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TANK
War Of Attrition Live 1981 - Expanded Edition
(Maniacal Records)
76:06min
This album originally got released on Zoom Club Records back in
2001, featuring an amazing 8 song live show, when TANK was
supporting MOTÖRHEAD on their "No Sleep 'Til Christmas"
European tour at the Westfalenhalle in Dortmund, Germany on December
07, 1981. At the time the band was promoting their killer debut full
length "Filth Hounds Of Hades" (which MOTÖRHEAD's
"Fast" Eddie Clarke had produced), so apart from the two
excellent single B-sides 'The Snake' and 'Steppin' On A Landmine'
their setlist mainly consisted of tracks from that particular album.
It seems that this show was supposed to be released as an official
TANK live album back in the 80s already as vocalist / bassist Algy
Ward mentions something about it during the set... Too bad it didn't
turn into reality, because it might have helped to increase TANK's
popularity a lot at the time. The sound quality is extremely good
and the band was obviously motivated to the max! The Zoom Club
version got completed by a 3 song demo (featuring 'Shellshock', 'Run
Like Hell' and 'Blood, Guts And Beer') in perfect quality, so I
suppose it was dublicated from the original recordings. I'm not
quite sure, but it might have been the very first TANK studio
recording ever (don't quote me on that though). Five years later
Maniacal Records from the US takes over the whole project and
delivers this re-release, which offers the same material plus seven
additional songs. You're getting another two demo tracks ('Too Tired
To Wait For Love' and 'Man Who Never Was'), 3 recordings from a
radio session ('Hammer On', 'Don't Walk Away' and 'Heavy Artillery')
and two more live tracks from Parkpop, Holland on June 04, 1982 ('T.W.D.A.M.O.'
and 'Blood, Guts And Beer'). The sound quality on all of these can't
compete with the material on the original release, but still good
enough to be of big interest for die hard fans of the band. The
packaging of the release was changed a bit as well. Instead of the
TANK logo type cover of the original release, you're getting a very
cool comic type coverart now and a well done photo collage of lots
of vintage TANK memorabelia. Great one! Also available on vinyl.
Contact: maniacalrecords@aol.com,
offical TANK site: www.tankfilthhounds.net
Frank Stöver
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TAURUS
Signo De Taurus
(Marquee Records)
66:15min
For those not aware of this act, TAURUS, you have sadly missed a real gem in the international Metal community. Thankfully I was turned onto these Thrashers sometime ago and have known of their incredibly straight-forward and catchy Thrash Metal. And for those that care, I even have an original copy of their debut album and prize it highly in my collection, even if it is sung completely in Portuguese! Makes no matter! TAURUS is the Brazilian answer / equivalent to Germany’s EXUMER. Yes, you read right I said EXUMER! EXUMER with a touch of Bay Area inspired mayhem
à la Baloff-era EXODUS added in also, and you know with that kind of comparison, this album absolutely just rips from start to finish. Definitely not for the weak at heart! Founded in 1985 in Rio de Janeiro by the Bezz brothers Claudio (g) and Sergio (d), they released two demos, one in their very first year of 1985 and another in early 1986, and were closely watched by a local record company by the name of Point Rock Records who knew a good Metal band when they heard it. Point Rock approached and signed TAURUS, their first album to be released in the latter half of 1986. “Signo De Taurus“, was / is that album and although sadly not as widely advertised abroad as it should have been. This LP still to this day considered by all that have heard it as one of the best South American Metal records from the 80s. Now via yet another Brazilian Metal label, Marquee Records, arrives “ Signo.. “ for the first time on CD! This disc being complete with bonus and
live tracks, extensive liner notes and rare pictures and all for the mere asking price of $9.99 U.S. + postage. A true steal!
Contact: www.myspace.com/taurusofficial
or www.marquee.com.br
Wes Rhodes
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TAURUS
Trapped In Lies
(Marquee Records)
62:01min
TAURUS is a five-piece act
from Niterói (Brasil) which back in the times decided to play Thrash Metal and
released two demos and three albums between 1985 and 1989, and which still seem
to be active, even if they haven't released anything since that last album
called "Pornography". What Marquee Records decided to re-release here
is their second album, "Trapped In Lies", from 1988, which originally
appeared on Heavy Metal Rock. The album originally included a cover of LED
ZEPPELIN's 'Communication Breakdown', but on this re-release it was substituted
by four rehearsal tracks and a live one. I really like Thrash Metal, but, like
with every style, when it comes to standard stuff I use to become a bit bored,
and especially this style, which was played and abused by loads of bands in the
eighties and nineties, is quite hard to swallow nowadays if it doesn't offer
something a bit fresh or different. What TAURUS played is something very
similar to the first METALLICA, MEGADETH or TESTAMENT (even spanish LEGION),
quite melodic Thrash Metal, not too fast, not too aggressive and with a lack of
power as much in the music as in the vocals (maybe the drums are still not
bad). That's maybe the weakest point, and they guy doesn't sing bad, but it's
more like he was just speaking, he didn't put any energy on his parts, and the
same goes to the guitars, simply standard thrashy riffs, catchy, but not too
varied or energic, and only broken by some leads which are more or less ok. And
what was most interesting about Thrash Metal if it wasn't the energy and power
it used to transmit? I think even in 1988 there where enough more interesting
albums than this one if you wanted some good Thrash Metal (and still nowadays,
just look at TOXIC HOLOCAUST or MUNICIPAL WASTE, for example), so I can
understand they didn't get too much recognition at that moment. Only for Thrash
freaks. www.marquee.com.br
Jeroni Sancho
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THORNS
Stigma Diabolicum
(Kyrck Productions)
62:02min
Even
though Norway's THORNS managed to release an excellent self-financed
debut album back in 2001 via Moonfog Productions, their old tape
recordings still seem to gain a massive interest in underground
circuits due to the everlasting cult status of the band. So, no
wonder that they officially got re-released again, this time via the
small but fine Greek label Kyrck Productions. What surprised me the
most is the fact that the sound quality on "Stigma
Diabolicum" is even better than on the bonus disc of the
limited Moonfog edition of the THORNS vs EMPEROR release. The most
popular (and probably best) classic recording of THORNS is without a
doubt their 1992 demo "Trøndertun" (named after a
school called Trøndertun Folkehøyskole in Trondheim, Norway where
the material got recorded). The two featured tracks 'Ærie
Descent' and 'Funeral Marches To The Grave' open
this compilation and musically quickly separated THORNS from
the typical Norwegian Black Metal scene of the time. Unlike their
countrymen in BURZUM, MAYHEM, EMPEROR or DARKTHRONE (who all played
a very grim and extreme form of Black Metal), THORNS already
concentrated on midpaced, very atmospheric, yet rather dark
compositions with almost psychedelic sounding guitars. Especially
these two songs had a massive influence on other bands (incl.
EMPEROR, who also adopted parts of those elements later on in their
material). Next up on this compilation is the band's six-song "Grymyrk"
rehearsal demo from
1991, for some strange reason with a slightly changed running order
though... It was never officially released and has no vocals, but
already showcased a lot of the potential that these guys had at the
time. The last track, 'You That Mingle May', even got
re-recorded for the "Moonfog 2000 - A Different
Perspective" compilation (featuring Fenriz and Satyr). Tracks 9
- 13 originally weren't included on the THORNS vs EMPEROR release as
they are from the pre-THORNS band STIGMA DIABOLICUM (hence this
album's title). STIGMA
DIABOLICUM were formed way back in 1989 by Snorre Ruch (aka
Pedophagia / Blackthorn / S.W.Krupp) on guitar / bass and Marius
Vold (aka Coprophagia) on vocals / drum programming. The line-up was
later completed by Harald Eilertsen (bass) and Bård
"Faust" Eithun (aka Fetophagia) on drums. Marius also used
to be part of MORTEM (Norway) and ARCTURUS, Snorre played in MAYHEM
for a while (some of the riffs and lyrics on "De
Mysteriis…" were created by him) and as most of you probably
know Bård used to be in a shitload of bands / projects, incl.
EMPEROR, ZYKLON and ABORYM (to name just the most important ones
here). STIGMA DIABOLICUM still used to be a lot more straight
forward, raw and thrashy and the material that is featured on here
was taken from two different rehearsal tapes. I suppose the better
known is probably the "Lacus De Luna" rehearsal, which
originally featured a lot more material (incl. cover tunes by
ANTHRAX, SLAYER, HELLHAMMER, METALLICA and EXODUS), but
unfortunately only 'Mare Frigoris', 'Into The Promised Land' and
'Lacus De Luna' made it onto this disc. According
to Snorre, the band's name STIGMA DIABOLICUM had
to be changed into THORNS in 1989 "because
it became very popular with latin names at that time" and they didn’t want to be associated with that...
The last two tracks on offer here ('Thule' and 'Fall'), were taken
from a THORNS rehearsal again, but due to the raw aggressiveness
could musically still be more associated with the STIGMA
DIABOLICUM period. So for
obvious reasons, this is certainly not a release for those of you
who prefer massive productions, but a compilation of material with a
historical value of a band that was definitely ahead of its time.
From what I've heard it is supposed to be limited to 1.000 copies,
so make sure to contact Kyrck
Productions
before it's too late.
Frank Stöver
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TOXIK
World Circus
78:47min
Think This
77:56min
(Displeased Records)
On their one and only "Wasteland" demo from 1986 New
York's TOXIK still sounded pretty much like a typical (yet already
very promising) US Metal act, with crystal clear vocals and a more
or less traditional Power Metal style. But it was definitely a big
step forward for them when they parted ways with original bass
player Lee Erwin and drummer Sal Dadabo and replaced them with Brian
Bonini and PRIME EVIL's Ted Leger respectively. I mean, you can
probably imagine very easily that a bass player with a Jazz
background and a drummer whose roots were in extreme Thrash Metal
obviously had to have a massive influence in the evolution of the
band's material... So, when "World Circus" originally got
released back in 1987 it represented a band that on one hand had
speeded things up a whole lot, while on the other the bass lines had
become a lot more upfront and complex. All of a sudden TOXIK stood
for technical, energetic Speed Metal with a siren like lead vocalist
and a whole lot of uniqueness. Twenty years later this album gets
re-issued now with a lot of extra stuff. But even though the sticker
on the sleeve tells you something about twelve bonus tracks, there's
actually only eight "real" songs to be found, next to the
regular album material: three unreleased live / soundboard
recordings ('Straight Razor', 'Finer Points To Tragedy' and the KISS
cover 'Parasite'), the entire 1986 "Wasteland" demo, as
well as the song 'Wasteland' itself, from the "Metal Massacre
IX" compilation. The remaining bonus material comprises of
'Skippy Windshield', an only five seconds lasting kinda fun
thing from the "Wasteland" demo, while the last three cuts
on the disc are short radio interviews (the last one together with
King Diamond). The booklet has liner notes from all four members
that recorded the "World Circus" album (Ted Leger –
drums, Josh Christian – guitars, Mike Sanders – vocals and Brian
Bonini – bass), plus all of the lyrics (except for 'Heart Attack')
and the usual credits and thanks lists. Two years later (1989) TOXIK
not only returned with their second album "Think This",
they once again had undergone drastic changes, musically as well as
personally. Original vocalist Mike Sanders had been replaced by
Charles Sabin and John Donnelly came in as a second guitar player.
Ever since "World Circus" the songwriting had evolved into
a very complex, progressive direction, so that the band was actually
a lot closer to WATCH TOWER, HADES and the likes now, with the
biggest difference in TOXIK's obvious more mainstream approach, best
reflected in the new vocals. Charles Sabin sounded a lot more
professional, yet not as unique as Mike Sanders, but fitted TOXIK's
new direction just perfectly! He was more of a Geoff Tate type
singer, easily cabable of delivering strong melody lines to the
technical extravaganca of his backing band. The album featured
eleven tracks, including the LED ZEPPELIN cover 'Out On The Tiles'
(which always sounded a bit out of place to me) and the great ballad
'There Stood The Fence' as well as the short outro 'Think That'.
Just like the CD re-issue of "World Circus" also this one
has all the lyrics, the original thanx lists, as well as liner notes
by Brian, Josh and Ted. As bonus tracks you get a live version of
'Spontaneous' as well as an instrumental demo with 'Shotgun Logic'
and the three previously unreleased songs 'Untitled Jam', 'Minor'
and 'Lost World'. Due to the fact that both albums have stood the
test of time very easily and the original CD versions have become
very difficult to find, these re-issues are more than welcome now.
You can order your copies here
or through Displeased Records directly at www.displeasedrecords.com
Frank Stöver
BACK
TRAUMATIC VOYAGE
Cogito Ergo Sum
(Merciless Records)
77:09min
This is an exercise in eclectic music if ever there was one. Beginning with a bizarre techno track, the band then launches into what can only be described as the the strangest parts of DORNENREICH,
PAN.THY.MONIUM and SPASTIC INK wedded together with the fury of CARPATHIAN FOREST thrown in as a bonus. A bizarre carnival of an album, TRAUMATIC VOYAGE are not for the traditional
Metal head, or perhaps even for the experimental Metal head. There are most definitely
Metal riffs on this record, but they are the wood of a building. They are there, but what holds the album together and ornaments owes itself to the techno scene. The guitars are sharply raw, making this even more an album that demands work from the listener. Perhaps the best way to look at this album is to examine the
Metal world's reaction to the new MAYHEM record, with astonishment. From the looks of it, this is a radical departure from their earlier material. If you're up for new things, give this a try. If you want to experiment, but still know more or less what you'll be getting, stick with THERION.
www.traumatic-voyage.de
Nat Shapiro
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TYRUS
Masters Of Revenge
(Iron Glory Records)
41:39min
I
hate to come across arrogant sounding, but I always thought that I
managed to get my hands on mostly all obscure, yet essential 80's
Power Metal releases back in those days. But obviously I was wrong
as I missed out this little gem, that just got re-issued via Iron
Glory Records (how the heck did they find out about this killer
outfit these days???). TYRUS was an incredibly promising five piece
that came up with this eleven song offering, entitled "Masters
Of Revenge" only six months after the origin of the band, back
in 1983! Musically they should easily appeal to every underground
loving Power Metal maniac, who still worships similar rooted
American acts of the 80's such as HEATHENS RAGE, TYRANTS REIGN,
STORMTROOPER, HAVE MERCY, GARGOYLE etc. Even though TYRUS aren't
exactly sounding like those just mentioned bands, there's a similar
atmosphere surrounding them. Musically this album is a lot closer to
early HELSTAR (just a little rawer, and less complex) meets old
LIEGE LORD, which means a first class powerful METAL vocalist in
combination with vintage MAIDEN influenced music. The production by
Eric Greif (later to be found within the Death Metal scene) is
extremely poor, yet very authentic sounding, while the musicianship
is partly a little sloppy, but always full of the right attitude and
feeling. In comparison with most of the so-called top acts of today
this is still a lot more unique sounding. So, in case you didn't
start listening to Metal after HAMMERFALL released "Glory To
The Brave", this could be another "must have" item
for the die hards out there! Great one!!! Contact: Iron Glory
Records, Postfach 662, 71606 Ludwigsburg, Germany, website: http://www.ironglory.de
e-mail: info@ironglory.de.
The CD is on sale
here.
Frank
Stöver
BACK
TYSONDOG
Painted Heroes - The Anthology (DoCD)
(Sanctuary / Castle Music)
88:18min
Well, those were the days. No one ever thought of Nu Metal or Metal Core back
then in the early 80s when an invasion of countless and thunderous British
Heavy Metal bands started to dominate the world. Now more than two decades
later I have to thank Sanctuary Records for their awesome NWOBHM Classic
re-releases. JAGUAR, FIST, BLITZKRIEG, HELLANBACH and many more jewels were
brought back to the surface. All of those anthologies (not to forget the
massive Neat Single Series box sets) are terrific and tremendous monuments of
an outstanding Metal epoch. Most of those old recordings still sound very fresh
and in my humble opinion those old British bands really captured the true
essence of what Heavy Metal is all about. To be honest since those days only
very few bands within the traditional Metal genre really convinced me. Those
NWOBHM bands definitely had something really special and I still prefer the
sound and the atmosphere of those old recordings compared to contemporary high
tech and sterile productions. TYSONDOG did not play a very different style than
most of the other NWOBHM bands. I would describe it as a mixture of early JUDAS
PRIEST, JAGUAR and bit of BLITZKRIEG. This double CD set contains the 1984
debut album "Beware OF The Dog", its 1986 successor "Crimes Of
Insanity" and three bonus tracks taken from the "Shoot To Kill"
EP from 1985 (by the way the fourth song from this EP
"Hammerhead" is also included as part of the debut album). After
those two albums TYSONDOG disbanded so this anthology contains their entire
heritage (they also released two singles but all the songs are also on the two
albums). "Painted Heroes - The Anthology" is not something really
original but it is a damned cool and ass kicking album in the tradition of The
New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. Maybe TYSONDOG delivered more energetic songs
(especially on their second album) than most of their country mates back then.
On "Crimes Of Insanity" the band seemed to be inspired by the
upcoming Speed Metal scene and so TYSONDOG delivered here a much heavier dose
of Metal than on the debut. By the way, with 'School's Out' "Crimes Of
Insanity" includes a proper ALICE COOPER cover version. To sum it up
"Painted Heroes - The Anthology" is a very interesting CD for you if
you are an old fart and too lazy to handle your classic vinyl or if you're too
young and missed the good old times and of course if you just appreciate
timeless Heavy Metal. Anyway, it doesn't matter what's your reason - just buy
it! It is on sale
here.
Hacker
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ULYSSES
SIREN
Above The Ashes
(Relentless Records)
30:03min
If a band still
knows to impress these days in a really big way, with material that originally
was written, recorded and released about 15 - 17 years ago, there obviously
must be something special about 'em, don't you think?! Well, ULYSSES SIREN is
such a phenomenom! Just like fellow San Francisco Metalheads WARNING (S.F.)
these guys unfortunately never really got the opportunity to release an album
back in the glory days of the Bay Area scene. But that doesn't necessarily mean
that they didn't deserve it or weren't ready for it yet. Not at all!!! Judging
ULYSSES SIREN just by their two demos ("Terrorist Attack" from 1985
and the 1987 demo), that both got nicely compiled on this disc here, they
really had a bright future - even more promising than a lot of the bands of the
2nd or 3rd generation of Bay Area Thrash from that area. These youngsters here
had everything you could ask for in a Metal act: they were highly aggressive,
yet came up with very strong songwriting skills / musicianship and over the
top, incredible riffing! Unlike WARNING, who in comparison were a bit more
along the lines of traditional Metal, ULYSSES SIREN were way more Thrash
infected and therefore a lot closer to old EXODUS (especially the riffing often
reminds me on the alltime classic "Bonded By Blood"), very early
METALLICA (when they were still labeled a "Speed Metal" band) or some
old DEATH ANGEL (when it comes to the aggression and screamy type vocal
delivery!). Imagine a mix of all that together and add the intensity of vintage
SLAYER on top of that (especially Manual Lopez' high screams often remind me on
Araya in his heydays!) and you'll get the picture! In other words, pure fuckin'
Thrash Metal at its best! So, make sure to support these guys and get yourself
a copy of "Above The Ashes" immediately, cause if you miss out on
this killer act, you're definitely not Metal! Label contact: www.Relentless-Records.us,
Relentlessrecords@hotmail.com,
for more info on the band check out: www.ulysses-siren.com.
In Europe the CD is available for 10,-Euro (with a printed / newly designed
cover / backcover from this address: Heinz Konzett,
Wingat 17,
6822 Satteins,
Austria
Frank Stöver
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UNGOD
Conquering What Once Was Ours
(Kneel Before The Master's Throne)
40:20min
UNGOD has always been the type of band I was somewhat aware of during early 90s but never really made a strong
impression for whatever reason. Checking back their stuff after many years make me realize that this MLP (extended
to full-length on this re-release) actually stand on its own with quality material.
The songs of the original release now flow unbelievably good on my headphones and they feel like an evocation to
the old gods like CELTIC FROST, BATHORY, MAYHEM, GOATLORD and things in that vein. I'm really fond of the doomish,
bleak and hopeless vibe that these songs transmit and how the band managed to spice it up with a raw but
astonishingly good performance. Not sure if there are so much sound improvement compared to the original version
due to my blurry remembrance but what I can assure you is that this is filthy, loud and in your fucking face!
My biggest complain lies in the fact that the bonus rehearsal tracks are nothing but inferior quality versions of
the original tracks found on the MLP. It is always nice to get some extra value for your money getting demo,
7"EP or even completely unreleased stuff and UNGOD has a plenty of that stuff which is very hard to come across and would have
been a great addition to the package but unfortunately it did not happen for this release.
Nevertheless, this is a piece of German underground Black Metal history that can be considered a classic and the
spark that ignited many current bands on the genre. Get the album here: www.mastersthrone.de.
Mario Cubero
BACK
UNLEASHED
Where No Life Dwells
(Century Media Records)
62:39min
Fucking Classic! One of my alltime favourite Death Metal maniacs released this
in the early 90s and they always knew how to write exciting songs! If you don't
own this CD yet - here's the chance of your life! Like the GRAVE reissue, this
CD is packed with bonus tracks not everybody owns ("In The Eyes Of Death 1"
and "... And The Laughter Has Died" 7" EP) and unreleased versions of "The Utter
Dark Revenge" and "Violent Ecstasy" and two videos (not included on my copy):
"Before The Creation Of Time" and "The One Insane" I really love this album
and I bet so will you! On sale here.
Ramon Claassen
BACK
UNSEEN
TERROR
Human Error
(Earache Records)
42:18min
There was a time when playing real fast had a real Metallic meaning,
there was a time when playing real fast and coming up with catchy intense /
powerful riffs had a real Metallic meaning, you don't believe me since playing
real fast for you means nothing but to endure the likes of CANNIBAL CORPSE,
DARK THRONE and the likes?! Well you're wrong, that time period existed in the
mid 80's with great Death / Thrash bands such as INSANITY, CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER,
ARCHENEMY (no, not the poor Swedish outfit), DEATH (circa late '85), GENOCIDE
/ REPULSION and U.K.'s UNSEEN TERROR which was formed from the ashes of the
promising demo band WARHAMMER! Shane Embury (now with NAPALM DEATH) and Mitch
Dickinson (later seen with HERESY, as soundman for U.K. bands and now works
at the Earache office) had the desire to create something as intense and fast
as the U.S. outfits around at that time that I've mentioned before and the result
came out in the shape of that album, one of the first albums Earache released
and despite some big flaws, the result to this day is still awesone. What you
have here is a perfect mix between CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER for the speed and MASTER
(circa first LP or '85 if you prefer) for the heaviness, it's that intense!
Of course many will say that Mitch's vocals sound immature and certainly unusual
but I still think they fitted the music rather well - the best would have been
to have Mick Harris (NAPALM DEATH drummer) doing them like he did a few months
later for the UNSEEN TERROR Peel session. Also the drum sound sounds a bit too
mechanical but I personally pay more attention to the music as a whole than
to minor details like that and fuck, the opener 'Unseen Terror', 'Oblivion Descends',
'Burned Beyond Recognition', 'Deliverance' etc etc just
kill all the way! You want to hear raging Death / Thrash? Get that right now!
The only things I could live without are the few crossover tunes and some
uninspired leads, but those are short and not that boring. As bonus for this
re-release they've included four rehearsal tracks but I don't find them as powerful
as the earlier material for some reasons. An excellent release all the way delivered
by two guys who knew what quality material meant. What about releasing the legendary
AZAGTHOTH demo now, huh? The CD is on sale
here.
Laurent Ramadier
BACK
USURPER
Necronemesis
72:06min
Visions From The Gods
48:31min
(Earache Records)
I suppose I don't have to introduce you to these guys as Chicago's USURPER have
been around for quite some time now and already established themselves in the
underground with a bunch of cool releases. After being with Head Not Found and
Necropolis Records, Earache have picked them up now and to shorten the time
until the release of their new album they simply re-issued "Necronemesis"
and "Visions From The Gods". Can't really tell you if they differ in
any way from the original formats as I didn't own them before, but if you
originally missed out on them, you should make sure to give them a listen now!
Steven already reviewed "Necronemesis" back then, so I won't go into
detail on that one here once more (apart from some little additional facts such
as the very cool cover from SLAUGHTER's 'Tales Of The Macabre' and the guest
vocals from KING DIAMOND on the titletrack and ABSU's Proscriptor on 'Full
Metal Maelstron'!). "Visions From The Gods" on the other hand is a
cool collection of rare material, including their legendary 1994 four song demo
(which also gave this compilation its title), a different recording of 'Soulstalker'
(which originally appeared on the "Roots III" compilation), a demo
version of 'Anno Satanas', the KING DIAMOND cover 'Charon', two leftovers from
the "Skeletal Season" sessions and a very raw, live bootleg recording
of 'Warriors Of Iron And Rust' from their show in Strassbourg, France on
November 25, 2000. Lyrics to all the songs are included and the coverart looks
kinda cool as well, so all USURPER maniacs or everyone else into their CELTIC
FROST kinda Death / Black / Thrash mayhem after all can finally pick them up (again)
more easily over here in Europe. You can order
here.
Frank Stöver
BACK
UTUMNO
Across The Horizon
(Cyanide Syndicate / Vic Records)
38:08min
I didn't believe this stuff would still be this great after all these years! The remastering is just wonderful and done by Mike Wead (guitarist; KING DIAMOND / MERCYFUL FATE, CANDLEMASS, HEXENHAUS e.a.) and simply blew me away, but most importantly, EVERYTHING on this release is so great that it's as fresh and shredding as in 1993, when it saw its first light of day. This third release covers the same listing as the re-released LP version by The Crypt and is done by Cyanide Syndicate / Vic Records and it's great they refresh our memory with this classic. Just like CREMATORY and LIERS IN WAIT, an EP is the only feat of arms of a sadly defuct and hugely talented band. Those who don't know UTUMNO, it was founded by Jonas Stålhammar, who's name might ring a bell for his participation in ABHOTH, GOD MACABRE, MACABRE END, BOMBS OF HADES and DARKCREED. Their first 7" EP "The Light Of Day" was released by the sadly defunct Dutch Cenotaph Records who released very cool EPs by HUMAN REMAINS, ROTTREVORE, CEREMONY (Hol), GOREFEST e.a. Firstly the production resembled "Incantation" and "The Nocturnal Silence" more than "Left Hand Path" or "Like An Ever Flowing Stream". Second, the music can be seen as a perfect follow up to the great GOD MACABRE album "The Winterlong". But faster, more epic and less downtuned. Only AT THE GATES and AFFLICTED followed a sort of similar path which can be heard on their awesome debuts. Jonas sounds like Tomas Lindberg but less tormented. Each song is complex with great riffs and an intensity that is pushed and built stronger throughout each track. It's not necessary dark or aggressive but it doesn't have to be when it's great ("Left Hand Path" is just a perfect example of this). Forget Gothenburg Death Metal, this is the evolution! It's the beauty of Death Metal and found in releases we can still enjoy no matter how often they're released. I strongly advice you to check this release when you don't have it and into mentioned bands. You can buy it blindly, because it's simply has it all. One of the finest pieces of music ever released! Check:
www.myspace.com/utumnoofficial
and you'll know. Label contact: www.cyanidesyndicate.com
Michael Tak
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VENOM
Black Metal - Deluxe Expanded Edition (+ DVD)
(Sanctuary Records / Universal)
72:46min
VENOM's "Black Metal" has turned into an alltime classic
for a whole generation of extreme Metal fans around the globe and
even gave birth to a whole new genre of the same name... The funny
thing is, that VENOM originally labeled their own style as Power
Metal and not Black Metal ("VENOM Metal = Power Metal = Pure
Hell!") and recorded this album in only seven days!! My opinion
whether or not this album is better or worse than its predecessor
"Welcome To Hell" changes almost every day, so I would
rather say that both are pretty much equally strong in terms of the
material they have on offer... Maybe "Welcome To Hell" has
a little bonus as it only took the band three days to record...
Anyway, the importance of the early works of this Newcastle
triumvirate is undeniable and I can't really recall how many
re-releases of "Black Metal" alone already exist in all
kinds of different formats... Vinyl, cassettes, picture discs, CDs,
bootlegs etc. - it definitely must be countless by now... However,
the last official one dates back to 2002 and was already kinda close
to this edition here. Apart from the fact that the original
"Black Metal" album material got remastered, it also had a
whole bunch of extra tracks already, that you'll find on this
"Deluxe Expanded Edition" again. A different version of
'Bursting Out' (taken from the Neat Records compilation "60
min+"), a BBC Radio One Session ('Black Metal', Nightmare',
'Too Loud For The Crowd' and 'Bloodlust'), the entire "Die
Hard" vinyl 12" ('Die Hard', 'Acid Queen' and 'Bursting
Out') as well as a studio outtake ('Hounds Of Hell'). This deluxe
version additionally also has both tracks from the
"Bloodlust" 7" EP ('Bloodlust' and 'In Nomine
Satanas') as well as a bonus DVD and a different booklet with
several classic pics and rather fresh interview comments by Cronos
himself (unfortunately the lyrics, that were still part of the 2002
edition, are missing because of that now). The DVD features VENOM's
alltime classic live show at London's Hammersmith Odeon from June
1st, 1984. It was originally released as the VHS video "The 7th
Date Of Hell" and features 11 tracks, as well as a bass and
guitar solo from Cronos and Mantas respectively (total playing time
approximately 60min). Additionally you get the 3 promo videos for
'Witching Hour', 'Bloodlust' and 'Nightmare'... The latter two taken
from 1985's VHS "Video Nightmare" (too bad they didn't
include the entire release on here as that also featured 'Rip Ride'
and 'Die Hard'). But as this is the first official DVD release of
that legendary Hammersmith show ever since the VHS came out way back
in 1984, it should be reason enough already for every die hard VENOM
maniac to purchase this re-release (again). www.venomslegions.com.
On sale here.
Frank Stöver
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VIKING
Man Of Straw
(Lost And Found Records)
66:14min
Don’t let yourself be fooled by this band’s name – its music
has as little to do with so called Viking Metal as the latter has to
do with real
vikings
and Metal they prefered.
What
this Californian
VIKING used
to deliver back in late 80s was fast and furious, first-class Thrash
full of aggression and raw energy. The interview with frontman Ron
Eriksen published elsewhere on this site may shed some light on the
band’s rise and fall, although I’d like to prevent you from
making a big fuss over Ron’s turning into new-born Christian right
in the middle of working on this album. It’s just his personal
belief in the end and I really doubt it could change the initial
musical direction of “Man Of Straw” too much (unlike the lyrical
contents which, for obvious reasons, were changed completely). If
“Do Or Die”, their first LP, was a kind of fierce and drunken
viking horde’s attack – no mercy, no surrender, the second one
used much more subtle approach and advanced weapons to reach the
same aim. And with the same convincing results, I’d like to add,
even though I personally miss here those demons that ruled their
first LP, adding a charming touch of chaos to the music.
I should confess of not being very fond of too much technically
precise, matured, “adult-oriented” approach to Thrash,
preferring this style’s raw and primeval origins any day and
night, but this album somehow convinces even me. Seems like VIKING
not only found that tiny borderline dividing these two sides of
Thrash, but even managed to keep balancing on it throughout all the
album with the grace and skill of a circus acrobat. It’s
rather funny how their multi-layered compositions from time to time
make the listener to believe there are twice more songs on this
album, as sudden changes of rhythms and moods is a weapon which the
band doesn’t hesitate to use now and then.
Sure,
it demands attention and willing to dig deep in its quite complex
contents, but nobody said that Metal, especially its Thrash branch,
should be easy-listening kind of relaxing music. Fortunately, the
complexity in VIKING’s vocabulary means a
cobweb
of many cool
melodies and interesting riffs, not the plain boredom of techno /
progressive / whatever kind
of Metal.
Everything is right in place on this record. There isn’t any speed
for the sake of speed or heaviness just for the sake of it mentality
to be found on “Man of Straw” - whatever VIKING do, they do it
for a reason. I
wonder if the cover-version of 'Hell Is For Children' (originally by
PAT BENATAR - Frank) was included here because of it’s being
musically or rather lyrically fitting the album? Anyway, it sits
here quite comfortably, despite being (at least for the largest part
of it) not quite as intense as the rest of the tracks on offer.
It’s really well-placed break in the album’s tempo which makes
you hum its chorus
for hours and days.
Another
powerful weapon in VIKING’s arsenal is Ron Eriksen’s charismatic
vocals which has nothing to do with show-off professionalism or
anything forced and artificial. Ron is just “singing” here, not
“doing vocals”, if you can see (or hear) the difference. The
same may be said about the other musicians as well – they
literally “play” in
a relaxed and easy manner
instead of trying to “perform“ their instruments the best they
can. But by no means I’m trying to say they do it half-heartedly,
don’t get me wrong. In their own words from “Do Or Die” song
and LP: “If it ain’t worth dying for it ain’t worth doing”,
period. A pity VIKING's legacy is so humble in quantity, but it’s
still outstanding when it comes to its quality.
Besides
great music, “Man Of Straw” has really a nice cover which
demands vinyl sleeve’s format – I’m afraid the dwarf’s size
of modern digital media doesn’t do much justice to John
Zeleznik’s drawing. On
the other hand,
even absolutely happy with their old VIKING records vinyl maniacs
may
find this reissue worth getting, as it contains four bonus tracks
– two demo songs from 1986,
one live track and one from never finished third album. Now
let’s start the campaign to persuade the label to press those
bonus tracks on 7 inch or on beautiful picture disc, so every VIKING
fan from past and present would be happy. The door to knock
is: www.lostandfoundrecords.com
Timothy Dovgy
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VILE
Stench Of The Deceased
(Listenable Records)
44:10min
After two demo tapes "Unearthed" and "Vile-ation"
the debut album "Stench Of The Deceased" was originally released
in 1999 by the band itself and it's already sold out by now. So it is
the right time just after the release of the band's second full-length
"Depopulate" to re-release this awesome piece of brutality.
Although I like "Depopulate" a lot I have to say that I still
prefer "Stench Of The Deceased". This is a hell of a Death
Metal album full of brutality, skilled musicianship and very varied
and matured song writing. Here you can find everything what to expect
from an ass kicking Death Metal album, a devastating production, crushing
guitars, vigorous drumming (by the way, Mike Hamilton who played the
drums on this debut album is now in DEEDS OF FLESH) and deeeeeep growling
vocals. Juan Urteaga is one of the top Death Metal vocalists. His voice
has the power to devour all those frog-noise kiddies. Although you can
hear that VILE is influenced by Cannibal
Corpse they created their own sound. VILE is a Death Metal machine,
precise, mean and brutal!!! The songs range from midpaced to fast blasting
and they are always powerful, raging, violent and in your face. This
re-issue comes with a bonus song from the 1996 "Unearthed"
demo and three live songs (Recorded in 1999) which shows the unbelievable
perfection of a VILE live show. I just saw two shows on their recent
European tour and I'm totally blown away by their performance. Killer!!!
And now get your fingers on "Stench Of The Deceased" as soon
as possible... The CD is available here.
Hacker
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VILLAIN
Only Time Will Tell
(Mausoleum Records)
30:40min
Very first official release on CD for this album (not really - there
has already been a Japanese CD version a couple of years ago - Frank)
originally issued in 1986 which has reached the cult status over the
years mainly because singer Carl Albert joined VICIOUS RUMORS later.
VILLAIN delivered some strong Heavy Metal with "Only...",
covering Power Metal fields with 'Kamikaze', 'Kids Of Crime' or 'Thrills
In The Night' or more accessible areas with 'She'll Make You (Fall
In Love)' or 'Just Close Your Eyes'. In fact VILLAIN were extremely
close in sound to V. R. and all this material would have easily found
its place on any early V.R. albums, not surprising that their singer
and bassist later joined V.R. haha! Only the cover 'Tie Your Mother
Down' fails to impress to say the least, a basic boring rocking tune.
A very good re-release but I would still be hesitant to call this cult
somehow. On sale
here.
Laurent Ramadier
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VINTERLAND
Welcome My Last Chapter
(Temple Of Darkness Records)
49:47min
What Sunlight Studios and crushing Death Metal was for the years '90 - '92,
Dan Swanö's Unisound Studio and melodic Black / Death Metal was
for '94 - '96. Both times had its great moments, and the Unisound recordings
back then definitely dropped out some classics like e. g. Katatonia's
"Dance Of December Souls", the Dissection
albums "The Somberlain" and "Storm Of The Light's
Bane", Unanimated’s
“Ancient God Of Evil” but also some releases which went rather
unnoticed by the crowd. One of these examples is this great release from
VINTERLAND called "Welcome My Last Chapter" (unfortunately it
came true that this is until now their "last chapter").
VINTERLAND play this kind of melodic Death Metal which all fans of bands
like Dissection, Unanimated
or Naglfar will worship
and they are among the best bands which played this music so far. Here
you get everything which you also got from "The Somberlain",
be it the atmospheric parts, melodic guitars in the best possible way,
an atmospheric keyboard interlude and a common mix of midtempo, slow and
fast parts. All in all this was back then nothing really original, but
the quality of the songs are still today on the highest level and for
all of you who are missing the days when the first two Dissection
albums were released this is the perfect record to fulfill your needs.
For me it is a classic in my collection and I don't mind that VINTERLAND
probably weren't the most original band back then as this release is
just amazingly great. As you hardly find the original version any longer
(back then released through No Fashion Records), the Spanish label
Temple Of Darkness Records decided to re-release this classic now with
the bonustrack ‘Freezing Moon’ from Mayhem
(the playtime is without the Mayhem-cover
as this song isn’t included on my promo version). Let me finish this
review with the information that VINTERLAND are now active again and are
planning to release new stuff pretty soon. I have high hopes that they
may succeed to fill the gab which Dissection
left after their departure. They write on their myspace-site “a few
songs have already been made for the new album, and this new material is
by far the strongest ever”. I hope they’ll prove that they are right
pretty soon. Check out www.templeofdarknessrecords.com
or www.myspace.com/temple_of_darkness
for ordering details.
Thomas
Ehrmann
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VINTERRIKET
Lichtschleier
(Displeased Records)
51:02min
VINTERRIKET
might be known to some of you who are also into ambient styled music.
VINTERRIKET is a one man project that is around since 1996, but
started to release anything not before the first demo tape in 2000.
Since that time CZ, the man behind this project put out a huge number
of releases and became some kind of institution when it comes to
ambient music. "Lichtschleier" has been CZ's 5th album and
is now re-edited by DISPLEASED RECORDS in a remastered version with
completely new layout. As one might already assume, VINTERRIKET tries
to catch the winterly atmospheres by huge keyboard and synthesizer
soundscapes. And this way also goes "Lichtschleier": slight
melodies falling like light snowflakes onto plain keyboard-carpets is
the formula and it works. VINTERRIKET is an appropriate soundtrack to
a daytime journey through a winterlandscape. A bit sad that it never
becomes night-time, for that VINTERRIKET is not dark enough, but does
someone really care?! This re-release contains a videotrack of the
title-track, which is quite nice done and shows filmed sequences of
winterly landscapes and mountains-sides. www.vinterriket.com,
www.displeasedrecords.com
Andi Bauer
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VINTERRIKET
Und die Nacht kam schweren Schrittes
(Displeased Records)
71:11min
VINTERRIKET the second. "Und die Nacht..." is the debut album from 2002 and now also re-edited in a remastered version with completely new layout. As you might know in the meanwhile, VINTERRIKET's music is kind of a soundtrack to journeys within the winterly nature. Ambient music consisting of keyboards and synthesizers mainly
/ only. What else can I say what has not been said in the "Lichtschleier" review? CZ has for sure improved his skills and equipment from this debut album to the fifth album "Lichtschleier", he became able to work out his song- and sound-structures better. "Und
die Nacht..." is not a bad release, but in comparision to "Lichtschleier" you definitely hear which one of the two is the debut. This version here comes also with a bonus-track called
'...Und Donner durchflutete die Täler'. www.vinterriket.com,
www.displeasedrecords.com
Andi Bauer
BACK
VINTERRIKET
Der Letzte Winter (Der Ewigkeit entgegen)
(Displeased Records)
60:45min
Christoph Z's Dark Ambient / Black Metal project Vinterriket
has found a new home in Displeased Records and within the next
months they plan to re-release some albums from the dark times of
these obscure project (some of them are already available - Frank).
“Der letzte Winter” was originally recorded in 2005 and as far
as I know only available on strictly limited 1000 copies through
Flood the Earth Records (USA). All
people who own one of the several Vinterriket
releases
will not be astonished if I confirm that progress on a musical basis
is still not Christoph Z's most ambitious plan. He is again trying
to further emphasize the difference between black and white, grey
and light white, dark night and dawn etc. by using Dark Ambient
parts / songs / fragments in contrast to harsh Black Metal songs.
During the 60 minutes the contrast is present and if you're
interested in bands like Uruk-Hai
or Paysage d’Hiver
they will / can become a trip from light valleys to the darkest
mountain top. Nothing new but next to Vinterriket
2003
release “Winterschatten” their best release and for every fan
worth investigating. www.displeasedrecords.com,
www.vinterriket.com
Matthias Auch
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VIOLATOR
Chemical Assault
(Earache Records)
37:12min
Brazil's VIOLATOR (not to be confused with another act named
VIOLATOR from Bauru, Sao Paulo) got together back in early 2002 and
already released their first rehearsal demo "Killer
Instinct" a little later the same year. An EP ("Violent
Mosh", 2004) and a split release with the band BYWAR
("Violent War", 2005), as well as a couple of compilation
contributions followed until they finally unleashed their first full
length album "Chemical Assault" via the small Kill Again
Records label in October 2006. The current line-up consists of Pedro
Arcanjo (bass / vocals), Pedro Augusto (guitars), David Araya
(drums) and Marcio Enei (guitars). These guys were already totally
dedicated to pure oldschool Thrash Metal right from the beginning
and in that respect often got compared to acts like VIO-LENCE,
SEPULTURA, TESTAMENT, DARK ANGEL, KREATOR, NUCLEAR ASSAULT or
EXODUS... I totally agree about their overall musical approach,
which is the most honest sounding and dedicated Thrash I've heard in
quite some time. Can't really tell you if all of those comparisons
are right as "Chemical Assault" is currently the only
VIOLATOR release I know, but judging them by this album alone I
would describe their music as a very solid mixture of "Bonded
By Blood" - era EXODUS, with elements of ASSASSIN
("Interstellar Experience", especially for the vocal
delivery) and some early SACRIFICE (for the SLAYER / DESTRUCTION
overtones in the riffing). So, don't expect any boring retro Death /
Thrash here, but a highly extreme, very well written and furiously
performed 80s Thrash inferno. No surprise that Earache Records
picked up the album and re-released it, so that it finally should be
easily available everywhere from now on. Great one! For all further
info check out www.violatorthrash.com,
www.myspace.com/viothrash
Frank Stöver
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VISCERAL BLEEDING
Remnants Revived
(Neurotic Records)
37:43min
I don't know for sure why this album went out of print in its original
version so quickly... I mean, UK's Retribute Records used to release
it back in 2002 as "Remnants Of Deprivation", but as soon
as the band was picked up by the promising new label Neurotic Records
for their follow-up full length "Transcend Into Ferocity",
the rights probably got sold from one company to the other. So, VISCERAL
BLEEDING is fully connected to Neurotic now. Those of you who missed
out on the original (for further details check out the review somewhere
else on this page) shouldn't worry too much as this re-issue turned
out pretty exciting, an increased playing time and definitely offers
even more value for your hard earned money. The whole disc comes as
a digipack now, still features all the lyrics, got totally remastered
and has got quite a lot of bonus material on offer. First of all there's
two cover tunes by CANNIBAL CORPSE ('Stripped, Raped And Strangled')
and DISMEMBER ('Dreaming In Red')... While the first one seems to be
a pretty obvious choice, considering that VISCERAL BLEEDING most certainly
do appeal to a similar fan base musically, the DISMEMBER song remains
a little bit of a mystery to me. Even though it's done with class, an
older classic of those guys would probably have been the better choice
as 'Dreaming...' is way too melodic and therefore doesn't really fit
VISCERAL's own style that well. The re-issue also features the album
track 'Carved Down To The Bone' as a re-recording (rather superfluous,
as the original was convincing enough already!) as well as a promotional
b&w video clip of it. Done quite professionally, yet not as convincing
as their clip for 'Fury Unleashed' (which is to be found on "Transcend
Into Ferocity"). And last, but not least you're getting three live
video clips ('Trephine The Malformed', 'Fury Unleashed' and 'All Flesh'),
recorded at the La Locomotice club in Paris while VISCERAL BLEEDING
supported OBITUARY. The sound is quite good, yet very raw and the overall
impression to me an obvious proof that the guys are certainly highly
skilled musicians, but they still seem a bit insecure in a live situation
(let's blame it on their pretty young age...). Nevertheless, all in
all this is a really cool re-issue that you should definitely pick up,
either if you originally missed out on it or if you're a fan of the
very brutal US style Death Metal! www.visceralbleeding.com,
www.neurotic-records.com
Frank
Stöver
BACK
VIVA
What The Hell Is Going On!
(Axe Killer Records)
34:57min
I really wonder what people nowadays will think about this album who
don't remember VIVA from the early 80's Hardrock / Heavy Metal
scene... Does the material sound dated?! I don't know. Maybe it
does... But as far as I'm concerned, "What The Hell Is Going
On!" was always an essential release to me and I still
recall that I used to play the vinyl version many many times (in
turn with SAMSON's "Before The Storm", DEF LEPPARD's "Pyromania"
and TYGERS OF PAN TANG's "Spellbound") back
in those days! VIVA was a five-piece band from Hannover, Germany
and mainly got their media attention because of the fact that their
keyboard player was Barbara Schenker, the little sister of Michael
(MSG, UFO) and Rudolf (SCORPIONS). Even though they already
released an album before this (the still pretty ridiculous and immature
sounding "Born To Rock" in 1980), "What
The Hell Is Going On!" was the first to be taken completely
serious. VIVA used to play a very straight forward, melodic Hardrock
/ Heavy Metal, with emotional guitar leads in the typical Schenker
tradition, effectively used, moody keyboards and a rough,
yet melodic voice, courtesy of the Swiss Marc Paganini (who
replaced original vocalist Frank Algermissen). "What The
Hell Is Going On!" features a nicely balanced mixture
of heavier tunes as well as a great ballad ('Screaming
For Your Love') and to me always was the best VIVA album (even
though their follow up "Dealers Of The Night" became
way more successful). Theygot the talent, the right label to push
them (CBS) and the looks to make it pretty big, but unfortunately the
usual line-up changes killed the band on the long run. And their following
kinda polished sounding albums "Apocalypse" and
"Cream-Cake Box" are not necessarily of interest anymore for
old VIVA fans. So, if you'd like to go on a nostalgic journey,
pick up "What The Hell Is Going On!" and experience
the magicof timeless Hard'n'Heavy music. By the way, it is the first
time that this is available on CD (no bonus tracks, but impressive
packaging). Now I just hope that Axe Killer Records will come up
with "Dealers Of The Night" next. If you can't find
the CD at your local dealer, order it here.
Frank Stöver
BACK
VIVA
Dealers
Of The Night
(Axe Killer Records)
35:57min
It really was about time that this album would finally be re-issued
as people already tend to pay ridiculously high prices for the original
CD version. "Dealers Of The Night" was the third full length
album of this Hannover based fivepiece (following "Born To Rock"
and "What The Hell Is Going On") and also their "breakthrough"
release (approx. 250.000 sold units in Europe). The reason for its success
(apart from the great looking fantasy cover art) was probably the song
'Some Kind Of Wonderful' (a cover tune) which became a big hit in several
rock discotheques at the time and immediately increased the band's popularity.
That's probably also a big reason, why in most people's opinions "Dealers
Of The Night" is VIVA's best offering. Well, even though it certainly
has its moments (the titletrack 'Dealers Of The Night', the quite heavy
'Looking For An Answer' or the poppy ballad 'Spend The Night' are standouts),
I always preferred "What The Hell Is Going On" over "Dealers…"
for the simple fact that the combination of Barbara Schenker's keyboard
melodies with the band's straight ahead Hardrock and Marc Paganini raw
voice just fitted together a lot better. While "What The Hell Is
Going On" somehow stood the test of time, "Dealers Of The
Night" partly sounds a little dated nowadays and people who don't
know VIVA from the early 80's probably won't get into it anymore. So
at the end of the day, this is nothing more than a re-issue for all
nostalgic Hardrockers. But they will appreciate it for sure! On sale here.
Frank Stöver
BACK
VULCANO
Anthropophagy
(I Hate Records)
58:26min
The second album by one of Brazilian's earliest extreme Metal bands
besides SEXTHRASH, SARCOFAGO, HOLOCAUSTO etc. is VULCANO, who released
their debut "Bloody Vengeance" in 1986, only unleashed upon
black gold and in times of Ebay I bet it is pretty expensive. Swedish
up and coming label I Hate Records decided to release this unpolished
piece of utterly violent Thrash
Metal for the first time on CD and as a bonus included the band's 1983
"Devil On My Roof" demo, which is actually of almost ridiculously
low quality... and I don't mean the sound. Fortunately the eleven songs
of VULCANO's 1987 effort "Anthropophagy" are way better,
despite remastering you still hear the vinyl whisper and the contempt,
furiosity and enthusiasm making so many of the early South American
hordes so intense and aggressive is present on each tune! If you need
a crisp and clear production and expect technically perfect musicianship
when it comes down to 80s Thrash, this might be a bit too harsh for
you, but if you associate Thrash with an uncompromising attitude, speed
and sheer aggression, you might dig this! Though the album was remastered
it is certainly not a caress for your ear, but Brazilian bands like
the aforementioned ones and VULCANO are no exception, were essential
for what we call Black / Thrash today and the emotions, in particular
the rage, with which albums like "Anthropophagy", "Campo
De Exterminio" or "Sexual Carnage" were recorded is absolutely
timeless and appealling. The layout of the CD is once again exemplary
with a good load of old photos, lyrics to all songs and the original
front and back cover of the LP. Die hard fans of old Brazilian Thrash
who had not a chance to get the LP yet should get this instantly! All
others should at least try this little Metal history-lesson... www.ihaterecords.cjb.net
Stefan Franke
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VULCANO
Tales From The Black Book
(I Hate Records)
42:37min
When one thinks of influential Metal from Brazil, the first band
that pops into mind is SEPULTURA and unless you’re a fan of
Brazilian / South American Metal, one would usually look no further.
Seldom is a name like VULCANO’s ever mentioned except by those
that know of their history and significance well. Little is it known
that VULCANO were actually the first South American band playing
extreme Metal…or possibly Metal for that matter. And even though
at one point they were labelmates with the aforementioned SEPULTURA,
they didn’t possess the same appeal that would later attract
bigger labels as the latter band eventually moved on to bigger
things and eventually become an iconic name in Metal and the most
popular band (not just Metal, SEPULTURA’s popularity was unrivaled
by any other band of any other genre of music) ever to rise out of
the continent. Nevertheless, their 1986 debut “Bloody Vengeance”
managed to still make an impact on the extreme Metal underground in
their home country and is even considered to be one of the first
extreme Metal albums released alongside opuses like “Morbid
Visions” and “Seven Churches”…perhaps not in the same league
of popularity or even influence, but still managed to stand on its
own. It’s fair to say that “Bloody Vengeance” was / is a
hidden gem in the whole spectrum of extreme Metal back in those days
as people would’ve been more inclined to first check out the
aforementioned releases along with other, better known titles /
bands in the genre. It’s with regret to say that this was their
only noteworthy album from their early period. After the release of
three more, less captivating releases the band went on a 14 year
hiatus until reforming and releasing their most recent recording
“Tales From The Black Book” in 2004. It’s safe to say that the
14 year break gave the band’s songwriting abilities the much
needed rest required to recharge its batteries…for they have
returned with great force and reckoning on this album. The music
here sounds like a heavier, faster, more aggressive SODOM with a
generous dose of NWOBHM / Speed Metal (to say the band was listening
to a lot of MOTÖRHEAD during the recording of this album would be
an understatement). The result is some awesome Black / Thrash /
Speed Metal reminiscent of contemporary act TOXIC HOLOCAUST who also
successfully employs this particular genre hybrid. The only main
flaw I found with this record is that the songs do tend to get a bit
repetitive in formula halfway throughout. It does somewhat fall into
the cliché of bands attempting to recapture the sound of their
early work with comeback releases, but that isn’t really too bad
of a thing in this case…the style is executed well, the songs
(although lacking in variation and originality) are very enjoyable
and you will most definitely find yourself headbanging to many of
them. Overall, it’s a good return from a band that’s been out of
the loop for a while. If you haven’t heard anything by them, you
can check out some song samples here: www.myspace.com/vulcanobrazil
Edward Zangeneh
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VOMITORY
Raped In Their Own Blood
(The Plague / Hammerheart Rec.)
40:33min
VOMITORY's
debut full length "Raped In Their Own Blood" originally
came out at the end of 1996 and still features former vocalist Ronnie
Olsen (who left VOMITORY shortly after to concentrate full-time
on Swedish alcoholic Metal bastards GEHENNAH). Musically the featured
ten okay sounding tracks were still lacking a bit in exciting ideas
and variety but at least came up with raw, straight forward intensity
and deep growling vocals. Unlike most of their countrymen, VOMITORY
never had this typical Sunlight- nor Fredman sound – their material
was just a hell lot more brutal executed. Knowing their incredible
evolution ever since, I can tell you that this album by no means
represents the quality of what was to come in the following years.
I'm not too sure why it got re-issued so quickly, but I guess this
was mainly because Wilko (from their old label Fadeless Records)
is responsible for Hammerheart's sublabel "The Plague"
nowadays and therefore has better distribution opportunities. You'll
get no bonus tracks, no remix and no change in the packing, so if
you already own the original, there's no need to spend money on
this again.
On sale here.
Frank
Stöver
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VOMITORY
Redemption
(The Plague / Hammerheart Rec.)
33:12min
Approximate
two years after "Raped In Their Own Blood" Swedish VOMITORY
returned with a slightly changed line-up (Jussi Linna on vocals
and Erik Rundqvist on bass) and a far better second full length,
entitled "Redemption"! As Andi already praised the album
in UNHOLY TERROR # 2, I try to keep this short. Even though most
of the typical Swedish trademarks did remain (especially in the
guitar department), it seems to me that VOMITORY had additionally
listened to a lot of American Death Metal stuff as well while writing
the eight songs for this album. Everything had just become so much
more brutal! Just take new frontman Jussi, who has a really cool
deep Death Metal voice and easily makes you forget about former
vocalist Ronnie. There's a big step forward in the production and
the guys' playing abilities have also become a lot better, which
resulted in some really outstanding and totally crushing tracks.
On top of all you'll get a devastating cover of the old GOD MACABRE
classic "Ashes Of Mourning Life"!! Awesome - this is Death
Metal in its purest form! Too bad that the material from their 10"
picture disc (which came out in October 1999) wasn't included as
a bonus on this re-issue, cause to me those songs even blow away
the entire "Redemption" album! Can't wait to hear their
Metal Blade debut!
On sale here.
Frank
Stöver
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WARFARE
Metal Anarchy – The Best Of Warfare (DoCD)
(Sanctuary / Castle Music)
110:17min
UK's WARFARE started out in the early 80s with a classic three piece line-up,
consisting of drummer / vocalist Evo (a former member of ANGELIC UPSTARTS and
MAJOR ACCIDENT), guitarist Gunner and bassist Falken. Musically the band
combined the best of early VENOM with some TANK and MOTÖRHEAD elements and
spiced it all with a rather punky edge. The funny thing is that members of
exactly these three bands were involved in WARFARE's early releases in one way
or another. Their 1984 debut album ("Pure Filth") was produced by
TANK's mainman Algy Ward, the follow-up ("Metal Anarchy") by Lemmy
from MOTÖRHEAD and album number three ("Mayhem Fuckin' Mayhem") by
VENOM's Cronos. Algy as well as members of VENOM also guested on the "Pure
Filth" track 'Rose Petals Fall From Her Face' (which is unfortunately
missing on this compilation), MOTÖRHEAD's Wurzel contributed guitarwork to the
"Metal Anarchy" album and VENOM's Mantas to "A Conflict Of Hatred".
So, those guys either had a pretty big influence on WARFARE or Evo and his lads
simply got the opportunity to work with like-minded, yet more established people
at the time. A whole bunch of albums and EPs have been released throughout the
years, so that this "Best Of" compilation isn't really able to do
justice to their entire work, with the album's title being a bit misleading in
that repect. Instead of their "best" tunes (a rather subjective
opinion anyway), you'll get a collection of material from their classic Neat
Records debut single "Noise, Filth & Fury" as well as the albums
"Pure Filth" (minus the aforementioned 'Rose Petals Fall From Her
Face'), "Metal Anarchy" (minus the track 'Commando'), two songs off
"Mayhem, Fuckin' Mayhem" and eight songs from "Conflict Of Hatred"
plus the ROBERT PALMER cover 'Addicted To Love' (which originally only came out
as a single)... 32 tracks in total. Too bad that their very cool and devastating
cover of the FRANKIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD 80s smash hit 'Two Tribes' and the
several rather hard to find EP B-sides, such as 'Hell', 'Rape', 'Burnin' Up' or
Destroy' weren't included here as well (only 'Blown To Bits' from the "Two
Tribes" EP made it onto this double CD set). But all in all, this is still
a very cool overview about the band's earlier stuff, nicely packaged with lots
of pictures, magazine articles and stuff. You can order the CD here.
Frank Stöver
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WARHEAD
Speedway / The Day After
(Mausoleum Records)
59:13min
Mausoleum are really back - maybe stronger than ever! To celebrate their 20th
anniversary, they've decided to reissue most of their back catalogue, releasing
two albums on one CD most of the time. BLACKLACE, OSTROGOTH, KILLER, CROSSFIRE
and most of all WARHEAD got that treatment. While WARHEAD were certainly the
less well known act out of the bunch I mentioned, they were definitively the
fastest / heaviest and best act out of them all and Mausoleum best signing ever!
I mean CROSSFIRE, OSTROGOTH and the likes don't stand a chance against the
ravaging fury WARHEAD delivered. Didier Capelle was a dream guitar player for
any band around considering the ability he had to write sharp / catchy /
devastating riffs all the way. While their sheer brilliance wasn't yet that
evident on "Speedway" as there was some immature arrangements at times
and Patrick De Vidts vocals weren't that hot (don't take me wrong most of this
album still shreds!), "The Day After” is another story as it's nothing
but sheer brilliance all the way (except 'Last Night' which sounds somewhat like
a filler and is too long) as the riffing is simply untouchable here and as never
been equalled again in Europe when it comes to Power / Speed Metal bands. I mean
you can't go wrong with songs such as 'Evil Night', 'Legions Of Hell', 'Devil’s
Church' and the totally awesome title track (well I agree the song titles can
make you laugh but it was '86!), godly Speed Metal. Get that right away, put
your headphones on and enjoy this at maximum volume and then try to tell me that
CROSSFIRE and the likes were superior haha (by the way, trivia fans will be
interested to know that Patrick sung with CROSSFIRE after Peter De Wint left
them in the late ‘80s and Patrick is back in the reformed CROSSFIRE now!).
GODS! Order
here.
Laurent Ramadier
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WARNING SF
Aftermath
(Mausoleum Records)
35:47min
You can
blame it on good ol' Laurent from Snakepit Magazine that I finally checked these
guys out as he was praising this album like crazy in the magazine's latest issue
(#11). He even put "Aftermath" in the same (major) league as alltime
Metal classics such as ANVIL's "Forged In Fire", JAG PANZER's
"Ample Destruction", METAL CHURCH's "Metal Church",
ANTHRAX's "Fistful Of Metal" and METALLICA's "Kill 'Em All"!
Well, knowing about the influential status of all those releases I personally
wouldn't necessarily agree with a statement like that, but gotta admit though
that the album's material still sounds really fresh, even today. To really
understand that, you probably need to know that seven out of the ten featured
tracks on offer here are re-recorded versions of old material, originally
written and performed by WARNING and THUNDERHEAD in the early 80s, while the
remaining three tunes are original demo versions from 1985. The band's origin
already dates back to 1982, when they started out in the Bay Area as WARNING,
making themselves a good name in the underground for quite a while until they
disappeared again, without ever having recorded an album. In 2000 mainman Jon
Torres (who's also been involved in THUNDERHEAD, ULYSSES SIREN, ANGEL WITCH,
REPULSA, I4NI and LÄÄZ ROCKIT) finally decided to reform the band as WARNING
SF (in order not to be mistaken with other acts of the same name), but with a
slightly changed line-up, that besides him nowadays only consists of one other
original member: Brian Pool (who switched from guitar / keyboards to bass &
keyboards). Aaron Jellum on guitar (LÄÄZ ROCKIT), Torre Carstensen on vocals
(formerly of MY VICTIM) and drummer Will Carroll complete the picture and the
result is a great Metal album, full of Bay Area type melodic Thrash, with
incredible guitar harmonies and a (newer) Hetfield like vocal delivery. It often
kinda reminds me on a mixture of the strongest moments of classic HEATHEN meets
ANGEL WITCH meets METALLICA without ANY crappy Nu Metal elements! This is pure
Metal insanity from start to finish, done by a bunch of people who really know
what this music demands and what it's all about! A strong production and great
artwork complete the overall positive picture. Not really an alltime classic,
but certainly a really fine example of how great the bands out of the Bay Area
scene used to be (and still are)! On sale
here.
Frank Stöver
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WILDFIRE
Brute
Force And Ignorance
41:11min
Summer Lightning
47:17min
(Mausoleum
Records)
If
you ever checked out the STATETROOPER interview that we posted on this
site not too long ago you should already be aware of this band as the
whole line-up (minus frontman Paul Mario Day) was hired by former MSG
frontman Gary Barden for his newly founded project. Vocalist Paul, who
had previously been fronting MORE, already made a big impression on
me when I saw the band open up for SAXON way back in 1981 on their "Heavy
Metal Thunder" tour in Germany. I still remember that I went to
a record store a couple days after the show, where I picked up a copy
of BULLET's "Exection" (who were also supporting SAXON) as
well as MORE's debut album "Warhead", which had just come
out on Atlantic Records at the time. But for some reason I enjoyed BULLET
on record a lot more (probably because they were a lot more aggressive
with their AC/DC meets ACCEPT type style) and therefore didn't follow
MORE's activities afterwards anymore. I never checked out the two WILDFIRE
albums "Brute Force And Ignorance" and "Summer Lightning"
either, on which Paul Mario Day was singing after quitting MORE. Big
mistake!!! But thanx to the resurrected Mausoleum label, who recently
re-released a bunch of old classics, I finally was able to check them
out approximately twenty years after they originally came out. On the
debut "Brute Force And Ignorance" WILDFIRE were still playing
a very basic form of traditional Heavy Metal, never as guitar dominated
as MAIDEN for instance, but still strong enough and blessed with a bunch
of great melody lines to be able to stand out among the big masses of
NWOBHM acts that were releasing albums at the time. From todays point
of view Day's vocals on here partly remind me a bit on Jon Deverill
(TYGERS OF PAN TANG), while the songs themselves may not have been perfect
yet, but still stood the test of time (a fact which the production doesn't).
And due to their nicely balanced mixture of heaviness and melody still
sound very entertaining, even today. Musically as well as production
wise 1984's follow-up "Summer Lightning" is a big step forward:
more powerful, yet more catchy and melodic (mainly due to the more dominant
backing vocals) and with a more exciting, emotional kinda THIN LIZZY
- like twin guitar attack. Both albums come up with liner notes, a bunch
of old pictures and "Summer Lightning" even features a bonus
track (the ballad 'Jerusalem'), which originally came out on a limited
edition single and therefore should be quite difficult to find these
days. Considering all the crap that gets released these days, it seems
about time that I also give MORE a second chance now as well... Anyone
out there re-releasing the band's back catalogue maybe? For further
info contact: http://www.mausoleum-records.com.
You can order "Brute Force..." here
and "Summer Lightning" here.
Frank Stöver
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Witches Hammer
Canadian Speed Metal
(Nuclear War Now Productions)
about 38min
Nuclear War Now does it again. I remember thinking in 1987 when I started
my (very) short-lived fanzine "The Black Mark", that I would
never be able to review all the albums being released in those days.
At the time I worked in a local record store as the Metal / import records
buyer (yeah, those 12” round, black things) and so was in a position
to hear just about everything that came out in the States and abroad.
Week after week there were new albums and demos by "great"
Thrash Metal bands, plus “Aardshock”, “Metal Mania” (Ron Quintana's,
thank you very much), “Unholy Book”, “At Dawn They Read”, “Kick
Ass”, “Level Six” etc. promised more and more. Looking back today,
the idea that the scene was then “absolutely flooded with too
many new bands” actually seems quaint. But of course it was flooded
in its own way, and naturally some bands were to slip through the cracks.
Witches
Hammer was
one of those relatively unknown Speed Metal bands, but here is your
chance to play catch up. Filthy dirty Slaughter-ish
guitars, At
War-like vocals,
and Lombardo-worshipping drumming mesh together quite will with the
conventional Thrash Metal topics – 'Legions Of The Undead', 'Mantle
Of Death' and of course, 'Deadly Mantis'. Other songs like 'Thulsa Doom'
and 'INRI' are easy standouts, while 'Frozen God / Witches Hammer' and
'Final Storm' stand the test of time rather well. This LP was mastered
straight from a cassette master, but still sounds quite good. One of
the members was later to resurface in Blasphemy
as Traditional Sodomizer (of the Goddess of Perversity…yes, that Traditional
Sodomizer), but don't buy this expecting to hear another version of
the legendary Ross Bay Desecrators; this is pure, unmitigated '80s thrashing
madness! For more information see: http://nwnprod.fateback.com/
Charles Keller
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