ALBUM REVIEW: Accept, “Symphonic Terror: Live at Wacken 2017”

By: Richard Maw

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 23/11/2018

Label: Nuclear Blast

 

Taken for what this is, though, I can say that “Symphonic Terror” is immensely enjoyable and entertaining.  The album represents a unique performance and demonstrates a band at the top of their game

 

“Symphonic Terror: Live at Wacken 2017” CD//DD//LP track listing:

CD 1:
1. Die by the Sword
2. Restless and Wild
3. Koolaid
4. Pandemic
5. Final Journey
6. Night on Bald Mountain
7. Scherzo
8. Romeo and Juliet
9. Pathétique
10. Double Cello Concerto in G Minor
11. Symphony NO. 40 inG Minor

CD 2:
1. Princess of the Dawn
2. Stalingrad
3. Dark Side of My Heart
4. Breaker
5. Shadow Soldiers
6. Dying Breed
7. Fast as a Shark
8. Metal Heart
9. Teutonic Terror
10. Balls to the Wall

The Review:

Accept, as of last week, are now down to one original member- Wolf Hoffman. However, for this unique 2017 concert at Wacken, Peter Baltes was still there on bass- even if Hermann Frank had departed as rhythm guitarist. As has been documented in past reviews, I feel that Mark Tornillo is every bit as good as Udo Dirkschneider and he has now headed up the band for ten years. As the title suggests, this is a full live gig with a difference- the central portion of the performance marries Acceptup with a symphony orchestra- which then stays for the latter half of the gig! The first section of the release is a straight ahead metal performance, the middle section features Hoffman with orchestra- utilising his “Headbangers Symphony” solo album as the basis- and the latter half of the record treats the audience to classic Accept songs accompanied by the orchestra.

So, how essential is this? Well, not essential at all. It's a live album with an orchestra attached to two thirds of it. However, that view may be doing this record a disservice. To be sure, the central section is very stirring indeed and is actually successful in combining metal with classical. Its leagues ahead of Metallica's“S & M” effort of nearly 20 (!?) years ago and much more interesting than Deep Purple's misfiring “Concerto for Group and Orchestra”. The latter part of the release is also an interesting experiment- but much more in the vein of Metallica'saforementioned effort.

I could not claim that “Princess of the Dawn” is enhanced by the presence of the orchestra, beyond it being... different and more grandiose. The band wisely chose some of its more theatrical and grand material for the latter half of the gig and it is a thrill to hear “Stalingrad” with classical backing. I think the thing here is that if you like Accept, you will like this record.

I love Acceptand they are one of the best live bands I have ever seen. Hearing their songs with a new twist is interesting and a diverting listen. Will this take over on regular rotation from the superb “Restless and Live” record from a year or two back? No. While “Symphonic Terror” does boast the chance to hear some of the tracks from “The Rise of Chaos” in a live setting it is too much of an oddity to usurp a straight ahead live record.

Taken for what this is, though, I can say that “Symphonic Terror” is immensely enjoyable and entertaining. The central orchestral section really works and is testament to Hoffman's ability as a writer and player that it sounds so grand and cinematic. The album represents a unique performance and demonstrates a band at the top of their game. Having released a straight ahead live compendium recently, the band can play around with its sound and put out this album- why not? Recommended to all Accept fans and fans of classical music. For those new to the band, start elsewhere.

“Symphonic Terror: Live At Wacken 2017” is available now



Band info: official || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Satan's Satyrs, "The Lucky Ones"

By: John Reppion

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 19/10/2018

Label: Bad Omen Records |

RidingEasy Records

“The Lucky Ones” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Thrill of the City

2). The Lucky Ones

3). She Beast

4). Take It and Run

5). You and Your Boots

6). Too Early to Fold

7). Pulp Star

8). Trampled by Angels

9). Permanent Darknes

The Review:

What if, rather than dying in that car-crash in 1977, Marc Bolan had instead taken over guitar and vocal duties in Angel Witch, and decided they needed to tune down to couple of steps? It’s something we’ve all pondered, I’m sure, but thanks to Satan’s Satyrs we need wonder no longer.

“The Lucky Ones” is the fourth full length from the Virginia quartet, following their split EP with tour-mates Windhand, released on Relapse Records earlier this year. Once again the garage rock/proto-punk influences of MC5, Blue Cheer, Ziggy Stardust era Bowie, and all the rest, clash head on with NWOHBM dual guitars and chunky, swaggering Cock Rock riffs.

What are Satan's Satyrs? Are they a Glam Punk band? That sounds a bit shit. Are they a Retro Rock band? That sounds ever shitter. But they're undeniably a band whose sound, look, and attitude is rooted in the 1970s. Of course, the same could be said for a lot of bands in 2018, but Satan's Satyrs are a lot more The Sweet than Sabbath.

“Thrill of the City” is a tyre-screeching Stooges-like opener, with tasty Thin Lizzy twin lead work from Nate Towle and Jarrett Nettnin. “The Lucky Ones” like a raw, garage cover-version of some unlikely song you've definitely heard before, but somehow can't remember the name of. “She Beast”’s main riff is a weighty, sleazy Southern Rock strut with Clayton Burgess' chunky bass grunting away octaves below his pouty, boy-Bowie vocals.

“Take it and Run” is an acoustic driven number, equal parts Lizzy, T-Rex, and Ziggy. “You and Your Boots”' fat, chugging verses give way to straight up rock n roll choruses, with unashamedly triumphant leads which wouldn't sound out of place on a track by The Darkness. “Too Early to Fold”, similarly sounds like it could be some raw, rough and ready pre-“Permission to Land” lost demo.

There's more than a whiff of early Guns N Roses throughout the record, but “Pulp Star” is pretty much straight up L.A. Hard Rock. “Trampled by Angels” sounds exactly like it's being performed (mimed to, I suppose) on a 1978 Christmas edition of Top of the Pops. “Permanent Darkness” is the most thoroughly NWOBHM sounding track on “The Lucky Ones” and, as such, it's a strong closer – bringing the kitch levels down several notches.

So, to return to the question, what are Satan’s Satyrs? Is it possible to be a brand new Classic Rock band? Even if it is, that’s still not quite right in terms of describing what they’re up to. They’re more like a brand new proto-Classic Rock band – a band capturing the sound and energy of what happened in venues like The Rainbow in London in the lead up to the dull, grey 1980s, and the dawn of Stadium Rock proper. Sweaty, urgent, cocksure, and raw; as much as I can list all these forty-odd year old bands and artists that Satan's Satyrs undeniably sound like, there’s no sense that they’re a mere pastiche of what’s gone before. Whatever exactly it is that they’re actually doing, whatever you want to call it, they seem to be the only ones out there doing it right now, and they’re doing it well.

“The Lucky Ones” is available HERE

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM PREMIERE: Hessian take cues from the old guard of classic rock and deliver "Mercenary Retrograde"

On September 14th 2018, HESSIAN will release their new album “Mercenary Retrograde”.

It took five years for Hessian to get their Bachelor of Black Arts, now it’s time to accept their Master’s diploma. The Portland, Maine-based heavy metal band garnered a substantial amount of recognition for their EP and debut album - including a coveted spot as Fenriz’s Band of the Week.

Mastermind Angus McFarland oversaw every stage, from sitting at the kitchen counter studying heavy metal harmonies of “the Old Ones of heavy metal” to touring nationally and playing festivals in Sweden and the UK. After a complete upheaval in line-up, Hessian are now ready with their second album “Mercenary Retrograde”.

“The title of the album reflects the history of the band at the time of writing. Mercenary because the band consisted of hired guns, and Retrograde because we are always looking back to the Old Ones of heavy metal for inspiration.”

While Thin Lizzy are held in exceptionally high regard around Camp Hessian, there’s appreciation for any of the old guard in early metal and heavy rock - even some thrashier material as well

Hessian have been through the wringer, but perseverance and a wholehearted belief in heavy metal have allowed them to prevail. “Mercenary Retrograde” is a triumphant record that looks proudly at the past and future simultaneously. You can check out the album in full below and preorders are available HERE

Band info: facebook|| bandcamp

VIDEO PREMIERE: Piss River deliver kick-ass riffing, kick-ass vocals and a party time vibe on "Thor Is Strong"

On the 24th of April 2018, Piss Riverreleased their self-titled debut album via The Sign Records. The album combines a variety of influences and results in a sound that can only be described as a cross between Girlschool, L7, The Gitsand Annihilation Time. 

The album contains tracks such as”Speed Machine”,”Take Me To Rusk” and ”Thor Is Strong” that shows the band's NWOBHM background. While "Sparks” is a tribute to L7s Donita Spark. Other stand out tracks includes ”Bad Reptution” that have that has a driving punk rock attitude that will turn any party upside down. A cover of Larry Wallis’ song”Police Car” ties together the albums many and mixed influences into this infectious rock n roll nightmare.  Today coming 4 weeks after the album’s release, we have been given the chance premiere the band’s kick ass new video for “Thor Is Strong”, which you can check out below.  You can purchase the album here

Band info: facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Earthless, "Black Heaven"

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 16/03/18

Label: Nuclear Blast

“Black Heaven” is going to grab 2018 by the nuts and set the bar for what makes a good classic-rock influenced record. We can all take a lesson from Earthless.

“Black Heaven” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Gifted by the Wind (6:28 )

2. End to End (5:16)

3. Electric Flame (8:51)

4. Volt Rush (1:53)

5. Black Heaven (8:45)

6. Sudden End (8:26)

The Review:

If you thought Earthless was still an instrumental power trio from California, it’s time to make an adjustment. On their new album, “Black Heaven,” Earthless hits the streets with 45 minutes of rockin’ songs. That’s right, songs. With choruses, verses, bridges and yes, even vocals.

Guitarist Isaiah Mitchell let the cat out of the bag and told his band mates that he can sing. And how! Sure, Golden Voidis Mitchell’s side project, and it’s one that has him step up to the mic, but his vocal performance on this new Earthless record is a whole different kettle of fish.

The added value to “Black Heaven” isn’t just the addition of vocals. “Black Heaven” goes further and posits these Californians not only as instrumental bad asses who are technically gifted. This album goes so far as to show that these cats can lay down a tasty lick, tie it together with some verses, and come out the other end with a helluva tasty song.

So what does Earthless sound like playing these songs? Well, I hear a lot of Van Halen coming through the speakers. Certainly when it comes to “Gifted by the wind”and the 9 minute centerpiece, “Electric Flame.” But the classic rock and metal influences don’t stop here. You hear elements of Cream pop up in “End to End” and some colorful southern rock harmonies brighten up the place in the album’s closer, “Sudden End.” There’s even a little ZZ Top shuffle sprinkled over everything. What’s not to like?

Yeah, the record’s pretty retro. But, believe it or not, it’s also original. Earthless aren’t copying anyone, they’re channeling the greats. These boys know what they’re doing, too. There’s no instance of phoning it in. Earthlessuses “Black Heaven” to show that they’re more than a one trick pony. They’ve got more up their sleeves than instrumental jams that go on for eons. And that’s awesome. Earthlessalso uses “Black Heaven” to show how to keep things fresh in a genre that’s dangerously close to being played out.

“Black Heaven” isn’t a masterpiece. It won’t stand the test of time in the same way that the Sabbath’s and the Zeppelin’shave. That’s fine, because for now, “Black Heaven” is going to grab 2018 by the nuts and set the bar for what makes a good classic-rock influenced record. We can all take a lesson from Earthless.

“Black Heaven”is available here

Band info: facebook

FOR THOSE ABOOT TO ROCK: Riffs of Canada with Dead Quiet (Vancouver, British Columbia)

By: Mark Tremblay

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 03/11/2017

Label: Artoffact Records

All of the nuance and balance on this record really make it an experience that never bogs the listener down. It is for these reasons, that Dead Quiet’s “Grand Rites” is one of the best Canadian Metal records of the year.

“Grand Rites” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Moon Curser

2). Blood Lovers

3). Corpse Revival

4). Disgraced

5). Fucking Oath

6). Dear Demon

7). Old Hopeless

8). Spiritual Abuse

9). Grand Rites

The Review:

Dead Quiet’s second full length “Grand Rites” sees the band fully forming their blend of classic rock and stoner metal. What was merely a nod on their self titled release is now fully integrated on “Grand Rites”.  For band leader Kevin Keegan, this is his best album to date. Following his progression from the early riff-sandwich that was Barn Burner all the way to the more sophisticated Dead Quiet, it has been great to see the progression in his voice. His voice has gone from being in the background on previous releases, to being the main focal point of this album. The vocal range and variety exhibited by Kevin Keegan on “Grand Rites” has come a long way since “Bangers”.

Most notably on “Grand Rites”, Dead Quiet has incorporated keyboards into their sound. The addition of former 3 Inches of Blood guitarist Justin Hagberg, the 70’s influence is now fully embraced by the band. This is apparent on the albums early tracks like the Deep Purple infused “Moon Cruiser” to the white room re-imagining of “Blood Lovers”. Elements of Creedence Clearwater Revival become apparent on “Corpse Revival” which morphs into an onslaught of Slayer oriented thrash riffs.

Perhaps what makes this album so enjoyable is its tasteful use of every element it brings to the table. The amount of acoustic instruments featured on tracks like “Dear Demon”, and “Ritual Abuse”, for example, really make its heavy elements shine through. All of the nuance and balance on this record really make it an experience that never bogs the listener down. It is for these reasons, that Dead Quiet’s “Grand Rites”is one of the best Canadian Metal records of the year.

“Grand Rites”is available here

Band info: bandcamp|| facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Kadavar - "Rough Times"

By: Richard Maw

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 29/09/2017

Label: Nuclear Blast

The sound off the album is positively low-fi, the title track a noisy and lurching beast and “Into The Wormhole” sounds like a slowed down record being played through a torn speaker. There are sojourns into more proggy territory with “The Lost Child”, but for me it is when the band utilise the most Neanderthal sounds that they are most effective.  The verdict? A lot better than their first two albums and an interesting, engaging listen.

“Rough Times“CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Rough Times (3:38)

 2. Into The Wormehole (4:17)

3. Skeleton Blues (4:24)

4. Die Baby Die (4:18)

5. Vampires (4:48)

6. Tribulation Nation (5:04)

7. Words Of Evil (3:37)

8. The Lost Child (5:52)

9. You Found The Best in Me (4:58)

10. A L'Ombre Du Temps (3:57)

The Review:

Kadavar are Berlin's premier 70's retro rock revivalists and I have followed their career somewhat loosely since their 2013 “Abra Kadavar” album which featured a very seventies production in terms of instrument placement and a small dose of Sabbathto go with their Deep Purple, Budgie, Coven, Blue Cheer, Zeppelin et. al. references. Not doom, for sure, but not only classic rock... Since then, of course, a myriad of bands have come to the fore who deal in similar retro-nostalgia (Gentleman's Pistols are still the best outfit with a retro leaning).

With “Rough Times”, I have missed out on one of the band's albums so I don't know quite how this fits into their continuum but I do know that this is much rougher than the first two records- as the title may obliquely suggest. This is closer to the MC5 and The Stooges in terms of sound and aggression than it is to Budgie. The sounds is positively low-fi, the title track a noisy and lurching beast. “Into The Wormhole” sounds like a slowed down record being played through a torn speaker.

The rest of the record is just as gnarly- “Skeleton Blues” is a primal groove of distorted bass and guitar with reverb drenched vocals. The lyrics capture the Zeitgeist of fake news and confusion in prescient terms. As such, then, for a retro band Kadavarare remarkably up to date in themes and concerns- of the ten tracks, all sound like they could have been recorded between 1968 and 1975, but most of the lyrics could only come from the here and now- an odd combination, but one that makes their sound more alluring, at least for me.

Whether it be the lost innocence and cynicism of “Vampires”, the political sounding “Tribulation Nation” or even the straight rocker “Words of Evil” with its metaphors, all the songs are bang up to date: or could apply to any era of trouble and strife you could name. There are sojourns into more proggy territory with “The Lost Child”, but for me it is when the band utilise the most Neanderthal  sounds that they are most effective. There is melody aplenty in “You Found The Best In Me” and it features as the middle track in the closing triumvirate where the band spread their wings beyond the Berlin/Detroit axis and venture into more unusual sounds and styles. The final statement of “A L'Ombre Du Temps”is again current, retro and a departure for the band.

The verdict? A lot better than their first two albums and an interesting, engaging listen.

“Rough Times” is available here

Band info: official || facebook

TRACK PREMIERE: Demon Eye deliver a hard charger of epic proportions with "Dying For It"

DEMON EYEare back with their third offering and another dose of their own blend of Heavy Classic Rock, Proto Metal and Traditional Doom!

The new album "Prophecies and Lies" was recorded by Mike Dean of CORROSION OF CONFORMITYin the band's hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, and displays a strong musical progression with mighty riffs, haunting melodies and fist-raising anthems. DEMON EYE are bringing vintage heavy darkness for modern times and current day evils, giving their listeners dynamic songs to empower them against all adversaries.  With the release date of 11 August 2017 just over a week away, today were serving  another sonic brew from the album entitled “Dying For It”,  a hard charger with a bit of Voivod dissonance meets classic Dio. You can check it out in full below. Preorders are available here

Band info: facebook  || bandcamp

ALBUM REVIEW: Avatarium - "Hurricanes And Halos"

By Richard Maw

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 26/05/2017

Label: Nuclear Blast

This is another great record from Avatarium and one which places the band firmly in the upper echelons of doom outfits operating today. There is nothing to fault here. If you enjoyed the band's previous work, don't hesitate. If you have never heard the band, then this is as good a place as any to start. Great record.

“Hurricanes And Halos” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Into The Fire - Into The Storm (4:14)

2. The Starless Sleep (4:47)

3. Road To Jerusalem (5:48)

4. Medusa Child (9:00)

5. The Sky At The Bottom Of The Sea (5:25)

6. When Breath Turns To Air (4:46)

7. A Kiss (From The End Of The World) (7:14)

8. Hurricanes And Halos (3:22)

The Review:

Avatarium are proving to be a rather prolific band. The brainchild of Leif Edling (Candlemass) they have now put out three full lengths and an EP since 2013! After the excellent “The Girl With The Raven Mask”, I wondered where the band would go next. That particular album struck me as somewhat Dio-esque- with all the drama and storytelling of the miniature vocal maestro.

This time around, Dio still looms large in the influences I can hear; but more from his Rainbow era rather than his solo work. Uriah Heep offer a reference point here as well- with the rolling rhythms and Hammond organ work of “Demons and Wizards” being present and correct. The record offers up a couple of the epic song lengths that fans will expect and Jennie Ann Smith's vocals are as haunting as ever and are a real selling point of the band, not to mention a highlight of the album.

There is a lightness of touch to songs like “The Starless Sleep”, despite the weight of riffage, while there are more whimsical acoustic sounds in tracks like “Road To Jerusalem”. “Medusa Child”offers something of a centrepiece to the album at the half way point. It's a fantastic track, full of changes, production flourishes and a darkness and gloom that is always found in the best doom.

Elsewhere, “Easy Living” by Heep is echoed, Led Zep at their more morose is to be found and the downbeat grandeur of Sabbathcan be heard in “A Kiss (From The End Of The World)” before the strange outro of a title track closes the record.

This is another great record from Avatarium and one which places the band firmly in the upper echelons of doom outfits operating today. There is nothing to fault here. If you enjoyed the band's previous work, don't hesitate. If you have never heard the band, then this is as good a place as any to start. Great record.

“Hurricanes & Halos”is available now

FFO: Candlemass, Jex Thoth, Dio, Uriah Heep

Band info: facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Stinking Lizaveta - "Journey to the Underworld"

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 17/02/2017

Label: Translation Loss

Stinking Lizaveta’s new album “Journey to the Underworld” finds the band in deadly form, crafting music that is seriously weird and complex yet still delivers an addictive riff high.

“Journey to the Underworld” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Witches and Pigs

2. Chorus of Shades

3. Sharp Stick in the Eye

4. Six Fangs

5. Blood, Milk and Honey

6. Journey to the Underworld

7. Love Song For Jusu

8. A Stranger's Welcome

9. Allegro

The Review:

It’s an impressive feat for a band to be in their 23^rd year of existence to release an LP that sounds as raw and hungry as a debut. Stinking Lizaveta’s new album “Journey to the Underworld” finds the band in deadly form, crafting music that is seriously weird and complex yet still delivers an addictive riff high.

The Philadelphia trio have honed their idiosyncratic sound to perfection here, delivered with a telepathic tightness. The band’s style of riffage recalls retro rockers like of Earthlessand Comets On Fire but is so vital and fresh it could only have come from the present. Instead of the endless molten jams into the outer realms of the previously mentioned acts, Stinking Lizaveta travel just as far into the unknown but tie themselves into carefully orchestrated labyrinthine constructions but still find room for wild unhinged solos.

The propulsive drive of opener “Witches and Pigs” contains traces of proper Thin Lizzy-esque classic rock while “Chorus of Shades” features some glorious shredding and irresistible leads that are steeped in NWOBHM. “Sharp Stick in the Eye” is an almost funky strut with a groove that winds itself tighter and tighter as the band’s playing gets more frenetic.  There is a heaviness and darkness in these songs though that sees them slip across into noise rock territory, an underlying nastiness that adds a sweet sharpness to proceedings.

The title track seems them ease up a little on the intensity to allow a little psychedelic rock to bubble to the surface. “A Stranger’s Welcome” sees them employ passages of acoustic guitar to bring a spaghetti western dustbowl feel which although brief provides a powerful contrast to the epic riffage that surrounds it.

“Journey to the Underworld”is another incredible release from a truly unique band. Stinking Lizaveta manage to make instrumental metal that sounds like nothing else out there. Here’s to another 23 years of madness 

“Journey to the Underworld” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook