This is reviews from 1998 to 2001.
They do not necessary represent mine or the other reviewer's opinions now.
R A T I N G
****** = A brilliant masterpiece
***** = A very good release
**** = A good release
*** = An average release
** = A mediocre release
* = An awful relase
DEMO TAPES
Visionoir "Through The Inner Gate" demo
This one man project is from Italy, but it is heavy influenced by the Goth Metal scene from Eastern Europe. The music reminds me a lot about the earlier stuff from Cemetery Of Scream. The quality of the music is good and the sound is excellent. The music is based on keyboards, piano, bass and various rhythm done on a computer. The only negative thing I can say about this tape, is that the material is a bit bland. I would like to hear Visionair include a cover-track to be able to judge the quality of this project.
I have been listening to a lot of Goth in the last twelve months and I cannot find any musical reason why Visionoir should not be signed by one of these Goth Metal labels and release their debut album in the near future.
****
VINYL '7 & EPs
(all reviews by Haavard Holm of Metal Norge fanzine)
Acheron "Necromanteion Communion" Pic.7" (Merciless Records)
Old US-ancient CULT band, Acheron are back with their new album
"Those Who Have Risen", and in that connection comes this picture
single, featuring one song from the album (Necromanteion Communion),
and the unreleased Bathory cover song "Raise the Dead".
The old material of Acheron is not what I define as my general cup
of tea, as they used to sound pretty boring and uninteresting, in the
very plain US-styled black metal.
After I got this 7" though (really only for the collection...), I was
really surprised over how good it is, and how the band has changed.
They sound a lot less like a American rooted band, and more and more
in their own excellent style, with actually a lot of good melodies.
Both songs on this 7" are of great quality, and I just have to
recommend this to fans of the black metal genre.
Now I will for sure also check out their new fullength...
*****
As You Cry In Agony "Lavidator Temporis Acti" '7/EP (Diabolical Shapes)
Behind the unnescessary band name, I suspect we have a band that released a 7" instead of a demo.
Maybe not too stupid, but they could still create some better music, as this is just SO ordinary
(synth) black metal, I almost fell asleep listening. 4 songs are included, and none stands out.
A big plus though, for the cool inlaybooklet, which is rare to be served with a 7" these days.
Keep it like that! This single is limited to 999 (!) numbered copies...
**
Bak De Sju Fjell "From Haavardstun" '7 (Edged Circle Prod. 1997)
Wow! A VERY nice piece of norwegian folk metal, and really a band
to look out for in the future. 2 songs here with almost a magic touch
of folkish black metal based music, with both male and female clear
vocals on top. Some of the vocals here are maybe not as good as they
could have been, but you forget that when listening to this.
A really good work, and it is rumoured the band has
signed for Cacophonous (can't confirm that 100% yet, but it would
have been very deserved!). Limited to 1000 numbered copies.
A must for vinylfreaks.
*****(*)
Bloodwurm "Cold Dead Stare" (Lifestyle Recs)
"Southern-Fried Voodoo Goth Rock" is the description Bloodwurm's frontman
Vince (ex-Infernal Majesty) gives about his music.
Not that the description says a lot, but to break it down to easier terms,
I would call this punk-influenced rock n' roll.
One can hear elements from likes of cult band MISFITS, as well as from the
early stuff of White Zombie, together with their own rock n' roll mixture.
So, this is not metal in any form, but anyway I just can't ignore this 7",
as some of their music is quite entertaining. Especially the first of the
4 songs included "Oh Yeah!", reminds me of Misfits, and that's always
amusing!
The 7" suffers from bad sound though, and the quality does not get better
of that. 1 of the songs is recorded live, while 2 others are actually recorded
in jail..(!).
Bloodwurm's debut fullength should be out during '99 (if only Vince keeps
himself outside of prison), and I believe it can get better than this single.
This 7" is available from Lifestyle Records on both 7" and as a MCD
(see adress below).
***
Centinex "Shadowlands" '7(Oskorei Productions 1998)
Most people probably has already heard of Swedish death metal band
Centinex, as they have released some CD's from before (now lately the
"Reborn In Flames" through Repulsed Records).
The 2 tracks featured here are songs from the Japan version of the
"Reborn In Flames" CD, and then I guess is what was considered as
leftover material. I think these 2 songs are pretty enjoyable though,
with the usual Swedish death metal sound to it. Not as melodic as we
all know some of the Swedish bands can be, but with a hint of melody,
and a great deal of brutality, this makes an OK release in my ears...
Ofcourse limited to 500 coloured copies, so get one while you still can.
***(*)
Custom feat. Steven West "Quailhunter" '12(Lifestyle)
I have never ever had the opportunity to say anything useful of
a technorelease. I won't this time neither, as I simply have zero-
nil-nada-no knowledge of the genre, but I'm sure I don't like it!
On this 12", which is in a limited 300 quanitity, generally for
promotion, you will find 3 mixes of the same song "Quailhunter",
which is plain techno stuff, and 1 other song "The Third Monkey",
performed by Steven West. This on the other hand is a track who could
have made it easily into a early 80's pornmovie, if you see my point.
I can't say much more of use here. Techno is just not something I enjoy,
so feel free to enjoy it those of you who can...?
*
Demogorgon "The Horned Moon" '7 (Melancholy Promotions)
The Greek black metal band, Demogorgon I really must confess I do not know much about, except that their CD-release(s?) should be more memorable than this limited 7" (1000 copies). Anyway, to say a few words about this single, there are two songs, recorded in 1995, featured. The first one "The Horned Moon" being a all instrumental, while the second being a symphonic usual black metal song. A really enjoyable single otherwise, as the musical qualities are far over average, and while still not being unique in their style, they certainly are not a complete bore. Maybe I also should check out their other stuff? I think so...
***(*)
Denata "Denata" '7 (Ghoul Records)
Denata from Linkøping/Sweden, is another band in the thrash/black genre.
For me (I always have to say this) thrashmetal is like "ah, there it
starts...ah, there it ends" without putting anymore real notice to the
music, as it all seems so used and done tons of times before. For Denata
this applies as well, as they are zero original, but they have some catchy
guitars and stuff that drags this single in to just above average
musically. Not that all the drums are synchronized all the time, but the
recording sounds very cheap, so I guess they are sort of excused there. 4
songs are featured, whereof two with heavy sexual content, so stay away
those gentle boys/girls of you (are there any out there?). For the layout,
this is a point the band should also sort out a bit more, as allright, 7"
are really cool, but the layout still can be better than this..I can also
mention that this is the main band of Tomas Andersson, whom I slaughtered
somewhere else on this page with his "Screams over Northland" single,
hehe.....Stay heavy.....
***(*)
Drowned "Aerth" ‘7 (Stormbringer Productions)
The first EP release by the new Swedish label, Stormbringer Productions. German Drowned is a a band in the doom/death genre, really without standing deep in any of the genres. Quality like this EP comes out just above average, as the songs are good, but still those magic moments are missing. The vocals are maybe a bit varying in their appearance, as some of the clear vocals goes up and down in quality. The growling vocals are good though. This EP comes in 500 numbered copies, and blue vinyl, and with a excellent fold out cover.
***(*)
Frostmoon "Tordenkrig" '7 (Oskorei Productions 1998)
"Frostmetal" is what the label markets Frostmoon as, and well, I guess you can call it that. Epic black metal is another word in my mind, as
Frostmoon resembles me mostly towards that.
5 songs on this EP, that is actually one of the better 7" I've heard
lately. Atmospheric and really good music. What is the downside of this
one, is maybe the sound that is not perfect, and also that the songs are
in a way too short (as they have gotten 5 songs into this EP).
This piece will be released as a MCD/CD through Sound Riot in Brazil
in the near future, containing some bonus tracks.
Limited to 500 copies in coloured vinyl.
****
Hellstorm "Murder" '7 (Oskorei Productions 1998)
Old school death/black/thrash metal of the pretty average standard.
Norwegian Hellstorm gives you no more or less on this 4 track EP, which
probably will be forgotten pretty soon, as their debut CD will be out
through Head Not Found early next year (and is alot better!).
A couple of these EP songs are re-recorded on their full-length as well.
Nothing of the material is really worth to hold out as more than average,
and the sound quality is also pretty "basement-like"...
I guess for collectors this might be something though, as it is
limited to 500 copies in grey vinyl.
***
In Tha Umbra " The Goatblood 666" '7/EP (Hibernia Prod.)
A 4 piece portugese black metal band, which is not fully developed just yet. They have some
good playing skills, and also some good melodies in the mayhem, but the guitar sound is far
too weak, and also the vocals could have been done in a different way, as they seem a bit
misplaced. With a better production it probably wouldn't have been too bad, but probably not
perfect neither. Numbered in a unknown many copies...(probably 500 or 666 (ehehe...)
***
Merciless "Demo Tape 1988" '7(Iron Fist Prod. 1998)
Merciless' first original demo released as a 7" EP containing
all the 4 tracks from the demo. For you who don't already know
Merciless (you should!), they play a sort of death/thrash, and
known to be one of the classic bands in this genre.
Their first demo show signs of what to come, but still there are
a few details missing in the songs.
Cool though to get this piece available for those who can't get
the original demotape.
This EP is released also as a limited version of 200 ex. with yellow
coloured cover.
***(*)
Merciless "Behind the Black Door" '7(Iron Fist Prod. 1998)
The 2nd demo re-released as a 7". Only one year after their first
demo, but here they show what they was bound for in the future.
Real aggressive well-played death/thrash that you just can't afford
to miss. I understand why Euronymous signed the band and released
the "The Awakening" LP through DSP later on...
****(*)
Murder Corporation "Retract the Hostile" ‘7 (Stormbringer Productions)
Brutal Swedish death metal featuring members from Deranged. Not very original in any way, but I still think at least 1 of these 2 tracks "Retract the Hostile" is pretty good, as it has a good intensity and
brutal feeling to it. The other song "Forced Into Regression" is nothing more to write home about,
as it is just another song you've heard so many times before. What also drags down the impression here, is the sound, that after what I've been told was fucked up during the printing session...
Murder Corporation is by the way signed by Repulse for a full- length album, so check that one out also if you enjoy this EP. This EP comes in brown vinyl in 500 copies.
***
Razor of Occam - "Tyranny of the Gods/Ascent of Man" '7 (Damnation)
A new Australian outfit, who play quite aggressive black metal. They are for
sure not a bad band, as they are both good musicians and also good songwriters,
or atleast it seems so here, with the 2 tracks featured. The sound is also allright,
and the complete impression is that RAZOR OF OCCAM can become something of value
in the metal underground... I don't say this is very original, I just say this
is brutal metal of quite good quality...Ofcourse this release is limited, so get it
while you can. It should be released in not too long.
****(*)
Screams Over Northland '7/EP (Ghoul Records)
A Swedish one-man band of Tomas Andersson, that with his slow and
melancholic doom/black metal
does not impress me very much. Of the 4 songs on this piece, the synth
intro/outro stands
out as the most impressive. The music of the other 2 songs are very plain
and simple, and the
sound is also a negative factor, with the usual demosound.
Nope, this is not good enough yet, but if you feel a call one day, you can
contact Tomas through here.
**
Shining "Submit to Selfdestruction" '7/EP (Grim Rune Productions)
Sweden never stops to produce quality metal, and Shining from Stockholm, is
a 3-piece band which has some good potential in them. Their style is
melancholic dark/black metal, with a great deal of atmosphere in the music.
This 7" includes 2 tracks of very good quality, and a really professional
production. Limited as well as to 300 numbered copies as well, so act fast
and get this piece before it's too late!
****(*)
Thyrfing "Solen Svartnar" '7/EP (Grim Rune Productions)
Thyrfing has had their breakthrough with their 2 albums on Hammerheart
Records, and of course their old demo material is then re-released. Here is
the first demo featured as a limited 7", without that I would say it is
worthy a re-release. Cool layout, and everything designwise with this piece
are well done, but as for the music, it IS a demo, and the sound and
quality of the music as well, is not the best. Not that it totally sucks,
but their style on this piece is pretty ordinary viking black metal, and
not representative for what the band is doing alot better these days.
Limited to 300 numbered copies, and I suspect these copies will be sold out
pretty fast !
***
Warloghe - Warloghe 7" (Demonion Productions)
Another fast black metal band from Finland. Warloghe is tight and seems
reasonably qualified for what they do on this piece.
2 songs are featured, both being just above average in quality, and
very little innovative. Maybe I wouldn't have enjoyed this on a larger
fullength release, as it is too plain, but on a 7" it's doable.
If you are into tight and fast black metal, and enjoys these golden
format of vinyl, why not??
***(*)/******
Your Shapeless Beauty "Songe Et Dehors" '7(Edged Circle Prod. 1997)
French metal is not what I dream of every day, but Your Shapeless Beauty
shows they really stand out from the usual french crap, and delivers a
strong 7". As well as the Bak De Sju Fjell 7" on Edged Circle, this is
metalbased music, with a folkish inspiration.
2 well-played songs, and I hope to hear more from these guys.
Limited to 500 numbered copies, in coloured vinyl.
****
Infernal Majesty/Custom - Split 7" (Lifestyle Records)
Not a very new release, but as I got it for doing a review, it doesn't really
matter when it was released.
The old metallers probably already know Infernal Majesty from Canada, with
their thrashy death metal style. This 7" features the "Where Is Your God?"
song, from a compilation CD titled "The Kanada Compilation", also released
on Lifestyle Records. The song is really standard, and nothing to celebrate,
except for the fans....
On the B-side of the single, we have CUSTOM, with a song from their self-titled
CD. This song is more in the alternative metal style, and atleast faaaaar
from their more recent stuff, which is basic techno.
A OK song this is as well, but here we have music that would suit better
on a fullength, as the song seems so alone on a small 7"...(if you see what
I mean? Just not the style that suits a 7" very nice, ok?).
BOTH BANDS: ***/******
Macabre Omen/Godblood - Split ‘7 (Demonion Productions)
A split EP between the 2 Greek bands Macabre Omen and Godblood.
Macabre Omen is the most succesful of these two, and play epic
black metal. Alot of synth/piano use should make alot of people
out there wet in their pants, and I must admit I really enjoyed
the song myself.
The guitar sound is what drags the impression down, as it is
far too weak and tiny, but I still look with anticipation towards
their next split 7", with finnish Walhalla, probably released by
Folter Recs. during 1999.
Godblood is already signed by Throne Productions in Greece, but
the song featured here is not the best I've heard.
Over average, but not much more, as their death metal style is
something I've heard a couple of times before...
I hope their albums are better, or else they will just be a filler
in the CD/vinyl-shelf.
Macabre Omen ****(*)/Godblood ***(*)
Odes Of Ecstasy/Nocturnal Howling - Split ‘7 (Demonion Prod.)
2 Greek bands unknown for me until now. Odes of Ecstacy is a death
metal band, where they combine both female clear vocals and growling
male vocals. The song is pretty basic stuff, with some ok synths and
a fairly well-used rhythm to it. The female vocals are passable, but
the male vocals are more growling then what I prefer, and I don't think
maybe that style of vocals fit this song as much as they could have.
Nocturnal Howling is pure crap. A very, very basic death metal song,
with a horrible drum-machine that ruins this song so badly.
I can't think of any elements at all in this song that makes this worthy
a extra point. No good ideas, no musical touch, and hmpfff...I can't
slaughter the band more right now. Lack of inspiration I guess.
Odes of Ecstasy ***/Nocturnal Howling *
Warsore/Nee! "Split '7" '7(1998-Mortville Records)
Grindcore is the genre, so I reckon no one needs any further explanations of what that is.
The Australian band WARSORE features on side 1, and has managed to put
6 (!) tracks there, of very standard grindmetal. It is however hard to judge
music, when you just get 30 secs. of music, of what you think is the opening
riff, and then it's over. Sounds like ok musicians though, but what the
songs are concerned, it sounds incomplete.
Dutch NEE! (means "no!") easily beats WARSORE, as they have done the
masterpiece of putting 11 (!!!) songs on their side. Sounds like a chaotic
rehearsal this, and the sound is awful.
PS: is it a cover of The Doors "Riders of the Storm" featured here, or is
it just me dreaming?
My conclusion of this 7" is that WARSORE could be ok if they have managed
to do a complete song, and NEE! I could judge only if they find themselves
a actual studio, or maybe learn how to operate a home-recorder.
** (WARSORE) * (NEE!)
COMPILATION CDS
(It is impossible to rate compilation CDs. So no stars.)
(All reviews by myself)
V/A "Cyberlab" Double CD (Nuclear Blast)
If you need further proofs that Nuclear Blast are on the slippery road away from the metal scene, get yourself a copy of this double CD. This is so far from metal as you can get. I do not know what you should call this music. Synth- Pop in the vein of Kraftwerk is probably the best label. Tecno, House and Dance are also other labels that fit this double CD. This double CD is probably a strong signal about where Nuclear Blast are going in the next century. I wish them good luck. This double CD are OK, but it is not metal.
V/A "Encyclopedia Pestilencia" Triple CD (Velvet Music Int.)
Not a bad idea, this triple CD. The format is an overkill, but the quality of the featured tracks are good. Some of the bands has already got their well deserved record deals, some of the other bands will guaranteed be signed by other labels. Most of tracks on the triple CD are Black Metal. Which make this to well compiled triple CD. Velvet Music International deserve full credit for this release. Get a copy of this release if you want to check out new, exiting band.
V/A "High Radiation # 3" CD (Independent Records)
I am not a fan of compilation CDs where you put bands from different countries, with very different styles. It is OK when they comes free with magazines. But when you have to pay full price for a release like this; there are serious questions to be asked about value for money. You certainly do not get value for money on this release. The CD contains over seventy minutes with sixteen more or less unknown bands from the whole world. That includes Russia, Malta and Singapore. None of the bands are impressive. This is not a good compilation CD.
V/A "In Decay We Trust" CD (AvantGarde/Wounded Love)
I have decided to dedicate most of my coming fifty years to warn people against buying samplers. A good sampler is a free sampler. But this sampler is a presentation of AvantGarde Music and Wounded Love Records. It therefore serve a purpose. I also understand that this sampler is sold for the same price as a MCD. I hope this is true.
AvantGarde Music and Wounded Love Records has spread their wings from Black Metal to Prog Rock. Not everything on this sampler wins my approval, but the overall quality is good. If you want your record collection to include records from AvantGarde Music and Wounded Love Records; you should invest in this sampler before you fork out money on the rest of their catalogue. Not everything from AvantGarde Music and Wounded Love Records are what it seems to be.
V/A "Israheller- Metal Compilation" CD (Heller Prod.)
An interesting sampler from Israel. This sampler more than proves that metal are well & alive in every corner of the infested graveyard. Israel have created their own, unique sound & style. Even the Black Metal bands from Israel have their own sound.
Established bands like Orphaned Land and Salem are off course featured on this sampler (but where are Skeletons Of God and Nekropsy ?) in addition to eight other bands. The music styles featured include Death, Doom, Thrash and Black Metal.
All tracks are interesting and of a high standard. If you are interested in this very unique and special scene; this sampler is a perfect investment. Contact our address for a copy or more information. We will bring more about this scene in future editions of this mag.
V/A "Kill Your Idols - Agatochles Tribute" CD (Happy Hamster Rec.)
Agathocles has finally got their tribute album. About time. This band's influence on the GrindCore scene, has been massive in the last ten years. It is rather unfortunate that the featured bands are rather unknown. The most known bands are Groinchurn and Brutal Truth.
The album open with a new track from Agathocles and it continue with over forty minutes of brutal Grind.
The quality of the material is OK. If GrindCore is your kind of music; this is an album you should get. I guess the rest of you will not bother at all with this release.
V/A "Music For The Dead Masses" CD (Noise Solution) '99
There are not many pure Death/Grind samplers around. I guess Death/Grind are not commercial enough for the record labels. This sampler contains over seventy- six minutes of pure brutality. Most of them in the American Death Metal vein. There is a lot of talented bands on this sampler. This sampler prove that there is still life in the Death Metal scene. If you are into Death Metal; you should check out this sampler.
V/A "Roadkill" CD (Pavement Music)
This is a compilation with the best of Pavement Music’s bands. Evoke, Master, Vader, Malevolent Creation, Solitude Aeturnus, Hate Plow, Darkside and six other bands. They have all released albums in ’98 and this sampler acts like a presentation of these releases. I guess it is a low price compilation CD. Most of the tracks, are pure Death Metal. This is one of the few samplers that do not include Black Metal. Vow, how did they do that ?? This is a very good sampler, with a thirteen very good tracks. I will check out a couple of the bands on this sampler, in addition to those I already know. This is a very good presentation of Pavement Music. Cheers !!!
V/A "Rudi Rat. Vol 6" Double CD (Ecocentric Records)
This double CD is really value for money. Two and a half hours of pure Grind is brilliant……. well, perhaps not. Most of the great Grind bands are included in this madmen bonanza. I am not a big fan of the material on this Double CD and I have to admit I bailed out of this double CD long before it ended. Let me put it like this: If you like Grind; get this Double CD. If you do not like Grind; avoid this double album.
V/A "Sepultural Feast" CD (Black Sun)
Sepultura has finally got their tribute album. It should come as no surprise that this album has been released on Black Sun. This label has also released tribute albums for Metallica and Slayer.
Mainly Swedish bands are contributors to this album. All the best Sepultura tracks from the "Bestial Devastation" EP to the "Roots" album are represented. The quality is very good. This is an album for Sepultura fans, but all other metal fans should also check it out.
V/A "Slatanic Slaughter II" CD (Black Sun)
This is the second release in this "Slatanic Slaughter" tradition. Twelve bands are let loose to do criminal damage to Slayer’s material. Some are lucky; some are not. When that is said; the cover versions on this CD are not bad at all. Cradle of Filth do a very good version of "Hell Awaits" and Anathema prove why they are one of the best bands around with their version of "Read Between The Lies". Besides of these two outstanding efforts; the standard on the rest of the CD are very good. This CD are essential for every true Slayer fans.
V/A "So What ?!" CD (Impact Records)
How the hell did this Anti Nowhere League tribute CD end up under my tombstone ?? Yes, UNDER MY TOMBSTONE !!!!!!!! Bloody hell, the office routines in the Infested Graveyard office need to be improved !! Hell, I am THE EDITOR in this damn magazine.
Oh, Lord Loch Awe has taken a pause from the magazine. He normally get the releases I do not want. I am the only one who are doing reviews in this magazine ?? OK, I have to listen to this release….
Well, I am a metalhead and punk is not my thing. What Vader and Benediction are doing on this release, is a mystery. They are even doing the same song !! What a hilarious idea… I have nothing against Anti Nowhere League as long as they keep their stuff far away from my sensitive ears. So fuck off and die to this CD.
V/A "Tous Maudits" CD (Agony Records) '99
This is a compilation of some of the best French extreme metal bands. The two word that best describe this compilation, is "weird" and "brutal". This sampler is certainly not for the faint-hearted. The overall quality is good. France is more than champagne, red wine and gourmet dinners. Experience the "other" France with this sampler.
V/A "The True Ideal Realized Through The Underground" CD (Various)
Three Japanese record labels; Bloodbath Records, Blow You Away Productions and Underground Warden Productions, has joined forces and released this sampler with Japanese extreme metal bands. I would like to see more samplers of this kind.
Japan are well known for it’s GrindCore scene. Sadly; C.S.S.O are not included on this sampler, but there is a lot of other bands on this CD. The quality of their contributions are very high. All bands on this compilation are currently unsigned. Another reminder that there is no justice in the music industry. If you are into extreme metal; this is one of the samplers you should get a copy of. Support the Japanese underground scene.
V/A "Traces Of Death III" CD (Relapse Records)
This is a kind of a soundtrack, according to the cover of this album. The music is Grind/Death and the bands are all from the Relapse/Nuclear Blast fold. The quality are OK. It is certainly not the most interesting sampler on the market, but it is a nice introduction to the pleasures of Relapse Records.
V/A "Visionaries Of The Macabre Vol 1" CD (Lost Disciple Rec.)
I am not a fan of compilation CDs. They have played their part of the history, and it is time to move on. Most of the compilation CDs are filled with mediocre & no-hopers bands. But there are also some good compilation CDs on the market. This is one of them. It includes unreleased tracks from well known bands like Cryptopsy, Pessimist, Acheron, Aurora Borealis and Oppressor. The quality is good. If you want to waste money on buying compilation CDs, this is one CD you should consider.
V/A "Voices Of Death. Part I" CD (VOD Records)
It is off course very difficult to review compilation CDs. The tracks are often very varied in quality and music style and that that do not give the sampler a good enough identity to give it full justice in a review.
But samplers like this sampler are an exception from this rule. This sampler only include underground Death/Black Metal bands from Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Germany and France. The quality are great and bands like Sorcery, Tiburon, Impending Doom and Gravferd should all have a great future. The rest of the bands are also great. This is one of the best compilation CDs with unsigned bands I have heard for ages. Check it out.
V/A "WorldWide Metal Inquisition" CD (SMI Records)
Do we really need another sampler where a lot of bands and genres has been thrown together on one CD ???
One of the biggest underground websites (and one of my closest friends on the net), has released a sampler with bands from the whole fucking planet. It is beyond me why they have done this. The market are full of samplers like this and these samplers are very hard to sell. All the record labels we have spoken to, has told us that they do not even stock samplers like this sampler anymore. Who would fork out money on a sampler when you get free samplers through magazines or record labels ? In any case; this sampler do not tell me anything about the scene or the featured bands. Why bother ????
V/A "The Winds Of A New Millennium I" CD (Demise Productions) Brazil
This compilation CD feature the new wave of Brazilian metal bands. Well known bands like Mythological Cold Towers, In Memorian, Serpent Rise and Insanity are featured and they deliver the best material. But the rest of the bands is also OK. The booklet include relevant information about all featured bands. It is a well put together compilation CD and it is recommended.
LIVE/GIGS reports
(all reviews by Haavard Holm of Metal Norge fanzine)
80's METALNIGHT
Veita Scene, Trondheim/Norway, 25th of June'99.
Attendance: about 300+ (which means pretty full!)
A interesting idea behind this, to let 10 local bands cover
metalbands from the 80's. A long (and wet!) night it became,
and it was quite a interesting experience!
First off was THE EMBRACED who did the Metallica songs
"Leaper Messiah" and "Master of Puppets". A good kickoff, and
the night was set!
After this, one band after another set the stage (and crowd) on fire.
CONCRETE ART did a excellent performance of Ozzy ("Mr. Crowley"
and "Crazy Train"), then HELLSTORM blasted away "Anti-christ" and
"Raining Blood" of Slayer, and although they ended with very few strings
left, it was cool!
FIG LEAF did a ok job with Accept, SORE a not too impressive Ac/Dc
performance, and KEEP OF KALESSIN a couple of Motley Crue songs, that
was spilled, because of the poor sound.
The best performances this night was of GRIFFIN, who did a very good job
with acting just like Wasp ((animal)Fuck Like A Beast" and "Wild Child"),
and also the hardcore band TAD POLE did a excellent job with Iron Maiden,
and then especially "The Number Of The Beast" was a killer here!
The only crap band this night was of NUMBSKULL who punked a couple
of Kiss songs to death, while the most drunk band this night (on stage,
that is) was undoubtely BETHZAIDA, who's guitarist BRIAN had taken a early nap, and
could not attend the show. Also the others were lost, so their two Judas
Priest interpretations "Breaking the Law" and "Parental Guidance" was of rather
chaotic art...I am not sure how many who realized they were drunk, as I
believe the whole audience was at least as drunk as the guys on stage were!
Well, the whole night was a evening to remember, not because of the quality
nescessarily, but simply because it was god damn fun!!
May this be a event that I will attend again!
*****
RED HARVEST
(support: Hellstorm)
Veita Scene, Trondheim/Norway, 20th of March 1999.
Attendance: 175-200
Two Norwegian bands on the bill tonight, with the blackthrashers of HELLSTORM on first. Their debut album out very, very soon (named "Fucking Bleed" on Head Not Found) are ok, but it was exciting to see how the band would perform live.
Their set contained of most of the songs from the album, 2 coversongs
of Venom and Nuclear Assault, as well as 2 new songs. Not that anyone
could really tell, as the sound was so dirty, all one could hear was
the drums and a really loud blur of fuzz. All the solostuff, singing
and other elements was really hard to get any hang of.
What saved the evening was their show though. Their drunk vocalist "Amok" was running
back and forth, pouring beer all over the stage, as well as on the audience,
instruments and generally all over the place. Also burnings and dissecting
of a few live-size posters of John Travolta and Michelle Pheiffer was a
interesting part of the show, which in general was fun and chaotic, for very
other reasons than the music.
RED HARVEST has just released a new MCD through "Voices of Wonder", and was
a band I looked forward to hearing. Their set was a bit disappointing for
me though, as I think they have adapted a bit too much to the almost hardcore
like style. They are very heavy and tight though, but also they had some
soundproblems they could live without in the future.
Most of the material this night was from their new MCD, but also some
songs from their older material was present.
Maybe they also suffered a bit from having Hellstorm as supportband, who
had the faaaaar better stageact?
An OK night, but both bands could definetly do better in the future...
HELLSTORM: ***(*) / RED HARVEST: ***
U.D.O.
1/2, 1999. Veita Scene, Trondheim/NORWAY.
Att: approx. 300
Old heroes never quits, and Udo Dirkschneider I have a feeling will
still be going like the duracell-rabitt for quite some years still.
Ofcourse, he will always live with the ACCEPT brand, and when people
goes to see UDO, it's because of those ACCEPT songs.
I have never been a big fan of neither UDO or ACCEPT, so I wasn't really
expecting anything big from this concert.
It turned out better than expected though, but I have a feeling it was
safed by a good sceneshow (they are very good livemusicians), and also
that the old ACCEPT songs pulled up the impression.
Songs like "Restless & Wild", "I'm A Rebel" and "Balls to the Wall" was
performed very, very well, and then you can easily forget that the UDO
material was of rather forgettable quality...
***
ARENA
(Support: M.A.D.)
Veita Scene, Trondheim/Norway, 27th of October-1998.
Attendance: about 200.
I was very in doubt this evening if I wanted to go and watch Arena,
as I find their albums pretty average in quality.
However, I did eventually go, and I haven't regretted it for a
second !
When I arrived, Swedish Prog Heavy Metal band M.A.D. had already started,
and I think I lost one or two tracks before the beer was on the
table, and I was settled.
M.A.D. is a completely new knowledge to me, but I can say they play
progressive heavy, sounding like a less technical version of the likes
of Dream Theater etc. The special thing about them is that they have
all female vocals, which is rare in this musical style.
M.A.D. is for sure very good musicians, and did a pretty good job as
a support band. Good songs, and also a fitting sound made them look
good. The thing I'd point a finger at, is that I don't think all the
female vocals maybe fitted to good to this music. By all means, she has
a very good voice, but for this style, it sounds a bit strange.
A good job though, and I'll check out this band more when I can...
The main attraction ARENA (UK) was next, and this was a set to remember!
I was standing there gazing from second one, watching this awesome live
band performing. ARENA, I would describe as a sort of mix between the old
Marillion, and with touches of Pink Floyd elements in their music.
Adding a bit more heavy touch to their music, and I would say you're pretty
close to their style (off course, they have their own identity anyway!).
ARENA used the first half of their concert to play the whole "The Visitor"
album, in the album order. It sounded very much like a concept, with their
vocalist, Paul Wrightson changing costumes to fit that concept.
After this, they came back with another hour of songs from their two other
albums "Songs From the Lions Cage" and "Pride", finishing it all off with
their "hit"(?) "The Cry".
Excellent musicians, awesome sound, and fantastic live music this was,
and I must especially point out the voice of Paul Wrightson to be really
marvelous.
All in all this is the best concert I've been attending for a very, very
long time (have I seen any better?), and I'd recommend anyone to go see
ARENA if a possibility comes up. Even people I talked to after the concert,
that are "all-metal", really enjoyed the show, so everyone should know that
a visit to their "The Visitor"tour-1998, could pay off.
ARENA: ******/M.A.D. ***(*)
BORKNAGAR
(support: BETHZAIDA)
Veita Scene, Trondheim/NORWAY, 7th of November-1998.
Attendance: 150-200.
A highly anticipated concert, as Borknagar is one of the better
and most promising Norwegian black metal bands these days.
Bethzaida started the metal evening, playing mostly material from their
new album "LXXIV". All in all a well-played set, but however a bit short,
only consisting of 5 songs (4 new, and 1 old).
I believe Bethzaida also is one of the most promising Norwegian bands,
so check this band out further. I think neither way they would have given
more, if they had not been a support band tonight...
BORKNAGAR, I guess most of you already know, are now out with their new
album "the Archaic Course", and this concert was really meant to be one
of their two release parties here in Norway, before heading out on a
European tour with Napalm Death and Cradle of Filth.
The sound was the biggest problem for Borknagar tonight, and it was hard
to get all the details in their music, as it is on their albums.
They are however a professional live band, and has a good grip on the
audience (sadly, the few in the audience today was pretty quiet...).
The material they played was off course mostly from their last album, but
also some tracks from their self-titled debut and "The Olden Domain"
was featured. All in all a OK set, but with a better sound, and a more
enthusiastic audience it would have been better.
They could off course also have played a couple of extra numbers, as they
only played for about an hour...
BORKNAGAR ****/Bethzaida ****
BLOODTHORN
(support: The Embraced)
Veita Scene, Trondheim/Norway, 19th of September 1998
Attendance: about 250
Bloodthorn has become one of Norway's best known black metal bands,
and I must say they also are a impressive sight as a live band.
This night they played their first gig on a small Norwegian mini-tour,
together with the less known Death Metal band, The Embraced.
The Embraced did a fair job as a support act, but was very unlucky with
their sound. Their first CD "In My Dreams...I Am Armageddon" contains a lot
of technical parts that are hard to recreate live, but it worked out to
a certain extent, if it only had been a bit better sound quality, where the
bass and drums was far too high, and destroyed for the other instruments.
Also a couple of other guitar errors was obvious, but you know, for being
their first gig ever it was OK.
After 40 minutes of aggressive death metal, the stage was left to Bloodthorn
that with their slow epic black metal, enchanted the audience.
The constellation of Bloodthorns songs are very good, and it fits a lot better
in a live show than on their album "In The Shadow of Your Black Wings" in my
opinion.
The female vocals and very epic synth parts, together with the brutal vocals
worked out really well, and they also had a excellent sound quality during
their set that did a real good impression on me.
The one thing that was missing, was maybe the guitar sound that was blended
by the other instruments at the solos etc., but you didn't really pay much
attention to this, as it's not that important in Bloodthorn's music.
Bloodthorn also played a couple of new songs here, that sounded really
great, so I look forward to their next release.
BLOODTHORN *****/ THE EMBRACED ***
BETHZAIDA
Knaus, Trondheim/Norway, 17th of October 1998
Attendance: about 100
Both times before when I've seen Bethzaida, their show has been very good
musically. They are a extremely well-played liveband, but maybe miss a
couple of things in their stageact, where it seems a bit slow and too
concentrated.
This time was no different than before really, as Bethzaida still plays
like hell.
The new thing here was that they played alot of new songs from their
"LXXVIII" album, that really did not separate much from the material from
"Nine Worlds". Same shit, new wrapping you might call it, but still I like
their music, so why not ?
What to call their music I'm a bit uncertain of though, but maybe a
description like "Dark Metal" would fit? Their flute and vocals are what
makes it sound so special, but also the intensity and song structure makes
their music really enjoyable in my ears...
If you ever get a chance to see Bethzaida, you should really check them out!
BETHZAIDA *****
ENTOMBED
(Support: Meshuggah)
2/12-1998. Veita Scene, Trondheim/Norway
Att: 350-400
Swedish night in Norway, with these 2 famous metal bands...
MESHUGGAH was first up, and played 45 minutes of their extremely
tight and heavy metal.
They are a professional live band, that certainly has been on a stage
before. It's not on that point I can pick on them, as they look very
professional in what they do, and play very well together.
What I do pick on though, is their music, that I simply not like.
The industrial/hardcore (death?) metal is just plain boring for me,
and made these 45 minutes of music just an excuse to drink more beer.
If you enjoy Meshuggah's music, you should add 3-4 points to my grade.
I have always loved ENTOMBED though, although their studio albums gets
more and more distant from my taste. Live their music still kicks like
hell, and the band also seems to enjoy to play live.
Not surprisingly they didn't play anything from their first 2 albums,
but only from "Wolverine Blues" and up.
As some of the material they played is a bit too rock n' roll, a few
parts got tiring, but I think they all in all got out of it nicely,
as they combined the set with older material.
The audience also seemed to enjoy the evening, and especially during
Entombed's "Out of Hand" and their only extra number "Night of the
Vampire", the floor was a danger zone...
MESHUGGAH **/ENTOMBED ****(*)
