Volume IV/Long In The Tooth/Ripple Music/2014 CD Review

  Volume  IV  are  a  band  from  Atlanta,  Georgia  that  plays  a  mixture  of  doom  metal  and  stoner  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  album  "Long  In  The  Tooth"  which  will  be  released  by  Ripple  Music.

  The album  starts  out  with  a  very  heavy  doom  metal  sound  along  with  some  hard  rock  style  vocals  which  also  leads  to  melody,  grunge  and  stoner  elements  becoming  a  part  of  the  music  and  after  awhile  guitar solos  and  leads  make  their  way  into  the  recording.

  When  the  album  goes  into  the  next  song  they  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  acoustic  guitars  which  are  also  used  again  later  on  in  the  album  before  returning  to  a  heavier  direction  along  with  70's  proto  metal  elements  and  aggressive  vocals  and  as  time  goes  on  by  traces  of  blues  rock  are  added into  the  music  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  bringing  in  a  mixture  of  clean  and  heavy  parts  and  on  a  couple  of  tracks  there  is  also  a  small  amount  of  synths.  

  With  this  album  Volume  IV  Take  the  heaviness  of  doom  metal  and  stoner  rock  and  mix  it  with  classic  and  blues  rock  to  create  an  album t hat  is  very  retro  and  old  school  sounding  while  also  being  very  heavy  at  the  same  time.

  Song  lyrics  cover  dark  themes,  while  the  production  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  Volume  IV  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  doom  metal  and  stoner  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Looking  Low  For  A  High"  "Black  Water"  "Save  Your  Prayers"  and  "Locust  have  No  King".  8  out  of  10.      

Bl'ast/The Expression Of Power/Southern Lord Records/2014 CD Review

  Bl'ast  are  a  band  from  California  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  that  plays  a  surf  and  skate  form  of  hardcore  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  album  "The  Expression  Of  Power"  which  was  released  by  Southern  Lord  Records  and  all  of  the  tracks  where  recorded  in  the  80's.

  The  album  starts  off  with  sound  effects  and  spoken  word  parts  along  with  distorted  noises  before  going  into  a  fast  hardcore  punk  sound  along  with  some  melodic  and  aggressive  vocals  and  after  awhile  guitar  leads  are  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  The  band  keep  the  aggressive  hardcore  punk  throughout  the  record  as  well  as  adding  in  some  melodies  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  some  back  up  shouts  on  certain  tracks.

  As  the  album  progresses  the  heaviness  of  metal  is  brought  into  the  music  along  with  some  very  talented  instrumental  work  which  was  a  bit  more  different  than  most  hardcore  punk  bands  of  that  era  and  this  is  a  double  album  that  contains  different  takes  of  their  first  album  which  they  re-recorded  plenty  of  times  before  releasing  it.

  B'last  where  a  very  underrated  band  for  time  and  with  this  record  they  show  that  they  should  be  mentioned  with  all  of  the  other  great  bands  of  this  genre  and  they  bring  in  a  great amount  of  aggression  and  energy  with  their  music.

  Song  lyrics  cover  surfing,  skating,  hateful  and  every  day  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  for  the  time  it  was  recorded  and  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  as  well  as  some  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Bl'ast  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  80's  hardcore  punk,  you  should  check  out  this  double  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Time  to  Think"  "Fucking  With  My  Head"  "It's  Alive"  and  "Nightmare".  8  out  of  10.    

Mire/Inward/Outward/2014 CD Review

  Mire  are  a  band  from  Canada  that  plays  a  mixture  of  progressive  rock,  metal  and  alternative  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2014  album  "Inward/Outward".

  The  album  starts  out  with  drum  beats  before  going  into  a heavier  alternative  rock/metal  direction  along  with  some  melodic  vocals  which  also  get  more  aggressive  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  the  music  also  uses  of  mixture  of  clean  and  heavy  parts  along  with  some  progressive  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.  

  When  the  album  goes  into  other  songs  the  music  gets  a  lot  more  darker  and  heavier  as  well  as  bringing  in  a  great  amount  of  progressive  rock  influences  as  well  as  bringing  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  word  parts  and  female  vocals  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  As  the  album  progresses  synths  and  avant  garde  elements  are  brought  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  some  acoustic  guitars and  pianos  while  most  of  the  music  sticks  to  a  heavier  direction.

  While  this  is  not  a  very  original  sounding  album  Mire  still  display  a  great  amount  of  talent  and  melody  an  their  recording  and  there  music  is  diverse  enough  to  appeal  to  fans  of  metal,  rock  and  alternative  and  their  music  is  very  progressive  sounding  while  also  being  mainstream  enough  to  be  played  on  the  radio  stations.

  Song  lyrics  cover  philosophical  and  metaphysical  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  for  being  a  self  released  recording  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  album.

  In  my  opinion  Mire  are  a  very  decent  sounding  mixture  of  progressive  rock,  metal  and  alternative  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  these  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Complex"  "Convolution"  "Catalan  Atlas"  and  "Open  Circle".  7/5  out  of  10.

Prizehog Interview

> Instead of taking the oppportunity to provide in-depth shameless answers about ourselves to these questions, we've decided to respond in the form of internet videos! With some "answers" being literal, and some a little abstract, they're as real as it gets. These videos show the true side and seriousness we have for such topics about ourselves and the band as an entity. 
>

> 1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?

> rion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oimTxlCi36E&feature=youtube_gdata_player

>
> 2.You have a new album coming out in March, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical direction of the new release and also how does it differ from your previous recordings?

> vern: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsboBHlzwcs

>
> 3.Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?

> zakk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9F_v0LqPC4&feature=youtube_gdata
> rion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoEMKGb0aVQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player
>

> 4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Prizehog'?

> rion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STgbwf556MU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

>
> 5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

> rion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMVIZ4nuAfE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
> also.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otrGxn5rQWo&feature=youtube_gdata_player
>

> 6.What are the touring and show plans for the new release?

> vern: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5f_gbzo4Q0

>
> 7.The new album is coming out on Eolian Empire Records, how would you compare working with this label compared to the other ones that you have worked with in the past?

> zakk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUEkDc_LfKQ&feature=youtube_gdata
> vern: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6S94DIdyKA
>

> 8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your recordings by fans of underground music?

> zakk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZtRNi7mgGk&feature=youtube_gdata
> rion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LM0CZZ9Uw8
>

> 9.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

> vern: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNH_EjHvm3I
> rion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3OrqdBqj5Y
>

> 10.What are some bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

> rion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFEoMO0pc7k

>
> 11.What are some of your non musical interests?

> vern: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvbL_5rH1QQ

Ogre/The Last Neanderthal/Minotauro Records/2014 CD Review

  Ogre  are  a  band  from  Portland,  Maine  that  plays  a  mixture  of  prog  rock,  heavy  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  album  "The  Last  Neanderthal"  which  was  released  by  Minotauro  Records.

  The  album  starts  out  with  an  intro  which  uses  dark  sounding  effects  before  going  into  an  old  school  heavy/doom  metal  sound  along  with  70's  style  melodies  which  leads  up  to  some  melodic  vocals  and  after  awhile  classic  rock  style  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  brought  into  the  music.  

  As  the  album  continues  the  music  gets  a  lot  heavier  and  darker  along  with  a  good  amount  of  traces  of  early  80's  doom  metal  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  a  mixture  of  clean  and  heavy  parts  as  well  as  speeding  up  at  times  and  some  some  of  the  songs  they  bring  in  elements  of  psychedelic  music  and  on  one  the  tracks  the  music  is  all  instrumental  and  they  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  acoustic  guitars.

  When  we  get  more  into  the  album  more  classic  and  progressive  rock  elements  are  brought  into  the  music  along  with  a  mid  60's  to  early  70's  garage  feeling  and  they  mix  it  in  with  their  heavy  doom  metal  sound.

  Ogre  bring  in  a  very  retro  sound  to  their  music  with  the  way  they  mix  70's  proto  metal  with  the  heaviness  and  darkness  of  doom  metal  while  also  bringing  in  elements  of  garage,  psychedelic,  progressive  and  classic  rock  to  create  a  sound  that  is  very  heavy  and  old  school  sounding  while  also  not  being  a  copy  of  anybody.

  Song  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  mythology  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  old  school  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  as  well  as  some  of  the  songs  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Ogre  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  proto  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Nine  Princess  In  Amber"  "Soulless  Woman"  and  "The  hermit".  8/5  out  of  10.    

Dinner Music For the Gods Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

 We’re based out of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA and consist of 4 longtime friends (two of us are brothers).  We all share similar musical interests, and have a chemistry that we feel translates in our compositions.

 2.Recently you have put out a new album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical direction the new recording has taken?

 This album is a culmination of songs that have been shaped over the past 2 years.  We feel the album best captures our blend of metal and world music compared to all our works to date.

 3.What are some of the themes and concepts the band brings out in the music?

We think a good album and song should play like a great movie, from action to emotion, to suspense and intrigue.  We feel each song is like its own little move and that it should take you on an adventure.

4.Currently the music is all instrumental, are you planning on using vocals in the future or do you choose to remain instrumental?

We choose to remain instrumental.  We think with this format we can say just as much, if not more, than a band with a vocalist. 

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Dinner Music For The Gods'?

 One of the bands influences is Al DiMeola, a Jazz/Fusion guitarist.  He has a song called Dinner Music of the Gods, and we just thought it was a powerful and interesting name.

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

 We’ve had so many great shows, it’s difficult to narrow it down … a few recent shows that come to mind would be playing with the Winery Dogs, and Michael Schenker.  I would describe our performances as captivating; as no matter where you may be in the venue, whether you are in the bathroom on the toilet, maybe talking with friends at the bar ... once we hit the stage, people stop what they are doing to listen to our unique and powerful music …

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

 Our first show since the completion of Beautiful and Treacherous will be this month opening for Winger in Las Vegas, followed by several more local shows.  We plan a small tour through the Western United States in the Spring and Summer and hopefully follow that up with a few shows in Europe late 2014.

8.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received?

Our current album is self-produced, but we are always interested in a label that could provide promotion and distribution on an international level.  Our previous album, Blood and Red Wine is currently being promoted by Liquid Tree Records in Germany – please check it out!

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

 We have had great feedback from our music, especially from the international community of Europe, the Middle East and Asia.  

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

 We hope to just be able to continue to write interesting songs, that continues to captivate and bring joy to our fans, and will make them reach for our CD or iPod and want to put our music on and play it loud.

 11.What are some bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

 Our influences consist of Kind Diamond, Iron Maiden, Van Halen, Al DiMeola and Mahavishnu Orchestra, to name just a few.

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

 We enjoy travel, movies, outdoor adventures, beer drinking, and great food …

 13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

 Yes, we would like to invite our fans to please come visit us on Facebook, to stay informed on the latest DMFTG news.  Also, if you would ever like to contact us please do so without hesitation.  We also have shirts and physical copies of the CD you can purchase from our website at DinnerMusicfortheGods.com.  Thanks!

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The Morganatics/Never Be A Part Of Your World/M & O Music/2013 CD Review

  The  Morganatics  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  a  mixture  of  alternative  rock  and  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Never  be  A  Part  Of  Your  World"  which  was  released  by  M  &  O  Music.

  The  album  starts  out  with  a  soft  alternative  rock  sound  and  melodic  vocals  before  adding  in  heavy  parts,  keyboards  and  solos  as  well  as  having  a  mixture  of  heavy  and  clean  parts  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  the  album  goes  into  other  songs  you  can  hear  traces  of  synth  pop  and 80's  new  wave  being  mixed  in  the  music  while  also  keeping  around  a  heavy  sound  as  well  as  bringing  in  a  mixture  of  soft  and  hard  songs  with  some  power  ballads  and  in  certain  tracks  they  also  bring  in  elements  of  electronic  music.

  With  this  album  The  Morganatics  bring  out  a  great  amount  of  emotion  and  sorrow  with  their  music  and  they  are  more  close  to  alternative  than  metal  while  they  still  have  the  heaviness  of  that  genre  in  a  great amount  of  their  songs.

  Song  lyrics  cover  dark  and  emotional  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  and  the  last  song  is  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  The  Morganatics  are  a  very  decent  sounding  mixture  of  alternative  rock  and  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Great  Deceiver"  "Come  With  Me"  "Three  Leaf  Clover"  and  "Drag  Me  to  Hell".  7/5  out  of  10.