Mongrel  ‘Fear, Lies & Propaganda’

(Screaming Ferret Wreckords/Immolation Records)  By John Haseltine

Okay, these guys rock!

Mongrel are a punk/metal band with an influence list too long to mention. Some do include the likes of The Misfits and Black Flag to Guns & Roses to old-school Metallica. Their sound is a hard rockin’ mix of punk and metal with bits and pieces of the late ‘90’s Seattle sound. Just the right amounts of each that will leave you flabbergasted.

‘Fear, Lies & Propaganda’ was originally released by Immolation Records in late ‘06 and re-released by Screaming Ferret Records earlier this year.

Having opened for bands like Prong, The Misfits, Otep, The Exploited, GWAR and MushroomHead to name a few, Mongrel are fast on their way to success. With relentless touring and dozens upon dozens of radio stations playing their music, Mongrel are ready to take on the world with their pulverizing brand of music.

Each and every track is very infectious in it’s own way while never sounding just like the last one. All the way refreshing yet familiar at the same time. A very well rounded album that is sure to please many music fans of several genre preferences.

Mongrel is in a class of their own and coming to a theater near you. Keep an eye out and check out their music today.

Krisiun ‘Southern Storm’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

What is it that has kept this Brazilian three-piece going for more than 15 years? You’ve got it! Integrity, brutality and an undying fervor for the uncompromising and unrelenting art of pure fucking death metal.

Krisiun are one of the very few bands in any genre of music that can claim consistency from one release to the next. They have also successfully ignored any trends or fad of the day that many bands try to copy for success.

‘Southern Storm’ sees Krisiun’s legendary style of death metal moving not back, not forward, but right where it is meant to be with it’s “ferocious high-speed blasting, infectious double bass-driven grooves, razor sharp ripping, devasting leads and a unique feel for combining catchiness with deceivingly technical riffs.”

Hats off to Krisiun for yet another devastating album. ‘Southern Storm’ will do nothing but please the true fans of the genre and for keeping the independent spirit of death metal alive.

Hammerfall ‘Masterpieces’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

The mighty Hammerfall are back with a spectacular collection of tracks that have inspired Hammerfall as well as many others throughout the years. Yes, a full fledged cover song album. There really is no need to explain the stunning musicianship that is Hammerfall.

If you have not heard them by now, maybe their music is not quite in the genre you listen to (which is okay) or you are just too narrow-minded to really grasp what a great band they really are. This is Hammerfall from fuckin’ Sweden!!! Ha, ha.

Enough said on that. Okay, here is a list of the cover songs Hammerfall have put onto this great new release on Nuclear Blast Records. Also listed is the band who originally recorded it.

Child Of The Damned - Warlord, Ravenlord - Stormwitch, Eternal Dark - Picture, Bavk to Back - Pretty Maids, I Want Out - Helloween, Man On The Silver Mountian - Rainbow, Head Over Heals - Accept, Run With The Devil - Heavy Load, We’re Gonna Make It - Twisted Sister, Breaking The Law - Judas Priest, Angel Of Mercy - Chastain, Rising Force - Yngwie J. Malmsteen’s Rising Force, Detroit Rock City - Kiss, Crazy Nights - Loudness, Nar Vindarna Viskar Mitt Namn - Roger Pontare, Flight Of The Warrior - Riot, Youth Gone Wild - Skid Row, Aphasia - Europe

Hell of a list eh? Well, it’s a hell of an album as well.

Equilibrium ‘Sagas’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

So with the folk & pagan metal growing ever so vastly in popularity, it’s only obvious that there will be a flood of new bands putting out music in these genres. A couple years ago when I first heard it, I really didn’t think too much about it. It was cool and different.

Over the past couple of years, and several more bands, it is a genre that has really grown on me. It is still fresh and different and I’ve not heard a band yet that I have not liked.

Equilibrium are the latest newcomers to the scene. Formed to play only one show back in 2001, the response they received was so great that it wasn’t long after that they shopped a short demo and landed a record deal.

Their debut on Nuclear Blast is an outstanding array of black metal infused with the folk/pagan/polka styles. An excellent mix of music. Believe it or not. This is a style of music that is not just seeing a rise in popularity in Europe, but here in the States as well. This years Paganfest tour proved that with a great turn out every night.

No stone is left unturned on this superb album. Clocking in at the full 79 minutes one disc will allow, ‘Sagas’ is a non-stop charge of symphonic, black-tinged pagan/folk metal. Lyrically touching on the landscapes and history of their heritage. Extreme metal has a new face, and Equilibrium are smack dab in the middle of it.

Scar Symmetry ‘Holographic Universe’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

Well all the praises are true. If you have seen any of them, everyone is in arms about the latest Scar Symmetry release. And you will be too.

From the first track off their debut release in ‘05 I was hooked. Scar Symmetry are the newest masters of their genre. I’m not real sure if they can write a bad song. After three stunning releases, I’d have to say no.

This one pretty much follows the same recipe which has garnered them world-wide success. Melodic death metal has never sounded so good. They have really fine-tuned the melodic aspect of their music on this release. For no other reason than this is just the direction of the bands progression. They may have eased up a touch, but this is an awesome release.

They have their sights set and minds made up. This is Scar Symmetry music. Like it or not. (And you will, trust me!)

Judas Priest ‘Nostradamus’ (Epic/Sony BMG Music) By John Haseltine

With the hype that has been following an incredible journey by “The Metal Gods” in the making of this album, what is one suppose to think? How is one to prepare for what is said to be the most incredible metal release of the decade? Or century?

I was like a giddy school girl since I first heard the title track teaser that was released online. Anticipating the day or release. To my amazement, a promo copy was sent a week early. Yes, yes, yes….

So for any of you mushrooms out there who may not know yet, Judas Priest has been painstakingly at work for the past two years on a concept album about the life and predictions of Nostradamus. Hence the title. And as a huge Priest fan, I’ve talked about it with many other metal heads for the past two years.

The time has come boys and girls, ‘Nostradamus’ is here!!! And which ever copy you purchase, (the $85 vinyl set is the shit! Got it the day it came out!) there are three different formats for you to choose from. You may or may not be disappointed. With several weeks of listening to the title track, (which sounds like it came from the Painkiller era Priest) I was all but geared up for a slamming new album. At first spin I was just a bit confused. I know that is not hard to do, but really, this was nothing I had expected.

The title track is by far the heaviest track on the two-disc set. And if you old-school Priest fans are expecting hard-driving classic Priest, it is not here. There are several melodic tracks wedged between some of the more hard rock/metal fueled tracks. What is here is an awesome spectacle, a stretching of the heavy metal that this band has been producing for the past three decades. It’s pretty much all here. As well as a sound that is fresh and new to the band.

What is great about the story is that it’s not just about predictions. Something that others have done when writing a song about Nostradamus. But this is more mixed-up than that. This, from track to track reflects on the personal feelings and thoughts of the man. Imagine what he must have gone through back in those days. This album helps to let you the listener in on that aspect. As well as some of the writings/predictions.

This is by far the most remarkable of all concept/rock opera albums out there to date. Classic Priest fans may need a couple more listens to appreciate the awe-inspiring music Priest has made. This is a story that once again needs to be heard. Judas Priest are probably one of the only bands who could have pulled this one off the way they did.

Track number one through track number 23 is like a roller coaster ride of metal frenzie and fury that only Priest can deliver. So some stand out tracks are : ‘Nostradamus, Revelations, Death, Persecution, Visions, Exiled, and Alone’.

Judas Priest do not disappoint on this one. The Metal Gods are back!!!

Vomit Trough ‘It’s Grind’ (Self-Release) By John Haseltine

‘It’s Grind’. Yes it is. Well not as grind as I was expecting. I must say, the lyrics/subject matter definitely is. Some sick shit going on in these tunes. Everything from shit-tadpoles, roast beef hatchet wounds to gen-jowling and legburn.

Musically, Vomit Trough are inspired by the likes of Carcass, Autopsy, Terrorizer and Exhumed. Like I said before, the music was sort of a shock. It really leans a bit more towards the death metal side of things. Fairly well done too.

There’s no genre defying material on this release. Nothing that can really stand out and say look at me, look at me, but a nice solid bit of sickened death metal that is played good.

Curimus  ‘Under My Skin’ (Self-Release) By John Haseltine

The band Curimus is from the city of Loimaa in south-western Finland. The band founded in late 2004 and played their first gig in early 2007.

I was pleasantly surprised upon first listen. Being a metal band from Finland, I automatically assumed I knew what to expect from them. I must say, I was totally wrong. What I found was a heavily American metal influenced set of tunes.

‘Under My Skin’ is the second promo/demo release for the band. Their music can found somewhere in the vicinity of thrash/death metal. The band has an unquestionable strength to their writing and playing. Curimus are sure to start creating a buzz real soon in the industry.

The four tracks contained on this disc are very close in the neighborhood of Lamb Of God, (The Gathering-era) of Testament, with touches of (Arise-era) of Sepultura. Okay so Sepultura are not an American metal band, but it has it’s moments. Very, very reminiscent to Lamb Of God. And very well done I might add.

286 ‘The View Inside’ (Self-Release) By John Haseltine

It’s always a pleasure seeing an envelope in the box when it’s from Southern California’s hard rocker 286. I know for a fact that whatever is on the disc is going to kick some serious-ass.

So true is the case here. Once again. Great job guys! Anyways, ‘The View Inside’ is an EP, or would you call it a single? It’s two tracks and a video of the title track.

Well whatever you want to call it, 286 have outdone themselves again. Two tracks of some of the most ferocious hard rockin’ guitar licks in the industry. 286 has influences ranging from AC/DC and Pantera to BLS and Lynyrd Skynyrd and all the talent and musicianship to back it up.

Scott Ian (Anthrax) states : “I pretty much hate all bands, but I actually really like 286’.

Why even listen to me? The mighty Scott Ian has spoken……

Eluveitie ‘Slania’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

This folk metal band from Switzerland is amongst a growing number of bands in the genre starting to make a wave in the metal community. I can’t speak for any other metal heads, but the thought of this concoction when we were first introduced to it seemed a bit strange. I guess no more than any other mix of genres.

Well, Eluveitie truly take it to the next level. That’s one cool thing with this style of metal. It’s still fresh and new enough that there can be many more releases by many more groups before the ever dreaded sounds like “ “ will come in play.

Their music is very well done. A Celtic folk metal with melodic death metal influences in just the right amount of each to bring forth a really unique sounding brand of music. Sure you can put them up there with other acts like Finntroll, Korpiklaani or Cruachan, but Eluveitie’s music is in a league of it’s own. Touching more so on the melodic death sound that has more grooves than an old 78 record.

So if you’re into the like of the above mentioned bands or Amon Amarth, Unleashed, Insomnium or Swallow the Sun even, this is the disc for you. It really is not only a kick-ass melodic death metal album, but also a kick-ass Celtic folk metal album.

Heaven Shall Burn

‘Iconoclast (Part 1: The Final Resistance)’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

German metal titans Heaven Shall Burn have returned with a devastating new album, ‘Iconoclast (Part 1: The Final Resistance)’. And what a treat it is.

Heaven Shall Burn are no strangers when it comes to laying down some punishing riffs. They have put out several, pretty intense albums since their inception. ‘Iconoclast….’ is no different. Well maybe a touch.

There are so many bands out there in every genre that puts out good music. Some more unique and original than others. Some not so. Heaven Shall Burn are an exception to that rule. Their brand of melodic death metal fueled by a bounty of metal-core in second to none. Not many bands can actually deliver this style of music with such conviction and passion to really make it believable. Heaven Shall Burn do just that.

Warrel Dane ‘Praises To The War Machine’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

Well now, here’s one that you all will be pleasantly surprised with. I was wondering when I received this what it would sound like. A lot of times when a member of an accomplished band puts out a solo effort, it seems to fall short of it’s expectations. I will not any, but most of you may know what I mean.

Teaming up with Peter Wichers (ex-Soilwork), Dirk Verbeuren (Soilwork), and Matt Wick land (ex-Himsa), this new release by Warrel Dane is a must for all.

“The material is more straightforward than Nevermore,” states Warrel, “but I don’t know what to call it.” There’s no need to really call it anything but a great record.

All the tracks, musically, are pretty diverse rolling through much of the metal spectrum. Lyrically, Dane ‘unleashes a barrage of introspective and personal lyrics that are heartfelt and extremely powerful.’ ‘Truly a melodic assault that quickly hooks you in.’

This is definilty a must for all Nevermore fans as there are a few reminiscences of their music. But ultimately, this is Warrel Dane. An effort that sounds even better than the 110% these guys put into it.

Embrace The End ‘Ley Lines’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

This Sacramento-based quintet are blasting their way through the underground scene with a concoction of some technical brutality and groove-laden melody. Yep, and another stating their unmatched brutality is like no other. Sonically, death-core to scream-core metal.

Well, sorry guys. Most of the sophomore release here is just like many other acts in the same type genre. Not saying that they are not good, because that’s not the case. Just that throughout the disc there are so many areas that just remind me of what so many other bands have been doing over the past couple years.

Scathing blast beats accompanied by some fairly intense breakdowns and the ever so popular dual vocalist bombardment. The musicianship flows well here. These guys do have some talent.

With a fresh line-up in place, Embrace The End are ready to take on the world as we know it. Maybe so. An over all descent extreme metal release that is worthy of a listen.

Stereoside ‘So Long’ (Bieler Bros. Records) By John Haseltine

So the date was June 16^th, 2006. I’m at a show to see Drowning Pool & Silent Civilian. Stereoside was the opening act before the above mentioned and Twin Method. Right away I was taken in by their high-energy performance and catchy, heavy-riff filled brand of hard rock.

So after their set, they were at their merch table, and I went over to shake the hand of vocalist Eddie Sweeney and tell him how much I liked their set. His reply, “Thanks. But if you really like us, you’ll buy a CD.” Okay Eddie, you’ve got a point. So I did. I bought a copy of their debut release, “Wake-Up”. I ended up getting hooked on it for a few weeks. Not too often I get caught up into listening to a new straight-up rock band. But I did. It’s a worthy effort that you should really try to track down.

That was then, and this is now. Eddie has since been replaced by Jeff Shields. He seems to fill the shoes well. He seems to have about the same commanding vocals as the previous singer. As for the debut release on Bieler Bros. Records, not quite as strong as “Wake-Up”. It is however a lot more commercial/radio friendly.

The tracks are all fairly hard rockin’ never edging too far past the hard point. They rank right up there with all you Shinedown, Nonpoint, Fuel, Crossfade & Smile Empty Souls out there. There’s no denying the talent and knack Stereoside has for writing fairly familiar, yet memorable radio style hard rock.

Music With Impact (DVD) ‘Various Artists' (Regain Records) By John Haseltine

Regain Records has issued this DVD with a stellar line-up of bands. All the videos are the bands professional studio videos. 23 full-length videos by some of today’s hottest acts. There’s a little bit of something on here for every metal head and is an awesome DVD that is a must for any fans collection. Very nice layout.

Bands and tracks include: Sahg - ‘Godless Faith’, Behemoth - ‘Conquer All / Slaves Shall Serve’, Dimension Zero - ‘Immaculate’, Arch Enemy - ‘Bury Me An Angel’, Embraced - ‘Princess Of Twilight’, Deranged - ‘Eroti(kill)’, Defleshed - ‘Grind & Rewind’, Bronx Casket Co. - ‘Little Dead Girl’, Samael - ‘Telepath’, Vader - ‘This Is The War / Helleluyah!!!(God Is Dead)’, Marduk - ‘Throne Of Rats’, Tenebre - ‘Mistress Of The Dark’, Totalt Javla Morker - ‘Kall Varld’, Nightmare - ‘A Taste Of Armageddon’, Death SS - ‘Give Em Hell’, Dark Funeral - ‘Atrum Regina’, Dismember - ‘Trail Of The Dead’, Ragnarok - ‘Blackdoor Miracle’, Necrophobic - ‘Blinded By Light’ , Mustasch - ‘Parasite’, Sargatanas Reign - ‘Come Greet Me Crawler’.

Ayreon ‘01011001’ (Insideout Music/SPV USA) By John Haseltine

Legendary multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and vocalist Arjen Anthony Lucassen is back with his latest opus in the rock opera genre, ‘01011001’. This is the seventh release under the Ayreon project.

It’s almost nauseating to listen to this in a way. But only in the way that, in this genre of music, this is absolute perfection. In every way. Hard to believe? No not really. Every now and again it happens in every genre. A band puts out such a flawless album that it’s almost sickening.

And so Lucassen does it again. But did you have any doubts? He’s a master of his craft. And with an all-star cast to help out in the story-telling of planet Y (which is the album title in binary computer code) and the struggle for emotional survival in an age of increased technological dependence .

Guest vocalists and musicians include Ty Tabor (King’s X), Michael Romeo (Symphony X), Thomas Bodin (The Flower Kings, Derek Sherinian (Planet X), Ed Warby (Gorefest), Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian, Tom Englund (Evergrey) and Anneke von Giersbergen (The Gathering). Also starring, Jonas Renske, Floor Jensen, Jorn Lande, Magali Luyten, Bob Catley, Steve Lee, Daniel Gildenlow, Simone Simons, Phideaux Xavier, Liselotte Hegt, Wudstik, Marjan Welman.

This 2-disc release clocks in at 102 minutes and you can get it in three different editions. ‘01011001’ comes complete with Ayreon’s trademark musical styles. Progressive space metal, electronic, folk and symphonic rock which combines soaring, power vocals with softer melodic passages. Higher operatic voices with ominous death growls. Truly a unique listening experience that will leave the listener only wanting more.

Devian ‘Ninewinged Serpent’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

Not wanting to be pigeonholed by their previous band moniker, (Marduk), vocalist Legion and Emil-drums set out to bridge the gap between the extreme modern metal of today and the melodic side from days of old.

Well there’s something to be said for that. Same plan everyone else seems to have. Well I’m not real clear on how Devian seem to think they are doing anything really new. I don’t seem to hear the ‘80’s style brand of harmonies and melodies that the band seem to say they portray in their music.

One thing is for sure, Devian do a fantastic job on their debut album. I would call it more of a melodic death metal. It’s an extremely powerful release with sort of an old school vibe built on a “catchy combination of melody and aggression”. Not so much of the melody, but still a solid effort.

All in all, Legion and Co. do a superb job at what they do here. Devian are definilty a band that will be and need to be noticed. And though they are really not doing anything too new to add to the scene, ’Ninewinged Serpent’ is what it is. A potent brand of Scandinavian death metal with plenty of groove to please to masses. Very well done.

Winds Of Plague ‘Decimate The Weak’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

Wow! Holy shit! This is like no other. One thing even weirder, this is a Southern California band. No offense So.Cal. This is just the style that we always hear from Scandinavian/European bands. Incredible.

Well if none of that makes any sense to you, you really just need to sit back and give this latest release by Winds Of Plague a listen. ‘Decimate The Weak’ is the bands sophomore release, first on Century Media.

From the first time I heard this, I have been in sheer awe of the intense brutality the band spews forth. I’ve heard similar attempts at blackened/death-core, but none really have had much of an effect on these ears. Winds Of Plague unleash a furious non-stop attack on the senses in a broad spectrum of metal. Most easily described as death-core, Winds Of Plague blend some helacious Atmospheric Scandinavian black metal with some classier American metal while staying close to there hardcore roots. There’s even keyboards.

I haven’t been able to get enough of this since I received it in the mail a couple weeks ago. It’s hard to describe. Maybe it’s just that I can’t seem to know of any other act out there that is playing this blend of extreme metal. And if they are, I’m not quite sure they could top the sounds of Winds Of Plague.

For fans of Hatebreed, Sick of It All, Dimmu Borgir, Dark Funeral, Lamb Of God, Pantera. Well, after they were all blended up and thrown together. There are subtle elements of each and many more in their intoxicating brand of metal.

Polkadot Cadaver ‘Purgatory Dance Party’ (Rotten Records) By John Haseltine

What do you get when you add equal parts of polka, jazz, metal, rock, acoustical melodies, and techno-goth? A lot of you may say a bunch of crap. The rest of you will probably say Dog Fashion Disco. And like many, I too learned about DFD with the incredible release of ‘Adultery’ in 2006. A little too late now huh? Shortly after it’s release they disbanded. Well sort of.

2007 sees three members of DFD (Todd Smith, Jasan Steep, John Ensminger) picking up where DFD left off. Picking up with a new band Polkadot Cadaver and a slew of new material. Not real sure why they would disband DFD and put out a new album under a different moniker that is essentially the same music and style of their previous band. Chalk it up to frustration? Maybe. I’ve considered the same myself.

Well this new album by avante-garde / experimental metal masters Polkadot Cadaver is just what it is. A display of what very, very few band can achieve. The melding of so many different genres of music into a molting pot of mayhem that is nothing short of extraordinary. Call it mid-boggling, mind-blowing, incredible or whatever. It’s all the same. A kick-ass fusion of music that is now known as Polkadot Cadaver.

Many have put this latest release right up there with the styling of Faith No More, Mr. Bungle to Slayer and their previous band DFD. Really it’s just a new DFD album to me. I’m sure doing it this way means something to the members that myself am unaware of. One thing I can say, this is in a class of it’s own. Sure you can say that this tracks resembles Slayer here or Bungle there, ect., ect., ect. But the real truth is, is that this is DFD at it’s best with a different name. Maybe after another disc or two, most reviewers, myself included will not be referencing DFD in every other line of a review. Same with the fans that DFD has acquired over their 10 year career. Who along with myself were a bit upset with the initial announcement that DFD were no more. No need to worry about that anymore.

So for all you DFD fans out there who have not yet had the pleasure to check this disc out, you’re in for quite a treat. All the creepy, dark-disturbing and perverse lyrics are still intact. Sexual perversion, Anti-religious sentiment, murderous concepts, it’s all here people. Fucking beautiful if you ask me.

Pagan Fire ‘Various Artists’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

In this day and age, we all know too well that there seems to be a separate genre for every damn band out there today. No one ever really wants to be pigeon-holed into a specific category. Or do they?

Well here Nuclear Blast has a wonderful collection of the best classic and up-and-coming Folk, Pagan and Viking Metal acts around. Genres which are usually bundled together in just the Viking category, but as with any and all genres, yes, they do at times need to be separated.

I’m always one to push CDS like these on people. One is because they usually always have a great selection of bands/music. Two, this is a great way for any fan to be able to hear a track by a band to decide whether they want to pursue any of their catalog for future purchases.

‘Pagan Fire’ is a monumental, war-obsessed collection of some of the aforementioned genre greats. Old and new. Bands include: Bathory, Enslaved, Unleased, Amon Amarth, Wintersun, Finntroll, Equilibrium, Moonsorrow, Bal-Sagoth, Eluveitie, Korpiklaani, Ensiferum, Falkenbach, Thyrfing and Turisas. There is also a DVD which comes with your copy that features most of the bands listed.

Sworn Enemy ‘Maniacal’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

It seemed to be for the past several years, most of the shows I have been able to get to here in the mid-west had Sworn Enemy as an opening act. Seriously, I’ve seen them more times in the past four or five years than I’ve seen my immediate family members (only due to living so far apart).

So when I first caught them, I thought they were just another mediocre metal-core band. Good at what they did, but myself not really being that too big of a fan of it. It was like the industry was bombarded with it at the time and it was more of a lack of interest by then.

But through the years and many shows I’ve been able to catch them at, they really seemed to grow on me. Their sound has definilty evolved quite a bit over the past several outings. And added to the high-energy performances they put on, one can’t help to respect such a hard working act.

I was totally blown away by their latest release, ’Maniacal’, out on Century Media. It still has the hints of metal-core here and there, but their new material has a lot more of a thrash edge to it. More now than ever before. Could it be part of the “thrash revival”? Who knows. What I can say though, is that Sworn Enemy have now garnered a spot on the keepers shelf here in the office.

Avantasia ‘The Scarecrow’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

After five years of silence, Tobias Sammet and his highly praised side project Avantasia are back with a magnificent follow-up to his ‘Metal Opera’.

Most of you may know just from the name, but for the rest of you, Tobias is the mastermind behind the hugely successful EDGUY. Avantasia was just a side project when it was first started. More of a man fulfilling one of his dreams. Well it was a hit. And now after a long, long break, Tobias has put together not only a stellar list of guest musicians, but an ensemble of some of the catchiest/most diverse collection of hard rock to symphonic speed metal I have ever heard on one album.

Avantasia are Tobias Sammet (Edguy) - vocals, bass Sascha Paeth (Luca Turilli, Aina, Heaven’s Gate) - guitars and Eric Singer (Kiss) - drums. The guest list includes a few of the following: some guest vocals by Amanda Somerville (Aina), Jorn Lande (Masterplan), Alice Cooper, Roy, Khan, Oliver Hartman (Aina), Michael Kiske (Helloween), Bob Catley and more. A few guitar parts by the one and only Rudolf Schenker (Scorpions).

Highlights of the disc, besides the superb production job by Sascha Paeth (Angra, Rhapsody, Kamelot) uh, well….the whole thing!

Death Angel ‘Killing Season’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

Now this is more like it! The follow up the their 2004 release ‘The Art Of Dying’, on Nuclear Blast Records could quite possibly be “the release” of 2008.

With the reunion album, ‘TAOD’, being a little too inconsistent for my taste, I was wondering what this one would give. To me it seemed the last release was more of a  push to write and get out like many reunion albums. Well, the reaction throughout the world of metal music inspired/rejuvenated the band. Or so it seems.

‘Killing Season’ could have easily followed ‘Act III’. The signature Death Angel sound is here. This is the shit that launched the band into early stardom back in the day. If any one of you out there have your doubts because maybe ‘TAOD’ was not up to par for your taste, you really need to head over to your local music store and pick this one up. It’s just about as flawless of an album if I’ve ever heard one.

Sure Death Angel’s sound has matured over the years. This happens with any band. The thing with ‘Killing Season’ is that, yes it has a more mature, somewhat polished sound while sticking to the roots of their style. There’s no doubt that anybody can recognized that this is Death Angel with only listening to a tidbit of any of the relentless 11 tracks that fill the album.

Pink Steel  ‘Out At The Devil’ (Fistful Of Love Productions) By John Haseltine

“No girls, no girls. Just boys, just boys. Gonna throw a sausage party that the men will enjoy”.

These are the first lines of the opening track by New York-based, Bremen, Germany- bred gay heavy metal band Pink Steel. Yes, you are reading this right. A gay heavy metal band.

I’m sure that there are a lot more gay heavy metal musicians out there then not. With Pink Steel, these guys/gays are more of a parody/cabaret comedy act. I think.

The two responsible are vocalist Hanson Jobb and guitarist Udo Von DuYu. Rounding out the band on bass is Klaus Schave and Helmut Bang on drums.

Musically, the band is right on with talent and musicianship of any of the ‘80s top glam/hair metal bands. Very memorable songs throughout. Lyrically, it’s another story. The lyrics are close to very funny to somewhat disturbing. At least for me. But I guess it’s not any different in the gay culture to chant about “cock” than in the hetro world chanting about “tits and vaginas”. Both have similarities in the metal world when talking about ass. Just depends which side of the fence you’re on. There are some hilarious out takes with Hanson and Udo between tracks.

Apparently they are making quite a stir on the east coast playing sold out shows and receiving praise in many magazines all over the country. Whether you take them seriously or not is up to you. The gay community seems to enjoy them. I can’t see how. Well I can, but I’m sure there are a lot who are upset with their music. You can’t please everyone. They have to be offending someone.

Are Pink Steel really gay? That’s a question I have not seen asked in any of the press material. Or openly admitted by the band. If so, kudos to you guys for this band. If not, well, kudos to you for this band. Either way it’s a good sounding disc both on the comedic and musical side of things.

Soilwork  ‘Sworn To A Great Divide’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

One of Sweden’s finest are back with a truly fantastic new offering titled, ‘Sworn To A Great Divide’.

I’ve always liked Soilwork. Even not being “totally” into them, they are a very talented group of musicians who have an uncanny knack for writing some of the catchiest choruses in the business. Add that to the very memorable array of melodies inner-twined with the properly melded aggressiveness of thrash makes Soilwork one of the leaders of their genre.

They do it pretty much the same here on this one. 12 stunning tracks ala Soilwork fashion. This is a very good new album from these guys that will not upset any of their current fans. They seem to be moving forward very well. As for those who are not real familiar with Soilwork yet, Give this one a try. And When you decide that yes, you really do like them, you’ll be in the need to pick up their back catalog as well.

This limited edition disc also come with a bonus DVD that has a cool bootleg live performance from a show in Switzerland, a video for the track ‘Exile’, and a studio report with the one and only Devin Townsend who tracked the vocals for the album.

Warbringer ‘War Without End’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

So when someone like me who is an actual thrash fanatic hears that there’s a “thrash revival” going on, sure I get excited. Then you get promos of bands that are said to be the next big thing or that they are keeping the thrash flame held high like the old-school and they sound nothing like any thrash I remember or have in my collection. This happen to you to?

Well the same info came accompanied with this promo. So on the shelf it went for a few days. Then one day I felt like listening to some of this “new classic thrash” album by Los Angeles based Warbringer. Two words people, HOLY SHIT!!!

This just about knocked me on my ass with perfection. This is, in my opinion, what true thrash really is. No shit. This disc sounds as if it were pulled off a record store shelf from 1986. Only way to describe it is, a perfect display of ’80’s style thrash. The Bay Area bands of yesteryear need be thankful these dudes were not around back then. They probably would have dominated the scene. But it’s because of the legends that Warbringer is who they are today. With their ages ranging from 17-22, these guys have got a lot going for them and a long career ahead of them if they keep this up.

One thing that really impresses me on this album, besides all 10 tracks being magnificently written and performed, is the raw edginess that the album has. Produced by legendary thrash master Bill Metoyer (Slayer, DRI, Dark Angel, Ect.), Bill has not given the band a polished, technically perfect studio sound. The feel is more of a live recording sense. You can hear it throughout. It’s awesome.

Type O Negative ‘Dead Again’ (Special Edition CD/DVD

(SPV/Steamhammer) By John Haseltine

By now, surely all of you have gotten your copy of the latest Type O Negative album, ‘Dead Again’. What? Haven’t had time to pick it up? Wow, you don’t know what you’re missing.

Well SPV/Steamhammer have got a treat for you. Two special limited-edition CD/DVDs of ‘Dead Again’.

“The deluxe CD version will contain a bonus DVD (enclosed) with exclusive live performances from Wacken Open Air 2007, interviews and studio videos. The discs will be repackaged in a special red cover. A limited-edition triple red vinyl box set will also be released and features, ‘Dead Again’ on high-quality 180-gram vinyl. The vinyl box set will contain the bonus DVD, along with an exclusive t-shirt and mp3 file of the album.”

The promo disc I received contains the tracks “Anesthesia / Christian Woman / Love You To Death / Kill You Tonight”. All captured live at Wacken. Awesome sound and video quality will make this a must for any and all fans.

The studio videos are of “The Profits Of Doom / September Sun”. Both of which are from the latest album.

There is also some interview footage of the whole band that is very cool. The whole DVD is very cool. Even if you already own a copy, you really need to get this limited-edition just for the DVD that comes along with it. You will not be disappointed. And if you have not, what the hell are you waiting for? It’s out as of today!

Annihilator ‘Metal’ (SPV U.S.A./Steamhammer) By John Haseltine

Jeff Waters and Annihilator have done it again. Another crushing metal album by a band that will never compromise what they started out doing in the mid-80’s. And that is to deliver honest, guitar-fueled heavy metal they way they want to play it.

This formula has seemed to work over the past 12 albums providing Waters and Co. with an honest career in the music industry. And with SPV U.S.A. picking up ’Metal’ here in the states, it’s great to see the band getting a proper release here. One that has not happened in some time.

‘Metal’ is what it is. “Annihilator-Metal” at it’s best. The album consists of 10, heavily guitar laden metal tracks sure to assault the senses. One after another.

Jeff states, “Metal is going to be known as of the coolest guitar albums out there but this is also one of the best written albums of my career ; something that you can never achieve if you try…it just happens!”

‘Metal’ is chalked full of guests too. Something Jeff was both excited and unsure about at the same time. But keeping with the times, and inviting a few close friends along, ‘Metal’ not only has a star-studded cast involved, but will definitely go down as a classic, must have metal album.

I could probably go on and on about this album as it has been close to the player for a couple weeks now finding it’s way to get a listen every other day or so. I love it! But I will only state this, check it out today. You will not be disappointed.

Congrats Jeff, another amazing chapter added to the world of metal.

Bullet For My Valentine ‘Scream Aim Fire’ (20-20/Jive/Song BMG) By John Haseltine

Bullet For My Valentine have made quite a name for themselves over the past couple years. The huge success of their debut ‘The Poison’ sold them over a million albums. With the release of their latest ‘Scream Aim Fire’, they’re sure to continue on just the same.

The new album opens with the title track and is a fury of heavy, thrash fueled riffs sure to please any one who calls themselves a metal head. It just continues on from there. One heavy riff-filled track after another.

Call them what you will. Many have put them into several different genres. They really are a hard on to pin down. An all out metal band to please all is what I would say.

They have been penned as “the future of metal”. I don’t know if I would go that far as there really is nothing that is added to the overall genre of metal that has not already been done. But the thing about B4MV that is pretty amazing is the diversity that their music has to it. One track will be a full on thrash sounding track where another is a more pop influenced track. There are a couple really radio friendly tracks here. But for the most part a much heavier album then their last.

According to the band, this is not a way to just sell albums, but the way that they write. They have just as many influences as they do fans these days and with one listen to ‘Scream Aim Fire’ you too will be hooked.

This is a brilliantly written and played album that will surely surpass everyone’s expectations of whether or not they can live up to the success of the debut. Because it will.

Helloween ‘Gambling With The Devil’ (SPV USA) By John Haseltine

Helloween have been a driving force in the progressive metal world since it’s inception. I can’t see how anyone could ever keep track of the hundreds of bands they have influenced over the years.

As with many of die hard fans and myself, popping a new Helloween album into the player is somewhat like a box of chocolates. You really never know what you’re going to get. They’ve always been hit and miss for me over the years from album to album. Yet I will always regard them as one of the major players.

As with some of you once again, the past couple albums were again headed in a more melodic direction that just really didn’t cut it for me. And though ‘Keeper of the Seven Keys III’ was close to okay, it was almost a disappointment holding in all that excitement building up to the release.

Well boys and girls, ‘Gambling With The Devil’ is as about as old school Helloween as it gets. Wow! Am I impressed with this one. It heads more into the speed metal that they used to play so long ago. Hell, the first track, ’Kill It’ almost comes off like Judas Priest’s Painkiller. From there on it’s a full boar metal assault. Sure there are still the more modern, melodic Helloween songs on this one, but there’s a bit more crunch to them than just a cheesy ballad. There’s more structure to them.

On ‘Gambling With the Devil’, it sounds like the band really got into the writing process this time and put a lot more feeling and passion into it then some of their previous releases.

Ride The Sky ‘New Protection’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

When I hear the term “super group’ when a new band is formed, it usually means in this day and age, a bunch of big named musicians who get together and put out a crappy album that gets tons of airplay for a few months and then they disappear. Only to break up and do it all over again with other big named musicians.

Ride The Sky are the very definition of the term “super group”, and ‘New Protection’ proves it. Featuring members from such legendary acts as Helloween, Masterplan, Tears Of Anger, Beyond Twilight, XsavioR, Dionysus and Stormwind, you’re thoughts have got to be that same as mine. How can this be a bad album with such a seasoned and talented line-up? It can’t. and it’s not.

Ride The Sky’s newest offering is, if not by now, going to take on the metal/hard rock world by storm. I have listened to this one several time over the past couple weeks and have yet to be able to find a fault with it. In fact it keeps growing on me even more with each listen.

“With its multitude of landscapes and intelligent lyrical content, there is no denying ‘New Protection” is a masterwork for the progressive metal masses.” “It is a complex and challenging mix that never compromises its heaviness or intricacy.”

Mondo Generator ‘Dead Planet’ (Suburban Noize) By John Haseltine

Originally founded in 1997 by Queens Of The Stone Age bassist Nick Olveri as a side project, Mondo Generator has come full circle into a full time, serious band for Nick leaving all the others on the side.

Olveri states,” Mondo Generator is not a side project anymore. I used to do Mondo every now and then in my spare time and now it’s my first choice. All other bands I play in have become my side project, so in other words my mistress has now become my wife.”

Mondo has been racking up numerous positive reviews throughout the music industry over the years, and with their Suburban Noize Records debut, there’s no stopping them now.

Mondo’s sound is that of a raw modern to classic punk vibe with plenty of angst throughout. For some there may be hints of Queens sound here and there, but this is all Mondo Generator. Destined to be a classic among present day and future punk releases. ‘Dead Planet’ has the goods to stand the test of time in this days music world.

Ministry ‘The Last Sucker’ (13^th Planet Records) By John Haseltine

Due out Sept. 18^th, 2007 is the brand new and final studio album by Ministry.

“As you might expect, Al Jorgensen’s pretty opinionated on ‘The Last Sucker’, which is the third in the uber-critical CD trilogy (Houses Of The Mole/2004, Rio Grande Blood/2006) aimed at exposing the plethora of foils, failures and fabrications perpetrated by the George W. Bush Administration.”

I’ve always had sort of a fondness for the music that Jorgensen/Ministry has put out over the years. I own a couple. Three to be exact. ‘Psalm 69’ being my favorite. As with many others. Well, over the years with so many bands putting out albums and all the reviews one like myself must endure, I have really missed out on the past few Ministry releases.

I was not real sure what to expect upon first listen. I must say to my amazement, I was thoroughly impressed. After a couple more runs through the disc, it sets in as more of an awe. What an excellent offering. A full on sudo-industrial/thrash metal attack. This disc is, well to say in as few words as possible, brutal as shit.

Jorgensen & Co. deliver as never before. They have truly outdone themselves on this one. And for those of you metal heads who may doubt this, you’ve got to check this one out. It is heavy and catchy as hell. It really does lean a lot more towards thrash than anything. And just wait to you hear the cover of “Roadhouse Blues”.

Holy shit. This CD kills…..

An All Star Tribute To Lynyrd Skynyrd/Southern Outlaws : The Ultimate Southern Rock Collection (Deadline/Cleopatra Records) By John Haseltine

So this is just a split sampler/teaser of what’s now out. The first is a great tribute to an amazing band who shaped an entire genre/generation of musicians. The great Lynyrd Skynyrd. There are sic tracks on this sampler that include Free Bird featuring Molly Hatchet with Charlie Daniels, Sweet Home Alabama by The Outlaws, Gimmie Back My Bullets by Pat Travers, The Seasons by Blackfoot, Saturday Night Special by Great White and Calkl Me The Breeze by Alanta Rhythm Section with more performances by Mick Taylor, Canned Heat, Rick Derringer, Ronnie Montrose, Jim Dandy’s Black Oak Arkansas and many more.

Although no one can ever live up to the greatness that Lynyrd Skynyrd has achieved, all these musicians do a wonderful job paying homage to this great southern rock band.

Next on this sampler is a few tracks off a two disc set titled Southern Outlaws : The Ultimate Southern Rock Collection. This set features tracks from Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special, Johnny Van Zant Band, Rossington Collins Band, Steve Gaines, Artimus Pyle, Steve Earl, Merle Haggard, Drive By Truckeres, Wet Willie, The Kentucky Headhunters, Ozark Mountain Daredevils and many more.

Bishop ‘Steel Gods’ (Self-Release) By John Haseltine

I received this disc some time ago. I gave it a few listens and was really impressed with what I was hearing. And that was that. Too many Cds, projects and not enough time lead this one to get put in the wrong stack and I truly apologize to these three brothers from New York as they are very talented in the music they are putting out.

Bishop is a hard rock/metal band that leaves no corner unturned. They seem to have their music down to a science. As if they invented it themselves. There are plenty of hooks and memorable chorus with plenty of melodic parts that interlude each track at just the right moment.

It is very refreshing to hear such a great hard rock album these days. One that is more original sounding than 90% of what is being played daily on mainstream rock radio.

Bishop definitely have more of a sound of their own than anything else, yet have several ties to many classic acts such as Thin Lizzy, Sabbath, Zepplin, Crue and so on….

It is a tough one to pinpoint. What I can say is that you really need to give these guys a listen as they can only broaden your respect for rock music.

Himsa ‘Summon In Thunder’ (Century Media) By John Haseltine

Himsa return with what could quite possibly be their most relentless release to date. The return of original guitarist Sammi Curr, collaborating with guitarist Kirby Johnson, brings Himsa’s sound to a new dynamic yet devastating level.

For those of you who may doubt this, one listen will leave you almost breathless. Himsa’s brand of thrash metal is second to none. Sure it has a couple melodic parts to it, but just touches here and there that make this an overall superb release. I’m surprised that they are not as big of a name as some of their genres likes.

Over the course of the past eight years, Himsa have only begun to solidify their place in the thrash metal world with one brutal release after another. ‘Summon In Thunder’ puts another notch in the belt of thrash metal greatness that will hold true for many years to come.

Fans of Shadows Fall, Killswitch Engage, God Forbid listen to this. You’ll have a new favorite band when you do. For a the rest of you thrash titans out there, trust me, these Seattle boys throw it down with unrelenting thrash speed mixed with old schooled influences that is undeniably a sound of their own, yet keeping it true to the genre.

Amorphis  ‘Silent Waters’ (Nuclear Blast) By John Haseltine

There is a reason why Amorphis are hailed as “ kings of progressive metal” by many. And with their latest step up the evolutionary chain of metal, their latest effort ‘Silent Waters’ will cause a stir amongst the genre.

Amorphis are one of those bands that never cease to amaze me. Such talent and musicianship throughout the band. Be it musically or lyrically. Some me tend to disagree with me as that is fine. Since I started listening to these guys going back 8 to 10 years now, each of their releases becomes a bit more evolved and polished.

‘Silent Waters’ pretty much follows the formula of last years dynamic release, ‘Eclipse’. This is vocalist Tomi Joutsen’s second disc with the band. And another superb job by him and the band. This release is an emotional, death-tinged ride with plenty of catchy and ever so memorable choruses.

TME  ‘Worlds Collide’ (Aphotic Records) By John Haseltine

New label, new band, new album. I’ve always heard good things come in threes. Or is that the news of someone’s death? We’ll use the first one here.

TME are a new band from Sweden comprised of Mattias Marklund (Vintersorg), Benny Hagglund (Vintersorg, Fission), Johan Lindgren (Vintersorg) and introducing Andreas Stenlund on vocals.

They have released their debut album ‘Worlds Collide’ on a new label Aphotic Records from Washington, U.S.A. This is also the labels debut release. After hearing this debut, I must say both Aphotic and TME have a bright future.

Don’t let the fact that ¾ of the band are from Vintersorg steer you away. Vintersorg are an amazing band, but when lined up next to TME’s sound, the only thing in common are the players. Not the style.

‘Worlds Collide’ is a full on brutally aggressive thrash metal anthem with some death metal sounds in the fold. Harsh yet understandable vocals accompany the seering guitar riffs and Lombardo-esque drumming. At a quick listen, they almost remind me of an early Metallica/Slayer blend.

This may not an “off the charts” thrash release that is breaking