Between The Zones/Shifting/2014 CD Review

  Between  The  Zones  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  a  progressive  form  of  alternative  metal  with  elements  of  industrial,  coldwave  and  ambient  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2014  album  "Shifting".

A  very  atmospheric  and  ambient  sound  starts  off  the  album  and  a  few  seconds  later  guitars  are  added  into  the  music  and  after  the  intro  the  music  starts  going  into  more  of  a  heavy  and  melodic  musical  direction  along  with  some  aggressive  vocals  which  also  use  spoken  word  parts  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Melodic  clean  singing  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  they  also  mix  the  ambient,  coldwave  and  industrial  sounds  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  bands  musical  style  which  also  brings  in  some  of  the  more  modern  metal  sound  at  times  while  the  melodies  bring  in  more  of  an  alternative  rock  sound  and  they  also  bring  in  a  few  instruments  that  show  how  talented  they  are  on  their  musical  instruments.

  As  the  album  progresses  spoken  word  parts  are  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  as  well  as  the  music  adding  in  more  modern  prog  rock  elements  and  after  awhile  the  band  starts  bringing  in  more  clean  parts  and  a  small  use  of  acoustic  guitars  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  post  rock  feeling.

  Between  The  Zones  creates  a  very  original  sound  with  their  musical  style  taking  the  more  mainstream  90's  style  of  alternative  metal  and  mixing  it  in  with  the  heaviness  of  industrial  as  well  as  adding  in  a  lot  of  progressive  elements  and  coldwave  and  ambient  influences  to  create  an  album  that  stands  out  on  its  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  philosophical  themes    

  In  my  opinion  between  The  Zones  are  a  very  great  sounding  progressive  alternative  metal  band   with  elements  of  industrial,   coldwave  and  ambient  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Her  Nawe  Was  thanatos"  "The  Monster"  "Messiah"  and  "Shiftings".  8  out  of  10. 

Unhuman Nature/Hidden Side Of Existence/DeFox Records/2014 EP Review

  Unhauman  Nature  are  a  band  from  Spain  that  plays  a  very progressive  form  of  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  ep  "Hidden  Side  Of  Existence"  which  was  released  by  DeFox  Records.

  A  very  dark,  melodic  and  heavy  prog  metal  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  some  solos  and  leads  and  a  few  seconds  alter  clean  singing  vocals  are  added  into  the  music  and  they  bring  a  classic  metal  feeling  to  the  bands  style  of  progressive  metal  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  There  is  a  good  balance  between  both  the  modern  and  old  school  styles  of  prog  metal  presented  throughout  the  recording  with  the  band  mixing  both  styles  together  and  all  of  the  music  sticks  to  a  slow  and  mid  paced  musical  direction  and  after  awhile  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  is  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  Unhuman  Nature  plays  a  style  of  progressive  metal  that  has  the  melody  of  the  80's  while  also  mixing  it  in  with  some  of  the  more  modern  day  heaviness,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  life  and  occultism.

  In  my  opinion  Unhuman  Nature  are  a  very  great  sounding  progressive  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Faith"  and  "Rage".  8  out  of  10.    

Betoken/Beyond Redemption/Buil2Kill Records/2014 CD Review

  Betoken  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  a  symphonic  style  of  power/thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of t heir  2014  album  "Beyond  Redemption"  which  will  be  released  on  October  6th  by  Buil2Kill  Records.

  Horror  movie  style  synths  start  off  the  album  bringing  an  epic  and  classical  music  feeling  to  the  recording  and  after  a  minute  the  music  goes  into  more  of  a  heavy  and  melodic  direction  along  with  some  clean  singing  vocals  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  band  also  mixes  the  heavier  parts  in  with  the  more  symphonic  elements  as  well  as  adding  in  elements  of  speed  metal  to  the  faster  side  of  the  guitar  riffing.

  When  solos  and  leads  are  added  into  the  music  they  add  more  to  the  old  school  and  melodic  side  of  the  bands  musical  style  and  some  of  the  tracks  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  female  vocals  giving  the  songs  more  of  an  operatic  feeling  and  all  of  the  songs  have  a  very  dark,  occult  and  ritualistic  feeling  to  them  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  deeper  demonic  vocals  on  one  of  the  tracks.

  The  symphonic  elements  takes  the  bands  old  school  approach  to  power/thrash  metal  and  updates  the  style  for  the  modern  days  and  as  the  album  progresses  the  band  also  brings  in  some  elements  of  prog  metal  as  well  as  adding  a  small  amount  of  spoken  word  parts  on  a  couple  of  the   tracks  as  well  as  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  being  utilized  at  times  and  towards  the  end  the  band  brings  in  a  brief  instrumental.

  Betoken  takes  an  80's  style  of  power  metal  and  brings  in  the  heaviness  of  thrash  as  well  as  adding  in  more  of  a  symphonic  and  operatic  touch  to  create  some  very  original  sounding  music,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  based  on  Christopher  Marlowe's  version  of  "Faust".

  In  my  opinion  Betoken  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  power/thrash  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "A  Thirst  For  Knowledge"  "The  Man  Who  Would  be  The  Devil"  "Hellward"  and  "Lucifers  Bless".  8/5  out  of  10.

Anckora Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?
Katrin Antares (voice): Actually after presentation of EP passed only summer:) There were some concerts, and some open air festivals with our participation. There are really not a lot of events, but it is quite good for us - we have a rest! At the end of September we recorded the new concert dvd, now there is in compilation.

2.In June you had released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
JonPriest (guitar): Musical sound changed - we decided to add the second guitar. However experiment isn't finished yet, and later our musical sound perhaps will change again. We worked hard on sound, and it seems that the purpose already absolutely close, but we aren't completely happy.

3.The band originally played more of a symphonic and gothic form of metal, what was the decision behind going into more of an industrial direction?
JonPriest: I always wanted to play something heavier, than simply heavy!

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
Katrin Antares: The main subject is bright future in which there is no death. Therefore people of this future are fond of extreme sports, it allows to feel adrenaline! Lyrics, included in our new EP - about divers, about racers, about paraglider pilots and about cave explorers.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Anckora'?
Katrin Antares: It has no translation! "ANCKORA" - is simple the beginning of two nicknames of founders of the band.

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?
JonPriest: The best concerts are welcome Volgograd in 2011 and Tula together with Dreamtale. And still almost each concert in Olenino very fine! We act there every year. Also, unforgettable impressions were left by Finland!

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Katrin Antares: We have so many plans that one more interview will be required to tell about them! :) But I can tell that ahead a set of concerts in Russia and Europe.

8.The new album was released on Irond Records, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
JonPriest: This is the Russian representative Nuclear Blast :) Irond Records is one of the leading underground labels in Russia.

9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to the newer material by fans of alternative, industrial and metal?
JonPriest: The most different! I so understand, our musical sound is too unlike the standard canons, but thus the substantial and musical part nevertheless is close to an industrial and alternative. We either are loved or hated :) But nobody remains indifferent.

10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Katrin Antares: I hope, we will be able to conquer the world! :)

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Katrin Antares: We are guided by Rammstein, but we seek to be similar only to ourselves!

12.What are some of your non musical interests?
JonPriest: Now of our non musical activity is important for us only construction of the house, our with Katrin, it takes away all forces. But in this house there will be a recording studio designed personally by me.
Katrin Antares: When we have more free time, we can devote it to trailering or a paraplanerism. Or to simply active recreation!

13.before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
JonPriest: I want to wish the peace to whole world. It very much isn't enough for all of us recently. Because of policy innocent people suffer.

Jack Spades/The First/2014 EP Review

  Jack  Spades  are  a  band  from  Michigan  that  plays  a  mixture  of  thrash  and  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2014 ep  "The  First".

  A  very  raw  and  old  school  punk  metal  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  melodic  vocals  and  the  band  also  brings  in  back  up  shouts  and  elements  of  hardcore  along  with  the  heaviness  of  thrash  metal  and  all  of  the  songs  sound  like  they  could  of  easily  been  recorded  and  released  in  the  80's.

  Leads  and  guitar  solos  are  added  into  the  ep  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  as  well  as  adding  even  more  of  an  old  school  vibe  to  the  bands  musical  style  and  all  of  the  songs  are  very  short  in  length  with  the  longest  one  being  a  little  over  3  minutes  which  makes  the  music  sound  even  more  energetic.

  Jack  Spades  plays  a  very  raw  and  old  school  form  of  punk  rock  which  they  also  mix  in  with  the  heaviness  of  thrash  metal  to  create  a  recording  that  is  very  retro  and  brings  in  a  great  amount  of  energy,  the  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  also  having  somewhat  of  a  professional  feeling  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  real  life  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Jack  Spades  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  thrash  and  punk  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Rise"  and  "To  The  Left".  8  out  of  10.    

Big Bang Bay Bees/Little Nothing/2014 EP Review

  Big  Bang  Bay  Bees  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  a  mixture  of  heavy  rock,  power  pop  and  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2014  ep  "Little  Nothing".

  A  very  hard  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  clean  singing  and  a  mixture  of  both  clean  and  heavy  parts  that  takes  a  very  commercialized  form  of  metal/rock  and  mixes  it  in  with  more  of  a  power  pop  sound  and  after  awhile  solos  and  leads  are  added  into  the  bands  commercialized  approach  to  hard  music.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  ep  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  all  of  the  tracks  sound  like  they  could  easily  get  on  all  of  the  mainstream  rock  stations  if  they  found  the  right  label  and  after  awhile  spoken  word  parts  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording   and  the  band  also  brings  in  a  power  ballad  alongside  the  harder  tracks.

  Big  Bang  Bay  Bees  take  some  of  the  more  commercialized  aspects  of  metal  and  mixes  it  in  with  some  modern  heavy  rock  and  power  pop  to  create  some  very  melodic  music  that  is  very  radio  friendly  while  also  having  a  more  tolerable  approach  to  this  genre,  the  production  sounds  very  powerful  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  real  life  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Big  Bang  Bay  bees  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  heavy  rock,  power  pop  and  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band,  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Right  Life"  and  "Machine".  8  out  of  10.    

  

Ohhms/Bloom/Holy Roar Records/2014 CD Review

  Ohhms  are  a  band  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  plays  a  mixture  of  doom  metal,  progressive  and  post  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  album  "Bloom"  which  will  be  released  on  October  6th  by  Holy  Roar  Records.

  Clean  post  rock  style  playing  and  melodic  vocals  start  off  the  album along  with  some  melodic  guitar  solos  and  leads  after  a  couple  of  minutes  which  leads  up  to  a  very  post  doom  metal  sound  that  is  in  the  more  modern  style  and  you  can  hear  some  elements  of  classic  rock  being  added  in  the  solos  a  great  amount  throughout  the  recording.

  Both  of  the  2  tracks  that  are  presented  on  this  recording  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  band  also  adds  a  great  amount  of  melody  in  the  heavy  riffing  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  after  awhile  the  band  also  starts  bring  in  a  good  mixture of  both  clean  and  heavy  parts  as  well  as  making  their  music  more  atmospheric  along  with  a  great  amount  of  psychedelic  elements.

  Ohhms  takes  a  very  melodic  style  of  doom  metal  and  mixes  it  with  both the  post  genres  of  metal   and  rock  as  well  as  adding  in  a  touch  of  70's  psychedelic  and  post  rock  to  create  2  long  epic  and  melancholic  sounding  tracks,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  depressive  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Ohhms  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  doom  metal,  post,  psychedelic  and  progressive  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Rise  Of  the Herb".  8  out  of  10.