CD REVIEWS
Scripture #4
------------------------------ VIRGIN STEEL INVICTUS NOISE INTERNATIONAL (10 BATTLE AXES) After my first introduction to Virgin Steele, back in about '88 with the track "A Cry in the Night" I thought they were an extremely good AOR ballad band, I could not have been more mistaken. I did not hear of them again till '98, with the release of "Invictus", and "My Fuck", how could I have missed out on a band like this for a full decade? Invictus is an experience all on it's own, the lyrics are exceptional, the music is beyond mortal expectations and the emotions stirred by this release are truly monumental. All references to Manowar are denied by the band but I disagree, but then again the song "A Cry in the Night" is from 1983, maybe Manowar found inspiration in Virgin Steele? I need more albums to clarify that however! (Lunatic) I Sing of Power, Magick and Faith A sonnet of pure Victory A Hymn to the Spirits of Freedom and Grace And Whichever Gods there may be... Manacled, Beaten, Blackened and Burned Cast from the light of the Goal I'll never falter, stumble or kneel Thanks to the Strength of my Soul. ------------------------------ DEATH THE SOUND OF PERSEVERANCE NUCLEAR BLAST / CD TEMPTATIONS (10 BATTLE AXES) "Evil" Chuck is back, and I can't believe how his voice has improved over the years, from the deep growls of "Leprosy" up till the tortured shrieks of "The Sound of Perseverance". This album certainly reflects the sound of perseverance. It's been 11 years since the release of "Scream Bloody Gore", and "Death" still haven't wimped out, doesn't look like they are going to. All the better for us. "Perseverance" features 8 new Death tracks in their extremely technical and yet extremely vicious style. They remain one of the few bands who can really pull this off. The cherry on top is the absolutely blistering cover of Judas Priest's "Painkiller" as the final track. It's amazing to think that a death Metal voice can pull off something like that, and Chuck does it brilliantly. Buy This You Bastards! (Lunatic) ------------------------------ DIMMU BORGIR GODLESS SAVAGE GARDEN NUCLEAR BLAST / CD TEMPTATIONS (10 BATTLE AXES) Before you ask! NO, this is not a collection of "Savage Garden" covers! Dimmu Borgir's newest release, although an EP, is my favourite release of theirs to date, consisting of two new tracks two re-recorded tracks, three live tracks and a brilliant cover of "Accept's - Metal Heart". Far less keyboard driven than their previous releases, this collection reflects the current feelings of a return to Heavy Metal by many of the bigger Black Metal bands, and this EP showcases that idea perfectly. Aggressive while still maintaining the atmospheres of old, brilliant production and the best artwork so far for a D.B. release, clinch the deal. Dimmu Borgir are on their way to far bigger things. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ HAMMERFALL GLORY TO THE BRAVE (EP) NUCLEAR BLAST / CD TEMPTATIONS (10 BATTLE AXES) "YOU'VE COME TO THE HOME OF THE BRAVE". HAAAAIIIL this 20 minute war hammer of pure Steel. The Swedish warriors of steel are back with this EP, GLORY TO THE BRAVE. You will find only Metal and more Metal on this EP and the anthems include "Glory to the Brave" (Radio and Album version), "Ravenlord" (a cover song of Stormwitch) and "Metal Age" (live at Wacken 97). What I enjoyed was to hear the live recording. The sound balance on the song isn't that well but it will give you an idea on what to expect when you are fortunate enough to see HAMMERFALL live. All that is left to say is: May your spirit soar through the Heavens of Thorr. (J.M & Monique) ------------------------------ IRON MAIDEN THE ANGEL & THE GAMBLER EMI (10 BATTLE AXES) HAAAIIIL!!!!!! Iron Maiden are back once again with yet another EP and a new album. This 4 track EP consists of : The Angel and the Gambler (edit) from the new album Virtual XI, Blood on the World's hands (recorded live in Gothenburg 1/11/95) and The Aftermath (also recorded live in Gothenburg). The CD has everything that stands for Iron Maiden. I especially enjoyed the organ sound in the first track which reminded me a lot of that 70's Deep Purple sound. There is a lot of rock and Metal influences (the Iron Maiden sound) in this CD and if you are not one of those stuck up people that don't listen to Maiden because of Bayley's vocals, then get it cause it fuckin' rules!!!! The best part of the CD is it's multimedia feature. When you rock all the way to your computer with a beer and smoke, you can see the live video of Man on the Edge. The video was recorded in Israel during the course of the X-FACTOUR. So get off your ass and get the ANGEL & THE GAMBLER today!!! (Mocke) ------------------------------ HAMMERFALL LEGACY OF KINGS NUCLEAR BLAST / CD TEMPTATIONS (10 BATTLE AXES) The Sophomore effort from Hammerfall and just as expected, IT RULES!!!!!! Hammerfall are back with their commercially tinged brand of Eighties Melodic Metal. And once again the hungrily waiting world is eating it all up. Inspirational and thought provoking Metal anthems that will stand the Metal test of time. Included as promised is the "Pretty Maids" cover track, which was a definite highlight for me. My favourite tracks are the more melodic ones like "Remember Yesterday", but who could deny the feelings ignited by "At the end of the Rainbow" and "Stronger than All". I must admit to being a bit disappointed with the closing ballad, but who could beat the majesty of the track "Glory to the Brave". Overall: "A Metal Masterpiece", essential. (Lunatic)) ------------------------------ JAG PANZER THE AGE OF MASTERY CENTURY MEDIA (10 BATTLE AXES) Mocke summed this one up perfectly when I played it for him. "it brings tears to your eyes". That certainly is true, any band with this much dedication to Metal after playing together for 15 years, deserve every bit of respect and admiration we can muster up in these darkest of times. 12 Inspirational tracks of old school Power Metal that have made me very eager to track down more releases of this absolutely incredible band. Varying between fast numbers like "Iron Eagle" right to the Celtic influenced and choir dotted, Arthurian storied, "The Moors" as well as the essential Anthems like "Lustful and Free". A mighty hail to Century Media for allowing Jag Panzer the opportunity to grace our ears with this masterpiece of Pure Metal. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ MORBID ANGEL FORMULAS FATAL TO THE FLESH EARACHE RECORDS (10 BATTLE AXES) This band was always an "A" on the Death Metal list. They're still an "A" on the list, right on top. "Formulas Fatal to the Flesh" is the best Morbid Angel album yet. Crushing vocals on songs like: "Nothing is Not", "Covenant of Death", "Hellspawn: The Rebirth", a re-recording of "Hellspawn" from "Abominations of Desolation". There are three instrumentals on the CD, "Hymnos Rituals De Guerra" is an excellent drum solo. Fast drumming, fast Axing and fucking brutal vocals. Can't say more that this is the best Death Metal album ever. I would recommend this album to all true Death Metal fans. If you haven't got it yet, you're dead!!! (Johann Du Rand) ------------------------------ GROINCHURN ALREADY DEAD DARK AGES/ HAPPY HAMSTER RECORDS (10 BATTLE AXES) No sound samplers, keyboards, female vocals just DEATH/GRINDING METAL !!!!!!!! 6 of, if I may say, Groinchurn's best songs. This mini CD will definitely become a collectors item because of all the rare songs that are featured on the CD. It starts with ALREADY DEAD (from the new album Fink) which has got a very Carcass feel to it, especially the guitar break and double bass drumming piece. Followed by that is, LET'S PUT THE FUN BACK INTO FUNDEMENTALISTS, SATAN SPAWN THE IDIOTS (well then I must be a idiot - JM), TOAD-LEE and two live recordings that ware done while Groinchurn was on tour with KRABATHOR. The live songs are GENOCIDAL TENDENCY and CONTRACEIVE. For all collectors of METAL !!!!! Mooi so, gooi daai agresiewe Metaaal, ek sê gooi hom sommer nou !!!!!! 'n CD so naby aan Jurie Els en Bles se hart. (J.M) ------------------------------ SOLUS OUR FROSTING HELL SKINMASK PRODUCTIONS (10 BATTLE AXES) I can't believe this. Hail Solus and their EP "Frosting Hell". 3 songs (Quilt of Shame, Magadan and Tainted Slowly) stretching over 15 mins of nothing but Metal. Wonderfully the band managed to combine all the elements of Metal and it will take your soul. Excellent drumming (double bass breaks and composing), bass fills, howling solo's made this CD worthy of 9 axes but the song Magadan assured a mighty 10 BATTLE AXES for war. A must, so what are you waiting for? GET IT FUCK !!!!!!!! (J.M & JOE) ------------------------------ CRADLE OF FILTH CRUELTY AND THE BEAST TIC TIC BANG/MUSIC FOR NATIONS (9.75 BATTLE AXES) One of the most anticipated releases of the year. Cradle of Filth's newest album, could easily have gone the trail of many a good band that smelt the aroma of money. It is my pleasure to be one of the many to announce that Cradle of Filth did not disappoint us. Cruelty and the Beast, if anything, is more Metal than any of their previous releases. I challenge you to listen to the riff in track 3 (01:35), and tell me that it's not pure Metal. Gone are most of the Gothic touches, which are only represented by the Female Vocals. As you should know by now the album is a conceptual adaptation of the life of Elizabeth Bathory, carrying on from the song "Dusk and her Embrace" off the previous album. An album containing all of Cradle of Filth but improved to be "Blackened Heavy Metal" instead of "Gothic Black Metal" (Lunatic) ------------------------------ BOUND FOR GLORY THE FIGHT GOES ON RESISTANCE RECORDS (9,5 BATTLE AXES) This slab of pure anger had me entranced from the moment the abrasive sounds first emanated from my poor tortured CD player. Recalling the glory days of Thrash/Speed/Hardcore Metal, when Metalheads first started incorporating the snotty speed fuelled music of punk with the pure Power of Metal. Think of bands like DRI, SOD and even the ones like Slayer or Venom, and you've got some idea of the feeling I'm speaking of. This is the first BFG CD I've had the pleasure of hearing and I also hear that it's by far the most Metal of their CD's. This is thus the best way for them to continue, radio play is definitely not an option and if you have any Politically correct thoughts in your head, avoid this like the plague, for the rest of us remember, "if we fail in our fight, to Valhalla we're sent". (Lunatic) ------------------------------ DELAYED ACTION BOMB BEST OF THE BLOOD ANGLES 1992-1997 DEAD SUN PRODUCTIONS (9.5 BATTLE AXES) HAIL !!!! D.A.B is back with a 5 year best of CD. The CD includes old demo tracks and tracks from this great bands CD's. The songs are taken from ALICE IN HORROR LAND (demo'92), ABYSSUS ABYSSUM INVOCATE (demo'93), STORMBRINGERS (cd'95) and BEYOND THE MIRROR (cd'97). The band has a very aggressive Death Metal style and you can hear that the band started using more "atmospheric" aspects in there later stages to create the ultimate sound of destruction. The intro of STORMBRINGERS (track 9) still amazes me when I hear it. This is a CD that will give you the change to get to know the band from France if you haven't heard them yet. For me this is one of my favourite bands and there playing technique kept me interested in the full CD. A must for all Metalheads that's interested in Death Metal. For all you Metalheads in Japan, there is something in the inlay for you as well. (I think it's Japanese). (J.M) ------------------------------ PEGAZUS WINGS OF DESTINY NUCLEAR BLAST / CD TEMPTATIONS (9,5 BATTLE AXES) The dawning of the Metal Age is undoubtedly upon us. Metal is rising from the underground where it has been gaining strength to take it's rightful place as the reigning music genre, that it held in the seventies and eighties . After the success of Hammerfall, Nuclear Blast has been signing as many Metal bands as they can get their hands on. Pegazus are Nuclear Blasts fourth Power Metal release. Originating from the land down under and bringing us this mighty slab of Metallic genius. The clichés are there, the screaming/clear vocals, the true metallic riffs and the obligatory ballad. Pegazus prove that they have they can "deliver the goods". The only fault I can see with this release is the lack of METAL anthems, you know the stuff Manowar has become famous for? Available in South Africa from CD Temptations, and world wide from Nuclear Blast. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ SOUNDS OF APOCALYPSE VARIOUS ARTISTS PAGAN RECORDS (9.5 BATTLE AXES) A well compiled compilation with some of the darkest bands ever on one CD of enchantment. These warriors of darkness are Imperator (Necronomicon), Agharti (At the burning Horizon), Vomitory (Dark Grey Epoch), Moon (Confession), Vulpecula (Fons Immortallis), Destroyer 666 (Australian & Antichrist), Hermh (Years of dying), Desaster (Sacrilege), Incantation (Unholy Massacre), Lux Occulta (Nocturnal Dithyramb), Bethlehem (Schatten aus der Alexander Welt), Mortem (A Demon Tale), ACHERON (Baptism for Devilyn Alexandra), Witchmaster (Ritual Sacrifice), Abigail (The Bonehunter) and Profanum (Conquering the highest of the Thrones in Universe). For all Metalheads that don't mind the fact that Jesus is dead !!!!!!! (J.M) ------------------------------ DESASTER HELLFIRE'S DOMINION MERCILESS RECORDS (10 BATTLE AXES) You'd be hard pressed to be able to persuade me that Retro-Thrash comes any better than this! After the almost symphonic intro, I was expecting some drivel about Vampire love, when suddenly the speed burst forth in unrequited torment. Hellfire's Dominion was established! Singing about Warriors, Medieval times and Metal, with unequalled spirit of '80s Metal: Desaster prove the majesty of Metal! The highlight of the album is the track "Metalized Blood" which features guest vocals by Wannes of "Pentacle" as well as Lemmy from "Violent Force" and Toto of the legendary "Living Death". Toto's vocals take you straight back to '85. BANG OR BE BANGED. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ SCEPTER I'M GOING TO HELL MERCILESS RECORDS (10 BATTLE AXES) It's fills me with pride to rate a band "10 Battle Axes" for each and every release. Scepter's demo "Up Thy Ass", their M-CD "Metal Supremacy" and now their first full length CD have all received the highest honour we at The Crusader can bestow on them. 10 tracks running in at just over 30 Minutes, which means that Scepter have just reached the full length mark, and no more. Each track is an exquisitely performed masterpiece of Scepter's trademark Celtic Frost influenced Death/Doom HEAVY METAL. Scepter are proud of their Metal status and they want you to know it. See you in Hell!! (Lunatic) ------------------------------ TANKARD DISCO DESTROYER CENTURY MEDIA (10 BATTLE AXES) Every Beer drinkers favourite thrash band is back with one of their best offerings in years. Bringing back many memories of drunken debauchery, we all know Tankard aren't one of the most technical bands around, and that's why we love them. Plenty of social commentary on tracks like "http://www.Planetwide-Suicide.com" & a re-recorded Metal anthem culled from their '84 demo called "Death by Whips". Heavy Punk and Thrash influence, but they can hardly be called retro, as they are one of the bands being copied these days. A noticeable and thus distressing lack of songs about Beer, but absolutely no further problems. "From Frankfurt to Frisco, we destroy every Disco" (Lunatic) ------------------------------ A CALL TO IRONS TRIBUTE TO IRON MAIDEN DWELL RECORDS (9 BATTLE AXES) I don't suppose it can be that hard to make a brilliant album when you are presented with 11 of the top underground Metal acts and they have to cover 11 tracks from one of the most influential Metal Bands ever. Dwell Records have not let us down in this sense. Each track on this CD is handled exceptionally by each of the 11 bands. The only thing I don't like is why did Angel Corpse and Absu decide to cover instrumentals, one of my attractions to cover songs is to hear how bands of a different style interpret the music of their influences, vocals included. My favourite track on the album is Vital Remains' version of "The Trooper" and a close second is obtained by Solitude Aeturnus for their version of "Hallowed be thy Name". Other bands featured include Steel Prophet, Ancient Wisdom, New Eden, Opeth, Morgion, Evoken and Opera IX. Essential listening for any Metal fan. ------------------------------ AGATHODAIMON BLACKEN THE ANGEL NUCLEAR BLAST / CD TEMPTATIONS (9 BATTLE AXES) After reading the press release on Agathodaimon I realised this CD was intended for the Metal market as well as the Gothic Market. I thus expected at least some gay vocals. You know that moaning shit. There is none of that! I think this CD is a bit of a wake up for the Gothic/ Black Metal scene, you don't have to wear make up, dye your hair and look like depressed, Psychotic Boy George to understand the romantics of the Gothic era in history. I have never seen Dracula look anything like what you Gothic fucks look like. Agathodaimon present a long CD of technical, beautiful, yet aggressive Black Metal. Keyboards are not exploited and the guitar sound ensures that this is true Metal. A landmark album in Dark Black Metal. Get your local music store to get this from CD Temptations directly in South Africa and Nuclear Blast for the rest of the world. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ AVENGER SHADOWS OF THE DAMNED BREATH OF NIGHT RECORDS (9 BATTLE AXES) Hail Avenger warriors of the Shadow land! The first thing that grabbed my attention on this CD was the excellent artwork. A army of the damned set to take over Jerusalem. With this in my mind I had to hear the marching sound of this dark army. The CD rides off with an instrumental and is pursued by 6 attacks that are sung in Czech. Don't worry you will get the English translation of each song in the inlay. The playing of this two man band impressed me the most. No keyboards, no female vocals.....HAIL !!!... only a "slow" death metal style of playing. Full black metal vocals round this CD off to victory. A CD that will be written in the book of the Damned and will echo in the Shadow land!! Available through Dark Ages as well as Breath of Night Records. (J.M) ------------------------------ DEPRESY A GRAND MAGNIFICENCE SHINDY PRODUCTIONS (9 BATTLE AXES) Blasting from the pits of Hell comes DEPRESY. This Death Metal I Hail in their truly possessed style of playing. Wicked riffs, high tempoed drums (not in all the songs but still interesting) and deep growling vocals make this a great Death Metal album. The 12 track CD kept me listening to the end and has a lot of soul in it. My favourite song on the CD, well.........all of them. When hearing what this band is doing you can only laugh at the fuck-up trendy seeking wimps that said Death Metal is dead. A must for any occult Death Metalhead. (J.M) ------------------------------ GRAND BELIAL'S KEY MOCKING THE PHILANTHROPIST WOOD NYMPH RECORDS (9 BATTLE AXES) I suppose I should call this "Black Metal", I actually have a better name for it, "Heavy Metal". The Black Metal vocals are there, occasionally Death Growls come in but if you look past it all and just listen to the music, all you will hear is Metal, Brutal Metal, but still Metal. The keyboards featured, accentuate and do not overpower the guitars, a trick a lot more bands could learn from. The CD's packaging is of very high quality with 12 page booklet including band pictures (no corpse paint), with tray print and really well done cover art. Each track has something special that's sets it apart from the others be it the solo or the rhythm of the song. Speed varies considerably from song to song going from a slow and doomy to hyper fast Mosh parts. Check out "Savouring the Virgin's Pessary" for one of the best riffs since "Angel of Death". If you are into any extreme Metal, and/or Black Metal, you must have this. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ HATRED SUFFER (INDEPENDENT) (9 BATTLE AXES) Hail Hatred with this amazing ass kicking Death Metal EP. This is truly sweet music to the mortal ear. The 4 track, 13 mins CD kicks off with the title track SUFFER, and that is exactly what you are going to do when you can't handle the pure power of Hatred. Guitars that light up like the flames in hell, bass that flows like blood in your veins and drums that thunder across the sky. To top it all, the Death Metal vocals are combined with Black Metal singing and screams. So why don't you Reach Out........Accept Hatred with a Smile. Band contact: P.O Box 10264, Alexandria, VA 22310 or E-Mail them at hatredva@aol.com (J.M) ------------------------------ NOCTURNAL MORTUM GOAT HORNS THE END RECORDS (9 BATTLE AXES) Extremely atmospheric Black Metal from the Ukraine, Nocturnal Mortem bring forth 7 tracks of the highest calibre Metal I have ever heard in this arena. I usually can't stand Keyboards, Nocturnal Mortum have two keyboard players, and surprisingly enough I like it. Track 1 "Black Moon Overture" is a classically influenced instrumental track sounding very Folkish with it's wind instruments. 2 tracks of pure Blackness follow in the classic tradition, then suddenly "Unholy Orathnia" kicks in once again with major folk influences in the introduction but soon the blackest of emotions take over. The only thing that I don't like about this disc is that the spare keyboard player sometimes gets bored and plays little licks that would have sounded better if done on guitar or left out entirely. Kolyada features traditional singing as found on Bathory's Viking albums. This is a band that you will hear a lot of in the near future, trust me. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ ODES OF ECSTASY EMBOSSED DREAM IN FOUR ACTS THE END RECORDS (9 BATTLE AXES) Continuing with the legacy of quality releases from The End Records comes this masterpiece of pure operatic Metal. Odes of Ecstasy are the definite usurpers of the throne occupied by Therion. This disc offers all that Therion does, except the riffs are much better, and this has more Metal. The female Soprano vocals, folk influences, acoustic Guitars and keyboards are often accentuated by the inclusion of brutal male Death and Black vocals and supported by an undying thrash riffage. The riff on "War Symphony" sounds like it could have been lifted straight off "Kill 'em All". Four Acts are presented with an intro and outro. The intro consists of easy listening piano-work, while the outro is something I could actually have done without! The packaging further enforces the absolute beauty of this music. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ SUFFOCATION DESPISE THE SUN VULTURE RECORDS (9 BATTLE AXES) AAAAAAARRRGGH!!!!!!!! The heaviest band on Earth are back, and this time round they are not happy. FUCK, it's very difficult to describe just how brain-damagingly heavy this CD is. It's like a Ton of Bricks (thanks Metal Church) hitting you flat in the face. This Mini-CD contains 5 brutal tracks that are essential for any fan of Brutal Metal. I think I should mention it a few more times: BRUTAL, BRUTAL BRUTAL ; Get it???? Clocking in at just over 16 minutes "Despise the Sun" provides a tantalising taster for the next full length by Suffocation. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ THE GREAT KAT DIGITAL BEETHOVEN ON CYBERSPEED (enhanced CD) BUREAU OF ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING (9 BATTLE AXES) The first Great Kat release since 1990's "Beethoven on Speed". Features 5 songs in just over 10 minutes in typical Kat style. Two Kat compositions of which "Goddess" stands out as the best although played at a less frantic pace than usual Kat material. This is the only track with vocals. The following four tracks shred along at "Cyberspeed", includes compositions by Wagner, Paganini and Bach, but played on Guitar "Metal style". If you know The Great Kat's music then this won't disappoint you. The CD ROM side of the release sends you on a trip through Kat's twisted world, teaching you all you need and don't need to know about classical music. This is all done in a highly entertaining Great Kat way. Inside you will find a lot of reviews and letters from members of Kat's slave club as well as graveyards, demons and various other fetishes. Definitely the future of the CD format. Available from the Kat website www.greatkat.com (Lunatic) ------------------------------ THERION VOVIN NUCLEAR BLAST / CD TEMPTATIONS (9 BATTLE AXES) I have always, to say the least, been a marginal fan of this type of Operatic Metal, mainly due to my doubts as to whether or not this music is true Metal. Recently I have been forced to listen to this music more as I had to review this CD and "Odes of Ecstasy", (see review in this issue), and I must say my doubts have subsided considerably. The beautiful operatic female vocals, combined with gothic tinged male vocals, string and keyboard arrangements and more traditional Metal trappings such as thrashing guitars and pounding drums provide a musical feast that never becomes boring. I find this album to be better than their critically acclaimed previous album "Theli", due to the slightly more commercially viable leanings and less male gothic vocals. Essential within this genre. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ UNTIL THE END OF TIME THE END RECORDS COMPILATION THE END RECORDS (9 BATTLE AXES) The End Records provide us with a compilation of their current and forthcoming releases. Their current releases are showcased by Mental Home and Nocturnal Mortem, with one track from each of those releases. Mental Home and Nocturnal Mortem are again featured, each with one track off their forthcoming albums, which prove to be even better than their current albums. Other bands featured are Sculptured (Melodic Death), Epoch of Unlight (Black, with the most Wicked Vocals ever), Odes of Ecstasy (Folk Death) and Scholomance (Atmospheric Black). The CD comes in a budget friendly slipcase and clocks in at just under 50 minutes, making it excellent value for money at just $5.00 Worldwide. After hearing this sampler you will end up pursuing further releases from these ground breaking bands. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ ANAL BLAST VAGINAL VEMPIRE NIGHTFALL/TERRORIZER (9 BATTLE AXES) If there is anyone out there who doesn't know that Black Metal never conquered Death Metal, and never will, here is the ultimate proof. Who could deny the hilarious parody of the Cradle of Filth cover art. Who could further deny the even more arousing nature of the cover, it puts "Cradle" to shame! Once the CD has been inserted into the awaiting orifice of the CD player, you are treated to 25 minutes and 22 tracks of Pussy glorifying Death Metal, brutal beyond compare and technically proficient, without straying from pure Death. No acoustic parts and no Keyboards: You know you love it hard... Titles like "Smell your Cunt" and "Tampon tea bag" provide further secular entertainment. Highly recommended (Lunatic) ------------------------------ PRESUMED GUILTY COMPILATION VARIOUS ARTIST (THE GOOD SONGS) MISANTHROPY RECORDS (9 BATTLE AXES) Solstice - DOOMY HEAVY METAL Hagalaz' Runedance - Very similar to Blackmore's Night, beautiful acoustic warrior Metal 10/10 Burzum - an unreleased track by the chieftain of Norwegian Black Metal Amber Asylum - The only way to describe her voice is beautiful, no instruments only the Melody carried by the voice. I need to hear more to determine whether or not it's Metal Madder Mortem - Female Vocals, weird but interesting Mayhem - closer to "Cradle..." than to the original "Mayhem" PRESUMED GUILTY COMPILATION VARIOUS ARTISTS (THE BAD SONGS) MISANTHROPY RECORDS (0 BATTLE AXES) Babylon Whores - See review of Deggael CD Dream into Dust - Depeche Mode on drugs In the Woods - Symphonic Sisters of Mercy Primordial - A metallic Tears for Fears Beyond Dawn - Russian Country Music on Drugs Endura - Drugs on Drugs boring as hell Aphrodisiac - Misanthropy should be accused of promoting drug use not Fascism, extremely boring Monumentum - Get me out of this Hell ------------------------------ GUTTED REMAINS THE JUDAS GOAT KICK ARSE RECORDS (9 BATTLE AXES) Finally the long awaited CD from Gutted Remains is out. South Africa's Death Metal legends start this CD in a very calm way, but don't let this fool you. This is only the calm before the storm. The band has more of a fast tempo feel to what they used to have on the 13... CD compilation. The band has a very tight sound and a interesting mixture of songs on their debut CD. All the favourites, well my favourites are on this CD, PRIEST, GRANNY FLAVOURED CUSTARD, CHEOPS and NECROLINGUS (sorry got to stop, quick fantasy...........okay I fell fine now.) Nine songs that will keep you banging your head. There are also some surprises like track 7, DEMISE, that you won't expect from the guys of Gutted. Hail the Gutting time is near !!!!!!!!! (J.M) ------------------------------ GROINCHURN FINK MORBID RECORDS (9 BATTLE AXES) Get ready to Mosh !!!!!! Groinchurn is back with their second full length album, Fink. 21 Brainbashing songs with nothing else then pure brutality. This is the best grind Metal I have ever heard and for me this album really kick's SIXTIMESNINE butt. Well done guys, I can't wait for the next release. A must for any Metalhead that's got the balls to Mosh against a train. HAIL GROINCHURN!! (J.M) ------------------------------ SINISTER AGGRESSIVE MEASURES NUCLEAR BLAST / CD TEMPTATIONS (9 BATTLE AXES) Sinister are just one of those bands that couldn't put out anything crap, no matter how hard they tried. The aggression runs too deep. This release features 9 tracks of Death 'Fuckin' Metal. There is no way past it! From the opening chords of "Aggressive Measures" to the closing moments of "Blood follows the Blood", your soul is captivated in the churning Death. No Black influences, just pure Death. The differentiation between tracks is minimal, but then Death is more about aggression, than musical prowess. And yet don't get me wrong the technical skill of this band is as flawless as the breakneck speed at which this monster runs. Ranks right up there with classics like "Cross the Styx". (Lunatic) ------------------------------ MENTAL HOME BLACK ART THE END RECORDS (9 BATTLE AXES) The fourth opus from Mental Home, and dare I say, the best one yet. Once again MH deliver their unique blend of all the extreme genre's of Metal, but this time incorporating far more, and better hooks. More commercial than their previous effort "Vale" and yet not even slightly "Commercial". Very little Black vocals make their appearance this time allowing for more lyric recognition and a deeper feeling of melancholy, truly "Black Art". The keyboard is ever present but never overpowers as in the case of many other atmospheric bands, amazing Metal riffs are thrown in over the keyboard to retain its place in the ranks of Metal. Comes in an 8 Panel full colour digipack with a bonus clay animation video for the track "Pagan Freedom". I was a bit disappointed with the video, as it shows nothing of the band, and the clay animation, by definition appears very disjointed. Brilliant effort however! (Lunatic) ------------------------------ ARGHOSLENT GALLOPING THROUGH THE BATTLE RUINS WOOD NYMPH (9 BATTLE AXES) If you can avoid buying this after seeing the cover art, then you definitely have more will power than me. If you get this home though, you will find the Music is even better than the cover. Included in this beautiful package you will find not one, not two but ten tracks of brilliant Death/Thrash, and if you write in the next hour you will receive a plastic box worth R3.00, absolutely free, to house your recently acquired piece of Metal history. Quite a deal isn't it??? Each melodic Death/Thrash masterpiece on this album comes with (at no extra cost) a full complement of thrashing Guitars, Rumbling Bass, Pounding drums, Growling vocals and all the other Brutal Metal trappings we love so much. Hail Arghoslent. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ EXCELSIS KURT OF KOPPIGEN (9 BATTLE AXES) Any band who goes to this much trouble to build up a press kit, are destined for success. The packaging on this CD is the best I've ever seen, not to mention the music, and the press release is also the best I've ever seen. The music is Power Metal, made symphonic due to the vocals, which go from operatic female vocals to Death growls to clean male vocals. Pure Power Metal is played in the background. This concept CD tells the folk story of Kurt from the town of Koppigen. The music is so multi-faceted that it cannot be described as easy listening, despite the catchiness of some of the tracks. Absolutely amazing, Excelsis should get signed now! (Lunatic) ------------------------------ THE LORD WEIRD SLOUGH FEG THE LORD WEIRD SLOUGH FEG BEEF ROCK RECORDS (9 BATTLE AXES) This must be some of the weirdest and most surprising Metal I have ever come across. Metal to the absolute core, featuring screaming guitars, howling vocalist and melodic to the extreme. Heavy Celtic influence but even more of a Metal influence. There is just so much going on this CD that it's very hard to describe. What I like best, except for the amazing guitar work, is the lyrics. A good vs.' evil concept recording is included at the end "High Season III" & "High Season IV". To my pleasure lyrics are included for all tracks except for "Blarney Stone", which is a instrumental, and "Highwat Corsair" which is also misplaced on the track listing which caused a bit of initial confusion, but it was soon sorted out. A most impressive debut CD. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ WYKKED WYTCH SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES CAULDRON RECORDS (9 BATTLE AXES) "By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes", The classic words from William Shakespeare's - Macbeth. The Usurper Macbeth was coming, Wykked Wytch, may too one day usurp the throne of Metal. Any band in the category of Heavy Metal should watch out for Ipek and her team of Wicked Metal Maniacs. Pure Heavy Metal, that despite its ease of classification fails to bring up any thoughts of comparable bands. Ipek screaming and growling over the top is more in the line of a rabid dog than a pussycat. Pure '80's Heavy Metal, Death to false Metal. We are those who were, and shall be again! (Lunatic) ------------------------------ WITCHES OF MOODUS ANTHROPOPHAGY (INDEPENDENT) (9 BATTLE AXES) I might be burned alive for saying this, but never has a band reminded me more of "Old" Venom. Not Black Metal by any sense, but then neither were Venom, if you judge Black Metal by "Cradle of Filth". Venom were a Dirty, Motörhead inspired, Heavy Metal band with Satanic lyrics. WOM are a better produced, more technical Dirty, Motörhead inspired, Heavy Metal band with song titles like "Getting High" (Angel Dust???), "Rot in Hell" (Leave me in Hell???) and "Menstruation" (Poison or Red Light Fever or Teachers Pet???), get my point? Anyway, WOM are definitely worth your while if you are looking for some extremely entertaining old school Metal. Remember: Menstruation is no reason not to eat! (Lunatic) ------------------------------ BENGAL TIGERS FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS SM RECORDS (8 BATTLE AXES) The Bengal boys are back with three more tracks of their good time Rock'n'Roll as well as a cover of the Beastie Boys 80's classic "Fight For Your Rights". I've been waiting a long time for a Metal version of this song, that lends it self so well to Metal. The Bengal Tigers do an excellent job of it as well. This is the final release of the 'Tigers before their first full length, "In The Blood", is released. This Single features Two Album track's, One track from the "Painclinic" CD-EP and one unreleased track, "Hot Lips" that showcases their possible NWOBHM influences. Check out: http://netcore.com.au/~bengals for more information. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ BURIED DREAMS BEYOND YOUR MIND OZZ PRODUCTIONS (8 BATTLE AXES) Buried Dreams are all the way from Mexico and they only want to do one thing and that is to Go Beyond your Mind. This is a 10 track CD with great packaging which includes all the lyrics and wonderful artwork. The band achieve a very dark atmospheric Metal sound. The musicianship on this CD rules and it's crowned with deep vocals. Although the band uses keyboard, I was still impressed with what they had to offer. Worth while to check out. Band contact :Apdo Postal 5-629 C.P 06500, Mexico, D.F. MEXICO or E-Mail them at: deita@gina.esfm.ipn.mx (J.M) ------------------------------ CENOTAPH EPIC RITES OZ PRODUCTIONS (8 BATTLE AXES) Epic Rites - 9 Epic Tales & Death Rites, to Give its full title is one of Mexico's more surprising exports. I know nothing of the band due to the lack of a bio, except that they don one of the most overused band names in underground Metal (how many Cenotaph's do you know of?), and that they play unrelenting Death Metal in the finest sense of the word. 10 Tracks including an intro, an instrumental and 1 bonus track. The tracks are not Epic in my opinion, but do not fail to create an atmosphere. Vocals are top-notch Death screams with very little extremely deep vocals. Includes acoustic parts and other changes to the usual non stop carnage of most Death releases. Definitely worth the effort. I'm not sure if this is still available! (Lunatic) ------------------------------ DAWNBRINGER UNBLEED TWILIGHT RECORDS (8 BATTLE AXES) The reviewers nightmare, music that defies description. Originally intended as being a return to the classic Metal sound, this album features just about every Metal sub-genre I can think of. The overall sound is one of Black Metal styled vocals over Classic Metal music. Prolific use of acoustic guitars, even for some of the solo's, which give a very bluesy in feel (acoustic minor-pentatonics with string bending tend to do that). Then suddenly the music changes totally with track 8, into a total tribute to "Omen". "Untold" is a medley of songs that appear on Omen's Battle Cry LP. "To Circadia" seems highly gothic with it's keyboards and almost spoken vocals, but once again the music is pure Metal, with it's NWOBHM style chorus. One of the most highly original albums I have ever reviewed, not an easy listening album but one that you'll find yourself returning to on many occasions. Check out the Cover painting by Chris Cooper!!!!!!! (Lunatic) ------------------------------ DIES IRAE ETHERIAL OZ PRODUCTIONS (8 BATTLE AXES) The CD flows into the first of three instrumentals listed on DIES IRAE's new CD. The music has a very depressed, melodic, doom Metal sound. Fast breaks in songs are well balanced and I enjoyed the structure of each song. The CD "ETHERIAL" concentrates on atmosphere and it is well achieved with the use of a Violoncello. The musicianship on this CD is unbelievable, track 5 "The Last Breath" and track 6 "Till your eyes turn Black" is my two favourites. Dies Irae gives you a view on the beauty of Metal in one of it's many forms. (J.M) ------------------------------ EASTERN INVASION VARIOUS ARTISTS NEBIULA PRODUCTION (8 BATTLE AXES) I was totally blown away by this CD. I was expecting a shitty quality, badly recorded untalented collection of wannabees. Not a Fucking chance. This CD is proof that even if you haven't heard of a band, ever, they can still be good. The bands are Sil Khannaz (2 Tracks), As Sahar (2 Tracks), Langsuyr (2 Tracks), Vociferation Eternity, Ephermeral (2 Tracks), Heloisa and Aradia. Brilliant production and Packaging, with a totally professional look. Deep Underground Death and Black Metal at it's best. And to end off, as on the CD inlay, "This compilation...A tribute to the Eastern force of Metal...Hail, Eastern Metal Scene." (Lunatic) ------------------------------ IRON MAIDEN VIRTUAL XI EMI (8 BATTLE AXES) It's always a pleasure to get a new Iron Maiden album. I personally don't think that "The Irons" could manage to create a bad album, no matter how hard they try, unfortunately I feel that they will also struggle to re-capture the magic of albums such as The Number of the Beast. This is a very good album, the first real concept album since Seventh Son..., very much in the line of The X-Factor although not as dark. 8 long tracks as per usual for Maiden including the albums first single "The Angel and The Gambler" which is almost 10 minutes in length. My favourite is "Lightning Strikes Twice" which features highly traditionally styled Metal Vocals. Can't wait for the release of the "Ed Hunter" Computer game, I'm not much of a games fan but this one looks like it will be amazing. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ KRABATHOR ORTHODOX MORBID RECORDS (8 BATTLE AXES) The mighty Krabathor promised us an album of "pure Death Metal" and trust me, they delivered. Orthodox consists of nine tracks of raging Death in the finest tradition. Favourites of mine include "Orthodox" (as included on the Mortal Memories mini album), "Body as a Cover" (with it's Raging old school riff) and the speedy "Parasites" with it's Bass opening riff. Keyboards are included on tracks like "About Death", which isn't maybe as brutal as we are used to with Krabathor, but it isn't soft in any sense. I actually prefer "Lies" but "Orthodox" is an essential addition to any Krabathor fans CD collection. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ LIVIDITY FETISH FOR THE SICK ABLATED RECORDS (8 BATTLE AXES) This is how I like my grind, Very sick, very brutal and funny as hell. Actually closer to Death Metal than straight grind. Alternating slow and fast parts with a couple of sound samples that will have you laughing your Head off. As with most grind bands the CD's are way too short, 11 tracks in just over 19 minutes. It seems like an incredible waste of space to me. No lead breaks, Slow gurgling vocals with occasional shrieks and one of the few grind bands where I have been able to hear the Bass. The production is exceptional, all instruments shine through without any domination of one. Reminds me of old Cannibal Corpse and Reek of Putrefaction era Carcass. Definitely a must for grind/death fans. PS: Is it just me or are "Hellraiser" samples becoming a bit over used? (Lunatic) ------------------------------ MENTAL HOME VALE THE END RECORDS (8 BATTLE AXES) The absolutely best Russian band I have ever heard finally get the chance to release their '96 album on American shores thanks to The End Records. This CD is totally brilliant combining bits from Black and Death Metal with a large dose of Doom. This is total genre breaking music. Highly poetic and very depressing lyrics are used to enforce a decidedly doomy style of Metal with keyboards providing a sort of ethereal background to the music. The vocalists voice goes from clean to black to death and back again without ever losing a beat or affecting the continuity at all. Strangely enough this music can best be described by the word "beautiful". Definitely worth investing in no matter what type of Metal you like. www.mythosmedia.com/theend. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ MERCURY RISING BUILDING ROME DOMINION RECORDS (8 BATTLE AXES) Originally formed in 1991, and releasing their first demo in 1993: Mercury Rising would like to correct the publics Mis-identification of Mercury Rising with the recent film and soundtrack of the same name. Mercury, the messenger of the Gods, the God of Thought and intellect, thus Mercury Rising a name that perfectly encapsulates the music. If you like to think and like your music to make you think, then Mercury Rising is your band. Gore fans and Nirvana fans stay away! Progressive Metal with tinges of Maiden coupled with the infrequent use of heavy thrash riffs and lyrics about every "deep" thought you can come up with. Essential for progressive Metal fans. Possibly not the strongest vocalist in Metal and occasionally becoming a bit commercial, but nothing to worry about. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ RITUAL RITUS ORGY LEVIATHAN RECORDS (8 BATTLE AXES) Ritual present their debut full length to the altar of the Dark Ones. A very long CD containing 13 tracks of atmospheric Black Metal. Includes the use of Pipe Organs, Female Vocals and Keyboards, so you know what to expect! The music is however very well done and enjoyable, which is after all the main idea. Due to the translation from Czech to English, the lyrics are particularly difficult to understand but this is a small consideration. An absolutely stunning packaging including lyrics, Photos etc. Well worth the effort of tracking down. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ SHUB NIGGURATH THE KINGLIKE CELEBRATION OZ PRODUCTIONS (8 BATTLE AXES) Old school abounds in this, the sophomore effort from Mexico's "King's" of the eighties. "The Kinglike Celebration (Final Aeon on Earth)" features 8 tracks of highly Sodom/Venom influenced Black, Heavy Metal. Classic Speed Metal breaks and the occasional blast beat add a different dimension to this predominantly mid-paced release. Single note melody lines and leads, remind us again of the eighties, which is seldom a bad thing. As usual with bands that English is not a first language, the lyrics are basically unintelligible, but I am sure that they had very good intentions in the writing process. Very good packaging and recording quality make this a worthwhile acquisition. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ BESERKR CRUSH THE WEAK RESISTANCE RECORDS (8 BATTLE AXES) 10 Tracks of "Unleashed" worship, Death Metal. You know what I mean? Sounding something like a hybrid between Atomic Rooster and Obituary, but definitely falling within the category of Death Metal. Isn't it amazing when a band really demonstrates the violence and hatred depicted in Death Metal or any other form of Extreme Metal. You can seriously hear that these are very sick puppies making this music, not some bored Hollywood teens, who found out how easy it is to get laid by acting mean. Beserkr don't love you, and if you are weak you too will fall under their heavy Jackboots. Includes a cover of Sepultura's "Refuse/Resist" that blows Sepultura off the stage, don't you think that's a funny cover for a band like this? (Lunatic) ------------------------------ CRYPTOPSY WHISPER SUPREMACY CENTURY MEDIA (8 BATTLE AXES) Brutal as hell Death Metal, is not dead, they say. Well here you have the proof! Cryptopsy's latest offering is a brutal masterpiece! The first release, since the departure of Vocal Terrorizer "Lord Worm", who sang on the previous two albums "Blasphemy made Flesh" and "None so Vile". Cryptopsy's new vocalist Mike is certainly a fit replacement. Mike barks out the lyrics like a Concentration Camp officer on Speed! The almost constant barrage of extremities is punctuated by occasional but short acoustic interludes, before the pummelling of your head begins again. Technical and brutal, to the point of being an instant classic, Cryptopsy will return! (Lunatic) ------------------------------ DISINTER TORN FROM THE GRAVE INDEPENDENT (8 BATTLE AXES) The descendents of darkness are torn from the grave, only to suffer in the place of the bones. If you like death, you like this! A new and greatest hits sampler package from the underground kings, Disinter. Featuring three tracks from their upcoming (1999) release "Welcome to Oblivion", three tracks from their '96 release "Desecrated" and three tracks from their '91 demo "Disinterra Et Corpus". The first Six tracks being fast guttural death of the highest calibre, and the final three (demo tracks) being far more guttural and extreme, reminding me of old "Pungent Stench". I'm unsure about the availability of this CD so write the band and find out! (Lunatic) ------------------------------ EDENROT THE LAND WHERE THE CROW STARVES TWILIGHT RECORDS (8 BATTLE AXES) Bridging the gap between Death, Black and Heavy Metal comes Edenrot. Equal amounts of Black and Death vocals over a straight Metal background. Melodic solos, marching beats and shrieks with violent growls at strategic points. Thought provoking lyrics, for instance "Crosses of Ice" which has lyrics based on Dante's "Inferno". The track "...Where Anger Breathes" is my favourite however, with its almost sing-a-long parts in a Heavy way. This EP is ended off with a hidden live track! Heavy Metal is truly the law. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ METAL LEGION VARIOUS ARTISTS CANDLELIGHT PRODUCTIONS (8 BATTLE AXES) Absolute Eastern Quality, my first impressions of this release were exceptional due to the absolute quality of the packaging, the music did not disappoint either! Starting off with the Marduk-esque "Rudra", this comp. immediately demonstrates the brilliance of these Singaporean bands. "Brutal Fear" provide the next track of old school death /thrash followed by "Beast Petrify" who once again deliver the barking sounds of old thrash, including slower parts. "Abattoir" despite the Death Metal implications of their name, follow the same route and deliver five minutes of Speed Metal Mayhem, their lead guitarist has exactly the same soloing style as Kerry King when he still had hair. "Sakaratul Maut" end off the selection with his one man Death/Thrash Metal, I suggest he gets a vocalist as this is his downfall. We are then treated to another track by each of the aforementioned bands. "Rudra" and "Abattoir" remain my favourites. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ MUNDANUS IMPERIUM THE SPECTRAL SPHERES CORONATION NUCLEAR BLAST / CD TEMPTATIONS (8 BATTLE AXES) When I was first told this band sound like Rainbow, I laughed, Nuclear Blast wouldn't release a Rock Metal band? I was wrong! Most of the tracks off this album sound like they have Joe Lynn Turner on vocals, while tracks like "Stargazer" sound like (including the Vocals of Dio) they were lifted directly from "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll". Definitely extremely influenced by Rainbow but what makes Mundanus Imperium worthy of your time is that they are still totally original. The entire 70's feel of Rainbow has been replaced by a pure nineties feel, without losing any of the attraction. A lot more symphonic than Rainbow, with a definite Progressive feel to it. Sometimes the keyboards are used to a level that detracts from the music, but overall this is a stunning album. Commercially viable Heavy Metal for the new Millennium. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ NIGHT IN GALES THUNDERBEAST NUCLEAR BLAST / CD TEMPTATIONS (8 BATTLE AXES) There are no sweet singing nightingales present on this recording only 13 tracks of extreme Death Thrash Heavy Metal. As the deceptively quiet intro soothes out you senses are immediately pounded by the opening riffs, screams and growls of this all out Metal assault. Immaculate production and a penchant for catchy, yet brutal melodies find "Night In Gales" there place in Metal History. The Thunderbeast arises, beware your souls. True "Forest" Metal???? (Lunatic) ------------------------------ PESSIMIST CULT OF THE INITIATED LOST DISCIPLE RECORDS (8 BATTLE AXES) My first reaction to this CD was that this was retro thrash death, but after numerous listens I've come to the conclusion that this is far more "modern" than I would have originally given it credit for. Blasting death thrash with a modern, yet non-irritating, feel to it. I personally enjoy the music most, a single guitarist but the rhythms he kicks out must be incredibly difficult to maintain live. Total speed combined with moments of slow death style, palm muted riffs and artificial harmonics paving the way. Not much in the line of originality but certainly a worthy acquisition. I really love their old school logo and professional fold out inlay which has all the lyrics. We must forever live in Darkness! (Lunatic) ------------------------------ RAISE HELL HOLY TARGET NUCLEAR BLAST / CD TEMPTATIONS (8 BATTLE AXES) Judging by the band name, album title, cover artwork, band photo and song titles, like "The March of the Devil's Soldiers" and "Raise the Devil", I was expecting a straight 80's influenced Kreator/Sodom/Destruction hybrid. It was thus with extreme trepidation that I inserted this disc into my readily waiting CD Player. Instead of the aforementioned sound I was greeted with nine tracks of Pure Black Speed Metal. The way Black Metal started out, and the way I would have preferred it to stay. Intelligent riffing that allows for the development of a hook as opposed to the blind speed that most bands of this genre aim for, thus supplying memorable Metal. Not essential, but sufficiently enjoyable to warrant purchase. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ SINNER THE NATURE OF EVIL NUCLEAR BLAST / CD TEMPTATIONS (8 BATTLE AXES) I once again plead shameful ignorance, about Sinner's previous and substantial releases. If this masterpiece is anything to go by I will certainly be tracking down as many of them as I can. From the opening riffs of "Devil's River", I was captivated and amazed. This is the Metal I remember, Guitar based, loud and Proud. The melodies on "A Question of Honour" fill my heart with a deep seated pride. I am part of the greatest movement to ever grace mere mortals with our presence, HEAVY 'fuckin' METAL! Pure Metal in the vein of masters like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, retaining most of the good things from the eighties. I'll ignore the distorted vocals in track 6 as a mere slip in judgement, BUT only this once!!!!! (Lunatic) ------------------------------ SKINNED / MENTALLY MURDERED SPLIT OF SICKNESS FULL OF HATE PRODUCTIONS (8 BATTLE AXES) FUCK! It doesn't get more Brutal than this. Skinned provide 6 tracks of American sickness in the finest tradition Blast beats and twin vocal attacks abound. Enough to satisfy the full range of violent emotions. I was especially attracted to the Guitar Sound that often brings back memories of Thrash Metal, which is unusual for extreme Grind! "May the dead twitch at your feet". Mentally Murdered also provide 6 tracks of American sickness in the (old) Carcass/Cannibal Corpse tradition, alternating fast parts with occasional slow ones and the twin vocal attack with gurgling vocals that almost aren't audible to the human ear with grind style shrieks. If you love brutality, heaven has arrived! (Lunatic) ------------------------------ MESSE NOIR MANDAL - GATE OF THE CALLING INDEPENDENT (8 BATTLE AXES) Are you ready for war and destruction? Raise your Metal fist for Messe Noir's CD is now available. The CD contains tracks from their demo and a few extra war cries. The band has been classified as war Metal and their is no other way to describe the sound the you will hear on this CD. Dark aggressive Metal from start to finish. Constant riff changes and real destructive vocals will cast a spell of evil triumph. For all aggressive music lovers and not for any Bee Gee's fan !!!!! (J.M) ------------------------------ SACRAPHYX 9 YEARS. 9 SECONDS INDEPENDENT (8 BATTLE AXES) Excellent guitars, this is my type of music. Fast, heavy and nasty. The vocals feel like it can rip my fuckin head apart and the drums are also heavy & fast. One thing I liked the most was the fact that you can HEAR the bass, it's not like some other bands that you can hardly hear the bass. Overall it rulz !!!!! (Raynier Swiegers) ------------------------------ THY SERPENT CHRISTCRUSHER NUCLEAR BLAST / CD TEMPTATIONS (8 BATTLE AXES) This is the way Black Death was supposed to sound, serious Gothenburg influences, in that the music is heavily melodic Black with Death and old school thrash influences. Definite Dissection worship. I hate promo's that don't include lyrics as this release appears as if it would have thought provoking lyrics, but no such luck. The only way I would find out is if I purchased the full length version. Anybody got any money for me? Not blindingly fast or mind numbingly heavy, but still heavily entertaining and thought provoking despite the lack of lyrics. As the album progresses, Gothic influences become evident. Without them the album would have rated even higher! (Lunatic) ------------------------------ THE NAZGUL'S HOARD VARIOUS ARTISTS NAZGUL'S EYRIE PRODUCTIONS (8 BATTLE AXES) Black Metal as it was originally intended to be: under-funded and under-produced, cold hearted, ruthless and merciless Old School Heavy Metal taken to the absolute extreme. Worshiping darkness and praising the forlorn desolation of their northern homelands. Bands featured are: Dawnfall, Behemoth, Countess, Bifrost, Cruachan, Barathrum, Tha-Norr, Amon Goeth, Mortuary Drape, Wizzard, Decayed, Zemial and Mayhemic Truth. 20 tracks (some bands are repeated) of the nastiest shit you have ever heard. Mortuary Oath, as always, is my favourite and Decayed with their resurrection of the type of riffs that made Slayer such legends. Overall an excellent CD, but it is a CD-Rom promotional only item. Get in touch with NEP for more quality releases. For like minded thinking go to http://members.xoom.com/TyrantOfHell/ . (Lunatic) ------------------------------ VISIONARIES OF THE MACABRE Vol. 1 VARIOUS ARTISTS LOST DISCIPLE RECORDS (8 BATTLE AXES) "In the last days, the Antichrist appears and slaughters the faithful". This is how a compilation was meant to be, every song is good! Combining underground legends like Acheron and Cryptopsy with less well known acts Pessimist, Oppressor, Avulsion, Somnus, Eternal Suffering, Dusk, Ceremonium, Nebiras, Nosvampyram, December Wolves, A Tragedy Unveiled and Aurora Borealis. As an added bonus 11 of the 14 tracks are rare or previously unreleased. If you need more persuasion to buy this then I don't know! Oh wait, I forgot about the really impressive packaging with brilliant artwork and full contact and track details. One down point is "Eternal Suffering's" brief inclusion of a "I'm harder than you" Hardcore part. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ VOICES OF DEATH Pt. 2 "THE BOOK OF DEATH" VARIOUS ARTISTS VOD RECORDS (8 BATTLE AXES) The second of hopefully not the last Voices of Death with more destructive bands of Europe than ever. Everyone knows that it's not the easiest thing to review a compilation especially with all the diverse bands. Unlike the first Voices of Death, there are some other styles of Metal on this compilation. It's just sad that there aren't that many Death Metal bands on the compilation. Well I will give you the bands name and song title and how much they earned for battle. Odium - "Crusade of Brutality" (Death Metal that fucking kick's rotten corpses butt's. 10/10). Mortum - "A Cursed Mankind" (This band needs now introduction, brutal death/black Metal. 10/10). Occrah - "The Waste" (My first introduction to the band. 8.5/10). Inverted - "As the Last Angel Falls" (Now we are growling. Fuck this band rule. Death Metal in your face !!!!!! 10/10). Zavorash - "Truth and Sorrow" (Amazing black Metal. I just didn't like the opening piece to the song. 9.5/10). Sardonic Tears - "Judas Inside" (Now this I didn't like at all, especially the weak clear vocals. Some parts of the music I could live with. 3/10). Frost - "Frost" (No, what is happening. Hardcore style. 2/10). Primitive Symphony - "Left to Bleed" (Death/Black underground style. The ending really rules !! 7.5/10). Blazing Skies - "Fulfilment of Emptiness" (Set the sky on Fire!!! Black Metal. 9/10). Guidance of Sin - "Dawn of the new Religion" (Doom Death Metal in the old Paradise Lost style. 10/10). Azure - "Enchanted by Fantasy" (Fuck the drumming rule. Get ready for war!!!! Black style with fucking cool guitar solo's. 9.5/10). Cranial Dust - " From the Depths" (Black Metal with a real underground recording quality. 8.5/10). Diabolical - "Natural Selection" (What do want to do? KILL THEM ALL !!! Black style vocals. 8/10). Blackwitch - "War" (Yeh, torture the weak. This really rule, especially the drummer, well actually all of it. This is the Metal I love to please my ears with. 10/10). Gravferd - "De Tapte Sjelers Hevnere" (Featuring again on the compilation with there real Black Metal. Hail !!!! 9.5/10). Palefat - "House of the Longhorn Beetle" (Okay this woes vocals in the beginning really sucks. The deep vocals rule. Not to bad. 7/10). (J.M) ------------------------------ RUDRA RUDRA CANDLELIGHT PRODUCTIONS (7.5 BATTLE AXES) A really interesting offering from Singapore. The CD may start off scary for some, but when you keep on listening you will discover an excellent Death Metal band. Rudra was also featured on the METAL LEGION compilation that supports the underground Metal movement in Singapore. Deep vocals, Death Metal riff changes and some interesting cultural music makes this a must for anyone that's not afraid of trying something new. I must be honest when I say that not all of the pieces on the CD appealed to me but that still didn't get me to stop the CD. Worth checking out. (J.M &JOE) ------------------------------ BENGAL TIGERS IN ONE EAR SM RECORDS (7 BATTLE AXES) This is really way cool. Straight Glam Metal, you remember the shit from the eighties, "Theatre of Pain" era "Motley Crue", "Ratt" and "Poison". Flashy solo's, sing along lyrics dealing mainly with sex, drugs and Rock'n'Roll and the usual "Big Hair" antics. Absolutely derivative and thus brilliant. After all the shit that Glam got in the nineties by life hating grunge rejects, I really didn't ever expect any bands to have the guts to play good old Rock'n'Roll again. The good times are back. There are small nineties influences here, the guitars are far more "ballsy" than the eighties bands making it a bit heavier and thus more suited to modern audiences. This 4 track CD EP runs in at just over sixteen minutes, well worth the $5.00 that they ask for it. If you are looking for some good times write to: bengals@netcore.com.au (Lunatic) ------------------------------ FROZEN DAWN IV VARIOUS ARTISTS FROZEN DAWN RECORDS (AVERAGE: 7 BATTLE AXES) Fourth in the line of extreme underground, budget compilations from Frozen Dawn Records. Each one of these comps is available for a mere $10.00 worldwide. Each one showcases a few of the new underground acts around at the time. This one starts with Morbid Entree (8/10) who play a highly irreverent, non-serious Grinding Death Metal, followed by Burning Human (7/10) who deliver 2 tracks of "Immolation" style Death and Artic Symphony (7/10) with their mid-paced Blackened Death. The pace is changed slightly with Wake (7/10) who deliver 3 tracks of weird but brutal Metal (I don't know what else to call it), Corpsicle (8/10) deliver a more Deicide styled, faster death and Hollow Point (5/10) as their name suggests play four tracks of heavy nineties hardcore but in their defence I would like to say that they are terrible at it and they actually thus sound pretty cool, more in the line of Death/Grind/Punk like SA's very own Infectious Outbreak. Shredded Corpse (8/10) once again live up to their name and deliver two tracks of Brutal Death. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ THE GREAT KAT GUITAR GODDESS BLOOD AND GUTS MUSIC (7 BATTLE AXES) Although I don't appreciate being called a drugged up, lethargic moron (whether it's true or not is of absolutely no concern here), I have to appreciate this on pure artistry and individuality. I personally don't know of anyone who sounds even remotely like Kat. Once again the CD features four tracks, two Kat compositions and two Hyperspeed classicals. Track 4 is Sarasate's "Zigeunerweisen" which features Kat on Hyperspeed violin and guitar. The two originals, "Dominatrix" and "Feast of the Dead", are typical Kat arrangements featuring incredibly fast lead guitar, classically inspired but totally twisted. The final track is Rossini's "Barber of Seville" played for all the rabid Kat slaves of the world. I personally prefer "Worship Me or Die", but this is also brilliant. The single fault is that the CD is only 8 minutes long. Find a computer and get to www.greatkat.com (Lunatic) ------------------------------ CRYHAVOC SWEETBRIERS NUCLEAR BLAST / CD TEMPTATIONS (7 BATTLE AXES) How to attain success in a heavily saturated Metal Market. Lesson 1: Send your CD to a blatantly Heterosexual underground publication, and put two extremely sexy, half naked babes on the cover of your CD; you are assured of a review! You might even get a good one, due to the large amounts of Blood/Hormones pumping through the editors veins. When I first received this CD, I hated it, it stayed in my CD player however due to the aforementioned cover! After subsequent listens the music grew on me to such an extent that I don't even need the cover to excite me. Take 2 parts "Shades of God" era "Paradise Lost" and mix, shaking, not stirring with one part Pure Heavy Metal, write 8 good songs and you have this extremely good album in your hands. Not brutal, but sill heavy. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ RADAKKA REQUIEM FOR THE INNOCENT CENTURY MEDIA (7 BATTLE AXES) Late Seventies, early Eighties Rock Metal, with touches of nineties influence. Not ground breaking stuff and unlikely to stir any unrequited emotions in me, but not bad at all. A couple of tracks seriously remind me of early Guns 'n' Roses, but in a progressive Metal sense, in other words a much more "adult" fashion, not the passion of youth. Good Metal riffs and enviable solos, with clear melodic vocals. Highlight include the title track and "Phantom #9". The bassist is heavily influenced by old Iron Maiden. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ RAHOWA CULT OF THE HOLY WAR RESISTANCE RECORDS (7 BATTLE AXES) Voices of dissention stir in this once great southern outpost of European power, the degeneration is increasing at a phenomenal rate. This Metal features inspirational dirges which I would classify as being the Allman Brothers Band with Peter Steele (Type O Neg.) on vocals with Dr. Joseph Goebbels making a guest appearance as lyricist. Melancholic to the point of deep depression, and yet truly inspirational. Very slow peaceful Metal, featuring Piano, Strings as well as the usual Guitar, Bass and drums, a few unfortunate influences and yet still enjoyable. (I have been listening to this album a lot since I wrote this review and I would now give it 10 Battle Axes, I love this CD) (Lunatic) ------------------------------ SKEPTICISM LEAD & AETHER RED STREAM RECORDS (7 BATTLE AXES) I had absolutely no idea that such depressed people could create such entrancing music. This entire album must contain as many beats as featured in 30 Seconds of a Cannibal Corpse song. Slow, Melancholic and tragic Funeral Doom. NOT music for Saturday night. The extremely slow nature of this release, coupled with the church organs and slow deep vocals, sounds something like what a Disembowelment 45 rpm LP would sound like if played at 33 rpm with the Vatican's organists playing along. No Gothic vocals and other commercial trappings make this most definitely worth your while, as long as you don't own a gun. We already have too few Metalheads in this world. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ WITHERED BEAUTY WITHERED BEAUTY NUCLEAR BLAST / CD TEMPTATIONS (7 BATTLE AXES) Somebody should outlaw the use of deceptive packaging. I would never have purchased this CD due to the decidedly wimpy cover artwork, and I don't usually go for bands with the word "Beauty" in their names. What you get when you insert this disc into your player is pure Death with occasional bursts of Black. It's Brutal enough to curl your toes, to boot. Good Shit!!! The Death Vocals sound like Lee Dorian when he started Cathedral and the Black vocals are pretty much run of the mill. They are a bit low in the mix, but that may be to a purposeful downplaying of their importance. The music is pure Metal! Disregard the cover entirely, you have been warned. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ GRAPHIC VIOLENCE GRAPHIC VIOLENCE CONSPIRACY RECORDS (7 BATTLE AXES) I originally had this pegged as nineties Metal, I was wrong! Graphic Violence's hearts lie in the eighties. I would put this release somewhere between "Spreading the Disease" era Anthrax and "The Legacy" era Testament, minus a lot of the speed and members who do have a bit of nineties influence. Nine thrash tracks with titles like "Evil", "The Plague", "Kill Again" and "Out of Control", with a Mosh track called "The Pit". No points for originality, but plenty of Hails for a thoroughly enjoyable album. The track "Graphic Violence" is one of the best I've heard. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ JUDAS ISCARIOT OF GREAT ETERNITY ELEGY RECORDS (6.66 BATTLE AXES) All the way from the U.S.A. Akhenaten brings us his one man project JUDAS ISCARIOT. This is one of those CD's that you must sit down and listen to, to enjoy, for me you need to be in the right mood as well. The CD consists of 6 non commercial Black Metal tracks and this praise to utter darkness goes on for 40 mins. If you are a true believer in the power of Black Metal and are not in it for the image then this is for you. Okay I must be honest to say that in some parts of the CD I got really bored but then the rest made up for it. Not a CD for everybody. HAIL DARKNESS!!!! (Mocke) ------------------------------ DEW-SCENTED INNOSCENT NUCLEAR BLAST / CD TEMPTATIONS (6 BATTLE AXES) When I first received this CD I didn't like it at all, subsequent listens however caused it to grow on me. Not to the point of really liking it though. The music is a grinding sort of thrash, that's certainly fast enough and is definitely very well executed. The Vocals leave a bit to be desired. Death Metal Vocals, but with a modern twist, which contrasts to the retro qualities of the music giving a slightly disjointed feel. I find myself listening to the music OR the vocals, the experience is never in unison. I feel Dew-Scented have a lot of potential, and I'll be waiting for their next release to see if my problems, with the music, have been solved or the sound has been further explored, to develop their own direction. In the albums defence is the brilliant "Overkill" cover that closes the album, showcasing a picking speed that would scare the hell out of Bobby Gustafson. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ DESTROYED BY ANGER SELF TITLED VULTURE ENTERTAINMENT (5 BATTLE AXES) This is what Sepultura would sound like now, if they didn't suck so much! Straight new-school Metal, fortunately it's Metal and it's really not that bad D.B.A wipe the floor with most new-school Hardcore/Death Metal bands. The only fault I can find with this recording is the use of effects on the vocals, on one track, you know that shit when they make the vocalist sound like a machine. Other than that this CD contains 8 tracks of severe hardcore aggression. I just don't enjoy it, however. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ HOT STOVE MURDER WILD RAGS (5 BATTLE AXES) I really can't find anything wrong with CD, average speed grinding Death with ultimitely not much purpose. The type of CD that just rolls by and if you're not concentrating you'll miss the whole thing. I suppose the running time of a full 12 minutes doesn't help much either. Four tracks "Burping Blood", "They Found Her Dead", "Dead Bodies Everywhere" and "She Stopped Breathing". There's really not much else to say. If you are really bored and you need something to while away the time then Hot Stove should suffice, otherwise rather spend your money on the myriad of essential releases in this genre. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ TIMESCAPE TWO WORLDS NETTLE-SPACE PRODUCTIONS (5 BATTLE AXES) There is only one thing wrong with this CD, and that's industrial. Prog Metal in the like of Queensryche with a touch of AOR in the line of Journey, even touches of Judas Priest's first albums can be heard. Very thought-provoking multi faceted music that is definitely Metal. 6 long songs with two instrumental's, brilliant. Then out of the blue comes an industrial beat on tracks 5 and 7 to fuck everything up. Track 5 would be really good if the industrial was taken out, the song "Colours of the Fall" is my favourite, and worthy of the purchase price alone. Get this CD if you like to "think", but program out the aforementioned non-metal tracks and you'll have 35 minutes of brilliant progressiveness. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ CEPHALIC CARNAGE CONFORMING TO ABNORMALITY HEADFUCKER (5 BATTLE AXES) Totally hemp-fuelled grind, brought to us by Raf from Headfucker. There is no denying the absolute intensity of this release, I thought dope made you more peaceful? Well it fried the brains of these American maniacs allowing them to create these blasts of total noise and distortion. I vary between a very big Grind fan, to one who hates it and this isn't my favourite. I love funny grind like Festering Puke and Anal Cunt but I hate this arty/ politically correct/ techno influenced grind that is out these days, unfortunately like Cephalic Carnage. The neutral "5" rating allows you to make up your own mind. It certainly is brutal, it just lacks something to make me come back to it! (Lunatic) ------------------------------ CRYOGENIC SUSPENDED ANIMATION WARHEAD RECORDS (5 BATTLE AXES) My Battle Axe rating is a way of expressing my opinion as to how much help each specific Metal album will give us in the final battle, due to recruitment potential etc. An album that supplies 8 Battle Axes, helps us more than one that supplies 4, and vice versa. After meeting Cryogenic on their recent South African tour, I have no doubts that they are Metalheads with the ultimate glory of Metal in their hearts. Only Metalheads could be that cool. I however strongly believe in selectivity not incorporation, mixing Metal with other genre's is dangerous and morally incorrect. Thus I feel this album sucks. Undeniably brutal and infectiously groovy, it just contains too much industrial and too much "nineties" for me. Make up your own mind! (Lunatic) ------------------------------ BORKNAGAR THE ARCHAIC COURSE CENTURY MEDIA (5 BATTLE AXES) Black Metal for adults! Despite my advanced years (?), I do not get this. It may be genre breaking or whatever, but I get no pleasure from it. I have spun this disc a lot more times than I play my review material on average, and I still can't find anything in it for me. I am not familiar with their previous works but it's doubtful as to whether I will seek them out. Nothing essentially wrong with the music or vocals, no techno or industrial influences mar it, but still, it bores the shit out of me. Not recommended. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ LIVING IMPAIRED WORLD KEEPS SPINNING COLD EARTH RECORDS (5 BATTLE AXES) Judging from this recording, I would say that Living Impaired are one of those bands that have absolutely no idea what they want to do, so they do everything. This CD is a collection of all the recordings done by Living Impaired since their inception in 1992. Track one is a type of Hardcore with such a shitty recording that it en's up sounding like a Black Metal track. After that each song seem to fall in to another genre, from Hardcore, to punk, to Death and back again. Definitely only a release for fans and collectors. All the tracks are demo quality recordings. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ GORGOROTH DESTROYER NUCLEAR BLAST / CD TEMPTATIONS (4 BATTLE AXES) Starting off with real old school Metal riffs, slightly messy sound actually, very cluttered, but ultimately very good. Track 2, Open The Gates, is pure unadulterated Black Metal aggression. An instant classic. From track 3 a few little electronic sounds begin creeping in very subtly. Track 3 owes a bit more to the Death Metal side of things but still maintaining a very classic "Mayhem" edge. Track 4 once again jumps back into the fire with the "Dark Throne" influence. From track 5, exactly half way in the CD, I had to stifle my gag reflex, some stupid fucker decided that true Black Metal needs Pussy, Industrial, distorted vocals. Tracks 1 - 4 = 8 Battle Axes, Tracks 5 - 8 = 0 Battle Axes. Ask your local store to order directly from CD Temptations. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ ANATHEMA ALTERNATIVE 4 PEACEVILLE RECORDS / TIC TIC BANG (4 BATTLE AXES) Being a big fan of the "Serenades" era Anathema but not having followed their weaker, later work, the new Anathema didn't excite any deep emotions in me. When I first heard, what is unarguably the worst album title in this issue, I was looking forward to this CD even less. I personally don't give a fuck about the much explained intentions behind the album title; you don't call a Metal album "alternative" in this era! The album is not bad as such, but not in it's entirety. If you are really depressed use one track on a compilation tape for your car, a track like "Lost Control", but do not attempt to listen to the entire album. It will bore the crap out of you. Music for Manic Depressants and other lower forms of life. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ H.A.T.E TWO WRONGS MAKE A RIGHT (INDEPENDENT) 4 BATTLE AXES There is nothing essentially wrong with this release, except for the slight rap influence. Extreme Brutal, nineties Death Metal with occasional highlights and brilliant cover packaging, even if the lyrics are impossible to read. Highly hate inspired, but making me feel my age, this does not speak to me in any way. They raise an interesting point though, two wrongs can make a right providing you were on the receiving end of the first "wrong", otherwise it's all a bit pointless isn't it. A bit like this CD! (Lunatic) ------------------------------ MEDIEVAL DEMON DEMONOLATRIA UNISOUND RECORDS (4 BATTLE AXES) Ho Hum and a merry yawn. 8 Tracks of boring Black Metal, with a brilliant packaging. Track 7 "Warriors Anthem", Here are the entire lyrics "Silence! And desolation! and dim night!", the music consists of keyboards some oversexed slut making erotic gasps. What the fuck has any of that got to do with being a Warrior??? Track 8 "The Rise of the Moon" picks up the pace a bit and gives you an indication of what the band can actually do! Naked chicks a good CD do not make! Not recommended. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ VICTORY HARDCORE SUMMER TOUR 1998 VARIOUS ARTISTS VICTORY RECORDS (4 BATTLE AXES) One of the most famous underground hardcore labels ever present their newest sampler, featuring, Thumb, Snapcase, Hatebreed, Catch 22, OS 101, Blood for Blood, Shutdown, Skarhead, Warzone, Strife, Fury of Five, Bloodlet, In Cold Blood, Integrity, Out of Order, Cause for Alarm, Hi Fi and the Roadburners, Earth Crisis, Bad Brains and By the Grace of God. I can't say I'm a big supporter of this music, but the intensity cannot be denied. I like the older type hardcore so a couple of tracks hold a certain nostalgic fascination for me, but other than that it's not a type of music that I would pursue further albums of, this sampler isn't bad though, try it for yourself. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ MILWAUKEE METALFEST XII PROMOTIONAL COMPILATION CD MILWAUKEE METALFEST (4 BATTLE AXES) Gone are the days of compilations that confine themselves to a genre, in this new spirit of "open-mindedness" we are treated to bands from all sides of the Metal spectrum. This allows you to alternate between feelings of pride and spewing your lungs out. VoiVod & Gorguts are both bands with legendary status. Here they prove that they can mix many styles with their classic sound to create a completely crap mixture. Sufferance & Cromlech provide us with their generic modern death, which just fails to impress. Syris however, blast forth with a classic 80's speed Metal mixture, which instead of sounding dated sounds far fresher than any of the other tracks on this compilation. Consumed spew classic, guttural death, the production needs work. Anal Blast and Cephalic Carnage can be checked out in the reviews of their albums in these pages. Sarcophagus, Punisher & Blood Storm provide the Black Metal contribution on this album, my favourite being Sarcophagus. Vitamin F sound like a heavier, less passionate version of RATM (Puke). Simon Barr Sinister plays a strange mixture of Helloween and industrial, shit beyond comparison. I still prefer the early Morta Skuld releases but this track isn't bad. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ BETHLEHEM SARDONISCHER UNTERGANG IM ZEICHEN IRRELIGIOSER DARBIETUNG RED STREAM RECORDS (3 BATTLE AXES) After all the brilliant reviews I read about Bethlehem's previous release "Dictius Te Necare" (which I still haven't heard), I was suitably ecstatic when this new CD appeared in my mailbox. I am now afraid to announce that this is crap. Metal is about Power and Majesty, listening to a stupid wench crying for 45 minutes just does not appeal to me. Occasionally Bethlehem redeem themselves with heavy parts but then you treated to three minutes of the same wench talking German, sounding as if it had been recorded in an airport terminal with no people. The music is sometimes cool Black/Death, but it doesn't last for long. I feel Metal in my heart, and this is not Metal. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ PULKAS GREED EARACHE (3 BATTLE AXES) As I have stated many times before, I detest 90's Metal. After a couple of forced listens to this album, as I want to at least give them a chance. I must be very honest with you: The only thing enjoyable on this CD was the LACK of techno. Other than that it all sucks. Produced by Colin Richardson which might mean something to the hordes of Machine Head fans out there. Monstrous riffs with enough groove to dance too and generic 90's vocals. Comparisons to Machine Head and ilk abound. Sounds to me like a heavier version of Bush/Pearl Jam/((insert other crap bands in this space) ). At least this album indicates Earache's return to Metal. I will never listen to this album again, it will join the dusty piles at the bottom of my cupboard. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ SLAYER DIABOLUS IN MUSICA SONY MUSIC (SOUTH AFRICA) (3 BATTLE AXES) The new Slayer album is always a source of much anticipation for me, after giving their all to record "Reign in Blood", Slayer have been on a very slow decline culminating in the release of the boring "Divine Intervention" album, "Undisputed Attitude" was much better as it captured the true aggression of one of the greatest bands ever. The track "Gemini" was supposed to be Slayer's new direction, which would have been a good direction compared to "D.I.M". Cover Artwork that looks like it was rejected by NIN, some Smashing Pumpkins interludes and plenty of industrial influences to whet the appetite of any trendy nineties reject! It's still Slayer, the riffs are there, Kerry's Soloing is unmistakeable as is Tom's Vocals (minus the fucking distortion). I Vote that Slayer chuck in the towel, before they defile their legendary status even further. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ BABYLON WHORES DEGGAEL MISANTHROPY RECORDS (3 BATTLE AXES) The first thing I noticed about this CD was the band member on the back cover wearing a KMFDM t-shirt, with dreadlocks. I could tell you straight away that the album would suck. Anybody that could do that to themselves, obviously doesn't know the first thing about Metal. The music sounds like a heavier version of Sisters of Mercy, with a little bit of distortion on the vocals. Very nice riffs, and nothing else! 20 Minute 6 track EP, with one CD-Rom track "In Arcadia Ego". The video further reinforces my SoM comparison. This is not Metal! (Lunatic) ------------------------------ THE BLOODCULT NIGHT'S PLUTONIAN SHORE UNISOUND RECORDS (2 BATTLE AXES) This is the absolutely worst album to ever be released by Unisound. 7 tracks of Vampire/Goth crap guaranteed to put you to sleep before the end of track one. A two man band consisting of Bloodfrozen (Vocals, Keyboards, drums) and Angel of Decay (Guitars and Bass). The guitarist even fell asleep but woke up just in time to put some weak thrash riffs on the sixth and seventh tracks. Slow gothic mumbling makes up most of the vocal's while a bored "Bloodfrozen" adds some growling later on. Female mumbling also accounts for a large percentage of the vocals. Interesting cover with lyrics to one track and a cool article on vampires and Necrophilia. My promo copy does not come with a track listing, so I cannot comment on that. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ KRM RADIO NETWORK SAMPLER VOLUME 2 KRYSTAL ROSE MUSIC (1 BATTLE AXE) It's a bit pointless me reviewing this CD but if you take the time to shovel past 15 really shit bands you get to track 11 which is "Time will Tell - (by) Witch Meadow", which is amazing straight 80's Rockin' Metal, in the vein of old Priest. The track comes off their second album, "Down Eternity's Hall". Don't bother trying to track down this Sampler (it really sucks) but get in touch with Witch Meadow at P.O.Box 1398, Coventry, RI 02816, U.S.A. and get a copy of their full CD. I had a good time with this CD by placing it on repeat and only playing track 11, sounds much better that way. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ DISBELIEF INFECTED NUCLEAR BLAST / CD TEMPTATIONS (0.5 BATTLE AXES) (this is for some of the guitar riffs) Okay I don't like this beginning, wait a second that scream rules! Vocals that sound liked it's being tortured on bass, drums and guitar. Okay forget what I just said, this really sucks in my point of view. I hate gothic fucking vocals and the bass sound on this song reminds me of the new alternica albums. Mindstrip is the second song and I believe it's not getting better. Some of the guitar riffs are not to bad, but this is definitely not what I would buy at all. This is nine tracks of nothing but shit. Not for any true Metalhead. (Mocke) ------------------------------ LESSER KNOWN INNER BEAST LKE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP (0 BATTLE AXES) Music that will go down very well in our local student hangout, where stupid 16 year old girls get drunk and dance to music that's "Cool", wearing clothes that are "Cool" and where the sign of a good band is bad-ass (but not too nasty) attitude, danceable rhythms and one of the members that's good looking enough to make them all moist. Suffice to say I detest this type of music. I hear a lot of Nirvana in here, I also hear Pearl Jam and a million other fashionable bands that I don't know the names of. When he starts Rapping in a R.A.T.M fashion, my blood really boils. I listened to this entire tape, which taxed my powers of concentration to the brink, and I failed to hear one redeeming factor on the entire tape. Sorry dudes but think Metal not Money the next time you record. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ CYCLONE P BRAINDEAD NSM RECORDS (0 BATTLE AXES) I must admit that I really enjoyed one aspect of this Alternative-Industro crap, the moment it finally ended, and I could take it out of my CD player and burn it! (Lunatic) ------------------------------ DARK GAEBALLE DARK GAEBALLE RED BLACK PRODUCTIONS (0 BATTLE AXES) If someone could please explain to me what this shit is. I would be very happy. It would however be impossible to explain to me how anyone could be stupid enough to waste CD space like this. What's all this crap about Gay Ball's??? Avoid like the Plague. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ DOWN UNDERGROUND VOLUME 2 NNN PRODUCTIONS (0 BATTLE AXES) I honestly fail to see why anyone can be this dumb to send Techno crap to a total Metal Fanzine. Sure, no publicity is bad publicity but this is ridiculous. If anyone reading this purchases this CD, please never purchase The Crusader again. KILL ALL RAVERS!!!!!! C/O Stephan Harris, P.O.Box 103, MacArthur Square, N.S.W., 2560 Australia. (Lunatic) ___________________ BRIAN SURGERY NSM RECORDS (0 BATTLE AXES) Despite the fact that I object strongly to the displaying of naked males on any CD's I have in my possession. I object even stronger to music that sounds like Kurt Cobain on a bad hair day. I can't emphasise the fact enough that this is NOT Metal. Alternative = an easy listening Alternative to music. (Lunatic) ------------------------------ ------------------------------ As a last second addition I was sent these CD's by the brilliant fledgling label "Barbarians Wrath", P.O.Box 100 710, 93007 Regensburg, Germany (No album Covers are available yet) COUNTESS The Revenge of the Horned One (9,5 Battle Axes) There are few bands I would tolerate them ripping off Manowar! Countess are one of them. "Triumph of Metal" begins with a parody of Manowar's "The Warriors Prayer", but it is done in a way that I respect as "Triumph of Metal" is a wondrous Warcry to the ways of Metal. Starting off with a rather drawn out introduction and ending off with a "Venom" cover, this album represents the raw beauty of extreme Metal. Sounding like a mixture of Sodom and Burzum, but in a rawer form. A touch too much keyboards, but they never become overpowering. A band I definitely want to hear more from. I would love to see the album cover! (Lunatic) GRAVEWÜRM At the Gates of Armageddon (9,5 Battle Axes) Fucking excellent offering from Gravewurm. Brutal Black Speed Metal arising from the great gap left by the end of the eighties. The thing that brought most tears and memories of beer filled evenings of debauchery, was the way the songs seem to start and end out of nowhere, listen to "Obsessed by Cruelty" and you will know what I mean. I also get much more of a thrill from an album that I can hear the lyrics on. Knowing what I'm listening to helps create the aura of evil that exists in extreme Metal. Lets face it the vocalist may be gurgling Christian propaganda as far as you know, in some of the bands around! You can't hear everything that is sung, but on each listen you hear a little more as you get to know the album. In 2009 when I've listened to this album 1 000 000 times, I will eventually know it in full! That's if I'm still alive! (Lunatic) _________________________________________________ CONTACT LISTING Support these bands and labels, they were cool enough to support us! Ablated Records, Lividity, c/o Dave Kibler, P.O.Box 3325, Peoria, IL 61612-3325, U.S.A. Bad Posture Records, P.O.Box 92, Middle Island, NY 11953, U.S.A. Bengal Tigers, P.O.Box 4, Chadstone, Vic 3148, Australia Beef Rock Records, P.O.Box 193375, San Francisco, CA 94119-3375, U.S.A. Breath of Night Records, P.O.Box 54, De Kalb, IL 60115-0054, USA Candlelight Productions, Yishun Central Post Office, P.O.Box 420, Singapore 917614 Cauldron Records, P.O.Box 265, Skippack, PA 19474, U.S.A. CD Temptations, P.O.Box 1493, Meyerton, 1960, South Africa Century Media (Europe), Schaeferstrasse 33a, 44147 Dortmund, Germany Century Media (America), 1453-A 14th Street #324, Santa Monica, CA 90404, U.S.A. Conspiracy Records, P.O.Box 332, Carbondale, PA 18407-0332, U.S.A. Cold Earth Records, 8 Tanglewood Dr. #5, Lewiston, Maine 04240, U.S.A. Dead Sun Productions, C/O Lard Records, 6-19-6 Toyosa, 533-0013, Japan Disinter, C/O Mike Legros, P.O.Box 34919, Chicago, IL 60634, U.S.A. Dominion Records, P.O.Box 70, Skillman, NJ 08558-0070, U.S.A. Dwell Records, P.O.Box 39439, Los Angeles, CA 90039, U.S.A. Earache Records, 295 Lafayette ST. No 915, New York City, NY 10012, U.S.A. Excelsis, P.O.Box 163, CH. 3425 Koppigen, Switzerland Frozen Dawn Records, 809 Towering Oaks, Jacksonville, AR 72076, U.S.A. Full of Hate Productions, P.O.Box 2945, Loveland, CO 80539, U.S.A. H.A.T.E, 129 Pine Lane, Fleetwood, PA 19522, U.S.A. Happy Hamster, P.O.Box 4478, Vereeniging, 1930, South Africa Headfucker, P.O.Box 151, 25038 Rovato, Brescia, Italy Kick Arse Records, P.O.Box 1971, Rivonia, 2128, South Africa Leviathan Records, P.O.Box 31, 751 31 Lipnik n./B, Czech Republic LKE Entertainment Group, PO Box 308, Tilbury Ontario, Canada, N0P 2L0. Lost Disciple Records, P.O.Box 340, Winthrop, MA 02152, U.S.A. Mentally Murdered, 9230 Hooker Str., Westminster, CO 80030, U.S.A. Merciless Records, P.O.Box 72, 97448 Arnstein, Germany Misanthropy Records, P.O.Box 9, Hadleigh, Suffolk, IP7 5AU, England Morbid Records, Postfach 3, 03114 Drebkau, Germany. Music For Nations/Peaceville Records, 333 Latimer Road, London W10 6RA, U.K. Nazgul's Eyrie Productions, P.O.Box 100710, 93007 Regensburg, Germany Nebiula Production, P.O.Box 13442, 50810 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Nettle-Space Productions, Skogvaktaregatan 4, 602 08 Norrkoping, Sweden Nightfall/Terrorizer, P.O.Box 6022, MPLS, MN 55406, U.S.A. NSM Productions, Hauptplatz 24, 2700 Wiener, Neustadt, Austria Nuclear Blast, Hauptstrasse 109-73072, Donzdorf, Germany Oz Productions, A.P. 109, Boulevares, Edo. de Mexico C.P. 53140, Mexico Pagan Records, P.O.Box 12, 86-105 Swiecie 5, Poland Red Black Productions, C/O Tomas Kopecna, 7 602 00 BRNO, Czech Republic Red Stream, P.O.Box 342, Camp Hill, PA 17001-0342, U.S.A. Resistance Records, P.O.Box 24700, Detroit, Mi 48224, U.S.A. Shindy Productions, C/O Martin Brzobohaty, Sadova 17, 679 04 Adamov, Czech Republic Skinmask Productions, P.O.Box 271, Stn B., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5T 2W1, Canada The End Records, 556 s. Fair Oaks #101-111, Pasadena, CA 91105, U.S.A. Tic Tic Bang, P.O.Box 2872, Parklands, 2121 South Africa Twilight Records, P.O.Box 416, Devault, PA 19432, U.S.A. Unisound Records, 84 Academias avn., 106 78 Athens, Greece Victory Records, P.O.Box 146546, Chicago, IL 60614, U.S.A. Virgin Steele, P.O.Box 2431, N. Babylon, NY 11703-0431, U.S.A. VOD Records, Kolavagen 2, 441 55 Alingsas, Sweden Vulture Entertainment, P.O.Box 730, Coram, NY 11727, U.S.A. Warhead Records, 1B Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia Wild Rags, P.O.Box 3302, Montebello, CA 90640, U.S.A. Witches of Moodus, P.O.Box 2051, Secaucus, NJ 07096, U.S.A. Wood Nymph Records, Langebeekstraat 28, 3210 Linden, Belgium. ------------------------------------------------------------