Tohuvabohu
Metropolis Records
As with all things in life, the things you really like never quite stay the same. For better or worse that's the way it is. With KMFDM It was my opinion that after En Esch and Guenter Schulz left it was gonna be for the worse. The last few albums were "lacking" as I see it, and I was not of any high hopes that the band could really redeem themselves to their glory days. So does Tohuvabohu achieve this mighty feat? No, but it's a lot better than I had hoped. Let's be real folks, without En Esch and Guenter it will never be the KMFDM we all came to know and love, but Sascha and Co do a pretty good job with what's left. The riffs have more of a power groove than straight ahead metal, the electronic side of things is still pure KMFDM through and through and Sascha and Lucia give it their all in the vocal department. It may not be the original recipie but it's still got some of the old flavor left in it.
Craig Harvey
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Hurtlocker
Embrace The Fall
Napalm Records
The back of this CD described this as thrash metal. Not really. It's more metalcore with thrash elements. However, it sounds like a clone of several other bands from this scene with not anything that really stands out to distinguish them from the fold. Gut-wrenching screaming vocals, heavy down-tuned riffs, etc... very formulistic. Still, it's heavy as hell, the band is solid and the production is well done which all counts for something I guess. Like every style of music there are a lot of bands that sound similar to each other, but a lot of the metalcore stuff was not my favorite anyway. However, it's not bad and if you like this style of metal then it's right up your alley.
Craig Harvey
Napalm Records
The back of this CD described this as thrash metal. Not really. It's more metalcore with thrash elements. However, it sounds like a clone of several other bands from this scene with not anything that really stands out to distinguish them from the fold. Gut-wrenching screaming vocals, heavy down-tuned riffs, etc... very formulistic. Still, it's heavy as hell, the band is solid and the production is well done which all counts for something I guess. Like every style of music there are a lot of bands that sound similar to each other, but a lot of the metalcore stuff was not my favorite anyway. However, it's not bad and if you like this style of metal then it's right up your alley.
Craig Harvey
Mehida
Blood And Water
Napalm Records
I liked the Cd cover right off. Simple yet effective. The music sounded good on the first track with vocals that reminded me oddly enough of Styx accompanied by solid sounding metal riffs. Then I started really listening to the lyrics. That is when it hit me; this is christian metal !!!! It all went south after that. No matter how good the band was I couldn't get passed the lyrics. WIth tracks like "Wings Of A Dove, Grace, Multitude etc.." it was way to obvious. It reminded me of Stryper and their ilk. I just don't do christian metal, it's like oil and water they just don't mix. Sorry guys.
Craig Harvey
Napalm Records
I liked the Cd cover right off. Simple yet effective. The music sounded good on the first track with vocals that reminded me oddly enough of Styx accompanied by solid sounding metal riffs. Then I started really listening to the lyrics. That is when it hit me; this is christian metal !!!! It all went south after that. No matter how good the band was I couldn't get passed the lyrics. WIth tracks like "Wings Of A Dove, Grace, Multitude etc.." it was way to obvious. It reminded me of Stryper and their ilk. I just don't do christian metal, it's like oil and water they just don't mix. Sorry guys.
Craig Harvey
The Chemical Brothers
We Are The Night
Atralwerks
The Chemical Brothers return with their sixth album "We Are The Night" and as you might have guessed, it's another fantastic release from this British duo. Like some of their electronic brethren, (Orbital, Underworld, Crystal Method) the Chemical Brothers have carved their own niche' in the electronic dance scene over the years with their own unique sound and "We Are The Night" continues in that tradition. These guys never play it safe while pushing musical boundries. The album is a plethora of odd quirky sounds and bizarre analogue synth's (that sound as if they are from another dimension) all wrapped up in pulsating beats and samples of voices from the unknown. There are guests galore such as Fat Lip and his contribution to the very humorous "Salmon Dance", Ali Love on the funky "Do It Again" and Midlake on the dreamy sounding "The Pills Won't Help You Now". The Chemical Brothers prove yet again, that electronic music can indeed challenge the ear while pleasing the body.
Craig Harvey
Atralwerks
The Chemical Brothers return with their sixth album "We Are The Night" and as you might have guessed, it's another fantastic release from this British duo. Like some of their electronic brethren, (Orbital, Underworld, Crystal Method) the Chemical Brothers have carved their own niche' in the electronic dance scene over the years with their own unique sound and "We Are The Night" continues in that tradition. These guys never play it safe while pushing musical boundries. The album is a plethora of odd quirky sounds and bizarre analogue synth's (that sound as if they are from another dimension) all wrapped up in pulsating beats and samples of voices from the unknown. There are guests galore such as Fat Lip and his contribution to the very humorous "Salmon Dance", Ali Love on the funky "Do It Again" and Midlake on the dreamy sounding "The Pills Won't Help You Now". The Chemical Brothers prove yet again, that electronic music can indeed challenge the ear while pleasing the body.
Craig Harvey
The Secret Meeting
Ultrashiver
Noiseplus Music
The Secret Meeting is the combined efforts of Karin and Statik of Collide with instrumental help from Dean Garcia formerly of Curve. After listening to this album, I concluded that a more perfect mixture of artist's could not have been more beautifuly matched.The music is very reminicent of both bands (showing the striking similarities they both share) but the music still has its own unique qualities. Karin's voice is seductive, soothing, and at times her voice sounds like Toni Halladay (former vocalist for Curve) almost to the point that I first thought it was Toni singing! The music itself is a union of trip-hop grooves, lush electronic atmospheres, and edgy bursts of distorted guitar. Both Garcia and Statik's compositional genius is a force to be reckoned with on this album. Having lent their talents to such acts as TOOL, Eurythmics, Skinny Puppy and many more, you can only imagine what they have achieved together on "Ultrashiver". This album could have stood as a Collide or Curve release individually in some respects, but the interplay between these very talented artist's has forged something just as beautiful, full of emotion and totally captivating that pay the utmost homage to both bands.
Craig Harvey
Noiseplus Music
The Secret Meeting is the combined efforts of Karin and Statik of Collide with instrumental help from Dean Garcia formerly of Curve. After listening to this album, I concluded that a more perfect mixture of artist's could not have been more beautifuly matched.The music is very reminicent of both bands (showing the striking similarities they both share) but the music still has its own unique qualities. Karin's voice is seductive, soothing, and at times her voice sounds like Toni Halladay (former vocalist for Curve) almost to the point that I first thought it was Toni singing! The music itself is a union of trip-hop grooves, lush electronic atmospheres, and edgy bursts of distorted guitar. Both Garcia and Statik's compositional genius is a force to be reckoned with on this album. Having lent their talents to such acts as TOOL, Eurythmics, Skinny Puppy and many more, you can only imagine what they have achieved together on "Ultrashiver". This album could have stood as a Collide or Curve release individually in some respects, but the interplay between these very talented artist's has forged something just as beautiful, full of emotion and totally captivating that pay the utmost homage to both bands.
Craig Harvey
Korpiklanni
Tervaskanto
Napalm Records
What do get when you cross metal guitars, accordians, violins, flutes with songs about drinking and dancing? Humppa metal of course! These finish folk metal guru's are simply outrageous and full of more energy on one song than many bands are on an entire album! The very first song is entitled "Let's Drink" so it's all one big party after that. Korpiklanni crank it up full throttle on just about every track with fast and furious tempos that almost leave you breathless at the end of each song. The frantic vocals of lead singer Jonne sound as if he is just keeping pace with the breakneck speed of the songs but he never falls behind. The interplay of guitars, bass and drums with the more traditional folk instruments is probably the best I have ever heard from any band of this genre. I can picture their live shows with people chanting and singing along, it's got to be a great time. Granted none of the songs are in English but in this case it really doesn't matter because it's all so much fun. So with tongue firmly planted in cheek, Koripiklanni gets my vote for most original album of the year so far.
Craig Harvey
Napalm Records
What do get when you cross metal guitars, accordians, violins, flutes with songs about drinking and dancing? Humppa metal of course! These finish folk metal guru's are simply outrageous and full of more energy on one song than many bands are on an entire album! The very first song is entitled "Let's Drink" so it's all one big party after that. Korpiklanni crank it up full throttle on just about every track with fast and furious tempos that almost leave you breathless at the end of each song. The frantic vocals of lead singer Jonne sound as if he is just keeping pace with the breakneck speed of the songs but he never falls behind. The interplay of guitars, bass and drums with the more traditional folk instruments is probably the best I have ever heard from any band of this genre. I can picture their live shows with people chanting and singing along, it's got to be a great time. Granted none of the songs are in English but in this case it really doesn't matter because it's all so much fun. So with tongue firmly planted in cheek, Koripiklanni gets my vote for most original album of the year so far.
Craig Harvey
Ironfire
Blade Of Triumph
Napalm Records
This Danish power metal outfit brings us tales of magic, epic battles and all manor of fantasy based songs which is the kind of thing I normally enjoy. Ironfire have all the right qualities musically with stunning guitar work, powerful vocals and solid bass and drums. These guys know their stuff and prove it song after song. However the music is not the problem. Unfortunately (and I hate to say this) it's the lyrics. As I said earlier, fantasy themes are very common in metal and I have come to expect that. However, these were just so cliché and unoriginal that I just cringed. Even after a second listen it didn't get any better. I mean, you could write something more original than stories about Camelot and such. This is the bands only downfall. Everything else was fantastic. Still it's hard to overlook something as major as lyrics because they are such an important part of the songs. However, don't give up on these guys just yet. I think they just need some time and perhaps someone to help with the lyrics and they will really have it all together.
Craig Harvey
Napalm Records
This Danish power metal outfit brings us tales of magic, epic battles and all manor of fantasy based songs which is the kind of thing I normally enjoy. Ironfire have all the right qualities musically with stunning guitar work, powerful vocals and solid bass and drums. These guys know their stuff and prove it song after song. However the music is not the problem. Unfortunately (and I hate to say this) it's the lyrics. As I said earlier, fantasy themes are very common in metal and I have come to expect that. However, these were just so cliché and unoriginal that I just cringed. Even after a second listen it didn't get any better. I mean, you could write something more original than stories about Camelot and such. This is the bands only downfall. Everything else was fantastic. Still it's hard to overlook something as major as lyrics because they are such an important part of the songs. However, don't give up on these guys just yet. I think they just need some time and perhaps someone to help with the lyrics and they will really have it all together.
Craig Harvey
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Technoir
Deliberately Fragile
Alfa Matrix
Hot on the heels of their "Manifesto Ep" Technoir returns with the full length follow-up album "Deliberately Fragile." This is their second full length CD which took a little over 5 years to be released, but the wait was definitely worth it. So much of the synth-pop community has become re-hashed and generic, but Technoir find a great balance between beautiful melodies and a harder edge that will also give listeners their dance-floor fix as well. Julia Beyer's vocals are simply gorgeous and they compliment Steffen's music very nicely. You can also hear some guitar work on a few songs as well. Overall, this is a prime example of how a good synth-pop album should sound and Technoir rise high above the rest of their peers on each and every song.
- Craig Harvey
Alfa Matrix
Hot on the heels of their "Manifesto Ep" Technoir returns with the full length follow-up album "Deliberately Fragile." This is their second full length CD which took a little over 5 years to be released, but the wait was definitely worth it. So much of the synth-pop community has become re-hashed and generic, but Technoir find a great balance between beautiful melodies and a harder edge that will also give listeners their dance-floor fix as well. Julia Beyer's vocals are simply gorgeous and they compliment Steffen's music very nicely. You can also hear some guitar work on a few songs as well. Overall, this is a prime example of how a good synth-pop album should sound and Technoir rise high above the rest of their peers on each and every song.
- Craig Harvey
Sero Overdose
Heading For Tomorrow
Alfa Matrix
Sero Overdose bring us another ebm/futurepop album filled with catchy melodies, clean vocals, and good dance floor anthems that are merged with slower songs as well. The question remains however, do they add anything new to this genre or are they just riding the wave that was spawned by groundbreaking acts such as VNV Nation, And One, Covenant and Apoptygma Berzerk? Not really. While I did enjoy this CD, I felt it was mediocre at best as far as originality goes. Sero Overdose do offer several positive qualities (as mentioned earlier) but they just don't have anything specific that makes them stand out above the countless bands from this scene and that is it's major downfall. It's very by the numbers, so if you are looking for another ebm band that doesn't stray outside of safe territory then "Heading For Tomorrow" is right up your alley.
- Craig Harvey
Alfa Matrix
Sero Overdose bring us another ebm/futurepop album filled with catchy melodies, clean vocals, and good dance floor anthems that are merged with slower songs as well. The question remains however, do they add anything new to this genre or are they just riding the wave that was spawned by groundbreaking acts such as VNV Nation, And One, Covenant and Apoptygma Berzerk? Not really. While I did enjoy this CD, I felt it was mediocre at best as far as originality goes. Sero Overdose do offer several positive qualities (as mentioned earlier) but they just don't have anything specific that makes them stand out above the countless bands from this scene and that is it's major downfall. It's very by the numbers, so if you are looking for another ebm band that doesn't stray outside of safe territory then "Heading For Tomorrow" is right up your alley.
- Craig Harvey
Intense
As Our Army Grows
Napalm Records
Intense brings back the classic power metal sound from the eighties with a fury I have not heard in some time. The vocals really remind of the singer from Iced Earth (another great power metal band) but this UK outfit are no copycat rip-off band. They have their own sound that pays tribute to the influences from which their music stems. The guitar riffs are thrashy, with a great groove and the twin harmony lead work is technical but fits the songs perfectly. The drumming and basswork on this album is equally superb. Powerful and tight, it provides a rock solid anchor for the rest of the band to move over. Frontman, Sean Hetherington has the perfect range for this style of music and his vocals simply soar. Intense is a band who definitely hold their own in the power metal genre and "As Our Army Grows" proves this hands down.
- Craig Harvey
Napalm Records
Intense brings back the classic power metal sound from the eighties with a fury I have not heard in some time. The vocals really remind of the singer from Iced Earth (another great power metal band) but this UK outfit are no copycat rip-off band. They have their own sound that pays tribute to the influences from which their music stems. The guitar riffs are thrashy, with a great groove and the twin harmony lead work is technical but fits the songs perfectly. The drumming and basswork on this album is equally superb. Powerful and tight, it provides a rock solid anchor for the rest of the band to move over. Frontman, Sean Hetherington has the perfect range for this style of music and his vocals simply soar. Intense is a band who definitely hold their own in the power metal genre and "As Our Army Grows" proves this hands down.
- Craig Harvey
Visions Of Atlantis
Trinity
Napalm Records
The story of Atlantis has been shrouded in mystery and legend for much of pre-recorded history. Was it real or just a myth? We may never know the true answer but that does not stop us being inspired by it's enigma. Austria's very own Visions Of Atlantis are one of the many who have taken their own fascination with this great tale and turned it into a symphonic metal powerhouse like no other. The dual vocals of Melissa Ferlaak and Mario Plank move together in a seamless flow over the downtuned guitar riffs and grandiose keyboards. I am not sure if Melissa has any formal opera training but if not, you could have fooled me. Her voice is simply amazing. One of the brightest and best female singers in metal today. You can really hear her shine on "Wing Shaped Heart" where for the first part, it's only her accompanied by piano and keys. Mario's voice has got an edge, but he cleans up nicely and stands alone as well for much of track four "The Poem." This album simply has it all; great production, well penned lyrics, excellent musicianship and great vocals. Not to mention the stunning cover art by Anthony Clarksson. The band has toured with some of their peers such as Nightwish, Edenbridge and Katatonia which surely has helped elevate their fanbase to even greater proportions. "Trinity" is set to dominate the metal world as it debuts this month in Europe and the US in June and with talent like this I have no doubt it will succeed.
- Craig Harvey
Napalm Records
The story of Atlantis has been shrouded in mystery and legend for much of pre-recorded history. Was it real or just a myth? We may never know the true answer but that does not stop us being inspired by it's enigma. Austria's very own Visions Of Atlantis are one of the many who have taken their own fascination with this great tale and turned it into a symphonic metal powerhouse like no other. The dual vocals of Melissa Ferlaak and Mario Plank move together in a seamless flow over the downtuned guitar riffs and grandiose keyboards. I am not sure if Melissa has any formal opera training but if not, you could have fooled me. Her voice is simply amazing. One of the brightest and best female singers in metal today. You can really hear her shine on "Wing Shaped Heart" where for the first part, it's only her accompanied by piano and keys. Mario's voice has got an edge, but he cleans up nicely and stands alone as well for much of track four "The Poem." This album simply has it all; great production, well penned lyrics, excellent musicianship and great vocals. Not to mention the stunning cover art by Anthony Clarksson. The band has toured with some of their peers such as Nightwish, Edenbridge and Katatonia which surely has helped elevate their fanbase to even greater proportions. "Trinity" is set to dominate the metal world as it debuts this month in Europe and the US in June and with talent like this I have no doubt it will succeed.
- Craig Harvey
Vintersong
Solens Rotter
Napalm Records
On Vintersong's seventh release, they merge traditional instruments (harp/flute/violin/acoustic guitar) with darker black metal atmospheres and Nordic folk elements. It's a very unique combination, and the band manages to integrate all of these styles extremely well. However, none of the lyrics are in English, so unless your Norwegian is up to date, you won't have a clue as what they are talking about. Regardless, the music is so captivating that you really don't need to understand it. The vocals move from pure "clean" to the darker "growling" styles, but as cliché' as that has become, it works really well in this context. As much as I really like this album, I don't see it making a huge impact here in the states mainly because of the language barrier. However, it's still a great metal release from a very talented band.
- Craig Harvey
Napalm Records
On Vintersong's seventh release, they merge traditional instruments (harp/flute/violin/acoustic guitar) with darker black metal atmospheres and Nordic folk elements. It's a very unique combination, and the band manages to integrate all of these styles extremely well. However, none of the lyrics are in English, so unless your Norwegian is up to date, you won't have a clue as what they are talking about. Regardless, the music is so captivating that you really don't need to understand it. The vocals move from pure "clean" to the darker "growling" styles, but as cliché' as that has become, it works really well in this context. As much as I really like this album, I don't see it making a huge impact here in the states mainly because of the language barrier. However, it's still a great metal release from a very talented band.
- Craig Harvey
Serenity
Worlds Untold & Dreams Unlived
Napalm Records
Serenity reminds me of classic Dream Theater back when they wrote great songs and not excuses for technical acrobatics. Think "Images & Words" or "Awake" and you will get the idea. Vocalist Georg Neuhauser is in fine form and shines on every track. It's nice to hear a great singer once in a while who has clarity, range and is not over the top with falsetto screams. Guitarist Thomas Buchberger and keyboardist Mario Hirzinger can hold their own in the prog-metal world as they display fiery leads and great riffs. On the bottom end, bassist Simon Holzknecht and drummer Andreas Schipflinger are definitely a tight unit as they keep it all together through each track. The nice thing is, these guys write great songs that you can really feel and sink your teeth into. It's not all 100 miles an hour, blastbeats, and guys showing off just because they can. Listen to "Dead Man Walking" or "From Where The Dark Is Born" and tell me I'm wrong! Sure, these guys have all the musical chops they could possibly need; but they know how to use them correctly. I feel that Serenity are the next prog-metal masters and I can't stress highly enough how good this album is.
- Craig Harvey
Napalm Records
Serenity reminds me of classic Dream Theater back when they wrote great songs and not excuses for technical acrobatics. Think "Images & Words" or "Awake" and you will get the idea. Vocalist Georg Neuhauser is in fine form and shines on every track. It's nice to hear a great singer once in a while who has clarity, range and is not over the top with falsetto screams. Guitarist Thomas Buchberger and keyboardist Mario Hirzinger can hold their own in the prog-metal world as they display fiery leads and great riffs. On the bottom end, bassist Simon Holzknecht and drummer Andreas Schipflinger are definitely a tight unit as they keep it all together through each track. The nice thing is, these guys write great songs that you can really feel and sink your teeth into. It's not all 100 miles an hour, blastbeats, and guys showing off just because they can. Listen to "Dead Man Walking" or "From Where The Dark Is Born" and tell me I'm wrong! Sure, these guys have all the musical chops they could possibly need; but they know how to use them correctly. I feel that Serenity are the next prog-metal masters and I can't stress highly enough how good this album is.
- Craig Harvey
Morningbell
THROUGH THE BELLY OF THE SEA
Orange
This is a "choose your own adventure" record. I kid you not. It’s still indie-pop by numbers, but the gimmick is cute. It doesn’t work overly well in practice, but in theory it’s great.
- Adam Naworal
Orange
This is a "choose your own adventure" record. I kid you not. It’s still indie-pop by numbers, but the gimmick is cute. It doesn’t work overly well in practice, but in theory it’s great.
- Adam Naworal
Utah Carol
RODEO QUEEN
Stomping Ground
The cover is deceptive! This sounds like a heavenly cross between the Pixies and Slowdive! Slow and dreamy, with layers galore and weird effects , this is an impressive album. While it can get cloying at time, this should appeal to all indie popsters and noise popsters.
- Adam Naworal
Stomping Ground
The cover is deceptive! This sounds like a heavenly cross between the Pixies and Slowdive! Slow and dreamy, with layers galore and weird effects , this is an impressive album. While it can get cloying at time, this should appeal to all indie popsters and noise popsters.
- Adam Naworal
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