X, Kenziner, Rhapsody, UDO etc. Definitely each member listen to something he likes more. Personaly, at this time I listen the classical music, a lot of jazz/fusion, and Symphony X of course :)

11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

- For my part, my cheif interest is family, design, books...But the most time takes music.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

- Thank you for your good questions and special thanks for our fans for their support. Stay heavy \m/

Damnation Angels Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Well since the recording of Bringer Of Light and signing with Massacre Records we took some time to tie up some loose ends such as finding a good manager as well as promotion and re-mastering the album ready for the release on Feb 22nd. In more recent time we have been making preparations to begin rehearsal for our upcoming UK tour in March/April and brewing possible world tours. As always there's new material in the works too.


2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous recordings?

Will: The main difference between Shadow Symphony and Bringer Of Light production wise is the weight of the mix. We made a very deliberate attempt to try and steer away from the generic power metal/symphonic standard and style of production which is a little thin for our taste. So to counter that we made sure to have a very big drum and guitar sound to match the orchestra and also made sure one did not bury the other. We also wanted a very clear loud, dare I say it almost "poppy" vocal mix to make sure they were very clear in the mix. I think we did a pretty good job. Musically the album is far more advanced and expressive than anything we've done before and I think we found our own sound too.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores

Will: We explore a lot of things ranging from the human spirit to war related things like for instance Pride (The Warrior's way) to what we leave behind when we die, Shadow Symphony. Some times I'm influenced by past events or even films or books but most of the songs are original fictional stories so to speak.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

Will: It came from reading and being interested in Illuminati conspiracy, the whole demons and angels apocalyptic theme.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and
how would you describe your stage performance?

I would like to think our stage performance is very intense and energetic with a very bombastic rock feel as we all love bands such as Bon Jovi, Metallica and Maiden etc that mixed with a passionate theatrical feel. Every show is a good show, highlighting one is difficult but I'd say one we did in 2010 in London comes to mind, it was PelleK's second show with us and we headlined the Purple Turtle in Camden, it was a great night.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

Will: Well as mentioned we have a two week UK tour coming up in March/April and we are currently working on booking a US tour for September around the time we play Progpower USA. We are also hoping to add European tour dates and summer festivals between now and the year end.

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of symphonic metal?

Will: The feedback has been exceptional, we've had very positive reviews from fans and reviewers alike. When we released the Pride (The Warrior's Way) promo video
last March is exploded with views and comments from all over the world. The feedback has been incredible really and with the album just released it's been topping charts on Amazon etc so it's all going very well.

8. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Will: We have new material in the works and without giving to much away we are going to be moving further away from what is seen as traditional symphonic and power metal. Taking a simpler song writing approach to maximize sound but without compromising that Damnation Angels epic style of sound.

9. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Will: We're influenced by a wide array of bands from different genres etc I never take influence directly from specific bands but I'm mainly influenced by film score music
and traditional heavy metal. The last few albums I've had in heavy rotation are Anthrax - worship music, Wintersun -time 1, the first four W.a.s.p albums and Metallica - the black album.

10. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Will: Me and my brother John Graney (the drummer) are big into our weight lifting, mma and I'm also a big football fan, Up the Owls and all that! I know everyone in the band enjoys their gaming too. Music has consumed most of my life at the moment, working on various projects etc that I don't actually have much free time, but I can't complain about that can I!

11. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Just to thank you guys for taking the time to ask the questions and the fans for reading them. Also just to generally thank our fans for their constant support and stay posted for future tours and music. See you all on soon!

Devil to Pay/Fate Is Your Muse/Ripple Music/2013 CD Review

  Devil  To  Pay  are  a  band  from  Indiana  that  plays  a  mixture  of  southern  rock,  metal,  and  sludge  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Fate  Is  Your  Muse"  which  was  released  by  Ripple  Music.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming with  no  blast  beats  being  present  on  this  recording,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars  and  at  times  they  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Rhythm guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  southern  rock,  metal  and  sludge  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  with  some  melodies  being  thrown  into  the  riffing   at  times,  while the  lead  guitars  are  blues  rock  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  are  all  clean  singing  hard  rock  vocals,  while  the  lyrics  cover  reincarnation,  reality  and  fantasy  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  to  it.  

  In  my  opinion  Devil  To  Pay  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  southern  rock,  metal,  and  sludge  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should c heck  out  this b and.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Prepare  To  Die"  "Already  Dead"  "Black  Blue  Heart'  and  "Tie  One  On".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.
  

Midnight Idols/Sworn To The Night/Metal On Metal Records/2009 CD Review

  Midnight  Idols  are  a  band  from  Seattle,  Washington  that  plays  a  mixture  of  NWOBHM  and  power  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of t heir  2009  album  "Sworn  To  The  Night"  which  was  released  by  Metal  On  Metal  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  no  blast  beats  being  present  on  this  recording,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the recording,  as  for t he  synths  when  they  are  utilized  briefly  they  bring  a  very  sound  to  the  music.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  NWOBHM  and  old  school  power  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  classic  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  are  all  clean  singing  heavy  metal  vocals,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  occult  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  dark,  heavy,  old  school  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Midnight  Idols  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  NWOBHM,  classic  and  power  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should c heck  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Beyond  The  Darkness"  "Satan's  Lullabye"  and  "Necropolis(City  Of  The  Dead)".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.       

Compendium Of Metal Vol 4/Metal On Metal Records/2011 CD Compilation Review

  This  is  a  review  of  their  4th  volume  of  "Compendium  Of  Metal"  which  was  released  by  Metal  On  Metal  Records  which  was  released  in  2011  and  we  will  review  the  songs  one  by  one.

  Starting  of t he  compilation  is  Heathendoom  with  "An  Angel,  A  Demon  And  A  Dying  God"  another  heavy  and  melodic  song  from  this  power/doom  metal  band.

  Next  up  is  Wishdoom  with  "Up  The  Hammers"  another  long  and  epic  song  from  power/doom  metal  band.

  Next  up  is  Catch  22  with  "Power  Revolution  Mad"  another  great  song  from  this  technical  speed/thrash  metal  band.

  Next  up  is  Meliah  Rage  a  legendary  melodic  thrash  metal  band  with  their  song  "Invincible"  a  very  dark  and  heavy  sounding  song.

  Next  up  is  Bitter  End  a  little  known  technical  sounding  thrash  band  from  the  early  90's  with  the  song  "No  Law".

  Next  up  is  Frankenshed  with  "Metal  Nation":  another  fast  and  heavy  melodic  power/thrash/speed  metal  song  from  this  band.

  Next  up  is  Battlerage  with  "The  Devil's  Wings  Brings  Fire  From  Hell"  another  fast  and  heavy  song  from  this  true  metal  band.

  Next  up is  Outrage  a  band  that  plays  a  mixture  of  thrash  ans  first wave  black  metal  with  their  song  "Rigor  Mortis".

  Next  up  is  Mortalicum    with  "Black  Flame(The  Sinister  Priest)  another  heavy,  dark  and  epic  song  from t his  traditional  doom  metal  band.

  Next  up  is  Ragenheart  with  "Child  Of  Rage"  another  melodic  and  epic  song  from  this  heavy/power  metal  band.

  Next  up  is  Nomad  Sun  with  "Wings  Of  Golgotha"  a  very  long  and  epic  in  length song  from t his  traditional  doom  metal  band.

  Next  up  is  Skelator  with  "For  Death  And  Glory"  a  very  long  and  epic  in  length  song  from  this  speed/power  metal  band.

  Closing  this  compilation  is  Fallen  Angels  with  "Legacy  Of  Pain"  another  heavy  and  old  schhol  sounding  song  from  this  thrash  metal  band.

 In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  compilation  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  power, thrash,  speed  and  doom  metal,  you  should  enjoy  this  album.  RECOMMENDED     

Compendium Of Metal Vol. 3/Metal On Metal Records/2019 CD Compilation Review

  This  is  a  review  of  a  2010  compilation  "Compendium  Of  Metal  Vol  3"  which  was  released  by  Metal  On  Metal  Records.

  Opening  up  the  compilation  is  Mortalicum  with  "Inner  Peace"  a  very  dark  and  heavy  doom/power metal  song.

  Next  up  is  Ragenheart  with  "The  Amulet"  a  very  progressive  sounding  power  metal  in  the  old  school  direction.

  Next  up  is  Nomad  Sun  a  band  that  plays  a  very  traditional  form  of  doom  metal  with  a  live  version  of  "Empyrean  Fade".

  Next  up  is  Fallen  Angels  a  band  that  mixes  technical  thrash   with  death  metal  with  their  song  "The  Gates  Of  Irony"  a  very  old  school  metal  song.

  Next  up  with  Skelator  a band that  mixes  speed  and  power  metal  together  with  a  demo  version  "Birth  Of  Steel".

  Next  up  is  Heathendom  a  band  that  combines  power  and  doom  metal  together  with  their  epic  song  "Endistancement  By  The  Null  Postion"  a  very  heavy,  atmospheric  and  melodic  sounding  song.

  Next  up is  Wishdoom  a  band  that  mixes  traditional  metal  with  doom  on  their  song  "Guardians  Of Steel"  a  very  dark,  melodic  and  heavy  sounding  song.

  Next  up  is  Catch  22  a  band  that  plays  a  very  technical  form  of  thrash/speed  metal  with  their  song  "The  Haunting"  a  very  heavy  and  old  school  sounding  song.

  Next  up  is  Brutal  Hand  with  "Earth"  a  very  dark  and  atmospheric  sounding  power/progressive  metal  song.

  Next  up  is  Frankenshed  a  band  that  mixes  neo  classical  with  power,  speed  and  thrash  metal  with  their  song  "The  Haunting".

  Next  up  is  Sesta  Marconi with  "Rock  And  Roll  Voodoo  Style"  a  song  that  mixes  hard  rock  with  doom  metal.

  Next  up  is  Battlerage  a  band  that  combines  heavy  and  power  metal  together  with  "Battlefield  Belongs  To Me"  a  very  old  school  demonstration  in  true  metal.

  Next  up  is  Midnight  Idols  with  "Necropolis(City  Of  The  Dead)"  a  song  that  combines  NWOBHM  with  power  metal.

  Next  up  is  F.K.U  a  band  that  plays  a  very  heavy  and  old  school  mosh  pit  orientated  form  of  thrash  metal  with  "Phantom  Killer  Attack".

  next  up  is  Metal  Law  with  "Metal  Law"  a song  continuing  their  hybrid  of  heavy  and  power  metal  together  in  the  old  school  tradition.

  Closing  the  album  is  another  track  from  Frankenshed  called  "Evil  Shred  Part  3"  with  a  great  amount  of  guitar  solos.

  In  conclussion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  compilation  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  power,  speed,  thrash  and  doom  metal.  RECOMMENDED.