Pulverised/Sound Pollution Umeå´s BASTARD PRIEST, aka Matt Mendoza, drums, vocals, and Inventor, guitars, vocals, are back for a second time. Their debut, “Under the Hammer of Destruction” came out in 2010, and displayed their love of things death and punk. They first showed signs of life in 2001 and has been underground faves since then…
Massacre/Sound Pollution Seventh album from MYSTIC PROPHECY, the one no one ever thought would arrive. The band has changed a lot over the years, but also a great previous album called “Fireangel”. One album per annum has been skipped because of extensive touring with STRATOVARIUS, and upheaval, but the R.D. Liapakis fronted outfit is back….
Ván Records/Sound Pollution 2008 marked the beginning of Dutch metal band VANDERBUYST. Still consisting of Jochen Jonkman, bass/vocals, Willem Verbuyst, guitars, and Barry Van Esbroek, drums, the Dutchmen release their second outing. Their admiration for the 80´s cannot be mistaken, and their visual style is reminiscent of TANK in their heyday. Musically there are no…
Napalm/Sound Pollution Dutch formation NEMESEA return with their third outing. This time, the info says more mature, modern and contemporary. The guitars and vocalist Manda Ophuis are mentioned as the band´s strongholds, and the song material is apparently outstanding. Let´s find out! The title track is apparently a sub-minute intro of sorts. Not much to…
Lucky Thir13n Greek band LUCKY THIR13N are actually mixed by DANGER DANGER man Bruno Ravel and have supported CRASHDIET and W.A.S.P. The young Greeks; Elias Elias, vocals/guitars, Nash, lead guitars, Alex “Tze”, bass, and drummer Tsaky Dee, seems to be on the right track…or? The opening intro begins with guitars and flute? Some spread vocals…
Lord Volture/Rock´n´Growl Dutch US power metal affictionados LORD VOLTURE set out to play as if they were not from Holland. Second album from LORD VOLTURE aims at repeating or beating the many fine reviews of their prima opus “Beast of Thunder” (2010). The band consists of vocalist David Marcelis, guitarists Paul Marcelis and Leon Hermans,…
Dangerous Dog Records/Border Scottish band STRANGEWAYS formed in the early eighties and did three albums in six years that made them hot; the self titled, “Native Sons” and “Walk in the Fire”. The band name might have been aptly since they seem to have been ripped off my managers and record companies alike, but still…
Massacre/Sound Pollution German old school giants VENDETTA returns with their fourth album in 24 years. More cult than VENDETTA sounds impossible! Starting out in 1984 only Klaus “Heiner” Ullrich on bass remains, lead vocalist Mario Vogel came aboard in 2002, guitarist Frank Schölch in 2007, and drummer Thomas “Lubber” Krämer in 2002. An almost totally…
Nuclear Blast/Warner NIGHTWISH, the band on most peoples lips, are back with Anette Olzon (ex. ALYSON AVENUE) at the mike again. Many grieved Tarja´s departure in 2005, I did not. The operatic style on previous albums is not metal to me. But I guess 8 released studio albums and swell record sales says I´m missing…
Lion/Warner UK progressive act AWAKE returns four years after their label debut, with some adjustments done. Former guitarist Richar Hall has left, replaced by remaining guitarist Andy Coles brother Steven. A female backing vocalist in the shape of Jennifer Hardy has been brought in too. The line up is completed by vocalist Simon Shedwell, bass…
Cyclone Empire/Sound Pollution Brazil may not be famed for its doom bands, but MYTHOLOGICAL COLD TOWERS aims to change that apparently. They have not chosen a public friendly approach, more of a tricky cult, epic and desolate way. This is their fourth album, and if the info sheet has any truth in it, be prepared…
GMG Records/Rock´n´Growl Promotion ROB MANCINI sure sounds familiar, but he has been on a ten year hiatus from recording. German-Italian musician and producer Rob has only been active on the Irish club circuit, plus as a session musician. Something compelled him to return, probably memories of past glories with bands like CRUSH and HOTWIRE, sharing…