(7/10) Elvenking never really got my full attention. I wasn't thrilled by their mix of folk, pagan and metal. But I also have to say that the band from Italy has a solid fanbase and a lot of willpower. Even though they never got into the full spotlight they released so far already eight studio records.

The six-piece band has now decided to release for the first a live album - after all these years. It should become "The Night of the Nights", a show recorded in Pordanone, Italy earlier this year. This live album covers the full set Elvenking played which includes 25 songs from all eras of the pagan metal gang.

The first half of the set was, in general, reserved for the newer songs. The older classics from e.g. the debut "Heathereel" have been part of the second half of the show. "Seasonspeech" has been performed the first time and with "Skywards", "Disillusion's Reel" and "From Blood to Stone" have been performed in an accoustic version which works pretty well for this triple. "Pagan Purity", the hymn taken from the debut, has been chosen to be the last song of this special night, with former member Jarpen and Gorlan joining the band.

An important question with live records is the quality of sound. When it comes to this release there isn't any reason for complaints. The albums comes across as being real and authentic. The sound is powerful with the fans being in evidence too.

This live album gives a pretty good overview of Elvenking's creative output and there are some songs, like "The Wanderer" and "Pagan Revolution", that I can't get out of my mind anymore.

(7/10)

Tracklist:

1. The Manifesto
2. Trows Kind
3. The Wanderer
4. Runereader
5. Pagan Revolution
6. She Lives at Dawn
7. Kigsaw Puzzle
8. Elevenlegions
9. The Cabal
10. A Prayer to Cernunnos
11. Moonbeam Stone Circle
12. Symohn's Bash
13. From Blood to Stone
14. Skywards
15. Disillusion's Real
16. Eleven Aftermath
17. Seasonspeech
18. Through Wolf's Eyes
19. The Divided Heart
20. Neverending Nights
21. The Winter Wake
22. Era Theme
23. The Loser
24. To Oak Woods Bestowed
25. Pagan Purity

Label: AFM Records

Genre: Pagan Metal

Release Date EU: December 4th, 2015

The Billboard magazine posted an article about a possible reunion of Guns'n'Roses. The music magazine wrote: "Guns N’ Roses, with founding members Axl Rose and Slash, will headline the Coachella Music & Arts Festival in Indio, Calif., set for April 15-17 and April 22-24, according to multiple sources.". Read the entire article via the link below.

Something interesting in this context might be the fact that Slash singer Myles Kennedy is anyhow busy with Alter Bridge in 2016. This is something Alter Bridge guitarist Mark Tremonti mentioned to Markus' Heavy Music Blog in an interview the other day.

Let's wait and see.

(8/10) Jess And The Ancient Ones is a rather new band from Finland. It was in 2010 in Kuopio when the band was founded. In 2012 they guys released their self-titles debut followed by an EP in 2013.

Two years later the Finnish band, that is the psychedelic rock outlet of some Deathchain musicians, is ready with their second longplayer.

The heart of this longplayer is the finale furioso called "Goodbye to Virgin Grounds Forever". A melancholic piano introduces this anthem. It's a flute that joins in and you can see the grey winter forests of Kuopio passing by while listening to this first part. Gloom builds up the moment Jess starts singing and the opus becomes a bitter sweet masterpiece of psychedelic rock music. Jess And The Acient Ones can keep the tension throughout the entire song, something that demands a higher level of musical craftsmanship and a lot of creativity. This tune is jaw-dropping good.

Having recorded such an anthem doesn't make it easier for the rest of the songs to shine. But Jess and her gang managed this challenge very well and all the other eight tracks on the "Second Psychedelic Coming..." aren't less exciting than the closer. 

"Samhain" is a grooving retro rocker, followed by the oppressive "The Flying Man", enriched by a Ian Andresson-like cross flute.

"The Equinox Death Trip" is belongs to the credit column too. The pumping bassline, that starts the song, builds the base on which the classic rock tune can shine.

All in all I have to admit that I was surprised by the high quality of songs on Jess And The Ancient Ones' second strike. I can entrust this album to each retro- and psychedelic rock fan. If you haven't heard the album yet you have to check it out. Finnland's getting hot.

(8/10)

Tracklist:

1. Samhain
2. The Flying Man
3. In Levitating Secret Dreams
4. The Equinox Death Trip
5. Wolves Inside My Head
6. Crossroad Lightning
7. The Lovers
8. Goetia of Love
9. Goodbye to Virgin Grounds Forever

Label: Svart Records

Genre: Occult Metal

Release Date EU: December 11th, 2015

(8/10) New releases of Primal Fear, Axel Rudi Pell and Brainstorm in January. Wow. What a metallic start into the new year.

Swabian power metal institution Brainstorm has worked on their next milestone called "Scary Creatures" that will see the light of day mid January. Torsten Ihlenfeld and his power metal gang created an album that picks up the thread where the band stopped one and a half years ago with "Firesoul".

The first single" The World to See" kicks off the album. After a short cineastic intro it's the pounding rhythm and the heavy riffs that puts a spell on you. "How Much Can You Take" is also presenting all the Brainstorm trademarks before the speed is reduced with "We Are". A strong bassline is the foundation for this metal cracker that is traditional German metal at it's best. The cherry on this metal cake is the kids choir towards the end, something I haven't heard on a Brainstorm album before. The song might need a few runs but then it unveils its full beauty.

"Where the Angels Dream" doesn't seem to be a very peaceful place. The tune is one of the faster ones on the album and raging guitars accompany you from beginning to end. The number is a highlight on the record that shows Franck as well as the guitar duo Ihlenfeld/Loncaric at its best.

Time for the bombastic title track. A creepy vibe takes over from the first note and the additional classic samples give the tune another dimension. "Scary Creatures" is a worthy title track for the album and a theatric metal piece per excellence.

After such a midpace track something fast is needed; and "Twisted Ways" delivers, followed by a melodic stomper called "Caressed by the Blackness".

"Scars in Your Eyes" don't becloud the positive impression of this album. The song is a typcial Brainstorm anthem and the same goes for "Take Me to the Never", a track that works right off the bat.

The final musical piece is "Sky Among the Clouds" which is the most melodic one on the album. The tune is kept in a medium speed and it is charged with a catchy melodyline. The closer might be different from the rest of "Scary Creatures" but the rigid drive makes it to another cool number that fits on this longplayer.

"Scary Creatures" became the next highlight in the band's long history. The band will promote the album by a release show in Giengen, Germany on January 16th, before going on tour with Primal Fear and Striker in February 2016. Don't miss it.

(8/10)

Tracklist:

1. The World to See
2. How Much Can You Take
3. We Are
4. Where Angels Dream
5. Scary Creatures
6. Twisted Ways
7. Caressed By the Blackness
8. Scars in Your Eyes
9. Take Me to the Never
10. Sky Among the Clouds

Label: AFM

Genre: Power Metal

Release Date EU: January 15th, 2016

2015 ends very very sad. Lemmy Kilmister, the legendary frontman of Motörhead passed away on December 28th. A few days earlier he celebrated his 70th birthday and then he lost his short fight against cancer within a couple of days. See the official statement posted on Facebook:

"There is no easy way to say this…our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today after a short battle with an extremely aggressive cancer. He had learnt of the disease on December 26th, and was at home, sitting in front of his favorite video game from The Rainbow which had recently made it’s way down the street, with his family. 

We cannot begin to express our shock and sadness, there aren’t words.

We will say more in the coming days, but for now, please…play Motörhead loud, play Hawkwind loud, play Lemmy’s music LOUD. 
Have a drink or few.

Share stories.

Celebrate the LIFE this lovely, wonderful man celebrated so vibrantly himself.

HE WOULD WANT EXACTLY THAT.

Ian ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister

1945 -2015

Born to lose, lived to win."

(2/10) Varg has never been one of my most favorite bands and the new album will not change anything. After the single release "Rotkäppchen" the new full-length album "Das Ende aller Lugen" will hit the record shops in January and I can say already at this stage that the controversy discussions probably will not stop with this release.

The album begins with one of the most touching moments in cineastic history. It's the speech of Charlie Chaplin in "The Great Dictator" when he talks about freedom and humanity. This speech is always a moment when a shiver runs over me.

However, I wonder why Varg puts this speech as an intro on top of the tracklist. Is it to make a statement against all the demons of the past? To me, not really if I listen to lyrics like in "The End of All Lies".

Is it, that humanity and freedom should be the overall message on this album? The intro might gives you this impression. But what wonders me is what's the link between Chaplin's speech and the brutal lyrics about killing, slitting throats and so on. Those lyrics are about 'fight' and not about 'humanity' and 'freedom'. Or just bring together the message of the speech and the cover of this album. The gap couldn't be bigger.

Don't get me wrong here, nothing against splatter lyrics in death metal and I do like bands like Cannibal Corpse and Obituary. But my question is: what's the point here? I think that Chaplin would turn over in his grave while seeing his movie scene in such a context. I have to say that all this sounds very strange to me in times when the focus should be on 'unite' and not 'divide'.

Furthermore the album comes in two versions. One is in English and there is a German version too. On the one hand this is a nice extra that for sure was also more costly than just releasing one version only. But also here is the question 'why'? What's the point?

I would have loved to pay more attention to the music, but there isn't that much to tell. It's again this mic of thrash and melodic death metal with some metalcore elements. The songs don't sound bad, but there are also bands out there that play the same kind of music, just moe thrilling.

All this together leads to 2 points. The music itself gets 4 points and the lyrics are a clearly 0. I would definitely invest my money into something else. An album that helps to leave the past behind looks differently from this.

(2/10)

Tracklist:

German:

1. Der grosse Diktator
2. Das Ende aller Lügen
3. Revolution
4. Streyfzug
5. Achtung
6. Dunkelheit
7. Totentanz
8. Einherjer
9. Winterstrum
10. Ascheregen

English:

1. The Great Dictator
2. The End of All Lies
3. Revolution
4. Streyfzug
5. Achtung
6. Darkness
7. The Dance of Death
8. Einherjer
9. Winterstorm
10. Rain of Ashes

Label: Napalm Records

Genre: Pagan Metal

Release Date EU: January 15th, 2016

(8/10) Support the local bands - that was my thought when I bought this new mini album from one of the most famous Dutch bands. Golden Earring is known by each of you since the guys had with "Radar Love" a huge hit. And even though the guys never could get close again to this timeless classic they went on with making music, something that led to an enormous discography.

The newest release is an EP called "The Hague", which is an homage to their home town Den Haag. This mini album, that is also a moment of celebrating the band's 50th anniversary, features 5 new songs from the Dutch four-piece. You could almost say , one song for each decade.

The opener of this release is called "Je Regrette" which is a straight-forward rocker with a cool groove. I honestly had to get used to the chorus, but the tune develops with each time listening to it.

"That's Why I Believe in Her" takes over. The guys sound pretty fresh and modern in this album, something that is also confirmed by the second song; for me the best one out of the five recorded ones.

The very rhythm-based "My Lips Are Sealed" closes the side A of this EP. The main factor with this tune is the bass that gets a lot of attention and keeps on pushing all the way through. It's a pretty cool rock song. Point.

Since I have the vinyl version it's time to turn the page. "Did I Make You Up" is the first out of two songs on the B-side of the EP. It's a moderate pace rocker with a well-placed saxophone part. The ending of this mini album is a half acoustic  one. "Come on Home" is, in the beginning, build on an acoustic guitar. Along the way the number turns into a more rocking one without letting loose the general pattern.  

"The Hague" is another proof that rock isn't a matter of ages. These highly experienced gentlemen still know how to rock and roll.

(8/10)

Tracklist:

1. Je Regrette
2. That's Why I Believe In Her
3. My Lips Are Sealed
4. Did I Make You Up
5. Come on Home

Label: Music On Vinyl / Universal Music

Genre: Rock

Release Date NL: December 4th, 2015

Markus' Heavy Music Blog met Alter Bridge and Tremonti mainman Mark Tremonti for an interview before he entered the stage in Tilburg, Holland for a sold-out show with his solo project. The iconic guitarist talked about the current tour that led the band through Europe. Mark Tremonti also explained a few more details when it comes to new albums of Tremonti and Alter Bridge. Read here what the guitar player and melody writer has to tell.

Markus' Heavy Music Blog (MHMB): You are on tour in Europe right now, and there are two more shows to go. How was it?

Mark Tremonti (MT): It was great so far. We love touring in Europe since we have some of our real die-hard fans over here.

MHMB: You played, as you do today , in smaller venues. Some of those venues had been sold out rather quick. Have you guys underestimated the popularity of the Tremonti project?

MT: There are a couple of instances that led to this situation. One of them is that we changed agents in the middle of booking this tour. By the time we had our new agent on board some of the large rooms were taken already. This venue (Mark is referring to the 013) specifically, we were trying to get into the larger room but another band had booked it and they wouldn’t switch. We actually played the larger venue the last time we were here and we sold that one out too. But it wasn’t available this time, so we decided to go anyway and play the smaller venue. The same thing happened in Scotland where the show sold out really quickly too.

MHMB: I could imagine that the smaller sold out venues have a kind of special magic, that can’t be compared with the big stages. Does it make any difference for you if it’s a smaller venue or one of the bigger stages?

MT: Actually I like them both, and I like to switch between the two, as long as the stage isn’t too small, so that we can move. Sometimes smaller venues can also be really loud so that it hurts your ears a lot. Something you have less with bigger ones. But this one here, is a perfect little mix. It’s not too small, it’s not too big. It’s a fun, high energy type looking venue.

MHMB: You come back to Holland quite often. You recorded an Alter Bridge show in Amsterdam for a DVD release, you played the Melkweg in Amsterdam earlier this year and now, you have two shows with Tremonti before Christmas. It seems you like playing in Holland.

MT: Indeed. We’ll never come over to Europe without playing here. There are certain countries we not going to miss. It will not happen that we will not go to England or Germany; and the same goes for Holland. It’s just one of the key places for us.

MHMB: Next to playing the guitar you’re also the singer for Tremonti. How does this double function work for you, especially during live shows?

MT: It actually had strange effect on my guitar playing. When I toured Alter Bridge I’m highly focussed on everything around guitar which sometimes makes you play worse. Now, with Tremonti, when I’m less concerned about the guitar and more concerned about singing, I play better. I think it was Bill Murray who once said that “Don’t take yourself too seriously. Just let it happen“. So, doing the solo project has really let me open my eyes on how to approach guitar playing. I used to go over solos over and over again before each show. Now, I just go on stage and improvise which makes the flow much easier.

MHMB: What brought you to the decision of being also the singer? Was it something consciously decided or something that just happened and felt right??

MT: No, I wanted to sing. I was already in two bands with other singers. I have been a songwriter since I was a young lad and I love melodies. You could say I’m a melody writer, that’s why I wanted to sing this time. One of the biggest frustrations in my career is that people see me as a guitar player. I’m a songwriter and a melody writer That’s why it was good to find a way to also sing.

MHMB: How do you make a distinction between songs for Alter Bridge and those for your solo band? I guess at a certain moment you have an idea that could become a song … and then?

MT: Well, the only thing that really separates it is, if it is super heavy metal sounding, something that sounds like a speed metal kind of idea, it goes towards Tremonti solo stuff. Some other song ideas are more atmospheric with a lot of space for a big vocals. Those I save for Myles because he can do it more justice. He is great at the big atmospheric soaring songs. So sometimes the songs with the big arrangements and a lots of space I would like to leave for Alter Bridge.

MHMB: Tremonti songs are quite different. “Armed yourself“ is almost speed metal, “Dark Trip“ is kept quite slow and partly quiet while „Flying Monkey“ reminds of Soundgarden. Is this width of style reflecting your influences?

MT: I love Soundgarden. But, I would say it starts early on with listening to what my folks were listening to. We listened to Rod Steward and Gerry Rafferty - all this oldschool 70’s soft rock, which I still like a lot. As I got older, bands like Soundgarden and Alice In Chains became my favorites. Also, the first Nirvana record really blew me away. Those are the most mainstream kind of albums. But, my main influences are Metallica, Slayer, Celtic Frost and Black Flag. So, I love the heavy stuff but I love the melodic stuff as well.

MHMB: Talking about Grunge, it started with Creed and continued with Alter Bridge that your sound is described as 'post grunge'. Would you describe it the same way or are you annoyed by this term?

MT: I would say it’s true in the Alice In Chains / Soundgarden department. But what frustrated me most, is when people compared us with Pearl Jam, because I sound nothing like Pearl Jam, on the guitar or songwriting-wise. I think it is just because people heard a connection between Scott’s voice and Eddie Vedder’s voice. But, if you listen to the music, it sounds nothing like Pearl Jam. That really annoyed me. As far as it is about Soundgarden and Alice In Chains, those are two of my most favorite bands ever. I consider Soundgarden as being less grunge and more as an alternative / punk / rock sound. I can’t really explain it better, but they have their own sound. With Alice In Chains I love the melodies a lot. I think that Jerry Cantrell is one of the greatest melody writers and I love what he does.

MHMB: Two more shows to go and then I guess you’re going back home. How will you celebrate Christmas?

MT: Yes. I will go back home to Orlando/Florida to celebrate Christmas with the family.

MHMB: What can we expect from Tremonti and Alter Bridge in 2016?

MT: First of all there will be a new Alter Bridge album. I’m writing everyday on it and after the holiday period Myles will fly in second half of January. We start writing together, get into the studio and record through till April. When April hits, we will drop our next Tremonti record “Dust“, the new album that’s already finished. When we went into the studio last time, we recorded 20 songs and split them up into two, ten songs albums. After having released the album we will come back to Europe to tour on “Dust“. Then, I go home, I turn right around, 're-learn‘ all the Alter Bridge stuff and go on tour with Alter Bridge.

MHMB: That means, it will become a very busy 2016. Great to hear that there are new records coming in the new year.

MT: Yes, and maybe Myles will release his solo record too. Who knows.

MHMB: With such a full agenda, it sounds like co-ordinating times and dates is more than a challenge.

MT: We are just going to make sure that, once we get back on the Alter Bridge schedule, we will have an eighteen month period with having this band as the first priority. There will be other activities too in this period, but, Alter Bridge always comes first. And then, once this cycle is over, it will turn around where Slash and Tremonti is in focus for the next eighteen months.

MHMB: Now, while having the chance of talking to you, I have to ask you the question about Creed. There are rumors of a Creed reunion. Is there any truth in it?

MT: Right now I just don’t have time, you know. I look two years into the future and I’ll still be busy. So, if it would happen it would have to be in some time from now.

MHMB: Mark, thanks for your time and  we're looking forward to 2016.

MT: Thanks for having me.

Thanks to Diane Bale for support.

(8/10) Entwine is a basic compontent when it comes to Finnish dark metal. Before the guys decided for a break in 2012, they celebrated quite some successes; in their home country but also in the rest of Europe. Six records show the creative productivity of the band from Lahti before they went into a two years lasting 'winter sleep'.

End of 2014 first signs of awakening could be registered, since the guys talked about recording their seventh longplayer. A few months later, beginning of October, the creative result found its way to the record dealers.

"Chaotic Nation" is the title of this new release that features ten new songs. I lost track of the band in the last years. The more I was impressed by their latest album. Entwine's new songs are a cool mix that brings together 80's melodic metal with dark rock vibes and some metallic outbursts - all embedded in catchy melodies. All this makes the album easy to approach but also divers and exciting.

The first single was called "Plastic World" and I think it was a very well done choice. In one or another way the song represents everything you can find back on "Chaotic Nation". But also the rocking opener "End of Silenece" and the melodic "Scream" are highlights that you should have heard.

Entwine don't have to dodge behind bands like HIM. Not at all. I got the idea that the break adrenalized the band that nowadays sounds modern, fresh and groovy. Well done.

(8/10)

Tracklist:

1. End Of Silence
2. Saint of Sorrow
3. Fortune Falls
4. Plastic World
5. As We Arise
6. Lost, But Still Alive
7. Adrenalize
8. The Evil Lives in the Shadows
9. Revolt For Redemption
10. Scream

Label: Spinefarm Records

Genre: Dark Metal

Release Date EU: October 2nd, 2015

It feels like Mark Tremonti having a good relationship with The Netherlands. I can't remember him touring through Europe without having at least listed one show in the Holland. Also this time the tour stopped in the Benelux country and it has been second to last before the band goes into a well deserved x-mas vacation period.

Before playing Zwolle the day after it was the 013 in Tilburg that hosted the band on this Saturday night. Unfortunately Tremonti only played the smaller hall, which was sold out in no time. The attempt of moving to the bigger hall failed, which was a pity for everybody that couldn't get a ticket. But for the ones being part of the show, this concert became an awesome one in a quite intimate sphere.

But before Mark Tremonti and his gang could enter the stage it was up to The Raven Age to heat up the audience. The guys from London are around since 2009; at least this is when the Dan Wright and George Harris founded the band. It took till 2013 to get things more shaped, which was also the year when the band published their debut EP - the only release till this day.

However, The Raven Age has played many shows, supporting e.g. Masterdon and Delain. That the guys learnt a lot during those past shows was clearly visible in Tilburg that evening. The five dudes played a really good show that was very much appreciated by the fans. Even though must of them came for Tremonti, The Rave Age rocked the 013 and got a lot of applause. Their powerful modern- / alternative metal was perceived very well and the venue was already quite packed while the London-based five-piece played their set. 

For the ones who might missed the guys, there is a new chance, since they will be the opening act for Iron Maiden's "Book Of Souls" world tour. Knowing that George Harris' family name isn't coinsidentaly the same as the one from the might Maiden bass player, Steve is his father, not a too big surpise.

After a not too long break it was time for the master himself. Mark Tremonti and his band entered the stage. The beginning couldn't have been more furious than with the title track "Cauterize". Tremonti seems to enjoy releasing the metal beast with his solo project. Not that Alter Bridge, his main band, playing soft stuff, but the really heavy songs are reserved for Tremonti.

"Flying Monkeys" for example sounds already brutal on the album, but the live version was even harder. What a riff, man! Soundgarden in their earlier days came to my mind immediately. Talking about grunge influences, also the more moderate "All I Was" from the debut was played and sounded damn cool. OK, there was actually no number on the setlist that wasn't a treat for a true metalhead's ears.

Regardless if it's the more melancholic "Dark Trip" or the speed metal influenced "Arm Yourself", both from "Cauterize", these songs just rock. Those tunes just turned the venue into a madhouse and if you would have asked the fans, this show could have gone forever.

And even though Mark Tremonti is the mainman I also want to mention the band that supported him. Eric Friedman, Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Keegan build with their excellent play the foundation for this wall of sound that night in Tilburg.

But after 15 songs and around 80 minutes playtime, things came to an end. "Wish You Well" marked the end of a fantastic show of a great musican that stand with both feet on the ground. Cool guy, cool show, cool musician.

I'm already looking forward to early summer 2016 when we can expect Tremonti back in Europe, than even with new songs in the backpack.

Setlist Tremonti:

1. Cauterize
2. You Waste Your Time
3. All I Was
4. So You're Afraid
5. Flying Monkeys
6. The Things I've Seen
7. Radical Change
8. Dark Trip
9. Brains
10. All That I Got
11. Arm Yourself
12. Decay
13. Another Heart
14. Sympathy
15. Wish You Well

Setlist The Raven Age:

1. Uprising
2. Promisded Land
3. The Death March
4. Trapped Within the Shadows
5. Eye Among the Blind
6. Merciful One
7. Salem's Angel (Intro by a drum solo)
8. Angel in Disgrace

Location: 013, Tilburg, The Netherlands

Date: 19.12.2015

(8/10) Releases of British prog metallers Sikh are rare. Two full-length records in 15 years isn't really a lot. Also considering that the band went on a hiatus for couple of years doesn't change anything here - it was quality instead of quantity.

However, this was the past and the here & now looks far more interesting. The guys from Watford, England announced in spring this year that they are working on new songs which should end up on a brand new EP. A few month later the band lived up to their promise and the new EP is done. "Opacities" is the name of this disc that was recorded in the Lincoln's Chapel Studios.

In total "Opacities" contains five new songs and one acoustic intermezzo called "Tokyo Lights". This short spoken words number is framed into a context of brutal prog metal tracks that rae mind-blowing.

The EP is jaw-dropping. Brutal riffs and complex song structures are creating the base for each of the five songs. But besides all the complexity and musical finesse, the songs never turn into something unapproachable. SikTh builds enough melodic moments into their music; something that makes the tunes also to thrilling ones for headbangers not playing an instrument.

What I like with this EP is this organized chaos in SikTh' music. Even though there are so many unexpected turns in each of the songs, the tracks and the EP still feels like one unit. All those fragments fit perfectly together and lead to a homogenous package.

"Opacities" contains SikTh first new music since 2006. It feels like putting the band on hold for several led to new energy, new creativity and a lot of power. Fans from Meshuggah and Dillinger Escape Plan should check out this masterpiece of beserk math metal.

(8/10)

Tracklist:

1. Behind the Doors
2. Philistine Philosophie
3. Under the Weeping Moon
4. Tokyo Lights
5. Walking Shadows
6. Days Are Dreamed

Label: Peaceville

Genre: Prog Metal

Release Date EU: January 22nd, 2016

Release Date UK: December 4th, 2015

(7/10) The album cover feels like an invitation to biker rock while the title "Speedway" makes you think about something wild and furious. Actually Blood Red Saints isn't really the one nor the other.

The British band, that was founded by singer Pete Godfrey and bass player Rob Naylor, has twelve melodic rock arrows in their quiver. By aiming for the best score the guys come close to bullseye, eventhough there are some arrows hitting the outer rings.

Blood Red Saints isn't aiming in a different way than some others and they also send the arrows as everyone else does. So there isn't a lot of new to discover, but the result itself works very well. OK, this isn't about archery, this is about music. So lets' focus on that.

Songs like "Kickin' Up Dust" is doing exactly what the title implicates. The tune undusts your auditory meatus with fresh rock power pushed into a catchy melodic skeleton. There are more of these tracks that show Blood Red Saint pushing the pedal (in the frames of AOR), like e.g. "Better Says" and "Mercy". The last mentioned one is by the way the best number on the longplayer.

Melodic rock also demands some softer tracks that aren't normally my cup of tea. But there is an exception on this album called "Best of Me" - a song that brings back the memory of Foreigner in the 80's. And also the acoustic "Dangerous" belongs to the well done ballads on the album.

Unfortunately things get also a bit trivial with tracks like "The Best Thing". The softener was used a bit too heavily while writing this track. And the same goes for "Wrapped Up in These Arms".

However. Blood Red Saints delivered a respectable album that offers some highlights. If this is enough to conquer the world with their music is something the future will tell.

(7/10)

Tracklist:

1. Kickin' Up Dust
2. Mercy
3. Best of Me
4. Dangerous
5. Love Set Me Up Again
6. Better Days
7. The Best Thing
8. Unbreakable
9. Wrapped Up In These Arms
10. CGRNR
11. Feels a Lot Like Love
12. Faith

Label: Frontiers Music

Genre: AOR

Release date EU: December 4th, 2015

(7/10) FDA Rekotz is known for having a sixth sense when it comes to new death metal bands. All the more it's a surprise that the label releases an album that doesn't fit at all into this genre.

Demon Incarnate is playing a totally different ball game. The band's inspiration goes back to the 70's when Black Sabbath entered the scene.

Lisa, Devil Jay, Tobias and Phil - a multinational coalition - are based in Saarbruecken, Germany where they worked on their third album, that was released a few weeks ago.

After I have heard the record a few times I was thinking about Avatarium and their impact on this kind of music. Demon Incarnate actually serves the same target group as the Swedish rising stars. But wait. Demon Incarnate has their roots already in 2010 and has some releases already. So development went in parallel.

However, the current Demon Incarnate release comes with seven songs that are classic doom with female vocals. Having said this you can sense already that the longplayer fits perfect into the current wave of retro bands that are almost flooding the scene at the moment. But the fact that the band is one of the many doesn't mean that it's not worth to listen to the album. It's especially the doom compontents that makes the guys sound interesting.

The only downer with this release is that the songs are a kind of the same but different. I got the idea that Demon Incarnate stays too long in the same pattern and abit more variation would have been adding an extra thrill to a down-to-earth longplayer.

Besides that the record is an enrichment to FDA Rekotz' catalogue and something for fans of Avatarium and Sabbath.

(7/10)

Tracklist:

1. Grinder
2. Bird Of Prey
3. Ember Glow
4. Demonized
5. The Prophecy
6. Lifeless Eyes
7. Black Horizon

Label: FDA Rekotz

Genre: Doom

Release Date EU: September 28th, 2015