Megadeth - Dystopia (2016)

The day is always better when we have good new Megadeth album. Yes, this is our lucky year, Megadeth is on top of their wheel of fortune. Dystopia is their 15th studio album, and it is the better one. Indeed, perhaps the best one after a long long while. There are two ultimate questions for Megadeth cyber army, and fans worldwide, to expect from this album. First is how the two new guys doing on in helping Dave Mustaine maintained Megadeth. While Kiko Loureiro acquisition is highly celebrated, can this aging thrash metal band benefit from this younger gun? Kiko's background, mainly in Angra, seem a bit out of Megadeth sound. The former Chris Broderick himself at least played in thrash band Nevermore, and he declared conflict in creative idea with the band after only several years. On Chris Adler side, the situation a bit easier. On paper, Chris is likely the most qualified drummer for Megadeth in any situation. We curiously want to listen this new line up to fire up indeed. Secondly, how Megadeth will sounds and survive after their weird, less-thrash, previous release, Super Collider?

Well, Megadeth also highly like to address these issues a.s.a.p. Three songs had been published online prior to the full album release. The Threat Is Real, Dystopia and Fatal Illusion all hastily released in Youtube by the band. These three songs are in positive acceptance by fans. They demonstrated the band eagerly return to old days. Trademark riffs, unique Dave thrash voice, blazing solos and drum are present there. The nightmare of Super Collider to be past now. The rest of album is also very promising. The highlights are: Post American World, which is almost a revision to Cryptic Writing's era, sounds like Trust but with real thrash guitar added to them.Then, Poisonous Shadows is poisonous track on the album where additional orchestra and choir inserted. A symphonic thrash metal maybe, what this song is. Kiko Loureiro had done impressive jobs so far, covered almost every bars with solos. He got even high time in Conquer Or Die with acoustic guitar intro and full instrumental song, highly in his favorite Latin minor scale. Even the traditional Megadeth "melodic speech" song got its upgrade in Last Dying Wish.

Dystopia is going to be everyone favorite album because the materials are surprisingly kick ass. Songs are strong with many awesome riffs we can expected from Megadeth. It is positively my favorite album after Youthanasia. Kiko as we just listen, is superb in this album. He just nailed all the required solos, fills in, riffs with easiness at the same time quite tense also. Chris Adler is without question throwing all his power, for this maybe his one shot opportunity as Megadeth member. Furious double pedal fills is now part of Megadeth sounds. The two Dave and David stayed on top of their game. David Jr didn't lost any idea as he just doing his Metal Allegiance project and has enough groove to give. Dave Mustaine himself find his best signature vocals in this album. Forget all our rage after the previous album, Megadeth is back with Dystopia.

Metal Harem class: ********** nine stars out of ten

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Megadeth - Dystopia (2016)

01. The Threat Is Real
02. Dystopia
03. Fatal Illusion
04. Death From Within
05. Bullet To The Brain
06. Post American World
07. Poisonous Shadows
08. Look Who's Talking [Best Buy/iTunes bonus]
09. Conquer Or Die - instrumental
10. Lying In State
11. The Emperor
12. Last Dying Wish [Best Buy/iTunes bonus]
13. Foreign Policy [Fear cover]
14. Me Hate You [Japanese bonus]
15. Melt The Ice Way [Budgie cover] [digital bonus]

Dave Mustaine - guitars, vocals
Kiko Loureiro - guitars
David Warren Ellefson - bass, backing vocals
Chris Adler - drums

Megadeth Dystopia album review

Album Megadeth terbaru bersama gitarist Kiko Loureiro.

Metal Allegiance - Metal Allegiance (2015)

Metal Allegiance is The Avenger team of heavy metal. Formed by four members, Mike Portnoy, David Ellefson, Alex Skolnick and unlikely team brain Mark Menghi. Menghi who? As Portnoy describe :

“Mark is kind of like the Brian Epstein of the band,” says Portnoy. “He's the behind-the-scenes mastermind who put the whole thing together. When we began this as a live covers thing, he was the guy moving the chess pieces. When we decided to make original music, he became a huge creative element as a songwriter, as well.”

Together, they unleashed  debut album with the same title, Metal Allegiance. Ten songs being released with multiple vocalist join the stage, ranging from D.Randall Blythe, Troy Sanders to Phillip Anselmo to Tim "The Ripper" Owen.

The first song "Gift Of Pain" is in death metal spirit. D. Randall Blythe delivered a "smooth" scream vocal. It is curious to see how David Ellefson find more spirit than his M-deth allegiance. Mike Portnoy surely has enough fun with all the prog - death drumming. "Let Darkness Fall" is more prog-stoner metal feel. It got some kick ass riff through all the song, best for a good headbanging session. A bass solo in the interlude is most welcome. "Can't Kill The Devil" is finally a song that can be identified with one of the member's band, Testament.  Chuck Billy sing in the style of Testament of the The Soul of Black era and the song also representing that particular nostalgic element. Actually, most of the song try to match the singer with his/her style, or vice versa. Most notable is "Triangulum" epic which is divided to three movements. The band recreate most precise the thrash metal era in '80, almost Metallica - Ride the Lightning vibes. It's in instrumental setting with many guest guitarist join the party. The last song dedicated to the master of heavy metal, Dio. It is "We Rock" with six vocalist trying to lift up the song.

Metal Allegiance is awesome album with lot of muscular guitar riffs in front. The main style is thrash metal, followed by some Portnoy progressive metal drumming. The good news also, they represent much of the older guys music, in other words the '80s style of thrash metal. Fans of each musician will not upset because their heroes are exactly playing in what they expected to. Fantastic album created by , who again, Mark Menghi!

Metal Harem class : ********* eight stars out of ten

Metal Allegiance - Metal Allegiance (2015)
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01. Gift Of Pain
Vocals: D. Randall Blythe
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy
Guest Guitars: Gary Holt

02. Let Darkness Fall
Vocals: Troy Sanders
Lead, Rhythm & Acoustic Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums & Percussion: Mike Portnoy
Guest Bass: Mark Menghi & Rex Brown
Screams: D. Randall Blythe

03. Can't Kill The Devil
Vocals: Chuck Billy
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy
Guest Guitars: Phil Demmel & Andreas Kisser

04. Dying Song
Vocals: Philip H. Anselmo
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: Mark Menghi
Drums: Mike Portnoy

05. Scars
Vocals: Mark Osegueda & Cristina Scabbia
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy

06. Destination: Nowhere
Vocals: Matthew K. Heafy
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy
Guest Guitars: Matthew K. Heafy

07. Wait Until Tomorrow
Vocals: Doug Pinnick & Jamey Jasta
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums, Percussion & Additional Vocals: Mike Portnoy

8. Triangulum I. Creation Ii. Evolution Iii. Destruction (instrumental)
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy
Guest Guitars: Misha Mansoor, Ben Weinman, Charlie Benante, Phil Demmel, Matthew K. Heafy & Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal

09. Pledge Of Allegiance
Vocals: Mark Osegueda
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy
Guest Guitars: Charlie Benante, Gary Holt & Andreas Kisser

10. We Rock (Dio Cover) (Deluxe Edition Only)
Vocals: Mark Osegueda, Chris Jericho, Tim "Ripper" Owens, Alissa White-Gluz, Chuck Billy &
Steve "Zetro" Souza
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy
Guest Guitars: Andreas Kisser, Phil Demmel & Gary Holt

Angelus Apatrida - Hidden Evolution (2015)

Spanish thrash / heavy metaller is back with their fifth studio album "Hidden Evolution". The band gained increased success since their strong Clockwork works in 2010. In this album, the quartet continued their journey in the worldwide style of thrash metal. Some of the songs really dig out Megadeth style cross breed to Slayer, Kreator and Testament all at once.

"Immortal" is heavy opening, high speed appetizer to brings us in the thrash zone. The style demands lots of technical guitar playing while the singer pulled out excellent voices recreating landscape of thrash metal from the '80s. "First World of Terror" has a song title that sounds like Kreator of Europe or Testament in the West world. It is indeed an headbanging song with lots of references to those two bands. In the third song, it is more Megadeth we got in "Architects", the same feeling if you jump to the last song, "Hidden Evolution" is also very Mustainesque in style. How about Metallica, they would probably best captured in the song "Serpents on Parade", although taken mostly from their Kill Em All era. There are ten songs in the album that contained many Angelus Apatrida's very owned kitchen, from rather technical "End Man", a speed worship "Speed of Light", and the low pitch riffs in "I Owe You Nothing".

One should praised the singer Guillermo Izquierdo, who seems to have a collections of "voices" from Dave Mustaine,  Chuck Billy to Kreator's Milland Petrozza. Hidden Evolution is a solid collections of thrash metal. In any moments in the album we will found thrash metal in their glorious form. No kidding in finding references of many thrash metal bands which maybe the only trolling we can brings up. Beside of that, it is a solid headbanging music from Angelus Apatrida.

Metal Harem class: ********* eight stars out of ten

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Angelus Apatrida - Hidden Evolution (2015)

01. Immortal 05:15
02. First World of Terror 05:01
03. Architects 04:24
04. Tug of War 06:09
05. Serpents on Parade 03:11
06. Wanderers Forever 04:26
07. End Man 05:29
08. Speed of Light 04:22
09. I Owe You Nothing 05:18
10. Hidden Evolution 09:00

Guillermo Izquierdo - Lead vocals, Lead guitars
David G. Alvarez - Lead guitars, Back vocals
Jose Izquierdo - Bass, Back vocals
Victor Valera - Drums, Back vocals

Deliverance - Hear What I Say! (2013)

Deliverance is American Christian Thrash metal, already on the pulpit since 1989. Hear What I Say!, released December 2013, is their tenth studio album. Deliverance is on their edge for being close down, and this album remarked their comeback and also their future next break up. At least that what the news about this album. In general the album is a mixed styles, ranging from thrash metal and some cross over between modern groove metal + thrash metal.

After solemn piano intro in Liber 111, The Annals of Subterfuge starts by a delicious aggressive guitar riffs. Hailed from LA, Deliverance bring along a lot of classic '80s influence from the area and this song immediately remind us on thrash metal from there. Angst on other hand infused new metal sounds of the '90s, combining nu-metal / rap metal into it. Hope Lies Beyond is kind of Queensryche influence, the band that connected to band leader Jimmy Brown. Detox is pretty much the combination of previous three, thrash-nu-Queensryche things with that low pitch guitar riffs. Passing is the most modern sounding of all. A Perfect Sky is devoted guitar acoustic ballads. Then they inserted one interesting Iron Maiden cover of Where Eagles Dare.

Pretty much balance album with coverage of thrash metal and modern metal ideas. The liberty of transfusing Christianity theme into their lyric is not become an issue rather now it's just another idea to heavy metal. All four musicians behind the band all superb in their creations. This album can do justice to close Deliverance story, if that is the desired future of them.

Metal Harem class: ********* eight stars out of ten

Deliverance - Hear What I Say (2013)
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01. Liber 111 (Intro)
02. The Annals of Subterfuge
03. Angst
04. Hope Lies Beyond
05. Detox
06. Nude
07. Passing
08. A Perfect Sky
09. Where Eagles Dare (Iron Maiden Cover)
10. Entgiftung (German Version of Detox)

Manny Morales Bass
Michael Phillips Guitars
Jimmy Brown Vocals, Guitars
Jayson Sherlock Drums

Iced Earth - Plagues Of Babylon (2014)

Only two years after their Dystopia album, Iced Earth set their 11th studio releases with Plagues Of Babylon, planned to be on the market by 2014. This new album spanned more than 79 minutes long, quite an ambitious one. There is not much changes in formation except the drummer hot seat is done by Raphael Saini. Raphael recorded the drum parts but then later replaced by Iced Earth most current drummer, Jon Dette. Plagues Of Babylon feel exactly like the continuation of Dystopia. But I must admit this later rendition of new Iced Earth music is much feel at home by now. Additional vocals on the jamming song in Highwayman includes Russell Allen and many, while Blind Guardian singer Hansi Kurch is lead vocals in Among The Living Dead.

On the first track, Plagues Of Babylon, we got that catchy  riffs bouncing here and there, the choruses resembling well Dystopia feel. Set in 10 minutes it is a good opener. Democide is also ambitious one, lengthy in the intro of drumming and guitar riffin', you can heard a very Metallica's Justice for All era riffs in the continuation of this song. The crunchy riff still continue in The Culling, heavier voices close to death metal is starting to plagues all over. Hansi Kurch in Among The Living Dead is a good one, we got to hear Hansi performing his unique vocals on more aggressive music, compared to his original 'power and epic' metal band. I can still recommended more tunes such as If I Could See You, which is a sudden ballad in the middle of storm. Also Cthulhu for a rather lengthy song with meaningful lyrics. Peacemaker and Spirit Of The Times for slow tempo intermezzo.

Overall just count the minutes spend, this album is worth it. Of course Iced Earth is in different leagues and Plagues Of Babylon is lift up the expectation. This is an improved material as we already heard in Dystopia. Stu Block more importantly blending even well with the music, sounds like his voices mixed well with Jon Schaffer backing voices. The album also featuring many guest vocalist, you can see from the list below. A great album to start 2014.

Metal Harem class: ********* eight stars out of ten

Iced Earth - Plagues Of Babylon (2014) 
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1. Plagues Of Babylon
2. Democide
3. The Culling
4. Among The Living Dead
5. Resistance
6. The End?
7. If I Could See You
8. Cthulhu
9. Peacemaker
10. Parasite
11. Spirit Of The Times
12. Highwayman
13. Outro

Jon Schaffer - rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, lead guitar, backing vocals, lead vocals on "Highwayman"
Troy Seele - lead guitar
Stu Block - lead vocals, backing vocals
Luke Appleton - bass guitar
Raphael Saini - drums

Michael Poulsen - lead and backing vocals on "Highwayman"
Russell Allen - lead and backing vocals on "Highwayman"
Hansi Kursch - lead vocals on "Among the Living Dead", backing vocals
Thomas Hackmann - backing vocals
Andrew Peters - backing vocals
Matt O'Rourke - backing vocals
Bonna Ross Bernal - backing vocals

Iced Earth Plagues of Babylon album review

Metal Church - Generation Nothing (2013)

In the line of early thrash metal bands that didn't made it into Big Four or Big Ten something... Metal Church is my favorite. Believe me The Dark was one of epic thrash metal album in the earliest form. The band did not much proceed into more mainstream audiences, mainly because they stick to their basic form and did not evolved much in the late '80s, unlike Metallica, Megadeth or Anthrax.  But, if you know your thrash metal stuff, Metal Church should be a one of the name you respected. Going forward to our years, of course Metal Church too difference by now. Generation Nothing is their tenth studio album, released 2013. Notable because this is their 'comeback' album ever since the band proclaimed an inactivity after the album This Present Wasteland. Ho-ray, at least one more classic thrash metal band come back to life.

Curiously, let listen to the songs. Bulletproof is really a standard opener. There's nothing can go wrong with this catchy riffs introduction. The song got that dark feel chorus, some of Metal Church's trade mark. In fact, Bulletproof maybe a too safe play for the band, we need something more to bite. Dead City is also in the level of the first track, easily passing by, almost identical structure and ideas to the first one. A bit too happy for Metal Church. Now, finally Generation Nothing is something. The riffs are promising and the galloping drumming was kicking. The song are quite good for this one, something that can remind us to their early glory. Noises In The Wall is a test to our patience, the intro seems like forever before we listen to the basses. It's indeed longest song and you bet it has to be something serious. This song represent become more technical in play which something that dominated their last album This Present Wasteland.  Jump The Gun is heavy metal in the vibes of '80s glam metal type. Suiciety got a promising dark acoustic guitar intro, interesting song with speed metal spirit , again a bit happy feel. Scream is a fun song to listen, very energetic and probably best when done as live act. Hits Keep Comin' again alternating the dark vs happy feel, this one is the dark  and very inviting for a headbanging. Close To The Bone is perhaps too generic, the half pitch blending in the verses is epic trade mark of Metal Church that repeated many times. The Media Horse end the album with another safe landing point, but actually something not too predictable song for the album. Sounds bit modern with its simplicity.

Nevertheless, I feel this is an okay album for a comeback. Generation Nothing and Noises In The Wall are best tunes represent classic Metal Church, while I found Hits Keep Comin' is a good track for their update to our time. Compared to This Present Wasteland, this album feel as simple version, while T.P.W. was more technical. Vocalist Ronny Munroe delivered a good shrieking voices for all the track, perhaps the aspect that connected this album to the fan the most. The guitars works are complimentary to the song, I thing the word 'maturity' is closest to represented what I heard. New riff idea like in Jump The Gun is enjoyable. Recommended album for loyal fans of the band.

Metal Harem class: ******** seven stars out of ten

Metal Church - Generation Nothing (2013)
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1. Bulletproof (4:10)
2. Dead City (3:47)
3. Generation Nothing (5:05)
4. Noises In The Wall (8:57)
5. Jump The Gun (5:37)
6. Suiciety (5:44)
7. Scream (4:24)
8. Hits Keep Comin' (5:38)
9. Close To The Bone (4:43)
10. The Media Horse (5:07)

    Kurdt Vanderhoof - Guitar
    Ronny Munroe - Vocals
    Rick Van Zandt - Guitar
    Steve Unger - Bass guitar
    Jeff Plate - Drums

Metal Church Generation Nothing album review

Trivium - Vengeance Falls (2013)

Matt Heafy and friends have been transformed to be one of American popular metal band in less than a decade. Their riffs are made 'lesson' everywhere in guitar magazines, and their fame is in prospect to only heading forward. But after 2011's In Waves, the sign of so called musical-interest-changing-syndrome was transpired, that Trivium is going to left behind their epic-technically-riff aspect they used to known, in pursue to lighter and sweeter songs, to straightforward conquering the mainstream metal listener. Who sadly prefer to easier listening stuff. But yet now Trivium is back. Vengeance Falls called out as their sixth studio album. And we listened nervously to see if Trivium is going to transformed, and the result is ... they simply delayed the process.

There a lot of riffs that captured me in this album. Let's started with Brave This Storm, the opener track. The one-stringer alternate picking exercise in the intro is the proponent of simplicity, that successfully developed into a good song. The feel of modernity in the song are audible and show that Trivium top their game in this genre. Let's skip some of track and I just want to listed out the potential magazine's favorite riffs, this include No Way To Heal, Through Blood and Dirt and Bone, and No Hope For the Human Race, all are minor feel that fitted my power metal ears. Of the modern metal stuffs are Vengeance Falls. Which kinda crusade song to reach new listener from the nu-metal / electronic / industrial metal crowd. Same thing with Strife, nice intro composition with dual guitar riffs, and the song is mixing alternative metal and double pedal thrash metal intensity. Only two songs not begin with a bang, At the End of This War is a ballad intro, which again just a camouflage to heavier stuff later. Then Wake (The End is Nigh) begin with pseudo-alternative metal bass intro. A rock n roll stuffs in Incineration: The Broken World, a thrash metal ala Megadeth in As I Am Exploding and Misfits cover Skulls...We Are 138 fitted the end part and to bring more color to this exhausting riff orientated album.

Not much to brag in more. If you like riffs, Vengeance Falls still going to pleased you. The songs comprise more clean vocal lead, but still a couple moment of growling to accelerated the intensity. Categorical almost no metalcore in sight. Vengeance Falls is simply heavy metal in modern and unique Trivium version. The cheeky futuristic sci-fi album artwork also confirmed that the band heading to teenage crowd. Which is a stepdown compared to 'mature' In Wave album artwork style. Compared to old stuffs as in Ascendency (2005) and The Crusade (2007), Vengeance Falls is a compromise to younger listeners, but at least they put a lot of effort to maintained original fans with enough, well, riffs!

Metal Harem class: ******** eight stars out of ten

Trivium - Vengeance Falls (2013)
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1. Brave This Storm
2. Vengeance Falls
3. Strife
4. No Way To Heal
5. To Believe
6. At the End of This War
7. Through Blood and Dirt and Bone
8. Villainy Thrives
9. Incineration: The Broken World
10. Wake (The End is Nigh)
Bonuses
11. No Hope For the Human Race
12. As I Am Exploding
13. Skulls...We Are 138 ( Misfits cover)
14. Losing My Religion (R.E.M. cover)

Lineup:
Matt Heafy - Guitar, Lead Vocals
Corey Beaulieu - Guitar, Vocals
Paolo Gregoletto - Bass, Vocals
Nick Augusto – Drums
Record Label: Roadrunner Records

Trivium Vengeance Falls album review

Mystic Prophecy - Killhammer (2013)

Mystic Prophecy is Germany's heavy/thrash metal act formed in 2000s. The band's history included Firewind's Gus G in formation, when he was still unknown. With previous seven full length releases, Mystic Prophecy's Killhammer is their latest album making it a solid eight studio albums. The thing is, Mystic Prophecy seems enjoying their game in a very 'standard' heavy metal jungle. Mystic Prophecy did not swim into the Teutonic thrash metal ala Kreator or Sodom, neither they concentrate on traditionalist as in Accept or U.D.O. Another fact, they never really fancy the idea to brutally destroy their listeners with super speed tempo, they simply slowing down it!

The killer hamming tunes in Killhammer are, Killhammer of course. Very U.D.O.-ish, in fact almost a twin of Udo's Steelhammer! Armies Of Hell sounds at first as Megadeth's early years riffs, but when songs inserted , Anthrax-ish influence comes to mind. The chorus "armies of hell!" is a screamer. To Hell And Back is a good example of song writing Mystic Prophecy displaying, a story telling structure and again, easy listening for all level. Interesting track is in Hate Black, where an exotic scale intro will re-fresh the attention. Children Of The Damned is another 'cloned' song title, this time from Iron Maiden, (who grab it from a sci-fi movie of the '60s). And 300 In Blood? Another movie-inspired theme perhaps. Now, the tempo raised to more thrash standard velocity, undoubtedly the heaviest on the album. There are several other titles that are catchy as in Angels Of Fire which started with a must-learn sliding minor scale riff exercise. Warriors Of the Northern Seas is Amon Amarth inspired theme. Set the World on Fire is competing with Megadeth's and Paradise Lost in song title database. And the climax is a direct cover to Ozzy's Crazy Train.

Killhammer can do a very basic introduction to heavy metal world. Their materials ranged from 'easy listening' to a heavy one. Guitarist Constantine is a versatile virtuoso, together with Markus Pohl, covered the distortion sounds in perfect enjoyable music. Singer Roberto Dimitri Liapakis is also an all around in style, from clean to harsh voices. Nevertheless, a nice heavy metal album.

Metal Harem class: ********* eight stars out of ten

Mystic Prophecy - Killhammer (2013)
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01. Killhammer (4:17)
02. Armies Of Hell (4:24)
03. To Hell And Back (4:24)
04. Kill The Beast (3:25)
05. Hate Black (4:54)
06. Children Of The Damned (4:42)
07. 300 In Blood (4:22)
08. Angels Of Fire (4:07)
09. Warriors Of The Northern Seas (4:21)
10. Set The World On Fire (3:48)
11. Crazy Train (Ozzy Osbourne Cover) (5:20)

Roberto Dimitri Liapakis Vocals
Markus Pohl Guitars
Connie "Connor" Andreszka Bass
Constantine Guitars
Tyronne Silva Drums

Mystic Prophecy Killhammer album review

Annihilator – Feast (2013)

One of Canadian pioneer in thrash metal picked a good choice of name, Annihilator, is releasing new album again. Since their hallmark debut Alice in Chains and Never, Neverland back in late 1989, Annihilator has always been an 'underdog' thrash metal to considered at. According to Wikipedia, they were the highest selling heavy metal band in Canadian history, not a bad achievement considering the snowy land also home of Anvil, Exciter, Voivod and so on. The band is literally leads by guitarist/vocalist Jeff Waters, a respected name in North America thrash metal scene. Their middle and later albums, in general opinion are always interesting, but then they seemingly never concluded in reaching the same height as their first two albums. This year of 2013, they packed together another studio result, it's the 14th album called Feast.

Compiling nine tracks, we first presented with a good riffing ala old time speed metal in Deadlock. It's a manifesto of Jeff Waters angry chops, it's kind of Slayer simplicty riffs combined with much technical shred in the level of Dimmebag. Next song, No Way Out, is in contrast sounds closer to more modern era thrash metal. Smear Campaign is a good song however outside the traditional thrash feel already. Which is only further away by hyper modern-groovy No Surrender. Then Wrapped with all it's "yeaaaaah....." intro is totally fit for bikers in action, it's glam metal if I can trust my ears. Ah,.. and then a ballad of course, Perfect Angel Eyes sounds like a promising metal ballad, in fact there is an acceptable idea for the song, except the vocal is slightly not the best to fit in this style. With those intermezzo, Fight The World try to bring us back to the heaviness, but only then concluded with Queensryche meet Anthrax in One Falls, Two Rise.

Honestly it's another strange album by a band we mostly expected to sounds as vintage as it could be. Annihilator of course free to choose whatever new direction they wanted to. If you free minded enough, the materials are quite enjoyable, and one can argue Jeff Watson and Dave Padden guitar works are great regardless the styles of music. Feast comes with a lot of 'side dishes' for a thrash metal album. The strength of this album is move toward finding more creativity out of their thrash world. Non compromising guitar works are still there, this album is for those eager to dig up some more spaces in their listening repertoire.

Metal Harem class: ******** eight stars out of ten

Annihilator – Feast (2013)
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01. Deadlock (4:23)
02. No Way Out (5:19)
03. Smear Campaign (4:15)
04. No Surrender (5:36)
05. Wrapped (3:47)
06. Perfect Angel Eyes (4:27)
07. Demon Code (6:22)
08. Fight The World (6:54)
09. One Falls, Two Rise (8:33)

Dave Padden – Vocals / Guitars
Jeff Waters – Guitar / Vocals
Al Campuzano – Bass
Mike Harshaw - Drums
Label: UDR Music

Annihilator Feast album review

Darkane - The Sinister Supremacy (2013)

Darkane was a melodic death band actively pushing out albums yearly since 1999 to 2008. With five albums up to that years, Darkane success in getting attention from the crowd of death fans. It's only takes five more years before the band from Helsinborg Sweden, managed to recorded a new material, that is our June 2013 new Darkane album called The Sinister Supremacy. A quick summary, the album did not differed much from the rest. The vibes from past album such as Expending Senses and song as Violence from Within still dominated the styles in The Sinister Supremacy.

We have a death metal styles of orchestral intro there in Sounds Of Pre-Existence, sounds cold, with some dissonances to make this intro not sound power metal alike. The Sinister Supremacy seems to be the album's highlight and it is. Dynamic structures, catchy chorus and fast double pedal drumming on that. Well, actually a blasting tempo is the album's default template. Mechanically Divine continued what left in the first opener. In my descriptions, I think Darkane is somewhat like a Sweden / Europe version of metalcore, they are best listened while skate boarding, rather than as horror movie soundtrack, as in case of death metal mood. As another interesting track out of about 12 tracks here are: The Decline, which comes with short orchestration intro. Insurrection Is Imminent which is in a second just sounds like a doom metal song. Humanity Defiled with drum solo intro and a good guitar riffing. Hate Repentance State is obviously the most contrast song here, it's a piano composition with dark aura in its. Existence Is Just A State Of Mind offered a rather different drum beat compared to the rest. If you get the limited edition, two more tunes as a bonus.

As now, Darkane most popular personnel can be the drummer Peter Wildoer. He is of the fame of Seven Dream Theater Auditioners. Well, the truth is he also actively sold his drum beat to soloist such as James LaBrie (as the time of writing, James LaBrie is about to released his 2013 solo album) and CJ Grimmark. His drumming of course defined Darkane a lot. Lawrence Mackrory sounds more like an US metalcore style, which as I mentioned make Darkane somewhat a line between death metal and metalcore. Chugging guitars from duo Malmstrom and Ideberg bring enough aggressiveness for the style. Not much differences from Darkane's past portfolio, The Sinister Supremacy has nothing to avoid being keep by Darkane fans or wider death metaller.

Metal Harem class: ******** eight stars out of ten (8/10)

Darkane - The Sinister Supremacy (2013) 
Buy it HERE - AMAZON

1. Sounds Of Pre-Existence
2. The Sinister Supremacy
3. Mechanically Divine
4. Ostracized
5. The Decline
6. Insurrection Is Imminent
7. In The Absence Of Pain
8. Humanity Defiled
9. Hate Repentance State
10. Collapse Of Illusions
11. By Darkness Designed
12. Existence Is Just A State Of Mind
13. I, Author Of Despair (Digipak Bonus Track)
14. Malicious Strain (Digipak Bonus Track)

Jörgen Löfberg - Bass
Peter Wildoer - Drums
Klas Ideberg - Guitars
Christofer Malmström - Guitars
Lawrence Mackrory - Vocals
Carlos Holmberg (ex-Soilwork) , cover art
Label: Prosthetic Records
Europe Release via Massacre Records on June 28, 2013
Release date: July 2nd, 2013

Darkane The Sinister Supremacy album review

Megadeth - Super Collider (2013)

The generation of '80s metal bands we knew usually already passed their 'experimental' period and survived through our year 2013. For example, Metallica with  Loud - ReLoud - St Anger, Helloween with Chameleon, even Iron Maiden with Virtual IX kind of things. Megadeth, the common understanding is, their 'period' was in Cryptic Writings - Risk and The World Needs A Hero way back ten years ago. Yet, Megadeth looks like going to have their '2nd period' soon. Super Collider is their 2013 album, the 14th studio album so far, and yet another turn of musical changes. Dave Mustaine, David Ellefson, Chris Broderick and Shawn Drover are well preserved from the last studio album, and this make a trivia entry in Wikipedia as the "second album not to feature a lineup change from the preceding album, since Cryptic Writings". Oh, do you see the pattern? We need Megadeth to changed to avoid this 'period', gentlemen!

Ok, that first paragraph was actually based on previewed track prior to Super Collider released. After get the full album, there is actually good news around. Well folks, majority of the album still falls into that experimenta' things. Kingmaker is surely one of them, this opener is nowhere intense as the four previous albums opening. Kingmaker is safe and sound riffs with Dave gone melodic singing, rather than murmuring a pretext of war or injustice around the world. Still the song is entirely has Megadeth identity, feel like in the end of Youthanasia era, and actually this potential as hit for another few years in live setting. Super Collider is what we face palm-ing when we got the preview month ago. The song started with bluesy riffs and there Dave Mustaine lead the team performing in hard rock style, right in the second song of the album. Be patience, because the next Burn! is something a relief, after burning guitar licks in the intro we are back on the Megadeth tracks. Burn! is something more fit into 2000s Megadeth sounds. Still, yet still, the song is 50% blues thrash metal! If you manage to get the fourth track, Built For War, then the patience is somewhat paid off. Yes, this is what we, loyal fans, looking for. The thrash metal with Dave singing about war. Built For War see Dave sing with extra screams, things he seem rarely need to with previous Megadeth songs writing. Smile and let's continue. Off The Edge is Risk - influence track. Dance In The Rain is something interesting to be fair. The Dave speaking track is a welcome one, the song developed into nice dark and sad chorus. Then there is the ending improvisation that make the song not so easy to play by amateur. The Beginning Of Sorrow is alternative / grunge feel at the very first few second of intro. This is part of experimental tracks to take cautioned with. As weird as the next follow up, The Blackest Crow all the way with mandolin intro. Forget To Remember is a better melodic intro leading tunes. It is hard rock feel again. And do you hear David Draiman backing voices? One of new feature in this album that rare happened before. Don't Turn Your Back.. is trivial Gary Moore lick blended into double pedals beat. Cold Sweat is Thin Lizzy cover, again Wikipedia noted this as the trivial case where only happened back in So Far So Good era where Megadeth included cover song in main track list of album. In the limited edition, All I Want is one good bonus track with heavier riffs, sounds more fury in the song as what Dave should be. A House Divided on other hand is begin with a strange 'cowboy' minor intro brasses. The verses are done in mid tempo beat but then the chorus is heated up and gone slightly faster then.

For sure this is where Megadeth trying out their new ideas, in official album. To be fair, the album is easy and  memorable for wider hard rock / metal listener. Letting off Megadeth thrash metal label in Super Collider will probably give this album more acceptable to fans, who patiently wait Dave and David to play thrash metal for sure. Not an easy public relationship for the band to his loyal fans for now. Even where the band's keep a good contact with fans via social sites, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, something need to be praise for such great band. Some direct cry out is unavoidable and hopefully the band take a note on this reaction. Super Collider is where Megadeth trying new water, less heavier, but awesome guitar works are still there, interesting songs are exists, Dave Mustaine singing in his trade mark voices are still to be found. Counted this as 'bonus' CD, let's just enjoy it.

Metal Harem class: ******* seven stars out of ten

Megadeth Super Collider 2013
Buy it HERE at AMAZON

01. Kingmaker
02. Super Collider
03. Burn!
04. Built For War
05. Off The Edge
06. Dance In The Rain
07. The Beginning Of Sorrow
08. The Blackest Crow
09. Forget To Remember
10. Don't Turn Your Back...
11. Cold Sweat (Thin Lizzy cover)

Japanese / Best Buy / other bonus tracks
12. All I Want
13. A House Divided
14. Countdown to Extinction (live)
15. Symphony of Destruction (live)

Dave Mustaine – lead vocals, lead, rhythm, acoustic and slide guitars
Chris Broderick – lead, rhythm, acoustic guitars and backing vocals
David Ellefson – bass guitar and backing vocals
Shawn Drover – drums, percussion

Bob Findley
David Draiman – vocals on "Forget to Remember" and "Dance in the Rain"

Megadeth Super Collider album artwork and review

List of 2013 METAL Live - Compilation - Cover Albums

There are so many fucking live albums from our favorite metal band in 2013. Then they are so many damn cover album as well, for a sake of god lastly, the compilation album goes mad as well. So, I just going to listed them out instead of full review (well, except for Iron Maiden's Maiden England) because they were from big names and it will be awkward to not mentioned their album on my blog ;)

List of 2013 Metal Live albums - Cover and Compilations

Deep Purple - The Official Deep Purple (Overseas) Live Series: Paris 1975 [Live]
28 January 2013 BUY

Disc I
01. Burn
02. Stormbringer
03. The Gypsy
04. Lady Double Dealer
05. Mistreated
06. Smoke On the Water
07. You Fool No One

Disc II
01. Space Truckin'
02. Going Down
03. Highway Star
04. 1975 Interview With Coverdale, Hughes & Paice

Neal Morse - Live Momentum [Live]
18 February 2013 BUY

Disc I [DVD]
01. Momentum
02. Weathering Sky
03. Author Of Confusion
04. The Distance To The Sun
05. Testimony Suite (Sleeping Jesus, Prince Of The Power Of The Air, The Promise, Wasted Life)
06. Thoughts Part 5
07. The Conflict
+ and about five discs more

Adrenaline Mob - Covertá [EP]
12 March 2013 BUY

01. High Wire [Badlands cover]
02. Stand Up And Shout [Dio cover]
03. Break On Through [The Doors cover]
04. Romeo Delight [Van Halen cover]
05. Barracuda [Heart cover]
06. Kill The King [Rainbow cover]
07. The Lemon Song [Led Zeppelin cover]
08. The Mob Rules [Black Sabbath cover]

Gamma Ray - Master Of Confusion [Live - Cover]
15 March 2013 BUY

[A side]
01. Empire Of The Undead
02. Master Of Confusion

[B side]
03. Death Or Glory [Holocaust cover] [studio cover version]
04. Lost Angels [Sweet cover] [studio cover version]

[C side] [Live in Bochum]
05. The Spirit
06. Wings Of Destiny
07. Gamma Ray
08. Farewell
09. Time To Break Free
10. Insurrection

Anthrax - Anthems [Cover]
19 March 2013 BUY

01. Anthem [Rush cover]
02. Jailbreak [Thin Lizzy cover]
03. TNT [AC/DC cover]
04. Smokin' [Boston cover]
05. Big Eyes [Cheap Trick cover]
06. Keep On Runnin [Journey cover]
07. Crawl
08. Crawl [special remix version]

Axel Rudi Pell - Live On Fire [LIVE]
22 March 2013 BUY

Disc I [Live At The Essigfabrik, Cologne, Germany, October 18th, 2012]
01. The Guillotine Suite (Intro)
02. Ghost in the Black
03. Strong as a Rock
04. Before I Die
05. The Masquerade Ball / Casbah / Dreaming Dead / Whole Lotta Love / Dreaming Dead
06. Drum Solo
07. Mystica / Mistreated / Mystica
08. Oceans of Time
09. Circle of the Oath
10. Fool Fool
11. Keyboard Solo / Carousel / Jam / Carousel
12. Tear Down the Walls / Nasty Reputation
13. Rock The Natiom

Disc II [Live At The Rock Of Ages Festival, July 28th, 2012]
01. The Guilolotine Suite (Intro)
02. Ghost in the Black
03. Strong as a Rock
04. Before I Die
05. Masquerade Ball / Casbah / Dreaming Dead / Whole Lotta Love / Dreaming Dead
06. Drum Solo
07. Mystica / Mistreated / Mystica
08. Oceans of Time
09. Circle of the Oath
10. Tear Down the Walls / Nasty Reputation
11. Rock the Nation

[Bonus]
+ Interview With Axel Rudi Pell
+ Homestory - Axel Rudi Pell
+ Hallelujah [video]

Sebastian Bach - ABachalypse Now [Live]
26 March 2013 BUY

Disc I [DVD]
01. Live at Hellfest, France
02. Live at Nokia, Los Angeles
03. Live at Graspop, Belgium
04. Bonus Music Videos: "Kicking & Screaming", "TunnelVision", "I'm Alive"

Disc II [Live at Hellfest, France — June 16, 2012]
01. Slave To The Grind
02. Kicking & Screaming
03. Here I Am
04. Big Guns
05. Piece of Me
06. 18 & Life
07. American Metalhead
08. Monkey Business
09. I Remember You
10. Youth Gone Wild
+ and two more discs

Mystic Prophecy - Best Of Prophecy Years [Compilation]
12 April 2013 BUY

01. Ravenlord
02. Hollow
03. Eyes Of The Devil
04. We Kill, You Die
05. To The Devil I Pray
06. Across The Gates Of Hell
07. Demons Blood
08. Dark Forces
09. Satanic Curses
10. Evil Empires
11. Savage Souls
12. Master Of Sins

Iced Earth - Live In Ancient Kourion [Live]
15 April 2013 BUY at AMAZON

Disc I
01. Intro
02. Dystopia
03. Burning Times
04. Angel's Holocaust
05. Slave To The Dark
06. V
07. When The Night Falls
08. I Died For You
09. Invasion
10. Motivation Of Man
11. Setian Massacre
12. Stormrider
13. Pure Evil
14. Wolf
15. Dark City
16. Dracula
17. Ten Thousand Strong

Disc II
01. Anthem
02. Declaration Day
03. Days Of Rage
04. Melancholy
05. Encore Intro
06. In Sacred Flames
07. Boiling Point
08. Damien
09. Watching Over Me
10. Dante's Inferno
11. Iced Earth
12. The Hunter

Freedom Call - Ages Of Light [Compilation]
29 April 2013 - BUY

Disc I [Ages Of Light]
01. We Are One
02. Tears Falling
03. Freedom Call
04. Farewell
05. Metal Invasion [live]
06. Warriors
07. Land Of Light
08. Hunting High And Low
09. Mr. Evil
10. Far Away
11. Blackened Sun
12. Thunder God
13. Tears Of Babylon
14. A Perfect Day [live]
15. Hero On Video
16. Power & Glory
17. Rockstars
18. Back Into The Land Of Light

[disc II: Masqueraded]
19. Metal Invasion [folk metal version]
20. Mr. Evil [melodic reggae version]
21. Hero On Video [speed ska version]
22. Rockin' Radio [killerbilly version]
23. Freedom Call [camp fire strumming version]
24. Age Of The Phoenix [power swing version]

Jorn - Symphonic [Compilation]
25 January 2013  BUY

This is a re-arranged Jorn's songs into an orchestra setting.

01. I Came To Rock
02. Rock And Roll Children [Dio cover]
03. The World I See
04. Burn Your Flame
05. Man Of The Dark
06. My Road
07. Time To Be King [Masterplan cover]
08. Black Morning
09. Like Stone In Water
10. Vision Eyes
11. War Of The World
12. Behind The Clown
13. A Thousand Cuts
14. The Mob Rules [Black Sabbath cover]

Delain - Interlude [Compilation]
1 May 2013 - BUY 

[disc 1]
01. Breathe On Me
02. Collars And Suits
03. Are You Done With Me [new single mix version]
04. Such A Shame
05. Cordell
06. Smalltown Boy
07. We Are The Others [new ballad version]
08. Mother Machine [live]
09. Get The Devil Out Of Me [live]
10. Milk And Honey [live]
11. Invidia [live]
12. Electricity [live]
13. Not Enough [live]

[Disc 2: Bonus DVD]
14. Invidia [Live @ Metal Female Voices Fest]
15. Electricity [Live @ Metal Female Voices Fest]
16. We Are The Others [Live @ Metal Female Voices Fest]
17. Milk and Honey [Live @ Metal Female Voices Fest]
18. Not Enough [Live @ Metal Female Voices Fest]
19. Backstage Footage
20. Get The Devil Out Of Me [video]
21. We Are The Others [video]
22. April Rain[video]
23. Frozen [video]

Rhapsody Of Fire - Live - From Chaos To Eternity [Live]
3 May 2013  BUY

Disc I
01. Dark Mystic Vision
02. Ad Infinitum
03. From Chaos To Eternity
04. Triumph Or Agony
05. I Belong To The Stars
06. The Dark Secret
07. Unholy Warcry
08. Lost In Cold Dreams
09. Land Of Immortals
10. Aeons Of Raging Darkness
11. Dark Reign Of Fire
12. Drum Solo

Disc II
01. The March Of The Swordmaster
02. Dawn Of Victory
03. Toccata On Bass
04. The Village Of Dwarves
05. The Magic Of The Wizard's Dream
06. Holy Thunderforce
07. Reign Of Terror
08. Knightrider Of Doom
09. Epicus Furor
10. Emerald Sword
11. Erian's Lost Secrets
12. The Splendour Of Angels' Glory (A Final Revelation)

Within Temptation - The Q-Music Sessions [Cover]
19 April 2013

01. Grenade [Bruno Mars cover]
02. Titanium [David Guetta ft. Sia cover]
03. Let Her Go [Passenger cover]
04. Summertime Sadness [Lana Del Rey cover]
05. Radioactive [Imagine Dragons cover]
06. Crazy [Gnarls Barkley cover]
07. Dirty Dancer [Enrique Iglesias cover]
08. Don't You Worry Child [Swedish House Mafia cover]
09. Behind Blue Eyes [The Who cover]
10. The Power Of Love [Frankie Goes To Hollywood cover]
11. Apologize [One Republic cover]

Judas Priest - Epitaph [DVD LIVE]
June 2013 - BUY IT HERE

01 Battle Hymn/Rapid Fire
02 Metal Gods
03 Heading Out to the Highway
04 Judas Rising
05 Starbreaker
06 Victim of Changes
07 Never Satisfied
08 Diamonds and Rust
09 Prophecy
10 Night Crawler
11 Turbo Lover
12 Beyond the Realms of Death
13 The Sentinel
14 Blood Red Skies
15 The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown)
16 Breaking the Law
17 Painkiller
18 The Hellion/Electric Eye
19 Hell Bent for Leather
20 You’ve Got Another Thing Coming
21 Living After Midnight

Firewind - Apotheosis LIVE 2012 [LIVE]
Buy It Here

01. Head Up High
02. Wall Of Sound
03. Allegiance
04. Few Against Many
05. The Departure
06. Heading For The Dawn
07. Losing My Mind
08. World On Fire
09. Guitar Solo 2012
10. SKG
11. Between Heaven And Hell
12. Piano Solo
13. Edge Of A Dream
14. Mercenary Man
15. Glorious
16. Maniac
17. Falling To Pieces
18. Cold As Ice (Bonus)
19. Tyranny (Bonus)

Amberian Dawn - Re-Evolution 2013 [Compilation]
Buy It HERE - AMAZON

A compilation with new singer re-take of the band's selection of songs.

01. Valkyries
02. Incubus
03. Kokko - Eagle Of Fire
04. Lily Of The Moon
05. Come Now Follow
06. Crimson Flower
07. Circus Black
08. Lost Soul
09. Cold Kiss
10. River Of Tuoni
11. Charnel's Ball

Whitesnake Made In Britain 2013 [LIVE]
Buy it HERE   - Made In Japan

CD 1- Made In Britain:
01.Best Years
02.Give Me All Your Love
03.Love Ain´t No Stranger
04.Is This Love
05.Steal Your Heart Away
06.Forevermore
07.Love Will Set You Free
08.My Evil Ways
09.Fare Thee Well
10. Ain´t No Love In The Heart Of The City
11. Fool For Your Loving
12. Here I Go Again
13. Still Of The Night

CD 2 – The World Record:
01.Bad Boys
02.Slide It ln
03.Lay Down Your Love
04.Pistols At Dawn
05.Snake Dance
06.Can You Hear The Wind Blow
07.Fare Thee Well
08.One Of These Days
09.The Badger
10.Deeper The Love
11.Soldier Of Fortune
12.Burn/Stormbringer

NEXT LIVE 2013 ALBUM:
The bands planned to released Live Album are:

Dream Theater - Live At Luna Park [DVD Live]
Rush - Clockwork Angels Live [DVD Live]
Metallica - Metallica Through the Never [DVD Live]
Guns 'N Roses - Appetite for Democracy [DVD Live]
Alestorm - Live At The End of The World [DVD Live]
Stormwarrior - If It's Not In Your Bloode... You Will Never Understande! [DVD]

Vicious Rumors - Electric Punishment 2013

'80s Bay Area metaller, Vicious Rumors come back with their newest torture, the Electric Punishment 2013. Nothing much to say about this veteran band, except their chops and riffs seems getting heavier and heavier each time. Electric Punishment is nothing sort of heavy metal full of riffs and badass vocals works in this century.

The good tunes build from riff madness are  I Am The Gun, Electric Punishment, Dime Store Prophet, and Thirst for a Kill. The second approach of the material is thrash metal sounds as in Black X List and D-Block. Put in other feel as in Escape (From Hell) with a slow ballad intro build up, my favorite track on this album. Or bizzare melody lead in Together We Unite lead to punk metal like unison singing song. The album close with Strange Ways cover of KISS, which concluded what the album actually went through.

Not that we can found anything to criticized. Most enjoyable are their classy guitar riffs along with hitting the edge singing voices. It sure needed more memorable moments to make this not just another album from Vicious Rumors. Overall the album sounds like a combination of several styles, from Metal Church to Slayer (RIP Jeff Hanneman as for today...). Honestly, a great kicking ass album!

Metal Harem class: ******* seven stars out of ten

Vicious Rumors - Electric Punishment 2013
Buy it HERE

1. I Am The Gun
2. Black X List
3. Electric Punishment
4. D-Block
5. Escape (From Hell)
6. Dime Store Prophet
7. Together We Unite
8. Eternally
9. Thirst for a Kill
10. Strange Ways (KISS cover)

Lineup:
Geoff Thorpe – Guitars / Vocals
Larry Howe - Drums
Stephen Goodwin - Bass
Brian Allen – Vocals
Thaen Rasumussen - Guitars
Record Label: SPV / Steamhammer Records

Vicious Rumors Electric Punishment album review

Sodom - Epitome of Torture (2013)

One the Germany "Big Three" of thrash metal is back, Teutonic Thrash Metal to be precise. Sodom created many memorable moments from the late '80s that will remained our references when it's come to thrash. So, expected a hellish riffs and machine gun like drumming ahead in their 2013 new album Epitome of Torture.

My Final Bullet come as the first track. The intro build up is promising, then the first verses with that thrashy drumming and all the way climax to the chorus, now Sodom has give us a good start. It's a good opener with enough complexity of structure for the three men thrash band, although in the studio version there are rhythm guitar recorded. Now on second song, S.O.D.O.M. is not a very likely thrash metal song title, but the opening riff is yet another tasty intro to catch up. Tom Angelripper implemented the classic vocal for this song, compared to rather clean in My Final Bullet. Making the almost cheerleader cheering "S-O-D-O-M" quite acceptable to all thrash metal fans. Epitome of Torture back to Agent Orange (their 3rd album and song title, one of Sodom classic release) catchy riff, very classic feel and it's fade away in quick as well. These are three songs that will killed fans who ever doubted in them. Stigmatized got an interesting vocal works by Tom. Jump to Cannibal, this is something 'happier' slap and jump thrash tunes, very groovey to speak about. Shoot Today - Kill Tomorrow maintained the flow with another thrash and lightning killer tunes. Then Invocating the Demons comes as more melodious approach, it break the flow with different beat, this continue to Katjuscha which is also inserted few bar of melodious intro. In the rest two track in standard edition, Sodom keep the formula well, good riff and good chorus in each songs.

Just like the cover of this album that brutal and 'torturing', the material inside Epitome of Torture is the exact reflections of that. Just like I said in the first paragraph, this is a straightforward riffs, fast drum and a good classic thrash voices by Tom. Their quality comes in the well crafted song structures. That is never too cheesy, or too obscure like having a silent break in the middle of the song, nope, Sodom chained each parts with good logical continuation and that's their attractive points. Considering how long had Sodom been, this album is still on their game. They seems inspired by Kreator success in their 2012 album, and also Overkill and Testament when comes to thrash in general. For now, Epitome of Torture is able to stand side by side to them.

Metal Harem class: ********* nine stars out of ten

Sodom - Epitome of Torture (2013)
Buy it HERE at AMAZON

1. My Final Bullet
2. S.O.D.O.M.
3. Epitome of Torture
4. Stigmatized
5. Cannibal
6. Shoot Today - Kill Tomorrow
7. Invocating the Demons
8. Katjuscha
9. Into the Skies of War
10. Tracing the Victim

Lineup:
Tom Angelripper – Vocals / Bass
Bernemann - Guitars
Markus "Makka" Freiwald - Drums
Record Label: SPV / Steamhammer Records

Germany Teutonic Thrash Metal - Sodom in Epitome of Torture album review

Suicidal Tendencies - 13 (2013)

Remember Suicidal Tendencies? They are one of most energetic metal band that doing cross over genre, between thrash metal and other groove-based genres. They implemented element of punk, funky bass line, rap singing gone far with ska brass and whatever. This cross over thing gone quite mainstream in the middle of '90 and Suicidal Tendencies remains pioneer in this sense. With diverse style found on their music, the band actually pretty flexible in changing and improving their sound to met listener on that genre. With this, Suicidal Tendencies unafraid to give on more new album to carry on their fate. Titled as '13', this is their first output since 13 years ago, their 13th studio album and they won one more element than Megadeth's Th1rt3en for they released this album in year 2013. Founding member and singer Mike Muir is the only member from their earliest 1981.

The album has 13 tracks as well. It started with Shake It Out, as the titled suggested, the everybody-shake-groove metal tunes, full of energetic skate board time feel. With this we were giving a promising start that lead to optimistic continuation. Smash It! is heavier with that intro riff, then the groove come in and Mike Muir continue to impressed us that his energetic singing approach is not yet dim by the time. This Ain't A Celebration captured the bit of Offspring rap singing crossover metal in very fast and nice way. Of course we will need killer bass groove, and new bassist Steve Brunner successful building a background fill for God Only Knows Who I Am. Several good tunes in between, then Show Some Love... Tear It Down is another moshpit shout out in straightforward riffs and song structure. Cyco Style and Slam City are two songs that easily memorize for being a simple catch phrase for the song. And interesting is Till My Last Breath with twisted funky slab bass that really bring the emotion out.

I finished the album with good enjoying time. Song composition integrated nicely between music and the vocalist's singing style.  If you like technical funk bass and some great groove drumming, 13 is rich in this area. Both guitarist build up the melody needed for each songs. They are not over repetitive riff that usually annoy me in this genre, but the band composed good amount of licks and phrases to make the song rich. This is Red Hot Chilli Pappers, Offspring, Biohazard, feels that all come in as one package album to be enjoy. Not a bad comeback for the veteran Suicidal Tendencies run from twenty years ago. They come with excellent cover album artwork that really reflected the music inside.

Metal Harem class: ******** eight stars out of ten

Suicidal Tendencies - 13 (2013)
buy it HERE

01. Shake It Out (3:51)
02. Smash It! (3:46)
03. This Ain't A Celebration (3:32)
04. God Only Knows Who I Am (5:29)
05. Make Your Stand (5:54)
06. Who's Afraid? (4:08)
07. Show Some Love...Tear It Down (3:31)
08. Cyco Style (4:41)
09. Slam City (5:36)
10. Till My Last Breath (4:40)
11. Living The Fight (4:22)
12. Life...(Can't Live With It, Can't Live Without It) (4:36)
13. This World (5:07)

Mike Muir - vocals
Mike Clark - rhythm guitar
Dean Pleasants - lead guitar
Steve Brunner - bass
Eric Moore - drums

Suicidal Tendecies 13 Album Review