(7/10) This album is a musical freakshow that reminds very much of Slipknot. I think that Beyond All Recognition is targeting the same group of fans and the guys probably have heard some stuff from the Iowa-based band.

This idea gets into the listeners mind already with the opener "Stain Your Name". Weird screams, crushing guitars and a murderous groove are the main characteristics of this tune. The following "Aestetic Pathetic" has the same approach and you will have a hard time breathing while listening to these tunes.

Fortunately Beyond All Recognition gives you two moments for recovery. "Elation" is the first interlude and "Rest" is the second one, later on the tracklist.

In between these 'moments of silence' the band goes back to these brutal moments from the beginning of the album. "Erase" is such a track and the ultrafast "Kill(h)er" is another one. The latter is actually the heaviest one on the album. The song is structured acoustic chaos in which the band never really loses control.

The mentioned "Rest" is needed before this freakshow continues.

But it's not all songs having the effect of a sledgehammer. There are is one quiet song on the album and there are songs with more melodic components. "Revelation" for example has clean vocals that are in a constant interplay with malicious shouts and "Future Behind" is an acoustic number with entirely clean vocals. If this 'ballad' was needed, I don't know. I think it's a bit overdone. Not because it's bad. It's more that this tune is a counterpart to the rest of the album and sounds misplaced on this record.

To sum up: "Beyond All Recognition" is an longplayer that is brutal and quite entertaining. Even though it comes with 14 songs, this disc doesn't get boring even though it's obvious that Slipknot has been at least one of the role models for this album. Anyhow, I've heard worse stuff the last months.

(7/10)

Tracklist:

1. Stain Your Name
2. Asthetic Pathetic
3. Elation
4. Revelation
5. What you Are
6. Erase
7. Kill(h)er
8. Rest
9. Knowing
10. The Dead Cannot Speak
11. Trigger Denial
12. Unfounded
13. Future Behind
14. Daemons

Label: Gain Music

Genre: Modern Metal

Release Date EU: May 27th, 2016

(7/10) ZOAX found a way of making music exciting. There sound is actually quite melodic rock/metal that acts like a foundation for each of the 12 songs on "ZOAX". In order to not make things too catchy and too much mainstream-like the guys add some aggressive shouts and screams to their sound, combined with alternative metal guitar riffs. This is the common denominator for all tracks on this longplayer and it gives zOAX a certain own identity.

All this sounds already like an interesting combination, but the guys wanted to go even one step further. If you listen to the opener you will find all the mentioned with the addition of some relaxed sequences that have an lounge music approach.

Or take "ZuperHeroez" where rough vocals meets a gently singing guitar that has a kind of reggae expression.

The spectra of sound collages is getting even wider with "The Wave, a number that is a more melodic post-rock song, something that still fits into the sound costume of ZOAX.

I think that the guys from London recorded a well done album that is breaking the chains of being stuck in a certain genre. In this sense it is crossover what ZOAX is doing, just different from what normally falls under this category. The disc has a wide range of influences by still coming across as being one solid unit. I like this album and I like the approach, even though they could streamline things a bit more in the future. However, a good album of an ambitious band.

(7/10)

Tracklist:

1. The Bad Blood
2. Devil Dance
3. Roses All the Way
4. Fly High
5. ZuoperHeroez
6. The Wave
7. Good Times
8. Mirrors
9. KSYCHIA
10. King and Queen
11. Alive in Sound
12. Slan

Label: Century Media

Genre: Alternative Rock

Release Date EU: May 13th, 2016

(9/10) 20 years after having released the original longplayer via Monolog Productions it is Napalm Records that reissues this milestone album. Satyricon was already well known when "Nemesis Divina" underlined the status of Satyr and bandmates back in 1996. The fact that this album is still as fascinating as it was two decades ago underlines, that this record is a timeless classic, written for eternity.

"Nemesis Divina" was the last chapter of Satyricon's pure focus on oldschool Norwegian black metal. From that point on they developed there sound with some more experimental moments, opening up even for the "Live at the Opera" show later in their career.

The new version of this black metal masterpiece went through a remastering process, done by no less than Satry himself. Compared to the original version the reissue sounds even more powerful and band anthems like "Mother North" shine in new splendor; something that actually goes for each of the seven tracks on this iconic longplayer.

The artwork of this enriched package is kept the same as it was in 1996. It's anyhow a real match that perfectly expresses the dark and mystic vibe of each of the songs captured on "Nemesis Divina".

Next to this re-release Satyricon planned some shows during summer, playing "Nemesis Divina" in its entirety. So, it's the right time to enjoy some oldschool black metal.

(9/10)

Tracklist:

1. The Dawn of a New Age
2. Forhekset
3. Mother North
4. Du som hater Gud
5. Immortality Passion
6. Nemesis Divina
7. Transcendental Requiem of Slaves

Label: Napalm Records

Genre: Black Metal

Release Date EU: May 20st, 2016

(8/10) First thing that stands out with this album is the really cool artwork. What came to my mind was 'electric guitar land'. Ok, that's the first impression and packaging isn't unimportant, but when we talk about Paul Gilbert it is purely music that counts.

Fortunately the Mr. Big guitarist recorded songs for "I Can Destroy" that are all on a high level, tunes that can easily compete with the artwork. Again, we are talking about Paul Gilbert, a guitarist that is beyond any doubt.

I mentioned already Mr. Big, but the six-stringer was a crucial part of the fantastic Racer X too, whose "Street Lethal" release still belogs to my faves in guitar based metal music. But actually it's the solo albums of Gilbert that showed all his virtuosity and creativity.

Two years after he published "Stone Pushing Uphill Man" it's "I Can Destroy" that is the next treat for your ears.

The start is called "Everybody Use Your Goddamn Turn Signal, a cool swinging opener with a laid-back approach. The title track, "I Can Destroy" is next on the playlist. In general it's a hardrocker a la Kiss that speeds up in the middle, including a furious wild guitar solo.

"Knocking on a Kocked Door" can't come with anything else than a pumping rhythm. It's a good time rock'n'roll tune and I would say: Welcome to the 70's. A gently grooving song is called "One woman too many". It includes an intensive beat and a bluesy expression that reminds of Whitesnake. You can't stand still listening to this number that belongs to the best ones on the album.

Things get a bit more complex with "Woman Stop". It's a song that's harder to digest and it takes a while to get into this track, something that changes with "Gonna Make you Love Me, which is a pure rock'n'roller. Actually it's a danceable rock songs that reflects the 60's, in a modern outfit. This is no metal but ultra cool. Get your dancing shoes polished and here we go.

"I am Not the One" has cool intro with some a capella vocals; no new idea but still good. Gilbert's singing guitar follows and the tune becomes a fast rocker that is done very well.

"Blues Just Saving My Life", what else could it be than blues number. There are better blues tracks but Gilbert's guitar is what enriches this track that still has a lot of feel.

Is Sweet around? That's what you might think while listening to the catchy "Make It" while Mr. Big shimmers through at "Love We Had". Gilbert used the "To Be With You" formula and it still works.

"I Will be Remember", for sure since Paul Gilbert belongs to the best guitarists in rock these days. As this album proves, Gilbert has an enormous width of sounds and styles included in his guitar play. And he's a great songwriter too, a damn good combination that pays back on records like this one. With "Adventure and Trouble" we're getting closer towards the end of this longplayer. Actually it's the last track on the album that has with the Ted Nugent cover "Great White Buffalo" a bonus song, rounding off a well done album by a great guitarist. This album is containing real music that is ambitious and highly entertaining.

(8/10)

Tracklist:

1. Everybody Use Your Goddamn Turn Signal
2. I Can Destroy
3. Knocking On A Locked Door
4. One Woman Too Many
5. Woman Stop
6. Gonna Make You Love Me
7. I Am Not The One (Who Wants To Be With You)
8. Blues Just Saving My Life
9. Make It (If We Try)
10. Love We Had
11. I Will Be Remembered
12. Adventure And Trouble
13. Great White Buffalo (Bonus Track)

Label: earMUSIC

Genre: Hardrock

Release Date EU: May 27th, 2016

(7/10) Again Sweden, again Stcokholm. The density of rock and metal bands in IKEA country is unbelievable. Dust is one of them, releasing their new longplayer "Soulburst" as we speak.

The new album is their second strike, following "Tequila Shiver". Dust's music is described as a mix of Free, Dio and Deep Purple. After having heard the longplayer several times I think, that these influences describe the sound on "Soulburst" pretty well.

The songs on "Soulburst" are good hardrock numbers, not more, but also not less. It's more Roger Salanders rough vocals and the fact that the album was recorded live in the studio which makes it to a special one.

Songs like "King is Coming" show a band that plays together pretty tight and the soulful ballad "Waiting For You" is a reference to David Coverdale's Whitesnake. It's the blues that drives this number that is definitely a highlight on this longplayer.

In the end "Soulburst" belongs to this kind of longplayers that are done very well, including good songs performed by good musicians and each of the tunes is entertaining. "Soulburst" spreads a good party vibe but there is also not that much new that gives you a 'wow effect'. Solid.

(7/10)

Tracklist:

1. Sun rising
2. King is Coming
3. Come On
4. Waiting For You
5. Bad Boy
6. Free
7. Soul Stealer
8. Keltic Wheel
9. Blind

Label: Attitude

Genre: Classic Rock

Release Date EU: May 20th, 2016

"Sternhagelvoll" is the first new song from In Extremo's upcoming album "Quid Pro Quo". The guys performed the song in the studio and posted the video on their Facebook side. Check it out via the link below.

By the way, release date is June 24th and the album comes via Vertigo/Universal Music. Na dann mal Prost.

Time for some black metal from the UK. Necronautical inked a deal with Cacophonous while working on their next album entitled "The Endurance at Night". Release date is July 15th, and the longplayer will add some darkness to the bright European summer time.

This is the tracklist:

1. Pure Monn
2. Nihilartikel
3. Spitzenkorper
4. Oceanus Procellarum
5. Strom
6. The Endurance at Night
7. Theia

(7/10) Right before the starting summer period Lacuna Coil reminds us, that Italy has also a darker side than only beach, sun and sea. The Italian powerhouse releases these days their new longplayer "Delirium", an album that was inspired by a visit of an abandoned sanatorium.

Lacuna Coil's 8th album features 12 new songs which are in general harder than what we have heard from the guys in the past. The heavy riffing has, in addition, also a far more modern touch. If all this was based on the fact that Lacuna Coil had to replace guitarist Cris Migliore and drummer Cristiano Mozzati, is something I can't answer. However, it's obvious that Lacuna Coil started to develop their sound.

Especially the first half of "Delirium" contains songs that sounds pretty good. The dark vibe is still there but turned more into a certain madness, not for nothing the album is called "Delirium". But it's the hard guitar sound that moves the band a bit more towards nu metal. Sometimes I was reminded of Korn when I listened to these songs.

Next ti the guitars it's Andrea Ferro's deep growls that adds an extra portion of heaviness to quite some of the numbers on "Delirium". Good to know that there is a with Cristina Scabbia a constant factor in Lacuna Coil's sound. She does again an excellent job and her clean vocals are the sunshine on this otherwise pretty brutal album.

Songs like the Opener "The House of Shame" are brutal riff monsters. Starting with a few seconds of keyboard samples the opener turns into a groove metal engine, enriched by Scabbia's clean vocals. "Broken Things" is following the same consturction principles before the title track points to the darker side of Lacuna Coil.

A first break comes with "Downfall", the most silent track on the record. Actually it's a not too bad number, but it's also a bit lifeless and too much on the safe side. "Take me Home" is build on harder riffs again, but also not really rocket science.

Fortunatelly the end is more exciting again. "Claustrophobia" and the grooving "Ultima Ratio" are well done tracks that brings back partly the harshness from the beginning.

"Delirium" became a good album. It lives up to expectations, is a bit harder than what I thought but feels also like an inbetween album. It looks like the Italian powerhouse embarked on a journey towards slightly new sounds and "Delirium" is the first leg. After having listened to album several times I can conclude that I like the move, even though it took my a while.

(7/10)

Tracklist:

1. The House Of Shame
2. Broken Things
3. Delirium
4. Blood, Tears, Dust
5. Downfall
6. Take Me Home
7. You Love Me 'Cause I Hate You
8. Ghost In The Mist
9. My Demons
10. Claustrophobia
11. Ultima Ratio

Label: Century Media

Genre: Modern Metal

Release Date EU: May 27th, 2015

(9/10) Ray Wilson stepped into the spotlight when a band called Stiltskin got famous with „Inside“, a song that was used for a pretty cool jeans commercial. This tune was a great rock track that fitted perfectly into the nineties. But Stiltskin stayed a kind of one-hit-wonder.
The only one that us still successfully in business is Ray Wilson. It goes without saying that his time as singer for Genesis added a lot to his popularity, but since quite some years the singer from Dumfries, Scotland is running his solo project. In the meantime Wilson has a pretty solid crowd of fans and I think that this group gets bigger with each release.
Wilson named the record "Song for a Friend", an emotional title which is very well chosen. The album is dedicated to his friend James Lewis, who passed away in 2015, resulting in an emotional title track that is truly moving. Knowing that it was former Stiltskin guitarist Uwe Metzler who sketched a few song ideas it feels like things have come full circle.
Not only with this background „Song for a friend“ is very emotional record with songs that transport a story that feels at least partly, autobiographic. At least each of them is a short story told as a song. I even think it’s more than just songs. It’s small poems getting even stronger by the emotional power of music. This album shows that Wilson is a real artist in a wider sense.
There is one exception though when it comes to the personal expression of this album. „High Hopes“, the last number on the album, is a Pink Floyd cover. It also has a connection the Wilson’s life since the song expresses what Wilson wanted to say about the situation of three of his band leaving last year. So there is a personal link, told with the words of someone else.
The music on "Songs for a Friend“ is well-crafted acoustic songs that partly reminds of Simon & Garfunkel (listen to the title track). This album isn't meant for parties and loud rock festivals. Wilson publishes soulful singer/songwriter music that needs to be listened to with estphones, or even better, live during one of the upcoming shows.
"Song for a Friend" became a soulful and open album that is touch with it's emotional depth.
A great album done by a likable singer.

(9/10)

Tracklist:

1. Old Book
2. Over my Dead Body
3. Cold Light of Day
4. Song for a Friend
5. How Long
6. Not Till Springtime
7. Backseat Driving
8. Parallel Souls
9. Tired and Failed
10. High Hopes

Label: Jaggy D
Genre: Acoustic Rock
Release Date EU: June 3rd, 2016

(8/10) It was 30 years ago when a doom metal album had been released that set a new standard. "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus", that's the name of the record that marked the beginning of new chapter in doom metal.

Candlemass was the band that was responsible for this milestone. The band added many exciting chapters to this story and the newest one will be released end of May via Napalm Records.

Four new tracks have been recorded by the Stockholm-based quintet, music that reflects more the earlier days than the last studio output "Psalms for the Dead".

This EP starts with the title track "Death Thy Lover". The first thing that hits is the riff which kicks-off this number. What follows is a surprisingly fast Candlemass song with typical Candlemass melodies and a quite catchy chorus. The guitars and the galloping rhythm reminds partly of the NWoBHM while the middle section features some classic rock. All this is kept together by Candlemass' typical sound expression which guarantees a cool start into this release.

"Sleeping Giants" is the next hymn. Build on brutal riffs and dark vocal lines it's a slowly creeping doom giant that awakes step by step. Talking about vocals, Mats Leven was responsible for those and his voice fits perfect. As on earlier releases he again enriches Candlemass' sound, also on these four tracks.

Number three, "Sinister'n'Sweet", is a another winner. It's a track that contains some thrilling guitar solos and I haven't seen the song writing credits, but I could imagine Leif Edling being very much in charge for this track. It's a Sabbath like riff that shows some parallels with Avatarium.

The last tune is called "The Goose". It's a bit more of an extraordinary name for a metal anthem. However, the number is a real smasher that, note by note, crawls into the deepest parts of your mind. This song, that is by the way an instrumental, is a great ending of an EP that is 100% Candlemass.

This release is a MUST.

(8/10)

Tracklist:

1. Death Thy Lovers
2. Sleeping Monster
3. Sinister'n'Sweet
4. The Goose

Label: Napalm Records

Genre: Doom Metal

Release Date EU: June 3rd, 2016

(7/10) Raw In Sect is a still fairly new band from Athens, Greece. Even though their history goes back to 2011, the band hasn't released more than a demo and the debut album. Their first record was followed by quite some live shows with various acts. 'Various' really means 'various' since also stylewise there was quite some diversification - from Overkill to Immolation. And interesting enough these bands sound all different from what Raw In Sect serves you.

The music on "Blue Haze" is hard to describe. Sometimes the guys take it more relaxed, like on "Abeer Quassim Hamza", sometimes the partly remind of bands like Down ("On the Run") while "Black Stoner" is what it is, a stoner rock number and "All Instincts Trip" has some parts reminding of Helmet.

Compared to the second half of the longplayer the first songs are the harder ones. Looking into the second part, the title track and also "High on Waves" are not silent once either but they are stressing a bit more the psychedelic side of Raw In Sect. And if this wouldn't be enough there is with "Drowning in the Norm" even an Alice In Chains inspired number on the album.

All in all I think that "Blue Haze" is a solid album with a wide range of sounds. It feels like the guys are still searching a bit for the bands identity, but besides this, OK stuff to listen to.

(7/10)

Tracklist:

1. On the Run
2. All Instincts Trip
3. Cutting My Skin
4. Black Stoner (Part I & II)
5. Abeer Qassim Hamza (A Glowing Shade)
6. Blue Haze
7. Migraines
8. Drowning in the Norm
9. High on Waves
10. 10th Circle
11. Υттατία

Genre: Psychedelic Metal

Label: Aural Music Group

Release Date EU: April 29th, 2016

(3/10) "Love or a Lie" is the debut of Swiss-based Steelmade. Switzerland is known for chocolade and watches, but also hardrock bands like Gotthard and Shakra are well selling export articles of the alpine country. The question if Steelmade can add to this strong tradition is easily answered with a clear 'No'.

Steelmade, the name sounds promising, can't live up to the expectations the name raises. It's not that much about steel, since the songs aren't hard, aren't heavy and aren't strong. The eleven tracks sound more like easy to bend aluminium. 

Therefore it's not a big surprise that "Without", with some softer parts, belongs to the better songs. But in general the album comes with no highlight, sounds uninspired is bloodless and doesn't knock your socks off. Tunes like "Desire and Love" are actually build on a not too bad guitar riff, but here it's the vocals that are killing the vibe, like in some other songs too. And last but not least songs like "Sweet Lady" and the title track are dead losses.

After having heard the album my ears are screaming for a dose of rockin' Gotthard songs to wash out what they've heard.

Sorry Steelmade, this album is a  full disappointment.

(3/10)

Tracklist:

1. Even Gods Have Enemies
2. Stay
3. Revolution
4. Without
5. Desire and Love
6. Silent Cries
7. We are Bizarre
8. Sweet Lady
9. Love and a Lie
10. Killing me
11. Edda

Label: Timezone Records

Genre: Rock

Release Date EU: May 20st, 2016
 

(8/10) I haven't heart about Blizzen before and I regret it. However, when this masterpiece found its way into my mailbox I didn't know more than that the guys have signed a deal with High Roller Records which is actually a good sign. The German label stands for a lot of traditional metal that's wild and furious.

Who are Blizzen? It's a four-piece band from Hessen, Germany and they are around since 2014. The first countable release was an EP called "Time Machine" and their sound is a kind of time machine that beams you right back into the beginning of the 80's. This EP was very well perceived and opened the doors for Blizzen's debut.

So, let's press 'play' and listen. I must say that the eleven songs (actually it's 10 plus an intro) are gorgeous. What I like with this release is the innocent pleasure of playing metal music. After the successful EP the guys have been surprised about the positive reaction since, in their world, they, according to Steckenmesser, "simply recorded the music we liked. It’s a real surprise that there’s so many fans out there liking the same stuff as us.” I think that this quote is key, since it describes an approach that makes the album real, true and authentic. These four guys have a lot of fun playing heavy metal music and the result is a smasher. Each note is performed with pure dedication for what they are doing.

"Trumpets of the Gods" reminds a bit of Iron Maiden, "The Beast is on Your Back" comes with some Lizzy Borden, but also Running Wild ("Hounded for Good") and Accept have been an inspiration for Daniel 'Stecki' Steckenmesser and band mates.

For the ones that liked the EP, the new longplayer will be a next treat and for the ones of you that never heard of Blizzen, go for this album, because metal can't be more authentic than what you get on "Genesis Reversed".

(8/10)

Tracklist:

Devils' Gun is one of these young and wild bands from Swededn that seem to pop up like mushrooms in autumn. They guys are heavily inspired by 80's metal and their sound is an hommage to bands like Accept, Motörhead and AC/DC.

MHMB was in contact with the guys from Småland for bringing some more light into darkness about who they are and what they can tell us about their band. Here you go:

Markus Heavy Music Blog: Devil's Gun is a fairly new band. What brought you guys together? Are you all from the same area?

More or less. We’ve got less than 20 kilometers to eachother. We all went to the same school. But the thing that brought us together was the interest for great music and booze of course!

MHMB: You guys have your debut album up and running. Tell us a bit more about the record.

"Dirty ‘N’ Damned" is an album filled with eleven hot tracks that will scare your liver to death! The album was recorded at Bandstationen, Ryd, with the help of Tony “Täde” Carlsson. We stayed there for a week and well, "Dirty ‘N' Damned" was born. Soon after the mixing and master was completed, we released our first single “Hot Rock City” on December 17^th. 24 hours later we got a mail from Johan “Blarre” Hargeby at Sound Pollution who showed big interest in us. So, just before Christmas we signed a record deal with Black Lodge and Sound Pollution, the best Christmas gift ever!

MHMB: "Dirty'n'Damned", that's the title of the album. Is there a meaning behind the name or was it chosen just due to the fact that it sounds cool?

"Dirty ‘N’ Damned" was one out of two possible titles for our album. After some seriously thinking we realised what we are: we are a bunch of dirty and damned guys just trying to deliver some good music to people. And for the record, yes "Dirty ‘N' Damned" sounds quite cool haha!

MHMB: Devil's Gun's sound is very much inspired by Accept and AC/DC, I guess some of your idols. Who else made in impact on Devil's Gun's music?

Oh, the simple answer would be to say that most of the 80’s Heavy Metal had an impact on us. Krokus, Cinderella, Rose Tattoo, Dio, Twisted Sister ... just to name some. But the bands who are the reason for our sound is mostly Accept and Motörhead. And yes, I guess you can add AC/DC to the list aswell. We all love them and they have done so much to this genre.

MHMB: Växjö is not Stockholm or Gothenburg. How hard or easy is it to run a band in the middle of Smaland?

I don’t think that it matters in the end. If you play great music people will notice. It might just take some extra time to get people to recognise you. With the  internet and all that is attended by it you will reach out to labels and so on. The sad part is the live scene since we lack of good places to play at. But if you really want to make it and you rwally go for it than this can’t stop you. You just got to get your ass in the van and roll out!

MHMB: Next to you it's also Bullet coming from there. Are there more metal bands in Växjö and is there a small, but vital scene?

Seen to the size of this town we really got some great bands around. First to mention our brothers in arms Dynamite and of course our friends in The Scams! There are a lot of other bands aswell so check it out!

MHMB: How about touring activities in the near future. Will you guys play some shows outside Sweden?

Our first gig outside of Sweden will be in Copenhagen at Nordic Noice Festival (May 13^th and 14^th). And we just got booked for the Ice Rock Festival, Switzerland in January of 2017. Hopefully we will be able to get on the European roads soon and spread our beer-drinking Rock n Roll!

MHMB: What more should we know about Devil's Gun?

You should catch us on the road! We deliver a adrenaline pumping, energy filled love-show that no one should miss out on! We promise it will be a great party!